Bulbury Knap Read online

  BULBURY KNAP

  BULBURY KNAP

  Sheila Spencer-Smith

  British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data available

  This eBook edition published by AudioGo Ltd, Bath, 2012.

  Published by arrangement with the Author.

  Epub ISBN 9781471300240

  U.K. Hardcover ISBN 978 1 408 44210 4

  U.K. Softcover ISBN 978 1 408 44211 1

  Copyright © Sheila Spencer-Smith, 2009

  All rights reserved.

  Jacket Illustration © iStockphoto.com

  CHAPTER ONE

  Kathryn, long hair swinging, turned from the open window of the small flat to check that her mother’s belongings were all on the bed waiting to be packed.

  ‘Why the sigh?’ asked Sarah briskly.

  Behind Kathryn the London traffic roared. She shut the window with a bang and at once the sound was muffled. ‘Oh Mum, Bulbury Knap is such a long way away. Are you sure you’re doing the right thing?’

  Sarah, busy folding clothes and placing them in her suitcase, looked supremely confident. ‘Of course, love. Haven’t I said so a thousand times?’

  Kathryn smiled, though her mouth felt stiff. ‘A hundred at least,’ she admitted. This was not the moment to voice lingering doubts about this place, Bulbury Knap. What if it was a complete dump, run down and impossible for one person to cope with? Mum hadn’t even seen it, for goodness’ sake, or met her prospective employers. Charming as this great-nephew sounded from what Mum said when he interviewed her on their behalf he wasn’t going to be at Bulbury Knap all the time. And why the haste in getting her down to Dorset? Suppose there was some dark reason for his hurry?

  But it was too late to change anything now and all she could do was help clear up the flat and offer to see Mum safely on to the coach for the West Country.

  ‘I still can’t get my head round it,’ said Kathryn. ‘It’s all happened so quickly. One minute you’re working for your old lady, the next she’s whisked off to a residential home by her family leaving you jobless. Then you’re heading out of London to work in a place miles away from anywhere.’

  ‘Stop worrying, love,’ Sarah said gently. ‘Think how lovely the countryside will look now it’s springtime. And Sir Edwin and Lady Hewson sound charming people from what the nephew said. They’re anxious to stay in their own place and just need somebody to keep an eye on them and see to the house.’ She closed the lid of her suitcase and zipped it up with a flourish. ‘There, that’s done. And we’ve plenty of time for a cuppa before you drive me to the coach station.’

  As they sat side by side in the living room drinking tea, Kathryn began at last to be affected with her mother’s enthusiasm. Bulbury Knap was in a part of the country where Mum’s father had been evacuated to as a child during the Second World War. He’d taken his family on holiday there. The place had memories for Mum, for goodness’ sake. Of course it was the right thing for her to do.

  ‘I’m not the only employee down at Bulbury Knap,’ Sarah said. ‘There’s an estate manager who looks after the grounds, Michael Carey by name. A bit of a bossy boots from what the nephew said.’

  ‘They don’t get on?’

  Sarah frowned. ‘It seems not. The nephew doesn’t like him, for sure. He didn’t say why but he gave a strong impression he’d like to give him his marching orders. But Michael’s well in with Sir Edwin apparently. Takes him about a bit. Lady Hewson likes him too.’

  ‘Intriguing.’

  Sarah shrugged. ‘Oh well, the house will be my province and there’ll be plenty there to keep me occupied. I’m looking forward to it.’

  ‘Does this Michael Carey live in?’

  ‘The nephew was very cagey when it came to talking about him so I didn’t pursue it. I’ll find out soon enough, I expect.’

  Kathryn got up and collected the mugs to carry them through to the kitchen.

  ‘Sir Edwin and Lady Hewson open the place to the public during the summer months, I gather,’ said Sarah, following her and picking up a tea towel.

  ‘What?’

  ‘The house, Bulbury Knap.’

  ‘They do?’

  ‘Garden clubs mostly. As well as looking round the grounds the members get the run of the house too. I’ll enjoy that. It’ll be interesting meeting people.’

  ‘Of course it will,’ Kathryn said. ‘I’m pleased for you, Mum, really I am. They’re going to be lucky having you as their housekeeper.’

