Roses For Katie Page 22

  Katie’s heart began to thump. This was it… and in such a perfunctory manner, too. But, it was something she had been dreading. ‘Thank you Tom. That’s a wonderful compliment, and I’m flattered….’ She stopped, and took a lungful of air as she wondered just how to say it kindly. ‘I’m genuinely fond of you, and I love your company, but Tom, I’m so sorry, I honestly don’t have the right feelings for you… not for marriage. I couldn’t marry you, or anyone I didn’t genuinely love. Please don’t be upset.’

  Tom seemed to freeze in position, his face stiff and set, and showing disbelief. He stared straight ahead as he digested her words and then he suddenly got up and put his hands behind his back and turned on her. ‘For heaven’s sake, Katie, you’re hardly Margie’s age—you’re not expecting to fall madly in love at your time of life, are you? Isn’t what you feel for me enough to make a go of it? A good, healthy friendship? Surely that’s a rock hard foundation for a marriage?’

  His look of amazement at the very idea that she might have anticipated true love again almost made Katie want to laugh, but she controlled herself and replied in a level voice. ‘No, in my book, that’s not enough, Tom, sorry.’ She began to walk around the lawn to put some distance between them. ‘And why shouldn’t I fall in love again… with the right man? I think that kind of feeling can happen at any time in life, and to anybody. It’s just that it’s not there right now… for you.’ she said. ‘You see, it’s only the physical appearance that changes; the mind stays the same until it’s incapable of any more thoughts or feelings.’

  She stood up and took his hand in hers. ‘Look, feelings can be as intense in later years as during youth, but thankfully tempered with the experience and common sense of maturity, and so avoiding mistakes. Haven’t you heard elderly people remark that they ‘think’ they must be getting old? I have. What they mean is that they don’t feel old, up here,’ she said, tapping her forehead, ‘even though they’re fully aware that they’re getting on in years and unable to get about like they once did.’

  Looking piqued, Tom drew his hand away sharply from hers, took a deep breath through his nostrils, and tightened his lips into a straight line. It was several moments before he spoke. ‘Then I’m asking the impossible?’

  For a couple of seconds, Katie remained silent. ‘We don’t know each other really well, Tom,’ she said. ‘Friendship is a good foundation, admittedly, but ours is fairly new. What friendship we have is not enough on which to base a marriage.’ She slid him a sideways glance. By now, his stern look had melted, and his eyes were focused middle distance, seeing nothing.

  Did he really think I’d fall into his arms? Doesn’t he realise he should have considered how I felt, not blindly follow his own desires, and assume that I’d automatically fall in with his plans? When she glanced at him again, his absolute look of despair made her feel sorry for him, and more than a little guilty. But the sorrow was pity for a friend, not for someone she loved. Then she remembered her conversation with Margie. This was the time when she had to be strong, and not allow any compassion for the man to override her common sense—and the truth.

  She touched his arm lightly, and he jerked his eyes back to her face. ‘I do hope that you didn’t buy this place with me in mind, because, for one thing, I would never leave Priory Farm for it, whatever the circumstances.

  ‘Yes, I admit I did have you in mind. That was why I wanted you involved in setting it up. I thought that if it was exactly as you wanted, you’d be willing to share it with me. As my wife.’ He turned to her and shrugged. ‘I probably would have bought it anyway, because it was exactly what I was looking for.’ Then he heaved a deep sigh, and gave a grunt. ‘You seemed as excited as I was at the time. You said it was a place you’d choose for yourself, didn’t you? So I thought I’d done the right thing.’ His voice was almost reproachful.

  ‘Yes, I said that, but that was before I realised how isolated it is. And the fact is I have no intention of moving from the house that I love… the one that’s been my home for so many years.’ She lifted her brows. ‘I gave you my honest opinion of this place, but it didn’t mean I visualised myself living here at all. What I said was I would consider it ideal if I were looking for another home. But I’m not. And I won’t be.’

  She laid her hand on his arm. ‘Tom, dear, you shouldn’t have assumed that I would join you. Had you made your intentions plain to me at the beginning, I would have told you, and avoided this disappointment you’ve had today.’

