Memory House

by Ruth Hay

  “Thank for your company, Vilma Smith,” he said.

  “Thank you for the invitation, Jamison Ingleby,” she replied with a smile.

  * * *

  It was as they drove along the crescent toward Harmony House that he spoke again. His eyes were still on the road, and not on her face, so she knew he was afraid of rejection.

  “Would you mind if I phoned you on my way back from cottage country? We could have another meal, or a drink?”

  “I think that would be delightful.”

  He kissed her hand at the door to her suite, before running up the stairs to meet his son.

  She knew the dogs were behind the door clamouring to get out, but she stood for a moment more until he tapped on the correct bedroom door and was given access.

  She wished she had asked if his wife, or his other children, looked after the red setters when he travelled.

  The wine, the food and the fresh night air meant Vilma slept like a baby, with the dogs for comfort at her feet. She suspected Mavis was waiting to ask her how the lunch went, but she did not need to provide the details when a huge bouquet of flowers arrived for her the next morning.

  It told the tale quite eloquently. Mavis exclaimed over the size of the blooms and placed them on the table in the hall where the aroma of roses drifted upward as the flowers warmed.

  The one Vilma urgently wanted to talk to, was Stuart. She had a lot of questions for him, but he went off early again and she missed him. She thought that by the end of the day she would have forgotten her questions in the return to ordinary life in which exciting, handsome strangers turning up on her doorstep was a rarity.

  As it happened, something else occurred which changed the situation.

  For several days, there had been reports in the Canadian news about the Saudi Arabian government’s response to an insult delivered by Canada in which a government representative criticized the Saudi treatment of political prisoners. A huge reaction by the Saudis resulted in trade issues but the most disruptive repercussion was the decision to recall all the thousands of their medical students who were working in Canada’s training hospitals.

  Vilma had read these accounts without realizing the effect this would have on residents of Harmony House. A deadline was set by the Saudis, for the return home of all their nationals, for whom they paid significant fees to Canada for the medical training.

  When the newspaper published the number of Saudi students in London, where there were several teaching hospitals, Vilma began to appreciate the dimensions of the problem.

  When Stuart and Grant were affected, the global issue became personal.

  “Look, it’s like this. Grant and I will be on call practically twenty-four-seven as soon as the last of the Saudi students leave London. This means we will be in the hospital almost all of the time and our research project here will be on hold, perhaps permanently.”

  Stuart was speaking to the women around the table in the kitchen and no one listening to him could deny his sincerity or his concern.

  “We hate to abandon our project when the data is so promising, but there is no other choice.”

  “There is an upside, however,” added Grant. “The likelihood of us being offered permanent positions in LHSC goes up to stratospheric level and that changes everything for us.”

  “Are you considering settling here in London instead of returning to Scotland?”

  “Honestly, Mavis, we had not thought that was an option until now. We have talked about it and I am the one most likely to leave. Stuart has recently made contact with his father and he has mixed feelings about the matter.”

  There was a pause while everyone in the kitchen absorbed the possible impact of this information.

  Mavis was worried about stopping Hilary’s treatment, which was presently helping boost her confidence level.

  Honor was sorry to lose the young men who were constantly encouraging her to update her computer equipment and helping her adapt to it.

  Vilma suddenly saw her future prospects with Jamison Ingleby in a whole new light if Stuart Ingleby decided to live permanently in London.

  Jannice looked at this unexpected development as an opportunity, and she spoke up.

  “It seems a pity to bring the research to a complete halt. We completed the major medical appointments and the data results are being reported to us on a regular basis. I see no reason why I could not take up the basic data collection for your research, Stuart and Grant. All I need to do is keep a checklist of who does what test and when. Honor can help me upload the results to your hospital team.”

  Stuart and Grant exchanged smiles. There was no end to the resourcefulness of these women. Nothing stopped them.

  “That’s so generous of you, Jannice! Is everyone else in agreement with continuing?

  Excellent!”

  “All that remains is for us to coordinate the changes with the team at LHSC. Thank you for understanding our predicament.”

  “One more item occurs, Stu. If this emergency goes ahead as planned, we will be in and out of Harmony House at odd hours, if at all. Is that going to be a problem for anyone?”

  Hilary spoke up for the first time. “I am not sure how everyone else feels, but I will miss the concerts and the choir singing, not to mention Stuart’s cooking. Feel free to come and go as necessary. You both have keys.”

  Everyone nodded in support. There would be necessary readjustments made to take up the slack.

  It was only at moments like this, that the contributions of the two young men were fully recognized. They would be sorely missed.

  Chapter 27

  “Vilma, I am so glad I caught you in at last. I have been calling whenever I could get a chance.”

  “I just came in with the dogs, Jamison. I am pleased to hear from you again.”

  “I’m afraid this is not the call you were expecting. I have to cancel our dinner date because of events beyond my control.”

  Vilma could not conceal her disappointment. The date with Jamison Ingleby was something she had been looking forward to, much more than she cared to admit.

