‘Goodness Paul! I never thought of anything like that.’
‘Maybe I’m being a bit – a bit presumptuous, but I enjoy my work here. I’ve lots of ideas and plans. I could afford to buy a place of my own but this is so convenient. I’d like a house of my own before I’m too much older, but I don’t want to move far away when Mother is on her own.’
‘I see,’ Rosie said. ‘You’ve taken my breath away, Paul.’
‘I’m sorry, but I didn’t want you telling me you’ve sold out to someone without giving me an opportunity to buy you out. I know Mother would feel happier if I went into partnership as a first step. She feels you have a better grasp of the business side than I do.’
‘You’ve discussed it with your mother?’
‘Of course. She had control of the money my father left me until I was twenty-one. It’s up to me what I invest in now but it would be rather inconsiderate not to discuss my plans with my mother after all she’s done for me while I was ill, don’t you think? Anyway if you were selling it all, including your cottage, and the Gate Lodge, I would need a loan from her.’
‘What does she think to that?’
‘Oh she’s all in favour except that she would prefer to invest the money, as a sort of sleeping partner, rather than give me a loan. Mother’s family were well off and we have talked a lot about the future since my medical reports have been so positive. I believe Mother would give every penny she has so long as I’m well and doing something I enjoy. Besides, she shares my love of the gardens.’
‘I can understand her point of view,’ Rosie said. ‘This is all such a surprise, though, Paul. You’ll need to give me plenty of time to mull things over. I must confess I have contemplated all sorts of plans of my own but they all need capital. Do you think we could get on well as business partners?’
‘I don’t see why not, so long as we’re open and honest with each other and discuss everything before we make changes.’
‘It would have to be done with a solicitor,’ Rosie said, ‘and we would need to decide how much income we could each take out to live on. We would need an accountant so you knew I was doing things fairly.’
‘So you don’t mind me mentioning it?’ Paul asked with relief.
‘Not at all, but I need time to think things through.’
‘You can take as much time as you like. I was beginning to be afraid you might tell me you’d sold up one day and were marrying Sam.’ A shadow clouded Rosie’s blue eyes and she turned her head.
‘I can please myself whether I want to take you into partnership or not, Paul, without getting married.’
Tania couldn’t believe it when she heard her grandfather was giving Honeysuckle Cottage to her. She would own her very own home. Struan had stayed overnight with her a few times while she was looking after the cottage but they both knew the locals would notice his car and speculate. They loved each other and they would have been married by now if it were not for Mrs Ritchie but they knew their families would not appreciate gossip. The more time they spent together the more impatient Struan was to be married. Mr Ritchie had suggested building a bungalow to retire in but Mrs Ritchie had refused to consider the idea. Tania loved Struan dearly but she could not do as his mother wished and live in the same house, unable to change anything or make it her home. Struan’s frustration increased each night he had to leave her.
‘I wouldn’t care if we lived in a caravan, so long as we’re together,’ Struan had said. ‘Father knows how I feel but he doesn’t seem able to persuade my mother to do anything once she makes up her mind. My sister thinks Mother needs a psychiatrist, or firmer handling. That’s easy to say when you’re on the other side of the world. Mother was never as bad as this when we were young and Pam lived at home. One day she will really be ill and we shall take no notice.’
Tania’s spirits soared. They would have a home of their own at Honeysuckle Cottage. Struan was elated when he heard her news.
‘We could be married in three weeks,’ he said with all the eagerness of a schoolboy.
‘You’ll not mind having to travel four miles to the farm?’
‘Not when I can come home to you every night, sweetheart. It will be worth getting up at five o’ clock and that will only be when I’m relief milking at weekends and holidays.’
‘I don’t want pomp and ceremony, Struan, but I can’t get married and not tell my parents,’ Tania said. ‘Papa Oliphant has made everything possible. He would be hurt if we didn’t tell him. I wonder if he guessed how frustrated we are.’
‘I’ll agree to anything you say, my darling girl,’ Struan said jubilantly, ‘so long as you’ll marry me soon. I’ll tell my father our plans. It will be up to him to deal with Mother.’ His mouth firmed. ‘However ill she makes herself, I’ll make it clear we shall not postpone our wedding.’
