2010
As she enjoyed her breakfast on the terrace Natalie’s mind replayed the previous evening and she was disturbed to find how prominent Stuart was in her thoughts. Surely she wasn’t falling for him? And she’d agreed to spend the afternoon with him! Not a clever move under the circumstances. Wanting to clear her head she headed out for a walk. A dose of sea air was required.
Stuart called for her at three and was cheerfulness personified.
‘A beautiful day again, isn’t it? I can’t wait to brighten up my terrace and I’m grateful for your help.’ His smile was warm and her pulse quickened. It promised to be a tricky afternoon.
‘No problem, I enjoy mooching around garden centres, I always see something I can’t resist.’ It crossed her mind she might find it hard to resist more than the plants…
Their tour of Le Friquet, the largest garden centre in the island, took a couple of hours. Stuart had never visited before and was overwhelmed by the choice.
‘To be honest, I’ve never bothered much with gardens before, but seeing what you and Matt have achieved has set me off. As you probably noticed, my garden’s quite basic, Mum not seeing the point of spending too much on it. I’m tempted to ask Matt to come up with a more interesting design, but in the meantime if I can have an attractive terrace, it’d be a start.’
Natalie suggested large, colourful pots to create interest and Stuart picked out plants he particularly liked. He also bought the ubiquitous barbecue, saying it was one form of cooking he had mastered. After walking what seemed miles around the centre, inside and out, they took a breather in the café. It was pleasant to sit outside drinking tea and eating scrummy carrot cake, while watching children play nearby.
‘I had a call from my mother this morning,’ Stuart said, putting his cup down. ‘She’s coming over next weekend and bringing her boyfriend. We’ve not met so should be interesting. He’s the first guy she’s been with since Dad.’ He frowned.
‘Oh, that’s a big deal. How do you feel about it?’
‘Well, I’m pleased for her, naturally. She’s been on her own long enough. Mum and Dad were joined at the hip, working together in the business as they did. She was devastated when he died so suddenly and became depressed for a while. She slowly came out of it and got on with life. But I knew she was lonely as she was always pestering me to move nearer to her. I didn’t want to, I felt smothered, to be honest. And my girlfriend thought she was too clingy. A bit controlling.’ He sighed. ‘I felt bad about staying away, but I needed to live my own life. It was one hell of a relief when she met Alan a couple of years ago and moved to France. I’m wondering if their visit is to tell me they’re getting married.’
‘Would you mind?’
He shook his head.
‘No, not at all. As long as he’s not just after her money.’ He must have noticed her raised eyebrows, adding, ‘Mum was left well off when Dad died and attracted a number of admirers. Some were obvious gold-diggers but she soon saw them off. All I know about Alan is he’s widowed and a retired businessman. So…’ he shrugged.
‘I hope I get the chance to meet your mother. It would be fascinating to talk to someone who’d actually lived in my house. Or rather the one it was.’
‘Of course you’ll meet her. She knows about you.’
‘Oh! What have you told her?’
‘That you’re my neighbour and I think you’re – very nice.’ He took a sip of tea. ‘Mum’ll be able to tell us how your house looked before the fire.’
Natalie wondered what else Stuart had told his mother.
‘This cake is scrumptious, isn’t it?’
‘Sure is.’ He looked at his watch. ‘Better check out soon. You about finished?’
She nodded and they collected the two trolley loads to take to the till. Stuart loaded it all into his estate. Once back at The Old Barn, Natalie helped him unload and position the pots on his terrace. She offered to help with planting but Stuart refused, saying he wouldn’t dream of taking up more of her time.
‘Thanks again for your help, Natalie, you made it more fun. I’ll give you a shout when I’ve finished and you can give me your opinion, if you like.’
‘Love to. Right, I’ll be on my way.’ She hesitated. Should she kiss him? Wait to see if he kissed her? Stuart placed the bag of compost he was holding on the ground and leant forward, kissing her cheeks. ‘See you soon.’ His smile lit his face, bringing crinkles to his eyes.
‘Yes. See you soon.’ With a quick wave she turned and walked home. Time for a glass of something cold on her terrace.
Her parents were out for lunch on Sunday and Natalie spent the day in quiet solitude. The weather had changed, a fierce wind from the north cooled the air and ominous clouds blocked the sun. She forced herself to take a walk in the afternoon and returned home feeling righteous. As she passed The Old Barn, Stuart shot out and waved her over.
‘Come and see what you think before it rains.’
They walked round to his terrace and she was hit by a riot of colour. All the pots were filled to bursting: red and pink geraniums; deep purple petunias with their heavenly scent; orange nasturtiums; waxy red begonias and purple lavender.
‘It looks wonderful, Stuart. Just in time for your mother’s visit.’
He beamed.
‘Hadn’t thought of that. Mum always liked pottering in her garden, it was how she relaxed.’
A few drops of rain fell and Natalie said she should run. Stuart gave her a wave as she sped back home. She just made it before the heavens opened. Time to curl up with the Sunday papers and a cup of tea.
