Chapter 26
‘I thought of bringing along my curtains from home – I mean my old house. Honestly, just listen to me. I lived there for so many years that I still call it home.’
After her haircut, Rose insisted on giving Robyn a tour of the house while Gayle packed away her hairdressing equipment. They hadn’t got very far on their tour. They were still in the lounge. George was sitting in an armchair, reading a newspaper.
‘What’s wrong with these ones?’ Robyn asked.
‘Well, just look at them – no colour.’
Robyn agreed. ‘Bland.’
‘Yes, not like my old curtains, all velvety with rich colours.’
‘Why didn’t you bring your old curtains when you moved? You obviously liked them very much.’
‘Too old, like me.’ Rose smiled. ‘Besides they would have been far too long and heavy; you know the ceiling heights of old houses.’
‘Not intimately,’ Robyn said flatly.
‘And just imagine the dust we would have dislodged after forty-five years.’
That got Robyn’s attention. ‘Forty-five years?’ she said. ‘You lived in your last house all that time?’
‘Oh yes,’ Rose said proudly, as though she had achieved some incredible feat.
Robyn was impressed. It was little wonder that Rose was having a hard time settling into their new home, and the noise and disruption outside made it all worse. Robyn had the urge to help in some way.
‘You know, the front room in my old house was enormous, with bay windows to the front nine feet high, and a ceiling rose to die for,’ Rose said. ‘And the kitchen …’ Rose beckoned Robyn to follow her down the short hallway to the kitchen at the end. ‘It was twice – no, I tell a lie – three times the size of this one.’
Robyn followed Rose into the kitchen with its wood-effect flooring and its bland white kitchen units.
‘My old kitchen had proper floor tiles, you know. And an Aga.’ Rose suddenly moved closer to Robyn and said in a low voice, ‘Although between you and me, it never worked properly. I do hope the new owners don’t get rid of it, because it was a dear little thing – when it worked.’
They both stood and stared at the integrated cooker under the integrated hob.
‘Not the same, is it?’ remarked Rose.
‘No,’ said Robyn, imagining Rose’s beautiful old kitchen. ‘But hey – this cooker works, at least,’ she added, trying to brighten the mood, ‘and you said yourself you weren’t much into cooking.’
‘What a good memory you have,’ said Rose.
Robyn tried not to laugh aloud at that comment.
‘Don’t you believe it.’ Gayle’s voice piped up from close by.
Rose left the kitchen and led Robyn into the next room. ‘This is the dining room – or the hairdresser’s today.’
Robyn stood in the doorway, smiling at Rose’s little joke as she watched Gayle packing her equipment away. There was a vacuum cleaner plugged into the wall.
Gayle said, ‘I won’t be a minute, Rose. Then I’ll just hoover the room.’
‘No need to rush, Gayle. I’m giving Robyn a tour of the house. Not that it’s going to take long – not like my old house. Now that would have been a very long tour.’
Robyn followed Rose back down the hallway towards the stairs.
‘Downstairs cloakroom.’ Rose pointed at a door on the left before they started up the stairs.
‘Did I tell you that the kitchen hasn’t got a pantry?’ Rose sounded aghast and obviously expected a similar reaction from Robyn. On the landing, she stopped to glance over her shoulder.
Robyn sucked in a breath, eyes wide in mock surprise.
Satisfied, Rose continued the tour upstairs. ‘Guest bedroom one.’ Rose opened each door in turn, and Robyn poked her head in.
‘Guest bedroom two. Main bedroom.’
Robyn noted how bland the rooms were, painted in magnolia.
‘Nursery.’
Robyn glanced in the small box room. She turned around to look at Rose. ‘But I thought there were no children on the estate.’
‘I said that exact same thing to the estate agent when I viewed the show home next door. I did wonder if something had changed and that maybe the estate wasn’t earmarked for over-fifties anymore, but they said it’s a standard build and they just refer to the room as a nursery.’
‘I suppose it’s useful if you have young grandchildren to stay.’
‘Can you imagine one of my teenage grandchildren staying in this room? It’s so small. I can see why they call it a nursery. It would fit a crib and chest of drawers or changing table.’
Rose shook her head and closed the door.
‘It would make a useful study. There’s room for a desk and bookshelves.’
Rose turned to look at Robyn. ‘I say, you’re full of good ideas. I would say you’re quite a creative person.’
‘Thank you.’ Robyn smiled. ‘Or it would make a lovely craft room, overlooking the garden.’
‘Craft room?’ Rose blinked.
‘Yes, you know – some people enjoying knitting and crochet, or scrapbooking.’ Robyn’s sketchbook diary came to mind. The look on Rose’s face said she wasn’t into arts and crafts.
