Christmas Kiss (6 page)

She awoke on Saturday to the sound of her phone ringing. She sat up startled and glanced at the clock. Seven o’clock. Who on earth was phoning at this time?

‘Hallo,’ she said still feeling sleepy.

‘Hi. It’s me. Alex.’ She knew his voice instantly. ‘Are you still willing to come with me to collect my puppies? Sorry, I never caught up with you yesterday. I need some advice about beds and other things so thought I’d go to a pet shop first thing and then drive out to collect them. I’ve also taken the liberty of getting Mrs H to prepare something for supper tonight. Then you can help me to settle them in.’ Sarah listened in surprise. Suddenly, her weekend wasn’t looking quite so bleak. Trying not to sound too enthusiastic, she replied,

‘I wasn’t sure you still wanted me to come with you. But yes, being unable to drive, I’m limited in what I can do. I was planning some cleaning and then a walk into the village to collect some groceries.’

‘If that’s what you’d rather do ...’ She could hear amusement in his tone.

‘Of course I’d really rather try to push the vacuum round, one-handed. But as you’ve asked so nicely, I’ll forgo that pleasure. I can live in squalor for a while longer.’

‘Great. I’ll pick you up at nine.’

Sarah pulled her plastic bag over the plaster to protect it while she showered. She couldn’t wait for it to be removed and be able to get back to normal. She had a leisurely breakfast and was ready and waiting at nine o’clock. It proved to be a fun trip. Buying everything a puppy or two could possibly need and then some, produced a mammoth bill.

‘I hope it’s worth it,’ she said with a groan when the large heap of goods were finally stacked into his car. She’d persuaded him to buy one large dog bed rather than two small ones. ‘They’ll grow out of them in no time and they’re not cheap. Besides, they’ve been used to sleeping in one dog heap, around their mother. And I’d use an old blanket to start with. Forget the special expensive vet bed and everything. they’ll probably chew everything to begin with and they are certainly not house trained.’

‘I’ve got plenty of newspapers. I’ve stopped putting it out for recycling this week. It soon mounts up.’

It was mid afternoon by the time they arrived back with their squeaking, wriggling cargo of puppies. They were let out on the lawn where they rushed around, tumbling over each other on their ridiculously fat paws.

‘Come in little dogs. This is your new home.’ Alex had put down the new bed in the utility room where he planned they would be housed during the night. It had a slate floor and could be easily cleaned. They were watching the pair, enchanted as they flopped down in exhaustion for all of one minute and then leapt up again and dashed round some more. There was a tap at the door and Mrs Harper arrived.

‘Hi there. Couldn’t wait to see the little dears. Oh, aren’t you gorgeous?’ She bent and scooped up one of the pair and cuddled it. The second one chewed at the laces on her shoes so she picked up that one as well. Sarah watched, a slight feeling of resentment brewing. This was supposed to be hers and Alex’s time to get to know the little dogs. She contemplated the woman, watching her smiling at Alex as she chatted to him and the pups. She looked much younger than Sarah had expected. She was a pretty blond with a neat figure, shown off by well fitting jeans and a tee shirt. There was an easy familiarity between them which made her feel ridiculously jealous.

‘What have you left us for supper?’ Alex asked.

‘There’s a pot roast to go in the oven. In fact, if you like, I’ll go and put it in now. Then it can cook slowly and be ready for you in a couple of hours. There’s jacket potatoes and veg all ready for you. I’d best get off now. Leave you to your new little family. I’ll see you on Monday, girls. What are you calling them by the way?’

‘Haven’t decided yet. That’s tonight’s job. Thanks very much for everything.’ He paused. ‘Look, I’ve had an idea. Sarah here is having problems. With her broken arm, she can’t properly clean her cottage. How about you go round one morning and give her a hand?’

‘Sure. If you can spare me for a morning.’

‘Oh no, really, I couldn’t possibly impose,’ Sarah protested. She certainly didn’t want anyone going around prying on her things. ‘It isn’t that bad. It’s only a tiny place and I can manage. Anyway, I won’t be like this for much longer.’

‘If you’re sure. It’s no trouble.’ Sarah shook her head. She felt furious with Alex for even suggesting the idea. ‘Okay then, I’ll go and put your dinner in the oven. Leave me a note with the names of the pups. They’ll need to get used to their names and if I don’t know them, it will be difficult. Enjoy your evening,’ she said sounding just a little wistful.

‘Do you think I should have asked her to join us?’ Alex whispered when Mrs Harper left the room.

‘If you like. Perhaps you could ask her and I’ll go and leave you to it.’ He stared at her, looking puzzled.

