Highland Fling (29 page)

‘Hello, this is the Drake residence,’ a woman’s voice said, ‘we’re probably out spending our son’s inheritance so leave your name and number and we’ll get back to you.’

Their son’s inheritance! Oh my God, did they already know Kim was having a boy? Lizzie slammed the phone down. She grabbed for the hall table to steady herself as a wave of dizziness and nausea swept over her. She took several deep breaths and when the wave had passed she went into the kitchen and opened a bottle of wine. She really needed a drink.

Two gulped down glasses later a thought struggled to the front of her brain. The woman on the machine was very well spoken and sounded older than Kim would be. She couldn’t be sure of course, a voice can be deceptive, but there was something about it, an intonation, and the more Lizzie thought about it the more she was convinced. She grabbed the phone, hit the redial button and waited.

‘Hello,’ a woman’s voice said.

Lizzie waited to hear the rest of the message.

‘Hello,’ the voice said again.

It wasn’t the machine.

‘I think it’s one of those computer calls,’ the woman was saying to someone else, ‘it’s all quiet but I can hear breathing.’

‘Computers don’t breathe,’ a man’s voice said from close by, ‘maybe it’s one of those heavy breathers Maisie across the road keeps saying she gets. Just hang up.’

Lizzie had to act. ‘H ... hello!’ she said, flustered. ‘Sorry I was expecting the answering machine. It’s ... it’s Lizzie Marshall from Laurellei Farm. You ... you made a booking for Easter weekend today.’

‘Oh! Hello. Yes. Yes we did.’

This was definitely not Kim. The voice sounded older and very friendly. Funny, why didn’t Lizzie think Kim would sound friendly.

‘Hello-o,’

‘Sorry,’ Lizzie said. ‘It’s been one of those days today. Um, we called you back because we ... ' if this wasn’t Kim, then the booking wasn’t Jack so she needn’t try to cancel it need she? ‘Um ... because we didn’t take a name or any details and ...and we always do that in case of emergencies or something.’ Lizzie was babbling. She sounded like an idiot, she thought.

‘Oh of course. It was all so last minute. We didn’t think you’d have a vacancy but we called on the off chance and it must have been fate because you’d just had a cancellation. I suspect my husband was so surprised he just hung up. He does that.’

‘Oh. Um, no. I think it was us actually. As I said, one of those days I’m afraid. It’s Drake though isn’t it? I heard the name on the answering machine message when I tried earlier.’

Mrs. Drake giggled like a naughty schoolgirl. ‘Oh the message! Was it the one about spending our son’s inheritance? It was wasn’t it? I meant to change that but I forgot. Oh dear, how embarrassing. You must think I’m very silly. It was a joke you see. Our son was due to call us and I left the message for him, as a tease, you know, to make him laugh. No, of course you don’t know. I’m rambling. Sorry. Yes. The name is Drake, Jack and Evelyn Drake.’

Lizzie almost dropped the phone. ‘J ... Jack?’ she stammered.

‘Yes, that’s right. You know our son I believe, also Jack. Yes I know, it’s a family tradition. The first born males are always called Jack. Bizarre but it goes back generations. I called him JJ when he was little so that it wasn’t so confusing but he doesn’t really like it. He stayed with you last month for his stag weekend. Well, that was a disaster wasn’t it? Oh! Not his stay with you – that was wonderful, he can’t stop singing your praises. No, I meant the accident and then everything that followed. Oh dear, Jack’s shaking his head. My husband not my son; you see what I mean about confusing. Anyway, my husband obviously thinks I’m talking too much. I always do. I do apologise. Where were we?’

Mrs. Drake wasn’t the only one in the family who talked too much, Lizzie remembered, as something sharp and painful poked at her heart.

‘Um. You were giving me your names.’

‘Oh yes, of course I was. We’re really looking forward to our stay with you. Jack, my husband, loves photography and Jack, our son said the scenery is stunning, although most of it was covered in snow when he was with you. That was unbelievable too wasn’t it ... Oh dear, my husband is sighing. I’m doing it again.’ Mrs. Drake burst out laughing. ‘Just can’t seem to stop myself. Sorry, Lizzie. You don’t mind if I call you Lizzie do you? Jack said you were very friendly. My son that is. Oh dear, off again. Was there anything else you need from us? Would you like a deposit?’

Lizzie’s head was spinning. ‘No. No it’s fine. I’ve got everything I need. I’ll ... I’ll see you on Good Friday then. Are you flying up or coming by train?’