‘Or if your husband has any hobbies, like stamp-collecting or—’
‘Trains,’ said Rose.
‘Ah, I don’t think that room would be big enough for a train set.’ Robyn imagined he’d probably need one of the larger guest bedrooms, or even the garage to accommodate that sort of hobby.
‘No, not model trains. He enjoys trainspotting. Do you know how many times he’s been on the steam railway from Aviemore?’
Of course Robyn had no idea, but she did reply, ‘I’d love to go on the steam train from Aviemore.’
‘Well, I’m sure George would love to accompany you. Any excuse to go again. He’s very knowledgeable. He’d give you lots of information. He’d be like your very own personal tour guide.’
‘‘I’d love to go with him. And why doesn’t he volunteer there? He could share his knowledge with visitors.’
Rose stopped to look at her. ‘You know, that’s not a bad idea. Not bad at all. I’ll tell you one thing – it would save us so much money if he could ride the trains for free.’
‘I bet he could help out at the station too.’ Of course, it was only an idea. Robyn had never visited Platform 3, where the steam trains ran from – at least if she had, she couldn’t remember. So she had no idea what George could do there, although she imagined they would appreciate enthusiastic volunteers.
‘It would get him out of the house, and he wouldn’t be under my feet all day,’ commented Rose.
Robyn kept her expression neutral, wondering if George would spend a lot less time hiding in the garden if he had something to go out and do, to have a break from his wife. They seemed a lovely couple, but their old house sounded quite large, with room enough for them each to have their own space when they needed it.
‘And finally, this is the bathroom.’ Rose opened the door on a plain white suite. ‘Not very inspiring, is it?’
Robyn wasn’t sure if she was referring to the bathroom, or the house as a whole. She asked, ‘Would you prefer your new home if it was more like your old house?’
‘Goodness gracious, what a thought! With ceiling roses and velvety curtains and carpets with enormous patterns? No, that wouldn’t do at all.’
Robyn couldn’t hide her confusion. ‘But you said you missed your old house. I just assumed—’
‘I did want a change, and we were ready to downsize.’
Robyn nodded.
‘It’s just all this was the developer’s choice, from the décor to the carpets, curtains, and the choice of kitchen, bathroom, wall tiles, and flooring. You see, both properties had been set up as show homes, then they sold one to us. I guess they thought it would look better if one of the properties had sold, and we moved in. They even left the furniture. The place came with a furniture package.’
Robyn thought about it. ‘Changing your kitchen and bathroom would be expensive, but if you really can’t live with the carpets, curtains, and soft furnishings – why don’t you just change them for something you do like? Just go along to a big shopping outlet or something.’
‘Well, where would you suggest?’ Rose said, not without a hint of exasperation.
Robyn inwardly sighed. She had no clue.
Rose continued, ‘There’s nowhere local, and we don’t feel like travelling for miles to the nearest city. And we just wouldn’t have the energy to walk around the place; you know how big those superstores are. And not very friendly, I’m sure.’
Robyn followed Rose back down the stairs. ‘Do you have any magazines?’ Robyn asked as they passed the dining room, where Gayle and George appeared to be discussing the merits of employing a gardener for Gayle’s mother’s house.
‘Magazines?’
‘Yes, you know – anything, really.’ Robyn stood in the doorway to the front room.
‘I don’t buy women’s magazines. The only things I still have lying around are the weekend newspaper supplements.’
‘Oh, they’ll do just fine.’
‘Let me go and see if George didn’t put them out for the rubbish.’ Robyn watched her walk towards the dining room. ‘George!’
‘Yes, dear?’
Robyn glanced out of the window. For once, there was blessed peace and silence. She looked at her watch as she resumed her seat on the sofa, aware that Gayle had to get back for her mum, and that she’d wanted to get to another client if possible first.
Rose came in carrying a bundle of glossy newspaper supplements and put them on the coffee table in front of Robyn.
‘There – that will keep you occupied. I expect Gayle won’t be too long now.’ She turned to leave the room.
‘Rose,’ Robyn called. ‘The magazines are for you, not me.’ She beckoned for Rose to join her on the sofa.
‘For me? But I’ve already read those.’
‘Oh, we’re not going to read them.’ Robyn smiled knowingly.
Rose moved into the room, staring at the magazines, obviously intrigued. ‘What are we going to do with them?’
‘We’re going to look for ideas.’ Robyn said, still patting the sofa seat beside her.
Rose came and sat next to Robyn.
Robyn picked up the magazine on the top of the pile. ‘Suppose we don’t read the magazines, but we just look at the pictures instead. You can usually find lots of interior shots of houses and rooms.’