‘Why would you do that?’ He opened his eyes wide and then his mouth broke into a broad grin. ‘Don’t tell me you’re jealous? My, that’s encouraging. Must mean you care.’ She blushed and looked down at one of the pups to cover her confusion. She was ashamed of being so foolish.

‘Right, all done,’ Mrs Harper said as she came back into the utility room. ‘You might want to put that one outside. She’s about to squat down. Bye then.’ She left and Alex scooped up his pups and carted them outside. Sarah followed him and watched as the little animals performed on the grass.

‘Lots of praise. That’s how you’ll get them trained.’ He petted them and congratulated them on being good dogs. They scampered back inside, glad to get out of the cold air.

‘Do you mind staying with them for a few minutes? I need to put the horses in.’

‘Fine, but I need to see Major too. I haven’t been near him for days. He’ll forget me and I couldn’t bear that.’

‘We’ll both go. These two have to get used to being left some time. They’ll come to no harm in here.’ He lifted them into the bed and tucked them in with the old blanket he’d found. They instantly gave a sigh and went to sleep.

It was a cozy evening. Supper was delicious, as expected. They had wine and later went into the lounge to discuss the decorating plans. It was a completely blank canvas as he had no furniture for the room so everything could be chosen from scratch.

‘I’d go for pale neutral colours for the walls and add splashes of colour with the furnishings. Once it’s painted, you can choose things for each area of the room and build the complete picture with everything coordinated.’

‘You really sound as if you know what you’re talking about. I’d really like it if you are involved with it all.’

‘I’d love it. Besides, spending someone else’s money sounds ideal to me.’

‘Let’s make some sketches and notes. What are you doing tomorrow?’

‘Today’s cleaning?’

‘That’ll keep. And you didn’t do any shopping so we’ll go out for lunch. I’d offer you a room for the night if there was one, but there isn’t so I’ll have to take you home.’

‘You’re on. But I’ll pay for lunch. You’re always feeding me. It’s my turn.’

‘An independent woman... What more could I ask for?’

Chapter Six

Despite their growing friendship out of work, over the next weeks Alex treated Sarah just as he treated the rest of the staff. Never could he be accused of favouritism. At last, her plaster cast had been removed and she had a smaller, support splint which she could take off whenever she wanted to. She could also drive again and so ceased her morning drives with Alex. At least the office gossip about them had been dropped. They did see a lot of each other outside work. She had left Major staying at Darnley Manor and Alex had even suggested she stopped renting her own paddock and leave him there permanently. It was however, a step too far in her estimation. She agreed her horse was better placed there for the harsher winter months. Another couple of weeks, it would be Christmas. She wondered what Alex would be doing for the holiday. Her parents were expecting her to go and stay with them and Beth and the tribe would join them for a family day. If Alex was to be alone, perhaps she should invite him to join them. On the other hand, it would start her mother planning weddings and organising bridesmaids. It was for that reason she had never shared any male friends she had with the family. Beth was nearly as bad, telling her at every opportunity that it was about time she was settled and breeding more grandchildren for her parents to spoil.

‘I don’t know what you plan for Christmas?’ Alex said when they were out riding together one Saturday.

‘Family of course. There’s a three line whip out for a family Christmas. I daren’t even think of anything else. What about you?’

‘Mother. She’s insisting on coming down to stay with me. Needs to see what I’m doing with the place. I’ve abandoned work in the lounge and they’re doing a bedroom for her. I’m dreading it and was going to ask if you’d come over at some point and help me entertain her. I’m only taking the actual bank holidays off work so she won’t be here for too long.’

Sarah felt a mixture of emotions. He was inviting her to meet what family he had. That must be a significant development in their relationship.

‘I thought you might be going to visit her. Does she drive or do you have to collect her?’

‘She drives. She’s quite an independent lady really. I just dread having to cope with her on my own.’

‘Perhaps Mrs Harper will come and cook for you.’

‘Maddy? No, she’ll be going to some friends.’

‘I wondered what her name was. You always sound so formal with her, calling her Mrs Harper.’

They rode back to the Manor and groomed the horses. The two pups, now named Phoebe and Sophie were growing fast. Apart from occasional accidents, they had been house trained very quickly, largely thanks to the efforts of the estimable Mrs Harper, whose patience seemed endless. They were out in the little yard outside the utility room and yapping for attention when the two riders had returned. Sarah took them out to the lawn and hurled balls for them to chase. She heard Alex calling her for lunch and gathered the dog toys together, calling to them to follow her.

‘Soup and homemade bread today,’ he announced. ‘Shall we have a bar snack this evening? Then there’s a concert on television I’d quite like to watch.’

