17 Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Right

17

Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Right

‘Is Oliver still there?’ Daniela asks, the moment I put the phone to my ear.

‘No. We were up early. He made a wonderful breakfast for us both and set off home about half an hour ago, why?’

‘Thank goodness! Nigel just stormed out of the house and he’s on his way to confront Oliver. There was nothing I could do to stop him.’

‘What happened?’

‘He thinks there’s something going on between Oliver and me. Oh, Sienna, I don’t know what to do. It’s crazy, because it’s all in his head and I’ve told him that, but he won’t listen.’

‘Don’t worry, when Nigel gets here, I’ll calm him down.’

‘You don’t think … I mean you believe me, don’t you?’ She sniffles.

‘Of course I do. And I’ve spent enough time with Oliver to know he genuinely wants the best for you.’

‘We were close, but we were only ever friends, I promise you. His heart was broken, and I know that you, of all people, can empath—’

A load rapping on the door makes me end the call abruptly and I rush to the door.

‘Nigel,’ I act, surprised. ‘Come in.’

‘I don’t want to interrupt but …’ He falters and maybe he’s rethinking his strategy.

‘Come on through to the kitchen. I was in the process of making a cup of coffee. Will you join me?’

‘Um … are you on your own?’ He obviously wasn’t expecting that but why would Oliver hang around?

‘Yes. Oliver had to rush off. He’s working on a new project; he’s such a workaholic.’

Nigel immediately relaxes his shoulders as he turns to shut the front door behind him. ‘Yeah, that sort of comes across. Do you know him well?’

He follows me into the kitchen, and I indicate for him to take a seat while I make us a drink.

‘I didn’t before he came to build the set ready for Elizabeth’s Christmas Eve party.’

It’s the first time I’ve seen Nigel looking so nervous. He interlaces his fingers, as he stares around the kitchen. ‘He’s a clever guy, by the sound of it.’

‘He is.’ I turn my head a little to talk over my shoulder. ‘He likes fishing, too! He was a real hit with Greg when we visited.’

‘Greg? Oh … your mum’s new partner?’ Instantly, his voice changes.

‘Mmm. It was the first time I’d been to Anchor House.’

‘How’s she doing?’

‘Fine. It’s just different, you know?’

‘Yeah, I can appreciate that. But the visit, uh, went well?’

‘It did. Mum’s talking about us heading down there again soon, just for one night. Some sort of party Greg and his friends have every year in the run-up to Christmas.’

‘Us … as in you and Oliver?’

I carry two mugs across to the table. ‘Yes. Anyway, it sounded like yesterday went well. We’re all excited about the performance.’

Judging by the slightly confused look on Nigel’s face, I’m guessing that wasn’t what he was expecting to hear. ‘Daniela’s nervous, of course, but they seemed happy with the run-through. I stayed well clear of it, of course. It was a late one though. Daniela is doing brunch before they all head for home. I just … um … popped in to see whether Oliver wanted to join them, I mean, us. I should have called, really.’

Now Nigel is feeling awkward. If Oliver was still in love with Daniela, they’ve had plenty of opportunities to meet up in private. Coming to Darlingham only goes to prove that what he told me is true; he feels he owes Daniela a debt of gratitude. He certainly wouldn’t have gone haring off to Cornwall with me on a jaunt, even as payback, if he were setting his sights on her.

‘I should imagine they’re quite a vibrant bunch of characters,’ I laugh. ‘I admire anyone who has the courage to stand up on stage and perform in front of an audience of strangers. It’s the last thing in the world I’d consider doing.’

He gives a little chuckle. ‘Me, too. They talk over each other all the time and it’s like having several conversations going on at once. Honestly, last night it did my head in, but please don’t repeat that. Having a quiet coffee here with you like this is bliss.’

‘Take your time and enjoy it. I’m sure they can keep themselves entertained.’

‘And some,’ he groans. ‘Daniela seems different around them and it threw me a little to see her so carefree and joking around. It made me wonder why she chose me in the first place. I mean, she was popular and had guys falling all over her.’

I look at him, my eyes widening. ‘Because you’re the one, Nigel. And she realised that from the start.’

‘Hmm, I like to think so, but …’ He turns to stare at me, rather intensely. ‘Family life is wonderful but it has its highs and its lows. I fear that Daniela bears the brunt of it and I know there are times when she finds it all a little overwhelming. I try to ease the load when I’m there and make sure she has some alone time to unwind. But the way she’s thrown herself back into work and now with this play, it makes me wonder whether she resents me for what I’ve taken away from her.’

