“You look very weary. I suggest you take a few more days off before you return to fulltime work. Now, if you’ve got everything, let’s go.”
Gratefully, she said goodnight to everyone and went out to the car park. Alex had a surprisingly modest car, a model similar to her own. She made no comment as she climbed in, struggling with the seat belt.
“Here, let me help.” He leaned over her and took the clasp and pushed it into the socket. She was aware of a pleasant smell of aftershave, nothing too strong like the one worn by Charles. This was subtle and slightly mysterious, rather like the wearer.
“Thanks,” she murmured. “It seems I can do nothing much for myself at present. I feel so useless.”
“Don’t be impatient. These things always take time. You need to relax for a while and allow people to help you. It isn’t a sign of feminine weakness you know.”
Sarah stared at him. Was he a mind reader? She always felt the need to be extra independent so she could feel that she worked on equal terms with her male colleagues. “You’ll be able to do so much more if you allow yourself time. Broken limbs can be extremely painful.”
“You sound as if you speak from experience.”
“When you’ve been riding most of your life, you usually break something or other from time to time. I used to compete. Time trials. Cross country. That sort of thing.”
“Wow. I’m just an enthusiast. Oh, I did Pony Club stuff when I was a kid. I bought Major when I got my fist proper job. A long held ambition.”
They chatted easily all the way to his rather magnificent home. He planned to collect his horse box and then drive back to Major’s field.
“What’s he like in a horse trailer?” Alex asked.
“Not the best. In fairness though, he hasn’t had a lot of experience. I usually ride over to any event we’re going to take part in. Local rides and so on. But he’s a good boy and usually behaves well with me. Once I can get a head collar on him, he’ll lead into the trailer quite well, I should think. Hope.”
They arrived and he hooked up the trailer to an elderly Landrover which was standing in an open shed to one side of the house. The whole place had a slight air of neglect, but Sarah could hardly wait to see it. It was the talk of the village, the old manor house. It had been for sale for many months, since the former owner had died. She’d had no children and the beneficiaries lived abroad so selling it had seemed the only option.
“As I said, there’s a massive amount of work to be done. I’ve made a start in the kitchen and have one habitable bedroom and bathroom. It’s going to be a long job and clearly, a labour of love. Now, if you don’t mind a rather bumpy ride, we’ll go and collect this horse of yours.”
She climbed into the Landrover with a certain amount of difficulty and they moved off. “I only keep this vehicle as a sort of mechanised wheelbarrow and for pulling the trailer. I’ve had it for years and can’t bear to part with it. Not exactly a senior partner image, but it does the job.”
“You don’t present that much of a senior partner image all round,” Sarah blurted out. He looked startled. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound rude. You seem almost too approachable and thoughtful.”
“Just wait till you see me in action. Properly in action. I doubt you’ll feel the same way.” She sat quietly and looked out of the window. She hoped she hadn’t offended him. He was being so very kind to her and the last thing she meant to do was upset him.
It was beginning to get dark by the time they reached her paddock. They hurried to get Major loaded. She collected the head collar from the stable and called him over with an apple as a bribe.
He trotted over and nuzzled her affectionately. Alex held out another apple and the stallion whinnied with pleasure. Alex took the head collar and deftly put it over the horse’s head. Together, they walked him to the trailer. He was perfectly behaved and walked up the ramp without a moment of trouble.
“Wow, that was easier than I expected.” Sarah remarked.
Alex smiled. “I have a way with horses.”
The accommodation for the horses at Darnley consisted of three separate stone built stables, two of which had separate loose boxes inside. The straw for bedding and all the fodder and riding tack were kept in one of the other buildings. All of this led off an enclosed yard, providing a near perfect environment for horses. The paddock was across the lane that led to the house itself, so it was all extremely convenient.
It wasn’t long before Major was being settled into a stable next to Moonlight. There was already a hay net hanging ready for him and straw on the floor.
“I’ll give him a bucket feed, same as Moonlight, then he’ll get used to me. I’ll put them both out in the paddock tomorrow, assuming it isn’t too cold. They’ll soon get used to each other and I can see a blossoming friendship any moment. Then we’ll go inside and get something hot to eat.”
“I can’t thank you enough. I’m sorry if I seemed reluctant to take up your offer yesterday. I just had no idea who you were.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’d have been the same if a stranger offered to look after my valuable horse.”
Still wearing his business suit, Alex busied himself with buckets of food and water for the two stables.
His own mare was clearly delighted to see him and made affectionate little snorts. He brushed himself off as he came out of the stable.
“I always forget horses are so messy. Another job for the dry cleaners, I guess. Is there one locally?”
“I think the local garage has an agency but no, no actual dry cleaners for miles.”
“Then I shall have to buy myself a boiler suit to pull over my clothes. Quickest thing during these dark evenings. Now, let’s get inside and see what Mrs Harper has cooked up for us.”
“Night, Major,” she whispered, patting her beloved horse’s neck. “See you tomorrow. And just you be on your best behaviour. Don’t let me down.” She bolted the door and went across the yard.
