Honeysuckle House

by Christina Jones

  Leon sighed. ‘I deserved that! What have I done to you?’

  ‘Made me open my eyes.’ Kizzy sniffed. ‘This hasn’t been that sudden, Dad. As soon as I knew about you and Mum, I started feeling different. Scared. I – I was in love with the idea of being in love … I didn’t look any further than the wedding and swanning about in a beautiful white dress.’

  ‘Do you love Andrew?’

  ‘I always have! It’s not that. I just want to be me first, before I become the next Mrs Pearson. I’m not ready for all the things Andrew’s mum finds so important. I want to be me.’

  Leon sat back and looked at this daughter he loved to distraction. And she had chosen to tell him, not Rosie. He felt a warm glow about that, after fearing he’d lost her confidence for ever.

  ‘Has Andrew been in touch since you stormed out?’

  ‘No. I couldn’t go to school. So I waited till Mum went out, then I rang you. Is it always going to be like this? Meeting in cafes? I mean, where are you living?’

  ‘Officially, still at Steven’s,’ Leon said quickly, ‘but I spend more time at Felicity’s. Would you come and see me there?’

  ‘I don’t know. I suppose so. I mean – I don’t really want to meet her, but that’s not being very grown-up, is it? Oh, Dad … What should I do?’

  ‘I’m probably the worst person in the world to give advice, but I think you should go and see Andrew. Tell him you’re sorry for hurting him, but that you need time to think things over. Leave things until after your exams. Andrew’s a great bloke, Kizzy. He’ll understand. Just concentrate on your exams, and then once the pressure’s off you may see things differently …’

  ‘He’ll probably never want to see me again!’

  ‘Maybe not, at first. But he’ll come round. Just be brave, and stay true to your heart.’

  ‘Like you?’ She stared at him.

  ‘Kizzy, I loved your mother desperately. We were just as young and idealistic as you and Andrew, and we had so many years of being happy. That’s more than a lot of people can say.’

  Kizzy took a deep breath. ‘But would you still have left Mum even if you hadn’t fallen out over the Four Seasons? Even if you hadn’t met –’ she swallowed ‘– Felicity?’

  That was a question Leon had asked himself many times during those long, lonely hours of darkness when sleep evaded him.

  ‘Yes. Yes, I would.’

  ‘Thanks, Dad.’ She stood up quickly. ‘I’ll get the bus back to Highcliffe and go and see Andrew, make him understand how I feel. And – and let me know when you move in to Felicity’s flat. I’ll need the number …’

  Five minutes later, Felicity dropped into the seat Kizzy had so recently vacated. ‘Penny for them?’ she said.

  ‘I’ll never cease to be amazed by my kids.’ Leon kissed her. ‘I think Kizzy and I have just become friends again.’

  ‘Good. And did you give her the right advice?’

  ‘Goodness knows.’ Leon sighed. ‘But I told her the truth. I told her to follow her heart.’

  ‘And does she know about us? About you moving in? Or was it not the right time to tell her?’

  ‘No, I told her. She accepted it quite calmly. She’s growing up very quickly. I’d like you two to be friends.’

  ‘So would I.’ Felicity squeezed his hand. ‘Very much. But we’ll let her make all the moves. Now, do you want to hear about the meeting?’

  Leon sat for a moment, watching her face. This was the last vestige of the past. On her words his future depended, a future that no longer included the Nook, or Honeysuckle House, or Rosie. The future would be Felicity and the Four Seasons …

  ‘With Steven Casey’s offer confirmed, Brennan and Foulkes are more than happy to back you financially. In fact,’ she tapped her briefcase, ‘their projected cash input is higher than our most optimistic figure. On your behalf, Leon, Brennan and Foulkes have just purchased the Old Granary.’

  Holding On To The Past

  Rosie lit the candles, then blew them out. Candles were synonymous with romance, and she didn’t want to give Steven the wrong idea about this dinner. She switched on the table lamps instead.

  For the twentieth time, she looked at her reflection in the mirror. She hadn’t taken this much care with her appearance for a long time. Her hair gleamed, her silk dress was flattering, and she’d even bothered with mascara and lipstick. Just to raise her own spirits, she told herself. Absolutely nothing to do with Steven. After all, he’d seen her around for years in jeans and Leon’s shirts, her face bare … She didn’t need to pretend for him.

