Village Gossip

by Shaw, Rebecca

  ‘There you are, Vera. You’d better get home quickly. I’ve just seen Greenwood Stubbs and your Rhett pulling up in the van and they’re unloading crazy paving and bags of cement and carrying them through your house.’

  Vera’s shock at this piece of astounding news brought back her voice. ‘Crazy paving? I haven’t ordered crazy paving. What’s he playing at?’ She hurried out of the Store, raced across the Green and peeped over her fence. Rhett was stacking the pieces of stone as Greenwood was carrying them through.

  ‘Rhett, what do yer think yer doing? We can’t afford all that. We’ve no need for it. Take it back.’

  ‘Shushhh! Come in and I’ll explain.’ Vera walked round to the front door and went in.

  ‘Before he went away Mr Fitch said that all the rubbish that was lying about had to be cleared before he got back. He said it was all old stuff he’d never use and it was making the place look untidy. When I saw the pots and the table and chairs amongst it I thought, well, if he doesn’t want it, I know who does. So here it is. Then I remembered we’d a load of crazy paving left over from the new paths Mr Fitch changed his mind about, and I thought he wouldn’t miss the few bits that would make all the difference to our garden. Greenwood here said we could have it. So we’ve brought it and the old man won’t be any the wiser, will he?’

  ‘But what’s it for?’

  ‘I’m repairing all this old crazy paving here at the back and extending it for yer. Yer know, bringing it right up to the lawn, then there won’t be that nasty bit of rough ground between. It’ll look really good. Then yer’ll have a patio to sit out on.’

  Vera was wreathed in smiles. ‘Oh, Rhett. What a lovely idea!’

  ‘Greenwood’s said I can have the old table and a couple of chairs, wrought iron they are. They’re old and they need working on but they’re yours when I’ve cleaned and painted ’em. They were going to the tip anyway. Nobody’ll miss ’em, they’ve been at the back of the kitchen garden for years.’

  ‘So I can have a cup of tea sitting out here on me patio. I shall feel like lady muck. Oh, Rhett! Wait till yer grandad hears about this. You are a love.’ She flung her arms round him and gave him a great big kiss.

  ‘Steady on.’

  ‘But is it all right, yer know? It’s not thieving or anything, is it?’

  Greenwood came through with some more paving. ‘Keep mum about it, that’s all. What the old man don’t know won’t do him no harm. What we’re bringing here is a drop in the ocean to what we’ve used up there. He’ll never miss it.’

  Vera almost skipped for joy. Someone was at last doing something just for her, and the best of it was there was no price to pay because Rhett was doing it for love. Good old Rhett, worth his weight in gold.

  Whilst he worked on the patio Rhett learned his part. Hugo had said it was a small one but it seemed big to him. He’d never acted in a play before and he’d no idea why he’d been chosen. At school he’d never had a chance, being in the bottom set of absolutely every subject you could name. Now he was older he regretted not having tried at school, but there really hadn’t seemed any point in it, not him with a daft name like Rhett. With a name like that you were half way down the field from the start.

  At the first rehearsal he’d stuttered and stammered, got embarrassed, dried up, moved into all the wrong places till by the end of the evening he’d decided to resign. Hugo, however, had given him a pep talk.

  ‘Look here, I don’t know what you’re worrying about. You’re not giving yourself a chance. By the end of four weeks you won’t recognise yourself. Give it a go. Believe me, I’ll coax it out of you. I’ve had professional actors do worse, and that’s the truth.’

  ‘You’re pulling my leg.’

  ‘I’m not! That’s God’s truth. Your voice is strong, which it needs to be seeing as we’ve no amplification, so that’s half the battle. Remember, Caroline is your mother, treat her as if she is. On stage she’s no longer Dr Harris, try to see her as your mum. Mmmmm?’

  ‘I see. Yes, I see.’

  ‘Have you a younger sister? No? When you’re working, or whatever, think what it would be like to have a sister. Get to know Michelle, build a relationship, learn your parts together, and then you’ll react better to her on stage. Right?’

  Rhett nodded. ‘It’s the bits where I have to put my arm round Dr Harris and kiss her. It’s blinking embarrassing, that is.’