Tania was longing to share her news. She called on Rosie on her way home from work on Friday evening. She was so full of plans it was a while before she realized Rosie was too quiet.
‘I do hope Alex and Sam will not be jealous or think Grandfather is favouring me,’ Tania said. ‘I would hate a family quarrel.’
‘You’ve been kind to Papa Oliphant. It is up to him what he does with his property.’
‘I suppose so. He says I can decorate it how I like and I can keep any of the furniture and ask Sam if he can use the rest at Martinwold. His house is almost empty so I think he’ll agree. I can’t believe it’s going to be my very own, Rosie. I’m so excited. There’s some ornaments and a very pretty vase which have to go to Mum, and Grandfather would like his own armchair and his own bed. I’ll ask Struan if he will move them in his Land Rover and trailer and—’ She stopped, realizing that Rosie seemed distracted.
‘Oh Rosie, here am I chattering on about my own good fortune and you look so sad. Is it your father? I know you must miss him. Is that what’s wrong?’
‘There’s nothing wrong.’
‘I know you too well to believe that. You’ve always had such a happy smile. You’ve lost your sparkle. You’re pale too, and strained. It’s as though you have all the worries of the world on your shoulders. Is it to do with money? Will you be able to manage?’ Tania asked with concern. ‘You must tell me if there is anything I can do, whatever it is that’s troubling you. Rosie?’
‘There’s nothing the matter.’ Rosie’s voice was almost angry.
‘I-I see.’ Tania swallowed and changed the subject, or so she thought. ‘Are you and Sam going to the dance tomorrow night?’
‘No.’
‘Oh.’ Tania frowned. ‘Have you two quarrelled?’
‘No.’
‘Are you sure? Mother says he’s going round with a long face and he doesn’t look as though he’s sleeping properly. He’s lost his appetite too. Even injuring his arm didn’t have that effect.’ Rosie didn’t answer. ‘Mum says he’s been the same for the last two weeks. It seems strange that you’re so down in the dumps too and it’s ages since you’ve been to Bengairney.’
‘Mother keeps holding dinner parties. She expects me to be there.’
‘I know that, but are you sure you and Sam haven’t quarrelled?’
‘Of course I’m sure. I haven’t seen him for three weeks. Everything was fine the last time w-we were to-together. He – he hasn’t phoned either.’ Rosie’s voice faltered. She was near to tears, but it was true they hadn’t quarrelled. ‘It might be better if we had quarrelled,’ she said. ‘At least I would know what I’d done wrong. I expect he’s got tired of me like he did with Lidia.’
‘That’s nonsense. There’s no comparison between you and Lidia. You and Samuel have always been the best of friends.’ Maybe that’s the trouble, Rosie thought. Maybe friendship is all Sam wants from me. Perhaps he got carried away and now he’s regretting it.
‘He never used to go silent,’ she muttered aloud.
‘No, that’s not Sam’s style,’ Tania said. ‘He gets things off his chest, but he never bears a grudge. Hasn’t he said anyt
hing – anything at all?’
‘He’s never been here, or telephoned, or – or anything.’
‘Well there’s no use moping at home being miserable,’ Tania said. ‘There’s other fish in the sea and maybe my handsome big brother needs a lesson. Anyway Alex is hoping you’ll be his partner at the Young Farmers’ Dance tomorrow night. It is a competition for aged twenty-one, and under. You two have danced together since Alex’s first school dance. Struan and I will be going to watch. We’ll give you a lift. Can I tell Alex you’ll partner him for the competition?’
‘I suppose so,’ Rosie agreed, then she added, ‘and Tania, I’m pleased for you – about the cottage I mean, and having a home of your own.’
‘Thanks, Rosie,’ Tania said and turned back to hug her young friend. As she drew away she was sure she glimpsed the sparkle of tears on Rosie’s long lashes but she said no more. She was convinced there was something wrong between her and Sam, or why else would they both be so unhappy at the same time? She would tackle Sam about it when she went to Bengairney on Sunday.
