Escape to the Country

by Patsy Collins

  "We look pretty good, I think?" Jayne said as they admired themselves in the long mirror.

  "We do. The fresh air and exercise have done me a world of good. You'd already said I don't look plain and fat anymore, now I don't even feel it."

  "I should hope not! You never were plain or fat, even when you had those braces you were beautiful. Who on earth told you different?"

  "No one," Leah said truthfully. He'd never actually said it, but somehow Adam had made her feel that way.

  "Hmm. You can talk to me, you know."

  "Yes, I do know." Leah hugged Jayne. "I reckon we could tell each other anything."

  "Of course we could, lovey."

  "So what is it that the doctor told you to take the spring out your step?"

  Jayne gasped, then grinned. "How did you manoeuvre me into that, you crafty cow?"

  "I used your own techniques against you. Now spill."

  "All right, I am worried about my health. And you're right, I should talk about it. Not now though, eh? The taxi will be here any minute."

  "Well..."

  "Come on, lovey. We'll talk about it tomorrow and you can be properly sympathetic, but we'll enjoy the party first."

  "All right."

  Jayne hugged her again. "Thanks, lovey. I expect I've been getting myself into a state over nothing. I feel better just to know I've got you to share this with. I knew I had, I just didn't like to say because... well, tomorrow?"

  Leah had been at the party for thirty seconds before realising she'd been right about their clothing. There were plenty of beautiful, but stick thin, women in dresses that obviously cost more than Leah earned in a month. They didn't look particularly comfortable. There were also other people, some of whom Leah recognised as being local, who were dressed as though they were there to have a good time. Glancing round, Leah could see that the party was designed for fun, not for a good write up in Hello! or to make other people's efforts at entertainment look inferior.

  The drinks, which were Elderflower champagne, local beer and fruit cup, were packed into cages and lowered into the icy cold mill water. In the courtyard garden a hog roast was set up. The fire from that warmed the outside space. Real fires were also lit inside the mill. The height of the room and the curved wooden beams gave the appearance of a cosy cathedral. The decorations were huge tubs of greenery and twigs with coloured bark. Higher up were draped lengths of printed silk. These were mostly of the same soft green as Jayne's scarf, or in the mauves and greys of Leah's so the women felt they fitted in perfectly.

  There were huge glass dishes of classy salads, a huge chocolate cake and a mountain of fresh fruit.

  The music was provided by a series of live bands and singers. Leah recognised many of the songs from the radio and television. It took her a while to realise the singers were familiar too and the entertainers weren't simply covering the songs of famous artists.

  The first part of the evening was taken up with looking round Chantelle's interesting home, being introduced to numerous people - both local and famous, and with eating. Duncan greeted her more enthusiastically than she'd expected after she'd turned down his offer of a drink. It was good to know he wasn't the sort to hold a grudge and could be friendly with her even if she wasn't offering anything else. She wasted no time in trying to explain she'd been abrupt before because she'd just come out of a relationship with someone in London. If she was a little clumsy about working that into the conversation, it didn't seem to bother Duncan.

  "I don't suppose you'll be single long, so I'd better move fast. Can I fetch you a drink?"

  He returned with a glass of the aromatic sparkling wine, but was soon claimed by an elderly lady. She seemed confused but there was no denying her intention of speaking to him. He shrugged.

  "Excuse me, Leah. I'd better give in gracefully." He led the lady away to a quiet corner.

  Duncan reappeared at her side at frequent intervals, each time bringing her another glass of the elderflower drink and each time being dragged away again after just a few words. Leah was a little disappointed not to chat to him for longer but she couldn't complain she was short of company. There were plenty of other people wanting to chat and flirt with her and Jayne. Jim was the only one who got much of a chance. Dressed in a smart shirt and trousers instead of dusty overalls he looked quite respectable. That didn't make him behave any better than he had done at the feed mill though.

  When Leah remarked on the number of people present, Jim looked puzzled.

