Unexpected Blessings (42 page)
‘Are you all right?’ Evan asked, touching her arm lightly, her face ringed with concern. ‘You’re awfully white, India dear.’
‘I’m okay,’ India replied, and promptly burst into tears.
Evan put her arm around her, and tried to soothe her, offering her tissues, murmuring kind words. And after a moment India, who was very strong, pulled herself together. She quickly recouped a little, blew her nose, and turned on the ignition. ‘Let’s get out of here,’ she said, driving forward. ‘I want to put some distance between myself and Mr Rhodes.’
‘I understand,’ Evan murmured, and decided not to ask any questions for the moment.
A little later, once they were on the road to Leeds, India told her what had happened, adding, ‘I do love him, you know.’ She was staring ahead, her eyes focused on the busy road as she explained, ‘But I can’t be with a man who doesn’t know who I am. So that’s it. I’ll get over him. Eventually.’
‘I’m sure you will,’ Evan agreed, but she couldn’t help wondering if India would.
P
aula looked up as the door to the upstairs parlour opened, and her face broke into smiles at the sight of her eldest daughter. ‘Good morning, Tessa darling,’ she said. ‘I see you’re bringing me a very welcome pot of coffee. Don’t stand there hesitating, come in. And you’ve brought a cup for yourself, that’s good; we can have a little chat, catch up.’
‘I know you’ve been up since the crack of dawn, working, and I didn’t want to disturb you before. But it’s almost eleven and I thought you could use some refreshment by now.’ Tessa walked over to the coffee table standing between the two big plump sofas, and setting the tray down, lowered herself onto a sofa.
Pushing back her chair, Paula left the time-worn Georgian desk once her grandmother’s, and joined Tessa, sat facing her, pouring the coffee. After putting milk and a sweetener in her cup she took a sip, then sat back, eyeing her daughter, affection written on her face. ‘You look lovely, Tessa, very well indeed. I thought so at dinner last night. Paris must have done you good, agreed with you.’
‘It did, yes, and Lorne is always so kind, thoughtful. We had a nice time together.’
‘So he told me,’ Paula murmured, immediately thinking of Jonathan Ainsley and Mark Longden and their troubling presence in Paris together last weekend. First Linnet and then Lorne had filled her in separately, and Jack Figg had given her a full report yesterday. The information he had supplied had only made her more determined than ever to deal with Tessa’s husband in the most appropriate and effective manner.
Leaning back against the cushions, Tessa said, ‘Last night you told me you are having the meeting with Mark and all the lawyers on Monday afternoon. And that I have to be there. But do I really?’
‘Yes, actually you do, Tessa,’ Paula replied, leaning forward. ‘I know you can’t abide him, and neither can I, but it
is
necessary. Christopher Jolliet is rather insistent about that, and he’s one of the best lawyers I’ve ever had. I do listen to his advice, you know, whatever you might think about me “running the show,” as you call it.’
Tessa laughed. ‘Then I’ll be there, Mummy…’ She did not finish her sentence, frowned, and hesitated before asking, ‘Will I have to do anything? Say anything?’
‘Not unless you’re asked any questions by Christopher, or Mark’s lawyers, then you will have to answer,’ Paula explained.
‘I see. A couple of weeks ago, when I spoke to you in New York, you told me that you had a plan. What is it?’
‘I’d prefer not to discuss it with you today, Tess, if you don’t mind,’ Paula answered swiftly. ‘I still have a few things to iron out, talk over with Christopher this weekend, before it will be all settled in my mind. But please be assured I am certain my plan will work.’
‘If you say so, Mummy, and really it’s all right, we don’t have to talk about it now. I trust your judgement: in my opinion there’s nobody smarter than you.’
‘Probably your father, I’m sure,’ Paula laughed. ‘But thank you for your confidence. By the way, I had a little visit with Adele early this morning, in the kitchen. And she’s so adorable, perfectly fine, and as happy as a lark.’ Paula paused, then added, ‘Thank God she wasn’t hurt in any way on that awful day. And I’m so sorry I wasn’t here to share your burdens–’
‘But Linnet was,’ Tessa interrupted, ‘and she handled things extremely well. Actually, I don’t know what I would have done without her. It was so smart of her to bring in Jack, but I’ve told you that.’
‘Yes, you did, and you’re quite right. She used great judgement.’
‘I’ve agreed to be Linnet’s matron of honour, Mummy.’
‘You changed your mind?’ Paula was taken aback, and she looked at Tessa alertly.
