Authors: Dilys Xavier
‘Isn’t Pat doing well? He’s made a huge difference to my garden already,’ she said as she gazed out. ‘Only the other day he told me he’d like to go back to Ireland for good.’ She shook her head. ‘I suppose people like to go back to their roots, so it’s only natural, but I’d be quite lost if he went, really I would. I can’t bear to think of it.’ She shrugged, and walked over to the window. ‘It’s as well not to rely too heavily on someone; you get let down more often than not. It’s better to be independent, but I can’t do that heavy sort of garden work, I’m out of practice… not fit enough.’
She moved away from the window, and plonked down on the sofa. ‘Oh, well, if he goes, there’s little I can do about it. I’ll just have to look around for another gardener, that’s all.’ She let out another long sigh. ‘But Pat is such a gem, and we get on so well together… we’re like friends. I’ll never find another gardener like him.’
‘Come along, Mum, he only said he’d like to go, not that he is going, so maybe it’s only wishful thinking.’ She looked at her mother, then continued. ‘Haven’t you said things that you don’t really mean? Anyway, in fairness, there’s not much to make him want to stay here, is there?’ She linked her arm through her mother’s as they looked out the window. ‘Don’t let something like that worry you, Mum. If it comes to that, you’ve got enough money now to call in the local professional landscapers to keep it just as you want it. Expensive, I know, but once they’ve got it right, you’ll be able to manage, and we’ll help as much as we can.’ She put her arm around her mother’s shoulders. ‘Don’t get weepy, Mum… not over a garden… it’s never worth it.’ She glanced at her watch, and changed the subject. ‘What time are we going to the hospital?’
‘Right now.’ Katie slipped on her jacket. ‘I’m anxious to see how Aunt Bertha is.’ She clucked her tongue. ‘I’m really concerned about her. I do hope we find her improved today.’ Katie picked up her handbag, and walked out to the car.
‘I’ve left the back door open for you to help yourself to coffee,’ she called to Pat, as she passed him. ‘Secure it when you leave, please.’
Within twenty minutes, they were at the hospital, but before going in to the ward, Katie sought out the Sister and questioned her about how Aunt Bertha was getting on.
‘She’s not progressing as well as we’d like,’ the woman said. ‘We think there may be something else we need to address, so we’re going to run more tests.’
Katie walked away feeling despondent, but when she saw Aunt Bertha, she felt convinced that she looked a little better this time. However, there was little conversation, and from the way her aunt kept nodding off, Katie could see that she needed rest more than she needed visitors. In a short while, Aunt Bertha drifted off to sleep, and Katie beckoned Sam to leave. They crept quietly away, and headed back to Priory Farm.
Sam stayed for lunch, but left straight after, and a little later Pat went home as well. Left on her own, Katie was quietly reading the paper, when the phone rang. Could this be Tom, the colonel, so soon? Her heart gave a little leap as she lifted the phone full of expectancy.
‘Hello, Katie, how are you today?’
Rex’s cheerful tone brightened her immediately. ‘Look here, would you join me for a drink and a meal in one of our ancient little inns tonight? There are plenty to choose from in the countryside around here.’
‘Thank you Rex; I’d love that. What time will you pick me up?’
‘Seven-thirty all right for you?’
‘Perfect,’ Katie said, delighted to have something to dress up for.
Rex arrived on time, again in the silver Mercedes. ‘We’ll take a leisurely drive through some pretty countryside, pick out an interesting looking inn, and hope they’ve a decent menu.’ He waited for a response. ‘Does that sound okay to you?’
Katie felt quite unconcerned about where they went; she was only too pleased to be driven around and have a meal at a local inn. ‘Whatever you say, Rex. I don’t mind where we go.’
It was only minutes before they left the busy roads for the quiet rural lanes. On the top of a hill, out in deep countryside, Rex stopped the car and pointed to the sheep in the field.
‘Look… that’s a rare breed of sheep called Welsh Blacks. Now the first many would think of associated with that name is cattle. I know the farmer who owns those sheep quite well,’ he said. ‘If it were earlier in the day, we’d call on him. Another time, maybe.’
‘This is idyllic,’ Katie said. ‘Let’s get out and take a breath of fresh air.’
Rex eased from his seat and strode around the car to open the door for her. Katie stepped out and gazed around what seemed to be an enormous plateau. Everything looked so clean, and fresh, and the brightness of nature’s colors appeared more intense in the pure, clean air. From their vantage point, she looked out over fields that stretched into the distance, and there wasn’t the sound of a single vehicle. She breathed deeply of the gentle breeze that wafted the healthy country smells to them.
