12

 

Over the next ten days, life slowly reverted to normal. There were no more nightmares or visions.

The doll hospital closed for a few days to hold services both for Jasmine and Susie. Adeline returned to work after the funerals, still taking Vianne every day, as school holidays hadn’t finished.

Mrs. Avon, the new receptionist, was a sweet old lady in her sixties. Past normal retirement age, the neat, white-haired lady needed something to fill her days after her husband died. A real blessing and grandmother figure, she was great with the kids. Adeline thanked God several times a day for bringing Mrs. Avon in at just the right time.

With Nate’s help, Adeline repainted and re-carpeted the hall, landing, and stairs in her home. A pale lilac paint complimented the cream carpet. The whole house smelled of paint, but she moved home regardless. As much as she loved being at Nate’s and spending each evening alone with him, she needed time in her own space to evaluate the way things had changed between them.

As each day passed, holding hands and exchanging burning kisses outside her bedroom door, made it harder and harder to say goodnight. The temptation to go further than they should wasn’t fair on either of them. Moving back to her home gave them the space they needed.

“Have you got everything?” Nate let go of the bag handles and closed the trunk of the car.

“I have.” Adeline let Ben jump on the back seat next to Vianne and shut the door, before getting in the front. “Are you really paintballing at work tomorrow?”

Nate fastened his seat belt and started the engine. He checked over his shoulder and pulled away from the curb. “Yup. They call it team bonding—but in this case, I think it’s more to unwind and let off steam. The last bonding exercise we had to go on was an overnighter. We went out to the Chilterns and set up camp. There were four in my group, and none of us had put a tent up for years and these weren’t even tents, more like tarps to cover us. Eventually we managed and after we’d eaten, we settled down to sleep. Some hours later, Peter Jones, the Chief Inspector woke up and then roused everyone else. He looked over at Dane, and said, “Sarge, look up at the sky and tell me what you see.”

Nate put the car into first gear as he approached the traffic lights. “Dane replied, “I see millions of stars, sir.” The DCI looked askance at him, and demanded, “What does that tell you?” Well, Dane’s a bit of a know-it-all, so he takes this as a chance to show up the rest of us. He took a deep breath and replied, “Astronomically speaking, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies, and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, it tells me that Saturn is in Leo. Time wise, it appears to be approximately a quarter past three. Theologically, it is evident the Lord is all-powerful, and we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, it seems we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What does it tell you, sir?””

“He didn’t…”

“Oh, he did. There was total silence for a moment, then the DCI gave him the most withering look you’ve ever seen. He cleared his throat and replied as dryly as he could, “Actually, Sergeant, it means that someone has stolen our tent.”

Adeline laughed. “You made that up.”

Nate shook his head. “No, it really happened. Tell you, Dane’s never, ever lived it down.”

“I bet he didn’t. So was it really stolen?”

“No. Six of the other blokes played a practical joke and took it down as we slept.” Nate parked the car, and then went around to open the door for her. “Here we are. I’ll carry your bags.”

“I can manage.”

“Just let me do the macho thing for once.”

Adeline winked at him. “I’m sure you’ll love that.” She ran her gaze over his biceps. “Does this mean you’re going to flex your muscles as well?”

Nate laughed and immediately struck a strong man pose.

Adeline felt his muscles. “He needs to practice,” she said glancing back at Vianne. “Will you make sure he does?”

“Yes…” Vianne doubled over with laughter.

Nate pouted, and then planted a light kiss on Adeline’s lips while Vianne wasn’t looking.

She kissed him back. “I’m teasing.”

“I know. And she’ll make sure I practice now, you do realize that?”

“Good. You need it.” She let Ben out of the car. She smiled at Vianne. “Are you still coming in to work with me tomorrow?”

“Sure I am. This is the best summer holidays ever.”

Adeline gave her a thumbs-up. “See you tomorrow.”

She followed Nate up the path and unlocked the door.

Ben ran in ahead, his tail wagging. “He’s checking to make sure that everything’s as he left it.”

“He seems pleased to be home, too.” Nate gripped her hand tightly. “Will you be all right?”

“We’ll be fine.”

He hugged her. “Then I’ll see you in the morning when I drop Vianne off. Mrs. Avon offered to babysit sometime so we can go out on our own.”

