`R-Rob…?’ Roseanne stammered before she remembered the email to her sister. Euan gave her a quizzical look. He could have sworn she’d forgotten all about the man who would soon be moving in with her and his spirits rose.
Six
They walked in silence, each deep in thought. Roseanne felt confused by the gamut of conflicting emotions Euan had awakened in her. She was used to being in control of a situation, and of her feelings. She felt vulnerable and she didn’t like that. She should have resisted when Euan started to kiss her. She couldn’t blame him if he thought she was leading him on. She had always taken relationships more seriously than her sister, taking time to make friends but keeping those she valued. True she had lost her virginity at university. In her ignorance, or innocence, it had seemed a requisite of being accepted as a fully-fledged student. She had not enjoyed the experience and she was fairly sure her partner hadn't either. Consequently she had never been tempted to repeat it – until now. She had vowed then she would never again be influenced by public pressure, or other people's opinions, where her private life was involved. She needed to be a hundred per cent committed. When it came to personal feelings she had always believed she would know what her heart desired. She barely knew Euan and yet he drew her like a magnet. She would not have believed it was possible to feel so aroused that every nerve seemed to fire in response to his kisses.
`You’re very quiet, Roseanne,’ Euan said at length. `Don’t you trust me?’
`Of course I do. You’ve given your word.’
`Thank you,’ he said quietly. `We’ll forget that little interlude then. Obviously I made a mistake. You said you hardly know me. That goes for both of us, but I would like to know the real Roseanne Fairfax. Do you read or swim or play sports, how do you occupy your leisure hours? I know you enjoy walking and riding and you love the countryside.’
`It takes time to really know a person,’ Roseanne said slowly, `and you will be returning to Australia, or travelling the world again, in a few weeks. We’ll probably never see each other again.’ Why did that thought make her feel so bleak? `I would like to know more about your work and the places you have been though.’
`As I told young William, I don’t know what my future plans are. It was a shock when I heard Mother had had a major operation. She has always been so healthy and fit. She didn’t tell me until it was over. It made me realise how I would I have felt if she had died. I suspect Uncle Simon experienced a similar feeling. She is his only relative.’
`He has you now.’
`Yes, but we’re strangers. I only know of him through my mother. The same goes for him. I sensed a wariness about him at the airport. It’s time we got to know each other. If I'm honest he spoke of you so warmly I thought you must be his wife, or near enough. Then when I saw you and realised you were so young I decided he spoke of you as though you were a favourite niece. I think, subconsciously, I was probably a little jealous.’ He grinned at her. `Now I know you could probably bewitch the devil himself. Seriously I shall do some serious thinking before I make any big decisions about my future.’
`Yes, I think you should. We all tend to assume those we love will be there for ever, but they’re not.’
`No, we both know that,’ he said quietly. `Look, isn’t that William getting the cows in for milking? Does that mean we have come right round the boundary to the other side of the farm?’
`Yes, to both. I’ll point out the rest of the western boundary from here, and then we’ll cut across the field and help William round up the stragglers. Do you see across the next field there is a line of trees and a wee lane beyond it?’
`Yes. There’s a Land Rover going along the lane.’
`That’s probably Jock. He’ll have been checking the cows which are due to have calves. He insists on seeing them himself in case any are near their time. I’ve known him wait up half the night for a heifer having her first calf.’
`He must be conscientious.’
`He is. No amount of computers can replace that sort of experience and dedication. Anyway we have two fields on the other side of that lane. The burn is the boundary in that direction. When we get back to the farm yard you’ll see there are four smallish fields. They’re sheltered and close to the steading so the dairy cows graze there at night. It means they’re handy for bringing in for morning milking. Now you’ll have a fair idea of Ashburn land but I’m sure none of the neighbours would mind if you strayed into their fields.’
`Good, I wouldn’t like any of them pointing their gun at me.’
`They might if you molest their daughters,’ she grinned. `Come on we’ll help William round up the Jerseys.’
