The following morning when she looked out of her window Roseanne’s spirits rose. There had been rain during the night but the sun was rising on the freshly washed world. Across the road the tight buds of the beech hedge were beginning to unfurl and birds were darting hither and thither, already singing their hearts out, mating and building nests. She spent most weekends at Ashburn except when Robinia was home from one of her many modelling trips. Her sister had never enjoyed the farm. As soon as she was old enough she had helped their mother in her boutique. Even then she had had an eye for colour and stylish clothes.
On reflection she was glad she was going down to the farm, even if it was only for the day, and she was pleased she would be the one to show Euan Kennedy around Ashburn.
Euan was an early riser too and he had been delighted to discover the garden and the little wood which bounded two sides of the grounds. Now he could resume his morning jogging. He was pulling on his jogging pants when he glanced out of the window and saw Roseanne’s pale blue car arrive. He admired her trim figure in the navy trouser suit which showed her long legs to advantage. He watched her skip up the steps to the main door as lithe as a schoolgirl. Her clothes were smart and she was always neat. He wondered what she was like away from the office. He was surprised how much he wanted to get her away from the place and spend time with her. He wanted to know all about her. Whoever this Rob was she was not wearing his ring yet.
An hour later Roseanne sighed when she heard Euan entering the office long before the usual start to the day. He had enjoyed his morning exercise and a refreshing shower. His brown hair was still damp when he put his head round her door.
`You’re in early today, Miss Fairfax. Are we overworking you?’ She looked at him sharply but there was no trace of mockery.
`Not at all. Have you checked your emails this morning?’
`No, not yet. Is there anything important?’
‘No, not important, but I had an email from your mother. I wondered if you’d had one too?’
`My mother?’ There was no need to feign surprise. `Is Uncle Si…?
`He arrived safely but apparently he's a little travel weary.’ She smiled. `At least that’s his excuse this time for having someone else write his emails.’
`I see.’ He frowned. `May I see this email?’ He came and stood close behind her. Too close. She was aware of his arm across the back of her chair. She could smell his cologne, or was it after shave? It was spicy and sharp, attractive. Her fingers fumbled as she saved her document and brought up the list of emails.
He read over her shoulder. She felt his breath against her cheek, warm with a hint of mint.
`I see…’ There was relief in his voice. `Does my uncle send many emails?’ he asked curiously.
`He can send them when pushed, but he prefers someone else to do them. I’m sure he finds it an improvement now we have broadband all the time instead of pay as you go. It could be tricky for days like today, paying in all the wages.’ She gave a wry smile. `He will read emails though – when they are meant for him, that is.’ He couldn’t miss the barb but he remained silent. `He has taken his laptop so I can keep him up to date while he’s away. It’s strange because your mother has requested I reply directly to her if there is any reply. I hope he’s all right?’
`Probably making use of her as a temporary PA.’
`Maybe.` She turned slightly, a wary look in her green eyes, but she found his face was so close, her mouth was only a breath away from his. She jerked back. He laughed softly. He knew she was not shy but she was certainly not the type of woman who threw herself at a man. He found that pleased and intrigued him.
Three
Euan straightened, a smile lifting the corners of his mouth.
`Will you be accompanying me to Ashburn after all then?’
`I suppose I must if I can get peace to finish my work first.’ She was relieved to find she could breathe freely again. Why was she so aware of him?
`Surely you could pass the work to one of the other office staff?’
`Not today. I pay the wages direct into their bank accounts at the end of the month.’
`What happens if you are on holiday?’
`I arrange the dates to suit.’
`Very laudable. What if you’re off sick?’
`If it was long term your uncle would ask our accountants to handle the wages, as he used to do before I took over.’
`I see,’ He eyed her shrewdly. `You seem to have made yourself indispensable.’ His tone was cool now, almost suspicious.
`No one is indispensable but we have cut down considerably on the accountants’ fees since I became… since I came to work here permanently. If Mr K relies on me it is because he has no one of his own who has shown any interest,’ she added coldly.
`He could have asked for my help.’
`If help is offered he makes use of it if he needs it, but he’s too proud to ask for it. Anyway you’re too far away in America.’
`So you offered your help?’
`I didn’t need to. We have a business arrangement. When I finished university your uncle offered me a job reorganising the administration side. The processing was expanding and he couldn’t keep up with everything. I enjoy a challenge, and the responsibility too I suppose. Gradually he passed on more confidential matters. I do a good job for which I am well rewarded.’
`I’m sure you see to that all right when you pay your own wages.’
`My remuneration is paid by the firm’s accountants, as is your uncle’s,’ Roseanne said, gritting her teeth at his innuendoes. `Now if you’re expecting me to accompany you to Ashburn today...’
`Okay, okay, eleven o’clock prompt?’
