by Karen Aldous
‘It just demonstrates the kind of guttersnipe he really is. Possibly. Maybe he felt it would give you further ammunition to hit him with.’ Cally suggested. ‘And, if he thinks you have a solicitor involved, they would go to town on him financially. Don’t worry. Your demands were small and succinct, a little misleading, but a great excuse to be in London too. He’d be a fool not to settle privately and reinstate your freedom. Awesome job, Evie. Now fingers crossed, you can focus on your future.’
Evie inhaled, her nostrils widening with concern. ‘I want to but it still feels a bit raw. I can’t pretend it didn’t hurt when I found out. I suspected Seb never had his heart in our relationship, not since my pregnancy, but he has blatantly betrayed me – and to find out on the internet too… I don’t follow his logic.’
‘I wouldn’t even try. Just get out. Maybe come back to England, live with Mum and Dad for a while when they have a place and set up a bank account here. I’m quite excited for you.’
‘I want to get excited, but I can’t. Not until Charlotte and I can safely be free from his reins.’
‘Well let’s enjoy the rest of our stay with Mum and Dad. I’ve got my college day on Monday. If you want to come up to London with me, I’ve got some money.’
‘Oh, no I don’t want to see Seb again.’
‘No. Not him. Ben. Wouldn’t you want to go and see Ben?’
Evie straightened her posture. ‘Oh Cally, I need to focus on steering my own path first. I had a long think on the train. I’ want to be totally independent before I throw myself into another relationship, and Ben, I fear, wouldn’t be right. As much as I adore him and he is caring, I think he is too centred on his career, like Seb. I would just end up alone again and would fall back into the same trap. That wouldn’t be fair on Charlotte. And, besides, he couldn’t risk bad publicity on his film. Imagine how damaging a scandal would be to his film with all that work and money he’s invested. No, as lovely as he is… oh, and I think he’s a bit of ladies’ man too. He’s not all perfect. I mean, the crew are constantly teasing him. So, when I’m free of Seb Wilde, I will work damn hard to rent or buy our own home, secure Charlotte in a place where she has a good school and can make friends. It will probably take a while, but I’m determined it will be me and my efforts that carry us.’
Cally indicated to turn off the main road. ‘Aww, such a shame, he adores you. Maybe now he’s found the right person, he’s changing.’
‘It doesn’t stop me having a professional relationship with him though. I want to continue in that line of work if I can and he seems keen on my work, so why not.’ Evie said, placing her palms flat on her thighs. ‘Mentally, I feel that I’ve made so much progress in these last couple of months, I want to build on that.
‘Your choice, but I think he’s a keeper.’
Evie glanced from her sister and then back to the front windscreen. As they rounded the bend, she spotted her aunt and uncle’s bungalow at the top of the hill. She bit her lip. She wouldn’t be pressured. Not this time. As much as she respected her sister’s help and opinions, she had to find her own way and deal with first things first. What would she do if Seb refused her? Would he expect her to remain in his grips forever? And why? Surely he didn’t want the responsibility any more than she wanted to be beholden to him, especially as he was making such a life-changing commitment as marriage. Well, at least he had received her message. Loud and clear. Whether she would have the conviction of her threat, time would only tell.
‘I’m not going to rush into anything.’
‘Ok. I get where you’re coming from.’
‘And, Cally, I can’t thank you enough. Of course, I have you to thank as well as Ben. I was becoming such a muppet.’
Cally turned the wheel and pulled up on her aunt’s drive. ‘I’m just happy you’re in a better place and moving forward. But at the same time, I can’t help feeling Ben is special and I wouldn’t want you to lose him.’
Chapter 36
Saying goodbye to her parents had been tearful but Evie had really enjoyed immersing herself into the Cornish life and all the mouth-watering delights they had succumbed to. She was so thrilled that Jill and Steve had found their little cottage by the sea. She was, however, anxious to return home to discover her fate. Arriving back at the villa, Evie and Cally slumped their bags down and Evie carried a sleeping Charlotte up to her cot to complete her nap.