  "I see only two people, but they are so beautiful I don't want to look at anyone else." That, of course, provided him with another excuse to kiss Jayne and Leah. And then Jayne again.

  The delicious wine went to Leah's head and she took it in turns with Jayne to flirt with Jim and anyone else who joined their small circle. She knew she was acting a little silly but it was great to get a reaction from a man, that was something other than a disapproving frown. The old lady who'd claimed Duncan earlier in the evening tapped Leah's elbow and beckoned her to follow

  Leah, following into a quiet corner, wondered if she'd have to endure a lecture about unladylike behaviour. Instead the lady wanted to tell her what a dear boy Ollie was. It took Leah a minute to realise she meant Duncan. Once she did, she agreed enthusiastically. Perhaps too enthusiastically because the lady beamed and said how nice it was that something was going right for him after all his problems. She seemed to assume the two of them would naturally get together. Leah hoped she was right about that, though glad she was wrong about the name. Ollie was a silly name, probably short for Oliver.

  The glass fell from her hand and shattered. People rushed to clear it up, but Leah couldn't move. Jayne had told her Duncan was Oliver Gilmore-Bunce and Leah hadn't believed it. Adam had pointed out an older, far less attractive man and said he was G-B and she'd believed him instead - just as she'd believed all the awful things Adam had said about the man. They hadn't all been true, she had since realised, maybe his identification had been no more accurate. If Duncan was G-B, what did that mean? He said he didn't believe she'd committed the fraud, but then he'd said he was Duncan...

  "Are you all right, dear?" The old lady asked.

  Leah couldn't reply.

  "Anyone know where May is? Her girl looks like she's had a bit of a shock."

  Thank goodness, the lady was just terrible with names. Leah took a deep breath.

  "Want to sit down?" the old lady asked.

  "No, I'm fine really," Leah reassured her. To prove it, she escorted her new friend to the buffet table where they both managed a few more mouthfuls of delicious roast pork and spiced apple sauce.

  Later, the music became softer and the mood more romantic. Jim approached holding a hand over one eye.

  "Are you OK?" Leah asked.

  Jim removed the hand and stuck his fingers in his ears. "Too much loveliness at once confuses a poor chap like me. I've got to pretend there's just one of you or I'll go crazy deciding which one to dance with first."

  Leah stood behind Jayne. "Does this help?"

  "Indeed it does. Jayne, please dance with me?"

  Jayne looked at Leah who'd just caught sight of Duncan approaching, this time without a glass in his hand.

  "Go on, Jayne, I'll be fine."

  Duncan came close enough to whisper, "Shall we?" as he gestured to the dance floor.

  Leah nodded and stepped into his arms.

  As soon as he slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her close, she knew that was what she'd been waiting for all evening.

  He didn't speak as they danced, just held her gently and moved slowly in time to the music. She felt ridiculously happy as though nothing in her life could ever go wrong again. She rested her cheek against his shoulder and breathed deeply. He didn't smell of aftershave or even fabric conditioner. Leah wasn't entirely sure what she was breathing in except that judging by the effect it was having on her body, it had to contain a healthy dose of pheromones.

  The song was far too sh
ort. Just as she'd closed her eyes and tried to imprint her brain with every sensation she was feeling so she could relive the happiness later, the music changed to something livelier. Duncan took her hand and lead her outside. The flames from the hog roast had died down to a gentle glow. Leah couldn't see anyone else there, but then she wasn't really looking. All her senses where concentrating on Duncan.

  "You look even more beautiful without your wellies," he said.

  "Thanks, so do you. I mean..."

  He laughed and pulled her into his arms, just as he'd done when they started dancing. This time she didn't rest her head on his shoulders, but lifted it up. He took the hint and kissed her.

  His kiss was so gentle it barely registered on her lips, yet its effects could be felt rushing through her body. She wanted him to do it again. From the feel of him against her and the deep breaths he was taking, she guessed he felt the same way.

  "So, you'll come out with me?"

  It seemed more of a statement than a question, but she said 'yes' anyway.

