Chapter Twenty-Three
Hattie was on her way to a working breakfast with a group of estate agents when Rose called.
‘The visitors’ book you ordered for Sheila has come in and it looks gorgeous! The name of the house on the front looks so stylish. The woman who makes them is going to do one for me too.’
‘What perfect timing!’ said Hattie. ‘I could come to the shop and pick it up on my way back from town.’
‘Tell you what, if you let me come, I’ll gift wrap it for you. I want another look at Sheila’s garden. I’ve got a new member of staff who’s working out really well. She only does school hours but can turn her hand to anything.’
‘I’ll be a couple of hours but I can call Sheila now and see if she’ll be home.’
Sheila was delighted to hear from Hattie but insisted that she and Rose came for lunch the following day.
‘No need to bring me anything, having a party for you was a joy! But my favourite part of a party is talking about it afterwards and as Malcolm couldn’t be less interested in who got off with whom, I’m thrilled to have you.
We’ll have leftovers. And I might have some news! ’
Sheila was delighted with her present. Through the maze of ‘you shouldn’t have’ and ‘there was no need’s Hattie could see genuine pleasure. ‘I love entertaining,’ she said. ‘This is lovely, with the name of the house on it and everything.’
‘Rose arranged that for me. She knows a woman with a little company who does it.’
‘I’ll get one when Fiona and Nick’s house goes through,’ she said. ‘It’s such a lovely gift.’
‘The perfect gift,’ said Rose, ‘for the people who have everything.’ She stopped. ‘Oh, sorry, was that rude?’
‘Not at all!’ said Sheila. ‘It was honest. Now, let’s have lunch. It’s not quite warm enough to sit outside, I don’t think, but that’s what we have a conservatory for. Malcolm’s playing golf, so we can gossip away. Come through.’
Sheila’s conservatory had slatted blinds so that sunlight striped the floor, giving the room an exotic atmosphere, enhanced by the traditional club furniture and large plants.
The chairs were large and comfortable and surrounded a glass table that was set with colourful china and attractive glassware.
‘This is such a lovely room,’ said Hattie. ‘Is it original or did you add it?’
‘We replaced the one that was here. It was great for keeping the plants watered, but you had to keep moving them round the floor. In other words, it leaked.’ Then, refusing offers of help, she left the room.
She came in shortly afterwards with a tray. On it was a large majolica dish bearing an equally colourful dish.
‘It’s char-grilled prawns, with avocado and salad,’ said Sheila. ‘When it came to it, I didn’t fancy serving leftovers.’
‘Well, this looks delicious,’ said Hattie. ‘So colourful!’
‘And did you grow the salad and herbs?’ asked Rose.
‘I did! Malcolm can only eat a certain amount of salad so it’s lovely to have enthusiastic diners. Help yourselves. Have some bread. I don’t suppose I can persuade either of you to join me in a glass of fizz? As I said on the phone, I do have something to celebrate.’
Rose gave in to temptation quite quickly. ‘It’s my morning off and Hattie drove us here. I’d love a glass of fizz.’
‘Excellent!’ Sheila quickly fetched a bottle. When everyone had a drink, Hattie sticking to sparkling water, Sheila made a toast. ‘To parties, to friends, and to people who know their way round the internet.’
Hattie and Rose’s glasses landed quickly. ‘That sounds intriguing. What do you mean?’ asked Hattie.
‘This woman I know discovered that Lance – you know Lance?’ Sheila addressed Rose. ‘The horrible man who nearly married my daughter?’
‘I know who Lance is,’ said Rose.
‘Well, he’s definitely making plans to emigrate!’
‘How on earth can anyone find that out?’ asked Hattie.
Sheila shrugged. ‘It’s to do with social media. He announced on there somewhere that he’s got a new job. I’m celebrating because I didn’t think I’d stop worrying about Fiona if he was still in the country. And I’m sure you felt the same, Hattie.’
Hattie nodded. ‘I didn’t think I was worried in the long run, not really, but now you’ve told me that, I do feel a weight has been lifted.’
Once in the car with Rose, Hattie gave a little shudder. ‘I can’t help wishing I didn’t have visions. They are such a responsibility.’
‘I can imagine but you did a good thing for Fiona as a result.’
Hattie smiled gratefully at her friend.
‘Different when it’s your sister,’ Rose went on. ‘Although Tom seems perfect for Leonie, I’d have thought. He’s so nice.’
