Talk of the Village (14 page)

'But I enjoy working in the shop.'

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'I didn't say you would do nothing, Harriet, I said you weren't going to be involved whenever the children are at home. And that's final. I'll work twice as hard to make it possible. You are their mother and I want you to be there.'

'Jimbo, since when have you told me what to do?'

'As of now, but then I've never been so frightened as I was this afternoon. You know, waiting to see if a big deal had come off when I was at the bank, the old adrenalin would be riding high, my palms would be sweating, my nerves at top pitch, and that awful patch of fear at the pit of my stomach would be there gnawing away. But it was nothing compared to today. I am not going through that again.'

'She ought to be able to go about alone in a place like this.'

'She ought, but obviously she can't.'

'You're quite right of course, and I shall do as you say. And tomorrow when the police come to question her, make certain they don't frighten her, won't you? We don't want to make matters worse than they already are.' They were quiet for a while, then Harriet said, 'All that trouble with Caroline and the rabbits last night doesn't seem very important today does it?'

'But, Inspector, I didn't go in. I saw Chivers running down Church Lane when Brown Owl dismissed us. He's always wandering off, and I'm frightened he'll get lost, he's only small, he's not even had a birthday yet. I ran after him and he went to Misses Baxter's side gate and climbed over. I went to the gate and called "Chivers, Chivers".'

'Did you open the gate Flick?'

'No..o..o.o. I stood looking over, calling. Daddy said I mustn't go in people's gardens after my cats. So I didn't. But then she came out.'

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'Who came out?'

'Gwen.'

'What did she say?'

'Nothing.'

'I can't understand why she was so very very cross with you if you didn't go in.'

Flick looked uncomfortable and glanced anxiously at her mother. Harriet patted her arm and said, 'Just tell the Inspector the truth, Flick.'

Flick swallowed hard and whispered, 'Daddy's told me not to go in people's gardens after my cats, but I did twice. They like Miss Baxters' garden because it's all messy and piled with rubbish and they like to play in there, it's such an
interesting
garden for cats you see. So they've told me twice not to go in there and shouted at me and she said, that is Gwen said, she would punish me if she caught me again. This time I didn't go in but she just opened the gate and before I could run away, she grabbed me and dragged me inside. I told her Mummy would be cross. But she wouldn't listen. She used some naughty words I've heard the boys use, and Daddy once when he dropped a box of baked beans on his foot. She held me tight and Beryl said, "Let her go. You must let her go." But Gwen didn't listen.'

'Where did she hold you? Pretend you're Gwen and get hold of me like she got hold of you.'

Flick grabbed Inspector Proctor's neck and his arm. 'Like that but really tight. I couldn't get away.'

'What happened next?'

'She told Beryl to get some old cloths and then she tied me up and stuffed me in the cupboard. It was so hot and I couldn't breathe and then Daddy was holding me. I don't know how long I was in the cupboard.'

'Did Beryl help to tie you up?'

'No. She was crying and saying "No, no, no." She said she was so upset she'd have to go to bed.'

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'So Beryl didn't do much then?'

'No. Beryl must be nicer than Gwen, mustn't she?'

'Well, I'm not too sure about that, she didn't stop Gwen or go to get help did she?"

'No, she didn't. Can I go and play now?'

'Is there anything else you need to tell me. Your Mummy is here and we don't have secrets from Mummy do we? So tell her and me right now if you can remember things I've forgotten to ask.'

'I've told you everything. I'd like to go now please.'

'Are you quite certain you've told us everything that happened? Did they take you anywhere else besides the kitchen?'

'No, nowhere else. Nothing else happened at all. Will they go to prison for being nasty to me?'

'We'll wait and see.'

'May I go now, please?'

'Yes, but before you go I want to say something. Your cats know you love them Flick, because you look after them so well. They're not daft, they know when they have a good home. So don't, whatever you do, go looking for them again. It might be a while before they get back home, but they will. Thank you for answering all those questions. You've been a great help. Off you

go-'

Flick got down off the chair and went to find the boys. She thought she'd go back to school tomorrow, they'd all want to know what had happened, and she'd be able to tell them about the doll Venetia had sent her that morning. It was absolutely gorgeous and had the most wonderful lace dress on and beautiful long blonde hair. She didn't know which was lovelier, the doll or the box it had come in. She'd call it Venetia, that was a perfectly splendid name for a perfectly splendid doll.

