‘I’m fine. Give me a fork for those nettles over there. I need to dig the living daylights out of something.’
‘Okay,’ he said. ‘Let’s dig. But let’s talk first.’
Vanessa shook her head. ‘I don’t want to talk about it.’
‘Whenever somebody says that, it usually means that they really should talk about it.’
‘Yes? Well I don’t want to.’
‘Why not?’
‘Because it’s private. It’s a family thing.’
‘Screw that,’ he said. ‘Tell me!’
‘Why? Why should I tell you?’
He shrugged. ‘Because I’m here and I’m a pretty good listener.’
‘Believe me, you do not want to hear my gripes about my mother-in-law.’
‘Ah, the dreaded mother-in-law.’
‘What do you know about her?’
‘Only what I’ve heard in the village. She’s pretty well known around these parts, isn’t she? I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her myself.’
‘Count yourself lucky then.’
Jonathan grinned. ‘Is she really that bad?’
‘She’s worse. She’s worse than anything you can imagine. You don’t believe me, do you?’
‘I admit I’d like to see the evidence first.’
‘Fine,’ she said. ‘Come and meet her if you insist.’
‘Really?’
‘Well, you’ve met Tilda and Jassy and you said you wanted to meet Dolly too.’
‘Okay,’ Jonathan said. ‘Rod? You hold the fort for a bit?’
‘Sure thing,’ Rod said.
Jonathan waved a hand. ‘I’m good to go.’
‘Fine,’ Vanessa said and she stomped out of the walled garden.
‘Hang on a minute,’ Jonathan called after her, running to catch up. ‘What exactly did she say to make you so mad?’
‘She said I shouldn’t be stooping so low as to work in the garden with a bunch of criminals,’ she told him, briefly remembering her fear that Dolly’s missing necklace might very well have something to do with Jonathan’s team and that Dolly might be right about them after all.
‘And what did you say?’
‘I said something very rude.’
‘Good for you!’
‘It was horrible,’ Vanessa said. ‘But then all my encounters with Dolly seem to be horrible. I can never do anything right.’
They’d reached the house now and Vanessa could feel that her face was flaming with heat which had nothing to do with the summer sunshine. She looked up at Jonathan, who was running a hand through his dark-red hair.
‘You’re nervous?’ she asked.
‘Er, maybe just a little,’ he said. ‘Should I take my boots off?’
Vanessa looked down at the steel-capped boots. ‘No. Keep them on. You need all the protection you can get. You sure you want to go through with this?’
He nodded. ‘You’ve got me curious now. I want to see this bully.’
‘You might regret it when she verbally attacks you and kicks you out.’
Jonathan grinned. ‘She won’t do that, will she? I’m a charmer.’
‘Maybe you should have brought a hoe in with you to defend yourself.’
‘Oh, come on, Vanessa. She can’t be that bad.’
‘Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.’
They made their way to Dolly’s rooms on the ground floor.
‘When my husband died, Dolly shut herself away in here for weeks,’ Vanessa explained. ‘She didn’t talk to anyone – not even her granddaughters, and she adores them.’
‘It must be hard to lose a child. An only child especially,’ Jonathan said.
‘Yes. She took it badly. I don’t think she’ll ever get over it.’
‘She doesn’t talk to you about it?’
‘No, never. Which isn’t really surprising. We’ve never had the kind of relationship where we just talk to each other.’
‘And her granddaughters – does she talk to them?’
‘Not about anything important.’
‘That’s really sad. We all need somebody to talk to.’
She glanced at him. His face was etched with concern and she realised that she’d never once thought about Dolly’s feelings in that way before. Vanessa had been so consumed with her own pain and that of her daughters after losing Oliver – and then on the defensive against Dolly all the time – that she hadn’t really thought about the old woman’s feelings. But was it really as simple as Dolly just needing somebody to talk to? Vanessa found that hard to believe as she tentatively knocked on the door of Dolly’s living room.
When there was no answer she knocked again, only louder this time.
‘Dolly? There’s somebody who’d like to meet you.’
