Miranda’s Family

Chapter Twenty-Four

Libby took over and began organising them all, as usual. ‘If you two men will choose which rooms you want to sleep in, we’ll make beds up for you. And we’ll provide you with a hearty cooked breakfast too, if you’re into that sort of thing. Not everyone eats large breakfasts, but just let me know and I’ll get the frying pan out.’ She waited for an answer.

‘Yes, please,’ both men said at once.

She’d guessed right, she thought smugly. ‘Good thing I brought a packet of bacon I had left over in case we needed food, eh?’

‘Very good idea.’

‘We’ll have a think about where to sleep as we go round and get to know the house, then discuss the situation further,’ Ryan said. ‘You two would be safer sharing a bedroom, Miranda, then you can help one another, if there’s any trouble.’

Col took over. ‘You and I should perhaps be located on the ground floor, Ryan. One of us could be near the front door and we could take it in turns to patrol the two main corridors for a couple of hours or so, keeping an eye on the outside, then wake the other.’

As they nodded at one another, Libby and Miranda also exchanged glances, but theirs were of frustration at their own physical limitations.

‘That’s settled, then,’ Col said. ‘Now, I’ll keep watch near the front door and you three can continue getting to know the upstairs of the house better. I’ll go round it again on my own later.’

Libby looked at him with a wry smile. ‘After which I bet you’ll know the layout by heart.’

‘I’m pretty good that way. It helps to have a good memory for the layout of interiors in my job.’

This time the three of them went round the linked open spaces of the attic very slowly, studying the piles of miscellaneous objects, which looked to be mainly junk and were lying around in haphazard heaps on the bare floorboards. They stopped at each of the four windows to get an idea of what they could see from there.

It was Miranda who noticed that the door of the shed furthest away from the house, which was the nearest to the fence line, was partly open. She tugged Ryan back to keep him with her. ‘Is it my imagination or is the door of that shed partly open now and moving to and fro in the breeze?’

He stared out again and nodded slowly. ‘Yes, it is. Perhaps the catch has come loose.’

‘I don’t think so. Why would it have just come loose? I always check external doors very carefully indeed when I leave somewhere to make sure they’re properly closed. It’s a long time habit of mine on account of having to rely on myself to stay safe. You might not have noticed me doing it but as we looked round the sheds, I made sure every single external door was properly closed and firmly latched behind us.’

‘Are you sure you were that meticulous?’

‘Absolutely certain. I learnt to do that when dealing with my great-aunt, as well as having extra locks fitted to which she didn’t have keys put on the external doors of wherever I was living. If I didn’t take care, my possessions would mysteriously vanish.’

He stared at her for a moment, wondering what other sorts of nasty tricks her great-aunt had played to make her this careful. She must have had an even more difficult upbringing than he’d realised. ‘We’d better go across and have another look inside that shed, then.’

They called Libby away from sorting through a pile of decades-old clothing that had simply been tossed into one corner. She’d pounced on it in delight, saying some of the pieces would be quite valuable in antique shops if freshened up a bit because they weren’t nearly worn out.

When she came to look out of the window at the shed, however, she forgot the clothes and confirmed that Miranda had indeed shut that door properly and was always careful about doing that.

‘I’d better go and check that shed door again then,’ Ryan said. ‘If the catch is loose, it’ll have to be repaired, which probably won’t take much doing. But if someone’s been following us round, we have to find out who it is and where they’ve been hiding, also who is likely to be paying them to do it.’

‘I agree. We can’t be too careful.’

‘Let’s go down and tell Col, then he and I can nip across and check it.’

‘No. You and I will check it together, Ryan. I’m good with details and anyway, this is my house now.’

When Miranda stared at him challengingly, he stared back for a moment then shrugged. ‘OK. But I will suggest you go downstairs and send Col up to the attic first so that he can have a look too. I’ll study the grounds more carefully from here while you’re doing that. I’d like to get a better idea of the area round that particular shed, for example whether the grass has been flattened by someone walking across to it.’

‘I’d never have thought of doing that,’ Miranda admitted.

She was sometimes such a townie, he thought, smiling and mentally adding, but a very pretty townie.

The two women kept watch near the front door while Col went up to join Ryan in the attic and study the area near that particular shed.

‘There’s a lot of trampled grass nearby and trails of flattened vegetation here and there as if someone’s been walking to and fro across the part of the garden beyond that shed for a day or two,’ Ryan said thoughtfully. ‘Could someone have been staying there?’

‘Or even still be hanging around?’