  Chapter 8

  The next morning at breakfast, Leah again asked Jayne what was worrying her.

  "It's probably nothing and I'm being silly getting myself in a state over it."

  "I expect so, but what's nothing?"

  "I've been bleeding a bit from, well my bottom. See why I wasn't keen to talk about it?" Jayne mumbled from behind her mug.

  "I do, yes. Is that why you went to the doctor?"

  Jayne nodded. "It's been uncomfortable for a while. Anyway, it might be nothing serious. I won't know until I have an examination. They want to stick cameras up my bum. That letter you asked about was a hospital appointment."

  Leah put down her drink and spoke carefully. "You're going into hospital and you didn't tell me?"

  "I'm not going."

  "Oh yes you are!"

  "I'm not. I only went to the doctor for some painkillers and he got in a flap and said he was referring me to a specialist. They only gave me a week's notice so I've cancelled it. That's why I had to go to the doctor the other day. He called me in and said I have to make another appointment as soon as possible."

  "Then do it." If the specialist wanted to see Jayne that quickly, it would be because she potentially had a very serious condition requiring immediate action.

  "How can I? I can't leave Rosemary to milk herself and the chickens to bring in their own eggs."

  "No, but I could do it. How long will you be in?"

  "For the examination just a few hours, I think. But treatment, if it's treatable, well that could mean I'm in for much longer."

  "Oh, I see." Leah thought she could muddle through for a few days if needed and milk the cow and stop the other animals going hungry or short of water, but anything more than that was beyond her skill and strength.

  Jayne was crying.

  "Hey, come on," Leah said as she put her arm around Jayne's shoulders.

  "I'm sorry, lovey. It's just... I can't even say it."

  "I can't help if I don't know what's wrong."

  "I don't think you can anyway. Oh, Leah it could be cancer. I have the symptoms of bowel cancer. What'll happen to the farm if I have?"

  There was no answer she could give to that, so Leah just hugged her and let her cry. Leah hadn't cried much when she'd been accused of fraud and then discovered Adam didn't love her as much as she'd thought and doubted if it would have helped much if she had. What had helped her most was knowing she could count on Jayne for support and had somewhere to run away too. Jayne couldn't run away from her illness, but at least Leah could show some of the same kind of support Jayne had offered her.

  "I'll do anything I can to help," she said.

  "I know you will, lovey. Thank you." She blew her nose. "I suppose what I have to do is face up to this thing, make some kind of plan."

  "Yes. I think the first stage is to go for that examination and see what we're up against. We can get as much done beforehand as possible and I'll look after this place while you're in. Do you think I could manage?"

  "Yes, I'm sure you could, but what about work? It can't be much longer before they realise they were wrong about you and want you back again."

  "I've heard nothing, so I don't think it'll be in the next couple of weeks, but even if it is, I'll help here. They'll owe me that much after what they've put me through. Actually, I'm due some leave anyway, tell you what, I'm going to call in and book a couple of days off, see how they handle that. Go ring your doctor and get an appointment."

  "You're determined I'm going to it, aren't you?"

  "I am. You're going. End of discussion."

  Jayne smiled slightly. "So, that's the start of a plan then?"

  Leah nodded and gave what she hoped was an encouraging grin.

  "You know, calling work about taking time off is a good idea. They'll see you expect to be going back soon."

  "Jayne, we're making a plan for you, not me."

  "I know, I was just..."

  "Trying to change the subject?"

  "I suppose. Denial is quite appealing when you're scared. I never realised what a coward I was."

  "Coward, you? You're one of the bravest people I know. I'm the coward. When I realised it wasn't working with Adam... I started changing the subject! Now, you. You said it might be nothing serious?"

  "Yes. A cyst the doctor said it could be. If it is, that's quite simple to sort out apparently. They just cauterise it and I rest for a few days and everything is fine." She gave a proper smile. "D'you know, I'm actually starting to think that's a possibility. How stupid will I feel if I've got myself into this state over a cyst?"

