Day One - Thursday 11th February
Victoria Williams enjoyed a successful career in publishing, due to her diligence and hard work.
And she had arrived in her thirties with her integrity, looks and figure intact, but she still lived a solitary existence and took her holidays alone.
She had friends a plenty and an abundance of family whom by and large she adored but the one thing that had eluded her was a lasting romantic attachment.
It certainly wasn’t by design or for the want of trying but it amounted to a failure in her book.
So this year she had decided to draw a line under any romantic expectations she may once have had.
Victoria had turned 31 in January and disillusioned and disappointed with love she was determined to escape any further disappointment in the romance department and as yet another Valentine’s day was looming large on the horizon she vowed that this year would be different.
She persuaded a group of girlfriends of like mind and in a similar position to her own, a mixture of singles and divorcées to meet up for a kind of anti-valentines weekend.
It was Victoria’s oldest friend Catherine Lowis who had suggested Teardrop Lake as the venue.
She was a Police Officer and her and her partner PC Ian Jennings had been on a domestic violence shout in the area a year or so before.
Which was how he met his fiancée Kate who lived on the lake.
Catherine had subsequently been invited to several events in and around the Lake since and she had rather fallen in love with the place.
She booked them all into the Shallowfield Lodge Hotel for a four day weekend from the 11th to the 16th of February and were assured there would be no St Valentine’s Day nonsense.
Victoria and Cathy set off on Thursday morning and drove down together through the pouring rain in complete silence until at lunchtime they reached the outskirts of Shallowfield.
“Is this going to be a complete washout Cath?” she asked
“Are you having second thoughts Vic?” she replied
“Aren’t you?”
“Just wait until you see the lake” Cathy said brightly even though she was doubtful herself about the sanity of their decision but she wasn’t prepared to admit that to Victoria.
They pulled into the lane leading towards the lake and the heavens really opened.
“Jesus” Victoria exclaimed and stopped the car “Let’s call it off”
“Nonsense” Catherine said “We’re here now”
“Drive on” she added and pointed
By the time they reached the car park the deluge had abated and when they got out of the car the sky had even brightened a little.
Catherine Lowis was a skinny freckly girl of about 5 ft. 8 inches tall and weighed in at about nine stone.
When she was working she looked about three stone heavier in her police stab vest and utility belt.
But in civilian dress she had a lovely figure and wearing her straw coloured hair down instead of tied in a bun made her look very pretty.
Victoria Williams was neat and slim with a dark complexion, brown eyes and short dark bobbed hair and she was shorter than her friend.
“Ok” she said looking out across the lake “this isn’t so bad”
As they stood there admiring the view they were brought back to the moment by the sound of a car horn.
They turned around to see Simone Guiver grinning through her side window and Elaine Browning waving from the passenger side.
The four women all knew each other from University. Simone was a tall busty black woman with a loud voice and gregarious personality.
But Elaine Browning was as different from her friend as chalk and cheese she was a quiet mouse of a woman, skinny and flat chested with red head.
Simone was a secondary school teacher and Elaine owned an Antique shop.
But one thing they very definitely had in common however was their divorcee status.
It was perhaps appropriate that the other two women arrived much later in the day as they had both joined the group much later than the others.
Clare Wappat and Katie Deighton had been friends since childhood and had over the years been absorbed into the fabric of the group.
Clare was also a police officer and trained with Catherine Lowis, she was very petite with long blonde hair and Catherine had introduced her to the others.
Katie Deighton, a tall willowy brunette divorcee and a successful solicitor, met Victoria Williams when her firm was doing some legal work at her publishers.
And during that time they recognized each other as kindred spirits and struck up a lasting friendship.
When Victoria introduced her to the group she was surprised and delighted to see Clare was there too.
They all met at the bar that evening and then walked into Shallowfield for dinner at the Phoenix restaurant and ended the night in the bar at the Shallowfield Lodge.
It was the first time they had all been together in the same place at the same time for about 5 years but it was as if they hadn’t been apart for more than a day.
Although the six women were all so different, professionally and personality wise they gelled instantly to form a lasting and deepening friendship which had endured.
Day Two - Friday 12th February
At the meal a great deal of wine was consumed and even more followed it in the hotel bar so as a result only Catherine and Clare made it down for breakfast the next morning.
With them both being in the police they were well accustomed to keeping irregular hours and early starts in particular and they learnt never to forgo a cooked breakfast.
After their third cup of coffee and when it became apparent the others weren’t going to appear before lunch Catherine said
“Let’s go for a walk around the lake”
“What about the others?” Clare asked
“We can leave them a message and then meet up with them later” Cathy said
So after a quick visit to the loo they left a with Sheryl Brown note at the front desk and set off on their walk.
It was a beautiful morning and was such a contrast to the day before and only the abundance of puddles bore testimony to the deluge of the previous afternoon.
They splashed their way along the northern perimeter road admiring the views
“So which one of these gaffs does Ian Jennings girlfriend live in?”
PC Ian Jennings was Catherine’s partner and was engaged to a local nurse called Kate Marston.
She lived in Dancingdean Hall which was once the residence of the Earls of Dancingdean but that line of aristocracy had long since died out and the hall was now divided into 6 spacious apartments.
“It’s at the top of this hill” she replied pointing “and the view across the lake from there is just amazing”
It was a bit of a slog up the hill and they were more than a little out of breath when they got there.
They stood panting by the gate of the property and Catherine asked
“Shall we go and say hello?”
“Well I could use a cuppa” Clare said
“I could use a pee” Catherine said “so let’s go then”
They set off along the drive which meandered through the trees and as they rounded the final turn they spotted two men leaving the main doors.
“Good morning” Catherine called
“Morning” a tall dark man replied
“Is Kate at home” she asked
“She’s at work” the other man said “Won’t we do?”
“Unfortunately not, but you could let her know that Catherine called round and that I’m staying at the Lodge” she said
“How long for?” the dark man asked
“Until Tuesday” Clare replied
“Well we might get to see you again then” the other man mused
“Maybe” Catherine said coyly and she and Clare said goodbye
“He was lovely” Clare said
“Yes he was” Catherine replied looking back at the other one
“But that’s not why we’re here is it” Clare said
“No, no its not, so why are we here again?” Catherine asked
“Good food, wine, fresh air and exercise” Clare reminded her
“Oh yes I remember”
“He was nice though” Clare said
“Your one was a doctor I think” Catherine informed her
“What was the other one?” she asked
“A wrestler I hope” Catherine replied “all oiled up and grapply”
They both laughed
“But that’s not why we’re here” Clare said
“You are absolutely correct” she responded “which is a shame”
“I’ll say” Clare added and they both laughed again.
“No don’t make me laugh” Catherine said “I still need to pee”
Catherine was quite correct in her observation the dark man was indeed a Doctor.
Doctor Alastair Phillips to be precise, and at 33 years old he was the younger of the two men by a year, he was tall and dark with classic good looks.
But the other man was not a wrestler, he was another Doctor, Paul Blair, he was short and stocky with close cropped orange hair.
“They were corkers” Paul said
“Just what the doctor ordered” Alastair concurred
“Perhaps we should pay them a visit at the Lodge over the weekend” Paul suggested
“That’s a great idea doctor” Alistair agreed
When Victoria and Katie arrived downstairs at the hotel they were given Catherine’s message.
Victoria was going to meet up with the early birds but Katie elected not to join her, due to a particularly savage hangover.
Day Two - Friday 12th February
Catherine’s note said that they were walking clockwise around the lake so Victoria rushed out of the Hotel to join the others and followed the southern road so she would intercept them.
She was hurrying because, although she wouldn’t admit it, she was a bit scared of the woods as they were very thick and she didn’t have a clue where she was going.
All of a sudden a bird took flight from the undergrowth and startled her.
She instinctively turned her head in the direction of the sound while hurrying along on her way, which was when she twisted her ankle.
As luck would have it a cyclist appeared around the corner as she sat on the verge rubbing her ankle and feeling sorry for herself.
“Are you ok?” he asked removing his ear pieces
“I’ve twisted my ankle” she replied
He dismounted and asked
“Can you stand?”
“I don’t know” she replied
As he helped her to her feet, she was assessing him, she thought he was very good looking even sweaty and spattered with mud.
“Can you put your weight on it?” he asked
She tried and winced with pain
“Ok just lean on me for a moment” he suggested and she dutifully obliged
“Are you staying at the lodge?” he asked
“Yes”
“Ok let’s sit you on the bike and I’ll wheel you to the Hotel” he suggested
“Are you sure? That’s very kind of you” Victoria said
“No problem” he said
“Are you staying long?”
“Until Tuesday” Victoria replied
“Are you here for a romantic getaway?” he asked hoping the answer would be no
“No not at all” she replied
“I’m here with a bunch of girlfriends”
“Really” he said quietly relieved
When they got to the lodge he helped her off the bike and supported her as he walked her slowly to the front door.
“I think I’ll be fine from here” she said stoically
“If you’re quite sure” he said
She nodded her acquiescence
“Ok then” he said in response to her nod “take care of that ankle”
“Yes I will …., I’m sorry I don’t know your name”
“It’s Matt”
“Well thank you Matt, I’m Victoria”
“Well you take care Victoria”
His full name was Matt Addison and he was staying at Tower House with his Uncle and Aunt and their family.
He was an ex-soldier in his early thirties and he had served 9 years with the Downshire Light Infantry.
And when he got out of the army he needed to find a new career so he began working for the family Bakery business.
Like all of the Addison’s he was learning the business from the bottom up and he was being used as a goffer as well as helping his cousin Nick in the Shallowfield shop.
She watched him walk back to his bike and she thought he looked as good from behind as he did from the front and she smiled.
He mounted his bike and then he turned and gave her a wave before peddling away.
When he was gone she ran and skipped across reception and up to her room.
The walk into the village had been very beneficial for her hangover but she still purchased a remedy or two and after she had been to the chemist, Katie Deighton, ever the one for networking decided, to drop a business card into some of the local businesses, not that she really needn’t the business, it was just force of habit.
Her last port of call was Lyndon-Sanders Properties where she met the man himself, William Lyndon-Sanders.
He was in his early to mid-thirties and was best described as dapper, and he had clearly spent more on the suit he was wearing than was really decent.
But Katie liked it and she liked the look of him in it.
In his business impressions were very important and he was very impressed with the beautiful willowy brunette seated before him.
“How may I help?” he asked
“I’m staying locally for the weekend so I thought I would do a little networking while I was here” She said and handed him her card
He looked at the card and smiled
“Well Katie I can see you are a woman after my own heart” William said
“Perhaps we could discuss it further over dinner while you’re here, we have some very fine restaurants in the area”
“That would be really nice” replied Katie genuinely
“But I’m here with my girlfriends for the weekend and it’s supposed to be a girl’s only weekend, I could be flayed alive just for talking to you”
“Well we wouldn’t want that” he said and they both laughed
“Perhaps we could arrange something after the weekend then, at a mutually convenient time” he suggested hopefully and offered her his card.
