“Wow! You look fantastic Marney. If I wasn’t engaged to your sister, you might stand a chance with me,” Jake teased.
“You’re still married Jake, you’re almost a bigamist,” Marney flicked her hair off her face.
“You really do look stunning sis. I take it you’ve changed your mind about going out tomorrow?”
“Earnest would want me to have fun. I’ll toast a drink to him and his generosity to his only living relative, my daughter Heidi Rose Gerrity,” she wiped a tear from her eyes.
“Don’t get tear stains on your new dress sis, go and get changed. We’ll be eating in about twenty minutes.”
“I keep forgetting you’re still married Jake, and it makes me feel uncomfortable,” Lydia remarked as she thrust a sharp knife deep into the chicken breast.
“The divorce is going through love, you just have to be patient for a bit longer,” he assured her.
“I don’t want to get married in a church if you don’t mind,” she looked up at him.
“Whatever you want,” he smiled.
“I was talking to Izzy Hall; do you remember her?”
“Vaguely. Was she the one who was always dying her hair weird colours?”
“That’s the one. She phoned me a few weeks ago. I was supposed to be going out with her. I really must get in touch with her.”
“What were you talking to Izzy Hall about?”
“Oh yes. Her cousin got married last year and they had the service and the reception in a country manor. They do a package and you can stay over-night. What do you think?”
“Of what?” Marney asked as she appeared in the doorway with Heidi in her arms.
“We were just discussing our wedding,” Lydia smiled.
“I could help you with that. I have a friend of a friend who’s a wedding planner,” she replied enthusiastically.
“I’d prefer to plan it myself Marney, but I would love you to help me.”
“It’s so exciting. Have you set a date yet?”
“I was thinking next spring. What do you think Jake?” Lydia turned to look at him.
“Why not? As soon as my divorce is through, we’ll start planning,” he smiled but Lydia got the impression it was forced.
“That’s enough talk of wedding plans, dinner is ready,” Lydia turned her back and began to serve the meal. For some unknown reason, an awkward silence descended, and Lydia sensed that Jake was uncomfortable discussing their forthcoming marriage. She just hoped there was no other reason for his sudden reticence.
“Everyone’s very quiet,” Marney looked up at her sister. “Did I say something wrong?”
“Of course not, we’re just enjoying this lovely meal,” Jake didn’t look up.
“What time are you going out tomorrow night?” Lydia asked Marney.
“Will is picking me up at seven, I should be back before ten if that’s O.K?”
“That’s fine, perhaps we could watch a movie Jake?”
“I need to get my house on the market first. I’ve found a good agent on line. They only charge a fee for the sale,” he looked up and smiled.
“Has it been valued?” Lydia asked.
“No, they’ve given me a rough estimate. Someone’s coming around in the morning.”
“That’s quick, let’s hope it sells sooner rather than later,” Lydia replied.
The meal was finished in silence and Marney stood up to clear the table.
With the dishwasher loaded and the kitchen tidied, Jake and Lydia took a cup of tea to the lounge while Marney changed Heidi. Jake was still subdued, and Lydia decided to find out why.
“Have I done something wrong Jake?”
“No, of course not,” he hesitated.
“Well what’s wrong then?” she pressed him for an explanation.
He sighed deeply and turned to face her.
“I don’t know what to do about Maria. If she gets sole custody, I’ll only be able to see Olivia a few times a year. She won’t know who I am.”
“You need to see a solicitor and find out what your rights are as a father, and fight her. She can’t do this to you.”
“She’s done it Lydia,” he held his head in his hands.
“Did she have your permission to take Olivia out of the country?”
“She didn’t need it, she said she was going to visit her parents,” he looked up.
“But she isn’t coming back. So, she’s taken your daughter out of the country without your consent and she can’t do that because you have legal responsibility for Olivia as her father.”
“How do you know this?”
“I looked on the internet,” Lydia replied sheepishly.