  Hugo shrugged his shoulders. ‘That’s because you see her as Dr Harris and not as your mother. That’s where you’re going wrong. Caroline? Have you a minute?’

  Caroline came across to see what Hugo wanted.

  ‘Yes?’

  ‘Look here, Rhett is having problems seeing you as his mother.’

  ‘Right.’

  ‘We’ll have a mini rehearsal right here and now.’ He flicked through his copy of the script. ‘Here we are, look, page sixty-two. Half way down. Here’s a chair, pretend that’s the sofa. Go and stand behind her and say your lines. Sit on it, Caroline, that’s it. Right, off you go, Rhett.’

  Rhett stood behind her, put a hand on her shoulder and said his lines.

  ‘Why’s Dad so angry about this chap Leonard? Seems all right to me.’

  ‘You wouldn’t understand, darling.’

  ‘I’m not twelve you know, like Celia. I have got some idea about what goes on.’

  ‘No, you haven’t.’

  ‘I do know things aren’t right between you and Daddy.’

  ‘Do you now? Even if it were true, which it isn’t, it’s none of your business.’

  ‘It is if you’re upset.’

  ‘I’m not.’

  ‘Very well, I know I’m right, but I’ll have to take your word for it, I expect.’

  ‘You do just that.’

  ‘I just wish parents didn’t lie.’

  ‘I’m not. Goodnight, darling.’

  ‘Goodnight, Mummy.’

  Hugo applauded. ‘Well, done. Much better. But you’re stiff. Look, this is how I would do it.’

  He rested his forearms along the top of the chair and bent much closer than Rhett had. As he reached the last line, instead of kissing the top of Caroline’s head like Rhett had done he leant further forward and kissed her cheek.

  ‘Like that. Kiss her cheek as she looks up at you. See? Try again.’

  Rhett had done it again, been more relaxed and had kissed Caroline’s cheek as Hugo had done.

  ‘Much better, wasn’t it? Didn’t you think so?’

  Rhett nodded. ‘Yes. I’ve to forget Dr Harris is Dr Harris and then that does the trick.’

  ‘Exactly. What did you think Caroline?’

  ‘Big improvement.’

  ‘Agreed! Right everybody. Three rehearsals next week. Monday, Wednesday, Friday. You’re all doing fabulously. Monday Mrs Jones will be here with costumes. Well, some of them at least. No scripts by Wednesday. Everyone word perfect, please.’ They all groaned. ‘You can do it! Goodnight.’

  As Caroline called out, ‘Goodnight, everyone’, Hugo materialised beside her.

  ‘I’ll walk you home.’

  She laughed. ‘Honestly, walk me home. It’s only two doors away.’

  ‘Nevertheless. You’re doing me a good turn actually. I’m in the doghouse at Harriet’s, so the longer I’m out of the house the better.’

  ‘What have you been doing?’

  ‘Nothing. Nothing at all, but Jimbo’s upset. Bit stuffy is Jimbo, did you realise?’

  They’d reached the Rectory door. The light came on and they stood in its spotlight.

  ‘He’s very protective of his family.’

  ‘His wife, you mean. No trespassing.’

  ‘I should think not.’

  ‘Harriet and I go back a long way.’

  ‘That’s no excuse.’

  ‘It isn’t, is it? You can know someone five minutes and feel closer to them than to someone you’ve known for twenty years.’

  She studied his face, wondering how sincere or how
significant that remark was. He was handsome. Every feature in just the right proportion. It really wasn’t fair for one man to have so many of the right ingredients. Not only that, he had the charm to match.

  Hugo leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her mouth. Then he took hold of her hand, raised it to his lips, and said, ‘Fair lady!’

  ‘Hugo!’

  ‘Caroline!’ His eyes roved over her face as he murmured, ‘“All days are nights to see till I see thee. And nights bright days when dreams do show thee me.”’

  The common sense part of her was angry with his dalliance, but there was something other in her which responded. She kissed his lips, patted his cheek, fumbled in her bag for her key, opened the door said ‘Goodnight’, and went in.

  ‘I’m home! Where are you?’

  ‘In bed.’

  ‘I’m thirsty. Are you?’

  ‘No thanks.’

  ‘Won’t be long.’