‘Who?’ Dolly barked. Just that one harshly spoken word and Vanessa’s hackles were up. She couldn’t help it. Dolly had always been able to rile her so easily. Jonathan seemed to sense it too and rested a hand on the small of her back.
‘Relax,’ he whispered, and she took a moment to calm herself before opening the door.
As soon as they were in the room, Reynolds the terrier leapt off the chair he’d been sitting on and made a beeline for the intruders. He looked all set to have a naughty nip at Vanessa’s ankles when he caught sight of Jonathan and stopped to sniff his boots.
‘Hello, little fellow,’ Jonathan said, bending down to pat him. ‘What a sweetheart.’
‘Who are you?’ Dolly cried.
‘Mrs Jacobs?’ Jonathan began, undeterred by her gruff manner as he made his way straight to Dolly’s chair. ‘I’m Jonathan Dacre.’ He held his hand towards her and she was so startled that she automatically reached out to reciprocate, her eyes wide in her pale face. ‘It’s a real pleasure to meet you.’
‘Is it?’ Her eyes narrowed as she took him in. ‘You own that old van, don’t you?’
‘I do.’
‘It’s horrible.’
‘Dolly!’ Vanessa admonished.
‘I’m only telling the truth,’ Dolly said.
‘It is, indeed, a horrible old van, but it’s all I can afford to run and it gets me from A to B.’
‘I don’t like it parked out there.’
‘Oh,’ Jonathan said. ‘Well, perhaps I can park it somewhere else so you don’t have to look at it.’
Dolly harrumphed, which was her way of showing that she was somewhat appeased.
‘You have a very fine view here,’ Jonathan said, looking out of the large window onto the south garden.
‘I do, and I don’t like being disturbed when I’m looking at it.’
‘I can understand why. You know, this is a really special place you have here, Dolly. May I call you Dolly?’
‘Well, I—’
‘It’s such a pretty name. Why aren’t there more Dollys these days?’
‘It was my father’s choice. He always had impeccable taste.’
‘He certainly did. I can’t think of a lovelier name.’
Vanessa blinked as she saw the beginnings of a smile in the corners of Dolly’s mouth. No, she thought, she must surely be mistaken. Dolly didn’t smile. Well, not since the days before Oliver became ill. That was the last time that Vanessa had seen Dolly happy.
‘You know what we’re doing out in the walled garden, don’t you?’ Jonathan asked her.
‘Vandalising the place, no doubt.’
‘Not at all,’ he said, managing to remain impervious to her insults. ‘Vanessa’s told you about the amazing team we’ve got working here?’
‘Yes, she ha—’
‘They’re young people full of energy and enthusiasm and I can’t thank you enough for the opportunity you’ve given them. The walled garden is such a great environment. I’ve never seen the team so excited to be anywhere. The chance to work in your orchard and greenhouse and to use the raised beds – it’s been really great.’
‘But they’re crimin—’
‘They’re young people who mi
ght have made a few bad choices,’ he interrupted again, ‘but let me ask you this, Dolly. Haven’t we all made a few bad choices in our lives?’
‘Well, I can’t say I have—’
‘And haven’t we all needed a helping hand to get us back on track? That’s what me and Rod are trying to do, but it’s people like you who make the real difference by giving us the time and space we need in order to turn our dreams into reality. Without people like you, our society would be all the poorer, and that’s why I wanted to come in here and personally thank you – for allowing us to share your extraordinary home. It’s an honour and a privilege – a real privilege to be here.’
He finally stopped to draw breath and Vanessa stared at him in wonder. What on earth had just happened there? He’d given her no warning that he was going to launch into a full speech and flatten Dolly into submission. She almost felt sorry for her poor mother-in-law because she hadn’t stood a chance. He had completely bulldozed her with his enthusiasm.
Dolly sat in her chair looking completely stunned. ‘Well,’ she said. ‘Well indeed.’
Jonathan took a step closer to her and crouched down so that he was at her eye level.
