Chapter 20
TWENTY
Lorna could hear voices coming through the open patio doors, people walking through the house heading for the back garden, and she quickly nodded to Phoenix, who was kicking a football against the wall of the house.
‘Now,’ she said, ‘and remember what we talked about.’
She checked her son had begun his performance and then turned swiftly to see Simon lead Nancy, Lara and Beth into the back garden. Carol had also arrived and was bringing up the rear.
‘You made it!’ she said. ‘Have you all been introduced? This is Carol, my mum, also married to James Whitman, your head teacher.’ As Simon went over to check the barbecue, Lorna introduced Pepper, who promptly dragged Lara off to the outdoor playhouse. ‘Can I get anyone a drink?’
Beth accepted a glass of the Marlborough Sauvignon Lorna had purchased especially from the village wine shop but, to her disappointment, Nancy stuck with sparkling water.
Instead, Lorna tried to tempt her guest with some of the French charcuterie she’d got from the deli, and was pleased when Nancy accepted.
‘Does it still count as supporting local shopkeepers when it’s imported from Alsace?’
‘Why wouldn’t it?’ replied Beth.
She was so abrupt, thought Lorna, somewhat crushed. Perhaps Beth thought she was showing off, she thought, burying the faint nagging feeling that maybe she was. She glanced up at Phoenix, who had been passing the ball from knee to knee for what seemed like an impressively long time.
‘You’re right,’ she said. ‘It’s still putting money into our local economy. Talking of which, I’m so excited for you, Nancy, on your home improvements. Have the builders started yet?’
‘I was lucky in that Dean had a cancellation, so he’s been able to begin work.’
‘And the pool?’
‘Well, it’s out of season so they’re able to start too. Next week.’
‘It’s going to be lovely,’ said Lorna. ‘Imagine! Swimming in your own back garden. All that clear water. No chlorine in sight.’
Carol turned to Beth. ‘Did you know Ripton much before Nancy moved here?’
‘Not really,’ said Beth. ‘I came to a restaurant in the high street once with my husband. Food was amazing but I noticed on our walk down that it’s closed now.’
‘Ah. Yes. That’s Imogen’s old place,’ said Lorna.
‘Luna’s. It was such a shame for her, she put everything into it, financed the renovations herself.
Then Covid came and it lost so much money.
’ Lorna held her hands out in sympathy. ‘The bank took the house. Even though Imogen did everything she could to save it.’
Lorna was vaguely aware of her mum’s discomfort at the way the conversation was going but it wasn’t as if this wasn’t public knowledge.
‘Oh right,’ said Nancy, taken aback. ‘I didn’t realize.’
‘It was quite a shock,’ said Lorna. ‘For everyone around here. She was our local success story.’
‘Do you work, Lorna?’ asked Beth.
Lorna bristled. Beth’s question felt like a test. She lifted her head. ‘No, but I’ve decided to start looking for something now that Pepper’s established in school.’
‘You have?’ asked Carol, surprised and pleased.
‘Since when?’ said Simon.
‘I’ve been thinking about it the last few days,’ said Lorna haughtily.
‘Good for you,’ said Carol. ‘And I’m here to help. With anything.’
‘Ladies, rare, medium or well done?’ Simon called over from the barbecue.
Lorna pulled the Sauvignon out of the upright wine cooler she’d placed on the patio – and as Nancy and Beth placed their burger orders, she held up the bottle.
‘Sure I can’t tempt you, Nancy?’
‘Oh, OK. A small one.’
Lorna smiled, pleased. As she poured, she was suddenly aware the football had fallen silent. Phoenix was looking at her, the ball in his hands, a furrowed frown across his forehead.
‘Mum, is that enough now? Can I stop?’
Colour rushed into Lorna’s cheeks. ‘Of course!’ she said, with forced surprise. ‘Why are you asking me?’
‘Because you said—’
‘Why don’t you go and play on your Xbox?’
Unused to being allowed such a privilege so early on a Saturday, Phoenix’s eyes widened and then he scarpered.
Lorna took a deep breath, looked up and thought she caught the tiniest glimpse of a smile on Beth’s face.
‘I think it’s nice Imogen’s old house is being lived in again,’ said Lorna. ‘Although it must feel big with just the two of you. Even if it had been your ex-husband moving in as well it would still be a large house. Lovely and spacious.’
‘Lorna . . .’ said Carol.