  * * *

  Kathryn’s eyes were moist as the coach turned the corner and she could see it no more.

  Feeling suddenly bereft, she headed for the nearest café. She needed time to come to terms with Mum’s departure before returning to the flat to check that all was in order for the next tenant.

  Seated at a table in the window, she clicked on her mobile and rang her sister’s number. To her surprise her brother-in-law answered. ‘Dan? Is anything wrong?’

  ‘Helen’s in bed, feeling a bit under the weather. Nothing to worry about.’ His voice sounded anxious and far away.

  Well, Cornwall was far away. Not so far from Dorset, though, where Mum was heading. One of the bonuses for Sarah taking the job was to be nearer her pregnant daughter.

  ‘Helen’s going to be all right?’

  ‘Asleep, I think, or you could talk to her. I’ll get her to ring you back. The doctor says everything’s fine. Just has to take life easy with no worries.’

  ‘You’re at home at the moment?’

  ‘I’ve got the afternoon off so I can meet Jamie from school. A good thing the weekend’s coming up. She’ll be fine, Kathryn.’

  ‘Could you tell her I’ve just seen Mum off on the coach for Dorset?’

  ‘Will do. Take care.’

  ‘You too, Dan. I’ll be in touch.’

  Later, Kathryn unlocked the door of her own flat with a feeling of relief. She would have a shower and get herself down to the restaurant to spend the evening in Nick’s company. This wasn’t one of her nights for working there but it would be good to see him.

  Eyes closed, she let the warm water flow over her body. Kathryn smiled. Letting the strain of these last few days stream away was wonderful.

  At last she stepped out and reached for her bath sheet, rubbing herself dry with increasing vigour so that her skin glowed. Since she wasn’t due to be working in the restaurant this evening she chose to wear her new jeans with a soft olive-green top, her colour of the moment.

  She went downstairs. The Green Walnut Tree wasn’t busy tonight. Good, that meant Nick, as owner-manager, wouldn’t be heavily involved and perhaps not busy at all. Some of the tables were occupied but most were still in their pristine condition waiting for diners who might come later or might not come at all. She and Nick would have time to talk and catch up on things.

  Kathryn pushed open the door and went inside. Soft classical music floating in the warm air and the murmur of voices were welcoming. She saw the flash of green and white as one of the waitresses vanished through the serving door, a hint of roast lamb aroma floating into the room as she did so. Bella, the new waitress, greeted her.

  ‘Seen Nick about?’ Kathryn asked.

  Bella hesitated, glancing swiftly at the door that led into the passage on the other side of the room. ‘Nick’s not here,’ she said.

  Kathryn smiled at her. Not quite the question she had asked, but never mind. She walked across the room to the door at the far side. This led to Nick’s office and a couple of the rooms used for storage.

  She heard the voices as she walked down the passage. Afterwards she thought she should have been warned, but nothing prepared her for the shock when she opened the office door.

  ‘Nick!’ she cried, her voice strangled. She should have kept
quiet, crept out of the room again and pretended she had seen nothing. That way she could have walked back through the restaurant, smiling at Bella with her pride intact.

  Nick and Anna sprang apart.

  Even then Kathryn’s mind couldn’t quite take in what she was seeing. She was unable to move for the time it took Anna to button her white blouse and straighten her skirt.

  Kathryn raised her eyes and looked at Nick. Suddenly she could see exactly how it was, how it had been between him and his head waitress for some weeks past. Often there had been a certain stillness between the two of them, a feeling of communication without anything being said that hadn’t disturbed Kathryn at the time but she now knew was significant. She should have known.

  * * *

  The phone rang.

  Nick of course, Kathryn let it ring but then could stand it no longer and rushed to pick up the receiver.

  ‘We’ve got to talk,’ he said, his voice hoarse.

  She almost laughed and the sound came out as a strangled sob. ‘How long has this been going on, Nick?’

  ‘I can’t leave the restaurant at the moment,’ he said.