When she left, the Inspector stood up to take his leave. 'Thank you, Mrs Charter-Plackett. There's bound to be

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some after effects, like bad nerves and nightmares. Your daughter will need lots of love and reassurance. We shan't be able to keep those women locked up for ever, much as we might like to, so take care. If Felicity lets slip any more information, no matter how slight, will you phone me at this number? If I'm not there leave a message to ring you. I'll be in touch.' The Inspector shook hands with Harriet and went out to his car.

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Despite Caroline's anxiety about Flick she still felt as strongly about Jimmy and the rabbits and was determined to swing public opinion onto her side. She made a point of mentioning the subject to everyone she met. Some villagers met her idea with downright hostility. But aided and abetted by Pat, who made it her business to introduce the subject to as many of the school parents as she was able, many of the villagers came round to her way of thinking. Michael Palmer, having listened several times to the story of what had happened in The Royal Oak on the Saturday night, agreed with Caroline.

'Knew yer'd see it her way, Mr Palmer,' Pat commented gleefully as she tidied the hall after school dinners. 'She's a lovely lady is Dr Harris, she's really cut up about them rabbits, feels right bad about 'em. I don't understand how some people don't see her point of view. I tell yer who would be on her side . . . Mrs Meadows. Now she was always very keen on kindness to animals. She had that campaign d'yer remember? Not long after she got 'ere, about stopping foxhunting. Yer remember she got the Council to stop the hunt going across the Big House land. 'Spect that Health Club lot won't care too hoots about poor foxes. Do you ever 'ear from Mrs Meadows, Mr Palmer? I always thought you two got on really well.'

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Michael Palmer hesitated for a moment and then gave an emphatic 'No'. Pat smiled to herself. She hadn't lived thirty-nine years without learning something about human nature. She guessed from his answer that it wasn't strictly the truth.

In his pocket Michael had the latest letter from Suzy's mother, this time at the bottom was a short note from Suzy herself sending him her good wishes. It was the first time she'd written anything at all and the first time he realised that she knew he'd been writing in response to her mother's request. In future he'd have to be careful what he said about the twins. It was one thing divulging news to a devoted grandmother, quite another telling a mother news of the babies she'd given away. He fingered the envelope, carefully tucked away in the pocket of his tweed jacket. One day perhaps she'd write a real letter to him. In his mind's eye he could see her long fair hair, her lovely rounded cheeks and the sweet, so sweet smile which lit up her face. He imagined his hands cupping her cheeks and himself placing a kiss on her dear mouth . . .

'Shall you be having football this afternoon, Mr Palmer, with it being wet? 'Cos if you are I'll put newspapers down in the cloakroom, that floor's murder to keep clean.'

'Shall I be having what?'

'Football, yer know with the boys.'

'Oh right, yes, I shall.'

'I hope you'll bring it into your nature and science lessons about cruelty to rabbits and explain to them children about using snares . . . Our Michelle can speak up about it, our Dean's explained it all to her.'

'We'll see, we'll see.' Michael gazed out of the window and saw Caroline coming across the playground. Oh no, not more rabbits he thought.

'Good afternoon Dr Harris, what can I do for you?'

'Hello Michael. I want to know if I can persuade you to

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talk to the children about cruelty to animals. Especially in connection with the way in which we kill them, in particular the killing of rabbits. If you don't feel able to, will you let me have a word?'

'Mrs Duckett has already informed me several times as to my duty to the children concerning this matter. If you would like me to do it then I shall. I feel quite as strongly as you do.'

'Oh thank you Michael, I do appreciate that. I've been so upset about it all. If we can teach the
children
that it's wrong then that's the most important thing, even if we can't convert diehards like Sir Ralph.'

'Country people do see things differently Dr Harris.'

'I know, I know.' One of the children came to Michael with a problem about his football kit. 'I won't keep you. Thanks anyway. Bye.'

'Good afternoon.'