  She checked the cooker. Everything was ready. Of course, the menu wouldn’t be up to that of the Nook. It was one of the drawbacks of being married to a chef – her own culinary skills had taken a back seat.

  Tonight had given her an opportunity to shine – in more ways than one.

  When the bell rang she flew to answer it, more like Kizzy than a middle-aged mother. Her stomach was full of aerobic butterflies.

  ‘Rosie – you look sensational!’ Steven handed her a bottle of wine and a bunch of stately, deep-blue irises. ‘Are you expecting someone?’

  ‘I always dress for dinner!’ She laughed, feeling absurdly happy for the first time in ages. ‘And you don’t look so bad yourself.’

  ‘It probably wouldn’t pass muster in the Savoy.’ He glanced down at his neatly pressed trousers, smart shirt, and tie. ‘But for an out-and-out scruff it’s the best I can do. Something smells wonderful! All your own work?’

  ‘Every scrap.’ She showed him into the dining room. ‘I hope you’re hungry. I’ve forgotten what it’s like to cook for two – I’ve done far too much.’

  ‘I’m starving.’ He lowered himself into the rocking-chair and looked at the two place settings. ‘And it’s just us, is it? Am I being shunned by your children?’

  ‘Not at all. William’s on duty at the Nook, and Lisa has gone in with him to – waitress. We’re baby-sitting both Lewis and the dog. Kizzy has gone to her mate Fiona’s to do some revision, and Jamie is with three of his friends being spoiled rotten with burgers and beans at the Beattys.’

  She indicated the flowers. ‘Just let me find a vase, then we can eat.’

  ‘Do you want a hand?’

  ‘No, just sit there and relax – I’ll be back in a minute.’

  ‘I could get used to this,’ he said softly as’ Rosie darted through to the kitchen. ‘Leon Brodie; you are the most foolish man in the world!’

  ‘More potatoes?’ Rosie looked across the table. ‘Or cauliflower cheese?’

  ‘No, thank you.’ Steven laid down his knife and fork. ‘I couldn’t eat another mouthful …’

  ‘Not even bread and butter pudding?’

  ‘Temptress!’ He groaned. ‘How did you know I can never say no to that?’

  ‘A wild guess.’ She grinned, raising her glass. ‘Anyway, here’s to the continuation of Cookery Nook.’

  Steven chinked his glass against hers, rainbows dancing from the crystal.

  ‘To a long and happy partnership. Mind you, I think I’ll be putting you in place of William as chef,’ he joked.

  ‘Oh, I think the eaters at the Nook expect more than steak and kidney pie and bread and butter pudding! My basic skills in the kitchen may come in handy, though.’ She regarded him through the golden glow of her wine glass. ‘I’m going to turn Honeysuckle House into a B and B …’

  ‘But it’s your home! How can you bear to have it filled with strangers?’

  ‘Exactly. It’s my home. It’s where I want to stay and it’s what I do best. Run a home, feed people, make them comfortable. I told you it was staring me in the face. I discussed it with Paul Beatty today, and my solicitor’s drawing up all the paperwork. There are rules and regulations, of course, but I want to be up and running in time for the summer season.

  ‘And how can I bear to fill my home with strangers?’ She stared into his eyes. ‘Rather that than losing it altogether. I’ve lost Leon – I’m n
ot going to lose my home!’

  He smiled tenderly at her. ‘You’re wonderful, Rosie. What can I say?’

  ‘Say that this is not the most stupid notion you’ve ever heard, that it’s not just a crazy dream that will lead to bankruptcy …’

  ‘Rosie Brodie, you are the most brilliant, beautiful, resourceful woman in the whole world – and you deserve a kiss!’

  Laughing, he pulled her towards him as she protested mildly.

  ‘I said this should never happen again. It isn’t why I invited you.’

  ‘I know,’ he said softly. ‘I know.’

  Neither of them heard the key in the latch. Neither heard the footsteps in the hall. Neither of them heard the dining room door open softly.

  ‘What the devil’s going on?’ Leon’s shout made them spring apart. ‘I can’t believe this!’

