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Cathy had just put Robbie to bed when the doorbell rang. It made her start. She stood for a moment in the kitchen, wondering who it might be, half hoping that it was Daniel, so that she could apologise. She had acted so ungratefully. She really didn’t know what had come over her. Cathy ran a shaky hand through her hair and walked towards the front door.
‘Sandra…!’ She told herself she was foolish to feel so disappointed.
‘Hello, Cathy! I was passing and I saw the light…’ Sandra glanced beyond Cathy into the hallway. ‘Are you busy?’
‘Er…no.’ Cathy pictured the mess in every room. ‘Come on in!’ She held the door open wide and Sandra walked past her into the gloomy hall. She looked so out of place, dressed as she was in an immaculate navy blue dress and strappy shoes, that Cathy was moved to warn her not to get too close to the walls. ‘I haven’t had a chance to clean everywhere yet,’ she explained. ‘They’re probably not too bad, but your dress looks very expensive and I wouldn’t want you to ruin it on my account.’
Sandra’s smile as she made her way through into the living room changed to one of undisguised horror. It’s not that bad! Cathy thought irritably. She glanced around the kitchen, which she had scrubbed clean. OK, so it was a bit tatty, but even so…
‘How did you get on, after your little escapade this morning?’ Sandra examined a chair carefully before she sat down. ‘No lasting damage, I hope?’
Cathy smiled. ‘None at all! In fact I think Robbie’s rather pleased with himself—he’s turned it into some kind of adventure. Would you like some tea?’
‘Umm…no, thank you. I can’t stay long; I’m on my way somewhere.’
‘You look very nice,’ Cathy remarked sincerely. ‘I love your dress.’
Sandra glanced down at herself. ‘Thanks.’ She hesitated. ‘So…did Daniel stay long this morning, after he’d walked you and Robbie home?’
Ah! Cathy thought. Now they were at the crux of the matter. She glanced across at Sandra’s deliberately indifferent expression and knew it would be cruel to tell her anything other than the truth. ‘No, he didn’t even come inside.’
‘Oh!’ The relief on Sandra’s face was clear for all to see.
‘He’s very handsome, isn’t he?’ Cathy remarked in conversational tones.
‘Yes.’
‘Is he married?’
‘No.’ Sandra shook her head decisively. ‘I don’t think he’s ever come remotely close.’
‘But he must have a girlfriend.’ Cathy smiled. ‘I would have thought he’d be snapped up straight away.’
‘Not at the moment—at least nothing serious. And that’s the main thing, isn’t it?’ Sandra glanced across at Cathy and added, somewhat pointedly. ‘Of course, like all men, he’s more than happy to have a fling with someone, but when it comes to anything long-term he’s incredibly choosy. He wouldn’t get seriously involved with anyone who didn’t match up to his high standards.’
‘Really?’ Cathy didn’t bother to hide her amusement. ‘You seem very knowledgeable on the subject.’ She decided to get straight to the point. ‘Have you and he…?’
‘No.’ Sandra’s voice was undeniably flat. ‘No,’ she repeated, with a little more vigour. ‘Unfortunately not. However, I live in hope.’
‘He’s extremely good with children,’ Cathy commented, more for something to say than anything else. ‘Robbie took to him straight away. I’ve never seen him so chatty with such a comparative stranger.’
‘Yes…well, he’s very…’ Sandra struggled to come up with the right word. ‘Amenable,’ she said finally. ‘Always willing to help those in need.’
Meaning me, Cathy thought.
Sandra glanced at her wristwatch. ‘Well, this was just a flying visit; I really must be going. I’m meeting someone for dinner—not a patch on the delicious Daniel, of course, but I never like to refuse an invitation, especially if it means a free meal into the bargain!’
Cathy made no comment. She began to see that Sandra’s reincarnation from frumpy schoolgirl to glamorous siren had not been the complete success she had first imagined.