My eyes widen. ‘Taken away from her? You have two utterly amazing children and yes, they’re exhausting at times, but the moment I step inside your home they put an instant smile on my face.’

‘They do, don’t they?’ He grins at me. ‘Even when I get home from a long and stressful day at work they instantly turn my mood around. Everything I do is for my family.’

‘Believe me, Daniela understands and appreciates that. She’s simply enjoying having a little time to do something that makes her feel there’s still more to her than simply being a wife and a mother.’

‘You think I’m being paranoid?’

Oh, Nigel! Oliver isn’t a threat, well … not in the way you fear. He cares too much for Daniela to rob her of her happiness. You’re her soul mate and that’s obvious to everyone around you. It’s in the secret glances you both steal, thinking no one notices, and the way your eyes seek each other out across a crowded room. It’s a match made in heaven.

‘It’s added a touch of excitement to her normal routine and, in her enthusiasm, she’s overcommitted herself, but Oliver and I are helping to address that. It’s about self-worth, that’s all. She’s checking that she still has what it takes to function in the big wide world and make a difference. Personally, I think she’ll soon settle down and find the happy medium, because family comes first for her, too.’

‘You’re a good friend, Sienna.’

‘I like to think I am to both of you,’ I reply, with sincerity.

‘You’re heading down to Cornwall again so soon? That’s wonderful news!’ Grandma makes no attempt to hide her surprise when, on Monday morning, I tell her about the last-minute plans for the coming weekend.

‘Greg and a group of friends all meet up at his cousin’s restaurant for a meal just before Christmas. It’s Mum’s first time being a part of it and, reading between the lines, I think she’s a bit nervous about going. She asked if I’d like to join them. It’s all couples and she suggested that if Oliver was free he might like to come along, too. I didn’t like to say no and, to be fair, when I asked Oliver about it over breakfast yesterday morning, he was delighted.’

‘Well, I’m sure your mum will appreciate having you there and Oliver is such good company. It’s not awkward for you, is it? I mean, the two of you seem to get on really well.’

‘Oh, we do. He’s easy-going and reliable; that’s exactly what I need right now.’

‘Daniela has a lot on her plate at the moment, doesn’t she?’

‘Yes, and I don’t want to put her on a guilt trip about my problems, so it’s kind of him to accompany me. I was just a bit surprised Mum felt she needed—’

‘A little support?’

‘Mmm. I guess you could say that.’

‘Don’t we all need that, at times?’ Grandma points out, raising an eyebrow.

‘I guess we do.’ I go on to tell her about Liam’s surprise visit and her reaction is one of relief when I tell her that as far as I’m concerned that’s all in the past now.

As she gets up to leave, there’s a sharp tap on the door and it slowly swings open.

‘Hello … Oh, hi, Charlotte. I won’t disturb you, I just wanted to leave something with Sienna.’

‘It’s lovely to see you, Ruby,’ Grandma replies. ‘Elizabeth and I were only saying the other day that we must pop into The Sailor’s Retreat one lunchtime. It’s been too long.’

‘It has,’ Ruby agrees, flashing me a smile. ‘Let me know when you’re coming, and I’ll reserve the table by the fire for you.’

‘I will. Anyway, I have a number of phone calls to make, so I’ll leave you to it.’

Ruby has an A4 envelope in her hand which she passes to me, as Grandma makes her way out. ‘I wasn’t sure when Oliver is here next, and I forgot to give this back to him on Saturday. It’s a copy of the script he marked up for me.’

‘Don’t hover, take a seat. I heard it all went well. Did you enjoy yourself?’

Her smile grows exponentially. ‘It was amazing and a lot more technical than I was expecting. I thought you’d be there for the meal afterwards at Daniela’s as you’ve been a big part of it, too.’

I wave my hand in the air dismissively. ‘Oh, painting a few panels wasn’t arduous. Oliver did all the real work. I bet it’s a bit of a raucous affair when they all get together.’

‘It was. But it was also a laugh and they made me feel very welcome. So much so, that after a chat with Oliver he’s encouraged me to join one of the local amateur dramatic clubs. Even if it’s just helping out, I’d love to get involved. He asked if I could make myself available to look after the two children who’ll be a part of the performance on the day and be there during the rehearsals beforehand.’

‘How exciting!’

‘Yes. I was delighted, although I thought maybe he should have asked you first?’ She poses it as a question.

‘Oh, no … I’ve no aspirations to get involved in the play, at all. Besides, on the night I’ll be on duty making sure the party goes as smoothly as possible.’

She looks relieved. ‘I didn’t want you to think I was … I mean, what’s the story with Oliver?’

