Seven

‘Hello you…’

I’d just dashed upstairs to my bedroom to get changed when my mobile bleeped. Already today I’d popped into town to do some banking, opened up the pub, given a briefing to Dan and Josie who were covering the lunchtime shift and now I had three persistent dogs, Digby, Amber and Rosie waiting for me downstairs, bothering me for a walk. Now, definitely wasn’t the time to be distracted by Max, not when he was using that tone of voice, I knew exactly what it meant…

A few days had passed since meeting Katy for the first time at the manor house and I’d been desperate to know how she and Max were getting on, although I’d shown exceptional restraint by not asking. I’d wanted to give them some time alone together so they could get to know each other better and build on their relationship. The self-control it had taken not to send Max a dozen text messages asking for hourly updates had been pretty amazing and the self-control it had taken not to go round and see him had been even greater. So my heart lifted hearing his warm voice now. His low, smooth tones filtered down the line, caressing my ear and everything else too. Even from a distance he was able to do funny things to my insides.

‘Hi,’ I said, giving my misbehaving body a very stern talking-to. ‘How are you?’

‘I’m good, thank you. Much better now I’m talking to you. I have a big Ellie-shaped hole in my heart right now.’

‘Oh Max,’ I suppressed a smile, while cringing inwardly at the same time. Thank goodness, he couldn’t see me blushing. ‘Do stop with the soppy stuff, you know how much I hate it.’ Although actually I was enjoying it much more than I was letting on.

‘It’s true though. What am I supposed to say? I’m missing you, Ellie. Everything about you. The sight of you, the feel of you, the taste of… ’

‘Where are you then?’ I interrupted, putting a stop to that particular train of thought.

‘In Dublin. I called into the pub on my way to the airport but you weren’t around. It’s just a flying visit. Back home tomorrow.’

‘Right, so much for you cutting down on the business trips then?’ I teased him.

‘Yes, well I couldn’t really get out of this one. It’s a favour for a friend. I’m looking at a hotel development for him, and he’s got a meeting with the bank tomorrow. You know, I really used to enjoy all the travelling I did for business, but it just doesn’t hold the same appeal anymore. Your fault, Ellie Browne. All I want these days is to be in Little Leyton with you and the dogs and a good bottle of claret.’ I could hear the longing in his voice. I recognised it because I was feeling the same way too, but I didn’t want to say anything, not wanting him to feel any worse than he already did. Instead, I tried changing the subject.

‘And Katy?’ I offered.

‘Hmm, well, that’s another matter entirely.’

‘How’s it been going?’ I asked, unable to hold back my curiosity any longer.

‘Not great,’ said Max. ‘It’s difficult to get anything out of her. She seems lost in her own head most of the time. Anything I suggest, like going out for a walk or getting the bus into town, is met with a roll of her eyes. To be honest with you, I’m at a loss as to what to do with her.’

‘Right. And you think jumping on a plane and disappearing to another country is going to help. Honestly Max!’ I said, chiding him gently.

‘Hey Ellie, don’t have a go at me. It’s an overnight stay, that’s all. She’ll be fine. She might appreciate some time to herself. And she’s got the dogs to look after. Besides, she keeps telling me how grown up she is.’

‘Well perhaps I’ll pop down to see her. Check everything’s okay. I was about to take the dogs out, so we can always go that way.’

‘Sorry, Ells, I should have mentioned it, but it was all a bit last minute. Katy will be fine.’ There was a discernible pause where I heard his mind working. ‘She will, won’t she?’

‘Of course she will,’ I said, more to placate Max. I hated the idea of Katy being alone in that big house, especially in the frame of mind she was in. ‘She’s a sensible girl. And as you say it’s not for long.’ I wasn’t sure if I was trying to convince Max or myself.

‘Exactly. She can’t get in to too much trouble in twenty-four hours, can she?’ He paused, sighing. ‘Christ, another twenty-four hours until I see you again. Have you any idea what that does to me?’