At the front door, Sandra paused briefly. ‘Daniel’s a very kind person,’ she reiterated. ‘And of course there’s the rebel element to consider as well.’
Cathy wasn’t quite sure what she was talking about, but she smiled and said cheerfully, ‘Quite a combination, I should think!’
‘Exactly. But it’s just as well to be aware of these things from the beginning. There really is nothing worse than making a fool of yourself over a man, is there?’
And with that rather ironic comment hanging in the air between them, Sandra walked out into the night.
CHAPTER THREE
CATHY glanced at her wristwatch for the tenth time in as many minutes and sighed with relief. At last, time to collect Robbie from school!
It was glorious to be out in the fresh air after working inside all day. Cathy breathed in deeply as she strolled along the lane towards the village school. The hedgerows were bursting with fresh green life. The sky was a clear, sharp blue. Daffodils scattered along the grassy verge added drifts of vivid yellow to a scene that, in Cathy’s opinion, couldn’t be more perfect. She walked with a smile on her face. She just couldn’t help it. To be here, on a day like this…
The mellow stone of the village school came into view and her heart soared a little more. She missed Robbie such a lot when he was at school, more especially at the moment because she knew that he wasn’t particularly happy.
There were several mothers already waiting for their children at the school gates. Cathy smiled at a couple of familiar faces and received a few friendly greetings in return.
She had timed it perfectly; a child emerged from the front door and rang a handbell with vigorous enthusiasm and in less than a minute children of all sizes streamed out into the playground.
Cathy waited expectantly for Robbie’s sweet little face to appear. Each day this week had been torturous. Robbie had cried and wailed at the school gates every morning before school, clinging onto her legs, pleading with her not to make him go…Tears welled up in Cathy’s eyes at the thought of it. She had felt so mean. Guilty, too, at taking him away from his old school. Anxious in case things would never get better.
After five minutes, the frenetic activity at the gate quietened down as mothers and children left for home. Cathy stood alone, her eyes glued to the front entrance, waiting for Robbie. She felt uneasy; he was usually one of the first to come running out.
She was just about to go inside the school and find him for herself when she caught sight of him. Her heart sank, for all the signs told her that something was wrong. Why else would he be walking across the playground with the formidable Miss Stubbs at his side?
‘Mummy! Mummy!’ Robbie ran towards her, arms outstretched, like a prisoner released from jail.
‘Hello, darling!’ Cathy bent down and swung Robbie into the air. ‘How’s my best boy?’ She kissed his smooth, plump cheek and gave him a quick, fierce hug, conscious of their shared emotion at being reunited with each other again. ‘Are you OK?’
‘S’pose.’ Robbie glanced briefly across at Miss Stubbs, and then buried his head against Cathy’s shoulder. ‘Can we go home now?’ he mumbled.
‘I need to speak to you for a few moments, Miss Taylor, if you don’t mind.’
Cathy’s stomach churned over. The elderly woman didn’t look particularly happy; her lips were pursed into a thin, hard line of disapproval. ‘Er…yes. Yes, of course.’ She inhaled a breath. ‘Is there…something the matter?’
‘I think it would be best if we talked inside. I don’t believe in discussing important matters out on the school yard.’
Oh, dear! Was it that serious, then? ‘Robbie, I just need to have a quick word with Miss Stubbs.’ Cathy’s expression was deliberately upbeat, even though she felt a certain amount of trepidation inside. ‘I’m sure it won’t take long and then we can go home.’
‘But, Mummy,’ Robbie lifted his head and looked earnestly into his mother’s eyes. ‘I’m not a naughty boy; I’m not! I didn’t mean to spill the paint, or make the book corner all messy!’
‘Robbie, shh!’ Cathy held her son close and followed Miss Stubbs across the playground, towards the school building. ‘Calm down, darling,’ she whispered. ‘I’m sure you haven’t done anything wrong. Miss Stubbs just wants to have a chat, that’s all.’