She took it and said
“I will look forward to that”
Katie walked back from Shallowfield and was just approaching the Lodge when she spotted Catherine and Clare coming the other way
“Where’s Victoria?” Katie asked
“We haven’t seen her” Clare replied
“Well she went off up that way looking for you” she said “I hope she hasn’t got lost”
The three of them walked the rest of the way to the Hotel together and they found Victoria sitting in the lounge with Simone and Elaine who had only just surfaced, and the three of them were drinking coffee.
“I thought you were walking up to meet these two” Katie said
“I twisted my ankle” Victoria replied
“Really?” Katie asked “Are you ok?”
“I am now” she replied
“How far did you get?” Catherine asked with concern
“About a hundred yards” she replied sheepishly
“You are such an adventurer Vic” Clare said and they all laughed
That evening they ate a quiet meal at the Hotel and limited their drinking, well compared to the night before anyway, and then they had an early night.
Day Three Saturday Morning 13th February
After having moderated their drinking on Friday night and having had an early night, they were all up for breakfast on Saturday morning and all consumed a hearty full English.
Over coffee they discussed what they wanted to do for the day armed with a map of the area.
The Lake was shaped like a teardrop, hence its name, and was surrounded by the ancient woodland of the Dancingdean Forest.
It wasn’t a huge body of water, just over two miles long and almost a mile at its widest point.
The Lake and the surrounding woodland was privately owned and divided into twelve parcels each with one significant dwelling although there were a number of cottages dotted around the woods as well, some in use and some not.
It was both idyllic and peaceful, there was little or no noise pollution and although the lake was used there no speed boats or jet skis only rowing boats, canoes, dinghies and skiffs.
There were also a number of places of interest, two Folly’s, a Watch tower, Olwen’s Chapel, a waterfall, brooks, streams, a 16th Century Bridge and lovers leap.
The Hotel proprietor, Sheryl Brown, told them when she brought more coffee that the forecast was for another mild fine day with a light breeze on the Lake, rain was forecast for the next day so it was a good day to be out and about.
On hearing that Clare and Catherine decided they would avail themselves of one of the Hotels Dinghies and go sailing on the lake.
Vic and Katie weren’t strong swimmers so didn’t fancy that at all but thought that lover’s leap would be worth seeing.
While Simone and Elaine wanted to spend the morning exploring the Chapel and the falls.
So they all went their separate ways and agreed to meet back at the Lodge for Lunch.
Victoria really wanted a bike ride but Katie hadn’t ridden since she was 12 years old and even then she fell off.
So they settled on walking instead and it was Victoria who led the way and strode off in the direction she had gone the day before, hoping she might meet her gallant cyclist again.
“Where are you going?” Katie called “it’s this way”
“Oh, is it” she said and then cursed under her breath.
They followed the northern perimeter road which lead up a long gently incline as it climbed up above the cliffs.
As they approached the point where the road crossed over the brook a car drove over the brow of the hill ahead of them and as it got closer she noticed the driver was her gallant cyclist from the day before, Matt.
A smile appeared on his face as he recognised her and as he came to a halt he wound down the window
”Hi Victoria” he said “how’s the ankle?”
“Its fine thank you” she replied and Katie gave her a look
“I’ll keep walking and you can catch me up” Katie said and smiled at the unknown man.
“Ok” she replied without averting her eyes from the prize.
“So no bike today” she said
“No I have some errands to run” he said
“So I’ll go out this afternoon instead”
Victoria nodded sagely in response
“We could go together if you like” he suggested knowing they had guest bikes at the Hotel.
“Yes I’d like that” she replied
“Great, do you want to meet at the Hotel?”
“No” she said sharply “I’ll meet you here by the bridge”
“Ok here at two then” he said
“I’ll see you then” Victoria said
He finally got on his way ten minutes later.
Day Three Saturday Morning 13th February
Katie had trudged along the Lane on her own and as she reached the top her attention was attracted to the sound of someone hacking about in some shrubbery nearby.
She cautiously approached and discovered on closer inspection it was William Lyndon-Sanders red faced and sweating.
“What on earth are you doing in there?” She said and laughed at the state of him.
“Croquet” he said
“Is that a swear word around here?” Katie asked
“No I was practising for next month’s croquet match” he explained “I hit a scatter shot and one of the blasted balls ended up in this mess, ah there’s the bugger”
“Do you have a croquet lawn then?” she asked
“Yes” he said in a way that queried “doesn’t everyone”
“How posh” Katie said
“It’s a very technical game you know” he said enthusiastically “And it can be quite nasty”
“Really?” she said in disbelief
“It’s quite thuggish to be honest” William said
“You have to have a mixture of skill and spite and possess a ruthless streak” he said
“And do you?” Katie asked
“I’m in property” he replied
He looked at his watch and said
“It’s a bit early but why don’t you come in and have a spot of brunch?”
“I can’t I’m afraid I’m lunching with the girls”
“Afternoon tea then” he suggested
“Afternoon tea? Yes that would be lovely”
Because it was the first mild sunny day of the year there were a number of boats out on the water that day, local artist Danny Pellegrino was sat sketching while his wife Penny was at the tiller.
The Famous film director Peter Lutchford and his wife Claire,
Peter’s actress sister Amanda and her friend and fellow thespian Tamsin and of course the stalwart Coleman Bowers in the hotel skiff delivering mail.
Catherine was the experienced sailor of the two so she took the tiller and Clare just went along for the ride, they noticed there were a number of other craft about but didn’t know who any of the occupants were apart from Coleman because he was the odd job man at the hotel.
They had been out for about an hour when they spotted another dinghy which appeared to be on the same tack as them but was making better headway.
On closer inspection Catherine realised it was the Doctor and the Wrestler from the day before.
“We’ve got company” Catherine shouted
“Oh good, yummy pirates” Clare said in a lecherous manner.
When they were a few lengths astern of them Catherine let her sail go slack and a few moments later the other boat did the same and they came along side.
“Hi” Alastair said from the tiller “we’ve been looking for you”
“Really” Clare said
“Yes we went to the Hotel and Sheryl said you were on the water” Paul said “so we went home a got the boat”
“Now you’ve found us what do you suggest we do?” Catherine asked the other captain
“We could change crew” he suggested
“What a great idea” Catherine said and was about to give Clare the heads up just as her friends was literally jumping ship.
Once aboard she relieved Paul who was holding the two craft together and he stepped effortlessly from one boat to the next.
“We need to be back at the Lodge by 1 o’clock” she said to Alastair.
“Aye, aye captain” he said and pushed off.
They spent the next hour and a half racing up and down the lake until they both came to a halt alongside the Hotel jetty.
“That was fun” Clare said as she stepped onto terra firma
“We can do it again after lunch” Alastair said
“Or we could go out in skiff instead” Paul suggested
“That sounds good” Catherine replied
“We’ll pick you up at two” Paul said as the dinghy drifted away
“Make it 2.30” Catherine shouted and then her and Clare waved them off.
“What’s a skiff?” Clare asked
Day Three Saturday Afternoon 13th February
Miraculously everyone made it back to the hotel in time for lunch and they all contributed excitedly to the conversation with everyone enthusing on their various adventures.
“You would not believe the view from lovers leap” Victoria said “it was absolutely breath-taking”
Of course nobody told the whole truth about what they had been doing.
And trying to decide among them on the content of the afternoon’s adventures proved to be as difficult as nailing jelly to a tree.
Everyone had different ideas on what they wanted to do and no one could agree so that particular discussion just petered out but they did at least agree on dinner in Purplemere at a restaurant called the Runcible Spoon.
After lunch everyone returned to their rooms as the clock struck two, though Victoria was barely in hers for more than 5 minutes and was the first one downstairs.
She quickly sought out one of the Hotel bikes and a rather un-fetching helmet and pedalled off at breakneck speed to the rendezvous.
Katie was next about ten minutes later and left the building in a rather surreptitiously melodramatic manner baring all the hallmarks of a character from a second rate 1950s spy film, looking furtive and shifty and was constantly looking over her shoulder making sure no one was following.
Simone and Elaine came down after that and set off into the direction of the same section of woods they were in all morning the only difference between after lunch was that Simone appeared to be carrying a picnic blanket.
Finally dead on the stroke of the half hour Catherine and Clare with their blonde hair dancing about their shoulders went rushing out the door.
Although the weather wasn’t warm enough for anything too revealing they did at least go for more feminine apparel than they had on earlier in the day.
“Sorry I’m late” Victoria panted as she pedaled up the incline.
“That’s ok” he said “it was worth the wait”
Victoria actually blushed a little which under normal conditions would have been cute but instead it just looked like exertion.
“Are you ready for some more hill?” he asked
“Yes I’m tougher than I look” Victoria replied
They ended up at Lovers Leap sitting on the promontory chatting.
She didn’t have the heart to tell him she’d already been up there once that day.
And anyway if she hadn’t already been there she wouldn’t have known how much more enjoyable it was to be there with him.
As Katie began the slow climb up the hill she could just make out a couple of cyclists at the top of the hill they were too far away for her to identify them and in a second they had disappeared.
She too was dressed in more feminine attired she had on a wool dress and black tights.
Slightly less fetching were the trainers on her feet but she had a pair of flat shoes in her bag which she planned to change into on his driveway.
Day Three Saturday Afternoon 13th February
When Catherine and Clare got to the jetty the Doctors were already waiting for them.
“Wow you two look lovely” Paul said
“Knock out” Alastair agreed
The girls didn’t say anything they just looked at each other they’d heard plenty of soft soap in their time, only time would tell if they’d just had a fresh dose or not.
Their skiff was tied alongside the jetty and Alastair was stood in it waiting to help them in and Paul was on the jetty waiting to untie the line.
It was about 20ft long and capable of holding more than the four of them it had two sets of double seats facing each other, one at the stern and one in the middle which were obviously the ones they intended to use the remainder was covered by a Tonneau cover.
Alastair took Clare’s hand and helped her into the boat and guided her into the stern seat, then he did the same for Catherine but seated her opposite her friend.
Alastair then sat next to Clare and steadied the skiff while Paul untied the line and stepped in.
Paul then pushed away from the jetty as Alastair started the motor he then reached under the tonneau and retrieved a couple of car rugs.
“Here we are, in case you get cold” he said and handed one to each of the girls.
The ever resourceful Paul also produce tea, coffee and hot chocolate in flasks.
As soon as Katie stepped on to the driveway she paused and changed her shoes, then she attended to her makeup before continuing up to the house.
She knocked on the door and it was opened almost immediately by William who looked even more dapper than he did earlier.