  “That’s too bad.”

  “Don’t give up on me yet! I have a much better plan to offer.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, it’s one of those conjunctions of several sundry things happening at once. You know about Stuart’s situation in the hospital? You may also have sensed my delight in London when we met for lunch that day. Since then I have been checking into the real estate market in London and its environs. It’s a very healthy market, particularly for the Torontonians who want to retire to a quieter place to live.

  The same applies to a number of wealthy Americans who are dissatisfied with the way things are going in the States and who want a safe bolt hole in Canada if the political situation gets worse.

  What all these factors mean, Vilma, is that I have decided to start a branch of Jamison Ingleby Associates in London, Ontario.”

  “Really? That is unexpected!”

  “I know it’s a lot to take in at once.”

  “Frankly, Jamison, I am wondering what this has to do with me.”

  “I am jumping ahead too quickly. I want to build a house for Stuart and me, if he decides to make a home here, as seems likely at this moment. It’s an opportunity I can’t afford to miss. I want contact again with my son and I am prepared to make that happen in Canada.

  The business idea comes from that. My Boston branch is well established. I can afford to let it run on its own while I set up a base in Ontario.

  I have had a look around since the trip to Muskoka. There’s a parcel of land available in Prince Edward County, a beautiful property near a small lake. It could be a spectacular site for four of five exceptional homes designed especially for the new owners.”

  He paused to take a breath. Vilma’s head was still trying to catch up and her question was still unanswered.

  “Sorry, Vilma! I have rushed on again. I feel like a kid starting ove
r instead of a mature man with a successful business behind him.

  Let me bring you into the picture, if you will allow it. I am sending a colleague to Harmony House with a plan for the upper level balcony and stairs. It’s as a thank you for treating Stuart so well and giving me the tour. Please let your co-housing partners know about this.

  You, Vilma, are the only person I know in London, apart from Stuart, and I will say he has sung your praises quite extensively. If you will indulge me, I want to discuss my plans with you and ask your opinion about a number of things.”

  As he turned his attention from business to personal concerns, his speech slowed and his voice lowered to that tone that was definitely in the sexy register.

  Vilma swallowed nervously. What’s coming now?

  “Mostly, I want to spend more time with you. You have not been far from my thoughts since that first day together. It is many years since I have felt so comfortable with a woman and I thank you for that.”

  The flow of his eloquent words had finally slowed and Vilma took a breath.

  Jamison Ingleby wanted her opinion.

  Jamison Ingleby wanted her presence in his life.

  Nothing so unlikely had ever happened to Vilma Smith. She was used to being the one in control.

  This man was powerful. He was like a steam-road-roller pushing aside all in his way. He was coming on too strong for her liking. She was not about to let a man presume too much or make decisions for her.

  Not at this point in her life! She could not risk another disappointing relationship.

  “Well, Jamison Ingleby, you have certainly given me a lot to think about. Let’s have that dinner date when you have the time. I will think about everything you told me and I admit to being flattered that you include me in your plans. We’ll see how it all works out.

  Keep in touch when you are in London again with time to spare.

  I will certainly welcome your call.

  Goodbye for now and good luck in your endeavours.”

  She put down the phone and sat still with all the implications and suggestions rolling through her mind in an endless loop. She dared not place too much emphasis on his enthusiastic manner or his wildly extravagant plans. When the first flush of excitement died down, he could very well change his direction or abandon his major plans altogether. Leaving her where?

  It was foolish to believe everything he intimated. He was an executive first, and foremost. His personal life, if he had one at all, must take second place to his business interests.

  There was one area in which he seemed vulnerable, the matter of re-establishing contact with his son Stuart.

  Vilma Smith decided to quell the butterflies in her stomach and find Stuart Ingleby. They needed to talk, and soon.

  * * *

  Stuart and Grant were in the process of packing up their research materials and selecting a few clothes to take to the office assigned to them at the hospital. Stuart greeted her warmly and asked if she had heard from his father yet.

  “He told me he would call you as soon as he could. He’s on fire with all the new developments but I could tell he wants to keep in touch with you.”

  “Yes. About that, Stuart…………. could we have a private conversation sometime soon before you two take off? I have questions.”

  Grant, who had watched his friend get swept up in all the excitement his father seemed to create around him, was not averse to finishing the packing on his own.

  “Why don’t you two go outside and talk. We leave in an hour.”

  Stuart nodded his thanks, and Vilma led the way to the elevator for a fast exit. She could not help comparing Stuart to his father when they were in the same elevator. The son was not the same physical type at all. He must take after his mother in appearance. He lacked his father’s height and colouring. Stuart had very dark hair and hazel eyes but they both had the distinctive eyebrows that almost had an expressive life of their own. Stuart was growing a beard now and that further distinguished him from his close-shaven father.

  Honor was working at her desk. They nodded and passed on through and out to the garden, heading for the bench at the farthest point from the house.