When the two men came down again, Col said, ‘I think us guys had better go and check that shed. It might simply have a loose catch but it looks to me as if someone has been nosing round nearby, possibly even staying there at night.’ He saw Miranda open her mouth to protest and held up one hand. ‘We might need physical force to deal with them. In which case the strongest people should be the ones to confront them.’

Miranda scowled at him and he guessed why so added gently, ‘It’s not sexist to say that. It’s the simple truth. Us two guys are definitely bigger and stronger than you two women. Not all guys would be and some women are stronger than some men, but I doubt you two are.’

She hated to admit it to herself, but he was right, only she couldn’t hold back a little growl of irritation. ‘I suppose so. I can’t help feeling rather proprietary about this place. I could carry something to bash an attacker with, you know, and probably would do that efficiently enough. I went to a series of classes once to learn how best to defend myself when I’m out and about. And I’ve had to actually use those tactics once in real life and threaten to use them a couple of times. I came out of those encounters safe and sound, so I wouldn’t be totally helpless.’

He stared at her thoughtfully, then grinned. ‘Well, all right, you can go across to the shed instead of me. You looked nice and fierce as you said that. You go with her, Ryan, and I’ll stand at the front door with Libby. I’ll come running if either of you call for help and Libby can hold a big stick and defend the house if necessary.’

Ryan didn’t look best pleased with this, but Col said firmly, ‘I’m approving of that, Miranda, because if there are any decisions to be taken quickly when you first get to the shed, you as owner will be on the spot to take them.’

She nodded. ‘That’ll work for me.’

The two of them walked outside and Ryan took her hand. When she looked at him in surprise, he grinned and blew her a kiss with his other hand. ‘Just trying to look like a pair of lovers out for a casual walk.’

But there was a gleam in his eye and a tingle in her hand, and she was only too aware that they had both stood staring at one another for longer than they needed to before they set off.

They tried not to be too conspicuous as they strolled up the slightly sloping piece of land, moving towards the shed in a roundabout way, pausing under some trees at one stage but not lingering there for long.

‘Can’t see any signs of other people hanging around in this part of the gardens,’ he murmured at one stage.

‘No. Let’s go and check that shed with the swinging door.’

She led the way to the shed door and stepped to one side, flourishing one hand to signal to him to go inside first.

He pushed the door fully open and immediately called out, ‘Oh, hell! Come in here quickly, Miranda!’ He moved to the side a little and as she stepped forward he gestured. ‘This old guy doesn’t look at all well, does he?’

She stared in shock at an old man, who was lying on the ground looking feverish and distinctly unwell. He wasn’t unconscious but he didn’t seem fully aware of what was going on around him either and he was making no effort to stand up or even speak to them. ‘You don’t need a thermometer to see that he has a high fever.’

Then the man seemed to realise suddenly that someone had come into the shed, opened his eyes and blinked at them as if surprised.

Ryan tugged Miranda back a little way, just in case the fellow got aggressive.

He showed no sign of it and tried to sit up, but was unable to do so.

‘Are you any good at first aid?’ he asked.

‘Well, I’ve done a first aid course. Let me have a better look at him. I’m clearly in no danger. He’s too weak to hurt anyone and he doesn’t look at all aggressive anyway.’

Ryan gestured to her to edge past him and she bent down towards the intruder, not feeling at all concerned about her own safety because he had such a gentle expression. ‘My name’s Miranda. I own this place. Will you let me check your temperature and pulse?’

‘Sorry to trespass,’ he said in a thread of a voice. ‘I’ve had the flu. Can’t seem to shake it off. Just as bad today as yesterday.’

It was only too obvious that he wasn’t lying to them and was no threat.

‘We’d better call an ambulance,’ Ryan said.

The old man clutched her arm. ‘I’m sorry to be a nuisance, but I’m not bad enough for a hospital. If you’ll just let me stay here for a day or two, I’m sure I’ll be well enough to move on. I haven’t damaged anything and I won’t leave a mess.’

‘But you need help.’

‘I just need to rest. Look, I can give you some gardening advice to pay for my stay if that helps. I’m a trained gardener and you have some plants that desperately need attention.’

She looked down, touched by the way he was still clutching her hand as if desperate for human contact more than help, but he clearly hadn’t realised that he was doing it. ‘Why don’t you want an ambulance called?’ she asked gently.

‘They’ll shut me up inside a building and I can’t bear being shut up. I suffer from a sort of claustrophobia and I need to be in the fresh air, among the plants and trees, always have done. I’ve worked as a gardener all my life.’