Robyn opened the first page of the magazine on her lap, and discovered something about herself – she loved flicking through magazines, looking at house interiors. ‘There – you see? On the very first page, we have a study. It’s an advert for home office furniture.’
Rose looked at the magazine sceptically. ‘Yes, I can see that. But I don’t need home office furniture.’
‘I know.’ Robyn moved her finger up the page and tapped it, pointing at the curtains in the corner of the photo. ‘Do you like those?’
‘Not really – they’re a bit flowery for my taste.’
‘Mine too.’ Robyn flicked past a couple more pages of writing until she came to another picture.
‘Ah! Now I quite like those.’ Rose peered at the magazine, and Robyn moved it on to her lap for her to take a closer look. ‘And the carpets are quite nice too,’ added Rose. ‘What colour would you say that is?’
‘Burgundy.’ Robyn was a little surprised that she could reel off the colour without a second thought. She asked, ‘Rose, have you got a pair of scissors?’
‘Scissors? Yes, of course.’ She got up and left the room, reappearing a moment later with a pair of scissors from the kitchen.
Robyn cut out the curtains and the carpet from the picture. She put the cuttings on the coffee table while Rose continued to leaf through the supplements. Sometimes she just shook her head; other times she seemed to consider for a moment before deciding on something she liked. Each time she did, Robyn cut it out.
Halfway through the pile of magazines, she pointed at a photo of a room. ‘Now this, I like.’ She beamed. ‘What do you think?’
Robyn took the magazine. ‘This room?’
Rose nodded.
Robyn held the picture up, casting her gaze around the lounge. ‘This might just work.’
‘You think so?’
‘Oh, yes.’ Robyn nodded. Now they were getting somewhere.
Rose winced. ‘I’m not convinced about the carpet.’
‘No, neither am I.’ Robyn studied the picture some more and looked around the room. ‘I think a lighter shade to offset the curtains.’
‘Yes, that’s it!’ Rose sounded excited. ‘I’m going to make a pot of tea. This is thirsty work.’
While Rose was out of the room, Robyn furiously flicked through the remainder of the magazines to try and find a more suitable carpet. She was having fun – even more than when she was sitting reading celebrity gossip, which she had found she enjoyed.
‘How about these?’ Robyn had folded several magazines at the appropriate pages while Rose was busy making tea. Gayle had finished hoovering. She could hear her chatting to George in the dining room next door.
Rose reappeared with a tea tray. Robyn passed Rose the magazines. ‘Here, let me pour the tea.’ She poured them both a tea from the pot and added milk and sugar. ‘Shall I make George and Gayle a cuppa too?’ Robyn offered.
‘How thoughtful of you. I had clear forgotten about them.’ she chuckled. ‘You’ll have to fetch two more cups from the kitchen.’
Robyn knocked on the dining room door and opened it. ‘Anyone for tea?’
‘Yes, please.’ George said straight away.
Robyn looked at Gayle. ‘Have you got time for another cup of tea before we leave? I’m just having a chat with Rose.’
Gayle looked at her watch. ‘Yes, I’ll have another tea.’
Robyn fetched two more cups from the kitchen, nipped into the lounge to pour the tea, and took them to George and Gayle. The noise outside had resumed. As Robyn closed the dining room door, she thought she heard the front doorbell. She stood still, listening. There was another faint chime. Robyn looked toward the lounge, but Rose didn’t appear; she was obviously too engrossed in the magazines.
Robyn decided not to disturb her. She walked over to the front door. Through the small bubble-glass window in the door, she could make out somebody wearing dark clothes. They had an enormous yellow head. Robyn squinted at the strange figure. She opened the door, ‘Yes?’
‘Oh, excuse me. I must have the wrong house.’ The man laughed at his own joke. He caught his breath. ‘Sorry – I just couldn’t resist.’
Robyn looked at him askance. It wasn’t funny. He obviously didn’t have a clue what the first inhabitants on the estate were going through, moving into a building site. Either that or he just didn’t care. ‘Sorry,’ he said again. ‘I couldn’t resist.’
She folded her arms and leaned on the door frame, studying the young man. She guessed he couldn’t have been much older than herself. He took out a white handkerchief from the top breast pocket of his smart beige suit, gave it a brief shake and then dabbed his eyes, which were just visible under a yellow plastic hard hat. It swamped his head, sitting so low on his brow that it was a wonder he had even made his way to the house.
‘Can you tell your grandmother that we’re finishing up early today? She’ll have some blessed peace and quiet again until Monday.’
Robyn unfolded her arms. She didn’t bother correcting his assumption that Rose was her grandmother. ‘Hold on, I’ll just get her.’
