Beneath an Irish Sky (Choc Lit) (18 page)

His phone rang again, but thankfully it was Emer this time. They talked about ordinary things – a movie they’d both seen, the unexpected sunny weather, Emer’s nephew with the measles, Ollie’s worsening arthritis. Every day, their knowledge about each other increased. Slender threads of connection pulled them closer and closer together and went some way to offsetting Jack’s frustration at being apart from her.

Kate held up two jumpers in front of the mirror. The black chenille was sophisticated, but the blue lambswool went well with her fair hair. Which one would Luke like? She guessed the blue. Decision made.

She plugged in her hair straighteners then sat at the dressing table to apply some mascara. Pity she didn’t have Luke’s ridiculously long lashes. They fascinated her.
He
fascinated her, more so than any other man she’d met. Of course he was different – Irish, and with a very contrasting background to her own – which made him interesting. She didn’t know a lot about Travellers, but she was learning a little more each day.

Luke wasn’t just easy on the eye, he was so easy to talk to. Even more importantly, he treated her with respect, something idiots like Gavin Morland would never understand. She’d been on a date with Gavin once – a pity date because he’d just been dumped – and now he seemed to think he had a claim on her.

Kate wasn’t blind. Luke clearly fancied her. He seemed quite an innocent, but that was part of his charm. Kate was prepared to take things slowly. The best things in life were worth waiting for.

‘So what’s on the agenda today?’ Sarah asked, suddenly appearing in the doorway to the bedroom.

Kate continued applying her mascara without looking at her mother. ‘I’m taking Luke to the stables – he loves horses – then lunch, and maybe a drive through the villages. He’s been sick all week so he needs some fresh air.’

Sarah walked in and sat on the bed. ‘What about breakfast? We always have that together on a Saturday.’

Kate could smell fresh coffee wafting up from the kitchen and it was tempting. ‘Sorry, Mum – I should have woken you when I had mine. But I’m running late as it is.’

‘Kate … I’m not sure it’s a good idea for you to get involved with Luke.’

‘Shit!’ Kate swore under her breath as her hand brushed against the hot straighteners. Lack of concentration – her mother’s fault. ‘We’re going to the stables,’ she said, sucking at her index finger. ‘Not announcing our engagement.’

‘I just don’t want you hurt,’ said Sarah. ‘Matt’s worried that Luke might move on soon – he’s not getting on with Jack.’

Luke might be leaving? She’d have to try and change his mind. ‘Don’t worry so much, Mum. I’m a big girl – I can take care of myself.’

And she could. Unlike Luke, Kate was no innocent. She’d always been popular with boys, but most of her previous boyfriends were the strong, silent type. For some reason, she attracted men who felt it was their duty to protect her. Too often, though, strong and silent really meant all brawn, no brain or just plain dull.

Luke seemed nothing like them. He wasn’t much taller than her, but though there might not be a lot of him, he was very nicely put together. She’d always laughed at the sappy love stories where the woman’s heart would flip when she first saw the hero, but her heart really did flip when she saw Luke’s beautiful face. Served her right for being so cynical in the past. Now she’d been caught completely off guard by her runaway emotions. Although it was obvious Sarah already suspected this, Kate wasn’t yet ready to share her true feelings with anyone but him.

‘Just be careful, Kate,’ said her mum. ‘Luke is a Traveller.’

Kate tugged on her hair, harder than she’d intended, and her eyes watered. Sarah never interfered in Kate’s relationships, only giving advice when asked. What on earth was the matter with her? It was winding Kate up. ‘What does Luke being a Traveller have to do with anything?’

Sarah was quiet for a moment before saying ‘He’s not our class. I don’t want you tarnished by association.’

For a moment, Kate was too shocked to respond. ‘I wish you hadn’t said that, Mum. I never had you down as a bigot.’

Sarah shook her head. ‘I’m not a bigot, Kate,’ she said. ‘I’m a realist.’ She stood up and left the room without saying anything else, and Kate had to fight the urge to kick the door closed. It was obvious that any relationship she might have with Luke was not going to have her mother’s blessing.

The sun had come out, transforming the landscape from dull olive to a more vivid green, though there was still a slight chill in the air. Kate was sitting on the slope overlooking the stables and the paddocks, Luke sprawled on his back beside her on the blanket she’d brought from the car. Two riders were in action below, and in the third paddock, a small boy was perched uncertainly on the back of a Shetland pony, being guided around on a lunge rope by the stable hand. How could anyone not enjoy the woods, the open spaces, the freedom of the countryside? Kate had to commute to university in Manchester during the week, but this place was her weekend haven. ‘Have you read
The Hobbit
, Luke?’

