Clive’s party was a great success and went on until well after midnight, with impromptu carol singing from the choir. It was good to have a houseful of guests messing up the place, and Bella was a great Hoover, sliding under tables and chairs to sneak any titbits going. He couldn’t believe how the idea had come into his head after that walk to the chapel. They were ready to get Ariadne and Hebe back into their own home and the subterfuge had gone to plan. All he needed was an excuse to get them out of the retreat house and down to their home here. Clive had intended to send invitations with his Christmas card, but it wouldn’t have succeeded without Natalie.
Two days before, he had called on her with a card and, to his surprise, he was invited in for coffee and cake. The house once again smelt of baking and spices. Natalie seemed more relaxed in herself and suddenly he knew what to say.
‘You know about the surprise for Ariadne? Well, I’m going to open my house for the gathering. I wondered if you’d help me clear out a few things first.’ He paused, seeing interest on her face. ‘It’s just that I’ve never got rid of Lucy’s clothes and other bits and pieces – I could never face boxing up her possessions – but I’ve been thinking lately that it might have been a bit selfish of me. Lucy was a generous soul and wouldn’t want stuff hanging around when it could be given to someone in need. I’d like to clear a few things, to make space for the party. I don’t know much about girls’ stuff, what we should give away or sell on eBay for the appeal. She had a great collection of ethnic jewellery, nothing terribly valuable… I’m a bit lost.’
‘I’d love to help. I didn’t really know her, but I’ve heard such a lot about her and that she had such a good artistic eye. I could come over this afternoon, if you like.’ That was music to Clive’s ears. ‘I can bring some meatballs in sauce for supper, and then we can make a start on clearing space for your guests. We are all so excited about giving Ariadne and Hebe their house back, You and Gary have worked wonders in secret, but nothing goes unnoticed in our village, does it? Everyone will want an invite to your party.’
The afternoon had flown by, opening drawers, wardrobes and boxes. Natalie laid out Lucy’s dresses on the bed. ‘We could hold a sale, or perhaps you’d like to keep some special items.’
‘All the woollen stuff must go to the refugee appeal. It’s no good it sitting there in the wardrobe when it can keep someone else warm,’ he said.
The jewellery made Natalie gasp. ‘Wow, these are fantastic! Earrings, torques, pendants. She certainly had style.’
Clive showed her a photograph of Lucy on their wedding day, in a long, white velvet draped dress, with a bright red cape edged with swansdown. ‘I’ve missed her so much, but giving away these bits isn’t as painful as I’d thought it would be, not with having someone to help me.’
Natalie sat on the bed with a sigh. ‘I didn’t have your luck. Rick and I rubbed along, but he was always on my case, checking up on me, not letting me speak or do separate things. It was so bad that I got fed up. I played along, making him jealous. I never thought it would end as it did.’ Then she told him all the details of Rick’s suicide. ‘You can never make it right. I tortured myself with it until the old colonel put me straight. He told me I didn’t need to carry this burden. I could choose to put it down. I’ve made a promise to forgive my weakness and guilt, to start afresh, to stop punishing myself. Does that make any sense?’
Clive touched her arm in sympathy. ‘We both seem to have made a breakthrough, in our different ways. Thanks for helping me out.’
‘By the way,’ Natalie added. ‘I’m going to collect a stray puppy from Julie’s rescue. I’m calling him Bertie. He’ll be good company.’
‘Then we can walk Bella and Bertie together,’ Clive replied.
‘I’d like that. Bella might teach him how to behave.’
That was the moment Clive knew something had shifted between them, but he didn’t want to push his luck: slowly slowly catchy monkey, and all that. Yet his heart leapt with hope. It was going to be a good Christmas after all.