Good job we weren’t Skyping or else Max would have seen me squirming on the spot, my face flushing a fetching shade of pink, and generally coming over all unnecessary. I fanned my face with my hands and picked up the mug of coffee I’d made myself earlier, taking a sip. ‘Well I’m very pleased to hear it’s not a case of out of sight, out of mind.’

‘Never. How could it be? Although…’ There it was again, the low and seductive drawl. ‘It might help if you were to remind me exactly what it is I’m missing.’

I looked at my watch again. If I didn’t get a move on soon…

‘Lovely as it is chatting with you, Max,’ I laughed, ‘I really need to get on.’

‘Oh, you’re not going to leave me like this. You heartless woman. Go on, Ellie, make me happy, tell me… what are you wearing?’ His voice was full of delicious mischief.

‘Ha ha, absolutely not, Max. You’re terrible, do you know that. I have to go.’

‘A little black dress, stockings, high heels? Feel free to fill in the details for me, Ellie.’

‘Sorry to disappoint, but I’m actually wearing jeans and a sweatshirt.’

‘Your trouble is you have no imagination, but that doesn’t matter, because I have enough for both of us. And in my mind’s eye right now, you’re looking pretty damn sexy.’

Looking at myself in the mirror of the wardrobe, I surveyed my reflection searching for the woman who might fit that description. Nope. I stood sideways on, my rounded tummy popping over the fabric of my waistline. I breathed in. Perfect. Ha, well not even close, but still I was happy enough with my curves and so it seemed was Max. Reaching up, I pulled my hair tight behind my ears and secured it tightly into a scrunchie.

‘And I bet,’ continued Max, who was clearly warming to his theme, ‘underneath those jeans you have on some of that lovely, lacy, barely there underwear that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting before. Tell me it’s true, Ellie?’

‘’Fraid not,’ I said, my body reacting to Max’s words despite what my head was telling me. ‘Today is very much a big knickers and heavy-duty sports bra day, both in a fetching shade of beige. Sad, but true.’

‘Hmm, well you know me. I’m not a difficult man to please. The beige two-piece on you, I suspect, would be a very tempting proposition.’

‘Well I’m afraid you’re not going to get a chance to find out, not with you being in Dublin and me being in Little Leyton. What a shame! Now, Max, I really have to go.’ I said, pulling open a drawer in search of the hoodie I’d come looking for.

‘I hate not being able to see you or to reach out and feel you, Ellie.’ His voice, low and full of longing, lingered over my name. ‘If I was there I’d want to run my hands over your body, to kiss your sweet mouth, to savour the taste of you and…’

‘Max!’

‘Wouldn’t you like that too, Ellie?’

‘Yes, yes, I would. But, it’s going to have to wait,’ I said, finding a resolve from somewhere.

‘Oh no! Really, Ellie Browne, you are no fun whatsoever.’

I laughed, almost revelling in the frustration of his words. Oh, the power I held over him could definitely go to my head.

‘What about tomorrow then,’ he pressed, ‘when I get home, because we definitely have unfinished business? Don’t you think?

‘Goodbye Max.’

‘Oh, Ellie. Just one thing before you go.’ Now his tone was more serious.

‘Yes Max?’

‘Have I told you lately that I love you?’

‘Oh Max!’ His words took me by surprise, a warmth spreading through my body. ‘Please tell me, you’re not going to burst into song?’ I said, aware of the distance between us and trying to lighten the tone again.

‘I could do if you wanted me to. But I mean it, Ellie.’ A pause, and then, ‘I love you.’

Those three little words. I’d heard them uttered from Max’s lips before. The first time he’d had far too much to drink for me to take him seriously. The second time I wasn’t sure I’d heard him properly. And this time the words were caught in an echo down the telephone line, playing over in my head. I love you.

‘I love you too, Max.’ I said the words aloud for the first time, as though trying them out for size. I love you. Yes, they were definitely the ones I’d been searching for.