The school was oddly quiet now that the children had left for home. ‘Perhaps, Robbie, you would like to play over in the corner with the sand whilst I talk with your mother,’ Miss Stubbs suggested once they were in the classroom.
‘Go on, darling,’ Cathy urged, when Robbie stubbornly made no move. ‘Just for a few minutes.’
‘Now that’s an example of what I want to talk to you about, Miss Taylor,’ the teacher asserted, once Robbie was out of earshot. ‘I’ve had an extremely difficult time with your son this week.’
‘I see.’ Cathy inhaled a steadying breath. ‘Well, I know he’s upset each morning—’ she began.
‘There’s more to it than that!’ There was an edge to the teacher’s voice which couldn’t be ignored. ‘I’m sorry to have to say this, but your son is incredibly disobedient, and it’s having a disruptive effect on the rest of my class!’
‘Oh!’ Cathy stood open-mouthed for a moment. She didn’t have a clue what to say. ‘I know he’s having a little difficulty in adjusting,’ she murmured. ‘Robbie had just got settled at his last school and then we came here…’
‘Not exactly the best of times for a move!’ Miss Stubbs replied disapprovingly. ‘But I think we need to look deeper than that,’ she continued. ‘I get the impression that he’s not used to a great amount of discipline at home.’
‘Discipline?’ Cathy glanced across to where Robbie was playing in the sand. He looked so sweet and adorable, with his hair ruffled and the bobble hat on his head all askew. ‘I…’ Cathy floundered for a suitable reply. ‘He’s not actually very naughty at home.’
‘It’s just you, isn’t it?’
Cathy frowned. ‘What is?’ she queried, wishing Robbie still had his previous class teacher, a wonderfully warm, cheerful young woman, who had seemed to find him no trouble at all.
‘Robbie’s father isn’t around.’
Cathy hardened her voice, forcing herself to look Miss Stubbs straight in the eye. ‘No, he’s not, but I don’t honestly see what that has to do with anything!’
‘Well, I think that last point is debatable,’ Miss Stubbs continued, with a distinct air of superiority. A smile crept across the lined mouth. ‘I see it time and again, Miss Taylor. I try to teach discipline, a certain set of values, and my work is eroded because of lack of support in the home. I’m sure you are trying to do your best,’ she added briskly, before Cathy could reply, ‘but boys need a firm hand. Of course we don’t have many single families,’ she commented, ‘not in this village.’ She walked across to her desk and picked up a file. ‘You came from a rather difficult area of town, I understand?’
‘I don’t see what that has to do with anything!’ Cathy interjected. ‘Robbie was incredibly happy at his last school.’
‘Yes, so you keep saying. Well, I suppose the change in environment will be having an effect,’ Miss Stubbs continued. ‘Although I can’t say that Robbie’s showing much appreciation of all this wonderful countryside. He drew a picture of his old block of flats today, when I specifically asked for a drawing of something in the village.’
‘He misses his old home. Isn’t that understandable?’ Cathy replied, in a choked voice. ‘For goodness’ sake Miss Stubbs, he’s only five—!’
‘Miss Stubbs, I’m looking for my other holdall. Did I leave it in here by any—?’
Cathy spun around at the sound of the deep, familiar voice. For a split second she told herself wishful thinking had imagined him here, but, no, there Daniel was, looking as stunningly handsome as ever, his large, rugged frame practically filling the doorway of the classroom.
‘My apologies. I had no idea you had someone with you—Cathy?’ His smile was warm as he recognised her. ‘Hello! How are you?’ His dark eyes flicked from Cathy’s strained expression to Miss Stubbs’s upright figure, then back again. His brow creased slightly as he registered the tense atmosphere. ‘Is everything OK?’
‘Miss Taylor and I are just having a little chat about Robbie,’ Miss Stubbs replied, in surprisingly smooth honeyed tones. ‘Nothing to worry about, I’m sure. You’re looking for your holdall, you say?’ Beady eyes scanned the room. ‘There it is, over by my desk.’