The next few days passed quietly. No bad dreams or ghostly presence. Natalie allowed herself to stop being fearful and enjoyed the early days of July, a mix of sunshine and showers which still allowed her to spend some time outside.
By Friday she was looking forward to meeting Tabby, Stuart’s mother, due to arrive the following day about lunchtime. He had said perhaps they could all meet on Sunday for a drink or even lunch and would get back to her once Tabby and Alan had arrived. It would be strange to meet a woman who had been born and raised in what was now her home, although it was unlikely Tabby would recognise it. Judging by the photos Andy had shown her, the old farmhouse had looked pretty basic even before the fire. Natalie couldn’t blame Tabby for not wanting to return.
That evening she arrived home from work in a good mood in anticipation of the forthcoming weekend. As she walked into the kitchen that mood evaporated. On the worktop was the same family photo which had been moved previously. This time the glass had been broken. Tears sprang into her eyes as she picked it up and picked out the pieces of glass. Upset turned to anger.
‘Why don’t you leave me alone? What have I got to do with your family? Just go away!’ she cried, swinging round, as if to catch sight of a ghostly figure. At first there was nothing, then an icy draught filled the room. Natalie waited, frozen. Silence. Just that awful farmyard smell. Within seconds the cold air was gone, the kitchen warm once more. How much more of this could she take?
That night Natalie slept badly. She dreamt she was back with Liam in London and he was trying to get into her flat. Natalie kept locking the door but he would still push his way in. She was becoming more and more terrified and it was when Liam advanced on her with a knife in his hand that she awoke, shaking. In reality he had never attacked her with a knife, only his fists. Which was bad enough. As Natalie lay back, exhausted, she attempted to make sense of the dream. The sergeant had phoned during the week to say Liam was now safely held in a mental hospital, receiving the help he so badly needed, so she had nothing to fear from him. Deciding she was too tired to think about it, Natalie turned over and managed to sleep for another hour, waking not much more refreshed.
By the time Natalie was dressed and downstairs the details of the dream had receded, leaving a thin film of fear. Until she had met Liam, she had never been afraid of anything. Her life had been ordinary and without trauma and she had considered herself strong and independent. That had changed. And now, when she had thought she was safe and life would be calm and peaceful in her lovely new home, it wasn’t. Thanks to something invisible invading her space Natalie was afraid again. Her hands shook as she made the coffee and put bread in the toaster. It was only after she took her breakfast outside into the bright warmth of the day that the anxiety lessened. Telling herself she would have to put on a brave face when she met Stuart’s mother, she ate her toast.
Later that afternoon Stuart rang.
‘Hi. Just letting you know Mum’s arrived and Alan seems a good bloke. They’re being a bit coy but I wouldn’t be surprised if they tell me at dinner they’re planning to get hitched.’
‘That’s good. I’m looking forward to meeting them, if that’s still on?’
‘Sure. I suggested we all went out for Sunday lunch and Mum’s all for it, offering to pay and asked me to book somewhere nice. What do you reckon? I’ve not dined out much so haven’t a clue.’
‘I’ve been to the Bella Luce in St Martins and the food’s divine. And the setting. Particularly if we can eat in the Courtyard. That’s if you don’t mind a drive?’
‘Mum’s said we’ll take a taxi so no worries there.’ He cleared his throat. ‘Um, Mum wonders if she could have a quick look at your cottage? She’s impressed with what Andy did here and I told her how lovely your place is. Look, I know it’s a bit cheeky…’
‘Not at all. I would have offered anyway as I guessed she’d be curious. When’s best for you?’
‘How about tomorrow morning before we go out for lunch? Say about twelve?’
‘Perfect. I’ll see you then. Oh, and enjoy your dinner tonight.’
Natalie threw aside the newspaper she had been reading and stood up, stretching. A quick whizz through the cottage with the vac and duster was called for. As she hauled the Henry out of the cupboard an unwelcome thought popped into her head. How would her ‘ghost’ feel about Tabby’s presence? Would it make its feelings known? Shivering at the idea, Natalie consoled herself that if there were witnesses to anything odd, then it meant she wasn’t going mad. Which was something.
‘Natalie, may I introduce my mother, Tabby, and her partner, Alan.’ Stuart stood on her doorstep, a wide grin on his face and flanked by his mother and Alan.
Natalie looked from Stuart to Tabby. The resemblance was uncanny. Same blond hair, though probably now dyed in Tabby’s case, and unusual blue eyes. She smiled. ‘Nice to meet you both.’ She shook the proffered hands and ushered them inside.
Tabby’s eyes widened.
‘My, this looks so different! Mind, any change would be an improvement on the old place. Thanks for letting us invade your home, Natalie. Stuart’s been telling us a lot about you and the cottage.’ She turned to her son who shuffled his feet.
Natalie was amused. ‘It’s a pleasure. And I hope he’s been telling you only good things. Shall we start with the kitchen? I’ve a bottle of Prosecco chilling–’
They had reached the kitchen door and Tabby was about to step forward when one of the glasses set out on the worktop appeared to be lifted by an unseen hand and thrown to the floor. As they all stood frozen in shock, Natalie heard the now familiar voice hiss, ‘Go away! Now!’