She was surprised to find it was a rock group he wanted to watch, She had expected a classical concert or an opera and was delighted, as it was one of her own favourite bands.

‘We don’t know all that much about each other, so we? I think I know you and then you completely surprise me with something like that.’

‘Takes a long time to truly know someone. But I do think we’re getting there. Don’t you?’ She frowned slightly. Their relationship had been totally platonic so far. Apart from the occasional peck on the cheek when they were greeting or leaving each other, they hadn’t ever kissed properly.

‘I suppose. But I always think you’re something of an enigma. Two quite different people. At work, I seem to be right out of your orbit but outside, you are easy going, friendly and fun to be with.’

‘It’s all an act. I daren’t let go at work. I have a difficult enough time of it with much older partners who think I’m invading their territory. Or territory they think should be theirs. But they are so out of touch. Dear Ken has let everyone do their own thing for so long that the practice is in serious danger of going under. I have to pull it round for all our sakes.’ He paused and looked upset. ‘Now look what’s happened. We’ve broken a cardinal rule. We don’t talk about work outside the office. Who knows what I might let slip?’

***

Christmas came and went in the usual flurry of preparations, over eating and the loving family Sarah had always known. She fended off all questions about a man in her life and managed to avoid answering about who was looking after Major during her absence. She made her escape the morning after Boxing Day, using Major as her excuse. Besides, she was missing both Major and Alex and wanted to see them both. She called his mobile as soon as she was home.

‘Is it all right for me to drive over and see Major this afternoon?’ she asked.

‘Better if you don’t mind leaving it till tomorrow. I’m at work and have left my mother at home. She’s leaving first thing tomorrow and would only interrogate you to find out every minute detail about you, your family and what might be between us. What she doesn’t find out, she will invent. I know my mother. I’m at the office at the moment but going home in a little while. I just called in to sort the mail and make sure everything is all right. I shall be in for a bit tomorrow but maybe we could go for a ride later?’

‘Fine. I was hoping to see Major but if you think it’s best, I’ll wait.’

‘It’s been a difficult time over Christmas. I hope yours was good?’

‘Not bad. The usual strings of over-indulgence. We’ll speak tomorrow. Call me with a time.’ Damn, she swore after they hung up. She could have stayed a bit longer with her parents. Still, she didn’t want to cause any friction between Alex and his mother. Clearly things hadn’t gone quite as he’d hoped. His mother sounded a bit of a dragon, she thought uncharitably.

It was almost midday before Alex called on the following day.

‘Nothing wrong at the office was there?’Sarah asked.

‘No, I haven’t even been in. My mother lingered. She seemed quite unwilling to leave but I finally got her to go, suggesting she needed to be home before dark. So, do you want to out this afternoon? Or as early as you like. I was force fed an enormous breakfast so I’m not planning to eat another thing till this evening.’

‘I’ll be over right away. After my mother’s usual Christmas binge, I’m ready for an intensive diet. See you soon.’

It was cold and crisp and the thin winter sun provided little warmth. It was perfect for a gallop over the beach. It was low tide and Sarah’s favourite cove was deserted. It was just long enough for a good gallop over the smooth sand and they raced each other back and forth, laughing and delighted in the freedom and open space.

‘Just what I needed,’ Alex said as the trotted back to the stable.

‘Me too. And I think these horses did too. I don’t suppose you went out over the holiday.’

‘I did go on Christmas morning. Just had to get away for an hour. I left mother watching some service on television which seemed to please her. I’m a rotten son, I know. By the way, I’ve been invited for drinks with Ken and the other senior partners on New Year’s day. I suppose you wouldn’t like to come with me?’

‘Is that a good idea? Breaks all the rules, doesn’t it?’

‘I guess. Oh well, another day lost to riding. I thought you might make it bearable but it would certainly set tongues wagging. Forget it. I wondered if he might have invited anyone else but evidently not. I thought this might have been his gesture in lieu of the Christmas party we didn’t have.’

‘I assumed that was because of the infernal credit crunch. But the rest of us, well we’re thinking of having a meal out one night in early January. Office staff and junior people such as myself. Just an every one pay for themselves sort of do. I’m sure you’re invited if you can bear it.’

‘I’d love to, if you think I won’t cramp anyone’s style. I’m in a difficult position really. When Ken fully retires, he wants to appoint me as head of practice but there are some staff who won’ like that. He’ll remain on the board of course and act as consultant from time to time. But, I’m very much a hands on person. I need to be a part of the day to day workings. Oh dear, I’m doing it again. Right. From m now on, all work related subjects are banned. Let’s go and have a cup of tea. What are you doing for a meal this evening? Wondered if you’d like to go to the pub?’