‘I’ll pop along and get some milk and something for dinner,’ Cally said. ‘I could murder a cup of tea.’
‘Me too. In fact, maybe I could dig out one of those bottles of wine Seb brought and I didn’t get to drink. I’m getting rather nervous about tomorrow.’
‘Don’t be,’ Cally said reaching for her purse. ‘You haven’t been locked out and worst case scenario, Mum and Dad would welcome you. You have nothing to fear. If you gave Mum and Dad’s address in England, you might be able to open a bank account there.’
‘Not without any money.’
‘Hmm. Ok, but stay positive. Seb may surprise you.’
‘Well, I’m not going down without a fight. No plan B, but I feel able to flex my muscles if I have to.’
The house was an absolute mess. They had virtually rushed in, grabbed clothes and got on the plane. She hadn’t cleaned since before rushing off with Seb on ‘holiday’. She began with the washing, sorting through clothes from their travels, then began stacking the dishes from the sink into the dishwasher. She was throwing away food from the fridge and wiping it when Cally returned with fresh supplies of food.
‘I think Ben is back already,’ Cally said, panting. ‘There’s quite a lot of activity on the canal. They must have some actors there. Seems to be attracting crowds.’
‘Which reminds me, I did tell Ben I would email him my completed script. It’s on my laptop. Would you mind if I popped down to the library before it closes? For him, I suppose time is money and he has to piece it all together now with the new script and probably call the actors back.’
‘Not at all.’
Washing off her hands, Evie dried them and opened up her drawer and, collecting her key, unlocked the cupboard. There it was, her laptop. Safe and sound. How did she ever think Seb would go in and steal it? Gathering her lead and mouse, she slipped it into a bag – her rucksack still on the island – and fixed the bag to her bike.
‘I’ll carry on with the cleaning here,’ Cally said.
‘Thank you. You don’t have to.’
‘Nonsense. I might as well make myself useful.’
The ride along the canal was so refreshing, Evie loved to feel the warm breeze on her skin and blowing through her hair, and her legs at once spun back in their stride. She waved as she passed Ben and the crew, but they seemed rather occupied, leaving her to hurry on.
In the library, she quickly sent over the full script and, checking the notes file, realised she had in fact begun making notes on the script a few pages down from her research.
‘You donut,’ she whispered to herself. But at least it wasn’t such a silly mistake. At least Ben liked it.
She then searched through emails and had one from the in-flight magazine with the publication dates for her travel articles, asking for any photos to accompany them. No chance. But she made a note to herself to begin a collection once she had her new phone. And they requested her bank details, let’s hope, and for further articles. Great.
Things were on the up. She hurried home to tell Cally the good news. As she rode along, Samantha was on her side of the canal and hailed her with a beckoning wave. Surprised at the change in Samantha’s attitude to when she saw her at Ben’s party, she waved back and slowed.
‘Hi Sam.’
‘How are you?’ asked Ben’s assistant.
‘Yes, good. And you. You seem much brighter.’ Evie witnessed a glint in her eye.
Samantha flicked back a long curly ponytail. ‘Oh, I am. Sorry if I was miserable before, I was… Anyway, I’m now fired up. I got the go-ahead for my own project and I’m
so excited. My own production. I wondered if I could seek your help. All expenses and the usual fees payable, of course. I’ve put a proposal forward for a Mary Wollstonecraft drama and would love you to work on it with me? I’ve obviously seen the work you did for Ben. I thought you did an ace job.’
Evie’s heart pounded. ‘Thank you. I’d love to, Samantha. I hadn’t even meant to send my jottings to Ben. In fact, you could let him know I’ve emailed my actual script. Once I got absorbed in the lives of some of those women, and the way their genius was overlooked, my heart took over. Their story – well Maria’s, mainly – became so integral to Riquet and his achievement.’ Evie suddenly thought of Seb’s treatment and compared it with Riquet’s. The lies and secrets, all so integral to their success.