  Caroline drank a glass of water and then went to check the children. As usual Beth had flung off her bedclothes and her nightgown was up round her waist. Caroline pulled the sheet up higher and thought about the innocence of this beloved child of hers. She stroked her face with a gentle finger and loved her deeply. There was nothing she would do to harm Beth. Nothing at all, and she must keep that foremost in her mind. That dratted Hugo. Quoting sonnets at her. Alex was fast asleep flat on his back, neatly covered up. She loved him just as much as she loved Beth. He was such a complete and utter darling. So like Peter. Damn that blasted Hugo.

  ‘Had a good rehearsal?’

  ‘Yes, thanks. Excellent. Rhett is really getting the hang of things.’

  ‘Is he? He’s changed then.’

  ‘The thing is, Hugo can explain it so well. There’s lots of actors I’m sure who know how to act, but getting it out of other people is beyond them. Like lecturers at college. Some were brilliant but their lectures were the pits. Hugo just has the gift.’

  There was a short silence and then Peter said, ‘Has he indeed?’

  Caroline didn’t reply. She walked naked to the bathroom. He heard the shower running and stopped the pretence of reading his book. It lay heavy on his legs. He knew he musn’t trespass. This was her battle. He didn’t know how to fight it on her behalf. Didn’t know what to do to stop this runaway roller coaster. It was the light in her eyes, the spring in her step which frightened him. She may not know it, but Hugo was …

  She came back in, wrapped in a towel and sat on the edge of the bed with her back to him. He always loved touching her skin when it was warm and damp and he couldn’t stop himself from reaching across to feel her bare shoulder.

  Caroline very slowly stood up, lingeringly rubbed herself dry, dropped the towel on the carpet, lifted the duvet and got into bed.

  ‘Hugo can twist people round his little finger, you know. Even old diehards like Mrs Jones are eating out of his hand. Is he acting all the time, do you think? Or is he really the lovable person he appears to be?’

  ‘Only time will tell. It certainly means he gets his own way with everyone, doesn’t it?’

  ‘Not with Harriet. She has him under her thumb. She tells him off as though he were a child.’

  There was a short silence and then Peter said, ‘Perhaps he is. I would find it hard having him living in my house.’

  ‘Jimbo does a little. Apparently Hugo had rather a chilly weekend.’

  ‘I can’t think Jimbo will tolerate any dalliance.’

  His use of the word ‘dalliance’ startled Caroline. ‘No, I can’t think he will.’

  ‘I’m going to sleep now. Goodnight and God bless you.’ He turned on his side, made his pillow more comfortable and closed his eyes.

  ‘And you.’ Caroline was quiet for a while and then she said, ‘No matter what, you are my soul mate. You do know that, don’t you?’

  But it seemed Peter was already asleep for there was no reply.

  Next morning Caroline took the children to school and didn’t return immediately. Knowing her propensity to find someone in need of help, Peter eventually left a note for her when she hadn’t returned after an hour and he had to go out. It said, ‘I wonder where you are? Got to leave, going into Culworth to the hospital to see Lavender Gotobed and then on to lunch at the Deanery. I’ve left the answer machine on. My love to you. P.’

  She found it when she got back around twelve o’clock. She hadn’t meant to be so long but as she’d emerged into Stocks Row on her way home from the school Hugo had come out of the Store.

  ‘Caroline! Hi!’

  ‘You’re up early! I thought you never rose before eleven.’

  ‘I don’t usually. I think it’s this country air, it’s doing devilish things to my internal clock. You look all rosy and excited. Is it me who has brought this about? Flatter me! Tell me I’m right!’

  ‘You’re not.’

  ‘How can you be so cruel? Does not your heart beat just a little faster when you see me? When you look into these dark dark orbs of mine, are you not in some kind of a fluster? Mmmmm?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘I’m losing my touch. Oh, God, I am! My charms are diminishing by the hour.’

  ‘You are a fool, Hugo Maude.’

  ‘Now that is a part I have never played: the jester. The lover, yes, but not the jester. Come walk with me.’

  ‘Where to?’

  ‘By gentle glade and gushing ghyll. Where is that quote from? I can’t remember.’ He put his head on one side and pleaded with her. ‘Please?’