  Vilma wasted no time.

  “Stuart, I have just spoken on the phone to your father so I have an idea of his plans. What I need to ask you about is personal stuff, if you don’t mind?”

  “I don’t mind, but you realize I have not been in touch with my father for years so I am not an expert on that subject by any means.”

  “It’s your family life I am interested in. Your mother remarried?”

  “Right. My stepdad and sisters are terrific. I never really felt the lack of a father growing up. My Mum had great respect for Jamison. She always told me they were young and impatient but they loved each other and adored me. It was his need to succeed that drove them apart in the end. She said he worked endlessly and they just drifted away from each other.”

  “I see. I suppose you don’t know about your father’s current situation?”

  “Not really! He tells me he has a big house outside Boston, a thriving business, no other children that he knows of, and a stable of fillies he can call on for events at which he needs a table companion.”

  Vilma was shocked. “He actually said, ‘fillies’?”

  “No! No! That was my interpretation. The point was he lives alone with a housekeeper, a gardener and assorted help. He told me this, to encourage me to visit, as I would not be in his way or stepping on anyone’s toes.

  I told him there was not much chance of a visit with things the way they are here. Grant and I have a huge opportunity to get permanent medical resident positions at LHSC. I do not see any holidays in our future, just hard work and long hours in the hospital.”

  “I understand, and I thank you for your honesty, Stuart. I will not ask what you told your father about me.”

  He blushed to the roots of his hair. “Nothing bad, of course! I might have mentioned you were not to be underestimated?”

  “That’s a fair comment! Now, get upstairs and help Grant. We will see you back here from time to time, I hope?”

  “Sure thing! Whenever we need a soft bed in a quiet house we’ll be here, separately or together.”

  * * *

  She watched as he ran back to the house. He had some of his father’s physical energy. She wished him well and wondered if their conversation would be repeated to Jamison. If so, it was not a bad thing. She now had a clearer idea of his lifestyle. If Jamison Ingleby surmised she was interested in his personal circumstances, she was content with that.

  There was time to think over everything. When he next called, she would be better prepared.

  Chapter 28

  When Jannice O’Connor received a letter from Mitchell giving her the details of their proposed holiday in the Jamaican resort, she thought at once of talking to Vilma about it to see if she approved. Not that it had anything to do with her, it was just that she thought of the resort as Vilma’s, since she was the one who made it possible for Jannice to go there originally.

  Her primary concern was in making plans so that her absence from Harmony House would not be a problem for the others. This included several hours baking, then storing, casseroles and pies in the freezer. Now that Stuart was virtually gone from the house, the cooking was falling on Jannice’s shoulders more and more. The housekeeping work could stand neglect for a week or two. She kept it all in spic and span condition and the women were very good about doing their part. Work in the Martelle Company’s offices had slowed down a bit and Jannice went there only a few hours a week. Often, she was writing down impressions and ideas about the recovered objects or watching repairs made on delicate china found in shattered condition.

  There was now the matter of continuing to collect medical data while she was away, but Mavis assured her she could take over as long as Jannice gave her explicit instructions.

  * * *

  Jannice tracked down Vilma in her room where she
was feeding the dogs after their morning run. Jannice thought Vilma looked unusually tired and preoccupied so she asked how she was feeling.

  “Just a lot on my mind these days but I am glad to see you. Don’t you find the house is much quieter since those doctors left?”

  “I know, it’s strange how quickly we got used to their presence and of course, the music has stopped.”

  “Yes, I hear Mavis and Hilary in the dining room with the piano some evenings but it’s not quite the same. What’s going on with you, Jannice? Are you missing Mitchell?”

  Now that Vilma had introduced the topic, Jannice explained that Mitchell was arranging a holiday week for them in the Jamaican resort where they first met.

  “Is he a timeshare member there?”

  “Not exactly, he has a travel agent who set up the first week for him years ago, and who will do it again.”

  It struck Vilma that her week was free and Mitchell might be staying in one of her cottages with Jannice.

  This made her think about the vacant one of the two villas and suddenly an overwhelming desire to walk on that sandy beach and lie out under the stars again, attacked her with unexpected ferocity.

  “What’s wrong, Vilma?”

  “Oh, I was just remembering what it felt like to be in Jamaica. It’s so long since I was there. I haven’t used my weeks for years now. The rental agent takes care of filling them for me.”

  “Wouldn’t you like to go at the same time as Mitchell and me? I would love that!”

  “When are you two going?”

  “Mitchell just sent me the information. He said the only time he could get was the week of Christmas.”

  “It’s a very nice Christmas gift for you, Jannice. My week was February so it wouldn’t work.”

  Jannice was desperate for Vilma to join them in the resort. She wanted her to give an honest opinion about her chances of living happily with Mitchell.

  “But didn’t you say an agent was looking after your weeks? Why can’t you ask your agent if he can get a Christmas week in exchange for your February booking? Surely, Christmas is less popular than Valentine’s Day for holidays?