‘Mum, there’s no shame in being divorced. Right, Nancy?’ said Lorna with a generous smile.
‘I should imagine not. But I’m not divorced. My husband died. Eleven months ago.’
‘I’m so sorry,’ said Carol.
‘How?’ asked Lorna.
Nancy was surprised at the audaciousness of the question. A hush rang out over the group. Nancy paused for a moment before answering. ‘It was an accident. A lorry went into the side of the car. Killed him outright.’
‘Oh. That’s awful.’
‘Yes, it was. And I got a payout from the haulage firm – two million pounds.’
‘I don’t think we need talk about that,’ said Carol awkwardly.
Lorna’s jaw had dropped. ‘That’s some payout.’
‘Sam was insured for a sum too.’
‘Good God.’
‘That’s how I was able to buy Willow Barn. Is there anything else you need to know?’ Nancy looked Lorna straight in the eye.
‘I didn’t mean . . .’
‘Course you didn’t,’ said Beth, her nose in her wine glass.
‘I’m so terribly sorry. Must have been awful. Well, of course it was . . . I mean, I feel for you so much, such a terrible—’
‘Burgers are ready, ladies,’ said Simon, coming over with a plate piled high with chargrilled meat.
Despite the unbelievable nosiness of Lorna’s questioning, it had felt good for Nancy to say what she had.
Cathartic. Though she loved her new home there had been guilt that it had come off the back of Sam’s death.
But the way they were living now – that was what he would have wanted.
Admitting it had given her a new strength.
And boy, did she need it. She had lost Sam and, once, had almost lost Lara.
It made her feel quite vulnerable. And protective. Very, very protective.
As the others selected their food, Lorna was swept away by what she’d learned.
All Nancy’s worries had been taken away in one fell swoop – well, the financial ones anyway, she hastily corrected.
Nancy had been able to buy a beautiful house and could send her child to the best fee-paying school if she so wanted.
Imagine.
19 September
RIPTON PRIMARY, YEAR 6
Hannah Chapman, Jakob’s mum
I’ve had another two sheep die on the farm. Another dog attack. It’s devastating, as you can see in the pic. Please, if any of you hear anything, can you let me know? 18:22
Lorna Fielding, Phoenix’s mum
Sorry for your loss, Hannah, but in future, please could you not post the picture? It’s quite graphic and I wouldn’t want Pepper to get hold of my phone and see that. 18:23
Hannah Chapman, Jakob’s mum
Well keep your phone away from her then. 18:23
Lorna Fielding, Phoenix’s mum
I can understand you’re upset but no need to take it out on me. I obvs do keep my phone away but she’s so bright and curious it’s impossible to stop her inquisitive mind 100% 18:24
Erin Mackie, Tilly’s mum
Has Nancy got a dog? 18:25
Imogen Wood, Rosie’s mum
Not as far as I know. Why? 18:26
Erin Mackie, Tilly’s mum
These attacks have only started since she’s moved here. 18:26
Sarah Ramsay, Noah’s mum
I don’t think we should be accusing anyone of anything. Not without any proof. 18:27
Erin Mackie, Tilly’s mum
I’m not. I’m just working as an investigative journalist – process of elimination. 18:27
Hannah Chapman, Jakob’s mum
Let’s be careful. Nancy hasn’t done anything wrong. 18:28
Lorna Fielding, Phoenix’s mum
I feel sorry for her actually. What with her husband dying recently. 18:28
Erin Mackie, Tilly’s mum
WHAT? 18:28
Lorna Fielding, Phoenix’s mum
Yes. It was a car accident. Tragic. 18:29
Imogen Wood, Rosie’s mum
How do you know all this? 18:30
Lorna Fielding, Phoenix’s mum
She really opened up to me earlier. I felt like she needed a friend actually. It’s all so sad. But fortunately there was a payout. A large one. Seven figures. Plus he had an insurance policy. So at least she’s safe, financially. 18:30
Nicole Wilson, Bella’s mum
Bloody hell. Terrible. But that’s some insurance policy. Willow Barn cost a mill! 18:32
Lorna Fielding, Phoenix’s mum
It’s nice she doesn’t have to worry about the mortgage. Even though it’s very sad of course. 18:34
Erin Mackie, Tilly’s mum
Wow, maybe I should off my husband! 18:34
Lorna Fielding, Phoenix’s mum
No one is suggesting that she killed her husband. 18:35