*

Downstairs, still on Cloud Nine from my call with Max, I jangled the leads and three dogs came running. I fastened on their leashes and, giving a cursory glance around the bar, I slipped out the back door, a satisfied smile on my face. One of my favourite parts of the day was my walk in the Little Leyton countryside. It gave me the opportunity to completely switch off from everything else going on in my life and to simply appreciate the beauty of the surroundings around me; the vibrancy of the leaves on the trees, the buds unfurling on the shrubs and the patterns cast by the sun filtering through the canopy of branches over the lane.

Today, with three dogs, all wanting to go in different directions, there wasn’t much opportunity for quiet reflection. Although Digby could be trusted off the lead and would walk obediently to heel, Rosie wasn’t the most sociable of dogs and, despite her small stature, was likely to bark fiercely at any approaching dog or person, and Amber, the long-legged gun dog, would do a runner across the fields and far far away at the first sniff of freedom, so it was safer to keep them all on their leashes.

The plan was to walk down the lane and around the woods before calling in at Braithwaite Manor on our way home, but no sooner had we reached the back path than I noticed someone walking up the lane towards me.

The person had their head cast to the ground, the hood of their zipped fleece jacket tied tight around their neck, but the strands of auburn hair peeking out from beneath made them instantly recognisable.

‘Katy?’

She looked up at me, her brown eyes flickering in recognition. ‘Oh hi.’ She leant down to greet the dogs circling at her feet eagerly, their noses raised for a crumb of affection, so she had no choice but to stop and talk.

‘What a coincidence. I was going to call in on you this morning. How’s it going?’ I asked. ‘Are you settling well into Little Leyton?’

She brushed the hood of her jacket down with her hands. Her skin bereft of any make-up was pale and wan, and there was a tangible sadness about her. She leant down and scooped Rosie up in her arms and looked into the little dog’s face, making Katy smile.

‘There’s not a lot to do around here.’

‘No, but that’s just how I like it,’ I said, suppressing a smile, imagining how tame it must seem to Katy. ‘Well, like I mentioned, there are buses in the village, and a train station in town. We’re not a million miles away from civilisation, you know. I think Max might even have a couple of bikes in the garage, if you fancied doing a bit of exploring.’

Her big round eyes widened further, not looking at all impressed by my suggestions.

‘It must be very different from Spain,’ I ventured. ‘I guess you’re missing home?’

‘Nope. Not at all. Anywhere has to better than there. I’m not going back.’

This was presumably just in case I hadn’t got the message the first time around. She took a sharp breath before fixing her gaze on me defiantly. ‘Don’t worry, I won’t be hanging around here either, if that’s what’s bothering you.’

‘It wouldn’t worry me at all, Katy. Why should it?’ I said, deliberately keeping my voice even. ‘I think it’s great for Max to have you staying with him. Look, where are you off to now?’

She shrugged. ‘Nowhere.’

‘Well, why don’t you come with us on our walk. I can show you all the delights of Little Leyton. It won’t take long,’ I said, with a wry smile.

To my surprise she nodded her agreement and we found ourselves walking side by side down the lane, Digby running ahead happily, me holding Amber on the lead, and Katy taking control of Rosie.

‘So…’ I said, tentatively, breaking into the silence, hardly daring to question her on her plans, but wanting to give her the opportunity to talk if she wanted to. ‘If you’re not intending on staying around here, where will you go? Have you got friends you could go and stay with?’

‘No. I don’t know anyone here apart from Max. We lived in Sussex before we went to Spain but that was years ago now and we didn’t keep in touch with anybody. I’ve got some cousins up north, but we haven’t met before. Doesn’t matter,’ she said, jutting her chin forward. ‘I could always go to London, get myself a job and then find somewhere to live.’

