by Dilys Xavier
Frankie Butterworth took a deep breath as they left the office.
‘Phew, we’ll need to wear respirators if that room gets any worse. How does he expect anyone to put up with the smell of that lousy pipe?’
‘It could be worse.’ The older detective laughed sardonically. ‘Just imagine doing surveillance work with him, or being in a patrol car.’ He prodded the younger man in the chest. ‘Right, off you go then. Get out of your suit, put on an old pair of jeans and get down to the industrial estate.’
*
Catherine opened up the first box when the invitation cards where delivered to the house the following morning and slowly ran her fingertips over the embossed writing. The work was first class, but for some reason or other they only seemed to add to the feeling of unease that had now become a part of her life. Could she be sure that her birthday would culminate in the finalisation of her inheritance? She did not feel sure about anything at the moment. So much seemed to have gone wrong in a very short time. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.
‘Can I see you for a moment?’ Peter asked, as she turned in his direction. ‘We need to do something about the horses.’
‘What’s wrong with them?’
‘Nothing really, but young Sally is a bit under the weather and hasn’t felt up to riding them for a few days, and of course I can’t even think of climbing into the saddle.’ He shrugged his shoulders and then grimaced with pain. ‘It’s not wise to leave them stabled for so long. Can we get someone else to give them a work out, just for the short term?’
‘There’s no need to do that, I’ll ride them myself,’ Catherine said, in a determined voice. ‘What with one thing and another, I’ve been rather negligent lately. It’s time I got back into the saddle again.’
‘So, I’ll tell Sally you’ll take care of it?’
‘Yes, I can do with the exercise and it’ll help take my mind off other things.’
‘What other things?’ Peter asked, nervously. ‘What else has gone wrong?’
‘The housekeeper has just given notice. She wants to finish up a soon as possible.’
‘It shouldn’t be too hard to replace her surely?’
‘I’m not worried, but it’s just another inconvenience; one I can do without at the moment.’
After he had gone Catherine stared out of the window for a long time, wondering what was going to happen to him. Any thought of marrying him now was completely untenable, because she would always be concerned that he might bring some dishonour to the manor. And besides, the easy rapport they had once enjoyed no longer existed. Peter had never been an assertive person, but since the attack he seemed to have withdrawn into a shell. It was as if he did not want to risk making decisions any more. A shudder passed through her body as she wondered if he was just waiting for something worse to happen. Something beyond his ability to cope with.
When Cecile rang that evening and suggested that they should get together for lunch the next day, she readily agreed. It would give her a chance to get away from the house for a while, and she was keen to find out if her friend was still involved with Richard Carlisle.
The horses were tied up outside their boxes when Catherine walked into the stable area the next morning. She decided to ride the mare first. The creature was a bit skittish, but she soon brought it under control and urged the animal out of the yard and into the nearby field. Saracen was saddled and ready for her by the time she returned half an hour later.
‘I’ll take Duke out next, Sally,’ she said, digging her heels into Peter’s big hunter.
The horse pulled fiercely and she was relieved to be able hand him over to the stable girl and climb onto her favourite steed. Once again, Catherine headed out of the yard and towards the far side of the estate. She cantered the gelding along the boundary fence enjoying the experience and not taking particular notice of anything. Then a sudden movement on the road caught her attention. A man darted out from behind a parked van and stared at her for several seconds before disappearing.
Frightened by the unexpected attention, Catherine swung the horse’s head around and galloped towards the stables. She helped the girl rub the gelding down and then walked back to the house deep in thought. Was somebody keeping the manor under surveillance? Were the police waiting to see if Peter made contact with his associates? Did they disbelieve his account of things? Then she dismissed the whole idea as fanciful; there was very little to be seen from that area of the property.
I can’t afford to get paranoid, too, Catherine thought, as she climbed the stairs to her apartment. She glanced at the clock and decided there was ample time to slip into the village before lunch. By the time she made it to the bistro, Cecile had already found a table in a secluded corner. The two women talked about things in general until the food was served, and then Catherine looked directly at her friend.
‘Well, how have you been? Apparently, I didn’t give you such a disagreeable task by asking you to check up on Richard Carlisle, although by all accounts it was a waste of time.’
‘On the contrary,’ Cecile said, a soft smile playing around her lips. ‘I’ve found him to be a very charming and attentive man. He knows his way around, knows how to handle people, and knows how to make a woman feel wanted. It’s a nice experience.’
‘But has he said anything about Langley Hall or a possible claim on the inheritance?’
‘No, not a word,’ Cecile replied. ‘He’s never mentioned your name, and when I’ve tried to talk about it he ignores the question or changes the subject. Either he’s not concerned, or he doesn’t want me to know what he’s up to. If anything.’
‘Why do you say that?’
‘I never known a man not boast about his personal plans or achievements. All he talks about is what’s happening at Carlisle Enterprises and how business is booming. It seems to be his top priority at the moment.’ She paused and then added. ‘Except for me, that is.’
‘Maybe he realised that I asked you to find out what he’s up to.’ Catherine gave a mirthless little laugh. ‘But he seems to have captured your fancy.’
