He hadn’t even lowered his voice. The feeling came rushing back. That warmth, the sharing, but now with something much deeper underneath it.
‘Hello, Harriet. Hello, Patrick.’ They both turned. It was Miss Talbot. She looked pale. ‘Patrick, would you please come and peel my orange for me again this morning?’
‘Of course, Miss Talbot,’ he said. ‘How are you this morning?’
‘Not very well, I’m ashamed to confess. I think there might be alcohol in those Fluffy Ducks.’
Harriet was smiling as she followed them into the breakfast room.
They were all on the bus by ten o’clock. Harriet noticed a different mood among the group. She also knew what had caused it.
After breakfast, she had gone to her room to collect the day’s tour notes when she was waylaid by Mrs Lamerton. She’d seen her in the dining room but they hadn’t spoken. The older woman had been tucking heartily into kippers. It was a remarkable recovery from food poisoning.
‘I need to have a word, please, Harriet. A private word.’
‘Of course, Mrs Lamerton.’ She stepped into her room, inviting Mrs Lamerton to come in as well.
The older woman seemed agitated. ‘I’ve been thinking about this all night. I really don’t think it’s appropriate behaviour and I think Melissa would agree, if she knew. Lara, too, if she was here.’
‘I’m sorry, Mrs Lamerton, I’m not sure what you mean.’
‘I’m talking about you and Patrick Shawcross. You were in his room very late last night. And I’ve seen him go into your room late at night as well. More than once.’
So she had been spying on them. Harriet knew she had to call her bluff. ‘Oh, Mrs Lamerton, have you been imagining hijinks between myself and Patrick?’
‘Yes. Yes, I have. But I haven’t imagined it. I’ve seen it.’
‘Mrs Lamerton, I think I need to let you in on a secret.’ Harriet stepped back, so Mrs Lamerton could see the TV and video on its stand in the corner of the room. A stack of videos was on the table beside it. The Willoughby titles were clearly visible. ‘That’s what Patrick and I have been doing.’
‘Watching television?’
‘Not television. Videos. Willoughby videos. I was brought onto this trip at very short notice, as you know, so I’ve been watching the videos each night. Patrick has been watching them with me, helping me to get familiar with the episodes. I knew I’d never be as familiar with them as James or Lara, let alone you and the rest of the group, but I wanted to do the best I could.’ It was all nearly true. It didn’t explain what she was doing in Patrick’s room the previous night, but she realised then that Mrs Lamerton no longer cared about that. She was looking at the videos like a sugarholic in a sweetshop.
‘You’ve got all the Willoughby episodes here with you?’
‘Yes.’
‘All twenty of them?’
‘That’s right.’
‘Could I borrow them?’
‘Pardon me?’
‘Visiting the locations has brought back so many memories. I’d like to watch a few of the videos again myself. Tonight, if I could borrow your video player. In fact, can I take the videos now?’
‘Now? But we’re about to go on the bus.’
‘Just so I know I have them. In case you get busy later today when we get back.’
Harriet softened. Mrs Lamerton really was the High Queen of the Willoughby weirdos. ‘Of course you can.’
Harriet could see her in the middle seat of the bus now, taking one of the videos out of her bag and letting her neighbour, Mrs Biggins, take a look at it. Mr Fidock was leaning across the aisle. ‘All twenty of them? Are you sure?’
‘Yes, I’ve checked the titles. All twenty, right here.’
Yes, Mrs Lamerton had definitely made a full recovery from last night’s food poisoning. Harriet wondered what else had happened the previous evening. Clive and Mrs Randall had been the last to get on the bus that morning, coming out of the hotel together. It might have been a trick of the light, but she was nearly sure she’d seen Clive give Mrs Randall a little pinch on the bottom before she went to sit down. He was certainly in better humour. And they had been dancing together a lot the previous night. No, Harriet had to be imagining it …
She took out her folder. So far she’d also done a good job of pretending nothing had changed between her and Patrick. For the sake of everyone, she’d greeted him normally when he got on the bus. She hadn’t spoken to him since.
