Country Lovers (8 page)

She couldn't be, could she? With him lying there?

Holding her.

When his pounding heart had slowed and he'd calmed his spinning mind, he slowly opened the door again.

There was the smell of sickness in the air. Such stillness too. Surely she was dead. Very cautiously he walked toward the bed.

“Callum? Callum?”

Nuala's eyes were wide open, but she was dead to this world.

And Callum? He was lying on his side, facing Nuala, an arm under her shoulders holding her close.

Dan touched his shoulder and shook it slightly. “Callum?” No response. “Callum?” He pressed his fingers to just below Callum's jawline and felt for a pulse. And there was none. Vomit began rising in his throat, and Dan fled, overwhelmed with horror.

W
HEN
he'd finished heaving up his breakfast in the drain outside the back door, Dan wiped his mouth and stood, ashen-faced, deciding what to do. Doctor? Police? Doctor. He'd know what to do. He had the Health Center's number on his mobile because of Rose and Jonathan, so he rang and explained and they promised a doctor immediately. To still his bursting heart, Dan decided to do something positive and went to feed the animals. He found the two rescue ponies had gone, as well as the lame donkey they'd taken in from the sanctuary, the three cows, two dogs, and the half a dozen chickens Nuala had kept for the house. So he'd planned it all, except she had died before he'd found a home for the pygmy goats. He could hear them tap tapping about in their stable.

He opened up the top half of the door to see how they all were. There was an instant clamor and all except one were on their hind legs, pawing at the door. The one that wasn't was lying at the back of the stable, quite still. In the gloom he thought it might be Cassandra, Nuala's favorite. When Dan had finally pried the door open without letting any of them escape, he found that Cassandra had died while attempting to give birth.

He lifted her dead body out onto the cobbles, put feed in the trough to keep the others going, filled their water bucket, and then firmly shut the lower half of the door behind him, clipping back the top half to let in air and light.

When the doctor came, Dan explained the circumstances and left him to go in by himself. Dan stood in the kitchen looking out of the window, waiting…knowing what he was waiting for.

The doctor came in and went to the sink to wash his hands. “Both dead. A blessing for Nuala; there was nothing left of her but a beating heart. As for Callum…He's left a note for Dan. That's you, isn't it?”

From his pocket he took out an envelope and then busied himself at the kitchen table filling in forms. Dan had assumed it would be a few brief words but no, Callum had written a letter, and with it a long list of whom to get in touch with, whom to inform, where the furniture had to go, and the addresses and telephone numbers of relatives who needed to know. Directions, also, about their joint funeral, which church, which hymns.

The letter was almost Dan's undoing. It read:

Dear Dan,

We shall both be together in heaven when you read this. My darling Nuala fell asleep forever in my arms at teatime today. That strong dear heart of hers could fight no longer and she had already lost the will to suffer anymore. I'm writing this at the kitchen table where she and I planned our useless money-making schemes. Without her, I have no fight left in me.

We may not have had success in business, but where it really matters we did. She and I were childhood sweethearts, married at seventeen and never had a bad day ever after. Nuala could see the funny side of anything at all and we spent more time laughing, even when she was so ill, than any other couple in Christendom.

If you want to tell anyone what happiness is, think of us. We had it in spades.

Thanks for all you've done for us, and your kindness in not flinching when you talked to Nuala. She valued that. Thank Rose, too, for bringing the baby. He gave Nuala such joy.

Yours sincerely,
Callum and Nuala Tattersall

Dan folded the letter. Before he read his instructions he asked the doctor how Callum had died.

“Overdose of Nuala's painkillers, I suspect. There's hardly any left in the bottle. He certainly meant business. I gave him a prescription only yesterday. I'll have to inform the police, you understand.”

The phone rang, so Dan went to answer it. “Tattersall's.”

“Phil Parsons here. That isn't Callum, is it?”

“No. It's Dan Brown.”

“Something wrong?”

“Yes, well…bad news, I'm afraid. I've just found both Nuala and Callum. They're both…dead.”

There was a long silence from the other end of the phone. “But I spoke to him only yesterday—afternoon, it was. What the blazes has happened?”

“Can I tell you some other time?”

“What a sad business. Nuala, yes, but Callum…I was ringing to say I'm coming to collect his pygmy goats. He's sold the others to a goat farm, but they didn't want the pygmy ones 'cause commercially they're not much good; so I said I'd have them for Blossom and Hamish. I paid him a few days ago, but we've been getting the shelter ready for 'em. Hamish and me, shall we come?”

“Right now, you mean?”

“Yes. Straightaway.”

“Yes, I've got to wait for the police, so come, yes.”

“If you'd rather I didn't…”

“Well, Phil, someone has to feed them, so why not; and if you've paid for them…”

“Right. We're on our way.”