‘Indeed.’ Cecile smiled again. ‘He’s taking me to Guernsey for the weekend. It’s a chance for us to get to know each other better.’
‘Guernsey? Why Guernsey?’ Isn’t that a little ...’
‘A little ordinary? Yes, you’re right.’ Cecile chuckled softly. ‘But we shouldn’t run into anyone we don’t want to meet on an ... an exploratory weekend.’
‘So is this the start of something big?’ Catherine watched her friend’s face closely. ‘Will it be different this time, or is he just another notch in your belt? Somehow I can’t imagine you ever settling down with one person.’
Cecile pursed her lips.
‘I didn’t either, but things happen. Of course I’m not going to suddenly throw caution to the winds just because I like the man.’ She looked down at her hands for a brief moment. ‘But it’s a pity you two couldn’t get along. He could have been the right one for you.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Oh, come on, Catherine,’ Cecile said, disparagingly. ‘You’re more interested in him than you wish to admit. You should have seen the look on your face when I talked about our first evening together.’ She laughed softly again. ‘I think you were a bit envious.’
Catherine rearranged the cutlery and smoothed her napkin before answering.
‘I can’t imagine why you think that way,’ she said, a trifle peevishly. ‘When we first met I was still engaged to Peter, and I had intended to announce our wedding day at the party to celebrate my inheritance. Even if I’d been the least bit interested in Richard I would not have been able to consider making it known under the circumstances.’ She refolded the napkin and then looked at her friend. ‘Anyway, I don’t think I’m really the marrying kind. There’ve been plenty of eligible men passing through Langley Hall over the years and I could have taken my pick of them.’
‘So you’re not going to marry Pete
r? Have you told him?’
Once again, Catherine hesitated, but even as she acknowledged that it seemed the right thing to do, the words stuck in her throat. Cecile reached over the table and laid a hand on her arm again.
‘What’s up? Something’s gone wrong, hasn’t it? It’s not like you to be worried unnecessarily. What is it? Can’t you tell me?’
Catherine nodded and got to her feet. ‘Come along, let’s go somewhere else for a drink.’ She gestured at the crowded bistro. ‘This place is too full of nosy people.’
By the time they walked out of the hotel an hour later, Catherine felt a lot better. It had been good to share her growing concerns with someone who cared about her. And despite her shortcomings Cecile would not divulge anything that she had been told in confidence, nor would she say anything to Peter that might upset him. As they parted company, she called out, ‘Enjoy your weekend, but don’t bother to fill me in on all the details. Okay?’
She sat behind the wheel of the Mazda for a few moments undecided whether to drive straight home or report the occurrence in the back lane that morning. Easing the clutch in she headed towards the police station. The officer on duty showed her into a room and called Detective Sergeant Howells. When she was seated Catherine related what she had seen while she had been exercising the horse and voiced her concern about the incident.
‘Can you describe the man?’
‘I saw him for only a couple of seconds, and he was quite some distance away, but he appeared to be stocky and of medium height.’ She hesitated and then added, ‘Oh, I think he was bald. No, not bald; his head was shaven.’ Catherine looked beseechingly at the detective. ‘You can appreciate my concern for Mr Hamblyn, and of course for everyone at Langley Hall. We’ve never felt the need to take rigid security measures before, but now ...’ She left the sentence unfinished.
‘I’ll have a word with my superior about the matter. He may be able to suggest something. In the meantime, I’ll have someone check out the road that runs along the back of the estate from time to time when they’re on patrol.’ He stood up. ‘Don’t hesitate to call if anything unusual occurs.’
‘And what about the assault on my fiancée? What are you doing about that?’
‘We are making some head way, Miss Lowestoffe, but of course we can’t divulge any information at this stage of the enquiries.’
Catherine nodded, it was a stock answer.
She drove home in a sombre mood. Although the detective had tried to brush aside her concern that someone was watching the property it was still worrying. Did this Murphy person know that Peter had been talking to the police? Worst of all, was she being targeted? In any case it would be better for all concerned if Peter stayed inside the manor and not venture outside at all.
And what about Richard Carlisle? She had not acknowledged her feelings for the man to anyone and it came as a bit of surprise that Cecile said they showed. Of course she might be trying to make her envious. Would she feel jealous if their relationship deepened into something more serious? No, it was not in her character. Besides she knew how many men had dallied with Cecile over the years and then just slipped away into oblivion. Her friend appeared to be incapable holding onto anyone for very long. Although, she gave the distinct impression that her interest in Richard was more than just a passing fancy.
When she returned to the manor, Catherine told Peter that she had gone to the police to report what had happened as she was exercising the horses that morning.
‘You’d better stay indoors as much as possible, just in case,’ she said, as a look of fear crossed his face. ‘It’s not worth taking a risk.’
After he had gone she sat down, pulled out list of the invitations and picked up a pen. Almost at once she laid it down again, and stared into space as she recalled Cecile’s comment about her decision to announce their wedding plans at the party. No, it’s completely out of the question, she decided. I couldn’t bring myself to marry him now.