‘That’s brilliant. That’s exactly how I see Mary’s story developing. And it has to contain some of Mary Shelley, her daughter. Such a tragedy but so poignant that Wollstonecraft’s legacy lived on through young Mary. I can’t wait to get started. I only got the nod on Tuesday but we’re hoping to wrap this up in a few weeks and, if it’s ok with you, we’ll meet up.’
The fire in Evie’s belly was raging. ‘Absolutely. Write down my email and if you email me, as soon as I have a new phone, I’ll send you the number. I’m so thrilled you asked me.’
Evie rode back in such euphoria. So much work coming her way. This was truly who she, Evie Grant, was. She was a writer and researcher – maybe small-scale, but she had found her vocation. Quite where she would base herself was becoming even more pressing, but realistically – London had the best library system if she was going to be carrying out so much research. The bonus was that travelling would be paid for, but she would have to look deeper into good communities to raise her daughter in.
When Evie arrived at the villa, Cally had collected Charlotte from her cot and, seeing her daughter pushing her pushchair and dolly in the garden, her hand sprang to her heart. ‘Oh, thank you, Cally. She looks so happy to be home and playing with her toys. She must have missed it.’
‘As soon as she woke up, she asked for her baby, so yes. You’re right. She knows she’s home.’
Evie scrambled to the utility room and pulled out more laundry, pouring it into a basket. Pegging it out on the washing line in the garden, Cally came out to help.
‘I’ve had a call from one of the colleges I posted my application off to,’ she told Evie. ‘They’ve asked if I could start this September. In just two weeks.’
‘Cally, oh wow, that’s impressive. Presumably you only returned it Tuesday or Wednesday?’ She zoomed in on her sister’s concerned face. ‘What? Too soon?’
‘Rather sudden, but I could do it if I found somewhere to live. I have savings but it’s Guilford, Surrey. It’s a really expensive area.’
‘Don’t they have rooms to rent in the area? If it’s a good location, you shouldn’t have too many problems.’
‘Good point. I’ll have a look on my phone.’
‘Or, ask the college. They may know someone with a room, or at the college or the school you’ll be placed at.’
‘You are on form. What’s bitten you on the bum?’
‘We’ll discuss my news in mo. Go. Have a look or contact them. It’s a fabulous opportunity.’
Cally pulled a face. ‘I can’t believe how much your attitude has changed. You really are a “‘can do” girl now.’
‘Ironically, I have a good teacher. Go.’
Evie continued with her chores whilst Cally took herself to the quiet of her room. Whilst polishing in the living room she heard Cally scream. ‘OMG,’ she came screaming down the stairs. ‘I’m going to Guilford. She said my phone interview was good and she’s looking forward to meeting me, and she’s even… Look, I have a studio.’ Her fingers glided over the small screen. ‘She’s sent me a pic. It’s two, no three rooms. A living room-kitchen, a single bedroom and a shower. Four hundred a month. And fifteen minutes’ walk from the school and twenty from the college.’
Evie thrust the duster and can of polish onto the sofa and leaped to Cally, throwing her arms around her. ‘That’s fantastic, congratulations, sis. You are amazing. They’ve obviously snapped you up quick.’
‘Not too quick, I hope. Sod it. I’m going to go for it. It’s my dream come true.’
‘Well you are probably ideal. Seen a bit of life and know exactly what you want. Well done.’
Cally held her head up and arms out. ‘I’m going to teach Maths! Well, train first.’
‘I’m so bloody proud of you. Charlotte, come and give your auntie a hug.’
Charlotte ran in with her pushchair and Cally swooped her from the floor, enveloping her with love and kisses.
‘Thank you. Thank you both. I swear you too have driven me these last few months. You’ve both given me the kick I needed. And I will love you both forever. It will take a while to sink in… but anyway, pray tell, come on, what news from you?’