She wondered what he would say if he discovered she was a partner in Kershaw & Co. She supposed if his uncle had considered it any of his business he would have told him, although she was the one who had insisted none of the staff should know there had been any changes. Her grandfather had loaned Simon Kershaw the money to start up the processing company. Before his death he had discussed his affairs with her mother. They had agreed he would leave the farm to her on the understanding her mother would leave Robinia the two boutiques which she owned outright, as well as a third boutique on which she held a long lease. It had been a surprise to discover she would also inherit the capital he had invested in Kershaw & Company. She had had a responsible position by then and Simon Kershaw was already in the habit of discussing ideas and projects for the company with her. She was interested in his plans and the developments so she had elected to leave her money in the firm in return for a percentage of the profits, as her grandfather had done. Simon Kershaw had been relieved to know she shared her grandfather’s faith in him. He had wanted to announce to the staff that she was now a partner.
`I’d rather you didn’t,’ she said. `I've worked with most of them during my vacations and I think I have a good relationship with them all. I don't want to spoil it. Anyway there’s only room for one boss in a small company.’ Mr K had demurred at first, but he seen her point of view.
`Aye lassie, you may be right. You gained some valuable experience when you were here as a student. I’ve noticed even the older workers come to you to sort out their problems.’
She enjoyed the challenges of the expanding company, or she had until Euan Kennedy arrived. He had an air of authority that was hard to ignore but there was no denying he had a certain charisma. Her mother believed she had all the brains and ice in her veins, while Robinia had all the fire in her veins and an empty head. This was certainly not true, even though Robinia did act frivolously and enjoyed drifting in and out of relationships. They shared the same vibrant colouring and neat features but it was Robinia’s job to look good and to be admired. At work Roseanne tried to be neat and well-groomed because she felt her appearance would inspire confidence in her ability. Her cool demeanour also helped keep unwanted male attentions at bay, so why should Euan Kennedy’s dark good looks disturb her equanimity.
Pro
mptly at eleven o'clock Euan appeared in her office as she was tidying her desk and filing away some papers.
`Ready?’ He had changed into a blue open necked shirt and jeans. He looked tanned and fit and Roseanne wished her heart wouldn’t lurch so.
`I’m almost ready. Give me a minute to leave a couple of letters for Louise to do and I must ask Hannah to finish my filing. I shall blame you if they grumble at having extra work on a Friday,’ she added, reminding him he had meddled with her plans.
`That’s all right. I’ve a thick skin and I’m sure it will be worth it.’
`Right,’ she said, gathering up her purse. `I’m ready.’ She followed him down the corridor to the outer door.
`Will you follow in your car?’
`We’re driving down together in mine.’
`But I shall need mine to get back here.’
`I’ll bring you back.’ He was hoping to persuade her to stay longer but he had no intention of telling her so right now. `You’ll want to go home to change? I’ll follow you home then…’
`No, I’m going as I am.’ She frowned. `But I still think I should take my car in case you decide…’
`In case nothing. Your car will be safe here until you return. Come on, jump in.’ Roseanne eyed the sleek lines of his sports car.
`Are we travelling with the hood up or down?’
`Better leave it up. It might rain.’
`Mmm, I doubt it,’ she murmured, glancing up at the scudding clouds. ’I think there’s too much wind, but it might come later.’ She removed her jacket, folded it neatly and laid it on top of his overnight bag before stretching her arms above her head and flexing her fingers, her head thrown back, revelling in the fresh air. She gave a joyous laugh and Euan couldn’t take his eyes off her.
`I always enjoy escaping to Ashburn to be re-energised,’ she explained when she saw his eyebrows raised in question. Euan longed to place his hands around her waist. His gaze moved higher, drawn to the peaks of her breasts straining against the cream silk of her blouse. His heart beats quickened. She smiled down at him then climbed in beside him with a graceful folding of her long legs.
`You should have been a dancer,’ he remarked.
`Oh no,’ she grinned, shaking her head. `Mother sent us for dancing lessons, piano lessons, skating, horse riding - anything she considered young ladies might be required to do.` She chuckled, a soft warm sound. `I’m afraid I was a disappointment on that front. I always preferred the horse riding and staying with my grandparents. My sister was the dancer. She won lots of competitions when we were young.’
Euan realised he was already seeing a different side to Miss Fairfax. This was a relaxed Roseanne, as though she had cast off a restrictive skin along with her jacket. He looked forward to the day, with even more anticipation, and more than one day if he was lucky. He had known lots of glamorous women, and lots of hard boiled business women, but he had not encountered any as complex as Roseanne Fairfax appeared to be. He had a feeling she was going to prove a challenge he might find impossible to resist.
He was a good driver, fast but safe, Rosanne admitted.
`We’ve made good time today,’ she said, `we should stop for a meal in Lockerbie and buy some provisions for you for the weekend.’
`I brought some of our own products – sausages, bacon, a steak pie.’
`I know. I phoned through to Eileen, in the packaging department. We always take some of our own stuff.’
`We?’
`Your Uncle often comes too if he's free.` She frowned, recalling Eileen’s teasing about spending the weekend with an attractive young man for a change, instead of being a companion to his uncle. Her reply had been sharper than she’d intended but she hoped it had put an end to Eileen’s romantic speculations.
