Love in Spring BoxSet

by Jenny Lane

  ‘Of course you can stay for as long as you like,’ Aunt Rose reiterated when Sophie broached the subject that evening. ‘I love having you here, you’ve been such a help. I’m just worried that you’ll find it dull. It’s hardly the right time of year to go out anywhere.’

  ‘Well, as soon as the weather bucks up we can go for a spin in the car,’ Sophie told her, picking up the tea tray.

  ***

  At church the following morning, Mrs Briggs came across to Rose.

  ‘I’ve got a very big favour to ask you, Rose. The teachers at my little granddaughter’s school have got one of those staff development days, or whatever they call them nowadays, tomorrow, and I’m at Rowanbank in the morning — so I was wondering ...’

  ‘Oh, bring her over to Rose Cottage, Mavis. We’d be delighted to keep an eye on her, wouldn’t we, Sophie?’

  Sophie smilingly agreed before turning back to Crystal, with whom she’d been having a chat. ‘So are you going out with Alan today?’

  ‘No, he’s gone with Keir and a group of students to an art exhibition. They did ask me, but I’ve only known Alan a week and don’t want him to think I’m being too full on. Besides, Teresa and Steve are coming to lunch with little Amy.’

  ‘I expect Glenda’s going to the exhibition,’ Sophie said, before she could prevent herself.

  ‘You bet she is! She’s a dreadful flirt and, although Keir’s always friendly, he certainly doesn’t encourage her. He’s a perfect gentleman — pleasant to everyone. It’s my belief he’s got someone tucked away in the background.’

  After lunch Aunt Rose said she wanted to watch something on TV, so Sophie decided to go out for a walk.

  Fiona and Ian Knight were in their front garden. She’d met them at Keir’s talk.

  ‘Hi, we’ve just been for a walk too. Are you staying here for a while?’

  ‘Just until Aunt Rose is fully mobile.’

  ‘Yes, we’re sorry we didn’t realise she’d had an accident,’ Fiona said sympathetically.

  ‘We’re pleased we managed to get to Keir’s talk the other day,’ Ian told Sophie. ‘We can’t wait for the craft centre to get up and running. It’ll be a boost for the village.’

  ‘Do you think so? I’m worried it’ll take business away from Peggy Munn.’ They chatted for a few more minutes and then Sophie headed back to the cottage.

  The following morning Sophie had just set off to collect Amy from Rowanbank when she bumped into Keir accompanied by a small figure.

  ‘We suddenly realised Amy had never met you, so I’ve brought her across.’

  ‘Where’s that other lady?’ asked Amy. ‘The one with the yellow hair?’

  ‘Oh, you mean Erica, Mrs Mercer?’

  ‘Mrs Mercer’s gone to Spain with her friend.’

  They all made their way to Rose Cottage.

  ***

  Aunt Rose looked up with a smile. ‘Hello Amy, just the person I could do with. Do you think you could help me make some peg dolls?’

  The little girl nodded and perched herself on a stool beside Aunt Rose. A few minutes later the grey and blonde heads were bent over their work.

  ‘Well, it looks as if we’re redundant,’ said Keir.

  Aunt Rose’s head shot up. ‘Oh, no you’re not. You can fetch me that large cardboard box from the cupboard under the stairs.’

  ‘Did you enjoy the exhibition yesterday?’ Sophie asked as he extracted the box.

  ‘To be perfectly honest I found it a bit disappointing, but most of the others liked it so that was good and, after all, it’s important for my students to get to see a wide variety of different aspects of ceramics.’ He glanced at his watch. ‘Unfortunately, I’m going to have to go very shortly or I’ll never get the work ready for this wretched meeting this afternoon.’

  Keir placed the box within easy reach of Rose, and Sophie felt a pang of disappointment as he made a quick exit before Amy noticed. Luckily the child was so absorbed in what she was doing that she didn’t even look up.

  Midway through the morning, Sophie glanced at Aunt Rose and saw how tired she was looking. Summing up the situation Sophie said, ‘Shall I put the kettle on? I’m sure this young lady would like a hot blackcurrant drink and I expect you’re ready for your coffee?’

  ‘What a good idea,’ Aunt Rose said, looking relieved, ‘and there are some chocolate biscuits in the tin.’

