Authors: Unknown
‘That’s no problem,’ was his cheerful reply. ‘We’ll all go together. I’m sure my car will be more comfortable than the Mini. What time are you going?’
‘About two—but really, Luke, I’d far rather ’
He held up his hand. ‘No arguing. I shall be delighted to help, but first of all we must think about lunch. There’s no food here, of course?’
Taryn shook her head. ‘I didn’t realise you expected me to ’
He laughed. ‘Of course not. I expect Helen will want to see to all that herself. How about your aunt? Dare I intrude once more?’
‘Intrude?’ Taryn tried to match his easy tones. ‘She’ll be offended if she knows you’ve been here and not called in to see her.’ But all the time she spoke her mind was on the word Helen. It was the first time he had called her by name. It conjured up a picture of a gentle, faithful woman who never let her husband down, and it made Taryn all the more determined to put an end to their relationship. After today there must be no more meetings without a third person present. Only in that way could they avoid the inevitable attraction they both felt for each other.
As Taryn had expected Gammy was delighted to see Luke and lunch was a very lighthearted affair. Afterwards they picked up Janice, who had completely recovered from her operation and was anxious to bring her baby home. It was the first time her cousin had met Luke and Taryn was amused by her open curiosity.
The rest of the day passed uneventfully—due no doubt to Janice's restraining presence, but Taryn was grateful they had no opportunity for any more personal conversation between herself and Luke. On the way back he told her he had managed to arrange delivery of the carpets and furniture for the following day. How he had managed to influence them when she herself had argued in vain, Taryn did not know, but the fact remained that by tomorrow evening all would be ready for the Majors to move in. Taryn was saddened by this thought and when he left later in the evening she felt as though her world had come to an end.
True to their word, the carpet fitters arrived midmorning the next day and later in the afternoon the furniture was delivered. Soon everything was in order. Taryn took one last lingering look round the place, felt an overwhelming satisfaction in a job well done, but a consuming sadness that this would most likely be the last time she set foot inside Dale End.
Wednesday and Thursday went by with no evidence of anyone moving into the big house. Then on Friday Taryn saw Luke’s white Volvo parked in the drive. So he had arrived—and presumably Helen Major with him.
Taryn slept little that night.
On Saturday she took Gammy into Plymouth for a shopping expedition. ‘While 1 still have the car,’ she joked. ‘Luke’s sure to want it returning to the hire company now that I’ve finished.’
It was Sunday morning before she encountered Luke again. On her return from exercising Dainty she saw him striding down the hill. Her heart fluttered painfully and she turned away towards the cottage, anxious to put off this final meeting for as long as possible.
She was washing her hands in the kitchen when Gammy ushered Luke in. ‘Hello, Taryn,’ he smiled. ‘I’ve been expecting you up at the house.’
‘Oh, I couldn’t,’ she said, trying to ignore the sudden racing of her pulses. ‘Not without an invitation. I mean, my job’s finished now. It would be intruding.’
‘Don’t be silly. Helen wants to meet you. In fact that’s why I’m here now, to invite you and Gammy to lunch.’
‘How very kind of her,’ exclaimed Gammy before Taryn could speak. ‘We’d be delighted, if you’re sure it’s no trouble. You’ve hardly had time to settle in.’ Luke grinned comfortably. ‘Helen’s made herself at home already. She adores the place—I knew she would—and she insists on congratulating you personally, Taryn.’
The girl could hardly refuse now, yet she wished with all her heart that she did not have to go. It would be extremely difficult to hide her feelings from Luke’s wife—one of the most difficult tasks ever imposed upon her. ‘I'm glad,’ she said politely. ‘I look forward to meeting her.’
Luke stayed a few minutes longer before announcing that he must rush back. ‘I have to help Helen with the chores,’ he laughed. ‘She wants everything just right for her first visitors. You know what women are like.’
‘She doesn’t expect to run the house on her own?'
queried Gammy.
‘Gosh, no. She’s looking round for a housekeeper and probably a daily woman as well. If you know of anyone suitable please let her know, she’ll be very grateful.’
After he had gone Taryn said to Gammy, ‘I wish you hadn’t accepted. I don’t want to meet Luke’s wife.’
‘Rubbish,’ snorted her aunt. ‘It’s got to happen some time, so the sooner the better. At least you’ll have me to support you.’
Taryn pulled a face. ‘I’ll need it. For goodness’ sake don’t leave us alone together in case she probes my relationship with Luke.’
