by Jenny Lane
Lindsey learnt that while abroad, Mary had married her boss, Richard Norris, and that they had flown out to Kenya for their honeymoon.
"Poor Aunt Mary, finding father ill like that."
"Oh, it's all right, Carey's been staying at the ranch so that they could get out and about."
Lindsey had to smile. Carey was Gavin's married sister, and father couldn't stand her because she fussed about like an old mother hen.
Lindsey was itching to ask a question.
"Gavin, did father know about the fire at White Chestnuts and the bungalow being built, before I left for England?"
"Yes, of course he did, my dear. He hoped you'd like the bungalow, and kept it as a surprise for you. What he didn't realise, however, was that Mary had gone abroad, because her first letter explaining everything obviously went astray. Eventually, when he did hear from her, he realised you'd be in financial trouble and kept waiting for you to mention it in your letters."
"And when I didn't, I suppose he realised I'd got a job."
Gavin nodded. "He guessed you were coping somehow, yes, although for a while he gathered you were staying with friends. He knows you've got initiative, Lindsey, even if it was a darned stupid thing to do taking that housekeeper job with that Kirkby fellow." He rose to his feet. "I think I'll order some tea—All this talking's making me thirsty."
Lindsey's view of reception was obscured by a pillar, and so she did not see Gavin hastily scribbling a note and handing that together with some coins to the receptionist. Nor did she hear the muttered conversation that passed between them, and the receptionist's courteous, "Certainly Sir—I'll see that Mr. Kirkby gets it right away."
They had their tea in the lounge. Lindsey became so engrossed in what Gavin had to tell her that it wasn't until she suddenly heard a clock chiming that she exclaimed in horror, "Gavin, it's six o'clock and we're supposed to be leaving at any minute!"
"They might be—you're not." But she didn't catch what he said, as she hurried back into the foyer.
"Oh, Miss Meredith," the receptionist called. "Mr. Kirkby told me to give you this note after he'd gone—He's settled your bill and your luggage is in your room."
Lindsey gaped at her, her mind in a turmoil. "But he can't have gone—not without me."
"He left about ten minutes ago, Madam."
Lindsey unfolded the piece of paper with trembling fingers. It was curt and to the point.
"Obviously your friend has finally helped you to make your decision. As there is evidently nothing further to be said on the matter, I shall be contacting the agency in the morning. S. K."
Lindsey raced upstairs, convinced that there would be a further message. But there was nothing! If there had been, perhaps even then she would have caught the last train to Balliam Halt, but the rooms looked bleak and deserted, and she realised, sinking down onto one of the beds, how the situation must have appeared to Simon. He must have taken it to be her decision to leave Balliam Point. She was so bitterly hurt. He didn't even seem to care at all. How could he go without even saying goodbye?
Gavin was waiting downstairs, safe dependable Gavin. She hastily flung her things in the case and went down to join him.
Driving away from Cambrook, Lindsey reflected that it didn't seem a week ago since she had left London. So much had happened since that time. Gavin was getting restless. He was itching to be back in Kenya—at work. He talked incessantly about the ranch her father had purchased, firm in the belief that Lindsey would marry Gavin after all.
Gavin had managed to book an early flight for the following afternoon. Lindsey had been surprised to learn that Mary and Richard intended to live at White Chestnuts after all on their return from Kenya. Gavin had taken her to see the Jacksons who had taken the bungalow on a year's tenancy basis, and had recently managed to purchase a cottage near to their daughter.
After lunch with the Marks, Gavin had said that they must collect the rest of Lindsey's luggage from the station at Balliam Halt and return to London.
"By the way did I tell you an eland got caught in a native trap again? By the time we'd discovered it, there wasn't much left."
Lindsey shivered at the thought of the vultures picking at the poor creature and eating it alive.
"Lindsey, are you listening?"
"Yes…Isn't this a gorgeous view?"
"Oh, for goodness sake, Lindsey! What about the Meningai Crater or the Rift Valley? What's this in comparison? Why are you so obsessed with England? The sooner I get you back to Kenya the better, I think. You're even beginning to behave like an English woman."