  After their elevenses, Sophie volunteered to read Amy a story and then the little girl produced her own reading book and they had some quiet time whilst Aunt Rose carried on working on her dolls’ house furniture.

  Later on, Sophie took Amy into the garden to let off steam. Aunt Rose had found an old tennis ball and a couple of racquets in the cupboard.

  Amy was an energetic child and obviously good at sport. They spent a hectic half hour careering round the garden and then, much to Sophie’s embarrassment, she saw Keir watching them from the back door.

  He thought what a picture Sophie looked. Her hair was all over the place and her cheeks were rosy. He smiled to himself, thinking how refreshingly natural and unsophisticated she was and knowing he was attracted to her.

  Nina had been the love of his life and he’d vowed there would never be anyone else, but that was before he’d met Sophie Burnett. Keir snapped out of his reverie and called to Amy. The little girl ran up to him.

  ‘Your grandmother’s almost ready to leave now, Amy, and I’ve got to go to my meeting soon.’

  Amy pulled a face. ‘Oh — can I come with you?’

  ‘I’m afraid not, it’ll be very boring and you wouldn’t like it at all. No, you’d be much happier staying with your grandmother.’

  ‘I’ve had a brill time this morning. Can I come again, Sophie?’

  ‘I’m sure you can, but you’ll have to ask Mrs Harding because it’s her cottage, you see.’

  ‘You’re very welcome, lovey,’ Aunt Rose said, a few minutes later, when Amy skipped indoors and repeated her question. ‘Now, are you going to take these peg dollies with you?’

  It was Sophie’s turn to stand and watch from the back door, as the child set off with Keir. When they reached the gate they turned and waved.

  ‘There goes one very nice young man,’ Aunt Rose commented, echoing Sophie’s thoughts. The problem was he seemed too nice. There was another tick in the tick box — he was good with children too. Sophie knew she was becoming increasingly attracted to him and she was powerless to do anything about it.

  The week fell into some kind of routine after that. Aunt Rose felt able to accompany Sophie to the farm shop, but declined Sophie’s suggestion that she might like to go further afield perhaps into Tonbridge.

  ‘When the weather improves, and I feel more confident walking on this foot, then there’ll be no stopping me but, for the moment, I’m happy to stay in Penbridge. But don’t let me stop you from having a wander round. There are quite a few things I could do with, if you do get near one of the supermarkets.’

  Sophie realised that she was soon going to have to make a decision about what she intended to do. She loved being in Penbridge, but couldn’t impose on Aunt Rose for ever.

  That afternoon she popped into the village to get a few essential groceries for Aunt Rose and decided to call in to the library.

  Crystal beamed at her. ‘Thanks for looking after Amy on Monday. She had a wonderful time. Don’t tell me Mrs Harding’s finished all her library books already!’

  ‘No, I just called in for a few minutes’ natter.’

  Crystal leaned across the counter. ‘OK, we’re not exactly rushed off our feet, as you can see, although we were quite busy this morning, and we had a group of school children in, up until half-an-hour ago, from the local primary school.’

  ‘Crystal, I’ve decided to stay in Penbridge for a while, but I’ll obviously need to get some work. Have you got any ideas?’

  Crystal thought for a moment. ‘There’s always plenty of voluntary work, but paid — that’s a very different matter.
You might pick up a few waitressing shifts at that restaurant we all went to the other Saturday or there’s a garden centre. You could ask there. I’m so pleased you’re wanting to stay, Sophie. I’m going to my first evening class with Keir tonight. I’m sure you’d be welcome to come along too.’

  ‘Oh, I’m not sure if ...’ Sophie began.

  Just then an elderly couple came up to the desk with an enquiry and Sophie said goodbye to Crystal and left. The idea of spending more time with Keir was tantalising, but the thought of watching Glenda flirting with him made Sophie feel reluctant to join the class.

  ***

  On Thursday afternoon, Sophie did another stint at the gift shop and this time she managed to persuade Peggy Munn to allow her to do something about the window display which was faded and rather unappealing.

  Under her direction, Sophie removed all the items and carefully placed them in the small kitchen and then, leaving Peggy to wash them, Sophie cleaned the inside of the window and removed quantities of dusty lining paper. She spent a pleasant time creating the background for a new display.