As she looked up he caught her gaze. He stopped mid-conversation with his neighbour. ‘Excuse me, Mrs Douglas. Harriet?’
‘Yes, Patrick?’
‘I wonder would you pass me that map there beside Clive?’
‘The map? Of course.’ She passed it over.
A few minutes later he called her name again, thanked her for the map and asked her to put it back. A few minutes later, just as politely, he asked her to pass him the torch from the dashboard beside Clive.
‘The torch?’
‘I like torches.’
In the next ten minutes he asked her to pass him the St Ives street directory and then the newspaper that Clive had pushed into the seat pocket beside him. When Mrs Douglas got up to fetch something from her husband, Harriet took the opportunity to lean across to him, speaking in a low tone. ‘Patrick, what are you doing?’
‘Asking you to pass me things.’
‘Yes, I know. I’ve passed you everything in the front of the bus. I’m running out of things to pass you.’
‘Stop ignoring me then.’
‘I’m not ignoring you.’
‘Aren’t you? What are you doing then?’
She started to smile. ‘I’m trying to maintain a dignified and professional distance.’
‘So I can’t kiss you now?’ That sparkle was back in his eyes again.
‘No, you can’t.’
‘I want to.’
‘You can’t.’
‘I’ll be thinking about it.’
‘I won’t look at you.’
‘I’ll ask you to pass me more things.’
‘Patrick, please.’
‘I’m sorry. I’ll be on my best behaviour.’
‘Thank you.’
‘But if you hear me say the word raven today during the question and answer session, you’ll know I’m thinking about kissing you.’
‘Raven?’
‘Raven,’ he said.
She took the microphone as usual once they got out onto the open road and started reading. James had been surprisingly low-key in his script today. ‘Welcome aboard, everyone. Just two days to go. On behalf of everyone at Turner Travel, I hope you’re all enjoying yourselves and the trip is meeting your expectations in every possible way. If there is anything I can do to make it more pleasurable, you only have to ask.’ She couldn’t help herself. She glanced over at Patrick. He had a big smile on his face.
She quickly looked back at her script. ‘This morning we’ll be visiting Land’s End, England’s extreme western tip and of course the scene for episode fourteen’s romantic reunion between Willoughby and Lady Garvan, following her release from prison on forgery charges. We’ll also be visiting the awe-inspiring Minack Theatre, the Greek-style amphitheatre set into the cliff face overlooking the spectacular Porthcurno Bay. Built in the 1930s by Rowena Cade, the theatre has seen many open air productions of operas, musicals and Shakespeare plays, but is of course also known to the Willoughby afficionado as the setting for the dramatic conclusion to episode twelve, “The Case of the Vanishing Vicar”.’
She swapped seats and handed the microphone to Patrick for the usual on-the-road question and answer session. He stood next to her, his hand resting lightly on the backrest, close enough to touch.
Mrs Kempton put up her hand. ‘Patrick, did you have much of a say in any of the actors who were cast in the show?’
‘Not in the first series, Mrs Kempton, no. But in the second series I did. We were fortunate to hear about a talented family of
actors called the Ravens. There were seven of them, all talented in different ways and, remarkably for one family, all quite different in appearance, so we used them as much as possible. There was Andrew Raven, who you might remember as the gardener in episode three. Carlos Raven, the chef in “The Case of the Crooked Chef”. His sister Cassandra Raven played a waitress in that same episode. Isabella Raven, who was a maid in Lady Garvan’s mansion in several episodes. Santana Raven – the family had Spanish blood, I believe – was one of the customers in the jewellery shop at the time of the siege. And of course not forgetting the twins, Delilah Raven and her sister Anastasia Raven, who played a set of twins in “The Case of the Stolen Kiss”.’
Mrs Lamerton was frowning. ‘I don’t remember that episode. Which series was that in?’
‘I do apologise, Mrs Lamerton. That was its working title. You might remember it as “The Case of the Mislaid Mail”.’
‘Oh yes,’ Mrs Lamerton nodded. ‘Now I remember it.’