‘She seems to think so. Although of course I can’t tell her it was a vision. They none of them approve of my wild Irish great-granny, who apparently had them too.’
‘You’re very different from your sister.’
Hattie nodded. ‘And from my parents.’ She frowned suddenly. ‘That reminds me, they’re coming up for their fiftieth wedding anniversary soon – something I keep avoiding thinking about. I wonder what that’ll involve?’
‘You, to some extent!’ said Rose, laughing.
Hattie had dropped off Rose at the shop, refused tea and was on her way home to the lodge when her phone rang. It was Clive.
‘Hi,’ he said. ‘I think we should meet.’
‘Good idea,’ said Hattie, forcing positivity into her voice, although she felt suddenly anxious. She’d met Clive a few times before and it had never been enjoyable. ‘When would be good for you?’
‘When would be good for you?’ he asked, reminding Hattie that he could be a bit oleaginous.
‘Now? I’m in the car. We could find a pub garden or something.’
‘Fine. The Fountain? Do you know it?’
One of Hattie’s many skills was knowing every pub and café in the area. ‘Yup. I’ll be there in fifteen.’ She wanted to do a drive by on a house to check if there was evening sun later, so this would be convenient.
Clive was there before her at a table near the bar, with a pint in front of him. He was wearing chinos and a striped shirt that clung slightly and had one too many buttons undone. He didn’t get up when Hattie approached, so she greeted him and ordered herself some sparkling water.
‘Shall we sit outside?’ she asked, when she had her drink. ‘It’s a lovely day.’ She might feel less uncomfortable being with him if she was in the fresh air.
He shook his head. ‘I’m fine here, thanks.’
Hattie sat down opposite him, wondering that he was somehow related to Mary and reminding herself she had to get him on side. ‘Cheers!’
‘So, you want to move in with Aunt Mary?’
‘Yes,’ she said, having rejected several longer ways of saying this.
‘Why?’
‘I need somewhere to live temporarily. Mary and I get on, and the house is big enough for us both. I could keep an eye on her. She’s very old to be living on her own.’
‘And your nephew will be there too?’
Hattie nodded. ‘That’s also temporary.’
‘Hmm,’ said Clive.
He didn’t speak for quite a long time and Hattie wondered why Mary couldn’t just say she wanted Hattie to live with her. She shouldn’t have to ask permission, or run it past her great-nephew.
Hattie wouldn’t break the silence. Eventually, Clive said, ‘You’d pay rent, of course?’
‘Of course,’ said Hattie. ‘And share expenses. I’d cook and clean, keep an eye. I think Mary would feel safer if I was there.’ She took a sip of her water to stop herself reminding him Mary really wanted to go into a care home. He knew that.
‘OK,’ said Clive. ‘It’ll be…’ He quoted a rent that was about double the going rate.
Hattie shook her head. ‘No,’ she said calmly.
‘I’ll pay half that.’ She wasn’t going to be bullied into paying more than she should.
Had she been paying Mary direct, it would have been different, but she knew the money would go to Clive and couldn’t see a way whereby it would end up in Mary’s account.
He wasn’t happy.
‘OK,’ she said eventually. ‘I’ll pay what you ask, but I’ll deduct all the money I spend on food, repairs, etc., before I pay. Or I could just pay Mary direct.’ She knew Mary had a building society account that Clive had no access to.
He sighed and eventually nodded. ‘Pay what you suggest. Any money you spend on the house will be refunded but I’ll have to agree the expense is valid.’
‘I’ll keep strict accounts.’
They parted shortly afterwards and Hattie drove to the property to check on the sunset. She had an app on her phone to help her do this but it was never the same as seeing it for herself. ‘Evening sun’ was right at the top of her newest client’s list of requirements.
Afterwards, Hattie drove back to Mary with the news. She was delighted. ‘I don’t want you to pay rent though, darling! You’ll be looking after me to some extent. I should pay you!’
Hattie laughed. ‘I’d rather pay rent. I don’t want Clive, or anyone, thinking I’m sponging off you. And I won’t really be looking after you much. I’ll cook the odd meal—’
‘And clean, do the garden, heave me back into bed or my chair if I fall out…’
‘I’ll be happy to do all those things,’ said Hattie. ‘And pay rent. Now, when would you like me to move in?’
‘Have you got plans for tonight?’
Hattie laughed again and kissed Mary’s cheek. ‘Maybe tomorrow would be better. I ought to at least bring a nightie and a toothbrush with me.’