‘This is heavenly,’ she murmured, ‘just like another world.’ She cocked her head ti the side, and lifted a finger. ‘Listen to that bird. Do you know what it is?’ she asked, as the song carried on the wind.
‘A linnet, I’m sure,’ Rex answered. ‘I’ve done quite a bit of bird watching.’
They were soon enjoying a simple meal of the best Aberdeen Angus steak, with mushrooms, onions, and French fries, in a quiet country inn. After their coffee had been served, Rex reached across the table and took Katie’s hand. Her first impulse was to pull away, but she hesitated, curious to know exactly what was in his mind.
He spoke in a low tone. ‘Katie, we’ve met a few times now… and I can only hope that you enjoy my company as much as I enjoy yours.’ He paused, looking anxious as he waited for her response.
She wondered what was coming next. No way was she going to commit herself, but neither did she want to say anything that would put an end to their pleasant relationship, such as it was. ‘Yes, we do get along fairly well.’
‘Well, I’ve been thinking,’ he said. ‘I’ll be taking a trip to my little place in Majorca fairly soon.’ He looked her straight in the eyes. ‘What I’m trying to say is that it would be far more fun if you’d come with me.’
Katie’s jaw dropped in surprise at the unexpected suggestion. ‘It’s a... ‘ she faltered, groping for words. As she pulled her mind together, she remembered the serious condition of Aunt Bertha’s health; it would be a genuine excuse. ‘It’s a wonderful idea, Rex, and so kind of you to invite me, but I’ll be unable to take advantage of your tempting offer. Going away anywhere is out of the question while Aunt Bertha is so ill.’ She reached out her other hand to cover his. ‘You do understand?’
‘Ah, sorry. Didn’t think of that,’ Rex said, shaking his head vigorously, with disappointment in his eyes. A moment later he perked up. ‘But when your aunt is fully recovered and back home, will you come then? I can wait.’
‘She’s not going home,’ Katie replied. ‘I’ve invited her to live with me, so my freedom will be curtailed as soon as that happens, which will be once she comes home from hospital.’ ‘Going away then will be out of the question.’
‘Ah, I see.’ Rex rubbed his fingers over his beard while he thought for a moment or two. ‘But once she’s better, could she not stay with one of your daughters, or go into a home for a short while so that you could take a holiday?’ ‘You’ve told me you’re badly in need of a change, and surely here’s an offer too good to miss.’
He spread his hands wide and looked pleadingly at her. ‘Imagine this: a beautiful hillside setting, overlooking the sea, lazy days basking in the gentle warmth of glorious sunshine, good food and wine, dreamy music, and nothing to do.’ He smiled broadly as he spoke and patted her hand. ‘There’s more… and me to look after you with undivided attention, on a part of the island frequented by royalty and film stars.’ He took a deep breath and smiled. ‘Your own room of course; no strings attached, I promise.’
‘It sounds a dream of a place. Yes, it’s a possibility, but remote, Rex, so please don’t start planning anything.’ She was thankful to have Aunt Bertha as an excuse allowing her to gracefully get out of trip without offending him.
‘All right, then we’ll leave the matter in abeyance, but I hope things will work out favourably.’ He called for the check and as soon as he settled it, he took her arm. ‘Now my sweet Katie, I think I should take you home.’
Pleasantly comfortable, and fully satisfied with the evening out, Katie felt sleepy on the journey home. ‘If you don’t mind, I won’t ask you in tonight, Rex,’ she said, as he drove in through the gates. ‘That country air has made me so relaxed, that I think I’ll go to bed straight away.’
‘As you wish.’ Rex pulled to a stop and left the Mercedes. He walked to the front door with her, and, without hesitation, folded his long arms around her and held her tightly for several seconds. His breathing was heavy, and made Katie wonder if he was going to try and kiss her again. Strangely, she wanted him to now, and snuggled her face into his broad chest. He must have sensed her willingness, because he released his tight hold, and leaned back to look down into her face.
‘Katie,’ he said, in a low tone, ‘I think I’m getting a bit too fond of you.’ Then he sighed deeply, and lifted her chin. He kissed her gently at first, and then, as passion took over, his kiss became harder, more urgent, and deeper.
A little taken aback by his sudden fervour, Katie stiffened in his arms as he kissed her.