Phil must have disconnected because Dan was left standing looking at his receiver. Still severely distressed by the morning's events, thoughts tumbled through his head with frantic rapidity. Rose, here with Jonathan? Phil taking on the goats. Callum killing himself for love. Rose had never said she'd been. Suicide. He'd miss Callum. Poor Nuala. I wonder why Rose came?

         

S
HE
told him at lunchtime. It was his half day and he'd gone home, glad his ghastly working day was at an end.

“Here, hold your son and heir and get up his wind while I make lunch. I can see you're upset. Tell me.” Rose carefully handed Jonathan to him, and waited.

“You didn't tell me you'd been to see Nuala.”

“Ah! Yes. I met Callum in the supermarket and we talked, so I went. Is it Nuala?”

“Yes. Rose, she's died. But so too has Callum.”

Rose drew in a long breath. “But how? He wasn't ill. He didn't…kill himself?”

“I'm afraid he did and I found them when I went in response to a message he'd left on the answering machine last night.”

Rose flung her arms about Dan, and he drew comfort from her sympathy. “Oh, darling, how dreadful.”

“Once I'd got over the shock, they looked so peaceful together. The ultimate in happiness. You'd never met Callum; how did he know it was you?”

“Took a look at Jonathan and realized he must be yours, and then he asked me if I was your wife, just to make sure.”

Dan peered at the baby's face in amazement. “My God!”

“So I went.”

“He thanked you for that in his suicide note. Said it gave Nuala great joy to see the baby. I'll have to spend the afternoon ringing all the people on Callum's list. Not exactly a pleasant occupation. But it's the least I can do. He never got on well with the other farmers around here. They all thought him feckless. One scheme after another, but a great chap.” Dan sighed, adjusted his hold of Jonathan while he wiped his mouth of milk. “Part of life's rich pattern. Must put it all behind us.”

Rose gripped his shoulder and smiled to herself. Knowing he couldn't put it all behind him as easily as that and understanding he was taking this attitude because of his concern for her, she answered, “Of course. Yes. Life goes on. Actually, tomorrow I'm having tea with Letty.”

“Letty? Colin's Letty?”

“Who else? She's not at all well. I think I'm going to persuade her to go to the doctor; she can't go on like she is. And I upset her the last time I saw her and she cried, so I feel guilty.”

“She's difficult to get on with.”

“I know. That's the challenge.”

Chapter
• 6 •

R
ose arrived at exactly two forty-five, the time Letty had specified. Jonathan wasn't exactly full of joy, and she had hoped the drive in the car would put him to sleep. Which it did, but the moment she tried to lift him out he woke, miserable and weepy.

Letty and Colin lived in a dream cottage. Roses around the door, thatch on the roof, lovely old red-brick walls with timbers exposed here and there. To Rose, with her American heritage, it seemed utterly, utterly splendid. Before she could knock on the door it had been opened by Letty, and she was standing beaming from ear to ear, welcoming the two of them in.

“Oh, Letty! What a wonderful house! It's like a picture book. I've always longed for a house with roses around the door. You are so lucky.”

“Come in, Rose! It was derelict when we bought it, and it took hours of work with damp-proof courses and septic tanks and new floorboards and things. It must have been two years before it was really habitable.”

“Well, it was well worth it. If it's not asking too much, may I look around before I leave? You know what we Americans are like about old houses.”

Letty visibly gathered herself before she agreed wholeheartedly that Rose could look around. It almost seemed to Rose that Letty found her request intrusive, so she thought to leave it for the moment.

“Can I put Jonathan down here? You haven't got a dog or a cat, have you?”

“No, we haven't and yes, of course you can. Isn't he beautiful?” Letty bent to stroke Jonathan's head. “So like Dan. I didn't like Dan when he first came, you know; in fact, I insisted he be dismissed.”

“I'm sorry. I didn't know. Do you like him now?”

“Oh yes. He's been a real asset to the practice. He's like me, you see; speaks straight from the shoulder, no messing. And like doesn't always get on with like, does it?”

“No, I suppose not. When you know Danny the way I do, you know he's pure gold.”

Letty looked Rose up and down. “I like your dress. You've an instinct for what suits, haven't you?”

“I guess I could lose some more weight, though; I can only just get into this dress. Specially round the top.”

“Sit down. You still look lovely. You always do. I'm envious of that.”

“Hey! This isn't a Rose Franklin-Brown admiration day. I want to know how
you
are. Last time we met I thought you weren't looking too well.”

“Kettle's boiled, I won't be a minute.”

Letty rushed to the kitchen, and Rose could hear her organizing cups and opening the fridge and pouring milk. In a moment she was back carrying a tray and placing it exactly in the middle of the coffee table. Jonathan began to gurgle again. “Sorry, this isn't one of his best days. Here, darling, have your comforter.” Rose popped his pacifier into his mouth, and Jonathan sucked loudly on it.

