The Runaway

by Grace Thompson

  ‘Then we have to think of a way to make things better.’

  Faith received a letter from her mother telling her they would visit on the following Sunday and Faith was very excited. Joy and Simon had called several times and it seemed she really was being treated as a member of the family, although she still felt less than confident in their presence. Instead of squeezing them around the small table, she booked lunch at the Ship, the large hotel near the old harbour. She invited Ian and his mother, needing someone to support her, mainly because of Verity’s continuing doubts.

  ‘Why not put up the Christmas trimmings?’ Ian suggested. ‘I know it’s early but I don’t expect they’ll come again before Christmas and you can invite them back for tea before they leave.’

  ‘It’s only November. Besides, I don’t think I want to decorate this year,’ she said. ‘Remember what happened last time?’

  ‘A whole year has passed and even anger like Gwenllian’s has to fade after so long.’

  ‘I don’t feel able to, sorry.’

  ‘Flowers then?’

  ‘Flowers would be lovely.’

  ‘We’ll go to the market together and choose, shall we?’

  Faith’s mother, with Verity and her husband Gregory, were being driven down by a friend and they expected to arrive at one o’clock, but, persuaded by Verity, they set out earlier and went first to see Matt. Verity knocked on the door and her mother stayed in the car. Carol opened the door, then called her son. ‘Matt? Look who’s here! It’s Miss Green to see you.’

  Matt snatched the door open and glared but his eyes softened immediately on seeing Verity. ‘Sorry, for a moment I though it would be …’

  ‘My sister?’ she offered.

  ‘Come in.’ He opened the door wide but she looked back to the gate.

  ‘My mother’s with me. She wanted to meet you as we’ve sold so much of your work.’

  ‘Will she come in too?’

  ‘Just as long as you don’t offer us sausages and baked beans.’ She saw the smile crease his face and beckoned to her mother to join them.

  Introductions were made and Matt showed his visitors around his workshop. Verity’s mother particularly liked the small fragile flowers he had sculpted and painted that he took out of the kiln. ‘These are popular gifts for youngster to give their mothers,’ he said. ‘I charge less than I should when a child wants to buy a gift.’

  Matt and Verity had been exchanging glances even when he was talking to her mother and when her mother prepared to leave, Verity said:

  ‘Perhaps I’ll stay a moment longer, Mother. I’m sure Matt will take me to Faith’s when I’ve discussed our latest orders.’

  Doubtfully, her mother left with Gregory, and Verity walked back into the workshop. At once she turned to Matt and he walked towards her, his arms open wide. He held her close and she was soon lost in his kiss. ‘I’ve wanted to do that since the moment you first walked in,’ he whispered. Then they kissed again. This time it was Carol’s voice calling him that made them break apart. ‘When can I see you again,’ Matt whispered urgently.

  ‘It’s difficult. I live in London and it isn’t easy for me to come here,’ she said.

  They walked back to the door of the house and Matt called, ‘I’m taking Verity to join her mother, back in a few minutes.’ With his hand holding hers, turning frequently to stare into her eyes, they walked the short distance to the van. He brushed the dust from the seat ineffectually before she got in, then he drove her to the end of Railway Cottages.

  ‘You really know how to treat a girl,’ she said in her most haughty voice. ‘Chips and beans, twice! Now a ride in a filthy van.’

  ‘Not too proud to accept, though,’ he said, and there was something that was not quite a smile in his dark eyes.

  She didn’t get out, hoping to persuade him to talk about the affair with her newly discovered sister. ‘I’m sorry about the trouble you had with Faith. She must be a very hard person to steal your child. It was yours, wasn’t it?’

  ‘She was my child, yes. I’ll never see her though, thanks to your so-called sister.’

  ‘You don’t believe she’s who she purports to be?’

  ‘Purports,’ he mused. ‘Now there’s a fine word. Sounds better than saying she’s lying I suppose.’

  ‘Why d’you think she did it?’