Evie rolled her eyes with a smile. ‘Ah yes. I got to the library and had an email. The magazine want more articles, with pics preferably, which I can work on. They require a bank account too, of course.’ Evie raised her brows quizzically, then watched her sister about to hug her and held up her palm. She waved it swiftly. ‘There’s more… And then I saw Samantha, Ben’s assistant, as I rode back. Would you believe, she has asked me to work with her on a Mary Wollstonecraft drama. We’re to meet up in a few weeks. So…’
Before she could get her words out, Cally’s arms were clinging to her neck. ‘Fantastic. We have to get the wine out. Now all we have to do is hope you can unchain that bloody great anchor from your foot.’
‘Yes, shall we ask Suzanne and Bram over too, we have enough to celebrate?’
‘As long as you don’t overdo it. You have to get to the bank tomorrow and I have a flight to catch.’
Chapter 37
Evie’s head was clattering and banging like a boat without fenders, but her focus was so intent on this being her day of financial independence, she opted to ignore it, hoping the paracetamol – and news from the bank – would at some stage provide her with that much-needed gangplank. She and Charlotte had hugged and kissed her sister goodbye before getting dressed and ready for their cycle to Beziers. It had been such a lovely evening; Suzanne and Bram were also in great spirits and eager to celebrate with them, bearing their own fantastic news; Suzanne was, at last, expecting a baby. So many tears and emotions spilled into the alcohol throughout the evening, barring Charlotte and Suzanne’s non-alcoholic beverages of course. Charlotte was so thrilled to see them again too.
In the bustling square of Beziers, she hopped off her bike and slotted it into the parking space. Charlotte, oblivious, grinned as a spot of rain splattered on her nose.
‘Come on sweetheart. Let’s go to the bank and learn our fate,’ Evie said unclipping her straps.
‘Fate, Mummy.’
She lifted Charlotte from the chair. ‘Huh, Mummy will decide it actually. We’ll cycle back to England if we have to. Swim the channel and make our way penniless until we find a safe haven where no one can find us.’
Coasting through a queue, Evie rubbed at the tension in her temples as she pushed on to the three desks at the end. Each clerk was busy with customers, so she sought an empty chair in the waiting area and perched on the edge, removing Charlotte’s coat and undoing her own. She sat back, her knees shaking with agitation.
‘Man, spotty, Mummy.’ Charlotte’s voice echoed clearly around the room. Reddening, Evie quickly picked up her bag, wishing the floor would swallow her. Her head was pounding.
‘Giraffe, darling, look.’ She snatched the picture book and opened it up. ‘The giraffe has spots. What has the zebra got?’ Evie turned to the back of the book.
‘Zebra got stipes.’
‘Stripes, s-t-r-ipes.
As they went through the alphabet again with each animal, Evie wondered if her stomach could resist throwing up its contents. Please, please, be good. And, please, let me have my
own bank account?
Finally, she was called to a desk in a booth. The clerk shook her hand and proceeded to hold it out for Charlotte, who instantly rebuked him and clung to her mother’s leg.
‘She is shy?’
Evie nodded matter-of-factly. ‘Yes.’ And thank God you don’t have spots, she mumbled in her head. ‘I’m here to open an account. I believe you may have been instructed by my ex-partner?’
The clerk tapped his computer to life. ‘Your name?’
‘Evie Grant. I was formerly in an account belonging to Sebastian Wilde. I have clients waiting to make payments, so would like the new account details now please.’
The clerk tapped away at his keys. ‘Can you spell Evie Grant?’
She spelled it out slowly and gawped down at him, feeling like patience on a monument, only her head and stomach were neither still nor restful.
Several taps later, his lashes fluttered and he peered at her apologetically. ‘I am sorry, you will need to book in to see our manager. He is on holiday today but I will try to get you an appointment.’
‘I don’t need a bank manager to open an account. Here. This is all you need.’ She reached into her bag and thrust her passport across the desk to him.’
‘I can scan it today,’ he said, searching the screen and sliding the passport into his hands.
‘Tell me, has my account been opened?’
‘I am sorry, but only the manager is authorised to deal with this account. I think he will write to you, but I have a free appointment on Wednesday.’
Evie’s chest rose with fury. She ran her fingers into the front of her hair and yanked it hard in frustration. This wasn’t happening, she told herself.