Alex was jubilant at having Rosie for his partner. She was so light he could lift her off her feet, or swing her round at will, and she had more stamina than most of the girls who worked in offices and other sedentary jobs. Unless they were knocked out in the first few rounds he guessed they would both need plenty of energy for the more risky moves they had often done together.
He telephoned at lunchtime on Saturday, eager to make sure Rosie would be there.
‘I could collect you,’ he offered. ‘Sam’s not going so I’ll have the car.’
‘Tania is giving me a lift. I’ll see you there,’ Rosie said. Her heart was heavy. Both Sam and Alex were good dancers and she had always enjoyed being with them but tonight she had no enthusiasm.
‘What are you wearing?’ Alex asked, taking her by surprise.
‘My jeans with the flared bottoms and a new blue and silver top.’
‘Oh.’ She could hear the disappointment in Alex’s voice. ‘I er…I hoped you might wear that blue dress with the white bits on it. The one with a short skirt that spins out when you’re dancing.’
‘It has no sleeves. I’d be frozen,’ Rosie protested. ‘Besides if it’s a competition you’ll be trying all sorts of twists and turns and throwing me in the air. I know you, and—’
‘Of course I shall,’ Alex agreed with a chuckle, ‘so you’ll never feel the cold once the competition starts. You’d better dress decently underneath.’
‘I always dress decently underneath,’ Rosie protested. ‘Anyway there’ll be ordinary dancing first.’
‘You could wear something on top, couldn’t you? A cardigan or something, until the hall gets warmed up?’ he pleaded.
‘I’ll think about it.’
‘Please, Rosie. You know how good we are together on the dance floor – in fact I reckon we’re good together all the time. Better than—’
‘Alex!’ Rosie warned. ‘Don’t start that again or I’ll refuse to come.’
‘Well I don’t know how you can prefer Sam. He’s like a bear with a sore head.’
The following evening when they called to collect Rosie for the disco, Tania and Struan were in high spirits and full of plans for their future.
‘We’re going to tell Mum and Dad tomorrow while we’re both at Bengairney for Sunday dinner. I do hope you’ll be there, Rosie. I would love you to be my bridesmaid or witness or whatever, even if it’s a quiet wedding,’ Tania said. ‘Struan’s father has promised to fit in with whatever plans we make.’
‘He says he’ll do his best to persuade Mother to cooperate too,’ Struan added, ‘but I’ll believe that when it happens. He’s delighted to be getting Tania for a daughter.’ He grinned and gave Tania a quick hug. ‘He’s going to phone Australia tonight. They’ll just be getting up. He wants to tell Pam our news.’
They were almost ready to leave when the telephone rang. Struan was standing beside it in the tiny hall. ‘Answer that for me, please, Struan, while I fetch my cardigan,’ Rosie said, already half way up the stairs. ‘I’m wearing this dress to please Alex but I shall be perished.’
‘You look good enough to eat,’ Struan said, grinning. There was still laughter in his voice when he picked up the telephone receiver and gave the number. He recognized the voice of Catherine Palmer-Farr.
‘Samuel!’ Her voice was sharp. ‘You gave me your word! You’ve broken your promise! I shall—’
‘This is Struan Ritchie, Mrs Palmer-Farr.’ Struan interrupted, his brows rising in surprise.
‘Oh. Oh I beg your pardon. Please tell Rosemary Lavender I wish to speak to her.’ He signalled Rosie as she came down the stairs. She was gesticulating to say she was not there.
‘Er…we’re leaving now. We shall be late for the disco….’
‘Disco? Tell her I must speak with her,’ she insisted. Struan shrugged and handed the receiver to Rosie.
‘Hello, Mother, we’re in a hurry. What? You’re having the Braebournes again?’ She listened in exasperation. Tania stifled her giggles as Rosie pulled faces at the telephone. ‘I know there’s no Lady Braebourne but they will have a cook. Anyway if they enjoy your chef’s cooking so much they should book a dinner and pay for it. No, I’m not being mean. I wish you’d stop trying to arrange every minute of my life! Oh, all right, I’ll come tomorrow but that’s the finish. Don’t count on me for any more luncheon parties if you insist on including the Braebournes every time. Now I must rush. Goodbye.’
‘Sounds as though you’re booked up for Sunday dinner again,’ Tania said, throwing her a sympathetic look.