‘A wonderful family, the Ravens. I’ve been thinking about them a great deal the past few days. I’m hoping to get in contact with some of them. Tonight, possibly.’ He looked at Harriet. There was laughter in his eyes, but there was that deeper, more intense look as well. He gave her the slightest of winks and then turned as another question was called. ‘Yes, Mr Fidock?’
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
In Merryn Bay, it was the end of a long day. Gloria was battling a headache. The phones had been ringing constantly. Each time she expected it to be Austin. It was making her jumpy. It didn’t help that she was running the office on her own. Melissa had made a great show the afternoon before of saying she might stay an extra day in Melbourne, that it was time she did a thorough reconnoitre of the city travel agents. Gloria knew it was a lie. She had heard Melissa make the appointment in the day spa herself. This time tomorrow Melissa would be frown-free and three shades of brown darker.
‘That’s fine.’ She’d enjoy the peace in fact. ‘Are you expecting any calls? Anything I need to know?’
Melissa had been distracted, cleaning out her handbag as she often seemed to do in work hours, all the little pots of make-up lined in a row across her desk. ‘Go ahead and handle them for me, would you? If anyone asks, I’m away on family business. Molly will be away too. She’s got a swimming carnival in the north of the state. You’ll have the place to yourself.’
Gloria had closed the office for lunch, deciding on the spur of the moment to pick up sandwiches and go home to Kevin. It was hard to leave him after the hour was up. They sat in the garden, talking, drinking tea, doing the newspaper crossword. He was better than her at the cryptic clues, but he didn’t rub it in. He liked to joke that he wouldn’t let a crossword come between them. When she had got back to the office at two o’clock, there had been fourteen messages waiting for her on the machine.
She went into the back room now to make a cup of tea. Just half an hour to closing time. She was counting the minutes. The phone was ringing as she came back. She had to lean over the desk to grab it in time. ‘Turner Travel, Gloria speaking, can I help you?’
‘Good afternoon, can I speak to Melissa Turner please?’
‘I’m sorry, Melissa’s not in the office at present. Can I take a message?’
‘Will she be in later today?’
‘I’m sorry. She’s been called away on family business. Who’s calling please?’
‘I’m sorry, I should have introduced myself. This is Regina Lewis, calling from Matheson Travel.’
One of the largest of the national travel companies. ‘I’m sure I can help you, this is Gloria Hillman speaking. Melissa’s asked me to deal with any business that came in today.’
‘Oh, thank you. I’m calling on behalf of Mr Alex Sakidis, our franchise and acquisitions manager. He’s asked if it would be possible for him to change the date of his viewing to next Thursday, rather than Wednesday.’
‘That should be fine,’ Gloria said cautiously. She’d been expecting a question about one of their tours, or an exchange of information. That was common enough among travel agents, even if they were apparently in competition. ‘Let me check Mrs Turner’s diary.’
She opened the diary on Melissa’s desk and flicked to the right date. Nothing there. Then she clicked on the computer screen to her electronic diary. Melissa was the only one who used it every day – Gloria, Harriet, James and Lara preferred the paper trail. There was something marked on that date: M.T. Matheson Travel?
‘And you’d like to change that date to—?’
‘The following day, if that’s all right?’
‘That should be fine.’ Gloria put on her most casual voice. ‘Could I just double-check Mr Sakidis’s title?’
‘Of course. He is our franchise and acquisitions manager.’
‘Oh, yes.’ Were they actually talking about what she thought they were talking about? ‘And Mr Sakidis has the address?’
‘Turner Travel, 143 Main Street, Merryn Bay?’
‘That’s right. And all the background information he needs?’
‘Let me check.’ The young woman returned after a moment. ‘I’ll put you through to Mr Sakidis, Mrs Hillman. It is Mrs?’
‘Yes, thank you.’
A short burst of classical piano and then a smooth, deep voice. ‘Mrs Hillman, Alex Sakidis speaking.’
‘How are you, Mr Sakidis? Your assistant probably explained that Mrs Turner is unfortunately out of the office today, but please feel free to ask me if you need any more information.’ She felt she was walking a tightrope, hoping she was saying the right things.