  ‘I was accused of attacking a girl when I was younger. The girl convinced me she was older than her true age, and she did all the running. Because of that unfortunate incident, Faith convinced herself I’m evil and not fit to be a father. I’ll never forgive her, never.’

  ‘I’m sorry if talking about it upsets you,’ Verity said touching his arm, making smoothing movements. Almost mechanically he told his story, then he reached out and kissed her again. ‘You’d better go, both our mothers will be looking for us. We can’t disobey our mothers, can we?’

  She turned as she stepped out of the van, shouting in alarm as the distance to the ground was greater than she had expected. He leaned across, pulled the door closed and drove away.

  He had none of the social graces, that was for sure, but somehow she didn’t consider them important. Matt Hewitt was certainly an intriguing man. A pity about the name, she couldn’t imagine being called Mrs Hewitt. Anyone with ambition needed someone who sounded important, someone with a stylish manner and a hyphenated name. She was Mrs Gregory Ormsby-Grantham, that was partly why she had married him.

  Faith noticed Verity’s bright eyes and raised colour when she walked in, and wondered where the driver had taken her. Perhaps he was more than just their driver? The visit was a success, although Faith found Verity vague. She rarely joined in the conversation, something being startled out of a daydream when someone attracted her attention.

  When she was told of the visit to Matt and the arrangement to buy some of his better pieces she became worried. Surely it wasn’t he who had given Verity that special glow?

  ‘It’s none of my business,’ she said to her mother, ‘but it isn’t wise for Verity to deal with Matt.’

  ‘Oh I don’t think there’s any worry there, I’ve met him and he’s definitely not her type. Sophistication and lots of money is more Verity’s idea of the ideal man and she’s found that in Gregory. They’ve only been married a few weeks.’

  ‘Well, wherever she’s been, someone made her eyes sparkle, and whatever else he is, Matt Hewitt is a very attractive man.’

  ‘I don’t think you should see that man again,’ Verity’s mother warned when they were in the showroom the following day.

  ‘You don’t mean that driver?’ Verity looked amused.

  ‘You know who I mean. Matt seems charming enough but remember what Faith told us about him. Don’t get mixed up with someone who could be dangerous, Verity. A mistake with a man like that is certain to end in real trouble.’

  ‘He told me his version of what happened, and it was far removed from hers.’

  ‘Of course. It’s bound to be different. It’s natural to put ourselves in the best possible light.’

  ‘Did you know Faith has earned the nickname of the Runaway?’

  ‘That’s an odd name.’

  ‘When things get difficult she moves away, runs away from everything and starts again a long way off. She forgets friends and responsibilities and moves on. What more of a problem is there than a child and no husband?’

  ‘They had planned to marry, and would have if he hadn’t had an accident.’

  ‘He offered to marry her, to give the child a name. She couldn’t cope so she lived up to her nickname and ran away.’

  ‘What makes you think his story is the true one? Beware of an intriguing man with charm and looks. Your flirting days are over, Verity, your loyalty is to your husband. Having a bit of fun can lead to trouble you won’t enjoy.’

  Charm? Scruffy café and a ride in a filthy van without help getting out? Hardly a gentleman. But her mother was right about the looks. Since they returned she had spent more time
than she should thinking of ways to arrange another visit.

  ‘You saw the delicate flower plaques he’s made? And the small models of young animals? How could a man filled with anger produce such delicate work?’

  ‘We’re all a mixture of good and bad. Just don’t presume his good qualities necessarily outweigh the rest.’

  Paul called at No 3 one evening. Ian was there and he excused the intrusion before telling them that the news on Winnie’s health was more serious than they had hoped.

  ‘Her heart is not working as it should and she’s gradually getting weaker.’ he said. His voice was strained and he looked ill. ‘I wondered if I can ask you to help with the children when things get bad? I’m managing now, with the neighbours taking them to school and minding them when things are difficult. But they love coming here and if I can ask, just sometimes, make it their special treat, it would be such a relief.’

  Faith frowned. ‘Of course. Why haven’t you asked for my help over the last weeks? I’ve been to see Winnie and she’s assured me everything is fine.’