‘No need to disturb her. I’m sure we do quite enough of that – aren’t you?’ He gestured to the building site all around.
‘Yes, I am.’ Robyn was quick to reply.
‘Why are you finishing early today? Will it be a regular occurrence?’ Robyn felt chattier, as Mr Yellow Hard Hat was a bit more sympathetic than she had first thought. The joke had not made a good first impression with Robyn. Perhaps he’d like to stay there a week and see what he thought of living with all the noise.
‘I’m afraid not.’ He sounded apologetic. ‘I’m the site manager. I’m leaving early, so I thought it only fair to let the crew off early too. Besides, I like to be on site while the building work is carried out. But they’re a pretty good bunch of guys. They’re working their butts off. Um, what I mean to say is—’
Robyn nodded. ‘I understand. And I imagine Rose knows some colourful language.’
‘Oh, I’ve seen her standing at the window, arms folded, saying something. I can just imagine too.’ He shook his head. ‘Anyway, it’s going to be nice and quiet while I go and look for some lodgings. Not that I expect to have any luck finding somewhere.’
‘You just arrived here today?’
‘Oh, no – I’ve been here since the beginning, when they first started clearing the land. It’s just that the landlord of the bed-and-breakfast in Aviemore told me he had a ski party booked for the New Year, and of course, what with one thing and another, I clean forgot that I had to vacate the place so soon. I rang a couple of other B&Bs, and some hotels in the area, but they said they’re all fully booked.’ He sighed. ‘Who would have thought it would get so busy around here at this time of year?’ I’m not into skiing myself, so I had no idea.’ He sighed. ‘How about you? Do you ski?’
Robyn opened her mouth and scratched her head.
‘Ah, I see you’re not a skier. Like me, it’s not the sort of question you get asked, is it?’
Robyn just shook her head, leaving him to make his own assumption.
‘So here I am with my suitcases in the car and nowhere to go.’ He breathed a heavy sigh.
Robyn had a thought. She stepped out under the porch and pulled the front door to. She said in a whisper, ‘I know where there are vacancies.’ Robyn glanced over her shoulder, thinking of Gayle inside. She was going to throw a fit when she found out Robyn had invited someone to stay at her house, but then Robyn knew that she was not in the habit of turning people away who had nowhere else to go.
It was agreed then. After work, he was going to turn up and yes, Robyn could guarantee they’d still be a vacancy on New Year’s Eve, and no, it wasn’t expensive and yes, she could highly recommend it.
‘I’m staying there myself. Gayle, the lady who lives there is a good friend.’ At least Robyn hoped they would still be friends after this. She gave him the address.
‘What about your grandmother? I thought that you were staying with her?’
Robyn assumed that Rose must have a lot of family, especially her grandchildren, to stay. Rose had shown her the guest bedrooms. ‘I think you’ve mistaken me for one of her grandchildren who’ve visited.’
‘You’re not one of her grandchildren?’
Robyn shook her head. ‘Nope.’ She had a question. ‘Why did you assume I was?’
‘Oh, Mrs Gordon, Rose, always offers me a cup of tea.’ He stepped closer and lowered his voice. ‘Actually, I’m glad she didn’t answer her door today. It was only a courtesy call, and she always invites me in, then I feel bad when I have to try and find excuses to leave.’ He paused. ‘I think they’re quite lonely, you know. And to answer your question, she talks about her grandchildren, and that she’s invited them to stay. I just assumed that one of them had finally come.’ He peered at Robyn. ‘Guess I was wrong. What a shame for Rose and George.’
Robyn thought so too. She looked at the young man and thought that perhaps he could stay there, with Rose and George. Although she couldn’t imagine that the company would allow an employee to move in with a couple who’d bought a house on the estate while he worked there. So she didn’t even suggest it.
‘I’m Nicolas Addison, by the way. But please call me Nick.’
Robyn shook his hand. ‘I’m Robyn.’
‘I’m glad to see Rose finally has someone visiting. Thank you, by the way, for the guesthouse information. I’ll look forward to seeing you later, at the house.’ He looked at his watch. ‘Well, I guess I’d better go and tell the guys the good news that the early finish is cancelled.’
‘Won’t they be disappointed?’
‘I think not. They get paid by the hour, so I’m sure they weren’t all keen on losing money today.’
That was what Robyn had been thinking about – money for Gayle – when she’d offered Mr Yellow Hard Hat a room in Gayle’s mum’s house.
Gayle’s mum! Robyn realised she hadn’t thought the idea through at all. Even if it had been Gayle’s house, it wasn’t Robyn’s place to offer a guy a room there – she didn’t even know his name. And worse still, she had made it seem like it was a guesthouse.