"That's hardly surprising," Lindsey said. "After all that's just what I am, and proud of it too. Can't you understand that and respect it?"
"No, not really—Anyway, as I was saying, this native trapping is getting a bit too frequent. We'll have to take firmer measures."
A small tawny rabbit darted across the road, in front of them.
"Oh look!" cried Lindsey in delight.
"Lindsey, for goodness sake!" he said exasperated. "You who are used to seeing giraffe cheetah, elephants, going in raptures because of one small English rabbit."
"Oh, can't you forget your precious Africa, just for five minutes?"
"Lindsey, what's wrong with you? You've changed in these past months haven't you?"
"Yes," Lindsey said. "Yes, I have! I've had a glorious taste of freedom, after being penned up for years. I've been given a reprieve. I've been independent, earning my own salary for the first time in my life…I've done all the things I've wanted to do."
It was Gavin who was not listening now. "As soon as we've collected your luggage from the station, we must get back to London."
"I wish I could go to the Point to say goodbye to them all personally,—I don't like it this way."
"I thought you didn't like goodbyes."
"Gavin, didn't Simon say anything when you rang him up?"
Gavin was evasive. "I told you, he said he'd get his maid to pack your stuff, and arrange for it to be left at the station by two o'clock."
Lindsey was suddenly suspicious. "Gavin, are you sure he didn't give me any message?"
Gavin sighed impatiently. "Oh, what's the use! Yes, as a matter of fact he wanted to see you, if you must know, but I made it quite plain that you were returning with me, and told him it wouldn't be the slightest bit of use trying to persuade you to stay on because your mind was made up."
Lindsey could have wept. Simon had wanted to say goodbye, and Gavin, certain that he knew what was best for her, had prevented it. Perhaps it really was best this way, but the thought that she would never see Simon again was too much to bear. Her love for him surged like a torrent in her breast.
When they had parked in the station yard, Gavin consulted his watch. "I'd better make a 'phone call to London, Lin —You go on and see to your luggage."
Lindsey went with a heavy heart. A familiar figure came out of the waiting room. Lindsey ran towards him and he caught her in his arms.
"Andrew!—Oh, Andrew!"
He held her gently. "What do you mean by running away from us all like this? Did you really think I was going to let you go without saying goodbye?"
"Oh, Andrew, everything's happened so quickly…How's Simon?"
"Just as morose and withdrawn as he used to be before you came on the scene. He nearly snapped my head off this morning when I offered to bring your luggage…Seems to be missing you, Lindsey."
"If only I could be sure of that," she said sadly.
"Look Lindsey, Simon had his pride wounded badly once and he's not lightly going to chance it again. He's very sensitive, is our Simon."
"Well, perhaps he and Lucy will make a go of it after all."
Andrew looked startled. "Lindsey whatever are you talking about?"
"Well, Susan said he's still contacting Lucy in Australia, and so maybe there's some hope of a reunion."
"Lindsey, it's not possible," he said gently. "You see Lucy's dead, my dear. She died in a car
crash about six months ago. Susan can't or won't accept the fact. Those letters she's talking about no doubt came from Lucy's solicitors, because Lucy provided for the children in her will. A final attempt to appease her guilty conscience, no doubt."
Lindsey was staring at him wide-eyed. "Andrew, I didn't know…I thought. Oh, poor little Susan!"
"Oh, she'll learn to cope in time. Lindsey, I've told you before, don't go back to Africa unless you're really certain. Look why don't you contact Simon?"
"If Simon wanted me back he would have contacted me in some way himself. Left some message. He didn't even say goodbye," she said dully.
"Maybe that's the way he feels about you, Lindsey. You could have rung him or written after all."
There was something Lindsey had to know. "Has he—has he got another housekeeper yet?"
"No—the agency hadn't anyone suitable at present."
Relief welled up inside Lindsey. "And the children—how are they?"
"Tommy misses you like blazes and keeps asking when you're coming home. Susan is as indifferent as ever—very moody."
"Children soon forget," Lindsey said.
"So they might, but you could at least say goodbye. Look why don't you just write down the details of your flight. I might even manage to see you off."