`So what else do we need?’ Euan asked.
`Fresh vegetables to go with the steak pie. Bread. If you turn off at the next junction we could get lunch at the hotel before we go into the town.’
`If you say so Ma'm. Does that mean you’ll cook us an evening meal?’
`I'll cook a meal before I leave, but you’ll need food to fend for yourself tomorrow and Sunday. If you promise to run me back into Lockerbie tomorrow morning I could catch the early train. Mrs Lennox will be terribly vexed she’s missed you.’
`There’ll be plenty of weekends to meet Mrs Lennox. We’ll travel back together,’ he announced firmly. `That’s what we agreed.’
`On the contrary you suggested, but I don’t remember agreeing to anything. If it’s too much trouble, or if you want a long lie, tomorrow morning, Jock Macintyre will run me to the station, or William, his grandson, if he’s around.’
`How old is he and does he work at the farm, this fellow William?’
`He’s nearly eighteen. He’s doing exceptionally well at school. His parents want him to go to university but he loves the farm and the animals so he spends all his spare time helping his grandfather. We… he gets paid for helping out with seasonal work or with the winter feeding. They use a feeder wagon which weighs the various ingredients, such as silage and cereals and minerals, to make a balanced ration. It’s all mixed together automatically in the wagon, then they drive down the feed passage and the machine spouts the feed out for the cattle. The animals eat it through a barrier. Jock Macintyre is getting too old to manoeuvre big machines but William has a knack for it.’ She sighed and frowned a little. `Jock doesn’t want to retire but he’s going to miss William more than he realises if he does go to university. There will have to be some changes. We shall have to reach a decision when Mr K returns.’
`So he discusses the running of the farm with you as well as the processing plant?’
`I’ve always known about the farm. Grandfather and Mr Kershaw often joined forces and worked the two farms together, helping each other with harvest and silage and things like that. I wanted to go to agricultural college but for once grandfather agreed with my mother. They decided a degree in accountancy and economics would be more useful for earning my living. They were probably right. After grandfather died I sold the house and buildings and a small paddock. Neither farm was big enough for modern farming methods with bigger, more expensive machinery so we run it as one unit.’
`I see… So half the land is yours? I had no idea.’
`I think Grandfather would have agreed it is the best solution. The milk is sold to the creamery but everything else is bought and processed by Kershaw & Company.
`Even the rare breeds?’
`Especially them, or at least the progeny. That’s how your uncle started the processing business. He discovered a niche market for traditional meats. It was all done locally at first but when it began to pay better than his farm he needed to expand. He bought a small, run down factory but it had plenty of land attached and it was nearer to the labour force and to a good road and rail network. He built new premises and gradually expanded. He wanted to live on the premises so his most recent building incorporated his flat. The farm is more of a hobby to him now, but I love it. If I had to choose between them it would have to be the farm.’
`I see.’ Euan repeated, but he was frowning. Something was bothering him.
`I don’t suppose you do see.’ Roseanne smiled. `How could you when you’re a townie and from the other side of the world. I wish your uncle had been here to explain.’
`What else is there to explain?’
`Nothing that need concern you I suppose, though I am hoping you’ll…’ She broke off. `Never mind that for now,’ she muttered as though impatient with herself. `Did Mr K tell you I have my own half of the house?
`He barely mentioned the farm. There was no time. He was flying out almost as I flew in. It seems to me there’s a lot of things I need to discuss with my uncle.’
`He only discusses the subjects he chooses to share,’ Roseanne warned, `He's a very private person but he has a forceful personality. He’s always kind and fair with his workers though. He insisted I should make my part of the house at Ashburn e
xactly how I wanted it. He understood I wanted to keep some of the pieces from my grandparents' house. My sister and my mother like everything light and modern. They have no time for sentiment and no interest in old fashioned furnishings.’
`I suppose you keep clothes here as well then? I wondered how you travelled so light. Most women need two suitcases even for an overnight stay.’
`That tells me a lot about the kind of women you choose for company.’ She grinned impishly. `Half my wardrobe is here. The shabby half. My mother and sister disown me in the clothes I wear when I’m here. You’re welcome to do the same,’ she with an airy wave of her arm.
`I can't picture you ever looking shabby. I’m beginning to think you are two personalities in the same skin, Roseanne Fairfax, like a chameleon. I’m looking forward to getting to know the other side of you. I suspect my uncle is not the only one with a forceful personality.’
`I doubt if you’ll approve of this side of me any more than my mother does but frankly I don’t give a damn.’ She gave him a steady look and he couldn't miss the challenging gleam in her green eyes. His heart beats quickened. She was letting him know she was her own person. `I come here to relax, recharge my batteries,’ she added, `and I enjoy myself.’
`Do I detect a warning?’
`If you try to interfere, or tell tales when we're back in the offices, then yes. I have an image to maintain when I'm at work.’
`Will there be any tales to tell after we have spent the weekend together, do you suppose?’
A Question of Love Page 3