“You approve of pacifiers, then?”

“Oh yes. If he's unhappy, why not?”

“Lots of people don't.”

“Well, that's up to them. I've read all the books and then some, and I'm determined to do as I think fit. No milk for me, thanks.” Rose accepted her cup and sipped it gratefully. “This is lovely tea.” She stretched out her long, elegant legs under the coffee table, wriggled her shoulders to get more comfortable, and asked again how Letty was.

“Well, I'm no better. Can I confide in you?”

Rose nodded. “Confide away.” She gave Letty an encouraging smile.

“I mean really confide. I'm not really into confiding in women friends, but then I haven't got any. I'm not very good at women's chat, you know, all girls together.”

“Neither am I, but I'm a good listener.” She gave Letty a beautiful smile, the sort of smile that made Dan's heart go head over heels, and Letty began to relax. She drained her cup of tea in one go, dabbed her lips, laid down her napkin, placed her teacup and saucer on the coffee table exactly lined up with the tiles on the top, cleared her throat, fidgeted for her handkerchief, straightened her skirt, and then said so softly Rose could hardly hear, “I'm so afraid.”

Cautiously, fearing what she might be told, Rose asked, “You are? What of?”

“Either I've got something wrong with me, or I'm going quietly crackers.”

“You are?”

“I think I might be pregnant. I haven't told Colin; he won't like the idea, you know.”

“Won't like the idea! Of course he will. How can he not like it, a lovely man like Colin? He'll be thrilled.”

“But I can't be pregnant though, can I? I mean, after all these years. So I must be ill.
Cancer
or something.”

“Have you seen the doctor?”

“No. I daren't.”

“But you must.” Rose hesitated, thinking about how to phrase her next question. “Why do you think you're not pregnant and that it must be cancer?”

Letty flushed with embarrassment. “I've missed…you know…four times now, and I'm always so sick. Sometimes actually sick, but mostly feeling sick. Sometimes I retch and retch and nothing happens. It leaves me exhausted. I can't keep food down, and I could swear my stomach has swollen.”

“That sounds remarkably like being pregnant. But it's no good not knowing. What makes you say Colin will be angry? You've got to find out one way or the other. If you're not pregnant and it is something serious…they work wonders nowadays. It's no longer the death sentence it was, you know.” Then Rose remembered Nuala and could have bitten off her tongue. “I'll go with you to the doctor; either way you need a friend.”

Letty got out her handkerchief and blew her nose. “You see, Colin doesn't want children.”

“How do you know that?”

“He told me once. He said, ‘I do not want children. Our lives are perfectly satisfactory without children all over the place.' So he means it. How do you bring up a child when its father doesn't want it?” Letty looked up at Rose and almost pleaded for understanding.

“With difficulty, I should imagine. Dan and I…well, I know it sounds intensely coy and mushy, but we want to make babies together.
Our
babies, you know. Men are immensely proud when they've proved themselves to be male in every aspect. I honestly don't think you need worry about Colin. He may need time to become accustomed to the idea, but believe me, when he holds in his arms a child born of his flesh, the whole picture will change. He's such a caring man. Well, that's how he always seems to me.”

Letty didn't answer.

Rose tried to catch her eye. “Yes?”

“But if it's cancer…I've still got to tell him.”

“I guess that he'd rather hear about a baby than cancer. Which do you think would be the worst?”

Letty began to smile.

“I'd come with you to see the doctor.”

“Would you? Would you really? I could be brave if you were with me.”

“Make an appointment, let me know, and I'll come. Honest to God. I'll come.”

“I feel better already. It could be a week at least; you know what it's like getting a doctor's appointment these days. Unless you're actually dying…” Letty gave a single, painful sob, got things under control, then said, “I do appreciate your offering to come. I don't deserve it, really.”

“Of course you do, what the heck. I'll gladly go with you. In fact, ring right now.”

“No. I won't do that. I'll ring when you've gone.”

“No time like the present. Here.” Rose got her mobile out of her bag and pressing the appropriate keys had the phone ringing out sooner than it takes to tell.

“I can't. I can't.”

“Then shall I?”

Letty nodded.

“Hi! This is Rose Franklin-Brown speaking on behalf of Mrs. Letty Walker who is a patient of…?”

“Dr. Mason.”

“Dr. Mason. She urgently needs an appointment, but a proper one, none of this emergency business, two minutes and you're out with a prescription in your paw. This is a serious matter and needs instant medical appraisal. Next Friday? You mean Friday of this week? Oh! Friday of next week? It won't do.” Rose felt Letty pulling at her sleeve. “Just a moment.”

“Don't worry. Next Friday will do.”

Rose ignored Letty's plea. “If she were a dog I'm sure a vet would see her tomorrow, most likely today. I wonder if it would be better if she went to the vet instead? She'd at least get immediate attention.” There was a pause while Rose listened. “I'm not surprised; I don't find it funny either, believe me.
And I'm still waiting.
”

Rose sat listening to the muffled altercation going on at the other end of the line.