  Looking up, she saw Keir grinning at her from the street. She clambered out of the window as he entered the shop. Her heartbeat quickened at the sight of him. She dusted her hands on her jeans, aware that she must look spectacularly untidy.

  ‘Well, you look busy and, er, rather dusty,’ he said.

  She coloured. ‘So would you be, but at least you can see in the window.’

  ‘I’m full of admiration for your diligence,’ he teased.

  ‘Have you brought us some more of your ceramics?’ she asked, eyeing the bulging bags he was carrying.

  ‘I certainly have, together with just a few pieces from my students this time. They’re so keen to display their work. Do you suppose Mrs Munn could be persuaded to let us put them in the window?’

  ‘I can ask her, but don’t hold your breath. She was planning to put back all the things we’ve removed, probably in the same order.’

  He laughed, and reaching up, rubbed her cheek gently. ‘You’ve got a speck of dirt just there. That’s better.’

  She caught her breath at his touch. She knew she felt an undeniable attraction towards him. Perhaps she was truly over Brett or was it just that Keir was such a charmer?

  He cast his eyes about the shop now and she wondered what he was looking for. ‘That indigo chenille cloth would make a perfect foil for our display.’

  She followed his gaze and her eyes widened. ‘You are joking — that table’s full of china! How am I expected to shift it, even if Mrs Munn agreed? Anyway, I’ve just spent ages recovering the shelving in the window. You really are the giddy limit, Keir.’

  ‘I know,’ he said with a devastating smile which made her go weak at the knees. He flung an arm about her shoulder. ‘Humour me, I’ve just had a brilliant idea.’

  Sophie pulled a face at him. ‘You have? OK, but if it means undoing what I’ve just spent the last couple of hours doing then I don’t want to know.’

  ‘Where’s Mrs Munn?’ he asked, taking no notice of this last comment.

  ‘Out the back. She was supposed to be washing the ornaments, but last time I looked she was having a snooze. Why?’

  ‘Then there’s no time to lose.’ Keir removed his jacket and carefully began to dismantle the display of china ornaments.

  For a moment Sophie just gaped at him and then she said, ‘Keir you can’t just barge in here and change things round without even asking.’

  He patted her shoulder. ‘Trust me. I know what I’m doing.’

  His closeness sent her pulse racing. ‘OK, but on your own head be it. This has nothing to do with me!’

  ‘Come on. I could do with another pair of hands.’

  She hesitated for a moment and then took the ornaments he handed her and placed them carefully on the floor.

  ‘Time is of the essence,’ he said. ‘Can you take this cloth into the garden and shake it?’

  ‘Hardly, I’d wake Mrs Munn.’

  His eyes glinted. ‘Then you’ll just have to go out the front. Don’t argue, Sophie. We haven’t got all day.’

  Sophie opened her mouth to retort and found herself meekly obeying. She was beginning to discover that Keir had a way of getting people to do his bidding. She wasn’t sure whether to be angry or amused at his nerve.

  Fortunately there was hardly anybody about as she stood shaking the heavy cloth free of dust. She returned to the shop and gave Keir a hand to get it on the shelf in the window.

  They had just finished arranging the pieces of pottery when Peggy Munn came into the shop. ‘Oh, dear. I must have fallen asleep. Hello Keir, whatever are you up to?’

  He turned on the charm and, taking her by the arm, steered her gently outside of the shop, leaving Sophie to follow.

  ‘Well!’ Peggy Munn exclaimed, gazing at the window display. ‘I have to say you’ve made a very good job of it, but you’re very naughty taking advantage of me falling asleep like that.’

  Keir looked contrite. ‘I’ll dismantle it all, if that’s what you want.’

  She chuckled. ‘You know how to twist me round your little finger, don’t you? But just tell me whatever I’m supposed to do with all that stuff you’ve left on my shop floor?’

  ‘How long have you had it?’ he asked as they went back inside.

  Peggy Munn sighed. ‘Too long. I can’t seem to shift it.’

  ‘Well, I might be able to help you there. One of my evening class students has a bric-a-brac stall in one of the markets. If we box this lot up, I’ll see if we can sell it for you — that’s if you’re in agreement, and then the stuff that was in the window can go back on display here.’