`Have you seen the local paper, Rosanne?’ William asked as soon as they caught up with him. `Old Mr Arnold has lost eight of his sheep. He’s sure they’ve been stolen. The police found tyre tracks, in the mud leading from the gate into his top field. They reckon they’re from a large vehicle with a trailer.’
`Couldn’t they be from the farmer’s own trailer?’ Euan asked.
`Mr Arnold is over eighty. He uses a haulage contractor if he sends his sheep to market, but he usually sells them privately to Mr Kershaw. He has an ancient Austin but he never drives further than the village shop.’
`That’s true.’ Roseanne agreed. `I’ll bet the thieves know he’s an old man and on his own,’ she added angrily. `He’s bound to be upset.’
`Where does he live?’ Euan asked.
`It’s not far in the Land Rover. He only has a small farm now and his land borders the paddock where we saw the two elderly ponies this afternoon.’
`Aye, that’s right,’ William said glumly. `He borders with Ashburn land at that top corner. Grandfather says the thieves are getting too close for comfort. He’s hoping they don’t hear Mr and Mrs Lennox are away.’ He looked at Euan. `They’d only have to buy a stamp at Lenniethlan post office and Mrs Strang would give them all the news for miles around.’
`She would too,’ Roseanne muttered. `She’s a kindly soul but an inveterate gossip.’
`That reminds me, Roseanne. Mrs Strang asked Grandfather to remind you there’s a concert next Saturday night to raise funds for the village hall. She’s depending on you to sing that duet about A Wee Bawbee with Bill Niven?’
`I can’t do that. I shall not be down here next week end. I’m moving to a bigger flat. I’m borrowing a van on Saturday morning. It’s all arranged. Will you be sure and give her my apologies please, William?’
`You’re planning to move everything yourself?’ Euan asked incredulously.
`Of course. There isn’t much heavy stuff. The wardrobes are built in. Not much scope for expressing ones personality in my present home,’ she smiled, `but it was the first flat I’d owned and I’ve been happy there.’
`I see,’ Euan said thoughtfully.
`It’s nothing like the one your uncle offered me, but it was my own space.’
`Yes, I can understand your need to get away from the factory and have a life of your own.’
`William, do you think you could show Euan how the milking parlour works? I’m going to check the records in the office.’
`Will do. There’s a wee Belted Galloway and a Hereford calf to enter in the computer, as well as two Jerseys. The book with the dates in is in the cupboard next to the dairy. Mr Lennox said you’d know where to find it there.’
`Fine. I’ll enter them up, then I’ll start cooking the evening meal. I’d like to drive over to see old Mr Arnold before he goes to bed.’
`I was going to give you a hand peeling the vegetables,’ Euan said.
`You were?’ Roseanne raised a disbelieving eyebrow.
`I meant it,’ he insisted. `Not that I claim to be an expert at peeling carrots.’
`There’ll be other times when you might need to prove yourself. I’ll see you when you’ve had enough of the milking parlour.’ She strode away as the cows turned into the gathering yard, leaving William to take Euan into the parlour to start the milking.
***
`I hope you don’t mind me leaving you on your own while I visit Mr Arnold.’ Roseanne said after they had finished their evening meal and cleared away. `There’s a friendly wee pub in the village. I could drop you off there if you like?’
`I’d rather come with you. We can take my car.’
`You can come but don’t blame me if you’re bored,’ Roseanne grinned. `Mr Arnold likes to talk about the past and he knew both my grandparents. It’s quite a rough road up to the farm so I'd prefer to take the Land Rover.’
`Fair enough. I don’t mind the odd drink but I’m not a great one for drinking the evening away.’
`If it’s not too late we might call in for a wee while so that I can introduce you to the locals then you’ll know some of them when you’re here on your own if you come down next weekend.’
`Ah, I want to talk to you about that. William tells me they rely on you to sing when they have a concert at the village hall. You must be pretty good.’