‘Why should she. unless you give her cause for suspicion? It’s a pity he’s married—and there seems no doubt about it now. I like Luke and I was sure that ’
‘We were made for each other,’ finished Taryn with a smile. ‘It doesn’t look as though your rainbow’s working this time, Gammy dear.’
Her aunt sighed. ‘It’s never been wrong yet,' and with a swift change of subject, ‘I must say I’m looking forward to seeing Dale End. You’ve told me so much I feel I know it already.’
‘It’s beautiful,’ sighed Taryn dreamily. ‘I wish it was mine.’
As she lay soaking in her bath a little while later Taryn again reflected on the delights of living at Dale End, and more especially so as Luke’s wife. Then she scolded herself for entertaining such irrational thoughts. It was a dream that would never come true, so it was madness to even think about it.
She jumped out and vigorously towelled herself dry. She must squash all thoughts of Luke from her mind. It was no use prolonging the agony. Tomorrow she would see about finding herself another job.
She dressed with care in a white crochet trouser suit which she felt was eminently suitable for lunch at Dale End. She was almost ready when Gammy popped her head round the door. ‘As I thought,’ exclaimed her aunt disgustedly, ‘trousers again! Why don’t you remember you’re a woman and dress in something a little more appropriate?'
‘What’s wrong with this?’ Taryn studied her reflection in the mirror. ‘It’s very dressy.’
Her aunt stepped into the room. ‘For once I’m going to insist. It’s not very often I tell you what to do, but this time I mean to have my way.’
‘You know I have nothing suitable,’ protested Taryn. She felt comfortable in trousers and now she was ready did not want to go to the trouble of changing.
‘How about that green silk you brought back from Italy? You haven’t worn it since you came home. It will be ideal for today.’ Gammy already had Taryn’s wardrobe open. ‘Here we are. Put that on—and don’t be too long. It’s almost time to go.’
Taryn hadn’t the heart to object again. As her aunt had said, she rarely laid down the law, so it wouldn’t hurt to humour her on this occasion.
The dress had been designed by Mark especially for Taryn—one of the reasons why she never wore it now. But once she had slipped into the cool, apple-green material she knew that her aunt was right. It was a beautiful dress and suited her perfectly. The scoop neckline revealed her honey gold tan, the close-fitting bodice emphasised her firm young figure and the full skirt swirled about her legs. She felt like a million dollars, and had it not been for the fact that Mark had always adored her in this dress she would not have minded wearing it now. As it was, painful memories were renewed. Quickly she smoothed down her shoulder-length hair, gave one last critical look at herself in the mirror and left the room.
Gammy was waiting. Her face lit up when she saw her niece. ‘Ah,’ she exclaimed, ‘you look beautiful, my darling. Just one last finishing touch,’ and she looped a gold cross and chain round Taryn’s neck. ‘Your uncle gave me this on the day we were married. I always intended to give it you—when you became a bride—but I’d like you to wear it today.’
Taryn dropped an affectionate kiss on her aunt’s cheek and fingered the delicately engraved cross. ‘It’s beautiful. Thank you.’ It moved her almost to tears to think that her aunt had given her one of her most valued possessions.
They went in the car to Dale End, and as Taryn pulled up in front of the house she felt a sudden urge to turn round and go away again. But even as this thought passed through her mind the old oak door opened and Luke came down the step§. He wore a cream linen suit and a tawny brown silk shirt that matched the colour of his eyes. As he came towards them Taryn’s heart beat an urgent tattoo in her breast. She licked suddenly dry lips and felt powerless to move. She just sat, watching, as he neared the car. Their eyes met and held and when he opened the door Taryn stepped outside as if in a dream. Luke too appeared stunned. He took a step back and allowed his eyes to cover the whole length of her body, from her neat white sandals to the silky fair hair which, with the sun behind her, framed her face in a shining halo.
‘For once I’m at a loss for words,’ he said. ‘You’ve always looked good, no matter what you wear, but today ’ he shook his head slowly, ‘you’re like a dream. I’m afraid to touch you in case you disappear.’
Taryn smiled shyly, and put her hand on his arm. ‘It really is me,’ she said. ‘I’m glad you approve.’ Gammy, tired of waiting, suddenly appeared at their side. ‘Don’t I get a welcome too? ’
Instantly Luke swept her into his arms. ‘Gammy! I’m sorry, blame your niece. But you look splendid as well.’ He held her at arms’ length to see more clearly the deep purple dress trimmed with guipure lace at the neck and sleeves. ‘Helen and I are honoured to have two such beautiful visitors. Do come in, she’ll be wondering where we are.’