‘I don’t like being shut up, either.’

‘Then you’ll understand how I feel.’

She patted his hand. ‘I do indeed. What’s your name?’

‘Jim Tucker. And you said you’re Miranda. Lovely name, that.’

She wondered why he’d hesitated to say his surname but didn’t ask. ‘Thank you. Did you weed round those little plants?’

A faint smile passed across his face. ‘Yes. They were being smothered, poor things. I knew how they felt. I don’t like to see plants die from neglect or from too much attention, either.’

He began to cough and very politely tried to aim it away from her. She moved back a little, out of the way, fumbling in her pocket and thrusting a couple of crumpled tissues into his hand. ‘Here. Use these.’

‘Thanks. I’ve run out of clean ones.’

She turned to Ryan. ‘I think he’s right and it’s the remains of the flu. What he needs to recover completely is probably only a few days’ rest and some good food.’

‘Shall you let him stay here in your shed, then?’

‘No, of course not. He needs to be somewhere more comfortable than this, as well as having nutritious food to build up his strength again. He’ll have to come to the house. There’s plenty of space.’

‘You’re kind but please don’t shut me up inside,’ the man pleaded.

‘Well, we can’t leave you lying out here on the ground.’ She frowned then snapped her fingers at a sudden idea. ‘There’s a conservatory at one side of the house, though. How would you be in that, Jim? It’s all glass and sunshine during the day, moonshine at night, no doubt.’

He gave her a faint smile. ‘Are there plants in it?’

‘Yes, but they need attention. You can help me care for them as soon as you’re able, if you like. I have no expertise. There’s plenty of room for you in there as well as them.’

‘I’d love to help with your plants as I – get better and—’ He broke off to cough and splutter again.

‘We’ll take you there,’ she said when he’d stopped coughing.

Ryan tugged her aside. ‘Are you sure about that? You don’t know him from Adam.’

‘Yes, of course, I’m sure. You can see at a glance that he’s no threat to anyone and anyway, he looks just as I’ve always imagined a kind grandfather would.’

Ryan stared at her, a smile replacing the anxiety. ‘You’re a real softie. And that’s incredibly kind of you.’

It occurred to him at that exact moment that he’d fallen in love with her, deeply in love. He hoped she’d come to feel the same way about him, even if it took longer for her to realise it than he had. She was special, so very special and beautiful too in a soft, feminine way. But her kindness was far more attractive to him than mere good looks.

She gave him another of her beautiful gentle smiles. ‘I’ve been treated unkindly in the past, Ryan, so I try to help people whenever I can.’

‘You’re a wonderful woman.’

She flushed and gave him a shy smile, then turned back to the man. ‘My full name is Miranda Westerby and I own this house. So, Jim, will you come and stay in my conservatory till you’re better, and by then we’ll perhaps have found you something more permanent to do with your future?’

‘Westerby,’ he murmured in a low voice, then stared at her again, looking a bit shocked.

Before she could ask him why he said that as if he knew the name, he stared at her again. ‘I can’t believe you mean that.’

‘I’ve needed help at low times in my life so when I can be there for other people, I try to do whatever I can to help them. I’ve just inherited this house and there are several bedrooms. I can offer you somewhere to sleep till you’re better.’

He stared at her as if reading her soul in her eyes, then said simply, ‘My late wife would have liked you, Miranda. She died recently and I haven’t been able to settle since then. But I’d love to stay with you. Thank you.’

‘You must miss her.’

‘Yes. Very much. She was – wonderful.’

‘Have you come far?’

‘I feel as if I’ve come a long way. I seem to have been wandering round like a lost soul the weeks since Gracie died, trying to find somewhere to settle. I lost her seventy-two days ago. I’ve marked them off on my walking stick.’

‘Why did you leave your home?’

‘We were in a house tied to my job as gardener and the family who owned the big house and its grounds had just sold it for building blocks, so my job was terminated and the owners wanted all the houses back as quickly as possible. They gave me notice to leave and wouldn’t let me buy it, so I just walked away one day and went on the tramp, vaguely hoping I might find somewhere to live without her, but not doing much real looking. I couldn’t seem to think straight for a while.’

‘It must have been hard getting used to life without your wife.’

‘Yes. Gracie wouldn’t have liked me to live like this, though, and I’m ashamed of how I’ve behaved.’

She took his hand again and patted it. ‘Well, we’ll set that straight later. I think what you need most at the moment, Jim, is a good rest, so why don’t you come and stay in my new home and finish getting better there. It has a lovely conservatory with walls of windows warmed by the sun and surrounded by flowers and shrubs. I don’t think you’ll feel too shut in there, especially if we leave the doors open. The conservatory is very run down and needs the right plants putting into it. Perhaps you can help me do that once you’re better?’