Caroline, on her way back to the rectory, met Muriel out with Pericles for his afternoon walk. 'Hello Muriel. Isn't it a lovely day?'

'It certainly is. Now, are you feeling any better? I thought you were quite drained on Saturday night, and greatly in need of a rest.'

'Muriel! Is that how you saw my protest? As some kind of hysterical outburst?'

'Oh no, I didn't mean it like that. I think you're quite right about Jimmy, but I did think at the same time you were needing a change.'

'Well, perhaps I am, and perhaps not. But I'm still angry about Jimmy, it doesn't alter that does it?'

'No, it doesn't. I'm afraid Ralph and I are on opposite sides. It's a bit uncomfortable.'

'Oh Muriel, don't let it upset things for you, that's the last thing I want.'

'I can't do as Ralph says
all
the time can I?'

'No, that's right you can't, but don't let it come

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between you. I can fight my own battles, you know, when it comes to it.'

'I know that Caroline, but you must be careful. These last few days there's been an awful lot of upsets over this rabbit question. I understand there was a row in the Store in the pension queue on Monday. Jimbo had to step in and sort it out. He refuses to be drawn on the matter, of course, because he has customers on both sides, though we both know how he feels. Linda slapped the change down for some person who'd declared themselves on Jimmy's side and they complained to Jimbo and he had to tick her off in front of everyone and she had yesterday off, said she was sick, butjimbo's not too sure about that. First day's sickness she's taken in two and a half years. Lady Bissett's given someone a real telling off at the flower arrangement class because they criticised you. One of the members confided in me that she'd used language more suited to a saloon bar than the church hall. Some of the ladies quite ruined their arrangements they were so upset.'

'Oh, Muriel, I'd no idea things were so serious. It won't affect Jimmy will it though? It won't make him change his mind?'

'I doubt it, he's very thick skinned. Must go, Pericles is getting impatient.'

Peter stormed into the rectory half an hour after Caroline got home. She was unprepared for the onslaught she got from him.

'Cup of tea Peter?' she called from the kitchen. 'You've timed it nicely, darling.'

He came into the kitchen and sat down at the table. 'Thank you.'

'Biscuit?' She turned round to hand him the tin and saw how angry he was. His eyes were almost black with temper and his jaws were clamped so tight his cheeks

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were white.

'Peter, what's happened?'

'What's happened? I'll tell you what's happened. I've spent, what is it, eighteen months? carefully nurturing this village back to life. Back to being a caring community, back to church, back to having some social life together. I've started Brownies and Cubs, a women's group, a luncheon club for the elderly, I've revitalised the choir and the music, I've improved the finances and heaven knows what else. And now
you
are destroying all my work. I can't believe it of you, Caroline, I really can't.'

'What have I done?'

'You know full well what you've done. It's these damned rabbits.'

'Peter!'

He dragged the lid off the biscuit tin, chose a biscuit and banged the lid back on again. But he was so enraged he had to put it down uneaten, his hand shaking with anger as he laid the biscuit on the table. 'I've said nothing these last three days, but I can keep my own counsel no longer.' He began ticking off facts on his fingers. 'One, Bagheera and Brown Owl aren't speaking, so thejumble Sale they are supposed to be holding jointly a week on Saturday to raise money to help parents who can't afford uniforms, is in jeopardy. Two, two of my senior choirmen have resigned because the choir master has instructed the boys about the cruelty of snaring rabbits and they think it is none of his business to indoctrinate them, which it isn't. Three, Mrs Peel has had a row with Willie and he refuses to unlock the church early and to make sure the electric is switched on so she can practise first thing on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. And four, old Mrs Woods' son and daughter, who were coming to see me about their choice of some elaborate kind of headstone for her grave, have argued so fiercely

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about the rights and wrongs of killing rabbits, the daughter has declared she is about to become vegetarian, and neither of them can keep the appointment about the headstone because, though they live in the same house, they are no longer speaking. You knew my calling from the first day we met in your surgery. I cannot lay that calling aside as you well know. As my wife, Caroline, you should behave more circumspectly. Your actions are causing serious damage to the parish, and I must ask you to reconsider before it all becomes irretrievable and, for me, unforgivable.'