  ‘No, I’ve made my mind up that can go as well — thank you, Keir. I’d have a bit more space without that table in here, wouldn’t I?’

  As Sophie and Keir left the shop a little later, Keir paused to look at the window display again. ‘Well, that’s looking pretty good, don’t you think?’

  Sophie nodded. ‘Just so long as you’re not planning to remove your pottery from the shop once the craft centre is up and running, and leave Peggy Munn high and dry. It’s as well she isn’t going for a makeover or she could be well and truly out of pocket.’

  Keir saw the reproach in her beautiful eyes and had an overwhelming desire to take her in his arms and kiss that lovely mouth and quell her fears. Instead he said, ‘That’s a bit harsh, isn’t it? I’m sorry if you think that, Sophie. Not everyone has an ulterior motive, you know,’ and he shot off towards the car park, leaving her staring after him and wishing she could have retracted the comments.

  ***

  Sophie had a long chat with her mother on the phone that evening.

  ‘Darling, I’ve got a bit of a problem on my hands,’ Anne Burnett told her daughter.

  ‘What’s wrong, Mum?’

  ‘Are you still happy to stay with Rose for the time being?’

  ‘Well, yes, although if I stay too much longer I’ll need to get some work. Why, have you let my room out?’

  ‘Not exactly, but you’re on the right lines. Your Uncle Tom’s going to America on business for a few weeks and Aunt Judy’s got the opportunity of going with him. The thing is, Sophie, they don’t like to leave your gran on her own, so I’ve said she can come to us.’ Anne Burnett paused. ‘For about a month.’

  ‘Gran — a month! Then I’d better come home. You’ll need some help.’

  ‘No, I’ll manage perfectly and it will be good to have some quality time with my mother. The thing is, Sophie, it’ll be easier to put her in your room than Tim’s. His is always in a perpetual muddle and I don’t think she’d like the colour scheme!’

  Sophie was silent for several seconds and her mother said, ‘Sophie are you still there?’

  ‘Yes, I’m just trying to get my head round this. So, even if I wanted to come home, there wouldn’t be any space?’

  ‘Of course there would, dear, there’s always the put-you-up downstairs
or Tim could sleep there and you could have his room.’

  ‘No way! I’d like to see Gran though — it’s been ages.’

  ‘Well, you could always come up for a weekend. Anyway think about it. But, I do need to know about your room by the weekend.’

  ‘Tim could always go to stay with Natalie,’ Sophie suggested.

  ‘Yes, he has suggested that,’ Anne Burnett said doubtfully, ‘but Natalie’s parents have got both her brothers also living in that small terraced house already.’

  When Sophie came off the phone she went to speak to Aunt Rose.

  ‘Sophie, you know I love you being here. If I could afford to pay you to be my companion, I would. You’re a wonderful help and I enjoy your company, but you need to get out and about.’

  At Sophie’s insistence, they discussed a reasonable amount of money for her to pay into the house-keeping purse each week and, having burnt her boats for the next month, Sophie decided to set about finding herself some form of work.

  After an early lunch on Saturday, Sophie set off for the village to pick up Aunt Rose’s bread order and to settle the paper bill. It was chilly, but a watery sun filtered through the clouds. Sophie took a deep breath. It was a good mile into the village, but she was glad of some exercise. She was halfway along the lane when Keir’s red Vauxhall pulled up in front of her.

  ‘Going anywhere in particular?’ he enquired.

  ‘Just the village — one or two errands to run for Aunt Rose.’

  ‘Are you in a hurry?’

  ‘No, why are you intending to delay me?’

  Keir laughed. ‘Hop in, there’s somewhere special I’d like to show you. It won’t take long.’

  Intrigued, Sophie climbed into the car and settled herself beside him.

  ‘This sounds very curious. You haven’t changed Peggy’s window back again, have you?’

  ‘What?’ He chuckled. ‘No. Have you forgiven me, yet?’

  ‘I’m not sure. You are rather high-handed you know,’ she teased.

  ‘Goodness, no-one’s ever told me that before. I’ll have to think about that one. Now, I wonder where I can park.’