‘Dolly,’ he said, and Vanessa couldn’t help wondering if he was going to start up again, ‘would you do me the very great honour of walking to the walled garden with me? I’ll show you around, tell you what we’ve been doing, and the team would love to thank you, they really would.’
Dolly’s mouth fell open and, instead of the angry tirade that Vanessa would surely have got, she squeaked a little ‘yes’.
Jonathan stood up and held out his arm for her to take and the two of them left the room, Reynolds trotting behind them. Vanessa stood completely dumbfounded. She couldn’t ever remember Dolly being at a loss for words – she always had far too much to say for herself, in Vanessa’s opinion.
‘You coming?’ Jonathan said, looking over his shoulder at her.
‘Don’t worry about her,’ Dolly said with a little laugh.
A laugh, Vanessa thought. The old woman could actually laugh.
They left the house together, Vanessa following Jonathan and Dolly. Dolly’s progress to the walled garden was slow, but Jonathan was endlessly patient with her, placing her hand in the crook of his arm and guiding her along the path.
‘I’ve been in a lot of gardens, Dolly, but I have to say that there is something very special about Orley.’
‘Well, of course there is,’ she said. ‘It’s the best in the county. In the country. Only we’re not as flashy as some.’
‘Nothing worse than a flashy garden.’
‘Exactly,’ Dolly said. ‘We’re very understated here. Everything’s in good taste. You won’t find any model railways or nasty theme-park rides.’
‘That’s very reassuring.’
They reached the walled garden and Jonathan cleared his throat.
‘Everybody? Can I have your attention for a minute? I’d like to introduce you to a very special lady.’ He waited until everyone had put their tools down and come forward, wiping their hands on the fronts of their trousers. ‘This is Dolly Jacobs, Vanessa’s mother-in-law, and I think we’d all like to thank her for letting us use her stunning walled garden.’
Everybody applauded politely and Vanessa watched as Dolly gave a tiny smile, clearly loving being the centre of attention.
Jonathan led her around the garden, introducing her to Rod and the team and showing her the work they’d been doing. Rod was particularly attentive, telling her what all the plants were and pushing Andy back when he got too close.
‘She doesn’t want you near her with those mucky hands of yours,’ Rod told him.
Dolly seemed to take a real interest in it all, rather like a visiting dignitary who’d been briefed on what questions to ask.
Vanessa watched on in amazement as Jonathan’s charm seemed to win Dolly over completely. She couldn’t believe that Dolly would respond to such obvious flattery, but it seemed that she was as susceptible as anybody else.
Finally, they escorted her back to the house. Vanessa made them all a cup of tea and freshened Reynolds’s water bowl. The little dog was mightily thirsty after tearing around the walled garden and being petted by everyone.
Dolly sat back down in her chair and Vanessa saw that her mother-in-law had real colour in her cheeks, which made her look rather attractive.
‘What do you think of the work being done, Dolly?’ she asked her.
Dolly looked up from her chair. ‘Where’s Jonathan?’
‘I’m right here, Dolly,’ he said, walking forward, teacup in hand.
‘Thank you for showing me what you’re doing.’
Vanessa blinked in surprise. First a smile, then a laugh and now a thank you. This was a truly momentous day.
‘It’s us who should thank you,’ Jonathan said. ‘I hope today has helped to put your mind at rest. I hope you’re happy with what we’re doing.’
‘I am, Jonathan,’ she said, sipping her tea and treating him to one of her rare smiles again. Reynolds, who was now sitting by her feet, looked up at his mistress, head cocked to one side in response to this strange phenomenon.
‘Well, we’d better get back to work,’ Jonathan said as he finished his tea.
‘I’ll see you later, Dolly,’ Vanessa said.
‘Jonathan?’ Dolly called as they were leaving the room.
‘Yes, Dolly?’
‘You can park your van in the lane. I don’t really mind.’
Jonathan grinned. ‘Thank you,’ he said. A moment later, when they’d left the house, he turned to Vanessa. ‘So, how do you think that went?’
