by Emma Davies
‘I know, and I am sorry, Grace. I only did it because I wanted to make you feel better… I’ve always thought the world of you, you know that, but that doesn’t excuse what I did. It was entirely inappropriate.’
Grace sighed. ‘So you said at the time, Dominic.’ She gave a slight smile. ‘Look, why are we even going over this again?’
‘Perhaps because I’m still an idiot and I brought it up again?’
She smiled properly then. ‘So what do you see now, Dominic? Do you still see someone who looks unhappy?’
‘No…’
‘Then a woman scorned perhaps?’
He rubbed at a mark on the back of his hand.
Grace laughed. ‘Go and take a seat outside, and I’ll bring our drinks through.’
She joined him moments later, placing the tray on the table and taking a seat.
‘Dominic, let’s just be clear about all of this before we begin. What happened before is all in the past and I’m really not interested in it any more. Neither am I interested in making things difficult for you. I didn’t expect to see you today, but I am appreciative of the fact that you’ve bothered to come.’
Dominic cleared his throat, pushing his glasses up his nose. ‘Well, I won’t insult your intelligence by saying that coming here has been easy. Your letter has put me in a very difficult position.’
‘Yes, I’m sure… Do you still take sugar?’
‘Just the one please… So, as we’re being open and honest about these things, what is it you’d like me to do, Grace?’
‘I don’t want you to do anything, Dominic. I’m under no illusion that anything I have said to you about my husband’s disgraceful behaviour will spur you into action, but I told Paul that I would be giving you a letter detailing his activities unless he withdrew the threat of selling this place. He didn’t, so that’s exactly what I’ve done.’
Dominic sighed. ‘It isn’t that I don’t want to do anything about it, Grace, but it’s not as easy as that. Whether you like it or not, Paul is a very vital part of what we offer as a station. He’s also very good at what he does, as the countless messages from fans will testify.’
‘So, you’re loath to do anything which is going to affect the status quo. I understand completely, Dominic. At the end of the day it’s about ratings and revenue. I’m well aware of that.’
‘All I’m saying…’ He broke off. ‘I will admit that some of what you’ve detailed in your letter I found… surprising, shall we say, even for Paul. And I’ve no doubt that it’s true,’ he added quickly. ‘But I have known about Paul’s proclivities for years and the fact of the matter is that he is still outperforming pretty much all our other talent and…’
‘That’s the price you have to pay for genius?’ she suggested.
Dominic took a sip of his coffee and smiled appreciatively. ‘I wouldn’t have put it quite like that, but, for some people, I can see that the behaviour fits the stereotype.’
‘And, of course, you don’t condone it for a minute…’
‘Stop giving me a hard time, Grace. I’m sorry, okay? I’m sorry I made a pass at you, I’m sorry your husband’s a bastard, and I’m sorry that I can’t do anything about it.’
She regarded him with an amused expression on her face. ‘Fair enough,’ she said, picking up her coffee cup. ‘So how are the boys?’ she asked. ‘Both at uni now, I expect?’
Dominic nodded. ‘Yes, not doing a whole lot of work by the sounds of things but Will is in his third year at Reading, studying politics and international relations, and Luke is in Norwich doing photography.’
‘Is he now… And how do you feel about that?’ she asked, knowing that photography had been Dominic’s field before the lure of showbiz took him away from all that.
He grinned. ‘We’ll see. As long as he doesn’t end up an old reprobate like me.’
‘Well, I’m sure Karen will make certain that never happens.’ Grace smiled. ‘Do you see much of them?’
‘More now, funnily enough. I think as they’ve got older they’ve realised that Dad isn’t all bad. It’s Luke’s first year so I think he’ll probably spend the summer with his mum, but Will has already said he plans on coming over to me, at least for some of the time, work permitting.’
Grace nodded. It was an accepted form of small talk, to ask about someone’s children, but as Grace didn’t have any that was pretty much it. She settled her cup back in its saucer.
‘So, why exactly are you here, Dominic?’ She held his look.
He was doing his best to look relaxed, the suave sophisticate he liked to think he was, but she could see he was uncomfortable.
He wrestled with his words for a moment longer before asking her what she knew he had wanted to all along.
‘Believe me, Grace, I understand your position very clearly. If I lived here I couldn’t bear to leave either and there is also the obvious desire to call Paul to account. But I was just wondering whether you were planning to take your “information” to anyone else… outside of the network.’
She could, she knew that. If she wanted to she could probably ruin Paul’s career, or at least make a very nasty dent in it. But while she wasn’t happy being thought of as the poor rejected wife in private, she had even less desire to see that scenario played out in public.
‘Aha… Yes, of course, protecting your interests, I see, Dominic.’ She fell silent and let her words hang in the air between them. At least he didn’t try to deny it.
‘Grace, that’s not fair. Did you really expect me to do otherwise?’
She smiled. ‘No, I didn’t expect you would.’ She regarded him for a moment. ‘I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’d hoped so, but I know the world doesn’t really work like that, that’s just for fairy tales.’