He looked astonished at her offer. ‘Are you sure of that, lass? I don’t want to be a burden.’

‘Yes. And I doubt you will be because you’ll probably sleep a lot and you won’t need physically caring for, just feeding and a comfortable bed. We’ll bring one down to the conservatory for you. That room hasn’t got any curtains but I doubt you’ll care about that as there are no neighbours near enough to intrude on your peace.’

Tears filled his eyes and he let out a long, tired sigh, reaching out to take hold of her hand again, this time in both of his. ‘I’ll happily accept your wonderful offer, Miranda, and after I’m better, I’ll help you find the best selection of plants to finish off your conservatory, if you like. That’ll be – worth doing. It’s a lovely place. And I’m a good gardener.’

‘That’ll be a big help. I grew up in towns and have a lot to learn about plants and the countryside generally. Now, let me introduce you to my friend and neighbour, Ryan.’

They all smiled at one another, then Jim said again, ‘I can’t tell you how grateful I am.’

She saw more tears well in his eyes. ‘We’ll talk again later, Jim, and you can tell me more about your wife as well as starting to teach me about plants. For the moment, let us help you to stand up then we can help you back through the house and out to the conservatory.’

‘I can’t stand up. I’m too dizzy. The whole place starts spinning round me if I move my head.’

‘Oh dear. Well, I suppose Ryan and I can try to carry you.’

Jim frowned, then said, ‘No need. I noticed a wheelbarrow behind this shed. It’ll be easier to wheel me across to the house in that, if you don’t mind doing it. I’m sorry but as well as the dizziness, I haven’t been eating much, wasn’t hungry at all, so I’m weak as a child.’

He closed his eyes for a moment, then said quietly, ‘I don’t feel strong enough even to crawl, especially not over such rough ground.’

He looked so sad and helpless she had to give him a quick hug. He clutched her for a moment. ‘I’m sorry. I’ve never been this weak before. I don’t want to be a nuisance but I don’t know what to do.’

It upset her to see such an old man looking distressed and she turned to Ryan. ‘Would you see if the wheelbarrow is big enough to hold him? And strong enough. If it is, that will probably be the easiest way to get him round to the conservatory the outside way.’

Ryan nodded and slipped out of the shed.

She patted the old man’s hand instinctively in an unspoken offer of comfort.

He smiled up at her, a very soft, gentle smile that surprised her by making her feel as if he’d given her a warm hug.

‘I think you must be the kindest person I’ve met since my wife died, lass. Eh, Gracie and I would have loved a granddaughter like you.’

She didn’t have to think about it. The response was so obvious given her reckless mood about people and families lately. ‘I’d have loved a grandfather like you. How about we adopt one another from now on?’

His mouth literally dropped open in surprise then tears welled in his eyes. ‘Do you mean that? No, you wouldn’t be mocking me, not with that kind face.’

‘I’d never mock you, Jim.’ Or anyone , she added mentally. She been the butt of a certain person’s mocking herself and it could hurt a lot, whether you let the person see that or not.

‘That’s a truly wonderful way to face the world.’

‘I haven’t got any real family, so when I meet someone I like I’ve started trying to find a way to stay connected. That’s how it’s been with Libby. I adopted her as my aunt and I feel as if she really is a relative now.’

‘I’d love to be adopted like that. I don’t have any close family left and I never did have many.’

He was such a lovely, kind-looking old man, something inside her felt happier for his agreement. ‘Stay here with me and we’ll both give our relationship a try, eh? And I’d really welcome your help in the garden.’

‘I’ll stay happily but if you change your mind, you have only to say and I’ll move on. I don’t want to impose on anyone. And I’ll try not to be too much trouble.’

‘I’m sure you won’t be.’

He nodded, still smiling. ‘I can help you with the garden once I’m better. I’m really good with plants after working with them all my life.’

‘It’s a bargain, then.’

She held out her hand and he took it, then his eyes closed and he let out a long slow sigh. He didn’t let go of her hand and he had a faint smile on his face now, not that deep, gut-wrenching look of sorrow that had made her want to hug him.

And actually she liked the feel of his hand in hers, it was so warm and firm. He was like everybody’s image of a kindly grandfather. She didn’t at all regret making the offer to let him stay.

It was her life that she was reshaping now that she was free, and it felt so good to create a new family for herself. So very good.