I shuddered inwardly. She made it sound so easy, but really she had no idea what a cold and unwelcoming place the city could be at. An inexperienced seventeen-year-old girl alone in London, it didn’t bear thinking about. I’d worked there for several years, but with a first-class honours degree and an accountancy qualification, I was able to pay the rent, albeit an extortionate amount, on a decent place to live. It hadn’t shielded me from seeing the other side of life though, the poverty and the squalor.

‘Right.’ I nodded, glad Katy was unable to see my startled expression. She wasn’t my sister. I barely knew her, so I couldn’t go in all guns blazing, telling her what a rotten idea I thought it was. Knowing how prickly she was, she was likely to tell me to shut the hell up, before storming off again. No, best keep her onside, if I could. Provide a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on for when she needed it, because I suspected she might. ‘Well, there’s no hurry. Take some time to think what it is you really want to do. Do you know, Katy, I’m really pleased you’ve come to Little Leyton because ever since you’ve arrived the weather’s been so much better. I think you’ve brought some of the Spanish sunshine with you.’

‘You reckon,’ she said, raising her face to the sky. ‘It is quite warm now, isn’t it?’

‘Lovely,’ I agreed. ‘I just love being out here in these lanes, seeing the countryside changing month on month. Everything seems to take on a pace at this time of year, the plants start growing and the hedgerows turn a lush vibrant green.’ I sneaked a sideways glance at Katy, hoping I wasn't boring her to tears. ‘Have you seen the bluebell wood yet?’

Katy shook her head.

‘No? Well, come on then, I’ll show you. It’s really a breathtaking sight down in the woods right now.’ We made a detour through a gap in the hedge picking up the path that led to Bluebell Wood. A few minutes later we came to a kissing gate and weaved our way through, before continuing on our route. ‘See,’ I exclaimed, when we reached the entrance to the woods, ‘look how beautiful it is!’

A sea of blue swept all around us and into the distance ahead, carpeting the ground with their vibrancy, a faint sweet smell just about discernible in the air.

‘That’s pretty cool,’ said Katy.

‘What did I tell you?’

There was an otherworldy stillness in the woods, the trees offering a calming protective atmosphere. With the dogs mooching ahead, their tails held high in the air, it really was a magical sight, one even a surly teenager could appreciate. We stood for a while in silence just appreciating the beauty of the scene.

I turned to Katy. ‘Fancy coming back to the pub? Or do you need to get back for Holly and Bella?’

‘Not really, I’ve left them crashed out by the Aga. They’ve been charging about in the grounds for most of the morning.’

‘Well then, I could make you a hot chocolate if you like?’

‘You don’t have to, you know.’

‘I know, but I’d like to show you the pub and I’m not sure about you but I could do with a drink.’

Back in the bar at The Dog and Duck, Katy made herself at home, looking all around, examining the pictures on the walls, craning her head up at the hundreds of brightly coloured beer mats glued to the ceiling of the snug bar and studying in depth the blackboards showing the special ales available.

‘Can I try one of these?’ she said, pointing to a six per cent proof Belgian beer.

‘Nice try, but no you can’t.’

‘What about a Malibu and Coke then?’

‘Absolutely not,’ I said laughing. ‘The choices are tea, coffee, Diet Coke or any soft drink or one of my special hot chocolates with all the trimmings, marshmallows and whipped cream?’

‘Well, I suppose that sounds all right.’

I detected the faintest of smiles hovering on her lips. Maybe, we were beginning to make some progress in our relationship after all.

Suppressing a smile, I left her in the bar while I headed to the kitchen to make the drinks.

‘Here you go,’ I said, when I handed her a steaming tall glass of hot chocolate topped with multi-coloured soft marshmallows a couple of minutes later. If anything could make you feel better it had to be chocolate, of any variety. ‘Look, I know Max is away tonight, so if you need anything then come and see me. You can just hang out here for a while if you want to. I’ll be popping out later to see some friends, but I won't be back late.’

‘Thanks, but I’ll probably just stay in with the dogs and watch a film or something.’

‘Well, the offer’s there. Ooh, come with me. There’s something I want to show you.’