‘What do you mean?’

‘I know he’s a friend of Daniela’s from her university days, but Nigel was noticeably distant with him at the dinner party. It was obvious to everyone. There’s nothing … I mean, Oliver and Daniela aren’t old flames, are they?’

I swallow hard before managing to laugh it off. ‘No, of course not! The troupe were all studying the same course, that’s all. It must be difficult for Nigel, as he doesn’t really know any of them.’

‘Ah, that explains it, then. You and Oliver seem to work well together.’ Now she’s fishing.

‘We’ve been helping each other out,’ I explain, trying to make it sound quite matter of fact.

‘I see. Great. Oh, I nearly forgot … guess who Xavier took out to dinner the other night?’ Her eyes light up.

‘Surprise me. I have no idea whatsoever.’

‘Only Lottie, and she tried to keep it quiet, but I know one of the waitresses up at The Brass Mill.’ I was half expecting her to say something about my trip to Cornwall with Oliver, but obviously that isn’t common knowledge, thank goodness. This, at least, is a distraction, but poor Lottie is about to have all eyes turned on her.

‘Are you sure it was a date, and he wasn’t just thanking her for her help, as she literally keeps that veterinary practice running.’

‘We’ll soon find out for sure one way or the other. They’ve held the interviews for the permanent position and the partners are about to announce the name of the successful applicant.’

I’m surprised to hear Ruby gossiping about Lottie and I simply shrug my shoulders, not wanting to get pulled in.

‘Right, I’m in early this morning to help do some prep in the kitchen.’ She stands, glancing around the study, her eyes settling on the empty desk in front of the window. ‘You must really miss Freddie.’

I sigh. ‘I do. We laughed a lot; you know what he was like. Always joking and light-hearted whenever I needed cheering up and quiet when I was head down concentrating. Sometimes I glance up and imagine him sitting there and it’s a comfort.’

Her face puckers up. ‘Aww. Once Christmas is out of the way, you must join me, Lottie and whoever else we can draft in, for one of our fun-seeking girls’ nights out. It’s about time you started socialising properly again. Maybe we’ll head into Stroud to broaden our horizons,’ she giggles, to which I shake my head.

‘As you say, maybe.’

‘Hmm … I’ll take that, it’s better than a firm no. Having a new face with us on one of our little excursions might attract a little more attention.’

‘For whom?’ I groan.

She gives another girly giggle, walking over to the door and turning to give a little wave as she leaves.

All in all, I think I got off quite lightly there. But Xavier and Lottie … now that’s a real surprise. It wasn’t that long ago she was trying to get me to make up a blind date foursome and I assume it went ahead as a twosome. Which means he was yet another thanks, but no thanks .

Elizabeth, Grandma and I spend all afternoon wrapping presents for the children’s party. Sourcing the gifts was hard enough. We settled for a range of storybooks, hardback notebooks with novelty pens, a mesh ball that lights up and stays airborne so it can be thrown from person to person, and several different superhero jigsaw puzzles.

‘This is making me feel so festive,’ Elizabeth declares, happily.

‘Hmm … let’s see if that’s still the case by the time we’ve filled those sacks,’ Grandma retorts, raising an eyebrow.

‘Someone is going to have to make sure Santa hands out the appropriate gift each time.’ I jump into the conversation.

‘Good point,’ Elizabeth replies. ‘I’m sure I could talk one of my nieces into doing it, unless you fancy stepping in, Charlotte. We’ll have a full house, with plenty of helping hands.’

‘You’re going to make them work for their supper,’ Grandma muses and I try not to look surprised. She really is beginning to stand her ground.

‘Well, they’ve all backed off a little thanks to your presence. On the whole, they mean well, but there’s also a concern that I’ll have a head fit and leave everything to an animal sanctuary, or to protect … bees, or something.’

‘Lucky bees,’ Grandma laughs. ‘Anyway, it’s entirely up to you.’

‘Yes, but people think that as you get older you’re more likely to get talked into things, or your mind goes and you’re susceptible to flights of fancy.’

‘You … flights of fancy?’ I guffaw. ‘Honestly, Elizabeth, if that happens, I’d be the first to point it out and—’

‘We’re the three musketeers, aren’t we?’ Grandma interjects. ‘We look out for each other and we’re relying upon you, Sienna, to step in and be the voice of reason if the two of us get out hand.’

They’re both laughing, but why do I feel there’s a hint of seriousness to this?

‘And in the same spirit,’ Elizabeth continues, ‘we’re delighted Oliver is accompanying you to Cornwall again.’