However dilapidated the rest of the outbuildings, the stable block seemed very well appointed. Alex went into the kitchen door and held it open for her. It was a delightful, farmhouse kitchen. A wide oak dresser held a range of colourful country pottery and a shelf near the cooker was stocked with castiron pots and dishes.
Lovely light honey coloured granite surfaces gave plenty of work space and oak cupboards suggested massive amounts of storage. Her own kitchen would have fitted into just two of the units.
“What a wonderful kitchen,” she exclaimed. “I love the colours. The granite is a gorgeous finish and the tiles are beautiful. Lovely warm, rustic colours. And the floor too. Really easy to keep clean, I should think.”
“Thanks. I’m pleased with it all. As I said, it’s the only downstairs room that’s been done so far. Everywhere else is a bit of a mess. I’ll show you round later but right now, I’m ready for a drink. We have to eat in the kitchen, I’m afraid. Only warm place. Hope you like red wine?” He was already pulling the cork from what looked an expensively labelled bottle.
“I certainly do. Thank you. This is all a rare treat for me. But where’s your Mrs er . . . Harper, wasn’t it?”
“She’ll have long gone. Left a casserole in the Aga, I expect.” He lifted the lids of two pans on the side. “Vegetables all prepared and ready to heat.”
“I could do with a Mrs Harper myself,” she laughed as he handed her a glass of wine. She sniffed it and recognised a quality aroma.
“Good girl. I’m pleased you didn’t just swig it down. It’s a rather nice claret. One of my favourites.”
“I should think not. My father would never approve of that. I’m no expert but I do enjoy a nice bottle of wine.”
He put boiling water into the vegetables and set them on the Aga. She sat at the oak table and watched as Alex put out cutlery and table mats. He was clearly used to fending for himself, as much as he had to.
They chatted easily and she realised just how much she was enjoying his company. She discover
ed he had never been married. He had concentrated on building his career and spent very little time enjoying life, by his own admission.
“That’s all going to change now. I’m planning a total lifestyle change. Moving to Cornwall and finding this place was a bonus after finding the practice vacancy. I have to confess to knowing Ken. He was once a colleague of my father’s. They were at university together and remained in touch over the years. After my father died, he helped my mother sort out the estate. I was overseas at the time and couldn’t get out of my contract immediately.”
“So, where does your mother live?”
“Devon. Just outside Exeter. Near enough for me to help her when needed and far enough away not to be in each other’s way.”
“I know just what you mean. My parents are near Launceston so the same thing applies. My sister lives near them. Handy for babysitting. Beth has three children.”
“And what about you? No fiancé or boyfriend in tow?”
“Like you, I’ve concentrated on my career. I’ve been out with a few local men from time to time but nobody is special in my life.”
“Sad pair, aren’t we?”
“I disagree. I love my work and always have plenty to do.”
“I must serve dinner before the vegetables are inedible.” He was efficient and clearly, very competent. He lifted the lid of the casserole and sniffed appreciatively. “Hope you’re not vegetarian. I didn’t think to ask. This is one of Mrs Harper’s special game casseroles.”
“Smells wonderful.”
He served a generous plate of the meat and vegetables and put it on her table mat. “I asked her not to put in any bones so it should be easy to eat one-handed.”
“You’re very thoughtful, Alex. Thank you.” He seemed too good to be true, she thought as she waited for him to sit beside her. She dug her fork into a piece of meat and closed her eyes as the flavour hit her taste buds. “Mmm! That is just heavenly. And wonderful to have someone cook for me. The best I’ve managed is a microwave meal and some fresh salads.”
When they had finished, he took her on his promised tour of the house. As he had said, it was in a very poor state of repair in places. Basically, it was a sound building and much of the deterioration was a matter of re-plastering and decoration.
“Wow, this is going to be a fantastic room,” Sarah exclaimed as they went into the lounge. There were five tall windows along one side and two smaller windows each side of the room. “It must be a very light room with so many windows. What are the views like?”
“There’s a distant sea view from one side. The other side is dominated by trees, but I plan to get them cut back a little. It’s all very overgrown and neglected.” Sarah gave a shiver. “Come on. Let’s get back into the warm. I’ll make some coffee and then if you don’t mind, I’ll drive you home. I know it’s only eight-thirty but I have some work to do and an early start tomorrow.”
“That’s no problem. I was up early this morning to get into work on time. I’m feeling shattered. But thank you so much for everything. You’ve been incredibly kind and I’m sure Major is in very good hands.”
“No problem. I’ll give you a call at the weekend and see if you are ready to start back next week. I expect you’d also like to come over some time to visit Major. Come whenever you like, if you can get transport organised.”
“Thank you again. I may come over during the day later in the week.”
Alex drove her home and left her at her door. The cottage looked so tiny after his magnificent place. But, it was home and hers.
She put on the television and settled down to watch something simple and mindless. It was company rather than anything, something to have buzzing away in the background while she thought about the new man in the office. It was going to be interesting working with him . . . besides anything else that might happen outside the office. He was clearly prepared to be a friend and had intimated that he would enjoy sharing her passion for riding.