“Yes, it is urgent.” Rose listened and then said, “Her symptoms?” Rose's voice was full of apology. “I'm so sorry. I'd no idea I was speaking to a doctor. I do beg your pardon. Oh! You're not a doctor; then to whom am I speaking?” Rose winked at Letty. There was a pause while Rose listened and then Letty heard her say, “As you're not a qualified medical practitioner, I fail to see what telling you her symptoms will achieve. So
we're still waiting for an appointment.
Absolutely. Yes. Twenty minutes. Yes. Thank you.”

Full of dread, Letty looked at Rose.

“If we go now, you can be seen straightaway, and I guess that's what we should do. I'll drive. No, Letty, I know what you're going to say, but it's better to get it over with.” She scooped up Jonathan, now fast asleep, gave Letty's arm a squeeze, and said, “I know I'm inclined to hassle, but it's for the best, isn't it?”

Reluctantly Letty nodded. She would never have allowed Colin to take over the way she'd just allowed Rose.

“Purse, Letty.”

“Oh! Yes. I should have a bath or a shower or something before I go.”

“No time. I'm quite sure you're the cleanest possible person, so don't fret.” Rose gave Letty a reassuring grin and gently pushed her out of the door. “Keys?”

“Oh. Yes.”

Five minutes from the surgery Letty said, “I'm sure I'm troubling them for nothing. Let's go home. It's the menopause come early or something.”

“If it is, then at least you'll know for sure. But being sick all the time doesn't sound like it to me.” She stopped speaking while she negotiated a notoriously difficult traffic circle and then swung with practiced ease into a parking space right outside the surgery. “Right. Here we are. Wait while I get Jonathan out; it takes a minute.”

Letty, glad of any excuse to delay facing the truth, stood by the car twisting her hands in agitation, trying to think up good reasons why she shouldn't go in. Rose, sensing how very distressed she was and thinking she'd be just the same if it were her, heaved the baby carrier onto her arm and, putting on her encouraging face despite her dread, took hold of Letty's free arm and led her into the surgery. She whispered, “Sit down and make yourself look even more ghastly than you feel.”

At reception, Rose said, “I've brought Mrs. Letty Walker for her appointment with Dr. Mason.” The receptionist referred to the screen on the desk and with a condescending look on her face said, “I'm afraid you must have got the wrong day; there's no appointment down for her. I've just come on and no message was left for me to that effect.”

“She has an appointment because I have just made one over the phone. We were told to come straight in and we have done so.”

“Well, I'm sorry, but he hasn't any free appointments until next Friday. Can I make one for then?”

“No, you may not because we already have one. So get checking.”

Luckily at that moment Dr. Mason came out of his consulting room, couldn't miss seeing Rose, and almost rushed to greet her. “Mrs. Franklin-Brown! How wonderful to see you! How are you and the little babe?”

“Absolutely fine, thank you, Dr. Mason.”

He held out his hand to shake Rose's as though she were a long lost friend. “And what can I do for you?”

Pointing at Letty, Rose answered. “My friend here, Letty Walker, is your next appointment.”

The receptionist sprang to life. “I beg your pardon, she is not…” Then she shrank back in her chair, intimidated by the threatening look Rose had given her.

The welcoming smile slid from Dr. Mason's face. “Ah! Right. I don't think I have a free…”

Rose smiled sweetly at him, one of those dazzling smiles of hers that no one could resist, and he succumbed to her charms. “But perhaps I can fit her in. This way, Mrs. Walker.”

Patiently Rose waited for Letty to emerge from the consulting room. She occupied herself by looking around the room at the motley collection of people awaiting their turns, categorizing them and wondering what their complaints were. They all looked remarkably fit, and she came to the conclusion that half of them at least had minor ailments they could have treated at home. No wonder they said Letty couldn't have an appointment until the end of next week; the place was cluttered with malingerers.

Letty came into the waiting room, eyes red from weeping and grim faced. It wasn't until they were back in the car that she spoke. “Rose.”

Head down in the back of the car busy securing Jonathan's safety seat, Rose replied, “Mmm?”

“Rose. I've a card here to go for a scan…right now.”

The alarm bells began ringing in Rose's brain. For a moment she went quite still and then carefully closed the back door and swallowed hard. “You have?” Hoping it sounded much more casual than she felt.

“I'm supposed to go right now. But I think I'll leave it till tomorrow. There isn't time.”

That urgent? Hell! Rose thought. “Well, then we shall. If he's arranged it for you for today, we'd better go. Scan appointments are as rare as hen's teeth. They must have had a cancellation. You direct me.” She patted Letty's knee and then leaned across to give her a reassuring kiss.