Vanessa put her hands on her hips and shook her head. ‘Amazingly well. I can’t believe how you—’
‘How I what?’
‘Tamed her!’
He laughed. ‘I wouldn’t go that far.’
‘I jolly well would!’
‘Let’s just say I’ve met one or two like her in my time,’ he said. ‘You just need to flatter them into submission.’
‘But she likes you. She really likes you!’
Jonathan didn’t look too convinced. ‘I think she’d like any man who paid her a bit of attention.’
‘You do?’
‘I really do. You said her husband died?’
‘Yes, years ago.’
‘And her son. Oliver.’
Vanessa nodded. ‘It’s not been an easy time.’
‘I think she needs some male company.’
‘Are you applying for the job?’ Vanessa teased.
‘Ah, no,’ he said, taking a step towards her. ‘I’m already taken, aren’t I?’
‘Absolutely. She’s not having you!’
He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. What he’d said made Vanessa think. Perhaps he was right about Dolly. Perhaps the thing that had been lacking in Dolly’s life was male companionship – and this was what had been making her miserable.
Dolly had been a very beautiful woman and much admired, Vanessa had heard. She had probably never wanted for male attention, but then her husband had died and Vanessa took her son’s attention away from her. At least, that’s how Dolly had viewed it. She was one of those women who needed to be adored by a man and, no matter how much attention her beloved granddaughters gave her, it just wasn’t the same thing at all.
‘Laurence, are you in there?’
Laurence almost leapt out of his office chair when he heard the voice.
‘Tilda?’ He got up, crossed the room and opened his study door.
‘I didn’t mean to disturb you. I can come back later if—’
‘No, no – come on in. You’re not disturbing me.’ The truth was, he was glad of a break from the appalling financial muddles one of his clients had got himself into.
‘There’s nobody around I can talk to,’ she went on.
‘Oh, so I’m the last resort, am I?’ he teased.
She grinned. ‘Sorry. That didn’t come out right.�
�
‘Come on in. It’s a bit messy, I’m afraid. I’ve been trying to find some documents that have got misplaced in the move.’
She looked around the room, her eyes darting anxiously. ‘I hope it’s okay, me coming to your wing like this.’
‘Why wouldn’t it be okay?’ he asked.
‘Well, this is your home now,’ she said, shoving her hands into the large pockets of her blue dress. She looked horribly nervous and he was mindful to put her at ease.
‘You’re always welcome here, Tilda. It’s still taking me a while to get used to spending the working day on my own. I kind of miss the interruptions of an open-plan office.’
‘So I am interrupting you?’ She looked embarrassed. ‘Oh, I’m so sorry. I really didn’t mean to. I should have thought—’
‘No, no! I meant I need an excuse to take a break. I tend to just push through when I’m on my own and then feel totally burned out at the end of the day.’
‘I don’t want to bother you.’
‘You’re not bothering me. Honestly. Now, can I get you a tea or coffee or something?’
‘No thanks.’
‘Do you want to sit down?’
She shook her head and walked to the window overlooking the front lawn and the great yew hedge.
‘Morton wants me to visit the studio.’
‘Are you going to?’
‘It’s in London.’
‘Well, it’s not very likely to be down the road in Robertsbridge, is it?’
‘I don’t like London.’
He watched her for a moment. Her shoulders looked stiff and tense and he was tempted to walk over to her and give them a good massage, but that would most definitely be overstepping the mark, wouldn’t it?
‘What if I go with you?’ he suddenly said.
‘What?’ She turned around to face him.
‘I’ve got some errands to run. I can meet up with a couple of clients, visit a pal. It will save you getting the train and facing the hideousness of the Underground.’
‘You’d seriously drive me into London?’
‘Sure. Why not?’
‘Is this to make sure that I actually go to the studio?’
He grinned. ‘Partly.’
‘Why’s that so important to you?’
‘I’ve told you why, Tilda: because I really think you should do this.’ He paused. ‘And you want to, don’t you? Otherwise you wouldn’t be in here discussing it with me.’
Love in an English Garden Page 21
