Finding Home in Hartfell (Hartfell Village #1)

Chapter Six

‘Gil’s had plans drawn up to convert the other barns into treatment rooms and a lab, plus new facilities for X-rays, scans and surgery. His dream is expanding with a full staff and a dedicated farm building for overnight monitoring and more intensive care. Of course, his family history with the practice goes back a long way. He’s desperate not to see it swallowed up by a chain and lose the long-standing relationships and goodwill with farm clients who rely on us.’ Elaine glanced at the monitor and touched the keyboard, sending it to sleep again.

‘Farm practice is his beating heart and there are less independent rural ones left now. It’s hard to find vets who are prepared to put up with the work–life imbalance, being called out at all hours to a difficult calving or lambing in an isolated barn in the middle of winter, when the wind and the cold could knock you right off your feet.’ Elaine raised a shoulder. ‘Factor in a place like Hartfell, for all that it’s pretty and there’s lots going on… Well. It’s not for everyone. It won’t be easy for him, whatever happens. I’m sure you get the picture, Pippa.’

Pippa did, all too clearly, and she nodded slowly as Elaine continued.

‘There’s a new vets opened up in town, part of another group, and they’ve got their eye on us and consolidating both businesses. Of course they’ve already taken some of our clients, there’s only so many to go around. But by anyone’s standards, expanding here and investing in the kind of technology it would need is a huge financial risk. There’s no guarantee of more patients even if Gil can pull it off. It’s a wonderful way of life, farming, but it’s very hard and it needs more young people.’

Elaine took a sip of her coffee and put the mug down. The door to the consulting room opened and the man appeared with his cat carrier, looking more cheerful as he headed towards them.

‘Elaine, do you have any idea why my dad sent me up here now?’ Pippa lowered her voice lest the client overhear, desperate for the reply.

‘I think I do, yes. Your dad gave Gil six months to come up with the finance to buy him out and there’s only a few weeks left before the deadline expires. Gil’s trying hard to raise the money but we’re all aware he’s running out of time.’

‘And when the six months is up?’ Pippa felt the beginnings of a headache. No wonder Gil disliked her so much and assumed she’d been sent here to sell the place from under him, believing her as devious as her dad. A glimmer of sympathy followed before she reminded herself that none of this was her fault.

‘We just don’t know, it’s all up in the air.’ Elaine stood to deal with the client, brightening the monitor into life. ‘And no matter what Gil says, Pippa, I’m very glad you’re here. He’s just as stubborn as your dad, and I’m hoping you can get the pair of them to see sense and work something out.’

Time seemed to slow as the chap paid for his cat’s treatment, a course of antibiotics and a follow-up consultation was booked for the following Saturday. Elaine sorted him out with quiet and friendly efficiency, and then he was gone, the cat still mewling as the door closed behind him. Wendy emerged from the consulting room and said her goodbyes too, disappearing out into the yard.

‘So has Gil always worked here, then?’ Pippa asked casually.

‘Yes, for his entire career. He’s a Yorkshireman through and through.’ Elaine collected their empty mugs and took them through to the kitchen, washing them in the sink. Pippa followed and found a tea towel to help. ‘Thanks, Pippa. He was born here, but moved to Dorset when his mum wanted to go home. His dad left the farm and went down with them.’

Pippa’s mind was running over the brief conversation with Daphne in the shop earlier, the mention of Jonny and Gil’s dad Bryan being best friends. A growing sense of unease niggled, that whatever Elaine said next might very well impact the future of Home Farm and the practice.

‘It was so dreadful, what happened to Gil’s mum and dad.’ Elaine sighed as the water in the sink burbled away. ‘I’m afraid he lost them when he was seven, they drowned in a sailing accident. Afterwards, he moved back here to live with Ruth and Eddie, his grandparents. His mother’s family wasn’t in a position to look after him and they weren’t keen on his dad anyway.’