Katy followed me over to the open fireplace. The recent warm weather had put a stop to our daily fires crackling in the hearth, but filled with logs, pine cones and a vase of fresh flowers, supplied by Polly, it was still a warm and welcoming focal point.

‘This chair here is what is affectionately known as Noel’s chair. Your grandad came in here every day, at lunchtime and then again in the evening, for his pint and a chat with all his friends. He was much-loved in the village.’

‘Really?’

Katy sat down in the old rocking chair, readjusting the cushions behind her to make herself comfortable, and pulled down the plaid blanket that had been folded over the arm of the chair. She tucked her legs beneath her and snuggled under the blanket, pushing herself backwards gently in a soft rocking motion.

‘Oh this is cosy,’ she sighed. ‘I didn’t really know Grandpa Noel very well. I remember him vaguely and have seen lots of photos of him, but…’ Her words trailed away along with her thoughts. Best leave her to those, I figured. Max had come to the village to care for his grandpa in the last few weeks of his life, deciding to stay in Little Leyton after Noel sadly passed away, but Katy was much younger than Max and probably didn’t have the same association or memories.

Josie and Dan were serving behind the bar and the pub was beginning to fill up with lunchtime customers. I needed to go and give a hand.

‘There’re loads of books on the shelves in the back and some magazines too, if you want a read. I should get on and do a bit of work, if that’s okay.’

Katy nodded and I left her curled up in the chair, sipping on her hot chocolate.

‘Who’s that?’ Josie whispered in my ear as she brushed past me behind the bar.

‘Max’s little sister, Katy.’

‘Ah right, yes of course. She’s a pretty little thing.’

‘Ha ha, don’t be fooled by that sweet and fragile appearance. She’s feisty, opinionated and full of attitude, but saying all that, she seems like a great kid. By the way, Gemma’s coming in shortly just to watch what’s going on. She’ll be working a couple of lunchtimes and evenings, and her first proper stint is tonight. Perhaps you can keep an eye on her until she gets the hang of things.’

‘Yeah, sure thing,’ said Josie with a smile.

Since Gemma’s husband had lost his job last year, things had been difficult for the family. Not only had they had to give Digby up and move out of their modern detached house into smaller rented accommodation, but Gemma had needed to look for work too. I hadn’t hesitated in offering her some shifts at the pub. It wasn’t the most glamorous or best-paid job, I knew, but I hoped it might help Gemma get back on to her feet again.

When she turned up for her shift, she was looking very apprehensive.

‘Come on through,’ I told her. ‘There’s no need to look so worried.’

She grimaced ‘I’m sorry, it’s just that I’m a bit nervous. I’ve not worked since before the children. I don’t want to let you down.’

‘Don’t be daft,’ I said, giving her a hug. ‘You won’t let me down. It might seem there’s a lot to learn, but you’ll soon pick it up and everyone here is so lovely. Don’t be afraid to ask. Digby will keep a watchful eye on you too,’ I said, with an encouraging wink.

‘Oh, hello boy,’ she said, bending down to give him a hug. ‘Goodness, do I miss you,’ she sighed, ruffling his fur, ‘but it’s been so much easier knowing he’s found his forever home here with you, Ellie.’

After showing Gemma around, running through the stock with her and introducing her to the foibles of the till, I left her in the capable hands of Josie, whilst I meandered through the pub, picking up the odd empty glass and passing the time of day with my customers.

I glanced over at the rocking chair where I’d left Katy. She wasn’t there anymore. I thought she must have left without saying goodbye until I spotted her sitting in the bay window alongside George Williamson, chatting away animatedly.

‘Hello George,’ I waved as they both looked up at me briefly before returning to something that was much more interesting on George’s laptop.

Wonders would never cease. George, who barely said a word to anyone, and Katy, whose preferred method of communication was grunting, were deep in conversation. It was only as I went through into the kitchen and flicked on the kettle that I wondered what on earth it was they could have been talking about.