She smoothed out the fabric of her skirt and took a deep breath. ‘I’m not interested in taking this any further, Dominic. You have my word. I want Paul out of my life in the quickest and easiest way possible. By defying him over the house, I’ve already given him enough ammunition to justify making my life a misery. I don’t want to give him any more. If I make an issue out of this in the hope that it will give me even more leverage, he will retaliate with everything he’s got and annihilate me.’ She smiled weakly. ‘I’m not really cut out for that, am I?’
Dominic was quick to defend her. ‘Oh, come on Grace, do you really think that after all you’ve done for him he would…’ And then he stopped because they both knew the truth. ‘I really am sorry. For what it’s worth.’
Grace cleared her throat. ‘Have you spoken to him yet?’
‘No, I wanted to come and see you first.’
‘Well of course, otherwise how on earth would you know what type of conversation you need to have?’
‘The bottom line is that the conversation will let him know in no uncertain terms how his actions could have brought the network into disrepute. And I will obviously strenuously advise him not to do that again…’ He smiled nervously. ‘I will also mention that he has you to thank for the fact that he still has a job.’
‘I gave you my word, Dominic. I will not be taking things further, nor do I engage in blackmail. You have my letter and should you wish to use its contents to bring Paul into line at any point in the future, be my guest, but it will have nothing to do with me.’
Paul sat back in his chair and looked around the garden. ‘I’m glad I came, Grace. You’re looking really well… Better than ever in fact.’ He held up his hands. ‘And that’s just a compliment, don’t read anything into it, okay?’
And just like that their business was concluded.
‘I’d like if we could keep in touch though,’ he added. ‘We’ve known each other for twenty-odd years, it would seem strange if this were our last meeting.’
She thought about his words. Did she want to keep in touch with this man? Her last link with Paul…
‘You’ve been a good friend over the years,’ she said. ‘And some of it was good fun too, in the early d
ays at least. I’m not sure what we would ever find to talk about now, but, yes, it would seem petty to dismiss all of that just because my husband doesn’t know how to behave.’ She raised her eyebrows. ‘Just make sure that you behave,’ she added.
‘I will,’ he said, laughing. ‘Thanks, Grace.’
‘What for? Giving you such an easy time of it?’ She couldn’t resist one last dig.
But he held her look. ‘Yes, actually. I know I have you to thank for where we are today. You’re a remarkable woman.’
She scrutinised his face for the teasing expression she expected to see there, but his face was open and sincere. He actually meant what he said, with no agenda. That was a first.
He got to his feet. ‘Lovely coffee,’ he said. And Grace got to her feet with him ready to show him out. He got as far as the kitchen doorway before turning back. ‘And I promise I will do everything I can as far as the house is concerned. After all you’ve done, I think it’s the least I can offer in return.’
She followed him down the hallway and closed the front door behind him as he left. Yes, after all that she had done. She’d given her life to make Paul the success he was, thinking that his happiness would bring her own with it. It had been the biggest mistake of her life.
She returned to the garden to collect the coffee cups and assess her plans for the rest of the day. Dominic’s visit had been unexpected, although she had known she would hear from him one way or another, but now it was just another thing that she could cross off her list. Your move, Paul, she thought.
It wasn’t one of her days for manning the village shop and so a little gentle gardening felt like a good way of passing the time. It would help her to regain her equilibrium after the trials of the last couple of days. Solutions to the problems that Grace was troubled by often found their way to her when she pottered in the fresh air.
The telephone rang just as she was rinsing the cups. She dried her hands, glancing at the time as she did so. Perhaps it was that which made her anxious, or some sixth sense, but by the time she picked up the receiver she was already expecting bad news.
It wasn’t a long conversation, but it left Grace trembling. She thought she would have more time than this. She recognised the name of the caller from the information that Amos had given her yesterday and although Evan Porter sounded apologetic, nothing could alter the fact that he had been instructed to put the house on the market and would need to visit in order to take more detailed information. They made an arrangement for later that day.
There was still a little coffee left in the cafetière but it had already gone cold. Grace would have liked one more cup, but she didn’t have the energy to make another pot. Instead, she made a quick cup of tea and, collecting her notepad and pen from a drawer, took them back out to the same spot where she and Dominic had sat. The gardening would have to wait, she had plans to make.
8
Amos was accustomed to rising early and it was his favourite time of the day, particularly in the summer. While the temperature was still cool, the air had a languid feel to it, which would disappear once the heat began to build and it began to vibrate with an almost restless energy. But it was the expectation Amos enjoyed the most, the feeling of promise that each new day brought. He rolled over and sat up. A glass of water was what he needed first, then a walk would be just the thing to make the most of the early hour. The cottage didn’t have much in the way of plumbing; the single tap in the corner of the kitchen area was the sole source of water and cold water at that. There were no washing facilities at all and although he had been told he was very welcome to visit the main house whenever he needed, as far as he was concerned water was wet wherever the location of the tap.
After drinking his fill, he quickly stripped and washed, relishing the feel of the cold water against his overheated skin. Judging by the clearness of the sky outside the day would warm up rapidly and he pulled his clothes onto his still-damp body. Taking an apple from the bowl on the table he let himself out and in moments was out of the farm gate and into the lane beyond. To the right lay the village, but in the other direction lay undiscovered territory. Naturally, Amos turned left.