  ‘Pretence, I suppose. Telling you the true situation makes it real.’

  She frowned. ‘I won’t go more regularly now I know, best I carry on normally until you tell me I need to do more. But please, Paul, we can make things better for the children if we keep in touch. Don’t keep the truth from me.’

  When he’d gone, Ian said. ‘You know, you can include me in that offer. I like those three and I think Christmas, particularly, should be a good one.’

  ‘Thank you.’ She leaned across and kissed him.

  ‘Is that from you or the children?’ he asked.

  ‘From me, Ian. Definitely from me to you.’ She moved slightly and he put an arm around her and slowly kissed her again.

  With winter approaching, work on the garden was over after a couple of weekends spent clearing up and building bonfires. In late November Kitty and Gareth Robbins told her they were moving out. It was a disappointment but also, Faith insisted, a cause for celebration.

  The house they had bought was not far away. A mid-terrace with a long back garden. The baby was due in a few weeks and as they’d be so busy, Gareth joked that he’d ordered a double load of cement to cover it.

  ‘Actually, it’s rather pretty, mostly lawn, with small flower-beds, mature trees and shrubs and it’s been well cared for,’ Kitty explained.

  ‘So we don’t have to bring our tools and muscles on our first visit?’ Faith said. ‘Thank goodness for that. I was hoping gardening was over until the spring.’ She laughed but there was no laughter in her heart. She would miss them dreadfully.

  Life settled into a slower pace as the days grew shorter and the temperature dropped. The flurry of visits from her new family had faded to letters rather than arrangements to meet. The first Christmas card was from her mother and it included an invitation to spend the whole of the holiday with them.

  This caused Faith a few problems. Much as she longed to be in London to share the occasion, she didn’t want to spend Christmas without Ian. He could hardly leave his mother alone, and besides, there were still Mr and Mrs Gretorex to consider. And Olive Monk couldn’t be left alone in that lonely caravan. She explained all this to Ian’s mother.

  ‘Winnie will need help too. Paul can’t make Christmas happen without Winnie’s help and she’s too ill to cope. The children won’t understand if things aren’t what they expect.’

  ‘Your heart is bigger than your house,’ Vivienne said with a laugh. ‘I can imagine you hiring the local church hall and still not fitting everyone in!’

  ‘At least I can ask Olive to stay for a couple of nights; now the Robinses are leaving there’ll be two empty rooms.’

  Ian came later and she showed him the invitation. ‘I can’t go,’ she said before he commented.

  ‘The first Christmas since you found them and you won’t go?’

  ‘The truth is, they’re still strangers. I’d rather be here with you and Olive and the Gretorexes. The other reason for not going is Winnie. I think we’re needed to make sure that Jack, Bill and Polly have a good time.’

  ‘A good time with a full house will help you forget last year too, so it’s good you’ve decided to stay.’

  ‘I suspect it was Matt’s cousin and she seems to have given up trying to punish me for leaving Matt and my daughter. Thank goodness.’

  ‘Don’t be too sure. She’s still full of resentment towards you.’

  ‘Oh!’ she suddenly shouted and Ian looked up in alarm.

  ‘What is it?’

  ‘I’ve just thought. I’ll have to send presents for them all! What could I possibly buy that would please them?’

  ‘Something small and beautifully made. We’ll go to the gift shop where they sell locally crafted trinkets. You’re sure to find something to suit the occasion.’ He looked at her for a moment, then took out a Christmas card. ‘I had an interesting greeting too,’ he said.

  She read it aloud. ‘Happy Christmas, Ian, with love as always from your Tessa.’

  ‘My mother met Tessa the other day and was told that Tessa and Nick are no longer together. How d’you feel about that?’

  ‘Nick’s probably been cheating on her.’

  ‘As she did with me.’

  ‘Has this raised once dead feelings for her?’ She tried to look calm but dreaded his reply.

  ‘It’s made me realize I can’t stay in that house. I bought it and planned to live there with Tessa and until I get out, her ghost will follow me around. I have never felt at peace there. Not like you do here.’