Obviously sensing her mood, Rex released her, and stepped back. ‘Goodnight, dear Katie,’ he whispered, then turned and left.
Katie closed the door behind her and leaned against it, feeling pleasantly tired. Once she was tucked into bed, as she lay there, she couldn’t help but think over Rex’s proposition. The more she thought about it, the more interesting it seemed. Perhaps his idea was a good one, she thought… that Aunt Bertha could stay with one of the girls once she had settled in at Priory farm.
The following week Rex stopped by, and Katie watched as he called out to Pat, who was on his knees in the garden. Through the open window she could plainly hear what he shouted to the gardener.
‘I say, you’re doing a fine job here.’ Rex gestured around at the improvement that was clearly evident.
‘There’s a lot more to be done before I’ll be happy with it,’ Pat called back, standing up to answer the professor.
Katie smiled as she watched him lean on his spade as he continued to look at Rex, and she guessed he might be wondering what it had to do with the professor. Without saying any more, Rex shrugged and turned away, lifted the heavy brass knocker and banged it three times.
Katie opened the door and invited him inside. ‘I’ve just made coffee,’ she said. ‘Let me take one out to Pat, and then we can sit down in comfort and chat over ours.’ As she took a steaming mug of coffee out to the garden, she felt pleased that Rex had called today. It had been a bit quiet without him. There had been no telephone call from Tom either, and Katie concluded that the colonel must have forgotten all about her.
After returning to the house, she settled on the settee across from Rex.
‘I was passing, and couldn’t resist calling. How is your aunt?’ he said, taking the coffee from Katie.
‘Oh, she’s much better, thanks, but still very frail,’ Katie said, sighing deeply. ‘The additional tests she was given were satisfactory, so all I have to do now is get a downstairs room ready for when she comes home at the end of the week.’
‘I’m on my way to give a talk at the Town Hall, but I couldn’t resist stopping to see you,’ Rex said. ‘Have you given any more thought about my invitation to Majorca?’
‘Yes, plenty of thought,’ Katie smiled at him. ‘But nothing’s changed I’m afraid.’
‘Keep thinking then,’ Rex said. He finished his coffee and stood up once more. ‘I’m sorry to run away like this, but I’ll be in touch soon.’
As Katie watched Rex’s car drive through the gates, she spotted Pat coming from the greenhouse with his wheelbarrow. He stopped and nodded at her, but the customary smile was lacking. He set the wheelbarrow down and walked towards her.
‘I see that you’ve planted all the shrubs we bought,’ Katie said cheerfully. ‘Shall we go to buy the roses soon?’
He didn’t seem to be his usual happy self. He seemed withdrawn, and hesitated for several seconds before answering.
‘I’m sorry, Mrs. Turner,’ he said, looking slightly embarrassed, and looking away, ‘but I really don’t have the time to take you. It’s planting time I’d be using, you see, and there’s my other work to consider as well, to be sure, it’s all getting a bit much. ‘He looked down at his boots, while Katie stood there silently, and then continued. ‘I have to tell you that I really am going to cut down on my workload. You see, I’m often working into the night, with no time or energy these days for even a leisurely beer of an evening.’
Katie felt the muscles of her face tighten, and a funny little trace of fear niggled up her spine. ‘Here? Are you intending to cut down on your work here?’
Pat turned his head away as though he had not heard her question, and picked up his wheelbarrow without giving an answer.
It’s not like Pat to be churlish, Katie reasoned. His tone had been quite sharp, and he had behaved almost like a stranger. Something’s upset him, she thought, and tried to think of what it could be. She followed him into the vegetable garden. ‘You’ve always been so obliging, Pat, so willing to help. It’s not like you to be so offhand. Have I offended you in some way? Because if I have, I want to know how, and try to put it right.’
Pat looked at her without the flicker of a smile, and his bright blue eyes narrowed beneath a furrowed brow. ‘The truth is, Mrs. Turner., I’m a very busy person, but I do need an hour or two to myself at times.’ Then he looked up at her. ‘If you’ll pardon my saying so, I feel that your friend with the silver Mercedes probably has more time to spare than I have. Maybe he could take you shopping for the roses?’
Pat picked up his spade and hoe, and turned to Katie. ‘And now, if you’ll kindly excuse me, I have to put these in the shed so that I can go home.’ With that, he tightened his lips, gathered up the rest of his tools, and marched off to store them away.