Her mind slipped back to the days when they had first met. He had tried very hard to seduce her at the time, but she had resisted his every advance. She had not been prepared to become involved with anyone at that stage, let alone indulge in a casual or even a committed sexual relationship. Although he had always been gregarious and outgoing, Peter was not the type of person she would have considered as a future husband; not then.
Their paths had not crossed again for many years and then a wedding and a funeral had brought them together again. They went on a few outings and accompanied each other to a few formal dinners, but that was all. Until he came to help Cousin John. When it was suggested that they should marry to ensure the continuity of Langley Hall’s heritage, he had changed. He evidently thought that her willingness to consider the idea meant that she loved him. He had become more attentive and even amorous at times.
Of course her feelings for him had changed since they had lived under the same roof and shared the responsibility of managing Langley Hall. It was true that she did feel a great deal of affection for him, but she didn’t love him. Certainly not enough to marry him. So why had she agreed?
There was only one answer to that question: because she was determined to hang onto the estate at all costs and was prepared to do virtually anything to achieve that goal. But what would happen if she decided not to go ahead with the marriage? Would he be prepared to stay on and manage the estate? She doubted it. Peter had begun to talk as if he were the next Squire, and he probably would be too embarrassed to remain there if he couldn’t fulfil that position. He would be too proud to accept a subservient role.
And of course there was the other matter. What if the police pressed charges? And what would happen if they caught this man Murphy? Would he implicate Peter? If he did, that would cast a shadow across everyone associated with Langley Hall. Could she help to extricate him from the situation in any way?
‘I wish I knew the answer,’ she murmured, sorrowfully. ‘I really do.’
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
‘Well, here we are,’ Richard said as the plane touched down and taxied slowly towards the Guernsey airport terminal.
They claimed their bags from the luggage carousel and then Richard made his way to the hire car desk where he was given the keys of a Ford Mondeo. Within minutes of slinging their bags on the back seat he was heading out of the parking lot. He glanced sideways at Cecile and smiled.
‘Right, first stop Hougue Du Pommier.’
It was only a short drive to Castel where the hotel was situated, and by the time they arrived there, late afternoon, the sun had lit up the front of the building to create a welcoming vista. The old farmhouse had been converted into a hotel many years earlier and was well situated for their weekend together; it would give them the sense of being out in the country as well as providing the privacy they needed.
Cecile joined Richard as he pulled the bags from the boot.
‘It looks sort of homely,’ she remarked. ‘Well, I suppose it was a home at one stage, wasn’t it?’
‘According to the brochure it was built in 1712.’
‘Let’s hope the amenities are a bit more up to date.’
‘I was going to add that it’s got a solar heated swimming pool, a sauna, a pitch and putt golf course and a putting green.’ He was about to continue when Cecile stopped him.
‘I didn’t know you wanted to spend the weekend improving your golf? I thought you had other things on your mind, like lazy mornings in bed, and supper on the balcony with a bottle or two of bubbly.’ A smile curled around her lips. ‘At least, that’s the reason I said yes to the weekend.’
‘Touché.’ Richard laughed. ‘I deserved that one.’
As soon as they had unpacked, they made their way into the Tudor bar and ordered a drink. The waitress announced their table was ready soon afterwards and led the way into the pleasant dining room. It was obvious that the proprietors had given a lot of thought to the layout when the alterations had been made to the building. The restaurant area app
eared to be six rooms in one - each room designed to depict what the interiors of the old farmhouses would have looked like in bygone years. The effect was very unusual and probably encouraged people to reminisce about the so-called good old days.
Although the sun had set there was still enough light to take stroll around the grounds after dinner and as they walked through the gardens Cecile gently nudged him in the ribs. She pointed to building next door.
‘Look there’s Guernsey Indoor Lawn Bowling Centre. We could play some bowls after we finish on the golf course and before we do our compulsory ten laps of the swimming pool.’ She laughed softly. ‘That’s providing you have enough energy to get out of bed.’
After a leisurely breakfast the next morning they drove across the island to enjoy a lunch at a small seafood restaurant. By the time they returned to the hotel the effects of the wine and the large serving of food had taken its toll and they dozed the afternoon away in each other’s arms. Mindful that they should see something more of the island, they followed the hotel receptionist’s advice to dine in St Peter Port that evening. When they returned to the hotel Richard suggested a dip in the heated pool, but Cecile read his mind and squashed the idea straight away.
‘Under the shower is one thing, but in a swimming pool. No thank you.’
They spent another lazy morning in bed and combined breakfast with lunch until the appearance of a housemaid made it abundantly clear that it was time to leave.
Richard had toyed with the idea of extending the weekend, but he knew it was impractical; besides there was too much work waiting for him at the office. Their time in Guernsey had gone quickly, and he glanced at Cecile as she packed her bag, and mentally compared her with some of the other women he had taken away for a weekend. No one had captivated him like this sultry woman.
Not only did they seem to enjoy the same things, but she often anticipated his intentions. It was uncanny. Once again, he wondered if she would consider a more permanent arrangement and if so would she make a fitting companion for him as Squire of Langley Hall? It was too early to contemplate what the future held, and anyway he did not know what his role would entail. So he could not project one onto her.