‘Yes, I am.’ Rosie had mixed feelings about going to Bengairney and seeing Samuel anyway. ‘You’ll have to come here one evening and tell me all your plans instead.’
‘I will. You seem to be seeing a lot of the Braebournes,’ Tania remarked as they settled themselves in Struan’s car.
‘Too much if you ask me. They want suggestions for landscaping their gardens. I sent Paul to do the preliminary discussion. He’s good at that side of things but we think they’re expecting I’ll do it free, like Mother and her meals. They’ll get a bill whether Mother approves or not.’
‘Business is business,’ Struan agreed, ‘and they could afford it if the sons earned their living like the rest of us.’
‘Do you think your mother is trying to pair you off with one of them?’ Tania asked.
‘She’ll be disappointed if she is,’ Rosie said. ‘Harry Braebourne seemed all right in the beginning but he’s becoming a pest. He comes wandering round the gardens. He asked if I had any plans for this weekend. When I told him about the disco he made derisory remarks, like “I’d forgotten you went to the local school. You’ll know all the local yokels. We had a proper education.”’
‘He sounds an awful snob.’
‘I answered him in French but he hadn’t a clue what I’d said. He didn’t like that.’
‘Did he see the funny side?’ Tania asked.
‘No. He muttered about it being better to mix with ones own cla-ass. He sounded like my mother, but she wouldn’t be so pleased if she heard him arranging her life.’
‘He sounds self-opinionated to me,’ Tania said, but she was delighted to catch a glimpse of Rosie’s usual spirits.
Rosie fell silent as they approached the hall. Would Sam be there? Would he speak to her, or would he avoid her? Alex was waiting for them.
‘You’re late! I wanted to have time for a practice. There’s a couple of new lifts I’d like to try.’
‘Give Rosie time to get in and get her coat off,’ Struan teased. ‘The competition doesn’t start until ten o’clock. Anyway I’m having first dance with Rosie. I want a word in her ear.’
‘Well only the first dance then.’
‘You’ll be lucky to get a dance at all when the other fellows see the dress she’s wearing underneath that coat.’
‘You’re wearing the blue dress?’ Alex asked eagerly.
‘You
do want to win tonight, don’t you, little brother?’ Tania teased.
‘We’ll give it our best shot, won’t we Rosie?’
‘If you say so,’ Rosie answered. Her eyes were scanning the crowd at the other end of the hall. There was no sign of Sam and she didn’t know whether she was disappointed or relieved. She wished she knew what she had done wrong. Her cheeks burned as she recalled their ardent lovemaking. Had he found her too inexperienced compared to Lidia, or had she responded too eagerly? Struan drew her onto the dance floor and Rosie tried to put Sam out of her thoughts. Alex claimed her as soon as the dance was over and proceeded to show her the new moves he had in mind. They had danced together since they were children so she knew he wouldn’t let her fall when he tossed her in the air or round his back, and through his legs. He was young and strong and light on his feet and music seemed to give Alex a whole new persona.
‘You’re light as a feather. I reckon we’re even better together than we used to be, Rosie,’ he said with glee.
‘I’m the same as I always was but you’ve developed a man’s strength and muscle since you finished at college.’
‘At least you’ve noticed I’m a man then?’
‘Oh Alex, please don’t start that. I think the world of you as a brother, I always have, but I know I shall never think of you in any other way.’
‘So you keep telling me.’ He swung her up into the air then caught her close to his chest, holding her there longer than the beat of the music. ‘What I don’t understand is why you feel differently about Sam. Why isn’t he still like a brother?’
‘I don’t know how I feel about Sam,’ she said. ‘Let’s concentrate on the dancing.’
By the time the competition started some of the couples were exhausted and eliminated after the first couple of dances. The numbers grew less. Alex’s vigorous enjoyment was plain to see as he made use of the extra space. The record changed to play the entry for the Eurovision Song Contest – Save All Your Kisses For Me. Alex spun Rosie up in the air. Over his shoulder she caught a glimpse of Sam standing in the doorway. Her lips parted, but Alex was lowering her to glide between his legs and catching her again.
Another Home, Another Love Page 18