  ‘Very well then, just for a while. If you’re wanting a gentle glade we’ll go down the footpath by Hipkin Gardens and into the wood.’

  ‘To the woods!’ He proclaimed it as though he were on stage. The mothers leaving the school couldn’t avoid hearing him. Indeed, his voice carried so well that Caroline was convinced the entire village must have heard.

  She was angry, and hissed, ‘Be quiet. My reputation will be in ruins.’

  ‘We shall be like Hansel and Gretel going to meet our fate together, hand in hand, in the woods.’

  ‘I can’t see the woodman.’

  ‘Nevertheless he lurks, ready to blight our lives. I am filled with fear. Hold my hand.’

  ‘I shan’t.’

  He whispered in her ear, ‘Wait till we’re out of sight and then I shall claim you for mine own.’

  He followed her down the footpath soberly enough but as soon as they were in the field he took her hand, kissed it and then held it firmly.

  ‘Please, Hugo, let go.’

  ‘Relax. I’m in need of comfort. I’m wondering if I’ve done the right thing by doing this play.’

  ‘In what way?’

  ‘A challenge before I’m ready for it. The real truth is I’m not sleeping at the moment. That’s why I’m up so early. Must be my damned nerves playing up.’

  ‘I’m sorry. Can you possibly hold out, do you think? Everyone’s got so involved.’

  ‘I know.’

  ‘Perhaps steeling yourself to do it could be the best thing. Prove to yourself you really can still function. It’s only a minor thing, isn’t it? It’s not as if there were thousands of pounds invested, like in a West End production.’

  ‘Yes, you’re right there.’

  ‘If you only act at half cock it’ll still be too good for a village play.’

  ‘You underate yourselves. But that’s what I can never do. Less than my best.’

  ‘You’re too hard on yourself.’

  ‘Think so? Maybe I am. I sweat blood over my work. Did you know that?’ Caroline shook her head. ‘My life’s blood ebbs away each time I go on stage.’

  ‘That’s why you’re so good.’

  ‘You think so?’

  ‘The critics say so, and Peter says so too.’

  ‘Ah! If Peter says so then it must be correct.’ There was a hint of scorn in his voice and he looked at her with his expressive eyebrows raised.

  She withdrew her hand from his clasp. ‘I’m going b
ack now.’

  ‘Why? Too near the truth?’

  ‘You’re being insolent again, and far too intrusive.’

  ‘I’ve guessed about the twins.’

  ‘Have you indeed.’

  ‘I know about the cancer.’

  ‘Do you? And who’s been letting the cat out of the bag? It wouldn’t be Harriet, I’m sure.’

  ‘Certainly not. She is without blame. No.’ He gazed at the sky, wondering whether to tell her or not. ‘It was Sheila Bissett.’

  ‘I might have known.’

  ‘But you do let him dominate you, don’t you? His moral standards, his children, his life, his vocation. There’s no end to your devotion.’

  ‘There’s nothing wrong with the principles Peter holds dear, and if it’s what I choose.’

  ‘Choose? Or has it been imposed?’

  ‘My choice, because I love him so. He has supported me like no one else could. You couldn’t have done what he’s done for me, you’re too much in need of support yourself all the time.’

  They’d wandered into the wood and Hugo suggested that they sat down for a while. ‘Here look, on this flat bit under the tree. You make me sound like a child and I wish you didn’t. What are your children like?’

  Lazily he helped her to sit down with her back against the tree and then he sat, with such elegance she noted, at right angles to her, leaned back, rested his head on her legs, and squinted up at her. ‘The sun is coming through the trees and lighting your cheek bones in the most alluring manner. Is it love, do you think, that has made you look so beautiful? If so, would it were I who had inspired such love.’

  ‘Hugo, for goodness sake, pull yourself together.’

  ‘You’re always so down to earth. Lighten up.’

  ‘I shan’t.’ Caroline began to tell him about the children. She’d been talking for quite a while when she asked him if he regretted not having a child of his own. There was no reply, so she looked down at him and realised he’d fallen asleep. Poor man, it was true then that he hadn’t slept well. She tentatively touched his hair, it was more silky than it looked, but very thick. His beautiful arching eyebrows tempted her to run a finger along them. No man had a right to look as devastating as he did. Nor so stunningly lovable.