“She told me she was only staying for a few weeks, I agreed to that,” he argued.
“But she can’t stay there for more than twenty-eight days without your permission Jake.”
“Are you sure about this?”
“Yes,” Lydia nodded. “That’s why you need to see a solicitor.
“What if she gets sole custody?” Jake continued to doubt her.
“She needs to have a solid reason for getting it, and she hasn’t got one,” Lydia raised her eyebrows.
“You’re right, I’m going
to get this sorted out now,” Jake took his mobile phone from his pocket and left the room.
During the following week, Jake settled in with Lydia and helped her to prepare the café ready for re-opening. Marney had not yet decided on whether she would be returning to the café and refused to discuss it. She had informed Lydia that she was in love with Will Barrett and he felt the same. She spent all her free evenings with him and suggested that Lydia and Jake meet him on the following weekend. Jake had consulted a solicitor regarding his estranged wife and child and was confident that Maria would have to return to the U.K. before twenty-eight days elapsed. There had been a lot of interest in his house and he was assured that a sale was imminent. The proceeds of the sale would all be paid to Jake as he was legally the owner, Maria’s name was not on the mortgage.
Earnest Gerrity’s funeral was to be held on the following Monday at the nursing home chapel after which, he would be interned with his wife in Cornwall where he had lived before his illness. Marney had ordered a wreath of lilies and red roses from her, and a bunch of mixed flowers from Heidi. It had been decided that due to the long distance, the matron Jean Ambrose, and three members of the nursing staff would accompany Mr. Gerrity on his final journey. The will would be read by his solicitor on the morning following the funeral.
It had also been a busy time for Tom Anderson who had completed his first week of work in the community. He had carried out his duties diligently and had not deviated from the company’s policies. His first work report from the council offices praised his willingness and politeness. It seemed that Tom Anderson was a model prisoner who appeared to be rehabilitated and ready for release back into society.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
The morning of the funeral dawned amidst grey angry skies and light drizzle as Marney dragged herself out of bed and sighed. She was not looking forward to Earnest’s funeral even though it heralded the beginning of a new life for her and Heidi. Flicking through her wardrobe and dismissing every item of clothing as unsuitable, she let out a cry of frustration slammed the door and stamped down the stairs in her dressing gown.
“I’ve got nothing to wear,” she threw her arms up in the air.
“I thought you’d decided to wear your dark green suit,” Lydia looked over her shoulder.
“It doesn’t look right, I look like a leprechaun in it,” she moaned.
“Who looks like a leprechaun?” Jake called from the doorway.
“Marney in her green suit,” Lydia tried to stifle a grin.
“Now you’re making fun of me Lydia. I really don’t have anything to wear,” she thrust her hands on her hips and glared at her sister daring her to contradict her.
“I’ll come upstairs with you and see what we can find,” she smiled an
d followed Marney out of the room.
Flinging open the wardrobe doors, Marney stood to one side.
“Take a look.”
“O.K. What’s wrong with this blue dress and cream jacket?” she held them out.
“The dress is dated.”
“You only bought it last year,” Lydia shook her head in despair.
“Have you thought about wearing trousers?”
“My bum looks big in them,” Marney continued to find fault.
“What about this burgundy skirt and cream blouse?” Lydia sighed.
“Oh, I’d forgotten about that skirt,” she snatched it from the hanger and slipped it on.
“Pass me the blouse sis,” she said, smoothing the material over her hips.
“What do you think?” she twirled around.
“Perfect, now you need a jacket.” Lydia flicked through the wardrobe and pulled out a black jacket.
“What about this?”
“That’s great, thanks Lyds. What are you wearing?”
“I thought I might wear the leprechaun suit, if you’re not wearing it?”
Jake appeared in the doorway with Heidi in his arms.
“I’ll take her down with me and make her breakfast,” he offered.
“Thanks Jake.”
“You look smart by the way,” he smiled and left.