  Katie knew that she had to sort this out right now, and moved farther away from him before she spoke again. ‘The truth is, Tom, I love you as a friend — but that’s not enough to warrant spending the rest of my life with you. You can have my friendship for as long as you want, but marriage is not on the cards. I’m sorry.’ She felt certain that his eyes were moist with tears, so she stood up and walked towards the house.

  He followed her. ‘Then I’d better take you home,’ he said, quietly.

  ‘Yes, thank you. I’d like to go home now.’ She climbed into the BMW, and the journey to Priory Farm was made in almost total silence. Tom refused her invitation to go inside, and left immediately after she stepped out of the car. Katie closed her front door behind her and leaned against the solid piece of wood, feeling quite exhausted. She wished it had never come to this, and she had certainly never realized how deeply affected Tom would be at her rejection of his proposal.

  It was still only early evening; a quiet evening with nothing left to do but while away the rest of the time with a few miserable thoughts for company. With nothing to interest her on the television, and no desire to concentrate on a novel, Katie wandered out with Thunder for a walk around her garden. She looked down into the two velvet brown eyes that stared back at her. Ah, yes, and you’re another good reason… I wouldn’t live anywhere that you’re not welcome. She patted the massive head and walked around with him at her side. She had been out only a short while, when Pat wandered out of the annex and joined her in the gazebo.

  ‘For sure an’ you look soulful, Katie. Is everything all right?’

  She poured out her troubles to her confidant, who sat quietly listening with no comment until she had bared her soul.

  ‘You did the right thing,’ he said. ‘I’m sure it won’t take Colonel Rees-Jones long to get over it. In any case, he had no right to take such a serious matter for granted. It’s his own fault.’

  What Pat had said made Katie feel a lot better, and they sat chatting about the garden until a wind wept into the open gazebo. The balmy evening had quickly turned to a chilly dusk, and Katie rubbed her arms to keep warm as they walked back towards the house.

  ‘Come in and listen to some music with me, Pat,’ she said. ‘I don’t like my own company tonight.’

  The topic of Tom was soon forgotten, and Pat regaled her with happy tales of his youth back home when he was a young lad in Kerry. Soon, Katie’s laughter rang out, and her eyes shone bright as she listened to the cheerful Irishman. The time passed more quickly for her than it had done all day. Then Pat stood up, stretched, and yawned.

  ‘Well, I’m for bed,’ he said, blinking as he stared at the clock. ‘It’s late, and there’s a lot of work waiting for me in the morning.’ He laid a hand gently on her shoulder before he went. ‘Now don’t you be worrying your little head about other people,’ he said, wagging his finger underneath her nose. ‘Think of yourself for a change. If you’re happy, then it rubs off on others; it’s catching, you see. Sweet dreams.’ Then he disappeared into the connecting corridor.

  Katie climbed the stairs as though she had a weight on her shoulders. Thunder waited for her a few steps up, not bounding to the top as usual. It was as though he sensed she had a troubled mind, and when she got into bed, he settled down as close as he could to her. She wished she could have had a word with Margie, to tell her what had happened, but now she would have to wait until sometime the next day. She stared up at the ceiling and wondered if Tom would want her friendship now, bec
ause of the way she had disappointed him. He was a good sort, basically, and although she baulked at marrying him, she had always enjoyed the odd evening out with the man.

  As she mulled it all over in her mind, she realized she needed to get away from it all for a while, and idly wondered when Pat would be visiting his Uncle Ruairi. She made up her mind to ask him first thing in the morning what his plans were, and make definite arrangements to go with him. Thunder as well. At least, a down-to-earth man like Pat was unlikely to complicate life for her by harbouring any crazy ideas. He was so understanding, and her very best friend.

  Chapter Fourteen

  The first thing Katie did after waking up was to go in search of Pat to talk to him about their trip. He was busy on the privet hedge around the garden perimeter, but she saw the top of his head so she knew exactly where to find him. She was so keen to speak to him that she had thrown on her clothes carelessly, and hadn’t even stopped for a cup of tea before going out.

  ‘Pat,’ she cried, breathless from running.