“Mrs. Avon wants to come on our dates?”

“I mean Vianne.”

“I know that. That would be good. But sometimes we should take her as well.”

“Vianne or Mrs. Avon?” Nate kissed her goodbye.

“Both,” she laughed. She waved as he headed to the car.

Ben appeared demanding food.

She picked up her bags and shut the door.

 

****

 

Three days later, Adeline walked across the park, holding Nate’s hand. He’d been quiet all evening, and she guessed he had something on his mind. They reached the brow of the hill and moved over to the bench. The rosy hue of the setting sun lit the sky as they sat down.

Vianne ran across the grass in front of them, throwing a stick to Ben.

Adeline put her hands on her lap and looked out over the park. “It’s beautiful.”

Nate’s eyes sparkled in the orange light. “I can’t believe you’ve never sat and watched the sunset here before.”

“No. I never had the chance, and besides the park’s not safe after dark.”

He squeezed her hand, and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. His fingers lingered on her cheek, his intent gaze triggering a response she wasn’t prepared for. “This time it is.”

“Of course. I have a police officer to protect me.”

“Actually, I was thinking more along the lines of Ben looking after you and you protecting me. You can ward off any potential threats by hitting them with your handbag. Or you simply head-butt them.”

“And have you arrest me for assault?”

He clicked his fingers. “Darn. I guess I’d have to. In that case, don’t hit them. We’ll just run away instead.”

The sky flamed red and orange as the sunset deepened, reflecting in his eyes.

She rubbed her arms, and he touched her face to get her attention. “Are you cold? We can walk a bit more if you’d like. Head back to the car slowly.”

“Sure.”

Nate pulled her upright and slid his hand into hers. “Vianne, we’re walking. Come on.”

She obediently ran over to him. “Where are we going?”

“We’re heading back to the car.”

“But I wanted to play on the swings. You said it was safe, ‘cos the bad man is locked up.”

“I did, but it’s getting late now.”

She pouted. “Fine.”

“You can go on ahead with Ben, just put him back on the leash. And stay where I can see you.”

Vianne did as she was told and walked off, muttering.

Nate shook his head. “Kids.”

“She’ll get over it. You’ve got warm hands, unlike mine.”

“You know what they say, cold hands, warm heart. Does that make me cold-hearted?”

She shook her head. “I don’t think so. You couldn’t be cold-hearted if you tried.”

The last vestiges of the sunset faded as he led her back across the park to the car. “Is that a dare?”

“It can be if you want.”

“No, it’s fine. It was Pete who took dares, I was the sensible one, apparently. But, I could get used to this.”

“Used to what?”

He unlocked the car. “Being with you. We missed you. I missed you. The house isn’t the same without you in it.”

“I’ve missed you, too. But you know why I had to go. It’s not right that we live together, even if we have separate rooms. I’m not just thinking of your reputation, either. The temptation is just too much.”

“I know.”

“Besides, I like this dating thing. It’s nice.”

Nate grinned and opened the door for her. “It is. If I can get a sitter for tomorrow night, would you like dinner? I found somewhere that accepts service dogs.”

“I’d like that.”

“Cool—dress smart.”

They drove for a while before Vianne poked her.

Adeline pulled down the sun visor to read the child’s lips.

“My watch pinged. It’s bath time.”

“Your watch did what?” It looked like ‘ponged’, but that made no sense.

Vianne showed her. “It pings when it’s bath time.”

“Then we should get you home. We have to work in the morning.”

Vianne bounced up and down in the car seat. “Yay. It’s Wednesday and pay day.”

“Pay day?” Nate looked askance at Adeline. “You pay her?”

“Sure I do. Would you prefer I used child exploitation and didn’t pay her?”

“Not really. So how much an hour do you get paid, pumpkin?”

Vianne’s eyes lit up. “You get paid hourly?”

“Grown-ups do. You get paid weekly in comics and coloring books.” Adeline said, then laughed.

“And colors. I get that pen set tomorrow with sixty-four colors in it.”

“Really?” Nate raised an eyebrow. “If that’s the one you’ve been hounding me for weeks, it’s not cheap.”