Taryn’s feet were leaden as she climbed the steps. This was one meeting she dreaded. She glanced at Gammy and received a sympathetic smile in response. Her aunt knew exactly how she felt.
They were now in the tower room, decorated under Taryn’s instruction in muted shades of green, verging into blue in the vibrant tones of the deep-piled carpet. The lounge looked cool and inviting, even though flooded with sunshine. A cane screen had been strategically placed to throw shade across one of the easy chairs, though still allowing its occupant a clear view of the valley below. At the sound of their entrance she rose and walked towards them.
Luke stepped forward.
‘Taryn, Gammy, I’d like you to meet Helen—my mother.’
There was a long pause during which time Taryn passed from a state of shock to a sense of relief and an overwhelming desire to laugh.
Luke spoke again. ‘Helen, this is Taryn.’ He said her name with pride.
Helen Major smiled and held out her hand. ‘How pleased I am to meet you at last. Luke’s told me so much about you, but he certainly didn’t do you justice, child. You’re far prettier than I expected— and younger too. I can’t believe you were responsible for all this.’
Taryn murmured a suitable reply, still dazed by the revelation that Helen was Luke’s mother, and while he introduced her to Gammy she studied the other woman with interest. Probably in her late sixties, she had pure white hair, expertly cut to frame her oval face. The lilac dress she wore emphasised the frailness of her body, yet her blue eyes were bright and cheerful and her voice warm and friendly. Taryn liked her instantly and could see the deep affection that existed between mother and son. There was no resemblance between the two of them, so presumably Luke took after his father. She wondered whether he was still alive.
Formalities over, they sat down and Luke poured sherry into sparkling crystal glasses; bringing his own drink over to where Taryn sat and perching on the arm of her chair.
‘I trust Luke conveyed my appreciation of all you’ve done?’ Helen smiled. ‘Of course I didn’t see the place beforehand, but from all I’ve heard it was in a terrible state.’
‘To say the least.’ Taryn laughed and looked up at Luke. ‘I don’t mind admitting it now, but I was pretty scared the first time I came here.’
‘Don’t I know it,’ dimpled Luke, ‘but whether it was me or the house I wasn’t sure.’ His arm rested lightly on her shoulder. ‘I’m glad that’s all over now.’
Taryn felt swift colour flood her cheeks and looked across to see whether his mother was watching. She need not have worried, for the smile bestowed on her by Helen Major was full of approval. ‘What a charming dress,’ said the older woman. ‘So many young people these days seem to live in jeans that it’s a change to find someone proud of her femininity.’
‘Thank you, Mrs Major, you’re very kind,’ acknowledged Taryn, trying to ignore the fact that Luke had choked over his drink and Gammy’s lips barely suppressed a smile.
‘Helen, please. Luke never calls me anything else and it makes me feel so much younger. Oh, and before I forget, that four-poster bed ’
‘You don’t like it?’ interposed Taryn. ‘I was afraid of that, but Luke said '
‘Let me finish,’ laughed Helen. ‘I’ve always had a secret longing for one—it’s absolutely delightful— and pink—my favourite colour. I had a better night’s sleep last night than I’ve had for years.’
‘I’m so pleased.’ Taryn felt that the day was going to turn out well after all.
Gammy said, ‘Do you think I might have a look over the house? Taryn’s told me about it, of course, but I’m longing to see what it’s like.’
‘I didn’t realise you hadn’t been here before,’ answered Helen immediately. ‘I’ll take you now, and then I must see how lunch is getting on.’
‘Please let me help.’ Taryn rose and joined the two women.
‘I wouldn’t dream of it.' Helen’s smile enveloped Luke as well. ‘I’m sure you two can find plenty to talk about.’
‘Naturally,’ rejoined Luke. ‘We have unfinished business to discuss.’
As soon as they were alone Taryn said accusingly, ‘Why didn’t you tell me Helen was your mother?’
Luke’s thick brows shot upwards. ‘I thought you knew.’
‘How could I? You never said.’
‘But didn’t Andy ?’ He shook his head in bewilderment. ‘I asked him to tell you which room I wanted for Helen. It was the only one I was really bothered about.’