“Ah Katie” he said “do come in”
“Thank you William” she said
“I think its warm enough to sit on the terrace” he said
“But if you get chilly we can come back inside”
After an hour on the water the sun began to sink in the sky and it soon became apparent that not even the rugs and hot beverages were going to stave off the chill so they put in at the east end of the lake and walked up to Dancingdean Hall.
Where the girls gratefully accepted an invitation to Alastair’s flat to enjoy his hospitality, he had cocktails in mind but the girls just needed to pee.
They did however stay for one drink, and then Paul kindly offered to drive them back to the hotel.
Simone and Elaine were the first two back to the Hotel and went straight upstairs to get ready.
It was after dark when Victoria got back to the Hotel and she was spattered from head to toe in mud but she was grinning from ear to ear.
William dropped Katie off on the Shallowfield side of the Hotel and she reentered the building in the same surreptitious and melodramatic manner in which she left it, keeping in the shadows until the course was clear.
“Thank you for a lovely afternoon” Clare said and kissed Alastair’s cheek
“Yes, thanks Al” Catherine added
Paul drove them down the hill and dropped them in the Hotel car park.
“Thanks Paul” Clare said and got out
“Yes thanks Paul, I had a great time” Catherine said and kissed him on the mouth.
Day Four Sunday 14th February
The Runcible Spoon was a wonderful restaurant and more than lived up to their expectation and they were absolutely stuffed by the end of the evening and when they got back to the Lodge they decided to forgo a nightcap and they all waddled to their rooms.
Despite the amount of food they had consumed the night before Catherine and Clare were still down the next morning for their full English breakfast.
Everyone else was downstairs by 9 o’clock but apart from Katie who ate a piece of toast they only drank coffee.
“So what’s on the cards today?” Clare asked “As its V day”
V was for Valentines.
The rain predicted by Mrs. Brown the day before was indeed falling but she up dated them at breakfast with the news that brightening skies were following.
Though she couldn’t say when.
“Church” Victoria replied randomly
Although none of them were out and out atheists none of them were regular Church goers either but none of them could think of a reason not to so all of them nodded in agreement.
“We can all pray for good weather” Elaine suggested
“Yes and if that fails its cag’s and wellies for all of us” Victoria said.
They all went upstairs and changed and then set off after Sheryl Brown gave them directions to St Mary’s.
It was a nice little church and the vicar and his wife were very welcoming and the service was undemanding.
There was a good sized congregation including two young doctors, who managed to steal a moments conversation with the two blonde policewomen during the post service mingle.
When they all returned to the Hotel they changed into their wet weather clothes and Sheryl prepared them a packed lunch.
The six of them yomped the woods and explored some of the hidden treasures of the woodland.
But they messed about so much they didn’t make a lot of progress.
They ate lunch in Dancingdean Folly and then worked their way back through the woods to the falls.
One by one they jumped across the brook, even Simone who was a big unit leapt it with ease.
But as they followed the course of the stream down towards the road Katie slipped and fell in the brook and got a bootie.
Victoria laughed like a drain and so Katie pulled her in and she got two booties and they all laughed until they cried.
They were still laughing as they sat on the bank and tipped the water from their wellington boots.
When they got back to the hotel they were all soaked to the skin but despite the foul weather, the brightening skies never did appear, they all agreed it was the best Valentine’s Day they had ever spent.
Before they went upstairs to a hot bath they all sat around in the bar drinking Brandy coffee’s.
“Where are we going tonight?” Simone asked
“I don’t know” replied Victoria “any suggestions?”
“You know what I fancy” Catherine said
“I do” whispered Clare
Catherine elbowed Clare and said
“A pizza”
“Oh yes” Katie concurred
“What a great idea” added Elaine
“That’s unanimous I think” said Victoria
“There’s a very good sit down in Purplemere” Sheryl Brown said “or an excellent takeaway in Childean”
“And they deliver” She added
After they all had good long soaks in the bath they met back in the Hotel bar.
The very excellent pizza was delivered and heartily consumed in the bar with a liberal amount of wine amidst a lot of silliness and laughter but by 9.30 they were all exhausted and it was early nights all round.
Day Five Monday 15th February
As might have been predicted the two members of the Downshire Constabulary, Catherine and Clare, were up bright and early and tucking into one of Sheryl Browns very excellent cooked breakfasts.
One by one the others joined them in the breakfast room.
But no discussion followed that morning as to the order of the day because Monday’s activities had all been pre-booked.
They had a full day’s beauty treatments at Mazzone’s in Childean, facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing etc.
The whole nine yards.
They were all returning to their rooms after breakfast when Sheryl called Victoria over and handed her an envelope.
And when they returned downstairs half an hour later Catherine Lowis arrived in reception just as Katie Deighton was hanging up the phone on the reception desk.
“Just checking everything’s all set for today” she said
But Catherine didn’t believe a word of it.
They spent the whole day in Childean and had the full range of treatments offered by Mazzone’s, including having their hair done, along with a premium Buffet lunch and copious quantities of champagne.
Cathy and Clare were sitting next to each other having a pedicure when Cathy whispered
“Victoria’s going to go ballistic”
“Well she might be a little cross” Clare agreed
“A little cross” she exclaimed “We came here for a man free weekend and were going out to dinner with a couple of men”
“But she won’t really mind will she?” Clare asked but Cathy just gave her a solemn look
“Oh God she’s going to kill us isn’t she” said Clare
And Catherine nodded in the affirmative.
When the giggling overexcited and slightly tipsy romantically unattached group left Mazzone’s they had been coiffured, waxed, buffed, threaded, tweezed, perfumed, painted, powdered and preened.
At 7.30pm the six women all met in reception and all dressed in their glad rags.
The casual observer might have thought perhaps that they were a little over dressed for a girl’s night out.
However dressed to kill they were and they went through to the bar for drinks.
Catherine Lowis and Clare Wappat were bracing themselves for the shock wave that would surely follow them telling Victoria that they were abandoning the group and going out for dinner with two local doctors.
But it had to be done and done soon as they were being picked up in ten minutes.
Katie Deighton was also looking decidedly pale and fidgety while completely unaware of the other two’s plans, but in full knowledge of the consequences to her own.
Victoria Williams ordered a large whisky from Mrs Brown and downed it in one as Clare looked at Catherine and urged her with her eyes to speak.
But before Cathy got the chance Victoria suddenly said
“You’re all going to kill me after I dragged you down here for a man free weekend” she paused only to down another whisky and added, “but I have a date”
She closed her eyes and waited for the vehement response she had been dreading from her friends.
Then when it didn’t come she opened one eye just as Catherine said
“So have we” and was holding Clare’s arm
“Not with each other” Clare added “with men”
“Me too” admitted Katie and the four women all laughed with relief.
And then they turned to look at Simone Guiver and Elaine Browning who were looking on and had not made any declaration and then Simone’s huge chest started to tremble as a deep fruity chuckle rose from the depths of her chest and Elaine started to giggle uncontrollably.
“Don’t mind us” Simone said when the laughter had subsided “we’ll be fine”
So they all sat in the Hotel bar and waited for their respective escorts to arrive and when the last of the couples had gone Simone and Elaine looked at each other and grinned
“So what shall we do?” Simone asked
“I think we should go upstairs and get you out of that corset” Elaine replied
“Oh what a wonderful idea” purred Simone
Day Six Tuesday 16th February
They next day they were all stood in the car park before departing and chatted briefly.
Before hugging Simone and Elaine, who were the first to drive off and the other four women waved them off flamboyantly.
The other four girls were in no hurry to leave as all of them had lunch dates.
“When are we going to tell them that we know they’re gay?” Victoria said as Simone drove out of view
“Oh not for a good while yet”
Katie said and they all laughed
It was a strange irony to the story that on an Anti-Valentines weekend, far from avoiding romance they ended up embracing it, such was the magic of Teardrop Lake.
That long weekend on the lake changed their lives beyond recognition forever because within two years of it, four of the women were living on the Lake with the men of their dreams and the other two were living together as a couple.
Friday 3 February 2017
Thursday 2 February 2017
Love Collection # 4
LIVING ON THE DEFENSIVE
She told me that she loved me
And I didn't know how to react
I’m afraid to say I love her
I want to keep my heart intact
Is it time to let down my guard?
Should I tell her how I feel?
What if she is false or insincere
My heart may never heal
Should I expose my feelings?
Even though I feel insecure
But if I keep my feelings secret
Or wait until I am certain sure
I risk undermining her love
Blemishing it at its very start
And I could lose her love forever
And that would break my heart
WITH MY PETTY JEALOUSY
Sibilant whisperings
Greeted me
For it was I
Who stole their glee
The gathering
Looked upon me
As the architect
Of their misery
They could barely
Keep their hate inside
At this wedding
Without a bride
It was all my doing
With my petty jealousy
And with it in me
I had made her flee
HAPPINESS WAS THE HARBINGER
Happiness was the harbinger
Of my doom
Happy laughter echoed
In every joyful room
But we were too happy
That was our crime
The God’s couldn’t bear
To see us happy all the time
So they sent the angels
To take you from my side
They took your life
And left me dead inside
Sadness envelops me
As I kneel by your grave
I try to keep back the tears
I try my hardest to be brave
But they come anyway
My grief is unconfined
My dear sweet angel,
Resides with others of her kind
I curse the selfish Gods
For their spiteful jealousy
And pray to them also
To come soon and take me
NO MERE FRIPPERY
Though some thought her unworldly
I thought she was cute
I think not being wise in the ways of the world
Is an attractive trait
It left her with an air of innocence
Untainted by convention
Some thought her a mere frippery
I thought her beyond price
But I was in a minority of one
And to my great relief I found
She was overlooked by the rest
Which left this sweet curiosity
Exclusively to me
She was my Tulip in an onion field
My Daisy in a Rose boquet
She is now my constant companion
The love of my life
SHE’S THE BUTTERFLY KIND
She’s the butterfly kind
With a butterfly mind
Always moving she never sits
Her head is full of thoughts that flit
The butterfly miss
With the butterfly kiss
ENTWINED IN THE AFTERGLOW
Passions spent in our libidinous embrace
Loves contented glow upon her face
I feel safe lying entwined in the afterglow
But in the morn will love melt like April snow
Or will its strength sustain in longevity
Or shall we remark upon its easy brevity
I could lay here forever cocooned in eternal love
We are a perfect fit, the hand and the glove
But if it didn’t last forever I still had - this
Then gently on her soft flesh I leave a loving kiss
And I urged myself to live in the moment
And know that there I could be content
THE MARINERS TALE
Marked by the tides of love,
We almost breached the sea wall
Before our fortunes waned
And we began our Titanic fall
From the crest of a wave
To the depths of the deepest sea
Marks the rise and fall
Of the love between you and me
I CAN SEE YOU ARE BLESSED
I can see you are blessed
With love in your heart
I see it in your face
Radiant like a sunburst
The glow on your cheek
When he’s near you
And the clarity in your eyes
When you look at him
And that self-satisfied smile
Of utter contentment
You are in love
Without a doubt
I can read you like a book
And I can see a love story
A LIVING DREAM
A living dream
Changes the moments
Of my everyday existence
Into a time of bliss.