‘Well, yes I did, because I think she was a bit hurt when I refused originally.’
‘So now it’s going to be India, Evan and Emsie as bridesmaids, and you as matron of honour? Is that it?’
‘Not exactly. I’ve changed my mind about Adele being part of the wedding. I told Linnet the other day that Adele can be a bridesmaid after all, just as she wanted her to be.’
Harmony at last between them, Paula thought. It’s hardly believable. ‘I think that’s lovely of you, darling, and I’m so glad you decided to participate. I know Linny was truly disappointed when you said no.’
‘Did she tell you that Evan’s going to be designing her wedding gown?’
‘No, she didn’t, but it’s only Saturday, I’ve hardly caught my breath since arriving in Yorkshire. Do tell me all about it, Tess.’
‘Linnet didn’t like any of the sketches she’d had from various designers, and she asked Evan’s opinion the other evening. Evan came up with some superb ideas…like heavy cream satin, pearl embroidery, a style reminiscent of the Tudor period, and Linnet loved her suggestions. So Evan’s been busy sketching, in between tearing down the Leeds store and rebuilding it with India.’
‘You
are
joking? About the Leeds store?’ Paula asked, looking askance at her daughter.
‘Of course. But they are doing a lot of innovative things. You’ll be surprised, Mummy. They’ve certainly been much more radical in the changes they’re making there than I have at Harrogate.’ Tessa drank some of her black coffee, and added, ‘Much to the annoyance of that old harridan of a secretary of yours apparently.’
‘Which secretary do you mean?’
‘Eleanor. At the Leeds store.’
‘She’s not really an old harridan,’ Paula answered. She knew Eleanor was not spying for Jonathan any more. There was nothing to find out.
‘It’s just a manner of speaking, Mums, but she is a grumpy, bad-tempered woman.’
‘Now, you mentioned India,’ Paula said. ‘How is she? Linnet told me there’s been a bit of trouble between her and the artist, Russell Rhodes.’
Tessa filled her mother in, and finished, ‘I do feel sorry for her. India’s so good, such a straight person, I suppose it’s only natural she feels let down.’
Paula nodded, picked up the coffee pot, poured another cup for herself. As she put the pot down she gave Tessa a long, concentrated look, understanding as she had last night that there had been something of a change in Tessa’s attitude, in her demeanour. A change so remarkable there was obviously more to it than met the eye. It was particularly pronounced at this moment.
Her daughter was not as prickly or sharp, intent or aggressive as she so often was. In fact there was a lovely new softness about her, something Paula had never seen in her before. Tessa appeared much more feminine, more relaxed. She had a wonderful glow about her, the kind of glow that usually emanated from a woman who had been well and truly loved, who was sexually satisfied–that was the only way Paula could describe it.
Oh, my God! Paula sat bolt upright on the sofa, instantly looking across at Tessa, scrutinizing her carefully.
There’s a man in her life.
She’s fallen in love. It’s obviously reciprocated, so it’s genuine. Yes, that was it. Undoubtedly. Love had caused this most extraordinary change in her daughter.
So startled was she by this sudden and unexpected knowledge, Paula instantly got up, walked over to the window, stood looking out at the moors, not wishing Tessa to see the expression on her face. That she was flabbergasted was an understatement. Who can it be? she asked herself, when did it happen? Paula had been absent for almost two months so she had no real answers for herself.
Only Tessa had the answers. If anyone else in the family had known they would have mentioned it to her on the phone, she was quite positive of that.
Tessa was in love but no one knew. Did that mean there was some kind of problem attached to the relationship? A married man perhaps? She hoped not.
‘Mummy, I forgot to tell you about the dinner India and I had with Great-Aunt Edwina. Please come back to the sofa, I want you to hear all about it.’
Arranging a neutral expression on her face, Paula straightened her navy linen shirt and walked back to the sofa. ‘I’m all ears,’ she murmured, sitting down opposite her daughter.
Tessa told her mother the entire story of the evening with Edwina and the gift of the unique pieces of jewellery to herself and India.
Tessa went on, ‘Great-Aunt Edwina told me that I shouldn’t dwell on my marital problems, that I should get the divorce and move on to greener pastures. She said she hoped the débâcle with Mark wouldn’t put me off men, that I had to get over that hurdle. And immediately.’
‘Did she now.’ Paula gazed at Tessa, her head on one side, and after a slight pause, she said, ‘I’m making the assumption you took her advice to heart.’