‘Drowned?’ The word was a whisper and Pippa felt the adrenaline rush of shock and sympathy. Despite her own loss, she couldn’t equate her secure and comfortable life to Gil losing both parents at such an early age. She was twisting the tea towel between her fingers, trying to force down all the questions she longed to ask and that weren’t her business.

‘I’m afraid so.’ Elaine’s nod was resigned. ‘There was no question that Ruth and Eddie would take him. Bryan was her only child and she never really got over the loss. I think she and Gil saved each other, in a way. She had a young boy who desperately needed a secure and loving home, and he gave her a reason to go on after Bryan and then Eddie.

‘They were very close, adored one another. Hard to imagine, isn’t it, what life must have been like for him then. The estate let Ruth keep the lease after Eddie died so she and Gil could farm it together, and she lived here for the rest of her life. Then when she passed last year, the farm went up for sale and unbeknownst to Gil, who was trying to find a way to keep it, someone else stepped in and bought it. We found out later it was your dad.’

Pippa was almost sorry she’d asked now. Emotions were leaping through her mind and she was trying to cling on to them, to process them before another one barged in. Frustration with her dad, worry for how she was going to proceed here, and sympathy; another rush of it for Gil and the tragic childhood forced upon him. She knew so well what devastating loss felt like.

‘Your dad and Bryan were a bit older than me, but I remember them well.’ Elaine smiled. ‘Your mum, too, when she came here with your dad. She was beautiful and Jonny adored her. I’m sorry you lost her so young.’

‘Thank you.’ Pippa’s smile was a reflective one as she put the tea towel back, wondering what else she might learn from strangers who seemed to know as much, if not more, about her own family history than she did.

Her dad used to talk about the first house he and her mum had bought from the proceeds of playing clubs to top up the earnings he made in the furniture factory. He liked to remind his children that he’d saved every penny he could to buy that house and he was glad that they didn’t have to scrimp and save liked he’d done to get a good start in life.

There was so much Pippa didn’t know and she’d learned not to push him about life before her mum had died. His eyes would fill with tears, and he’d swiftly change the subject. Somewhere deep down she’d realised that didn’t help her, Raf or Tilly, but as a teenager stumbling through the new life thrust upon them, she hadn’t known what else to do. He’d loved their mum and Pippa had clung to that as a comfort to them all.

And now here she was, in this tiny Dales village she’d barely ever heard Jonny speak of. It wasn’t difficult to imagine him and Gil clashing over the future of the farm, metaphorically banging heads and making no progress. Her dad was pretty easy-going, but when he refused to back down, he rarely gave way. Another flare of frustration with him followed; no wonder he hadn’t wanted to sort out Home Farm himself and instead had launched her into his fight.

What she couldn’t understand was why he’d bought the farm in the first place, especially when he’d barely ever mentioned it to the family and seemed intent on moving Gil out. And why sell it again now, when Gil so desperately wanted to keep it? Although Jonny hadn’t actually said it was to be sold . He’d asked her to sort it out, and right now she felt as though she’d uncovered something that could turn out to be a complete nightmare.

‘Thank you for sharing that, about my mum,’ she said quietly, trying to gather her senses and not let them overwhelm her. ‘That’s so sad, about Gil’s family.’

‘It is, not that you’d ever hear him complaining or letting you think he’d been hard done by.’ Elaine sighed as she put the two mugs into a cupboard. ‘Even I’m not really meant to be here. I’m retired, I only came back part-time to help him out. I lost my husband a year ago, to motor neurone disease, and we’d always planned to travel. I’d still like to, but I can’t leave Gil, not until I know everything’s settled. It’s the least I can do for him.’

‘I’m so sorry for your loss,’ Pippa whispered, a wave of nausea churning in her stomach. That had been the disease which had taken her mum too; she might need that tissue after all.

‘Thank you, Pippa, that’s very kind.’ Elaine sniffed, offering a bright smile. ‘However much you think you’re prepared for it and you don’t want to see them suffer anymore, nothing’s quite like the reality of being left on your own. Learning to get used to the silence, cooking for one, trying not to mourn the things you thought you’d do together.’ Her hand was gentle, brief, on Pippa’s arm. ‘Gil’s desperate for more time to raise the money. He approached your dad to ask for another three months and Jonny said no, that he was sending someone to sort everything out.’