The following day seemed rather dreary without having to look after Major. She wanted to allow him time to settle and besides, it meant asking a favour from someone, to drive her over to Alex’s place. It was just too daunting a distance to walk there.
She read through some of the office mail she had brought home and sorted it into various piles. She could make some phone calls to respond to a few of the letters but that would need confirmation by letter as well, so there was little point in wasting her time.
She put the television on, made a cup of tea and was soon immersed in the decision of a couple choosing to live in the country or town. It was amazingly compulsive, this daytime television. But, she really needed to be back at work. This was all too different a lifestyle and she was bored. She would phone Alex that evening and ask for a lift to work the following day, besides, it was an excuse to ask after Major. She grilled some bacon and thought how much nicer the previous evening’s meal had been.
Sarah’s phone rang at six o’clock. She did not recognise the number.
“Hi Sarah. It’s Alex. I’m almost passing your place. Thought you might like to offer me a glass of wine or something?”
“Yes, of course. Come right in.”
“With you in two minutes.”
She put the phone down and panicked. Had she got a decent bottle of wine anywhere? The place was a mess. She was a mess. Two minutes he’d said. Barely time to even comb her hair. She finger brushed it and glanced in the mirror. Nothing she could do about it.
She scrambled into the cupboard and found a bottle of wine her father had given her recently. That must be all right. She couldn’t manage to open it to allow it to breathe. Glasses. Decent glasses. She pulled two from the cupboard and wiped them as best she could. The doorbell rang. Can’t have been two minutes, she thought.
“Hi. Welcome. Sorry I’m a mess. Do come in.”
“Thanks. This is very cosy. I like the way you’ve arranged everything.”
“Thank you. Not quite up to the grandeur of your place, but it’s home. Some of it is even my own. I’m afraid you’ll have to pull the cork.” She handed him the bottle and corkscrew.
“Do you mean to say you’ve been unable to open a bottle of wine for the whole week?”
“True, but I’m no solitary drinker. Haven’t really thought about it.” She watched as he deftly opened the wine. He sniffed the cork and nodded his approval and poured two glasses. “Oh, I may have some nibbles somewhere. Hang on.” She scrabbled in the cupboard and found some packets of savouries and handed them to him to open. “I’m pretty useless, aren’t I?”
“I wondered if you’re doing anything at the weekend? Saturday to be exact.”
“No. Saturday is usually my day for a long ride. But, I won’t be doing that for a little while. Why?”
“I’m going to look at some pups. Black labs. I wondered if you’d like to come along? They won’t be ready for another couple of weeks, but I’ve been planning an addition to the family for some time. This seems like the right thing to do at this stage. Mrs Harper is evidently devoted to dogs so will be pleased to look after it during the day. She’s there every day, supervising the workmen, so a dog won’t be lonely.”
“I’d love to. Thanks for asking me. I adore Labradors too. We always had them when I was a child.”
“Them?”
“Yes. Two of them. Sisters. One each for me and my sister, though in reality they were both my mother’s. We always thought two together were company for each other as well.”
“That’s a thought, perhaps I should consider getting a pair.” He emptied his glass and stood up. “Thanks very much for that. I’ll look forward to seeing you on Saturday. I must go and sort out the horses. Mrs H was putting them into the stables before she left.”
“Your Mrs Harper sounds like a dream. Supervising workmen. Cooking meals. Devoted to dogs. Better than any wife. She must be younger than I thought.”
“She’s about thirty. A widow. Tragic story. Her husband was killed in a moto
ring accident. She needed work so it’s all very convenient. No children and her time’s her own. And she lives quite close by.”
“That’s great for both of you. Actually, I was thinking of coming into the office tomorrow. I’m bored here and there’s plenty I could do. Would you be able to pick me up in the morning?”
“Certainly, if you’re sure you’re ready to return. Eight o’clock suit you?”
“That’s fine,” Sarah replied with a slight gulp. It was a bit early but she didn’t have to see to Major. “Thanks very much. I’ll organise a taxi home when I’ve had enough.”
She watched him drive away. This was the start of something, she was certain.
ALEX TRIES TO IMPRESS THE STAFF
Promptly at two minutes to eight the next morning, Alex stopped outside her cottage and sounded his horn. Sarah was ready and waiting and carefully locked the door.
“Good morning. Thank you for this,” she said in the same friendly tone as she had said goodbye the previous evening.
“No Problem. Glad you were ready on time. I’m afraid I can be rather impatient where work days are concerned.”
“How’s Major this morning?”
“He’s fine. Seems to have settled.” He was silent as he concentrated on driving through the early traffic when they reached Truro. She kept quiet too, sensing that he didn’t want small talk.
He pulled into the small car park and into a space that she noticed now carried a sign with his name on it. Surely an indication that he was certainly a presence within the firm. “Right,” he said briskly. “I’ll see you during the day at some point. We need to discuss a number of things. Don’t feel obliged to work the full day if you get tired. Take a taxi home. You can charge it to the firm, under these special circumstances.”
“Well, that’s very kind of you. Thanks. Hopefully, I shall be able to work my usual hours, even if I need a bit of extra help with some things.”
A Love Shared Page 3