MONOCHROME WORLD
Without you today
Everything is grey, your love
Coloured all my world
She told me that she loved me
And I didn't know how to react
I’m afraid to say I love her
I want to keep my heart intact
Is it time to let down my guard?
Should I tell her how I feel?
What if she is false or insincere
My heart may never heal
Should I expose my feelings?
Even though I feel insecure
But if I keep my feelings secret
Or wait until I am certain sure
I risk undermining her love
Blemishing it at its very start
And I could lose her love forever
And that would break my heart
WITH MY PETTY JEALOUSY
Sibilant whisperings
Greeted me
For it was I
Who stole their glee
The gathering
Looked upon me
As the architect
Of their misery
They could barely
Keep their hate inside
At this wedding
Without a bride
It was all my doing
With my petty jealousy
And with it in me
I had made her flee
HAPPINESS WAS THE HARBINGER
Happiness was the harbinger
Of my doom
Happy laughter echoed
In every joyful room
But we were too happy
That was our crime
The God’s couldn’t bear
To see us happy all the time
So they sent the angels
To take you from my side
They took your life
And left me dead inside
Sadness envelops me
As I kneel by your grave
I try to keep back the tears
I try my hardest to be brave
But they come anyway
My grief is unconfined
My dear sweet angel,
Resides with others of her kind
I curse the selfish Gods
For their spiteful jealousy
And pray to them also
To come soon and take me
NO MERE FRIPPERY
Though some thought her unworldly
I thought she was cute
I think not being wise in the ways of the world
Is an attractive trait
It left her with an air of innocence
Untainted by convention
Some thought her a mere frippery
I thought her beyond price
But I was in a minority of one
And to my great relief I found
She was overlooked by the rest
Which left this sweet curiosity
Exclusively to me
She was my Tulip in an onion field
My Daisy in a Rose boquet
She is now my constant companion
The love of my life
SHE’S THE BUTTERFLY KIND
She’s the butterfly kind
With a butterfly mind
Always moving she never sits
Her head is full of thoughts that flit
The butterfly miss
With the butterfly kiss
ENTWINED IN THE AFTERGLOW
Passions spent in our libidinous embrace
Loves contented glow upon her face
I feel safe lying entwined in the afterglow
But in the morn will love melt like April snow
Or will its strength sustain in longevity
Or shall we remark upon its easy brevity
I could lay here forever cocooned in eternal love
We are a perfect fit, the hand and the glove
But if it didn’t last forever I still had - this
Then gently on her soft flesh I leave a loving kiss
And I urged myself to live in the moment
And know that there I could be content
THE MARINERS TALE
Marked by the tides of love,
We almost breached the sea wall
Before our fortunes waned
And we began our Titanic fall
From the crest of a wave
To the depths of the deepest sea
Marks the rise and fall
Of the love between you and me
I CAN SEE YOU ARE BLESSED
I can see you are blessed
With love in your heart
I see it in your face
Radiant like a sunburst
The glow on your cheek
When he’s near you
And the clarity in your eyes
When you look at him
And that self-satisfied smile
Of utter contentment
You are in love
Without a doubt
I can read you like a book
And I can see a love story
A LIVING DREAM
A living dream
Changes the moments
Of my everyday existence
Into a time of bliss.
MONOCHROME WORLD
Without you today
Everything is grey, your love
Coloured all my world
The Abbottsford Police Chronicles – George and Dragon
(Part One)
George Tiplady had been a Chief Superintendent for four years and he hated it.
He felt cut off from his subordinates, and the day-to-day police work.
He found himself in a position he had never sought and treading his way warily through the political minefield such as modern Policing had become.
He owed his current situation solely to his ex-wife’s fanatical ambition.
He envied Bill Overend his Chief Inspectors rank, still running a squad and still feeling collars.
Even his five years as a Superintendent of Operations was more rewarding than what he was doing now.
When he first met his wife, Emily Thraite-Drake, he was a DS investigating the rape and murder of an infamous socialite named Catherine Pomery.
Emily was “old money” and a snob, purely and simply, she wanted status and a position in society.
She was one of the group of women who publicly and vociferously extolled the virtues of equality for women but in private were satisfied with pushing their husbands forward at every opportunity because they didn’t have the courage to make their own way in the world.
But that wasn’t the only thing he resented about Emily, he had wanted a family but she had not, so that was that.
The highlights of Emily’s life were Ascot, Epsom, The Henley Regatta and Summer Balls, for George it was the simple things in life like a Pint at his local or a Saturday afternoon at the football.
Peasant fare as Emily described it.
Then one day, at breakfast, he decided he had had enough, he looked at the frustrated middle aged woman he had once loved, bleating on about what his next bid for promotion should be when he got up and said “Good bye Emily.”
He only went back to the house once more, when Emily was away consoling herself in the south of France, to collect his belongings.
They were now divorced.
George had never regretted his decision to leave his wife but there were times when he was lonely, rare though those times were.
As he was based at Abbottsford Police Station he was often known to frequent the George and Dragon.
But even the George could not lift his spirits when he was at his lowest.
And when he was at his lowest ebb then he always knew he could find sanctuary at the Overend’s,
His DCI, Bill and his wife Sally always knew how to refloat the ship.
(Part Two)
The George and Dragon didn’t take on its true significant for him until the day he met the new owner Zoë Burrell because that was the day he fell in love again and loneliness was banished forever.
Zoë Burrell was a mature woman though to give her exact age would be indelicate; she was certainly not in the first flush of youth but would not be entirely unfamiliar with a flush.
She was a widow who had bought the pub from her brother in law, the previous owner, who had retired.
Zoë was no stranger to the hospitality industry, she had been in it since she left school and that was where she had met her husband.
They had run a pub together until he died and then she had owned and run a pub on her own as well since, though not a pub anywhere near the size of the George.
She could quite easily have lived a comfortable life with her inheritance.
But chose to work in instead.
She chose Abbottsford because that was where she had been born and raised.
George was a year or two older than Zoë and the first time he saw her he was smitten.
He was still a presentable man, even if his hair was greying at the temples.
George preferred to think it made him look distinguished.
He thought for a moment and resolved that he had no idea what colour Zoë’s hair was as he pictured her in his mind’s eye, it was a kind of reddy, blondy, browny, streakyish kind of thing.
But whatever colour it was, she was still a very attractive woman, 5ft 6inches with nice legs and a trim figure, very busty and she had small feet
“I like small feet” George said to himself and chuckled.
They hit it off immediately they met, maybe it was because they shared a similar sense of humour or they liked the same films, or the same music, but their mutual attraction was due to more than them having a lot in common.
(Part Three)
He found himself spending more and more time in the “George” and Zoë spent the time he wasn’t in there wishing that he was.
And it went on that way for several weeks until one day when he was in the pub for lunch with his best friend DCI Bill Overend.
Bill had noticed the way George and Zoë were together and couldn’t understand why neither of them had taken the next step.
Bill and Sally who were not averse to a bit of matchmaking had been trying to fix him up almost from the first moment he split with Emily.
But to no avail.
In fact Zoë was the first woman Bill had seen him even remotely interested in since his divorce.
To her immense frustration Sally was powerless to influence the situation as firstly as she was miles away from Abbottsford and secondly she did not frequent the “George”.
So with great reluctance she had to leave it to Bill.
Which is why while they were waiting for the food to arrive he steered the conversation towards the weather.
“It’s beautiful out there today” he said
“Yes” George agreed
“It should be good for your day off tomorrow” Bill said
“Yes” George said
“I know what I’d be doing if it was my day off”
“What’s that then?” George asked
“I’d take Sally on a picnic”
“A picnic” said George thoughtfully
Just then Zoë brought over the condiments and the cutlery.
Bill was watching George and he appeared to open his mouth as if to speak and then he closed it again.
It was pitiful, how on earth did he reach the rank of Chief Superintendent when he can’t even ask a woman out?
Bill had to act.
“George and I were just saying that it’s perfect weather for a picnic”
“Oh I agree it is perfect” Zoë said, “I do love a picnic”
“How about tomorrow?” George said croakily “just the two of us”
“Yes” said Zoë “That would be lovely”
Bill suddenly felt like a gooseberry.
(Part Four)
It was a bright June day as George turned off the main road onto a quiet lane lined with age-old trees that formed a canopy above them.
It was like driving through a tunnel, the foliage was so thick and the leaves defused the sunlight and dappled the road surface with spots of golden light.
“The turning is just ahead” Zoë said “there’s the sign”
High above sunbeams burst through the canopy and illuminated the sign which read “Trottwood Water”, and he turned left into a small, pot-holed car park which was deserted except for one other car.
George parked in the corner.
“We have arrived” He said and smiled at his passenger who returned his smile with interest.
They got out of the car and after retrieving the picnic basket off the back seat he locked the door and paused to look at his companion with pride.
It was their first date after all.
They walked through the gate and he caught his first look at the lake, he was struck by its beauty and he couldn’t believe he had never been there before in all the years he had lived in the county.
He never had cause to go there even in a professional capacity in all his years he had never been.
Even though Trottwood Water would not have existed were it not for a Tiplady.
He paused briefly before crossing the bridge and turned to look across the lake and was amazed at the natural look of the scene.
Especially when he considered that little more than a 150 years earlier it was a boggy field.
Before a distant relative of his, a Victorian industrialist named Josiah Tiplady, made his mark on it.
He had made his fortune amongst the Smokey factory chimneys of Lancashire, but sought a country retreat in which to enjoy his fortune as well as breathing some fresher air.
So he bought the old Trottwood Manor because it had everything he was looking for, though not apparently a lake complete with fountains and an island bird sanctuary.
It was however pleasing to the eye so it had to be money well spent.
He turned and looked at his date and thought that she too was pleasing to the eye and then he took Zoë’s hand and they continued across the bridge.
George and Zoë thought their first date was a great success so they made plans for a second and a third.
Very soon they were virtually inseparable and both of them were amazed that they had found love again.
So when two months had passed by they were very much a couple.
(Part Five)
Due to the inclement weather it was a quiet night in the “George” even for a Tuesday and by last orders there was only Zoë and barmaid Irina Karpinska left and a handful of stalwarts.
Due to an overrunning operations meeting George Tiplady and Bill Overend were late leaving the station, very late in fact.
George persuaded Bill to go to the pub for a nightcap before they headed home.
They always walked up to the “George” as a rule.
However due to the lateness of the hour and the foul weather Bill drove them up there instead.
As they drove up to a set of traffic lights about three hundred yards from the pub the light turned red and bill stopped.