‘Ages ago,’ he replied. ‘Why?’

‘When I was young, I used to think Baronsmere was in The Shire. It’s always been peaceful and beautiful, virtually unchanged for generations.’ She stopped. Luke was staring at her. Probably thought she was nuts. ‘What?’ she asked.

Luke smiled. ‘I’m just tryin’ to picture you as a little girl.’

‘Oh God, don’t! I was skinny, with braces and pigtails.’

‘Sounds like we were a good pair. I was so puny I needed weighted boots to stop the wind blowin’ me away.’

They smiled at each other and Kate shivered slightly, but not from the cold. Whenever Luke was focused on her, she felt a thrill, a sensation of deep pleasure. She imagined his gorgeous blue eyes widening appreciatively as she undressed for him.

‘You’re lucky to own all this – and a horse of your own, too,’ said Luke. ‘How long have you had him?’

‘Jack bought him for my fifteenth birthday. It was a wonderful surprise. Jack always chooses the best pres
 …
’ Her voice tailed off and she bit her lip. Luke had never had a birthday present from Jack in his life. Time to change the subject. She didn’t want to upset him, especially after what her mother had said.
He might not stay around for long.
Luke wouldn’t leave if he really liked her, would he? ‘Do you think you’ll stay in Baronsmere, Luke?’

‘Why d’you ask that?’

Best not to lie. ‘It’s just … my mum said things aren’t great between you and Jack.’

‘Did she now?’ Luke’s tone was angry, and he sat up. ‘And what business is that of hers?’

‘It wasn’t said as gossip, honestly. She’s just concerned that … that I’ll get hurt. Because, well, I like you.’

‘You do?’

She looked up, and was caught again by the intensity of his eyes. There was something in his expression – hope, longing, fear, doubt – that tugged at her heart. ‘You know I do,’ she murmured. ‘I want you to stay, Luke.’

‘Kate,’ he said, ‘I know you’re close to Jack, so I’m sorry if it upsets you that I can’t get along with him. I don’t like bein’ so angry all the time. It’s not the kind of person I want to be.’

The Jack Kate knew was kind and generous, not a man who would abandon his wife and child. But whatever the truth of it, Luke had obviously been told a completely different story, so Kate couldn’t blame him for his attitude. She certainly wasn’t going to fight Jack’s corner for him. Letting Luke know what he’d missed wasn’t going to be helpful.

‘You’ve just lost your mum, Luke. Your emotions must be all over the place. Just take things a day at a time.’

Luke reached out a hand, brushed a lock of hair away from her face and caressed her cheek. She moved towards him. He was shy so it was down to her, and she wasn’t going to waste the opportunity. Her lips brushed briefly against his, enough to let him know it was what she wanted, and he responded. Their first kiss was hesitant, exploring unfamiliar territory, before becoming more assured, more passionate. It felt right. Not just right – perfect. He obviously had a natural talent for it.

A few minutes later, a clatter from the paddock below broke the spell. A horse had misjudged its jump, sending the poles flying. Kate turned her attention back to Luke. His face was flushed, and she knew hers was, too.

‘You’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen, Kate Walker,’ Luke told her. ‘Not even Niamh of the Golden Hair could hold a candle to you.’

‘Niamh,’ she breathed. ‘Who’s she?’

‘A goddess from an Irish folk tale. She falls in love with Oisin, a young poet and hero, and takes him to Tír na nÓg, the Land of Eternal Youth.’

‘Will you tell me the story?’ Kate asked.

He lay back, staring at the sky. She settled down on her side next to him, fingers curled in his, head on his shoulder, as she listened to the magic of his voice telling her the ancient tale of love from his homeland. ‘Long ago in Ireland lived a man called Oisin …’

The Foresters seemed to cater for all ages and was very different from the spit and sawdust pub Luke’s uncles drank in. Kate asked the barman for two orange juices before leading Luke to an alcoved table. She waved across at Al and Tim, playing at the pool table. Her face was flushed from the cold air and she touched a hand to Luke’s cheek. ‘It’s so cold out there! More like winter than spring. I don’t think global warming’s ever going to reach Cheshire.’