‘Ah, yes. Thanks.’ Daniel, dressed as usual in well-fitting worn denims and a simple white tee-shirt, which did much to emphasise the athletic strength of his body, entered the classroom and picked it up. ‘Sorry for the interruption.’
‘That’s quite all right.’ Miss Stubbs was all smiles—until she noticed Robbie’s exploits with the sand. ‘Robbie, for goodness’ sake, just look at the mess you’re making!’ she snapped.
Cathy knew she couldn’t stay here a moment longer. ‘Robbie, come on. Let’s go home.’
‘But, Miss Taylor, we haven’t finished our little chat.’
‘Actually, Miss Stubbs, I think you’ve said all there is to say.’ Cathy’s voice wobbled a little, but she worked hard and managed to hide the fact that all she wanted to do in that moment was burst into tears. ‘Robbie’s tired and so am I—it’s been a long, hard week.’ She strode over to the sandpit in the corner of the classroom and held out her hand. ‘Come on, sweetheart, dust yourself down.’
‘Miss Taylor! I really don’t think we’ve come to a satisfactory conclusion. We really do need to discuss this further—’
‘What? The fact that I’m a single parent and you don’t approve?’ Cathy eyed the sour woman with dislike, conscious that Daniel’s presence was enabling her to be far more assertive than she otherwise would have dared. ‘Well, I’m afraid there’s nothing I can do about that, Miss Stubbs. I bring Robbie up the best way I know how, and all I can tell you is he’s a perfectly reasonable child when he’s with me.’ Cathy placed a protective hand on her son’s shoulder. ‘He’s been extremely unhappy all week and it’s been torture—for both of us.’ Her voice shook noticeably ‘Now, if you’ll excuse me, all I want to do is to go home.’
‘Miss Taylor—!’
Cathy didn’t wait to hear any more. Daniel stood aside and she exited the classroom without so much as a backward glance, conscious of the anger and misery bubbling up inside.
Poor Robbie! The thought that he had endured so many hours in that woman’s company—! Cathy ran a shaky hand through her hair. Miss Stubbs didn’t even look as if she liked children! Cathy closed her eyes. Perhaps this was all a mistake. How could she have imagined that she could just up sticks and move to a place like this without there being huge consequences?
She crouched down in the corridor and placed a gentle palm against Robbie’s cheek. ‘Have you been a naughty boy today?’
‘No…’
Cathy knew that look. ‘Not even a little bit?’ she asked gently.
‘P’raps…just a bit.’ Robbie hung his head. ‘We have to sit still all the time, and we can’t talk, and…’ His voice trailed to a halt. Robbie looked towards the closed classroom door. ‘She’s not nice! Why can’t she be all smiley and funny like Miss Collins was?’
‘I don’t know.’ Cathy heaved a sigh and rose to her feet. She heard a murmur of voices from behind the classroom door and wondered what Daniel and Miss Stubbs were talking about.
‘Is Daniel telling Miss Stubbs off?’ Robbie asked hopefully. ‘For being so mean,’ he added, with feeling. ‘He taught us painting today. He’s very funny. We did about buildings.’ Robbie grabbed Cathy’s hand. ‘I’ll show you mine, if you like. Daniel said it was very good.’
‘I promise I’ll look at it first thing on Monday. Only, I don’t think it’s such a good idea to go in there now.’
‘You can’t on Monday. Nor Tuesday,’ Robbie told her gleefully. ‘We’ve got holidays…’ He thrust a small fist into the pocket of his trousers and produced a screwed-up piece of paper. ‘It says on this letter Miss Stubbs gave to us.’
‘Oh.’ Cathy smoothed out the paper and read the contents quickly. The school, it seemed, was having to have some emergency work done on its roof. ‘Well, that’s nice, then, isn’t it?’ She beamed down at Robbie. ‘A lovely long weekend together.’ Cathy glanced regretfully towards the classroom door, half hoping Daniel would appear. ‘Well, I suppose we’d better be going.’ She took Robbie’s hand. ‘Come on, scamp!’ she added cheerfully. ‘Let’s see what we can have for tea.’