  Well no, she supposed he couldn’t but where did that leave her? No way was she going to return to The Green Walnut Tree and see Bella’s pitying looks. How long had Bella known, had everybody known except herself? She imagined them talking about her, wondering what Nick had seen in her when the gorgeous Anna was working with him in close proximity five days a week. Now they would know he had thought her gorgeous too.

  ‘Stay there,’ he ordered. ‘I’ll come when we close.’

  And when would that be, midnight? She had a teaching job tomorrow. ‘I’m going to bed,’ she said. ‘I’ve an early start in the morning.’

  ‘Don’t you want us to get this sorted out?’

  ‘What is there to sort out?’ she asked crisply. ‘It’s finished between us, Nick. I can see that. Finished.’ She managed to get the last word out without breaking down but it was a struggle. Not wanting to risk her voice any more, she put the phone down and then stood with her hand pressing on the receiver as if she expected it to bob up again.

  He didn’t try to ring again and Kathryn knew he would wait until tomorrow and then come up with some excellent excuse for what had happened. An unpaid navvy, that’s what she had been, helping out in The Green Walnut Tree whenever she could. What a fool. But not any more.

  * * *

  Kathryn woke late. She was due at Meadowland Primary at eight-thirty and it was now eight o’clock. She tried not to panic as she grabbed her clothes and threw them on. No time for even a cup of tea. She had to hit the road immediately. She hated cutting it fine like this but at least it gave her no time to think of the events of yesterday evening. Her personal feelings must remain hidden for the time being for the sake of the children she would be with today.

  Head held high, she walked through the noisy playground and entered the building.

  There were times during the busy day when the agony threatened to surface in spite of her resolve and the effort of keeping it hidden was acute. She wondered that no one noticed.

  When at last she was free to leave she almost ran out of the building to reach the seclusion of her car, glad that the traffic was heavy and the drive home needed all her attention. She half-dreaded that Nick would be on the doorstep waiting for her, but there was no-one there. He would come later, she was sure, but in the meantime she would have something to eat and drink and fortified, be prepared to stand her ground and finish with him.

  The bell rang at eight o’clock. Kathryn pressed the button to release the lock on the outside door and waited, heart thudding. Nick came in slowly and looked pale as she felt she did herself. His usual immaculate look had gone and in its place was a scruffy stranger she no longer wanted anything to do with.

  ‘I can explain,’ he said when he reached her.

  ‘No way,’ she said. ‘I’m glad I’ve found out at last. There’s nothing to be said, Nick. I don’t want to see you again, ever. This is how it is.’

  He said nothing. Had he tried to persuade her to change her mind she might have succumbed. As it was she just wished he would go away and leave her alone. When he did, at last, she went at once to bed, glad to hide her head beneath the duvet and give herself up to grief for the loss of someone she thought had cared.

  Much later she woke with a start. It was dark now and still windy. She switched on the bedside lamp. She hadn’t heard from Mum to say she’d arrived safely at Bulbury Knap. She looked at her watch. Five minutes past midnight.

  Maybe Mum had phoned Helen but it was too late now to check. In any case it might not be a good idea to worry Helen if she hadn’t. No doubt there was some simple explanation.

  Early next morning Kathryn telephoned Bulbury Knap. The ringing tone seemed to go on for ever. No answerphone there then. Maybe Mum was working in another part of the house out of earshot. Odd, though. You would think that since bookings would have to be taken for visiting groups that several telephones would be strategically placed throughout the building. Surprising that Mum hadn’t got this organised already.

  The receiver was picked up at the other end with a crackling sound. No one said anything.

  ‘May I speak to Mrs Sarah Marshall?’ Kathryn said. ‘I’m her daughter phoning from London,’

  A gasp came down the line and the sound of some muttering.

  Startled, Kathryn spoke more sharply than she intended. ‘Is everything all right?’

  A quavering male voice answered her. ‘Who did you say you were, my dear?’

  This was worrying. Unless he was hard of hearing and hadn’t picked up what she had said. In that case why was he answering the telephone?

  ‘I’m Mrs Marshall’s daughter,’ she said loudly and slowly. ‘Is my mother there? Can I speak to her, please?’

  ‘Well no, my dear. I’m afraid that’s not possible.’