‘I see.’ Pippa flushed, she’d better keep her search for an estate agent quiet for now, it really wouldn’t do to let that get about. ‘Elaine, could I ask a favour please?’ She didn’t dare ask Gil, not after what she’d just learned, and hoped his receptionist would be amenable to her plight. ‘I’m assuming you have Wi-Fi here and I wondered if you’d mind my daughter Harriet popping in to use it, please? She’s missing her friends without it and of course she has some homework to do.’

‘Absolutely, she’s very welcome.’ Elaine pointed to a door off the kitchen. ‘We have an office through there and I’m in the surgery four mornings a week. We’ve got high-speed fibre broadband in the village now and it’s made such a difference, especially for families and opportunities to work from home. We need young people here, to keep the school open and the community evolving. I suppose you have a key so you can come and go, and we do have very strict drug protocols in place.’

‘Actually I don’t, I just have keys to the house. It’s probably better if we don’t have a key to the surgery. I’m sure Harriet will be very grateful, as am I, and of course she’ll only be here under supervision.’

Pippa didn’t quite cross her fingers about Harriet being grateful, but the thought was there. Monday was a very long time away from Saturday in a teenager’s world, especially where Wi-Fi was concerned. But some Wi-Fi was a significant improvement on none.

‘Thanks, Elaine, I really appreciate it. And for letting me know about the history here.’

‘You’re welcome.’ Elaine stepped past Pippa to return to her seat in reception. ‘I hope it’s helped, given you a picture of the place, as it were.’

‘Absolutely.’ Pippa’s mind was still spinning after all she’d learned. She flashed Elaine a smile as the older woman shut down the computer and tidied her desk. Her attention jumped to the main entrance as the door opened and a woman she swiftly recognised as the one driving the quad bike earlier strode towards them.

In complete mockery of the sunshine outside, she was wearing a full length waxed green coat so creased that Pippa almost expected it to creak. Unfastened, it revealed what appeared to be a quilted gilet underneath, gathered at her waist with orange twine. The coat hung stiffly around dark trousers that might once have been the bottom half of a man’s suit, tucked into green wellies. Without the hat, a lined and suntanned face was revealed, intelligent and bright blue eyes sharp beneath grey hair spilling from a loose bun perched on the top of her head. Tall, upright and lean, she shot Pippa a look that made it clear what she thought of people who were foolish enough to step into her path.

‘Gil back yet?’ she bellowed at Elaine, and Pippa wondered quite how far away she thought the receptionist was; that voice could have woken Harriet in the house. ‘No sign of the Landy.’

‘Not yet, he shouldn’t be too long. He had a heifer to see and then he was going to check on a ewe before examining a lame horse at the Edwards’ place.’

‘Righto.’ The woman halted and planted a hand on the counter, making Pippa quite glad there was something solid between them. Beautifully spoken, she wouldn’t have sounded out of place as a 1940s television announcer. ‘Tell him I’ve injected that nanny again and she’s still not right. I don’t want to lose another one to tetanus and I’d like him to have a look when he can. She’d been disbudded before she came to me, but I strongly suspect they failed to vaccinate and infection set in.’

Lost in all this vet language, Pippa really hoped that was an animal and not some random child minder. And where were the dogs, the alpacas and the sheep who’d nearly mown her down outside the shop? Were they in the yard, still parked in the trailer attached to the quad bike?

‘Pippa, this is Dorothy.’ Elaine was unfazed, clearly used to such talk. ‘She farms just outside the village and runs the local animal sanctuary. Pippa is Jonny’s daughter, Dorothy.’