  ‘What’s the matter?’ he said, quickly dropping his strimmer to the ground and hurrying around the hedge to her. ‘What’s wrong, Katie?’

  ‘Nothing wrong. Nothing at all,’ she said, laughing at the puzzled expression on his face. ‘I was in a hurry to see you, that’s all.’

  He laughed with her then, and squatted down on the grass at her feet, while he waited for her to speak.

  ‘What happened last night seemed to knock the stuffing out of me, so I’ve decided it’s high time I had a break away from this place. Somewhere nice, somewhere tranquil.’ Looking at him through half closed lids, and with a beguiling smile on her lips, she murmured, ‘Eire, maybe? You said it was peaceful there.’

  ‘Oh, is that what this is all about?’ He stood up and placed his hands squarely on his hips and roared with laughter. ‘And there was myself thinking something awful had happened to worry you.’ Then he looked keenly at her. ‘You had a cup of tea yet?’

  She shook her head, bouncing her fluffy hair over her forehead. Pat brushed it back, and took her by the arm and guided her back to the house.

  ‘Then you need one, and so do I after a statement like that.’

  Once they were inside, Pat insisted she sat down, and made the tea himself. ‘Now were you playing a joke on me, or are you serious?’

  ‘Dead serious, Pat. And I want to go as soon as possible. I’ve had enough, and I want a few days away from here.’ Then she looked fondly at her four-legged companion and ruffled his head. ‘You did say he could come?’

  ‘For sure and he can come. Now, when is it that you’re wanting to go? I can go any time, so you decide.’

  ‘Just as soon as you can book the ferry. Phone them right now,’ she said enthusiastically, vigorously pointing to the instrument. ‘Go on, do it now.’ At last she felt she was doing something of her own choice, and the feeling it gave her was wonderful.

  Pat lifted the phone, made the enquiry, accepted the date and time given him, paid for it with his card, and then replaced the phone with a satisfied look on his face. ‘All done. We leave in three days, drive to the ferry, cross the water, and then by road to Kerry.’ He looked at Thunder. ‘It’s a long way for him, but he’s a good dog and we’ll make plenty of stops, so he’ll be all right.’ He patted Thunder’s head. ‘He can come on board the ferryboat with us as long as we keep him on a lead, and guarantee that he’s well-behaved. Otherwise he’d have to stay in the car in the hold, and that wouldn’t please him.’

  Katie clapped her hands like an excited child. Then she threw her arms around the Irishman’s neck and hugged him so tightly, that in the end he unlocked her grip and stood back to take a deep breath. Her excitement was imparted to him, and they both spent at least an hour discussing what they would do, and where they would go when they got there.

  ‘I’ll have to phone to let my uncle know we’re coming, but he won’t be far from his bed I’m thinking.’ He beamed at Katie. ‘You’ve got me all excited too, colleen.’

  Pat went out to carry on with his work. Katie phoned her daughters, one after the other, to tell them what she intended to do.

  When she talked to Margie at work, she remembered to ask about the house warming party for Dylan, and when it was likely to be.

  ‘You go and enjoy yourself, and with Pat and Thunder looking after you, there’ll be no need for us to worry about you. I trust Pat implicitly. I’ll see you before you go, of course.’

  Katie could hardly believe that she had initiated such a trip, and the thought of going to Eire at last excited her. As soon as she had eaten a piece of toast, she went upstairs and laid out all the clothes she thought she would need. She placed the suitcases alongside them on the spare bed, ready to pack the night before going. ‘Only three days to go,’ she murmured, clasping her hands tightly, like a youngster anticipating a birthday party.

  I think I’d better tell Elspeth the news, and ask how her weekend with Cuthbert went, she thought. She was on the phone within minutes, and telling the story of Tom’s proposal of marriage.

  ‘Mind, Elspeth, keep all of this to yourself. I don’t want it getting about.’

  ‘Well, well,’ Elspeth responded, clucking her tongue. ‘So the colonel’s right out of the picture now? Shame, I quite liked him, but there we are… not to worry, Katie. I’ve been concerned about you, and I’m sure a little holiday is just what you need. Enjoy yourself. And send me a card from Eire; one with an ancient thatched cottage.’ There was a little pause. ‘Got to go now… Cuthbert’s coming next weekend and I’ve got loads to do.’