I gasp. They’ve been gossiping about me. ‘Really?’ Is that the royal we ? I ponder, thinking these two ladies are a force to be reckoned with.

‘Now, come on, Sienna,’ Grandma teases. ‘You know we both want you to be happy and settled.’

‘I am, thank you very much. And Oliver is just a friend.’ Seriously, this is getting embarrassing now.

‘Yes, and it’s a good start. When you move into River View Cottage you’ll need a … handyman,’ Grandma insists.

They glance in my direction all bright-eyed and positive, unable to comprehend why I’m feeling uncomfortable about this conversation.

‘I’m perfectly capable of organising what I need without leaning on a … friend,’ I state, firmly.

‘There you go, Elizabeth,’ Grandma replies with relish, ‘I said she was coming around to the idea.’

‘Why do I feel like I’ve been set up? This wasn’t a ploy of Mum’s—’

‘Hello?’ Victor’s voice stops us short. It’s unusual for him to come up to the house.

‘Come in, we’re just wrapping gifts ready for Santa’s arrival,’ Elizabeth calls out.

‘Georgina said it was OK to come through.’ Even so, Victor looks apologetic. ‘I spotted a man wandering around the car park, and when I started walking over to him, he ran off. If he was looking for directions he wouldn’t have fled. I fear he might have been an opportunist, scoping out the building.’

Elizabeth sighs. ‘We haven’t had any break-ins in the area for a long while, so this is concerning.’

‘It’s the time of year when thieves are about because the pickings are good. But it’s more about the shock factor and I’d hate for any of you ladies to be confronted by a stranger up to no good.’

Suddenly, the mood in the room changes.

‘Thank you for the heads-up, Victor. Is there anything else you suggest we do other than be extra vigilant?’

He fiddles nervously with the woolly hat he’s holding in his hands. ‘First and last thing I do each day is to check all the outbuildings are secure. But maybe you and any visitors should make sure vehicles aren’t left unlocked, even if it’s just to pop back inside to grab something. And, at night, double-check that the ground-floor windows and external doors are locked.’

Elizabeth sighs. ‘We’re a little off the beaten track, being at the end of a single-track lane off the High Street. Hopefully, strangers will be easy to spot. It’s a sad state of affairs, but I can’t thank you enough for being so on the ball, Victor.’

‘My pleasure and I’ll ensure my presence in the car park and around the main buildings is a little more obvious for a while. Anyway, I’d best leave you to it. You’re doing a wonderful job there!’ Victor smiles, as he surveys the mountain of gifts we still have to wrap and the solitary sack that is pleasingly full.

‘It’s all in a good cause,’ Grandma replies. He acknowledges that with a tilt of his head and a broad smile.

‘Do you have time for a hot drink before you go?’ I ask, as I stand and follow Victor out into the hallway. As soon as the door is closed, I lean in, to whisper. ‘Did you recognise this man, at all?’

‘No,’ he replies, keeping his voice low. I can tell he’s concerned. ‘I don’t think he’s a local because even though he was panicking to get away from me, when he got to the gate he hesitated as he wasn’t sure whether to head left or right.’

‘I … um … there’s a chance it might not be someone looking to steal something. My ex-fiancé unexpectedly turned up on my doorstep on Saturday night and I refused to talk to him. I hope he got the message that he wasn’t welcome but if he didn’t, this is where he’d come to find me.’

‘Sorry to hear that, Sienna, but it’s private property so he’s taking a risk.’

‘I know but I wouldn’t rule it out. He’s tall, with dark hair …’

Victor purses his lips. ‘The guy was too far away for me to really get a good look. He was wearing a navy-blue padded jacket. What made him stand out was that he had his hood pulled up, even though he was wearing a baseball cap. It looked like he was trying to obscure his face as much as possible.’

‘If it is Liam, he doesn’t mean any harm, he just wasn’t expecting me to turn him away.’

Victor looks uneasy. ‘That’s as maybe, but if someone is skulking around, they know they’re not welcome, so just watch yourself, Sienna.’

‘I’d … um … appreciate it if we could keep this little incident at the cottage just between us? Grandma is aware, but she won’t pass it on to Elizabeth. I don’t want anyone worrying unduly and it could be paranoia on my part to even think it might be him.’

‘Of course, I understand but call me if you have any problems – any time of the day, or night, whether it’s here or at Oakleigh. You promise?’

‘I promise and thank you, Victor, it’s appreciated.’

Liam was wrong to put me on the spot like that and if he’s the mystery man he’d better watch out, as I have no doubt at all that Victor won’t put up with any nonsense.