“I’m going to wear my navy-blue suit and white blouse with a striped blue scarf,” Lydia said.
“Oh, I need one. What about this,” she held up a black and white polka dot scarf.
“That’s fine, now let’s go and have some breakfast,” Lydia breathed a sigh of relief.
“Now I’ve got to decide what Heidi is wearing.”
“She’s going to mum’s, what does it matter?” Lydia was puzzled.
“I’ve decided to take her with me. I think it’s the right thing to do,” she walked on ahead towards the stairs.
“She’s just a baby, it’ not right to take her to a funeral,” Lydia argued.
“She won’t know what’s going on, but when she grows up I’ll be able to tell her she was at her Uncle’s funeral. I want her to know where her money came from,” she was resolved, and Lydia realised it was futile to protest any further.
Downstairs, Heidi was attempting to feed herself a bowl of porridge as she gurgled and babbled to herself.
“I thought she would able to speak a few words by now Marney?” Jake remarked.
“She can say mama and ta, she’s only just turned one,” she reminded him.
“Aren’t you having anything to eat love?” Jake said as Lydia sipped her tea.
“No, I feel a bit sick. I’m not looking forward to the funeral and Marney has decided Heidi is coming with us,” she threw her sister a disapproving look.
“Oh, do you think that’s a good idea Marney?”
“She’s the reason we’re going to the funeral. It’s all about Heidi and her father and uncle,” she stood up and took the empty bowl from Heidi’s tray.
Looking up at the clock, she said.
“We have to leave in an hour,” she lifted Heidi from her chair and left the room.
“I still think she’s making a mistake,” Lydia said as she cleared the breakfast dishes.
“Perhaps so, but Marney won’t change her mind. I’m going to take shower, I won’t be long love,” Jake stood up.
After a quick tidy around the kitchen, Lydia made her way up the stairs. Marney was talking to Heidi as she brushed her hair, but Lydia couldn’t make out what she was saying. She was probably telling her daughter what a wicked aunty Lydia was. The thought made her smile as she pushed open her bedroom door. Jake was still in the shower as Lydia made the bed and scooped up a pile of dirty clothes from the floor. A few minutes later, Jake appeared in the doorway with a towel tucked around his waist and his wet hair brushed back off his forehead. He was still a handsome man with broad shoulders and well-developed chest muscles, and she was still very attracted to him. Although their marriage had ended due to the stress and pain of losing their only child, she was resentful of his relationship and marriage to Maria and the fact that they had a child together. Jake walked towards her and wrapped his arms around her. She pulled away and looked up at him.
“You do want to get married again, don’t you Jake?” she searched his face for a hint of hesitation, but found a smile.
“You know I do; but you have to stop doubting me Lydia. If I didn’t want to be here, you’d know about it. You’d better go and have a shower, or you’ll have Marney breathing down your neck,” he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her tenderly. Feeling less insecure, Lydia headed towards the bathroom and stepped into the shower. Ten minutes later, she dressed and dried her hair before applying a light coverage of foundation and eye shadow. Studying her reflection in the mirror she groaned at the pale face staring back at her. Rummaging through her make-up bag, she selected a red lip stick and hint of rose blusher. When she was satisfied with her appearance, she picked up a jacket and handbag and headed down the stairs where Marney and Jake were waiting for her.
“At last,” Marney sighed impatiently.
“Relax sis, we’ve got plenty of time,” Lydia smiled at Jake.
“I think we should leave now, we don’t know how bad the traffic’s going to be,” Marney picked up her bag and took hold of Heid’s hand.
“She’s getting steadier on her feet,” Jake grinned at Heidi as she hesitantly
ventured slowly forward.
Jake had offered to drive, and Lydia took her seat in the passenger side with Marney and Heidi in the back. Jake had estimated that the journey should take twenty-five minutes leaving a further thirty minutes for any unexpected delays.