‘We have all the figures we need, thanks, Mrs Hillman. They look very healthy. And we received the forecast material from your accountant on Monday, as agreed. I think once we see the property itself, that will help us get more of a feel for what sort of package we’d be offering. That date change isn’t a problem for you, I hope? Another possible acquisition property has come up further down the peninsula, so I want to take in both.’
‘No, that’s fine. I hope that second property won’t have any bearing on whether you will or won’t buy us out?’ She shut her eyes, hoping she was still on track.
‘We’re currently planning an exciting expansion program, so no, let me assure you, we are still extremely interested. You haven’t changed your minds, I hope?’
‘Oh, no. Not at all.’
‘So will I be meeting you as well, Mrs Hillman, or will it just be Mrs Turner?’
‘Both of us, I hope. Thanks so much for talking to me. Goodbye.’
The shop was quiet after she hung up, only the sound of passing cars filtering in from outside. She must be mistaken. They must have been at cross purposes. They hadn’t been talking about selling out Turner Travel. They had been discussing some shared tours.
No, they hadn’t. He had spoken of acquisitions, buy-outs, figures, future plans. She had to check. She moved to her own computer, not wanting to touch Melissa’s again. On to the Internet, on to the Matheson Travel website, on to their corporate page. Mission statement: Matheson Travel is committed to becoming a world leader in international travel package suppliers, with plans to establish shopfronts and a presence throughout Australia. In smaller letters: For franchise and sales opportunities please contact Alex Sakidis. A Melbourne number followed.
She had to be sure. She rang the number. The same young woman answered. ‘Oh Regina, hello, it’s Gloria from Turner Travel in Merryn Bay calling back. Sorry to bother you again. We’re preparing some new brochures here and I meant to check, would Mr Sakidis need a sample of more of our itineraries, to give him an idea of the sort of business he’d be buying?’
‘Oh, we have all that, thanks, Mrs Hillman. Mrs Turner sent a big selection through last month. You do some great tours, don’t you?’
‘We sure do. That’s fine, as long as you have all you need. Goodbye now.’
She hung up. A photo of Melissa in her yellow uniform was on the pinboard in front of her. Gloria stared u
p at it and shook her head in disbelief. ‘You scheming yellow cow.’
It was pouring with rain in Bath. There had been a thunderstorm that morning. Austin and Nina had to run from the flat down to the hire car. He’d been surprised, but also glad, when Nina offered to come to Ireland with him. ‘I have some time off and I’ve never been to Ireland. Would you mind if I came too? Between the two of us we might be able to track her down more quickly.’
They were both drenched by the time they put their bags in the boot and clambered inside. ‘Not exactly ideal flying weather,’ Nina said, shaking her head, sending drops of water flying around the car.
Austin glanced at her. ‘You’re not scared of flying, are you?’
‘Not usually, no. During electrical storms, yes. That was impressive flight organisation by the way. Especially considering you’re a long way from home.’
‘I was reared on timetables and flight bookings, remember. Travel runs in the Turner blood.’
‘But you didn’t want to go into the family business?’
He pulled out into the traffic. ‘I did at first. But I also wanted to play the drums and it was hard to fit the kit in the office. The others complained I made too much noise while they were on the phone.’
She didn’t acknowledge the joke. ‘Yours is a family company, isn’t it? So there must have been some pressure to stay with them?’ She caught his expression. ‘My parents run a restaurant, remember. I know all there is to know about family pressure.’
‘I might have thought about going into it when I got tired of touring. And if my parents were still alive. It was different when they were there. But unfortunately my older brother James made the decision to marry a woman called Melissa. A woman from the black lagoon who has been slowly taking over our family business since the day James had the misfortune to meet her.’ He stopped at the traffic lights, and adjusted the wipers to a faster speed. The rain was getting heavier.
‘Fantastic, Austin.’
‘Fantastic?’
‘I’ve heard of people disliking their in-laws but you take it to a whole new level. You’re sure you’re not secretly harbouring a passionate love for her?’
Family Baggage Page 33