‘Cathy! Wait up!’ After a few moments, Daniel’s deep voice echoed down the empty corridor.
Cathy inhaled a steadying breath, turning to watch as he caught up with her. She really needed to conquer this feeling of light-headed excitement, she told herself. It surely couldn’t be the best thing for her heart.
‘Are you OK?’
‘As well as can be expected.’ She managed a weak smile, conscious of the thudding inside her chest. ‘Considering I’ve just been told I’m inadequate as a parent, that is.’
‘She said that to you?’ His dark head shook. ‘Don’t let Miss Stubbs upset you. She’s not the greatest diplomat in the world. And it’s Friday; she’s tired.’
‘You’re making excuses for her!’ Cathy accused.
‘No.’ Daniel’s voice was firm. ‘No, I promise you, I’m not.’ His mouth curved into a warm, sympathetic smile. ‘I’m just trying to make you feel better.’
Cathy shook her head a little and frowned. ‘I’m not sure she even likes children!’ she murmured, squeezing Robbie’s plump hand. She glanced up into Daniel’s face, conscious of how desperately glad she was to see him again. ‘Do you think I was very rude?’
‘Do you care?’ Dark eyes sparkled mischievously. Heavens! Cathy thought, as her stomach turned an unexpected somersault. No wonder Sandra is desperate to get her hands on him. ‘No,’ Daniel added. ‘I thought you were…’ He hesitated a moment. ‘Just right.’
‘Really?’ Cathy frowned, wondered what was going through his mind. ‘I hate confrontation,’ she declared. ‘Look at me!’ She held out her hand. ‘I’m shaking like a leaf!’
‘I’ll give you a lift home.’ Daniel’s fingers were strong and firm. The thrill of his touch was like an electric shock. She stared down as he squeezed her hand reassuringly, cursing the fact that kindness always made her want to cry. ‘You’ll be fine. Hey!’ Daniel’s voice was gentle. He squeezed her hand again, bending his six-foot-plus frame a little, tilting Cathy’s chin so that he could look into her face, frowning as he saw the tears. ‘Hey, now. You know she’s not worth it,’ he asserted gently. ‘She’s old and crotchety and a snob to boot.’
‘You’re right.’ Cathy sniffed and wiped away the tears with the back of her hand. ‘I know you’re right. It’s just…well, it’s been a hard week, and now this—’ She inhaled a huge breath, conscious of a small, anxious face looking up at her.
‘Mummy, don’t cry!’ Robbie’s small voice wavered a little. He tugged at her hand. ‘Please!’
Daniel delved into the pocket of his trousers and produced a handkerchief. Then he bent down and scooped Robbie into his arms. ‘How about a ride home in my Land Rover?’
‘Yeah!’ Robbie jiggled excitedly. ‘I want to go in the Land Rover! I want to go in the Land Rover!’
Cathy smiled, curious now to know what Daniel was doing here. ‘Are you a teacher?’ she asked.
‘A teacher?’ The gorgeous mouth curved a little. ‘Absolutely not! One day a week is enough for me.’
They began walking along the corridor towards the main entrance of the school. ‘I just help out,’ he continued conversationally. ‘The school needed someone to help with art, so…’ Broad shoulders were lifted in a shrug. ‘I offered.’
‘That’s very good of you—you don’t get paid, I take it?’
‘No.’ Daniel held open the main door for Cathy and Robbie and they emerged into the fresh spring air. ‘I do it for the love of working with people like Miss Stubbs,’ he added dryly.
‘Careful!’ Cathy whispered urgently, staring into a space behind Daniel’s left shoulder. She watched as he glanced around quickly. ‘Got you!’ She grinned, glad of the opportunity to lighten the atmosphere. ‘All this talk about taking no notice of what Miss Stubbs says,’ she accused. ‘You’re as frightened of her as I am!’