‘Yes, I did.’ Jumping up, Tessa came and sat next to Paula on the sofa. ‘The most wonderful thing has happened to me–’
‘You’ve fallen in love,’ Paula interrupted.
‘How did you know?’
‘It’s written all over your face, darling. I noticed a great difference in you last night, and it’s more marked than ever today. I’m assuming he’s fallen in love with you?’
‘Yes,’ Tessa said, blushing. ‘At first sight.’
‘And who
is
this man who has wrought this change in you?’
‘It’s Jean-Claude Deléon, the French writer. You met him in Paris with Lorne…he’s Lorne’s friend. Do you remember him?’
Although she was rarely at a loss for words, Paula was speechless and she sat staring at Tessa, and then recovering, taking a deep breath, she said, ‘Of course I remember him. He’s an extraordinary person. Very attractive, very celebrated. And when did this happen?’
Before Tessa could respond Margaret appeared in the doorway of the upstairs parlour, clearing her throat, and murmuring, ‘Excuse me, Mrs O’Neill, but I was wondering how many we’ll be for lunch today?’
‘Goodness, Margaret, I’m afraid I’ve no idea,’ Paula answered, turning to Tessa. ‘There’s you and me, and Grandfather Bryan, right Tess? What about Linnet and Evan?’
‘Oh, yes, Mums, they’ll be here, because right now they’re working downstairs on the designs for the wedding gown and bridesmaids’ dresses. At least, Evan is, and Linnet’s going over other details for the wedding.’
‘Very well, Margaret, it looks as if we’ll be five. Oh, and there’s Emsie and Desmond. So we’ll be seven.’
‘No, no, wait a minute,’ Tessa interjected. ‘Linnet mentioned something about Julian coming for lunch with Uncle Ronnie.’
‘Oh, that’ll be lovely, I can’t wait to see them. Why don’t you think in terms of ten for lunch, Margaret. There’s always the possibility that Gideon might end up here as well.’
The housekeeper nodded, and, glancing at the piece of paper in her hand and then at Paula, she said, ‘I’ve made your favourite Mrs Beeton’s Mulligatawny soup for the first course, and I’d planned to make a cottage pie. Mr O’Neill likes it so much, you know, and a steak-and-kidney pie as well. Plus steamed fresh vegetables, and I’ve also got a luverly Yorkshire ham baking in the oven, Mrs O’Neill. For dessert Pm going to make bread-and-butter pudding. And fresh fruit for those on a diet,’ she thought to add, glancing at Tessa.
‘It sounds like a delicious feast. I must admit, I’ve missed your wonderful cooking, Margaret.’
‘Thank you, Mrs O’Neill, and Pm ever so glad you’re back.’
Once they were alone again, Tessa hurriedly went on, ‘Getting back to Jean-Claude. We met last week, Mummy, when I went to Paris with Lorne. It was one of those instantaneous things: we responded to each other immediately, and well, what can I say, we both feel as if we’ve been hit by a bus.’
Paula nodded. ‘Is this a flash in the pan on your part, Tessa dear?’
‘No, and it’s not on his either. Jean-Claude wants a serious, long-term relationship?’
‘Are we talking marriage here?’
‘Well, he hasn’t used that word, but yes, I think that’s what he means when he says long-term relationship.’ Noting the worried look settling on her mother’s face, she asked quickly, ‘Don’t you approve of him?’
Paula was silent for a moment, and then she murmured, ‘There’s something of an age difference, isn’t there, darling?’
‘Yes. But it doesn’t matter to me, nor does it matter to him.’
‘How old is he?’
‘He’s fifty-three.’
‘Really. He certainly doesn’t look it, and I’m sure he’s serious in his intentions, he’s that kind of responsible, caring man, from what I’ve observed.’
‘So it’s all right then?’
Paula fixed her eyes on Tessa. ‘Would it matter if I said it wasn’t, that I objected to him?’
‘Yes, it would, because I want you to approve. But it wouldn’t make me change my mind…how can I change what I feel for him?’
‘You can’t, not if you really love him. And you are thirty-two, a mature adult, and therefore you can do anything you wish with your life. But it just so happens that I don’t disapprove of Jean-Claude, no not at all. Quite the contrary, in fact. I always thought he was a charming man, and your father likes him, too.’
Tessa sat back, relaxing her taut muscles. ‘That’s a big relief, Mummy. After the horrible problems we’ve all had with Mark, it’s important to me that you like the man I’m involved with now.’