"I don't like goodbyes," Lindsey said her eyes full of sudden tears.
"Oh Lin, my dear, something's not right about all this, is it?"
She shook her head. "And I'm leaving tomorrow afternoon."
Andrew was taken aback. "Tomorrow —so soon!"
He persuaded her to write the flight details in his diary, which he pocketed carefully. "And I suppose this is your handsome fiancé bearing down upon us, with a face as black as thunder."
"He isn't my fiancé. We're not engaged yet."
Andrew's eyebrows rose. "Then Susan got her facts confused."
Gavin didn't look very pleased to see Andrew. Lindsey made the introductions, and he nodded curtly to Andrew who nodded equally curtly back.
"Well come along, Lindsey, we must get this luggage," Gavin said impatiently. Andrew caught both her hands in his.
"Goodbye Lin—and God bless you."
"Goodbye Andrew." The tears stung Lindsey's eyes, as she turned to follow Gavin.
They left for the airport soon after lunch the following day. To Lindsey's surprise, Gavin had produced a ring that had belonged to his grandmother, and made Lindsey slip it on her finger until they could choose one together. It was too big and she kept twirling it round nervously. "There, at last we are well and truly engaged," he had said, and kissed her gently. Lindsey wondered if you could grow to love a person. She sincerely hoped so.
Rob came with them to the airport. So this really was it, Lindsey thought, as they sat in the airport lounge. Early tomorrow morning she would be in Nairobi, and England and Simon would be more than 4,000 miles away. She looked down at the ring. It somehow didn't seem to belong on her finger. She got to her feet impatiently.
"I hate hanging around airports. Excuse me, I'm going to stretch my legs." She walked round the lounge, wondering if she might see Andrew, but he had obviously decided not to come after all.
In less than an hour from now, she would be on the plane. Shortly she would start going through Customs and her dream would be over. Even now there would still be time to 'phone Simon, just to say goodbye, but, somehow, she could not bring herself to do so.
She went into the Ladies and reapplied her make-up, combed her hair; anything to kill those dreadful minutes of waiting. And then, as she was purchasing a magazine from one of the book stalls, it came over the loudspeaker. "Will passengers on flight 60750 for Entebbe and Nairobi, please collect their boarding cards and proceed through Customs now."
So this really is it, thought Lindsey. Goodbye England, perhaps for ever. And then she saw him edging through the crowds towards her, waving frantically to attract her attention.
"Simon! Simon!" She ran towards him, forgetting that her flight had been called, forgetting Gavin and the ring on her finger, knowing only her love for Simon. "Oh Simon, you came after all!"
He was out of breath. "I didn't think I'd make it, there was such a traffic jam…I felt I had to come to say goodbye."
"My flight's been called, Simon…I don't want it to be like this. I'm not in love with Gavin, you know."
"Then why—why?"
It was now or never. She could see Gavin frantically looking round for her. Her heart pounded wildly. "I—I don't suppose it matters, because we're never likely to see each other again, and anyway, you're going to marry your Sonia…but I can't love Gavin, Simon, because… because I'm in love with you. So now you know and I must go before…” She turned blindly away, hurrying towards Gavin.
"Will passengers on night 60750 bound for Entebbe and Nairobi…" blared the loudspeaker.
"Lindsey wait…! Lindsey I love you too. Do you think I've come all this way just to say goodbye! I want to marry you my darling."
She stood stock still, staring at him, unable to believe her ears. And then she was in his arms and he was kissing her, oblivious of the people milling about them. That kiss seemed to go on for eternity. Time stood still.
"Will Miss Lindsey Meredith on flight 60750, please report to gate 3, where her fiancé Mr. Gavin Evans is waiting for her."
Lindsey looked up from the shelter of Simon's arms. "Oh Simon, what are we going to do?"
"Do you want to marry me?"
"Yes. Oh yes, of course I do, but…”
“Will Miss Lindsey Meredith…" Simon took her gently by the arm.
Gavin was looking frantic. "Lindsey, I've been nearly out of my mind. Where the devil have you been? We must go immediately we..." He trailed off as he recognised Simon.