Daniel held up both hands in supplication. ‘OK, I admit it. She terrifies the life out of me!’ His mouth twisted humorously. ‘That was cruel!’ he asserted. ‘For a split second I actually thought she was standing right behind me! My heart is banging away like a steam train.’ On impulse he took Cathy’s hand in his. ‘Here, feel it!’
Touching him caused turmoil. Cathy felt the solid strength of his chest beneath her splayed fingers, the touch of his hand upon hers, and struggled to blot out the sharp ache of desire which surged through her body. His heart was beating fast? Cathy tried to keep a calm fac¸ade. She hadn’t expected this. Not Miss Stubbs, nor her outburst, but most especially not Daniel. It was difficult keeping her thoughts under control when he was near. He was so…She shook her head, hardly able to put what she thought about him into words. Kind…handsome…funny…utterly irresistible…‘You see what you’ve done to me?’ Dark, mesmeric eyes held Cathy’s gaze.
‘Sorry…’ she murmured.
‘Don’t apologise.’ His expression was unexpectedly serious suddenly. ‘I think I can live with it…’
‘Mummy!’ Cathy felt a tug on her jumper. She dropped her hand like a stone and looked down at her son. ‘Come on!’ he pleaded impatiently. ‘I want a ride in the Land Rover!’
‘You’re sure this is no trouble?’ Cathy asked, once they were standing beside the rather tatty vehicle in the small school car park.
‘If it was, I wouldn’t have offered,’ Daniel replied easily. ‘Wait a minute. It sticks like hell.’ He walked around to the passenger side of the Land Rover and tugged open the door. ‘Another thing I keep meaning to have seen to,’ he commented, with a rueful smile. ‘There’s a whole list of things.’ He picked Robbie up and swung him onto the passenger seat, then stood aside to allow Cathy to clamber up. ‘You know how it is.’
‘Oh, don’t I just!’ Cathy remarked forcibly. She released a sigh, thinking about the effort she had to put in just to save a pound here and a penny there. ‘Isn’t money the most annoying thing in the world?’ She smiled. ‘Particularly when you haven’t got any! How do you manage?’ she added. ‘Giving up one of your days a week here is pretty generous.’
‘Oh, I get by. I’ve got a fair amount of time on my hands, so—’
‘You’re unemployed?’
A slight frown creased Daniel’s forehead and Cathy blushed scarlet. ‘Sorry! I didn’t mean to pry—’ She shook her head, mentally cursing her runaway mouth.
‘Unemployed?’ She saw the look of puzzlement and then his brow cleared. ‘No. No, I’m not.’ He smiled. ‘Although some might say…No, I paint.’ He inserted the key into the ignition and started the engine. ‘Or at least that’s the general idea.’
‘Walls? Windowsills?’ Cathy queried.
Daniel’s mouth twisted into a smile. ‘Watercolours,’ he replied. ‘And oils.’
‘You’re a proper artist?’ Cathy’s mouth widened into a smile. ‘Oh, that’s marvellous!’ she added enthusiastically. ‘What sort of things?’
‘People, places—anything that takes my fancy.’ Daniel began to manoeuvre the vehicle out of the school car park.
‘And do you manage to make a living out of it?’ Cathy asked. She saw Daniel frown a little and immediately regretted her question. ‘Sorry!’ she said quickly. ‘Don’t answer that. I ask all the wrong questions! It’s just nice, that’s all, to talk to someone who understands what it’s like not to have very much money. Most of the occupants of Langforde,’ she added, glancing at the impressive stone-bricked country houses which lined the green, ‘don’t seem to be particularly troubled in that area.’
‘No, you’re right. This is a fairly wealthy village,’ Daniel murmured. ‘Lots of captains of industry seem to retire here.’
‘Do you sell many of your paintings?’
‘A certain amount. It fluctuates. More often than not I’m loath to part with any of them. I really should devote more time to it if I’m to make any real headway.’