  "A right lemon, I expect."

  "Yeah. OK, I'll have that examination. Now you've bullied me into telling you about my problem you can jolly well cheer me up again. Spill the beans about what you and Duncan got up to at the party."

  "I don't know what you can possibly mean," Leah said, trying to sound prim.

  "Yes you do! I saw you dancing with him."

  "Hmm, OK we did dance. Come to think of it, I saw you dancing with Jim, what did you two get up to?"

  "Don't change the subject. Did he ask you out again?"

  "Yes," Leah admitted. She felt her face flush as she remembered being in Duncan's arms and kissing him just before he asked.

  "And did you say anything stupid?" Jayne demanded.

  "What would count as stupid?"

  "Anything other than 'yes'."

  "In that case, no. I didn't say anything stupid."

  "Good girl."

  "So, what about you and Jim?"

  "Oh, just dancing," Jayne said, but it was her turn to blush. "Come on, we've got chicken to feed."

  Leah tried hard not to fantasise about what might happen on her date with Duncan. She wasn't sure how he felt about her; one kiss after a few glasses of wine didn't necessarily mean anything, however nice it was at the time.

  Also she didn't know how long she was likely to stay in Winkleigh Marsh. The idea of staying for a long time had become very appealing. She had got ahead of herself though. This was just a first date and she might be on the rebound. It would be best to see what happened before making any decisions.

  "So, what are you wearing tonight?" Jayne asked.

  "I hadn't really thought... well, that's not quite true. I haven't decided."

  "Come on then, let's have a look at what you've got. That's if you don't mind? I don't mean to interfere."

  "Of course not. It'll be fun. We're going for a meal in a pub, he said. The Frog and Bucket, do you know it?"

  "Of it. Don't think I've been in there."

  They went through the contents of Leah's wardrobe, giggling at the various possibilities. It was obvious Leah hadn't been thinking clearly when she came to Winkleigh Marsh. She hadn't packed anything suitable for mucking out the pigs, but that was simply because she didn't own anything like that. There were a few outfits almost suitable for walking in the countryside - provided of course it wasn't damp, or m
uddy, and the route avoided grass and hedges.

  "How about this?" Jayne asked. She was holding up a silky black silk top. "If you wore it with jeans it wouldn't be too dressy would it?"

  "It's more undressy. I can't wear a bra with it and the front comes down to about here." She indicated a position that would expose plenty of cleavage.

  "Sounds perfect."

  "I'm not sure. I don't really know if this is just as friends or..."

  "Wear that and I think you'll find out!"

  Leah decided Jayne was right. She'd dress for a date and take her cue from him.

  When Duncan arrived he was clutching a bunch of carnations. Duncan must have driven the four miles into town to get them which surely meant he'd given up his lunch hour for her.

  Jayne took the flowers and said she'd put them in water.

  "Thanks," Leah muttered. It was the first thing either she or Duncan had said since he'd arrived. Silly to be so nervous.

  "Have a good time, both of you." Jayne turned Leah towards the door and gave Duncan a friendly shove.

  "You look nice," Duncan said.

  "Thanks, and thank you for the flowers."

  "You're welcome."

  She smiled up at him and suddenly they were both laughing. It seemed he'd felt as nervous as Leah had.

  They chatted easily once they were in the car. Duncan teased her, asking if he should expect a flood on the way to the restaurant.

  "Why?"

  "First time I met you involved mud, then it was rain. A flood seemed the next step."

  "In that case, I'll try to arrange a dry disaster for you to rescue me from."

  If it hadn't been for the illuminated sign outside showing a frog's crowned head sticking out the top of an old fashioned bucket, she'd have thought the pub was a farmhouse. When he pulled into the car park Duncan said, "It doesn't look much, but the food is great."

  "Actually, I was just thinking it looked nice. No big electric signs for a chain or offering two for one deals."

  "No, I don't think the turnover here would be high enough for them to be interested. Good job too - if I want microwaved food I'm quite capable of doing that myself."