Before he had time to think, Luke caught hold of her hand and rubbed it between his own to generate some warmth. Jesus, what was he doing? Kissing at the stables was one thing, but here everyone could see. He took Kate’s hand and laid it down on the table, palm facing upwards. He needed to cover his embarrassment. ‘Tell your fortune, Miss?’ he said, with a smile.

Kate laughed, but not unkindly. ‘Okay, but only tell me the good things.’

Luke had watched Jessie do this many times but couldn’t remember much. Not that it mattered. It was clear from Kate’s sceptical smile she was thinking of it as nothing more than a game. ‘You’ll have a long life, Kate Walker, to be sure,’ he said, exaggerating his accent, which made her giggle. He had to try to stop his own hands trembling as he delicately traced the lines on hers. ‘Hmm. Looks like you’ll move away – maybe abroad.’

‘Oh, yes?’ Kate raised an eyebrow. ‘Hollywood beckoning no doubt!’

‘Your heart and your head line are well-balanced,’ Luke continued, ‘which means you’ll keep your wits about you, and no tragic love affairs.’

‘Well, that sounds a bit dull.’ Kate gave a mock pout. ‘Every woman should have at least one passionate romance.’

‘I didn’t say there wouldn’t be passion,’ said Luke, unable to meet her eyes. He gently stroked the skin at the base of her thumb. What was he on? Flirting with a gorgeous girl like he was an expert. That kiss at the stables had been very inspiring. Kate was silent, and the air between them grew charged, the din around them distant background noise.

Luke forced himself to keep going, turning her palm to the side. ‘Marriage for sure, and two children – maybe three. Daughters as beautiful as their mother.’ He couldn’t believe he’d just said that. He held his breath and continued staring at her palm.

‘You can’t tell that from the lines, surely,’ Kate whispered.

‘No,’ Luke admitted, ‘but beauty is usually passed on in the genes.’

He stopped, wondering if he’d gone too far. Thankfully, she smiled and curled her fingers upwards to touch his hand. She’d registered the compliment and not been offended by it.
Ah, Kate Walker,
he thought, remembering some lines from Yeats:
Had I the heavens’ embroidered cloths … I would spread the cloths under your feet …

‘Well, well, what have we here.’ A loud voice interrupted them. A tall, dark-haired man was sneering down at Luke. He seemed familiar. Two other young men lurked just behind the newcomer, who continued talking. ‘Still picking up waifs and strays, Katie? This the latest lost cause then? Why are you such a soft touch?’

Kate’s expression hardened. ‘And why are you such a prick? Get lost.’

With a glance at Luke, the stranger said, ‘Our pleasure – we’re fussy about who we keep company with, anyway.’ As he turned to go, he called over his shoulder to his friends, ‘Keep hold of your wallets, guys.’

The remark was obviously aimed at Luke, and he felt uncomfortable.

‘Don’t mind him.’ Kate’s hand touched his. ‘As they say, you can’t choose your relatives.’

‘You’re related to him?’ asked Luke.

‘No, you are,’ Kate told him. ‘He’s your cousin – that’s Claire’s son, Gavin.’

Sarah rang the doorbell. She needed to talk to Jack urgently. The sight of Luke Kiernan pawing Kate in the Foresters was more than she could bear. Nightmare visions of Kate pregnant and tied to this Traveller for the rest of her life were stronger than ever. Annie had snared Jack all those years ago. Sarah would be damned if she’d see history repeat itself.

‘Hello, Sarah.’ Maggie opened the door, looking a bit surprised to see her. Since the break up, Sarah hadn’t been to the house at all. Well, apart from the funeral but that didn’t count.

‘Hello, Maggie. Is Jack in? I really need to speak to him.’

She was shown into the drawing room while Maggie went to find Jack. Sarah moved around the room, taking in once again the expensive porcelain pieces, the French clock, the family portraits. She loved this room and imagined elegant Victorian ladies taking their tea here in days gone by. Of course, Edenbridge was the big prize for anyone married to Jack. He didn’t like the place much, but Sarah had always dreamed of living there. She might not have the impeccable bloodline of Lady Grace Stewart but she knew how to do things right, the upper-class way. Emer Sullivan wouldn’t have a clue.

‘Sarah – what brings you away from The Foresters on a busy Saturday night?’

Jack didn’t exactly look overjoyed to see her as he offered and poured her a gin and tonic.

‘I needed to talk to you about Kate,’ she said, taking her usual place on the Louis Quinze sofa. She crossed her legs and hitched her skirt up slightly. Jack was a leg man. No harm in reminding him what he was missing.