`No, I’m not. The hall committee are grateful for anyone and everyone who will do some sort of turn.’ She chuckled. `So long as they don't expect to be paid. You should go next Saturday. Jock will introduce you to the villagers and you could always give a gift for the raffle from your Uncle Simon. He’s good at supporting local affairs. You can take one from me too.’
`I have a better suggestion. This van you’re hiring – would they let you have it on Friday afternoon or early evening?’
`I’m borrowing a company van, the one Sam Liston uses for collecting stores and other odd jobs. I’ve already spoken to him…’ Roseanne coloured at the sight of his raised dark eyebrows and widening eyes, but then he nodded.
`That’s better still,’ he said with a smile. Was it a smug smile, Roseanne wondered, frowning a little.
`Better?’ She had expected him to quibble about her using the firm’s property for personal use while his uncle was away.
`Yes. I’ll ask Sam if he can finish with the van by Friday lunchtime. If you come in early again we could both be free by then. I’ll help you load it up ready for an early start at your new place on Saturday morning. We should have everything moved by lunch time, then we can drive down here in time for the concert.’
`Whoa! Steady on. I’m not used to anyone organising my life.’ Roseanne frowned at him, feeling she was being swept along on an outgoing tide.
`I’m trying to help.’ He grinned ruefully, `But if I’m honest I would appreciate your company again next week end. Anyway the move would be quicker with two of us.’
`Maybe,’ Roseanne said slowly, `if I dump all my stuff, but I don’t like the idea of coming back on Sunday evening to a muddle of boxes.’
`Knowing your ability to organise you’ll have all the essentials to hand. Better still we could stay here on Sunday night, leave by six on Monday morning and be at the offices before everybody arrives.’
`Let me think about it. I’m not promising to be here for the concert. I hate letting people down if things don't go to plan.’
`I understand,’ he nodded.
`Now I’d better change. Mr Arnold has old fashioned ideas about women in trousers.`
A few minutes later Euan waited in the hall as she ran lightly down the stairs dressed in a floating skirt in a green paisley pattern and matching top. Roseanne saw his eyebrows shoot up and there was no mistaking the appreciative look as his gaze travelled over her. She felt her colour rise and wished she didn’t have such a fair skin.
`Ve-ery attractive,’ Euan murmured under his breath, but Roseanne heard him and felt a warm glow.
Old Mr Arnold was delighted to see them. Roseanne shook his hand and kissed his leathery cheek.
`Ah but ye get bonnier every time I see ye lassie,’ he said, beaming from her to Euan, `And this is your young man, eh? Come in, come in and take a seat laddie.’
`No, this is Mr Kershaw’s nephew, Euan Kennedy, Mr Arnold.’ He was slightly deaf and Roseanne had to speak louder than usual.
`Simon’s nephew, ye say? Well that’ll be a fine match for the pair o’ ye. Ye’ll have a wee dram, laddie? He was already reaching for the glasses and a bottle of whisky. Roseanne opened her mouth to correct his assumptions but Euan shook his head and grinned.
`Let it go,’ he said softly. `It can’t do any harm if he wants to weave a bit of romance into life.’
`You don’t know what the results might be,’ Roseanne said darkly. `He’ll be telling Mrs Clark who comes to clean for him and the whole village will be planning a wedding before you know where you are.’
`Would that be so terrible?’ he asked, his grey eyes sparkling with laughter.
`Not for you maybe. You’ll be on your way back to Australia. I shall be the one left to disillusion them all.’
`What about you, young Rosie, will ye tak a dram?’
`If I can pour my own,’ Rosanne said, seeing the large measure in the glass he had handed Euan. `Do you have any lemonade? Or water will do.’
`Och lassie, you’ll ruin a drop o’ good scotch if ye water it down.’
`Yes, but I have to drive home so I’ll just have a sip to drink your good health. I don’t want the police breathalysing me.’
`You havenae far to go. You’re only down the road.’ He stopped, frowning, remembering. `But the police might be looking around. Did ye hear somebody stole eight o’ my prime lambs?’
`Yes. I’m really sorry to hear about that. Have they any idea who the thieves might be?’