"I'm afraid Lindsey is staying here in England with me, Mr. Evans. You see she's made a mistake."
"Don't be ridiculous; Lindsey's coming with me right now."
"No, Gavin. I'm sorry, I really am, but it wouldn't work and deep down, I'm sure you know it wouldn't. You've chased me, persuaded me, done everything in your power, but you've forgotten the most important factor. I'm not in love with you, Gavin, and you're not in love with me, and love, after all, is the essence of a happy marriage."
Rob came rushing up just in time to see Lindsey hand back her ring to an astounded Gavin.
"Please go, Gavin. Whatever you say or do now can't make the slightest difference. Tell father to proceed with the purchase of the ranch, and find yourself a nice, dedicated girl to share it with you. I'll be out to see how you're getting on before long."
"Will passengers for flight 60750 for Entebbe and Nairobi..."
Lindsey gave him a gentle push. "Gavin, I'm sorry, I really am, but it really wouldn't work out. We'd only regret it, and I'm honestly not cut out to be a ranch farmer's wife. I've told you so —often before."
Gavin suddenly made up his mind to it. He shook Simon's hand somewhat dejectedly. "Okay, Mr. Kirkby. Take care of her."
"I will—Goodbye Mr. Evans."
"Goodbye, Gavin. Take care." Lindsey kissed him on the cheek. "God bless and love to everyone—Tell father to hurry up and get well soon."
"Cheerio, Gavin," said Rob. They waved him goodbye, a solitary determined figure. "Wow, I guess that must be the shortest engagement on record. What came over you, Lin?"
But Lindsey, locked in Simon's arms, did not reply.
For a moment, Lindsey could not remember where she was. She half expected to see Lake Victoria from the plane window, but instead, it was her own room at Balliam Point. She stretched blissfully. It was very early. The remembrance of yesterday cast a delicious glow down to her toes. Simon had said if they didn't get married shortly, he wouldn't be responsible for the consequences!
She drew back the curtains and sunlight flooded the room. A row of daffodils waved their golden heads under the oak tree on the lawn. There was a gentle tap on the door, and Simon poked his head round. "Tea, darling—Did you sleep well?
"
"Mmn, like a top. I woke up thinking I was on the plane just about to land at Entebbe airport."
He drew her into his arms and kissed her, "To think, my darling, I so nearly lost you…Lin, I must tell you, I saw that little foot note you'd written in my typescript about the Cambrook monk!"
"Did you, Simon? I hoped you might…My father told me a long time ago that the local girl was reputed to be a Meredith."
"Well, this time we'll make certain that the Kirkby’s and the Meredith’s are united for ever, my darling."
"Just think," Lindsey said blissfully, "if it hadn't been for Aunt Mary going abroad and letting the bungalow, I should never have come to Balliam Point, and we would never have met."
"Yes, my darling, we owe a lot to your Aunt Mary leaving you so financially embarrassed." He kissed her again. She felt so secure in his arms. "My darling, you've made me come alive again. I was practically comatose before I knew you. You've made me aware of the wonder of nature once more—the beauty of a snow scene or an arrangement of flowers—the joy of children. How could I have neglected Tommy and Sue so? Things will be very different now that I've found you."
"Oh, Simon…you in turn have shown me that it's people and not places that matter. A few months ago, I was prepared to say that England and White Chestnuts meant more to me than any human being ever could, but that was because I did not understand the true meaning of love…You, darling, have taught me that."
"I'm so glad, my dear, so very glad."
"Daddy, who are you talking to?" came Tommy's sleepy voice from the doorway. "Lindy! Lindy, you're back!" A pair of arms wrapped themselves round her neck, and he gave her a bear hug ending in a kiss.
"I thought you didn't kiss," remarked Lindsey, trying to keep back the tears. His freckled face was alight with joy.
"You're different—I love you. Where have you been, and why did you go away with that other man?"
"Go and find Susan," said Simon. "Tell her to come in here."
Whilst he was gone, Simon kissed Lindsey again. "I do love you, my darling."
"And I you. I thought you were going to marry Sonia and that you'd never even noticed my existence."