‘We’re driving actually. We’re leaving early tomorrow so you only just caught us. We’re stopping off to visit a friend on the way and ... sorry, just tell me to stop dear. Jack does, my son that is. He says “Mother stop waffling” and then he gives me one of his grins, even when he says it on the phone I can tell he’s grinning, although lately ...’

Lizzie didn’t want her to stop now. ‘Lately?’ she coaxed.

‘Oh. Nothing dear. We’ll see you on Good Friday. Should be arriving mid afternoon if that’s okay.’

‘Yes that’s perfect. See you then. I’m ... looking forward to meeting you.’

‘And we’re looking forward to meeting you. Jack has said ... No, I won’t start again.’ She giggled. ‘See you soon. Goodbye.’

Lizzie wanted to scream, ‘Jack said what?’ but she didn’t. She merely said ‘Goodbye.’

Chapter Eighteen

‘Hi Lizzie. How are you? Jane and Iain back safely?’ Max leant back in his office chair and put his feet up on the desk.

‘Hi Max. I’m fine thanks and yes, they got back safely. They had a wonderful time and the weather was superb apparently. How’re things with you? Bet you’re glad you don’t have to clean out the animals anymore.’

Max smirked. ‘Oddly enough, I am. I still don’t know how you can prefer living up there to being here in London. Don’t you ever miss it?’

‘The City you mean? Sometimes but not for long. I love it here Max. It’s where I belong. Just as you belong in London.’

‘I agree with that. It does feel good to be back behind my desk I have to admit – and not to have to walk miles to get to a pub. Speaking of which, that’s one of the reasons I called.’ He studied his Armani tie and fiddled with the tips of it.

‘About a pub?’

‘Well, not about the pub, just what I heard when I was in it last night. Thought you might be interested – or not, actually, after our conversation on Jane’s wedding day I’m not sure how you’ll react but I thought you ought to know.’

Lizzie felt every muscle in her body tense as her veins began to pump adrenaline. ‘Tell me what?’ she said trying to remain calm.

‘Kim got married yesterday.’

Lizzie dropped on to a kitchen chair as if she’d received a punch to her chest – which in fact, she had – that was where her heart was, after all.

‘Lizzie? Did you hear me? I said –’

‘I heard you!’

‘You sound annoyed. Are you ... are you really upset?’

She wanted to shout, ‘Of course I bloody well am!’ but she didn’t. ‘Why should I be? I knew it was coming. I hope they’ll both be very happy.’ She gripped the edge of the table and closed her eyes in an effort to hold the nausea at bay.

‘I don’t think there’s much chance of that. I’m not sure anything would make Kim very happy.’ Max took a deep breath. ‘There’s something else Lizzie – and I don’t want you to get angry. I didn’t do it on purpose.’

Lizzie sat bolt upright. ‘Do what on purpose?’

Max hesitated. ‘Well, Kim’s fiancé – this was the day I came back to work so they weren’t married then – came to the office to collect Kim’s things and the wedding present the rest of the secretaries had bought her and ... it just so happened that we got in the lift together when he was leaving.’

‘Oh my God Max! What did you do? You didn’t hit him or something did you?’

‘What? Of course not! Did you think I beat him to a pulp or something? Give me some credit Lizzie.’

‘Okay ... so, what happened then?’

‘He introduced himself and said he knew I was Max, your husband and he just wanted to say how great he thought you were and that he’d heard we’d got back together and he hoped things would work out this time. And that he knew what it felt like to nearly lose someone you really loved. Actually, come to think of it, I should have beaten him to a pulp. Arrogant little shit.’

Lizzie found herself agreeing with Max. Of all the nerve! Then a thought struck her. ‘Got back together? What made him think we’d got back together?’

‘What? God knows. Nothing I’ve said I can promise you that and I put him straight on that score – and that’s the bit I don’t want you to get mad about, well one of them.’

‘What did you say Max?’

‘I hadn’t intended to say anything but the lift stopped at my floor and he was grinning like a Cheshire cat and before I knew it I’d said something like, “We’re getting divorced actually. Mutual decision although, you screwing her had quite a lot to do with it.” I know. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said it.’

‘No Max! You shouldn’t! Wh ... what did he say?’

‘Nothing. He looked rather surprised but he didn’t say a word. Shall I tell you the rest?’

‘There’s more?’ Lizzie hung her head and rubbed her forehead with her hand. ‘Tell me. What more could you possibly have said to him.’

