Half six came and went at the farm on Thursday evening. Then quarter to. Then seven. I could understand ten to fifteen minutes late but half an hour wasn’t like Chloe. Unless she’d got lost.
Dad rang ten minutes later. ‘Thought I’d better let you know that they thought Chloe was in labour earlier so James took her to hospital. It was Braxton-Hicks and she’s home again now.’
‘I take it everything’s fine with the baby?’
‘Yes. He’s doing well.’
‘That’s good. And is Chloe okay?’
‘A bit stressed. I don’t think pregnancy has suited our Chloe. She never did like doing anything difficult.’
I couldn’t help smiling at Dad’s harsh but accurate summation. ‘Thanks for letting me know. She’d asked to meet me at the farm tonight so that explains the no-show.’
‘She wanted to see you? Do you think she’s seen the light and decided to put all the silliness aside?’
‘I’ve no idea and now I’ll have to wait even longer to find out. Don’t say anything to Chloe or anyone else, though. I got the impression it was all a bit cloak and dagger.’
‘My lips are sealed.’
‘Thanks, Dad. So, how’s your week been?’
‘Not so good. We got some shock news at work today.’ His voice was strained. ‘The Brothers Grim are selling up and I’m going to be out of a job in a fortnight’s time.’
‘What? How come? I thought they were a few years off retiring.’
‘They were but a building contractor made them an offer that was apparently too good to turn down. It’s going to be retirement flats.’
‘Oh no!’ I slumped back against the cushions. ‘I’m so sorry. Why only a fortnight’s notice?’
‘The contractors are pushing to start with the renovations. They’ll pay us our full notice so at least that’s something.’
‘Are there any jobs going at other practices?’
‘I haven’t had a chance to look yet but I’ll get onto it at the weekend. Oh. That’s your mum back. I’d better go. Don’t worry about me. I’ll soon find another job.’
‘Okay. Call me over the weekend.’
Poor Dad. It seemed to be one thing after another but a brilliant vet like him would soon find a new practice so I wasn’t too concerned.
Looking at my watch, I hesitated. I could go back to Brook Cottage or I could go upstairs and make a start on sorting through Thomas’s belongings.
I’d brought some instant hot chocolate and a packet of chocolate biscuits with me – Chloe’s favourites – so I made a drink, helped myself to a few biscuits and then grabbed a roll of binbags. I’d tackle the bedroom that Thomas had used as an office first. I suspected that nearly everything would go straight in the bin or recycling but I felt I should sort through it rather than just ditch it, just in case.
Two hours later, I stretched my arms out, releasing the tension from my back and shoulders. There’d been boxes and files full of paperwork, receipts and bank statements dating back to the sixties. It appeared that Thomas and Gwendoline had been meticulous about keeping records. I found a box file containing information about the history of the farmhouse and old photos. I could easily have spent an hour or so going through them so I put them aside to take back to Brook Cottage. One more box then I’d call it an evening.
Removing the lid of a cardboard box, expecting to find more paperwork, I discovered bundles of letters instead; coloured envelopes in assorted sizes tied together with ribbons. Love letters perhaps? Would it be wrong to read them? But surely it would be just as wrong to throw them out. Replacing the lid, I decided to take them away for further inspection when I had a spare moment.
When I went to retrieve my bag from the lounge, I spotted a text:
✉︎ From Chloe
Sorry for not coming. Thought baby was on his way but just Braxton-Hicks. Couldn’t call you because James would have overheard. I still need to ask you something but not over the phone. James will be out on Wednesday from 7pm. Can you come to me for 7.30?
‘James would have overheard… James will be out’, I muttered. What was going on? It had to be connected to him if she was being so mysterious about it.
The absence of the word ‘please’ made me feel like I was being summoned. She’d said sorry for not showing so that was at least something, although I felt the absence of kisses and emojis. It saddened but didn’t surprise me that cold, formal texts symbolised our relationship now.
✉︎ To Chloe
Thanks for letting me know. Braxton-Hicks are very common and it can be difficult to distinguish from actual labour. Yes, I’ll see you on Wednesday at 7.30pm. Any clue as to what you want to ask me?
✉︎ From Chloe
No. I can’t go into it now
✉︎ To Chloe
OK. See you later. Take care x
The timing worked well for me as I could stop by on my way back from Whitby. Dad had put me in contact with Pauline Redcliffe, the owner of Redcliffe Rescue, a centre situated between Whitsborough Bay and Whitby. She took in hedgehogs, foxes, birds, badgers, rabbits and any other wild animals that needed care. I’d arranged to spend the first three days of the half-term break as a volunteer there. She’d even offered me her spare room to save me the ninety-minute commute each way.
I re-read Chloe’s texts and sighed. I could have said no, but my curiosity was still piqued. And, of course, what Chloe wants…