‘I know exactly who you are.’ Dorothy turned that sharp gaze on Pippa, who did her best to stare back, refusing to be daunted. Another one who’d already decided they didn’t like the look of her, despite Pippa never having set foot in Hartfell before last night. And Dorothy’s expression made it perfectly clear that she was firmly on Gil’s side of the fence when it came to landlords and local vets. Oh dear. Pippa supposed that an animal sanctuary must require the services of a vet occasionally and when – not if – she sold up, Dorothy would have to find another one like everyone else. She firmly quashed a flare of guilt and squared her shoulders nervously.

‘I remember your father. Scrawny sort of a chap. And your mother. You look just like her.’

Pippa’s knees trembled and she clutched the counter. ‘I do?’ As a teenager she used to pore over old photographs, searching for resemblances between her, Tilly and her mum. Sometimes now she saw tiny details of her mum emerging in Harriet, every glimpse enough to drag her straight back to the past.

Voices outside snagged at her concentration, and she glanced at the open door as another woman entered, followed by Gil. They were chatting as Lola made a beeline for Dorothy, who bent stiffly to make a fuss of the dog sniffing in happy anticipation of treats in her pockets.

That T-shirt Pippa had seen on his bedroom floor was clinging to his chest and the battered jeans sat snugly on his hips and thighs, and she swallowed. She realised his eyes were more sapphire than cerulean, and her pulse fluttered again. Was it only four hours since they’d met? It felt more like four days. His smile, as he listened to the younger woman who’d arrived with him, faltered the moment he saw Pippa.

‘What are you doing here?’ he said coolly. ‘Checking out my practice?’

‘Actually, Pippa popped in to ask if her daughter can use the Wi-Fi, Gil.’ Even Elaine’s calm couldn’t dissipate the tension thrumming between them. Dorothy appeared ready to pounce and Pippa really didn’t fancy taking on the pair of them, wishing she could channel a bit of the older woman’s natural confidence.

‘That’s all right, isn’t it? I said it was.’ Elaine swung a handbag over her shoulder. ‘You know how it is with teenagers and their phones.’

‘I suppose it’ll have to be.’

‘Thank you very much,’ Pippa said with all the politeness she could muster. Gil seemed to be finding it difficult to meet her eyes too and he nodded. ‘I’ll make sure Harriet’s not in anyone’s way.’

‘Unlike you,’ he muttered as he strode around the counter, bringing a trace of fresh air and farms with him. He bent to switch the monitor back on and quickly logged in. ‘No doubt you’ll be happy to hear I’ll be moving my stuff out of the house later.’

Dorothy snorted, leaving Pippa in no doubt of her own view of such proceedings.

‘Hi, it’s Pippa, right?’ The younger woman who’d entered with Gil crossed the room, a wide smile brightening an already lovely face. Dark eyes resembled milk chocolate and rich brown hair, tucked behind one ear, tumbled beyond her shoulders. She made ripped jeans, muddy boots, and a striped shirt over a green top look effortlessly elegant. She held out a hand and Pippa was so grateful for a warm welcome after Gil’s chilly resolve and Dorothy’s disdain that she could’ve hugged her instead.

‘I’m Rose, it’s so great to meet you. Big fan of your dad’s.’ Rose laughed awkwardly. ‘Sorry, blame an older brother who loves rock music, it’s all I ever heard.’

‘Thank you, that’s very kind.’ Pippa had said these words to strangers countless times, and it felt good to appreciate the pleasure they brought Rose. ‘I’ll tell him, he’ll be thrilled.’

‘Would you? My brother will be so jealous.’ Rose glanced to her left. ‘Morning, Dorothy. I was just talking about you and the fundraiser. I’ve got some cards for you to hand out.’

‘Jolly good.’ Dorothy looked Rose over and didn’t appear to find her wanting. Pippa wondered how long one had to be a resident in Hartfell before Dorothy might bestow that level of approval. ‘Hand ’em over, then. Not really my thing, skincare. Not unless I can use it on m’terrier’s eczema.’

‘You can if you want to,’ Rose assured her, delving into a tote and handing over postcards held together with an elastic band. ‘There’s calendula oil in the dry skin balm and it’s really good for sensitive skin. Worth a try, at least. I’ll drop one in or ask Alfie to when he’s next at yours.’