‘Nothing to him. The lift door closed and he was gone. It was a few minutes after. I bumped into Phil and we started talking about a deal he’s doing, then, out of the blue, he asks how you are. I said something along the lines of “why don’t you call her and ask,” I wasn’t in a good mood; it had been a really shitty day and Ross had already pissed me off. Anyway, he says sorry but he was only asking because he’d heard you’d hurt your ankle and I’d taken you back to Scotland and would I give you his best wishes.’

Lizzie heard paper rustling and assumed Max had finished. ‘That’s not so bad – but it’s Jack.’ 

‘What? Oh sorry, I hadn’t finished. My secretary just came in to get some urgent papers.’

‘Oh.’

‘Well, anyway, I said he seemed to be under the same impression as Ross and that, for the purposes of clarity, I would tell Phil what I had told Ross, that we were getting divorced and it was partly because my wife had fallen head over heels in love with my ex-lover’s fiancé!’

‘What? Max how could you? Oh my God! How embarrassing! And it’s Jack! Why do you keep calling him Ross?’

‘Because it is Ross and it’s true, you have fallen head over heels in love.’

‘It isn’t!’ Lizzie jumped to her feet and paced the room, ignoring the slight twinge in her ankle.

‘It is Lizzie! That was quite obvious on Jane’s wedding day. You may be trying to deny it but we both know you’re in love with the guy. You’ve got to get over it though. He’s married now with a kid on the way.’

‘Thank you for pointing out the obvious Max! Is this giving you some sort of perverse pleasure? I wouldn’t take you back so you’re rubbing salt into my wounds now. Is that why you called to tell me he’s married?’

‘What? No! If you think I get pleasure out of hurting you, you are very much mistaken. Even now, I still love you. Even when I know you’re in love with another man. But that’s irrelevant. You’ve made it quite clear that we’re over and I accept that. I told you because I thought you should know, that’s all and because I promised you I’d never lie to you again.’

Lizzie slumped on to the window-seat and stared out of the window.

‘Lizzie?’ Max’s voice was gentle again. ‘Are you okay? I’m sorry perhaps I shouldn’t have told you after all.’

Lizzie sighed. ‘No Max. It’s better that I know. And you’re right – about all of it. I’m sorry I lost my temper with you.’

‘That’s okay, sweetheart. Are you going to be all right?’

‘I’ll be fine. It’s Good Friday tomorrow and we’re full over Easter so I’ll be busy. You going anywhere?’

‘No plans but I may just get in the car and drive. See where I end up.’

Lizzie gave a short laugh. ‘We used to love doing that.’

‘We used to love doing a lot of things Lizzie. Anyway, you look after yourself and have a great Easter. And Lizzie ... if you need me, I’ll always be just a phone call away. You know that don’t you?’

‘Yeah. I know that Max. Have a good time. Bye.’ Lizzie hung up and burst into tears.

The phone hadn’t stopped ringing for over an hour and Lizzie was close to throwing all of them out of the window. No matter where she was in the house one of the hands free phones seemed to be harassing her. First it had been Max and it had taken her twenty minutes to pull herself together after that call. Then it was the butcher to tell her the delivery would be an hour late. Then Annie had called to say her car wouldn’t start and she was waiting for Duncan from the garage to come and take a look at it.

When the phone rang again a few minutes later, Lizzie was close to breaking point.

‘Laurellei Farm!’ she snapped.

There was a pause before a male voice said, ‘Hello Lizzie, it’s Jack Drake.’

Lizzie almost fell down the stairs she was standing at the top of; her bundle of towels did. Then she realised it was Mr. Drake, Jack’s father who would be arriving tomorrow. The relief was almost audible even though having Jack’s parents staying so soon after Jack’s wedding wasn’t going to be easy.

‘Hello Mr. Drake. How are you and what can I do for you?’

Another pause. ‘Um I’m fine thanks. Um can I come up and see you?’

Lizzie’s brows shot together and a warning bell started ringing somewhere within her. ‘I ... I don’t understand Mr. Drake. You are coming up tomorrow ... aren’t you?’

A third pause. ‘No I ... oh, you mean my dad. He and mum are coming to stay.’

‘J ... Jack?’

‘Yes. I know it’s confusing isn’t it, us both having the same name. Stupid idea. If I ever have a son there is no way he’ll be called Jack. Three of us is just too ridiculous.’

Lizzie stiffened at the mention of the baby. ‘What do you want Jack?’

‘Well, I ... I heard something and I thought we could discuss it. I can come up anytime, just say when and –’

‘What did you hear?’