While they waited George almost jumped out of his skin when somebody banged loudly on the passenger door window.
George looked round and saw a rain soaked Wynn Roberts peering into the car.
Wynn was one of the regulars.
“George, George there’s a ruckus at the pub, some yobs are smashing up the place” he spurted out.
“Alright Wynn leave it to us”
Bill hit the blues and twos and George called for assistance.
DCI Overend pulled up sharp outside and the two men decamped and ran in.
The scene that confronted them was one of devastation, tables and chairs had been turned over and there was broken glass everywhere.
George had eyes only for Zoë and found her in the back consoling Irina Karpinska
Bill mean while perused the damage and a few minutes later PC’s Deacon and Hanratty came through the door batons in hand.
After surveying the scene Deacon said
“Bloody hell”
“Very succinctly put Dickie” Bill said
Just then George returned
“Everyone ok?” Bill asked
George gave a reassuring nod and said
“Irina’s a bit shaken up but Zoë’s fine”
George looked around
“I don’t think there’s any point in getting the SOCO’s up here” George added
“Zoë said they didn’t go anywhere a customer couldn’t go”
Bill nodded his understanding and said to Hanratty
“Have you got your camera on you Catriona?
“Always Guv” she replied
“Ok get photos, and then you and Dickie can take statements from the ladies, and Wynn Roberts he’s the one that alerted us” Bill said
“Mrs Burrell will give you the names of any other regulars that were in here and get statements from them”
They both nodded
“Then write it up, open a case file and provide Mrs Burrell with copies of the photographs and a crime number for the insurance”
“Yes guv” they said in unison.
(Part Six)
When the PC’s had gone Bill drove Irina home and when he returned he found Zoë and George had made significant inroads in clearing the mess.
Bill slipped off his coat and joined them.
When everything was shipshape they all sat down and had coffee.
“So what happened?” Bill asked “what set them off?”
“Four men against two women and a handful of crocks and pensioners.
They’re brave lads” George mused
“They wanted Protection money” Zoë said “and I said no”
Bill and George were shocked
“They demanded money just out of the blue?” George asked
“A couple of chaps came in last week, but I thought they were just chancing their arms because I was a woman” she said.
“So I thought no more about it”
“Why didn’t you say something luv?” George asked
“I really didn’t think they were going to do anything if I had I would have told you I’m not a fool”
George held her had
“Well either their very ballsy or very stupid” Bill said “attempting to get Protection money from a pub used by coppers”
“They can’t be locals” George said
“They must be out of Towner’s trying to make their mark”
“And if they were to get a toe hold in Abbottsford there’ll be a turf war”
Bill added gloomily
“They smashed up the place so I would know they were serious, they’ve given me two days” Zoë said
“They’ll be in for the money after closing Thursday night”
“Well it’s going to be another late night on Thursday” Bill said
“Indeed it will” George added
“What are you going to do?” Zoë asked
(Part Seven)
Serving behind the bar on Thursday night were Irina Karpinska,
Zoë and a new barmaid, Catriona Hanratty
Also in the pub that night seated in the bar were DCs Dave Webster and Ali Khan and playing darts were PC Deacon in plain clothes and Sgt Boris Katarski.
Out the back out of site of the customers were Bill and George who were playing cards in the kitchen.
Just before the last bell two men walked in and made their way to the bar, they were both early thirties, well groomed and reasonably well dressed.
“You’re cutting it a bit fine” Catriona said “what can I get you?”
“I’ll serve these gentlemen” Zoë said and gave a discrete nod to Catriona
“Ok” she said “I’ll go and collect the glasses”
Irina was stood in the doorway and had turned very white.
Catriona picked up a jug from the shelf and handed it to her.
“Take that to the kitchen babe” she instructed Irina
Irina was shaking as she took the jug from the PC but she did what she was told.
Catriona knew that once in the kitchen she would alert the Guvnors.
She opened the hatch and started picking up empties from the tables as she passed the dart board she said
“Two men at the bar”
Zoë rang the bell
“Time gentlemen please” she called
“I’m going to call it a night” Boris said and drained his glass
“Me too” concurred Dickie
They put their jackets on and walked towards the door
“Night ladies” Boris called
“Thanks lads, good night” Zoë replied
Once outside they crossed the street and hid in the shadows where they had a good view of the pub.
A few minutes later Dave and Ali also made their exit but unlike Boris and Dickie they secreted themselves in the toilets.
The last few punters said their goodnights and the taller of the two men took out his mobile phone.
“All clear” he said and put the phone away.
From their position in the shadows Boris and Dickie saw two men get out of a parked car just outside the pub and quickly go in.
The two officers left their hiding place and quickly crossed the road to follow them.
With his jug ears Dave Webster heard the main door open and close.
“What’s happening?” Ali whispered
“Another two have arrived” he replied
Bill and George were still in the back room listening intently to what was happening.
“I hope you have come to your senses?” the Tall one said as the door opened and two big rough looking blokes entered the bar carrying baseball bats.
“Otherwise I’ll set them loose again”
(Part Eight)
Webster slowly opened the door and when he saw it was all clear he and Khan left the toilet.
Once in the vestibule Dave quietly slid back the bolts on the door and let in Katarski and Deacon.
Once the four men were set Boris he said into his radio
“In position Guv”
“I told you last time I don’t need protection” Zoë said calmly
“I’m very disappointed in you Mrs Burrell, very disappointed indeed” the taller man said
This was George Tiplady’s queue and he stepped through the door to the bar and said
“She has made it perfectly clear that she doesn’t need your protection sonny”
“Keep out of this old man” said the shorter man.
“She already has all the protection she needs” George continued
“Right you two” the tall one said to the two roughs “smash the place up and then smash him up”
Bill shouted into his radio “go now” And all hell broke loose.
The four policemen charged through the door and took the two roughs completely by surprise flattening one before he knew what was happening and Webster quickly got the cuffs on him.
The second one back peddled and managed to swing his bat in Katarski’s direction but got no real force into it and Boris easily avoided it, ducking under the swing and hitting him hard in the midriff knocking him to the floor but even on the floor it took him and Khan to subdue him.
Meanwhile the shorter man at the bar decided he wanted a piece of George Tiplady and scrambled up over the bar.
George adjusted his feet and was about to knock him back the way he came with his fist when Zoë hit him first with an ice bucket and he slid backwards onto the floor where Webster found him and cuffed him.
The taller man decided that discretion was the better part of valour and seeing his way to the front door barred decided to make a run for the back.
He reached the end of the bar just as Bill Overend and Catriona emerged from the back room.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Bill said
“I’ve got this guv” Catriona shouted and pushed in front of him.
Taller man threw a punch which she deftly avoided and struck him across the side of his knee with her baton.
He let out a scream of agony and collapsed to the floor.
“Nice work constable” Bill said “Cuff the bastard”
“Yes guv” she replied with a grin
Bill gave the bar a cursory glance and noted they had all four men with minimal damage and no injuries to the good guys.
Bill took out his phone and called the station.
“Send transport, four in custody at the “George and Dragon”
(Part Nine)
After all the excitement of the battle with the gang of thugs had died down George and Zoë decided it was time for another picnic so they returned to the scene of their first date, Trottwood Water.
It seemed very fitting as it was their beginning and they had plans to make for their future.
So they sat in the late summer sunshine on the plaid picnic blanket up on a grassy bank, overlooking the lake, and chinked their champagne glasses together.
“Is that a yes then?” George asked
“Of course” she replied
George had less than two years until his retirement and for the first time since he divorced Emily he had a plan not just for the period up to his retirement but beyond a plan for the future, a real future.
Leaving the police would not be the end of his life but rather it would be the beginning.
And instead of dreading the time beyond the job and hoping his last day would never come, he now felt it couldn’t come soon enough, his life after that would be with Zoë.
So they made plans for him to sell his depressing flat and then he would marry Zoë.
Then after he retired they would run the George and Dragon together.
“Just one thing George Tiplady” she said
“What’s that love?” George said happier than he had ever been
“When we get married, I’m quite happy for you to be the George in our joint enterprise as long as I’m not the dragon”
George Tiplady had been a Chief Superintendent for four years and he hated it.
He felt cut off from his subordinates, and the day-to-day police work.
He found himself in a position he had never sought and treading his way warily through the political minefield such as modern Policing had become.
He owed his current situation solely to his ex-wife’s fanatical ambition.
He envied Bill Overend his Chief Inspectors rank, still running a squad and still feeling collars.
Even his five years as a Superintendent of Operations was more rewarding than what he was doing now.
When he first met his wife, Emily Thraite-Drake, he was a DS investigating the rape and murder of an infamous socialite named Catherine Pomery.
Emily was “old money” and a snob, purely and simply, she wanted status and a position in society.
She was one of the group of women who publicly and vociferously extolled the virtues of equality for women but in private were satisfied with pushing their husbands forward at every opportunity because they didn’t have the courage to make their own way in the world.
But that wasn’t the only thing he resented about Emily, he had wanted a family but she had not, so that was that.
The highlights of Emily’s life were Ascot, Epsom, The Henley Regatta and Summer Balls, for George it was the simple things in life like a Pint at his local or a Saturday afternoon at the football.
Peasant fare as Emily described it.
Then one day, at breakfast, he decided he had had enough, he looked at the frustrated middle aged woman he had once loved, bleating on about what his next bid for promotion should be when he got up and said “Good bye Emily.”
He only went back to the house once more, when Emily was away consoling herself in the south of France, to collect his belongings.
They were now divorced.
George had never regretted his decision to leave his wife but there were times when he was lonely, rare though those times were.
As he was based at Abbottsford Police Station he was often known to frequent the George and Dragon.
But even the George could not lift his spirits when he was at his lowest.
And when he was at his lowest ebb then he always knew he could find sanctuary at the Overend’s,
His DCI, Bill and his wife Sally always knew how to refloat the ship.
(Part Two)
The George and Dragon didn’t take on its true significant for him until the day he met the new owner Zoë Burrell because that was the day he fell in love again and loneliness was banished forever.
Zoë Burrell was a mature woman though to give her exact age would be indelicate; she was certainly not in the first flush of youth but would not be entirely unfamiliar with a flush.
She was a widow who had bought the pub from her brother in law, the previous owner, who had retired.
Zoë was no stranger to the hospitality industry, she had been in it since she left school and that was where she had met her husband.
They had run a pub together until he died and then she had owned and run a pub on her own as well since, though not a pub anywhere near the size of the George.
She could quite easily have lived a comfortable life with her inheritance.
But chose to work in instead.
She chose Abbottsford because that was where she had been born and raised.
George was a year or two older than Zoë and the first time he saw her he was smitten.
He was still a presentable man, even if his hair was greying at the temples.
George preferred to think it made him look distinguished.
He thought for a moment and resolved that he had no idea what colour Zoë’s hair was as he pictured her in his mind’s eye, it was a kind of reddy, blondy, browny, streakyish kind of thing.