  ‘What can’t you believe?’ Rosie moved away from Steven and met her husband’s eyes. ‘That because you compared me with Felicity and found me wanting, no other man could possibly find me attractive? Well, it came as a bit of a shock to me, too. You’d done a pretty good job of undermining my confidence. But thanks to Steven –’

  ‘Steven is my friend!’ Leon growled. ‘And you are my wife!’

  ‘I’m sorry if you don’t like the situation, Leon, but you left me, and this house, and the children, remember?

  ‘Still –’ She swallowed. ‘I will admit I made a mistake. My mistake,’ she continued icily, ‘was to allow you to keep your key. Without that you would have phoned first and I could have told you that tonight wasn’t convenient.’

  ‘But you were kissing!’ Leon realised he was jealous.

  ‘Of course we were kissing!’ Rosie was close to tears. ‘We were celebrating our business partnership which means that Cookery Nook will still be a viable proposition when you and Felicity are holding court in the Four Seasons! A partnership that means I can run my own business and keep this roof over our heads. That’s why we were kissing, Leon. For the first time in ages I felt happy and secure and could see some sort of future.’

  ‘We were also kissing,’ Steven put in, ‘because Rosie is a very lovely lady who should be kissed often. She needs hugs, love, and laughter – all somewhat neglected of late.’

  ‘The breakdown of our marriage is none of your concern!’ Leon snapped.

  ‘Since when?’ Steven sat down in the rocking-chair. ‘I’ve been a friend to you both for as long as I can remember. I’ve heard both sides of this story. I’ve told you from the start that you’re a fool for doing what you’ve done. And Rosie …’ He reached up and caught her trembling hand. ‘Rosie knows how I feel about her – but,’ he went on quickly, ‘she has always discouraged me from taking my feelings further. She’s loyal to you, Leon, even after the way you’ve behaved.’

  ‘Are you telling me that you’re in love with her?’

  An indignant yell spiralled down the staircase, followed by a volley of gruff barking. If only Otis had stirred earlier when Leon had silently turned his key in the lock!

  ‘It’s the baby,’ Rosie said unnecessarily. ‘I’ll go …’

  ‘No.’ Steven rose. ‘I will. Leon came to talk to you, so I’ll get out of the way.’ He paused in the doorway and looked at Leon. ‘And since you ask … yes, I am in love with Rosie.’

  Blushing, Rosie faced her husband across the table. ‘Why did you come?’

  ‘To tell you that I’ve bought the Old Granary. I didn’t want you to hear it on the grapevine. I came to discuss it with you and the kids. I came to see if Jamie was OK, and if Kizzy had sorted things with Andrew. I came because I thought that was what we had agreed …’

  ‘Oh, Leon!’ Rosie sighed. ‘I think we’ll have to make it a rule to ring each other in future, don’t you? After all we’re leading separate lives.’

  ‘What if it had been Jamie who walked in on you?’

  Rosie sat down. ‘Jamie knew Steven was coming to supper. I told Kizzy and William, too. The children were perfectly happy with the arrangement – just as they’re equally happy with my plans for Honeysuckle House.’

  ‘What plans?’ He frowned.

  ‘I was going to ring you tomorrow and tell you. I’m turning the house into a B and B …’

  ‘Over my dead body!’ He leapt to his feet. ‘I will not have hordes of holidaymakers traipsing all over my house, leaving sand in the carpets and seaweed in the sinks … What are you laughing at?’

  ‘You! You’re priceless! You don’t live here anymore, remember? You live in Felicity Phelps’ luxury apartment at Dawley Marina. And there’s absolutely nothing you can do to stop me making Honeysuckle House the best bed and breakfast establishment in Highcliffe! I thought you might be pleased. If I can be big enough to congratulate you on the Four Seasons, I would have thought you could at least return the compliment.’

  He moved closer and placed both hands on her shoulders, and gazed at her face, as if memorising its every feature. Rosie gazed back, transfixed. They had been through so much together, but in future their lives would barely touch.

  She could hear the sea restlessly crashing outside in the darkness, hear the distant whimpers of Lewis, and Steven’s deep, soothing voice, hear the beating of her own heart.

  She pulled away from his grip. ‘What are you trying to do, Leon?’

  ‘Hold on to the past, I suppose.’ He shrugged. ‘Sometimes I wish …’

  ‘It’s too late for regrets now. The changes you have made are irrevocable. You’ll never change, Leon. You’ll always want to chase dreams.’