`No, but they must have an outlet – like hotels, or a butcher, or maybe they send them down in London.’
`Did you hear anything the night they took them?’ Roseanne asked.
`No, but I dinnae hear so well these days. Jess there,’ he nodded towards the collie dog lying on a rug beside the door. She cocked an ear at the sound of her name then settled down again. ‘Her ears are sharp enough. She wakened me up with her barking. I looked out o’the door but we’re in a bit of a hollow here at the house and I couldnae see the top fields. I thought I saw lights in the sky though. Jess wanted to run out but I dinnae let her. I was feart she’d get shot if it was poachers. She means everything to me, does Jess. I dinnae ken what I’d do without her.’
`Are the police patrolling the area now they know there are thieves around?’ Euan asked.
`Aye but they’ll not get my lambs back. They’ll be slaughtered by now,’ Mr Arnold said glumly. `If I’d had hundreds o’ sheep I might not have missed them for a week or more. Anyway Rosie, tell me how Simon is and what he’s doing these days. He usually buys my spring lambs when they’re ready.’
They told him all their news and he reminisced happily about his young days and her grandparents and other neighbours who had come and gone during his lifetime.
`Your sister never enjoyed the farm like you did, Rosie. What is she doing? Is she married?’
`No not yet. She travels a lot. People take photographs of her to advertise their clothes, or shampoo or perfume – all sorts of things. She gets plenty of work.’
`Queer sort o’ life…’ he muttered, shaking his head.
He thanked them several times for coming when they rose to take their leave.
`Be sure to come again,’ he repeated as he saw them to the Land Rover.
`I’m glad we called,’ Roseanne said. `It’s terrible that the thieves have got away with an old man’s livelihood.’
`Yes. I’m pleased you let me accompany you. I enjoyed hearing about the old characters and about all the mistakes Uncle Simon made when he first started farming. I know a lot more about the wild child you must have been too.’ He grinned when she pulled a face at him. This was a totally different Roseanne to the serious and efficient Miss Fairfax at Kershaw & Company.
The following morning they enjoyed their ride out on the horses but Roseanne was careful not to accept any challenges which might involve forfeits. She was already more affected by Euan’s company than she cared to admit. Afterwards she cooked them both a good breakfast while Eu
an groomed and fed the horses, but she was anxious to be on her way, and wondering at herself for being so easily persuaded to change her plans.
The roads were quiet early on a Sunday morning and they chatted companionably.
`I suppose the new computers you’ve installed will be quite expensive?’ she asked. `What sort of arrangement did you come to with your uncle?’
`We didn’t have time to go into details. Don’t worry about it. It’s not your problem. I have to stand much bigger outlays than this until a contract is complete. I expect Uncle K will sanction payment when he returns.’ Roseanne frowned. It was all she could do to refrain from telling him it was very much her concern. They never made changes without discussing them first and they always agreed a firm price in writing with the firm concerned before the work commenced. Simon Kershaw left the cash flow and costs entirely in her hands. Buying the meat and managing the processing plants were where his real interest and talents lay. Together they had made a good team and Kershaw & Co had expanded considerably.
`Do you have the key to your new flat yet?’ Euan asked, interrupting her thoughts.
`Yes. Why?’
`We could pack some of the boxes straight into the van today and take them to the new place. There will be less to move next weekend.’
`You’re determined to get me down to Ashburn next week aren’t you?’
`If it’s at all possible.’ He grinned unrepentantly.
`I’ve been thinking about it anyway. I feel uneasy about the Lennox’s being away when the thieves could still be around. They’ll notice there’s no smoke from the chimneys in either the Lennox’s house or the farmhouse, and no lights either if they’re keeping watch. Some of the rare breed animals are kept specifically for breeding. They’re almost irreplaceable. Any vehicle entering Ashburn has to drive past the Lennox’s house. If they see it is empty the thieves might risk going into the farm yard instead of having to round up animals in a field. They would be easy to load from the sheds.’ Euan nodded understanding.
A Question of Love Page 7