“You know how much a real assistant would cost me, Nate? Vianne’s having fun, she’s kept busy, and I’m quid’s in. It’s not hurting anyone. Besides, she’s learning she has to earn stuff.” The car stopped outside her house. “Thank you very much. I’ll see you both in the morning.”

“I’ll walk you to the door. Stay here, kiddo.”

“There’s no need.” She kissed his cheek. “Goodnight.”

 

****

 

Adeline spent the whole day anticipating dinner. She had a light breakfast and skipped lunch. Ten minutes before closing, Ben alerted her to the ringing phone. “Datura Doll Hospital.”

“Hey, it’s Nate. I’m really sorry, but I’m going to have to cancel. Something’s come up at work, and I’m going to be here a while yet.”

She hid the stab of regret. “No problem. Do you want me to take Vianne home with me?”

“Yes, please. Actually, could you take her to my place? I have no idea what time I’m going to finish tonight, so I cancelled the baby-sitter. Feel free to crash on the sofa or in the spare room if I’m not home by eleven.”

“OK.”

“I’m really, really sorry.”

“Me, too.” She hung up and looked at the phone. She closed her eyes, attempting to tamp down the disappointment. Let’s take this and turn it into a positive.

Ben tapped her leg, and Adeline opened her eyes to see Vianne standing the other side of the desk. “Hey.”

“Are you all right?”

“I’m fine. That was Uncle Nate on the phone. He’s been held up at work so he’s going to be really late tonight.”

The child’s face fell. “Again? But you were going out to dinner.”

“I know and I’m disappointed, but I was thinking. Why don’t instead of going out, you and I go home via the precinct and get some fish and chips and eat them out of the paper at your house. We could make a den under the dining table if you like.”

“Can we have salt and vinegar on the chips?”

“Is there any other way to have them?” Adeline reached for her bag. “Come on, let’s go.”

 

****

 

Trying to get Vianne out from the den at bedtime was a losing battle.

Adeline soon gave up and fetched duvet and pillows and let her fall asleep under the table. Just after eleven, she locked the front door and snuggled down on the couch under a blanket. She left the side table lamp on in case Vianne woke.

She opened her eyes, heart racing, as Ben jumped on her and licked her face.

“What’s up?”

He leapt down and ran to the door, pausing to look back at her.

“OK, I’m coming.”

Adeline rubbed her eyes and looked at the clock. Two AM. She must have fallen asleep, but who would it be at this time of night? And why hadn’t Nate gotten up?

Holding her breath, she peered through the spy hole. Nate. That would be why he hadn’t answered the door.

He slid inside as she opened the door. “Thanks. I thought I’d have to sleep in the car for a moment.”

“Did you lose your key?”

“No. You must have put the deadbolt across.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. It’s force of habit. Good thing Ben heard you.”

Nate nodded and petted Ben. “It was. No harm done. How’s Vianne?”

“She’s fast asleep in her den under the table. I saved you some dinner, but you look exhausted.”

“I am. I’m just going to go to bed.” He hugged and kissed her gently. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

Nate locked the front door and peeped into the lounge at Vianne, before heading up the stairs. He looked dead on his feet, and Adeline wouldn’t have been surprised if he’d curled up on the stairs and slept there.

She headed back into the lounge and lay under the blanket. She closed her eyes, a sudden burden of prayer for Nate coming over her.

When she finally did fall asleep, she dreamed she was running from something she couldn’t see. A storm surrounded her, and she was alone. Above her shone dark, slitted eyes, following her every move, and a stench of garlic oozed from the ground she stood on. She woke, drenched in sweat, gasping for breath. Why were the dreams back? He was locked up now, she and every other woman was safe. Weren’t they?

 

****

 

The following day, Nate called to say he’d be late again.

Adeline closed the shop and took Vianne home. He’d looked drained that morning before he left for work. She’d wanted to discuss the dream with him, but the moment had come and gone so fast, she hadn’t.

Ben alerted her to the door, just as she put the shepherd’s pie in the oven. Opening it, she found a well-dressed woman, with two bags by her feet. Wondering what she was selling, Adeline plastered a smile on her face. “Can I help you?”

The woman’s face turned to stone as her gaze ran over Adeline’s apron and disheveled appearance. “Who are you? Where’s Nathaniel?”