Caroline was defiant. 'Because I am the wife of a priest I am not permitted to have opinions then? I must allow things I disapprove of to happen and stay silent? None of this is my fault anyway.'

'Whose fault is it then? I've just met Pat Duckett and she was praising you to the skies for having got Michael Palmer to instruct the children in the school on the rights and wrongs of the situation. Is there no end to your activity on behalf of these rabbits?'

'The fault is Jimmy's not mine.'

'Jimmy has been killing rabbits in this way for years. Until you decided to begin this crusade nobody minded.'

'Then it was time their consciences were woken up.'

'Woken up? They've certainly been that. Caroline, I don't know when I have been so angry. The repercussions have been far beyond anything I expected. Far beyond. Irreparable damage is being done.'

'Go and see Jimmy then and persuade him to stop. I can't.'

'Oh no, you go and see Jimmy. This hornet's nest is all your doing.' Peter stood up, and taking his cup of tea with him stormed off to his study. Sylvia put her head around the kitchen door and asked if there was any tea going or should she beat a hasty retreat?

'Come in Sylvia, the storm clouds have departed. Are

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the children OK?'

'Yes, they're asleep in the garden in their pram and yes the cat net is on.'

After a moment Caroline said, 'Peter has never spoken to me like that in all the time I've known him. I have never seen him in such a temper. It's very ..." Caroline got out her handkerchief and blew her nose.

Sylvia poured herself a cup of tea. 'Well, to be honest, Dr Harris, it has caused a lot of trouble believe me.'

'It would all blow over if I could just get him to stop it.'

'You won't, only an instruction from the Almighty could stop Jimmy. I'm sorry, Dr Harris, but you're going to have to let it go.'

'My conscience won't let me.'

'Willie says Jimmy is such a law unto himelf anyway, that all this trouble will bother him not one jot. Seeing that the rector is so upset, maybe you'd better just let matters rest.'

'But that's it, that way nothing gets done, no reforms are made, no bills through parliament, no injustices righted. When I think of eating those rabbits I feel so sickened.'

Sylvia took a deep breath and spoke her mind. 'If it had been Beth missing on Sunday instead of Flick, believe me, Dr Harris, you wouldn't be worrying your head about rabbits this week.'

Caroline looked at her in horror. As she leapt to her feet, her chair crashed over onto the floor, but she ignored it and rushed out into the garden. Sylvia stood the chair up and went to the window. She saw Caroline lift Beth from the pram and hold her tightly to her chest. Sylvia watched as she began to sob, deep, searing sobs which tore at Sylvia's heart. She tapped on the study door. 'Excuse me, Rector, but I think Dr Harris needs a hand.'

Peter looked up from his desk. 'Needs a hand?'

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'Yes, she's in the garden crying, sir.'

Peter strode out and gathered Caroline and Beth into his arms. He stood stroking her hair and kissing her, hushing her as though she was a little girl.

'My darling, my darling, I'm so sorry for what I said. Please forgive me, please. I can't bear you being so upset. Please, please stop. I should never have spoken to you like that. I know how devastated you felt about the rabbits and I'm deeply sorry for the way I spoke. If you want to crusade for the rabbits you can, I shan't mind.'

Caroline raised her head from his chest and looked up at him. 'Oh Peter, what if it had been Beth missing on Sunday?' Peter felt as though he'd been kicked in the solar plexis: the breath went from his body. He forced air back into his lungs with a great heave of his chest. He couldn't trust himself to speak, so he took out his handkerchief and wiped her face dry with his trembling hand. When he'd composed himself he said, 'Caroline, I'm sorry it was Flick, and, I sound selfish, but I thank God it wasn't Beth. She's here safe and sound with us, loved and cherished, fast asleep in her mother's arms. What more could a baby ask?'

He bent down to kiss his little Beth, who was blissfully asleep and unaware of the crisis unfolding around her. Peter stood holding the two of them closely in his arms comforting Caroline, hugging her and telling her she was safe with him. When he felt her relax and no longer shaking with sobs, he stood back from her and said, 'There we are, now let's put her back in the pram with Alex, and we'll leave them to sleep the afternoon away.'