  Katie smiled, happy at Elspeth’s good fortune in having found Cuthbert again after all these years. Maybe the coming weekend would produce romantic results for her friend. Next, she phoned Rex, feeling it was only fair to let him know what she was doing. But he was either lecturing, or out, because there was no answer, so she left no message on the answer phone. However, the next day he turned up at her front door. ‘You left no message, but I punched in 1471 and so I knew it was you. Was it something urgent you needed to talk about?’

  Katie would have preferred to explain on the phone, but now that she was face to face with him she had to tell him, and hope that he would not find his temper again. When she explained that she was going to Ireland for a short trip with Pat, Rex just stared at her without saying a word, but his face turned a deep shade of pink. She waited a few seconds, expecting a caustic remark, but he said nothing, so she continued. ‘I feel the need of a little break. I’ll only be gone for a week, but I wanted you to know that I’d be away.’

  ‘All right,’ Rex said his colour fading as he broke his silence. ‘I appreciate your telling me, Katie, and I agree it’s time you had a little change, wherever and with whomever you want.’ He hunched his shoulders a little, and spread his hands as though questioning why. ‘But… if it’s your gardener you choose for company, then I have to accept it. He’s a harmless enough bloke, a decent chap, and I’m sure he’ll look after you. I hope you enjoy yourself.’

  Katie was very surprised at Rex’s mild reaction. It was certainly not what she had expected, although his words had sounded very clipped. She could tell he wasn’t going to stay, and he was about to go out through the door, when he turned to her again, but this time with a smile.

  ‘Once you’ve made the break from here, and found out how good it is to have a change, maybe you’ll think about Majorca?’ He inclined his head. ‘So… I will live in hope.’

  Katie smiled back at him. His remark showed that he didn’t want to close the door on their friendship, and the holiday offer was still open.

  ‘But what would I do with him?’ she asked, pointing to Thunder. ‘He’s coming to Ireland with us; I wouldn’t dream of putting him in a kennels. Anyway, I can’t bear to be parted from him now.’

  Rex rolled his eyes to the sky and gave a quick shrug. ‘Lucky dog,’ he grunted, and left with a casual wave.

  Well, that was a lot easier than I an
ticipated, she thought, feeling greatly relieved. Still, he probably realises there’s no romance between Pat and me; he knows we’re just good friends, so he’s not bothered.

  Katie felt the need to buy one or two new garments for her trip, if only to make herself feel good, so she set off for town and spent the rest of the afternoon shopping. When she returned, she knocked on the connecting door, and called to Pat to come in as soon as he had finished his meal to see what she had bought.

  ‘And for sure, ‘tis wise of you to buy a pair of comfortable walking shoes, like those,’ he said, when he finally arrived on the scene. ‘You’ll need them where I’m taking you. And bring your wellies too; ‘tis mucky on the farm in wet weather, and, I warn you, the rain seems perpetual in that part of the world, even at this time of year.’

  There were only two days left to wait, but the time was filled with visits from the girls, each one excited about her forthcoming trip, and all trying to make sure their mother would take everything she needed. Sam went to look for Pat to check that he had organized everything properly, and asked if he wanted them to do anything in the garden while he was away.

  ‘Yes please. I’d appreciate it if you’d water the greenhouse and open and close the doors and windows for me. Oh, and water the potted patio plants too.’ Then his brilliant smile lit up his face. ‘Now I know what you’re all thinking, but have no fear, for I’ll be sure to look after your mother like she were the crown jewels, and I’ll bring her back safe and sound in a week’s time. And Thunder, too.’

  As excited as two children, they set off in the Volvo, with Thunder standing on the back seat, barking excitedly. It took four hours to drive to the ferry on the west coast of Wales, but everything went smoothly, and they soon found themselves crossing the water. They sat on the deck with Thunder, where the exhilarating sea breeze slicked their faces with salt. Gulls followed them, looking for tidbits, and shrieking wildly as only gulls can. They watched ferry boats passing in the other direction, and they chatted to some of the other travellers.