‘’Why not?’

The pattern continued into the early spring. Busy times at work, where they virtually ignored each other and weekends mostly spent together, riding and sharing meals. Though Sarah was still paying her rent on the paddock and stable near her home, Major was staying at Darnley Manor. Alex refused all her offers to contribute to his keep, something she felt awkward about.

‘You are giving endless advice about my re-decorating. And you’ve spent time shopping for furnishings with me. That’s more than enough compensation,’ he insisted.

The lounge was almost finished and they were choosing paint and wallpaper for the beautiful entrance hall and stairs. They were torn between classical, traditional styles and the need to maximise the light.

‘I really think we need to go for light coloured walls. The stairs are magnificent and the pastel colours will show them up well. You need to something special to put in this space,’ she was saying. ‘A chest or an oak settle. You know the sort of thing. Like old church pews. Decorative rather than comfortable.’

‘Was that a car stopping outside?’ Alex said suddenly. ‘I’m not expecting anyone.’ He peered out of the landing window and went pale. ‘Oh no. It’s my mother. What on earth is she doing here? I’m sorry. I had no idea.’

‘That’s all right. Do you want me to leave?’

‘Of course not. But I’ll apologise in advance.’

‘What?’ Sarah asked incredulously. ‘Alex, what on earth do you mean?’ But he didn’t reply as he was already opening the door.

‘Mummy,’ he said. ‘What are you doing here?’

‘Thought I’d surprise you, Darling. I felt like an outing and on total impulse, I got in my car and drove down here.’ Her voice was slightly gruff and with clipped vowel sounds that clearly came from the more upper class, old fashioned BBC style. She could have been a character straight from Jane Austen. Alex’s accent was similar but unaffected certainly didn’t grate in the same way. ‘Oh, you have someone here. Of course, an interior designer. I said you needed to get one on board.’

‘This is Sarah, Mummy. She is actually one of my partners from the practice. She stables her horse here and is kindly helping me choose the decorations.’

‘How do you do Mrs Weston.’ Sarah held out her hand which was ignored. The woman nodded briefly and turned back to her son.

‘Oh. I thought you were getting a professional in. I’d have thought a place of this magnitude would warrant someone who knows what they are talking about.’

Sarah bristled. She now knew exactly why Alex had made his advance apology. The woman was downright rude, whatever she believed her social standing to be. The Duchess she remembered her nickname had been.

‘Come and look at the lounge. It’s almost finished. We just need some pieces of furniture and it will be complete.’ Alex was delighted with this room, for which Sarah had chosen everything.

‘Oh yes. Very nice,’ his mother said graciously. The pale cream walls, with a hint of warmer gold tones were complemented by a rich gold carpet. Red and gold curtains were draped round all the windows, their folds held in place by rich red ropes and tassels. When she had suggested them, Sarah had not realised just how expensive they would be and had suggested maybe she was wrong. But he had ordered them anyway and she was delighted with the result. The red and gold theme was continued on a striped chaise longue and there were a couple more matching sofas on order.

‘I expect this was all planned by a designer,’ Mrs Weston suggested.

‘All Sarah’s ideas. She’s done well, hasn’t she?’

‘I hope you’re not going to find this colour carpet stains too badly, You’ll have to keep those dogs out of here, They’ll ruin it. And you’re a bit short of tables. A room this size needs several side tables. Stand them by the walls so you can have fresh flower arrangements. And ornaments. You have very few points of interest. I can look round some of the shops in Exeter for you. One or two good pieces will make all the difference.’

‘No thank you Mummy. We have definite plans for everything. I don’t want to clutter the place with a mass of stuff that needs cleaning. Minimalist. Now, would you like some tea?’

‘Minimalist?’ she intoned. ‘Oh, tea? Thank you dear. Herbal if you have it.’

‘I can go and make it,’ Sarah offered. ‘Leave you to chat to your mother.’

Alex shrugged.

‘All right. Thanks. Tea bags are in the cupboard over ...’

‘I know where they are, thanks.’ She left the room, glad to escape for a few minutes. The arrival of Mrs Weston was a blow to their plans. They were going for a meal at one of the new local restaurants with a very good reputation. They had booked it a couple of weeks ago as tables were much in demand and they had been wanting to try it for ages. She made the tea and looked in one of the tins to see if Mrs Harper had left any home baked goodies. There was the remains of a sponge cake, which she sliced and put on a plate. She loaded everything onto a tray and carried it through to the lounge. Alex leapt up and provided a small table for her to place the tray.