But whatever colour it was, she was still a very attractive woman, 5ft 6inches with nice legs and a trim figure, very busty and she had small feet
“I like small feet” George said to himself and chuckled.
They hit it off immediately they met, maybe it was because they shared a similar sense of humour or they liked the same films, or the same music, but their mutual attraction was due to more than them having a lot in common.
(Part Three)
He found himself spending more and more time in the “George” and Zoë spent the time he wasn’t in there wishing that he was.
And it went on that way for several weeks until one day when he was in the pub for lunch with his best friend DCI Bill Overend.
Bill had noticed the way George and Zoë were together and couldn’t understand why neither of them had taken the next step.
Bill and Sally who were not averse to a bit of matchmaking had been trying to fix him up almost from the first moment he split with Emily.
But to no avail.
In fact Zoë was the first woman Bill had seen him even remotely interested in since his divorce.
To her immense frustration Sally was powerless to influence the situation as firstly as she was miles away from Abbottsford and secondly she did not frequent the “George”.
So with great reluctance she had to leave it to Bill.
Which is why while they were waiting for the food to arrive he steered the conversation towards the weather.
“It’s beautiful out there today” he said
“Yes” George agreed
“It should be good for your day off tomorrow” Bill said
“Yes” George said
“I know what I’d be doing if it was my day off”
“What’s that then?” George asked
“I’d take Sally on a picnic”
“A picnic” said George thoughtfully
Just then Zoë brought over the condiments and the cutlery.
Bill was watching George and he appeared to open his mouth as if to speak and then he closed it again.
It was pitiful, how on earth did he reach the rank of Chief Superintendent when he can’t even ask a woman out?
Bill had to act.
“George and I were just saying that it’s perfect weather for a picnic”
“Oh I agree it is perfect” Zoë said, “I do love a picnic”
“How about tomorrow?” George said croakily “just the two of us”
“Yes” said Zoë “That would be lovely”
Bill suddenly felt like a gooseberry.
(Part Four)
It was a bright June day as George turned off the main road onto a quiet lane lined with age-old trees that formed a canopy above them.
It was like driving through a tunnel, the foliage was so thick and the leaves defused the sunlight and dappled the road surface with spots of golden light.
“The turning is just ahead” Zoë said “there’s the sign”
High above sunbeams burst through the canopy and illuminated the sign which read “Trottwood Water”, and he turned left into a small, pot-holed car park which was deserted except for one other car.
George parked in the corner.
“We have arrived” He said and smiled at his passenger who returned his smile with interest.
They got out of the car and after retrieving the picnic basket off the back seat he locked the door and paused to look at his companion with pride.
It was their first date after all.
They walked through the gate and he caught his first look at the lake, he was struck by its beauty and he couldn’t believe he had never been there before in all the years he had lived in the county.
He never had cause to go there even in a professional capacity in all his years he had never been.
Even though Trottwood Water would not have existed were it not for a Tiplady.
He paused briefly before crossing the bridge and turned to look across the lake and was amazed at the natural look of the scene.
Especially when he considered that little more than a 150 years earlier it was a boggy field.
Before a distant relative of his, a Victorian industrialist named Josiah Tiplady, made his mark on it.
He had made his fortune amongst the Smokey factory chimneys of Lancashire, but sought a country retreat in which to enjoy his fortune as well as breathing some fresher air.
So he bought the old Trottwood Manor because it had everything he was looking for, though not apparently a lake complete with fountains and an island bird sanctuary.
It was however pleasing to the eye so it had to be money well spent.
He turned and looked at his date and thought that she too was pleasing to the eye and then he took Zoë’s hand and they continued across the bridge.
George and Zoë thought their first date was a great success so they made plans for a second and a third.
Very soon they were virtually inseparable and both of them were amazed that they had found love again.
So when two months had passed by they were very much a couple.
(Part Five)
Due to the inclement weather it was a quiet night in the “George” even for a Tuesday and by last orders there was only Zoë and barmaid Irina Karpinska left and a handful of stalwarts.
Due to an overrunning operations meeting George Tiplady and Bill Overend were late leaving the station, very late in fact.
George persuaded Bill to go to the pub for a nightcap before they headed home.
They always walked up to the “George” as a rule.
However due to the lateness of the hour and the foul weather Bill drove them up there instead.
As they drove up to a set of traffic lights about three hundred yards from the pub the light turned red and bill stopped.
While they waited George almost jumped out of his skin when somebody banged loudly on the passenger door window.
George looked round and saw a rain soaked Wynn Roberts peering into the car.
Wynn was one of the regulars.
“George, George there’s a ruckus at the pub, some yobs are smashing up the place” he spurted out.
“Alright Wynn leave it to us”
Bill hit the blues and twos and George called for assistance.
DCI Overend pulled up sharp outside and the two men decamped and ran in.
The scene that confronted them was one of devastation, tables and chairs had been turned over and there was broken glass everywhere.
George had eyes only for Zoë and found her in the back consoling Irina Karpinska
Bill mean while perused the damage and a few minutes later PC’s Deacon and Hanratty came through the door batons in hand.
After surveying the scene Deacon said
“Bloody hell”
“Very succinctly put Dickie” Bill said
Just then George returned
“Everyone ok?” Bill asked
George gave a reassuring nod and said
“Irina’s a bit shaken up but Zoë’s fine”
George looked around
“I don’t think there’s any point in getting the SOCO’s up here” George added
“Zoë said they didn’t go anywhere a customer couldn’t go”
Bill nodded his understanding and said to Hanratty
“Have you got your camera on you Catriona?
“Always Guv” she replied
“Ok get photos, and then you and Dickie can take statements from the ladies, and Wynn Roberts he’s the one that alerted us” Bill said
“Mrs Burrell will give you the names of any other regulars that were in here and get statements from them”
They both nodded
“Then write it up, open a case file and provide Mrs Burrell with copies of the photographs and a crime number for the insurance”
“Yes guv” they said in unison.
(Part Six)
When the PC’s had gone Bill drove Irina home and when he returned he found Zoë and George had made significant inroads in clearing the mess.
Bill slipped off his coat and joined them.
When everything was shipshape they all sat down and had coffee.
“So what happened?” Bill asked “what set them off?”
“Four men against two women and a handful of crocks and pensioners.
They’re brave lads” George mused
“They wanted Protection money” Zoë said “and I said no”
Bill and George were shocked
“They demanded money just out of the blue?” George asked
“A couple of chaps came in last week, but I thought they were just chancing their arms because I was a woman” she said.
“So I thought no more about it”
“Why didn’t you say something luv?” George asked
“I really didn’t think they were going to do anything if I had I would have told you I’m not a fool”
George held her had
“Well either their very ballsy or very stupid” Bill said “attempting to get Protection money from a pub used by coppers”
“They can’t be locals” George said
“They must be out of Towner’s trying to make their mark”
“And if they were to get a toe hold in Abbottsford there’ll be a turf war”
Bill added gloomily
“They smashed up the place so I would know they were serious, they’ve given me two days” Zoë said
“They’ll be in for the money after closing Thursday night”
“Well it’s going to be another late night on Thursday” Bill said
“Indeed it will” George added
“What are you going to do?” Zoë asked
(Part Seven)
Serving behind the bar on Thursday night were Irina Karpinska,
Zoë and a new barmaid, Catriona Hanratty
Also in the pub that night seated in the bar were DCs Dave Webster and Ali Khan and playing darts were PC Deacon in plain clothes and Sgt Boris Katarski.
Out the back out of site of the customers were Bill and George who were playing cards in the kitchen.
Just before the last bell two men walked in and made their way to the bar, they were both early thirties, well groomed and reasonably well dressed.
“You’re cutting it a bit fine” Catriona said “what can I get you?”
“I’ll serve these gentlemen” Zoë said and gave a discrete nod to Catriona
“Ok” she said “I’ll go and collect the glasses”
Irina was stood in the doorway and had turned very white.
Catriona picked up a jug from the shelf and handed it to her.
“Take that to the kitchen babe” she instructed Irina
Irina was shaking as she took the jug from the PC but she did what she was told.
Catriona knew that once in the kitchen she would alert the Guvnors.
She opened the hatch and started picking up empties from the tables as she passed the dart board she said
“Two men at the bar”
Zoë rang the bell
“Time gentlemen please” she called
“I’m going to call it a night” Boris said and drained his glass
“Me too” concurred Dickie
They put their jackets on and walked towards the door
“Night ladies” Boris called
“Thanks lads, good night” Zoë replied
Once outside they crossed the street and hid in the shadows where they had a good view of the pub.
A few minutes later Dave and Ali also made their exit but unlike Boris and Dickie they secreted themselves in the toilets.
The last few punters said their goodnights and the taller of the two men took out his mobile phone.
“All clear” he said and put the phone away.
From their position in the shadows Boris and Dickie saw two men get out of a parked car just outside the pub and quickly go in.
The two officers left their hiding place and quickly crossed the road to follow them.
With his jug ears Dave Webster heard the main door open and close.
“What’s happening?” Ali whispered
“Another two have arrived” he replied
Bill and George were still in the back room listening intently to what was happening.
“I hope you have come to your senses?” the Tall one said as the door opened and two big rough looking blokes entered the bar carrying baseball bats.
“Otherwise I’ll set them loose again”
(Part Eight)
Webster slowly opened the door and when he saw it was all clear he and Khan left the toilet.
Once in the vestibule Dave quietly slid back the bolts on the door and let in Katarski and Deacon.
Once the four men were set Boris he said into his radio
“In position Guv”
“I told you last time I don’t need protection” Zoë said calmly
“I’m very disappointed in you Mrs Burrell, very disappointed indeed” the taller man said
This was George Tiplady’s queue and he stepped through the door to the bar and said
“She has made it perfectly clear that she doesn’t need your protection sonny”
“Keep out of this old man” said the shorter man.
“She already has all the protection she needs” George continued
“Right you two” the tall one said to the two roughs “smash the place up and then smash him up”
Bill shouted into his radio “go now” And all hell broke loose.
The four policemen charged through the door and took the two roughs completely by surprise flattening one before he knew what was happening and Webster quickly got the cuffs on him.
The second one back peddled and managed to swing his bat in Katarski’s direction but got no real force into it and Boris easily avoided it, ducking under the swing and hitting him hard in the midriff knocking him to the floor but even on the floor it took him and Khan to subdue him.
Meanwhile the shorter man at the bar decided he wanted a piece of George Tiplady and scrambled up over the bar.
George adjusted his feet and was about to knock him back the way he came with his fist when Zoë hit him first with an ice bucket and he slid backwards onto the floor where Webster found him and cuffed him.
The taller man decided that discretion was the better part of valour and seeing his way to the front door barred decided to make a run for the back.