At some point today Grace would give him the answer to the question he had posed the night before, and he prayed the answer would be yes. Amos rarely accepted money for the work he did, usually he laboured in exchange for board and lodging or lessons in a new skill. Over the years he had amassed a wide knowledge in this way, but never about beekeeping. It was a subject that intrigued him for many reasons and, he realised, if the answer from Grace was no, he would be very disappointed. He trailed his fingers along the hedgerows as he walked, letting the peace and calm of the early morning settle his thoughts.
The sun was beginning to climb when Amos judged it was time to return to the farm. His walk had done the trick and set him up ready for a full day’s work.
‘Amos!’ The urgency in Flora’s call surprised him as he walked across the yard.
‘Is everything all right?’ He picked up his pace, fearing something had happened.
But then she laughed, wild black curls shaking in the sunlight. ‘Oh God, I thought you’d gone.’
‘I went for a walk,’ he said, shaking his head. ‘Although I suppose I should be flattered.’
She turned her head up to face the sky. ‘You should definitely be flattered. How is it that you’ve been here only a matter of days and yet it feels like forever? I’ve just been over to the cottage and, honestly, my heart was in my mouth.’
Amos bowed slightly. ‘Then I apologise for alarming you.’
Flora stopped, her eyes widening. ‘No, that was a horrible thing to say,’ she said. ‘I’m sorry. Assuming you’d just take off like that without even saying goodbye was incredibly rude.’ Her hand went to her mouth. ‘I don’t even know what made me say it.’
Amos’s smile was easy. ‘You meant no offence,’ he said. ‘And my absence startled you.’
‘No,’ insisted Flora. ‘Don’t make it easy for me. Treating you like that is inexcusable. Please tell me that other people don’t do that, just because…’
She didn’t finish her sentence.
‘It happens sometimes,’ replied Amos, shrugging. More often than he cared to remember. ‘Except that when it’s meant, folks never apologise.’ His smile widened. ‘I shall take from your comment the compliment it so obviously bestowed and also make a promise that I will never up sticks and leave without saying goodbye. We’ll both know when it’s time for me to go.’
Flora rushed forward and pulled Amos into an impulsive hug, before pulling away, laughing.
‘Now I’m just making it worse,’ she said. ‘But earlier this year, you know, we nearly lost Fraser and, well… No good telling people how you feel after they’ve gone, is there? These days I wear my heart well and truly on my sleeve.’
‘And it suits you,’ replied Amos, smiling. ‘Anyway, what did you want me for?’
She broke into a grin. ‘Breakfast,’ she said. ‘Very important.’
‘It is indeed. And I should have hated to miss it.’
‘I also wanted to ask your opinion about something. Only, it’s a bit hush-hush at the moment.’ There was a quizzical expression on her face.
‘I can do discretion,’ he replied, leaning in towards her. ‘Who is it I’m not supposed to tell?’
‘Fraser,’ she shot back. ‘And, believe me, that man has ears like a bat, so…’
‘Fingers on lips,’ said Amos. ‘Understood.’
Flora lifted her face to the sun again. ‘Do you want to do this before, or after breakfast?’ she asked. ‘It shouldn’t take long.’
Amos’s stomach rumbled into life.
‘After it is then,’ said Flora, grinning. ‘Come on.’
Amos had eaten far more than he should have, but Hannah was such a good cook his willpower dissolved in an instant. He would pay for it mid-morning when he had a few hours’ work under his belt and all he wanted to do was sleep in t
he sunshine, but for now he followed Flora across the yard, intrigued by her query.
They were headed further down the yard than he had explored before, towards a series of low-lying buildings at the far end. As they got closer, he recognised them immediately.
‘Of course!’ he exclaimed. ‘The milking sheds.’ He’d had one or two stints in similar places over the last couple of years.
Flora glanced over her shoulder. ‘Sorry, I’m paranoid,’ she said. ‘But if Fraser knows I’ve come down here with you, he’ll put two and two together quicker than I can say it.’
Amos remained silent until they had rounded a slight bend which took them out of view from the main yard. He could see Flora visibly relax.
‘Don’t worry, we’re not doing anything wrong,’ she said straight away. ‘Both Hannah and Ned know we’re here, it’s just that… Look, come with me, and I’ll explain.’
She led the way along a concrete path to the closest of the sheds and pulled open the door. Her face looked pale in the dim light.
‘This is where Fraser had his heart attack,’ she explained, pressing a switch on the wall to her left. After a flickering hesitation, two banks of fluorescent lights sprang into life and the shed was filled with harsh light. ‘Even I don’t like coming in here, so you can imagine how Fraser feels.’
‘I see,’ said Amos slowly. The shed was empty of machinery, just a concrete shell, but he could feel the emptiness inside it deep within him.
‘We had all the equipment removed. Well we had to, we needed to sell it, but since then, well, as you can see it’s not been touched.’ She gave an involuntary shiver. ‘Sorry, do you mind if we go back outside to chat?’
Amos stood aside to let her pass, grateful himself to be headed back out into the warm summer air.