Nathaniel? Did she mean Nate? “Nate isn’t back from work yet.”

Vianne pushed past her and hugged the lady.

“I’m fine, Vianne, sweetheart,” she replied, only confusing Adeline further. “How are you?”

Adeline couldn’t see the response until Vianne turned around. “This is Adeline. I work with her sometimes, and she’s Uncle Nate’s friend. This is my Nanny. Grandad’s just coming with the bags. Adeline can’t hear you unless you look at her. She’s deaf.”

“I see. Are you Nathaniel’s girlfriend?”

Adeline paused, not having put their relationship into those terms. Before she could answer, Nate’s mother pushed past her and into the house.

“Yes, dear.” The tall man, who followed her into the hall with another bag, bore a striking resemblance to Nate. He nodded to his wife and held out a hand to Adeline. “Jeremiah Holmes. It’s a pleasure to meet you—?”

“Adeline Monroe.” She shook his hand. His touch was cold, almost clinical.

“Have you known Nate long?”

“A while. We go to the same church.” She shut the door and looked at the bags. “He didn’t tell me you were coming.”

“He doesn’t know. Libby decided this morning, and he wasn’t answering his phone when we rang.”

“He’s really busy at work right now, but he does pick up his messages on his mobile.”

“His mobile?” Libby’s face filled with disgust. “We don’t use those. Landlines are quite sufficient.”

“Do you want me to make up the spare room for you?”

“I’ll do it.” Libby paused at the foot of the stairs and gave her a withering glance. “I trust I’m not pushing you out of your bed? I assume you are sleeping in the spare bed if you’re staying here?”

“I don’t live here. I have my own place.” Adeline’s face burned. Bile rose at the insinuation, and she swallowed hard. “I’m just looking after Vianne until Nate gets home.”

“Good.” She stuck out a hand. “Lady Elizabeth Holmes, I assume my husband already introduced himself, but he’s Lord Holmes.”

Shock followed hard on the heels of discomfort and humiliation. Lady Holmes? Why hadn’t Nate said he and his parents were titled? Do I have to curtsey?

She recovered quickly, not wanting to lose face any more than she already had. “Adeline Monroe. It’s nice to meet you.”

Vianne looked at Adeline and signed. “Uncle Nate is a Sir, but he hates it, and won’t use it. I guess I was a lady before Daddy died, but I’m glad I’m not. Ladies have to behave.”

Lady Holmes reached out and grasped Vianne’s hands. “Stop doing that, Vianne. It’s as rude as whispering. Well, Miss Monroe, we’re here now and won’t take up any more of your valuable time. I’m sure you have other things you’d much rather be doing. Say goodbye, Vianne.”

Vianne pulled free of her grandmother and hugged Adeline. “Bye, Adeline.” Dropping back into sign language she said, “I don’t want you to go.”

Adeline signed back, speaking aloud for the benefit of Nate’s parents. “It’s OK. I’ll see you tomorrow. You’re getting really good at signing.”

“I have a good teacher.” Vianne frowned as she stumbled over the signs.

“Well done. Say hi to Uncle Nate when he gets in.” Adeline signed slowly as she spoke so Vianne could follow.

“I will.” Vianne hugged her.

Adeline hugged her back. She clipped on Ben’s leash and straightened. “It’s nice to have met you both. There’s a shepherd’s pie in the oven and veggies cooking on the stove. It should be ready in about fifteen minutes.”

“Thank you. Goodbye.”

The door shut in her face, and Adeline stood there in a daze for a few seconds. Had she just been thrown out? It certainly seemed that way. How did someone as nice as Nate, have such an awful mother?

She looked down at Ben. “Come on. Let’s go home.”

Starting to walk, her mind in turmoil, she realized she‘d left her phone on the kitchen counter.

“Never mind. Perhaps Nate will see it and bring it to the doll hospital tomorrow when he drops Vianne off,” She told Ben. “If not, I’ll have to get it later.”

Nothing would come of the fledgling relationship with Nate. Titled lords didn’t date or marry the hoi polloi.

Especially not a deaf commoner like her. It wasn’t until she got home, she realized she no longer thought of herself as plump. At least one good thing had come from the short lived relationship with Nate.