He reached the end of the bar just as Bill Overend and Catriona emerged from the back room.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Bill said
“I’ve got this guv” Catriona shouted and pushed in front of him.
Taller man threw a punch which she deftly avoided and struck him across the side of his knee with her baton.
He let out a scream of agony and collapsed to the floor.
“Nice work constable” Bill said “Cuff the bastard”
“Yes guv” she replied with a grin
Bill gave the bar a cursory glance and noted they had all four men with minimal damage and no injuries to the good guys.
Bill took out his phone and called the station.
“Send transport, four in custody at the “George and Dragon”
(Part Nine)
After all the excitement of the battle with the gang of thugs had died down George and Zoë decided it was time for another picnic so they returned to the scene of their first date, Trottwood Water.
It seemed very fitting as it was their beginning and they had plans to make for their future.
So they sat in the late summer sunshine on the plaid picnic blanket up on a grassy bank, overlooking the lake, and chinked their champagne glasses together.
“Is that a yes then?” George asked
“Of course” she replied
George had less than two years until his retirement and for the first time since he divorced Emily he had a plan not just for the period up to his retirement but beyond a plan for the future, a real future.
Leaving the police would not be the end of his life but rather it would be the beginning.
And instead of dreading the time beyond the job and hoping his last day would never come, he now felt it couldn’t come soon enough, his life after that would be with Zoë.
So they made plans for him to sell his depressing flat and then he would marry Zoë.
Then after he retired they would run the George and Dragon together.
“Just one thing George Tiplady” she said
“What’s that love?” George said happier than he had ever been
“When we get married, I’m quite happy for you to be the George in our joint enterprise as long as I’m not the dragon”
Those Memories Made on Teardrop Lake – (29) Family Ties
(Part 01)
Martha and Vikki were both “sweet sixteen and never been kissed” and the girls were the best of friends.
And to be perfectly honest they were not really interested in boys, their leisure time was spent sailing, mountain biking, orienteering, climbing, you name it and they did it.
Basically Martha and Vikki were the outdoorsy type.
They both lived in Dancingdean Hall, Martha in flat D with her widower father Andrew and Vikki in flat F with her divorced mother Alexandra and their primary aim in life was to get their respective parents interested in each other so they could become sisters.
Dancingdean Hall was once the residence of the Earls of Dancingdean but that line of aristocracy had long since died out and the hall was now divided into 6 spacious family apartments.
Alexandra Quarit was 38 years old and had raised Vikki on her own since she was 10 months old when her husband walked out on them.
He hadn’t contested the divorce and although he had not reneged on his financial obligations he had made no attempt over the years to see his daughter.
She was content however with her life, she loved Vikki and she had a successful business that she had built up from nothing.
And she now had a shop in Abbottsford’s Phoenix Centre called Crazy Chocolatiers and for the past seven years she and Vikki had lived on Teardrop Lake.
Alex was a no nonsense practical person, a “what you see, is what you get” type and she wasted no time on frills and fripperies.
Her normal apparel was a blue shirt, sleeves turned up, black skirt, blue wool tights and stout shoes.
And she wore her grey streaked dark hair short and low maintenance.
She was an attractive woman, clean and presentable but she didn’t tend toward the glamorous, she favoured the subdued look.
She wasn’t interested in attracting a partner because she didn’t think she could ever trust a man again.
Dancingdean House was situated on the highest point on the cliffs above the Lake and commanded a magnificent view.
Which was a great comfort to Andrew McShane as it was a much loved view of his wife Rachel which became all too familiar in the summer of her death.
Andrew was an accountant and had not long turned 40, an event he would have ignored entirely had it not been for his daughter who did her best to mark the milestone with party poppers, banners and helium filled balloons.
Although he humoured her and put on a brave face, for him it merely marked another year without the love of his life.
Martha knew her dad still missed her mum and she did too but she was determined to get him back into the world of the living if it was the last thing she did.
But Andrew thought he would be betraying Rachel’s memory if he found someone else, if he even entertained the thought it would be a betrayal of her memory.
Martha was 10 when the cancer finally took her mum, and it was her friend Vikki who got her through it.
The girls were gregarious, bubbly and outgoing and everybody liked them.
Victoria was the ring leader and was the complete opposite of her mother in almost every respect apart from the fact they both stood five foot two inches tall and Vikki wasn’t looking for a guy either.
She wore her unruly chestnut brown hair tied in a kind of loose arrangement on top of her head which gave the impression she was taller than she was.
And when it came to her mode of dress there was nothing that could be in any way considered to be subdued.
Vikki generally went for the Tomboy appearance and as summer began to give way to autumn
She wore a white top beneath a garishly bright multi-coloured striped shrug.
Red skinny trousers and orange converse shoes and she loved jewellery, lots and lots of jewellery.
She had lovely laughing hazel eyes which narrowed when she smiled, which was often, and her smile illuminated her face.
(Part 02)
Like Vikki, Martha was also a tomboy but she was a little more subtle in her choices and favoured blue jeans, a white top and blue plaid shirt and on her feet she wore either baseball boots or just plain black leather boots.
Her hair was mousy hair and there was less of it than Vikki’s but like her friend she stood five foot two inches tall.
And Martha never wore jewellery but then Vikki wore enough for the two of them.
Her complexion wasn’t as clear as her friends and she had a number of what some people would have called blemishes which far from detracting from her beauty, enhanced it rather.
With her stunning green eyes she was by far the prettier of the two girls.
They had made the decision to intervene in their parents love lives the previous Christmas.
Although “love lives” wasn’t really an accurate description as they had no love in their lives save for what they held for their children.
The incident occurred after Christmas lunch which that year the girls had suggested they do together,
It had always seemed silly to them that they should have separate Christmas lunches when they lived in the same building, when they lived next door in the same building.
It was met with some resistance from both parties initially but the girls were very persistent.
After all it was not unusual for them to do shared events, they were both big BBQ fans and their children were the best of friends so they often used to eat together in the communal gardens during the summer.
So Alex reluctantly agreed to host Christmas dinner and Andrew said he would do the next one, quietly hoping that there wouldn’t be a next one.
But despite their misgivings the occasion was less onerous than either of them had expected.
The girls helped clear away and as they were exiting the kitchen the grownups were coming the opposite way, they paused to let the girls past and Vikki and Martha both blurted out in unison.
“You’re under the mistletoe”
“You have to kiss” Martha added “it’s the law”
“What law?” her father said
“Christmas law” Vikki replied
“Nonsense” Andrew said
“Poppycock” Alex agreed
“Kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss” the girls chanted
Eventually Andrew and Alex agreed to kiss, just to shut them up, but they made such a palaver about that one simple peck that the girls resolved to help them loosen up which in turn led to them to the task of trying to fix them up.
But it was not an easy task, they had set their target for something meaningful to have occurred between then by Christmas day, one year on from the mistletoe debacle.
Alex and Andrew got on very well together they were both very hardworking and they were both devoted to their children.
And that wasn’t their only common ground they were also avid readers so literature was always a popular subject for them to converse in, as well having a love of classical music.
So they got on well, had shared interests and liked each other’s company,
But despite all of that neither of them had any designs on progressing to another level, they were quite comfortable with the way things were.
Between Lynn Cooper’s birthday bash in May and Rob and Sheryl Brown’s anniversary party in September they had had a dozen BBQs at least, and half a dozen day trips, cinema, bowling, tree walking you name it they had done it, including getting them both out on the lake sailing but by the end of September they hadn’t made an ounce of progress.
Alexandra wasn’t stupid and she knew exactly what the girls were up to, and although she hadn’t discussed it with him she assumed Andrew must have been aware of it as well.
She was happy enough to play along the shared meals and the days out were fun but she wasn’t interested in anything other than friendship and judging by his reluctance to kiss her the previous Christmas she was certain sure Andrew shared her disinterest in the romantic.
Andrew was also well aware of his daughters plot to hook him up with Alex, whom he liked very much, but only as a friend.
And regarding the Christmas kiss incident he remembered it slightly differently to her in as much as he thought she was the reluctant one.
But he had enjoyed her friendship and their combined social life, and he had actually begun to feel alive again.
(Part 03)
For Alex, October began her busy period at the shop, firstly because the novelty stock had to be displayed in preparation for Halloween and then at the beginning of November the Halloween stock had to be removed over the weekend and replaced with the Christmas stock.
The shop also had to be decorated and the window dressed for the season.
And because Crazy Chocolatier’s sold the best handmade chocolates in Downshire they were also beginning to take orders for Christmas.
Andrew was himself burning the midnight oil during that period preparing the year end accounts for his biggest client.
As a result of them both being exceptionally busy they hadn’t done anything as a foursome for a couple of months.
So when Vikki and Martha suggested going bowling one Saturday night in December, Alex and Andrew both jumped at the chance and furthermore surprised themselves by how much the idea appealed to them.
From the girl’s perspective as it was already December time was running out for them to hit their target of having their parents involved, in some way, by Christmas Day.
Bowling was, they would have to admit not the most original idea and even a little lame, but they were getting desperate.
In the week preceding the bowling Alex found herself looking forward to it considerably more than she had anticipated and even treated herself to a colourful new blouse and a pair of slacks.
On the day before the outing Andrew decided he needed a haircut.
It was a bitter cold day when the night of the bowling came around, and snow had been predicted so as Andrew had a 4x4 he drove them.
After queuing to get their shoes they made their way to lane 10 and took their coats off.
It was at that point that they lost Vikki and Martha who were totally distracted by the devastatingly good looking Addison twins on the next lane.
They weren’t identical twins but they were clearly brothers and the girls thought they were absolutely gorgeous.
As Alex slipped off her coat to reveal her new outfit Andrew was moved to comment
“Wow you look lovely”
“Thank you” she replied and blushed a little at the compliment and then began entering the names on the screen.
The girls struggled to focus on the game as they were totally smitten by the boys on the neighbouring lane.
Andrew was a good bowler but his game had gone to pieces which left Alex in the unfamiliar position of leading after nine frames.
She knocked down 7 with the first ball of frame 10 and she was waiting for her ball to return.
Andrew was manipulating the unwanted balls on the carrier and when Alex reached down to retrieve her ball their hands touched.
Neither of them moved and their hands remained in contact,
It was like electricity was passing between them, then after a moment they made eye contact and smiled
“Gosh” she said and took a proper hold of his hand.
“Indeed” he said and squeezed hers and then they kissed
“What will the girls think?” she said
“They’ve been throwing us together all year, so they’ll be delighted” he said and they kissed again
Which was when the Addison twin’s pointed out to the girls what was going on behind them
“It’s about time” Martha said after turning around
“Absolutely” Vikki agreed and they high fived
Neither Alex nor Andrew could pinpoint the moment their feelings changed from friendship to something more, they surmised it must have happened by osmosis.