  ‘What if she wants to come back to you, will that make a difference?’

  ‘I thought love would be for ever, so no, she can never put it right.’

  Faith’s sigh was audible.

  Kitty and Gareth came down from their room one day, carrying a huge bunch of flowers, and at once Faith’s heart sank. They were moving out. They stood in front of her like a deputation, faces solemn, eyes subdued.

  ‘What is it? Is this a formal goodbye?’ Faith tried to smile.

  ‘The truth is, Faith, we wondered if we could stay for a few more weeks.’ Kitty looked at her husband who coughed and said:

  ‘Kitty isn’t happy moving into a house far away from people she knows. It’s a terrible cheek, we know that, but can we stay? With our parents so far away, she’d be far happier, feel much safer staying here with you.’

  Faith jumped up and hugged them both. ‘Yes please, I’d love it if you stayed. This is your home for as long as you want.’

  Vivienne and Faith were shopping in Cardiff. They both had a list of people for whom they needed gifts and by five o’clock they had almost completed their purchases. Faith had bought presents for Jack, Bill and Polly, plus some cologne and some beautifully wrapped sweets for Winnie. Their baskets were full and packages were sliding about under their arms. It was time to head for home.

  Packets of wrapping paper, silver and gold tape, extra ribbons and some baubles for the tree became almost impossible to carry and they were laughing as they stepped off the train and walked towards No 3.

  Paul was waiting at the door with the children.

  ‘Don’t look!’ Faith called. ‘Shut your eyes until I’ve put your presents out of sight. I don’t want to spoil the surprises!’

  There was a scramble as Faith and Vivienne sorted out which of the packages belonged to whom and the gifts were taken upstairs, then Faith put the kettle on. ‘Tea and some leftover cakes from the shop, right?’

  ‘It seems likely that Winnie will be coming home in a couple of days,’ Paul told them. ‘It will be such a relief to have her here again. Even if she has to stay in bed, just knowing she’s there. The children have missed her so much.’

  A week before Christmas, Vivienne told Faith that she had seen Verity.

  ‘Surely not? If she came here she’d have called, unless I was out when she came?’

  ‘I don’t want to upset you, Faith, but I don’t think it w
as you she came to see.’

  ‘She doesn’t know anyone else. She wouldn’t visit strangers.’

  ‘She was with Matt and from what I saw they were definitely not strangers.’

  ‘Matt? What could Verity have in common with Matt?’

  ‘Whatever his problems, Matt’s a handsome man. Besides, from what I heard at the newsagent’s they are doing business together. Verity and your mother are buying more of his work to sell in their shop in London.’

  ‘D’you think I should say something? At least tell, my – my mother how dangerous he is? Perhaps she doesn’t know about these visits? I have warned her but she chose not to believe me. And what about Verity’s husband? He’s sure to find out. She can’t be my sister! She’s vain and utterly stupid!’

  ‘Verity doesn’t believe you, or maybe she likes playing with danger.’

  ‘I still sometimes wonder whether I was wrong to give my daughter away. What if there was no danger and I deprived the man of a child for no reason except my own unfounded fears.’ She looked so sad that Vivienne hugged her. ‘One day your instincts will be proved correct. Just wait and see.’

  ‘I hope no one gets hurt to prove it,’ Faith replied, thinking of Verity.

  She thought about it for some time, then, taking the notebook into which she had written her mother’s phone number she went to the phone box on the corner.

  ‘I don’t know whether you want to hear this,’ she began. ‘It’s about Verity.’

  ‘You’ve heard the foolish girl has been visiting Matt Hewitt?’

  ‘Yes, and I know she doesn’t believe me, but he is a dangerous man. I thought I should tell you, but as you already know, I’m sorry if I’m interfering. I hope she doesn’t get hurt by him, that’s all.’

  ‘Thank you for phoning, dear. I share your concern, although, it’s unlikely she’ll be amused by him for long. Her tastes run to more elegant men.’