  He nodded slowly, then: ‘Are you in love with Steven?’

  ‘No!’ then she paused. ‘Well … I’ve always loved him as a friend. It’s too soon to tell if what I feel now is love or gratitude. I’m the cautious one, remember? I don’t plunge into anything without thinking it through.’ She looked at him. ‘Why? Does it matter to you?’

  ‘It might. One of the reasons I came here tonight – in fact, the main reason – was to suggest that we should consider making our separation permanent. And official.’

  The distant sound of the sea had become a deafening roar in her ears.

  ‘You mean divorce,’ Rosie said dully.

  Kizzy pushed her way into the Nook and dropped ungracefully into a chair near the kitchen. It was always the last table to be taken, and tonight, early on Thursday evening, the restaurant was barely half full.

  Nothing was going right. The A-levels which had seemed so distant were now only weeks away. Andrew had curtly refused to see her or even speak to her on the phone. The plans to turn Honeysuckle House into a B and B were galloping into reality, and the house was swarming with builders and surveyors and men with clipboards. And her parents, each of them seeking her out and telling her as gently as possible, were considering divorce.

  Part of Kizzy had always thought that when her dad tired of his new life, he’d come back home. It had never once occurred to her that Mum might not want him back, or that Leon really wanted to make the parting permanent.

  ‘Hi, Kizzy. Are you here to eat or did you want to see William?’ One of the waitresses paused beside the table. ‘Shall I give him a shout?’

  ‘Please – if he’s not too busy …’

  ‘William’s always busy.’ The girl grinned. ‘Still, at least he’s in charge now – not like when your dad – er …’

  ‘It’s OK.’ Kizzy smiled. ‘I know what you mean.’

  It was a week since Steven had bought Leon out of the Nook. Apart from paper shuffling, there were no obvious signs of change. Carl and Marcia still happily worked the lunch-time openings. William planned menus and followed Leon’s recipes, and, with a little encouragement from Lisa, was trying out some dishes of his own.

  Kizzy glanced at the menu. Some of the meals were really quite innovative. Lisa’s influence?

  ‘I can recommend the monkfish.’

  William dropped down opposite her, chef’s whites stained, hair awry. ‘If you’re ordering …’


  ‘I’m not. I’m looking for sanctuary. The house is like bedlam. All my friends are swotting like crazy, and I can’t go to Andrew’s any more … Anyway, Dad always did monkfish.’ She held up the menu. ‘But he didn’t do fillet of red bream with pimento and rosemary risotto, or artichokes with warm goat’s cheese, or any of these sauces – black olive and caper, lemongrass, spinach and saffron …’

  ‘Lisa’s suggestions.’ He grinned proudly. ‘She feels we should do fewer red meat and conventional dishes. More and more people are sticking to white meat and fish these days.’ He paused, noticing Kizzy’s bleak eyes. ‘Still, you didn’t come here to talk about Lisa. What’s bothering you? Is it Mum and Dad?’

  ‘Not really.’ She shook her head. ‘I was shocked when they told me about the divorce – I mean, it’s all happened so quickly. But it’s up to them. I don’t have any childish dreams of last-minute reunions or anything – I just wish they weren’t so selfish!’

  ‘Selfish?’ William had been gazing round the Nook, noting with satisfaction that the tables were filling nicely, but that brought his attention back to his sister. ‘Mum has never been selfish in her life! And Dad … well, Dad’s just Dad. He’s always been the same. He comes up with these crazy notions, and it never occurs to him that they might not be what everyone else wants to do.’

  ‘Maybe I don’t mean selfish,’ Kizzy said. ‘Life is just so upside down! By the time the Four Seasons is up and running we’ll be living in a B and B – and it’ll all be happening when I should have been getting married.’

  Fat teardrops slid silently down her cheeks. William handed her a napkin.

  ‘Don’t cry, Kizz. Look, Lisa will be in soon. Suppose she takes the night off and you can have an evening out together? Go into Dawley or something. How about ten-pin bowling? You used to enjoy that.’

  ‘When I went with Andrew.’ She sniffed. ‘Oh, William, I wish he’d speak to me at least …’

  ‘Do you want me to talk to him? We’ve always been good mates – and he’s bound to be as unhappy as you are. Maybe if I explain to him that you just want to postpone the wedding for a while …’