  ‘Not possible?’

  ‘I regret I’m not able to grant your request at the present moment.’

  The voice on the other end sounded faint now and she had difficulty in picking up what he was saying. With a jolt she realised she was probably speaking to Sir Edwin Hewson of Bulbury Knap himself. She took a deep breath. ‘Is there anyone there who could tell me?’

  ‘I’m so sorry, my dear. This is a bad line. I’m speaking from Bulbury Knap, Edwin Hewson. How can I help you?’

  ‘My mother, Mrs Marshall …’

  ‘We haven’t seen Mrs Marshall,’ Sir Edwin said, suddenly loud and clear.

  The receiver trembled in Kathryn’s hand. ‘You mean, my mother didn’t arrive at Bulbury Knap on Thursday?’

  ‘No, my dear,’ he said. ‘Mrs Marshall didn’t arrive when she was expected and there was no message.’

  Kathryn replaced the receiver. Her instinct was to jump in the car immediately and head for Dorset but there were phone calls to be made first. Should she notify the police?

  Early as it was Helen would be having breakfast with young Jamie in far-away Cornwall. She must take care not to alarm her sister too much at this stage.

  She tried her mother’s mobile again. There was no response.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Kathryn had memorised the way she should go when it was time to turn off the A35 but somehow the narrow high-banked Dorset lane was bending the wrong way. Her impulsiveness in rushing down to the West Country was likely to get her into trouble if she wasn’t careful. She was making a poor show in solving the mystery stuck here in this horribly remote place.

  Suppose she hadn’t done the right thing, as well, in keeping Helen in the dark? How fair was that? At least she had contacted the police before she left even though they hadn’t got back in touch with her yet. She had phoned the coach company, too, but no suitcase had been handed in to lost property. Had Mum simply failed to get back on the coach after one of the stops?

  She came to a crossroads and slowed to read the unfamiliar place names. They were no help at
all unless she consulted her road atlas. She drew into a gateway and pulled the map out. Before she could open it she became aware that a vehicle had pulled up alongside her, a four-wheel drive that completely blocked the lane.

  The driver wound down the window on her side and ran his hand through his mop of fair hair.

  ‘Can I help?’ he asked, his voice deep and reassuring.

  She opened her window too. ‘I’m looking for a place called Bulbury Knap,’ she said. ‘Near Willowdown.’

  His eyes narrowed. ‘Bulbury Knap?’

  ‘Yes,’ said Kathryn. ‘Well, that is … I’m looking for my mother.’

  ‘She didn’t give you the precise directions?’

  ‘She couldn’t.’ Her voice wavered as she sensed his obvious suspicion. ‘It’s … it’s not her fault. I’m Kathryn Marshall.’

  He nodded and she saw recognition dawn. ‘Ah, Mrs Marshall, the new housekeeper?’

  ‘You’ve met my mother?’ Hope rose and then was as quickly dashed.

  ‘I’ve been away for a few days. Are you expected?’

  ‘I think so. I don’t know. She didn’t arrive at Bulbury Knap and I don’t know where she is.’ To Kathryn’s horror her lips trembled.

  ‘But you’ve spoken to Sir Edwin?’ His tone was matter of fact.

  She gulped and nodded. ‘I thought the best thing was to come down but now I’m lost.’

  He cast a severe look at her. ‘So you’ve travelled all the way down from London to find her when you know she’s not at Bulbury Knap?’

  Put like that it sounded irresponsible and she could see that he thought so by his frown. ‘I had to come. I’m so worried. I saw her on the coach on Thursday, you see, and there’s been no word from her.’

  ‘Well follow me. It’s not far.’

  There was a loud tooting from behind and at once his vehicle sprang to life and he moved on. Letting the car behind pass, Kathryn followed. There was nothing else to do in her predicament. The lane twisted and turned, passing road junctions half-hidden behind high hedges.

  At last she found herself driving behind him down a narrow high-banked lane. A sharp turn left took them into an unfenced drive. The expanse of grass on either side was dotted with huge bare-branched oak trees. At the bottom Kathryn saw a house of warm stone whose mullioned windows gleamed in the sunshine.