“Are you sure you’re on the right road Jake?” Marney caught Jake’s glance in the mirror.
“Don’t worry Marney, we’re on the right road,” he smiled in the mirror at her.
Marney turned to look out of the window attempting to remain calm as a wave of anxiety washed over her. As the journey finally came to an end, Marney leaned over and took Heidi from her car seat. Pushing open the car door, Lydia straightened her skirt and waited for Jake to lock the car,
“The chapel’s over there,” Marney pointed to small building located to the left of the main building.
“O.K., let’s go,” Jake took Lydia’s hand and strode ahead along the pebbled path as Marney struggled to keep up with them.
“Slow down you two,” Marney called out.
Jake stopped and turned around.
“Sorry Marney.”
These bloody pebbles are ruining my heels,” she complained.
Resisting the urge to chastise her sister’s choice of footwear, Lydia smiled as Jake scooped Heidi into his arms.
“Thanks Jake,” Marney replied gratefully.
A few minutes late, they stood outside the entrance to the small chapel the door of which was propped open.
“Shall we go in?” Lydia asked.
Before he could reply, Jakes phone rang, and he took it from his pocket.
“I shall have to get this,” he placed a hand on Lydia’s shoulder and moved towards the side of the building.
“We’ll go in when he gets back,” Marney smiled.
A few minutes later Jake re-joined them. His expression was one of annoyance, but Lydia decided not to ask the reason why.
“Looks like they’re here,” Marney caught sight of the black hearse driving slowly up the drive.
“Let’s go inside,” Jake ushered them through the door.
Inside the small chapel the smell of fresh flowers drifted into the air as Handle’s Messiah played softly in the background. Two wheel-chair bound patients escorted by nurses were positioned at each end of the front pews. A group of women dressed in dark clothing sat huddled together at the front of the alter and didn’t turn around as their fellow mourners took theirs seats in the pews behind them. Lead by a lady vicar and to the words of Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’, Earnes
t’s coffin was carried into the chapel by six pall bearers. As the coffin neared the alter, the mourners rose to their feet. The service began with a brief history of Earnest’s childhood and marriage to his wife Ingrid. As a young man, he invested in stocks and shares and quickly accumulated adequate funds to finance an opulent lifestyle. He was also fundamental in establishing and donating generous sums of money to worthy causes. Although he never had children of his own, Earnest contributed to disadvantaged children nationwide. Wiping a tear from her eye, Marney experienced a surge of love and admiration for a man she barely knew. Heidi was now becoming unsettled and as quietly as possible, Marney took a chocolate bar from her bag and passed it to her as the mourners rose to their feet to sing ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’, during which the chapel door opened, and a young man entered. He made his way quietly towards the front and took a seat next to Marney.
“Sorry I’m late,” Will whispered.
“Please be seated,” the vicar said as the song came to an end.
“Matron Jean Ambrose, will now speak on behalf of the doctors and medical staff who cared for Earnest during his illness,” she sat down as the matron approached the pulpit.
“Earnest was a benevolent but private man,” she began. “His illness was a cruel and painful disease which he bore with dignity. Although there were days when he could be awkward, he was still a pleasure to care for. It is very sad that he was not blessed with children of his own, but he took solace in providing for those less fortunate. Earnest recently learned of a niece who is his only living relative. She is here today with her mother. The knowledge of this relative brought him much pleasure in his final days,” she paused and looked up.
“Earnest prepared for his funeral in advance, and in accordance with his wishes, we have provided a light buffet and refreshments in the Remembrance Suite. If you would care to join us, you will be very welcome.”
The small congregation rose to their feet and approached the coffin to pay their last respects as Nimrod from the Enigma Variations played softly in the background. Marney and Lydia each placed a single red rose on the coffin and headed towards the side exit. The funeral wreaths and flowers had been laid in an area allotted to Earnest and Marney knelt beside them.
The Truth: sequel to I Will Find You Page 20