‘Righto.’

Elaine was on her way to lunch with a friend and she said goodbye, leaving Pippa stuck behind the counter with Gil. She couldn’t escape without asking him to move and really didn’t want to brush up against him if she tried.

‘My son had eczema when he was little,’ Rose explained to Pippa. ‘We tried loads of different treatments and eventually I began making my own skincare products. It’s become a bit of a thing now, and I sell them online and at shows. That’s what this is about.’ She passed Pippa a postcard. ‘I’m hosting an event and any money we make is going to the animal shelter. I’d love it if you could come.’

‘Oh, that’s very nice, thank you.’ Pippa hadn’t been expecting any invitations and when she scanned the postcard, she was relieved to have an excuse to avoid this one. Social interaction in Hartfell was not on her list of things to do. ‘I’m sorry, we’ll be back at home by then, but thank you for thinking of me. My daughter and I have a busy summer planned.’

‘Busy evicting people from their homes,’ Dorothy said and there was no chance of Pippa pretending she hadn’t heard that. It wasn’t nice to be cast in the role of evil landlord, especially given what she’d learned of Gil’s past this morning. ‘Perhaps you’d like to make a donation to m’shelter instead?’

Was Dorothy serious? One glance and Pippa knew that she was. ‘Er, I’ll think about it,’ she replied stiffly, caught unawares. Normally she wouldn’t think twice, and it would probably have been easier to have agreed immediately.

‘How’s that nanny, Dorothy?’ Gil glanced up from the monitor. Lola had scoffed her treats and settled in a bed behind Elaine’s chair.

‘Not too well, which is why I need you.’ Dorothy abandoned her scrutiny of Pippa to regard him instead. ‘When are you free?’

He pulled a phone from his jeans pocket and checked it, sending unwelcome sparks dancing across Pippa’s arm when he brushed it with his hand. ‘About an hour? There’s something I need to borrow as well whilst I’m there.’

‘I thought you might. It’s all ready for you. Cheerio,’ she barked and nodded at Rose. She turned and left without offering Pippa a goodbye. Something was definitely creaking as she marched off and Pippa wondered grumpily if it was Dorothy’s joints or the coat.

‘I’d better run too, I’ve got to drop Alfie at a Young Farmers’ thing.’ Rose’s smile for Pippa lit up her face. ‘Teenagers. I swear I do way more running round after him now than when he was tiny.’

‘I’ve got one of those too,’ Pippa said wryly. ‘I know exactly what you mean.’

‘Would you like to have a coffee sometime?’ Rose laughed awkwardly. ‘I promise I won’t ask you about your dad, I just thought you might welcome a friendly face.’

‘I’d love that, thank you.’ Pippa was ready to clamber over the counter to embrace Rose now, hyper aware of Gil and certain he was blocking her on purpose. After meeting Dorothy, Pippa decided she needed all the friends in Hartfell she could get, and coffee sounded simple enough. ‘And ask whatever you like about my dad and the band, I don’t mind, and neither will he.’

‘That’s so kind. I work from home on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so pop round whenever you can, Pippa.’ Rose left another pile of postcards on the counter for clients to pick up. ‘Alfie and I live with my brother and his family on Abbeywell Farm, it’s about a mile outside the village.’

‘Thank you, I will.’

Rose left and Pippa really didn’t want to be alone with Gil and his grumpiness. She held her breath and everything in as she squeezed past him, still bent over the monitor.

‘So, when can I expect Harriet to turn up?’

‘Er, Monday, I suppose.’ Pippa was braced for some cutting comment, refusing to allow any lingering sympathy to soften her defences. ‘Thank you for allowing it.’

‘Not sure I had much say in the matter.’ He straightened up and she took the opportunity to make for the door. ‘I suppose you’ll be coming with her?’

‘Is that a problem?’

‘Maybe more than you realise.’ His eyes found hers and she felt the air between them vibrate with something different, something altogether more dangerous than displeasure. Her breath stuttered as his gaze held hers before he dropped it and turned back to the monitor.