Martha and Vikki had achieved their target for something meaningful to have occurred between their respective parents by Christmas day, one year on from the mistletoe debacle with over two weeks to spare.
And that Christmas beneath the mistletoe in Andrews’s apartment there was no hesitancy on eithers part, in fact it went on a little longer than the girls were really comfortable with.
Martha and Vikki were both “sweet sixteen and never been kissed” and the girls were the best of friends.
And to be perfectly honest they were not really interested in boys, their leisure time was spent sailing, mountain biking, orienteering, climbing, you name it and they did it.
Basically Martha and Vikki were the outdoorsy type.
They both lived in Dancingdean Hall, Martha in flat D with her widower father Andrew and Vikki in flat F with her divorced mother Alexandra and their primary aim in life was to get their respective parents interested in each other so they could become sisters.
Dancingdean Hall was once the residence of the Earls of Dancingdean but that line of aristocracy had long since died out and the hall was now divided into 6 spacious family apartments.
Alexandra Quarit was 38 years old and had raised Vikki on her own since she was 10 months old when her husband walked out on them.
He hadn’t contested the divorce and although he had not reneged on his financial obligations he had made no attempt over the years to see his daughter.
She was content however with her life, she loved Vikki and she had a successful business that she had built up from nothing.
And she now had a shop in Abbottsford’s Phoenix Centre called Crazy Chocolatiers and for the past seven years she and Vikki had lived on Teardrop Lake.
Alex was a no nonsense practical person, a “what you see, is what you get” type and she wasted no time on frills and fripperies.
Her normal apparel was a blue shirt, sleeves turned up, black skirt, blue wool tights and stout shoes.
And she wore her grey streaked dark hair short and low maintenance.
She was an attractive woman, clean and presentable but she didn’t tend toward the glamorous, she favoured the subdued look.
She wasn’t interested in attracting a partner because she didn’t think she could ever trust a man again.
Dancingdean House was situated on the highest point on the cliffs above the Lake and commanded a magnificent view.
Which was a great comfort to Andrew McShane as it was a much loved view of his wife Rachel which became all too familiar in the summer of her death.
Andrew was an accountant and had not long turned 40, an event he would have ignored entirely had it not been for his daughter who did her best to mark the milestone with party poppers, banners and helium filled balloons.
Although he humoured her and put on a brave face, for him it merely marked another year without the love of his life.
Martha knew her dad still missed her mum and she did too but she was determined to get him back into the world of the living if it was the last thing she did.
But Andrew thought he would be betraying Rachel’s memory if he found someone else, if he even entertained the thought it would be a betrayal of her memory.
Martha was 10 when the cancer finally took her mum, and it was her friend Vikki who got her through it.
The girls were gregarious, bubbly and outgoing and everybody liked them.
Victoria was the ring leader and was the complete opposite of her mother in almost every respect apart from the fact they both stood five foot two inches tall and Vikki wasn’t looking for a guy either.
She wore her unruly chestnut brown hair tied in a kind of loose arrangement on top of her head which gave the impression she was taller than she was.
And when it came to her mode of dress there was nothing that could be in any way considered to be subdued.
Vikki generally went for the Tomboy appearance and as summer began to give way to autumn
She wore a white top beneath a garishly bright multi-coloured striped shrug.
Red skinny trousers and orange converse shoes and she loved jewellery, lots and lots of jewellery.
She had lovely laughing hazel eyes which narrowed when she smiled, which was often, and her smile illuminated her face.
(Part 02)
Like Vikki, Martha was also a tomboy but she was a little more subtle in her choices and favoured blue jeans, a white top and blue plaid shirt and on her feet she wore either baseball boots or just plain black leather boots.
Her hair was mousy hair and there was less of it than Vikki’s but like her friend she stood five foot two inches tall.
And Martha never wore jewellery but then Vikki wore enough for the two of them.
Her complexion wasn’t as clear as her friends and she had a number of what some people would have called blemishes which far from detracting from her beauty, enhanced it rather.
With her stunning green eyes she was by far the prettier of the two girls.
They had made the decision to intervene in their parents love lives the previous Christmas.
Although “love lives” wasn’t really an accurate description as they had no love in their lives save for what they held for their children.
The incident occurred after Christmas lunch which that year the girls had suggested they do together,
It had always seemed silly to them that they should have separate Christmas lunches when they lived in the same building, when they lived next door in the same building.
It was met with some resistance from both parties initially but the girls were very persistent.
After all it was not unusual for them to do shared events, they were both big BBQ fans and their children were the best of friends so they often used to eat together in the communal gardens during the summer.
So Alex reluctantly agreed to host Christmas dinner and Andrew said he would do the next one, quietly hoping that there wouldn’t be a next one.
But despite their misgivings the occasion was less onerous than either of them had expected.
The girls helped clear away and as they were exiting the kitchen the grownups were coming the opposite way, they paused to let the girls past and Vikki and Martha both blurted out in unison.
“You’re under the mistletoe”
“You have to kiss” Martha added “it’s the law”
“What law?” her father said
“Christmas law” Vikki replied
“Nonsense” Andrew said
“Poppycock” Alex agreed
“Kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss” the girls chanted
Eventually Andrew and Alex agreed to kiss, just to shut them up, but they made such a palaver about that one simple peck that the girls resolved to help them loosen up which in turn led to them to the task of trying to fix them up.
But it was not an easy task, they had set their target for something meaningful to have occurred between then by Christmas day, one year on from the mistletoe debacle.
Alex and Andrew got on very well together they were both very hardworking and they were both devoted to their children.
And that wasn’t their only common ground they were also avid readers so literature was always a popular subject for them to converse in, as well having a love of classical music.
So they got on well, had shared interests and liked each other’s company,
But despite all of that neither of them had any designs on progressing to another level, they were quite comfortable with the way things were.
Between Lynn Cooper’s birthday bash in May and Rob and Sheryl Brown’s anniversary party in September they had had a dozen BBQs at least, and half a dozen day trips, cinema, bowling, tree walking you name it they had done it, including getting them both out on the lake sailing but by the end of September they hadn’t made an ounce of progress.
Alexandra wasn’t stupid and she knew exactly what the girls were up to, and although she hadn’t discussed it with him she assumed Andrew must have been aware of it as well.
She was happy enough to play along the shared meals and the days out were fun but she wasn’t interested in anything other than friendship and judging by his reluctance to kiss her the previous Christmas she was certain sure Andrew shared her disinterest in the romantic.
Andrew was also well aware of his daughters plot to hook him up with Alex, whom he liked very much, but only as a friend.
And regarding the Christmas kiss incident he remembered it slightly differently to her in as much as he thought she was the reluctant one.
But he had enjoyed her friendship and their combined social life, and he had actually begun to feel alive again.
(Part 03)
For Alex, October began her busy period at the shop, firstly because the novelty stock had to be displayed in preparation for Halloween and then at the beginning of November the Halloween stock had to be removed over the weekend and replaced with the Christmas stock.
The shop also had to be decorated and the window dressed for the season.
And because Crazy Chocolatier’s sold the best handmade chocolates in Downshire they were also beginning to take orders for Christmas.
Andrew was himself burning the midnight oil during that period preparing the year end accounts for his biggest client.
As a result of them both being exceptionally busy they hadn’t done anything as a foursome for a couple of months.
So when Vikki and Martha suggested going bowling one Saturday night in December, Alex and Andrew both jumped at the chance and furthermore surprised themselves by how much the idea appealed to them.
From the girl’s perspective as it was already December time was running out for them to hit their target of having their parents involved, in some way, by Christmas Day.
Bowling was, they would have to admit not the most original idea and even a little lame, but they were getting desperate.
In the week preceding the bowling Alex found herself looking forward to it considerably more than she had anticipated and even treated herself to a colourful new blouse and a pair of slacks.
On the day before the outing Andrew decided he needed a haircut.
It was a bitter cold day when the night of the bowling came around, and snow had been predicted so as Andrew had a 4x4 he drove them.
After queuing to get their shoes they made their way to lane 10 and took their coats off.
It was at that point that they lost Vikki and Martha who were totally distracted by the devastatingly good looking Addison twins on the next lane.
They weren’t identical twins but they were clearly brothers and the girls thought they were absolutely gorgeous.
As Alex slipped off her coat to reveal her new outfit Andrew was moved to comment
“Wow you look lovely”
“Thank you” she replied and blushed a little at the compliment and then began entering the names on the screen.
The girls struggled to focus on the game as they were totally smitten by the boys on the neighbouring lane.
Andrew was a good bowler but his game had gone to pieces which left Alex in the unfamiliar position of leading after nine frames.
She knocked down 7 with the first ball of frame 10 and she was waiting for her ball to return.
Andrew was manipulating the unwanted balls on the carrier and when Alex reached down to retrieve her ball their hands touched.
Neither of them moved and their hands remained in contact,
It was like electricity was passing between them, then after a moment they made eye contact and smiled
“Gosh” she said and took a proper hold of his hand.
“Indeed” he said and squeezed hers and then they kissed
“What will the girls think?” she said
“They’ve been throwing us together all year, so they’ll be delighted” he said and they kissed again
Which was when the Addison twin’s pointed out to the girls what was going on behind them
“It’s about time” Martha said after turning around
“Absolutely” Vikki agreed and they high fived
Neither Alex nor Andrew could pinpoint the moment their feelings changed from friendship to something more, they surmised it must have happened by osmosis.
Martha and Vikki had achieved their target for something meaningful to have occurred between their respective parents by Christmas day, one year on from the mistletoe debacle with over two weeks to spare.
And that Christmas beneath the mistletoe in Andrews’s apartment there was no hesitancy on eithers part, in fact it went on a little longer than the girls were really comfortable with.
Wednesday 1 February 2017
Love Collection # 3
RADIANCE AND BEAUTY
Radiance and beauty
Seeps out from your every pore,
Pure loveliness
I FEEL SUCH A LOVE
I feel such a love
Pulsating through my lonely heart
Rippling through my soul
WHEN YOU SIT NEXT TO ME
When you sit next to me
The skies seem to brighten
I feel sunlight on my skin
And all my senses heighten
Just being in such close proximity
Makes my old heart lighten
Just imagine if you only knew me
Then I’d be as invisible as a titan
MIX AND MATCH
If only you could mix and match
To build the perfect girl
It would be great fun
I think I’ll give it a whirl
Bits may be out of proportion
She may look odd I guess
But she will only have eyes for me
And she will only answer yes
THE MOST PERFECT WOMAN
If I could make
The perfect wife
To keep with me
All of my life
If I was able to
Build the perfect one
I would chose Charlie’s legs
And Brenda’s bum
Laura’s breasts
And Eliza’s back
Annie’s arms
And Connie’s neck
Jenny’s hands
And Sarah’s toes
Cassie’s ears
And Karen’s nose
Maureen’s mouth
And Stephanie’s grin
Doreen’s hair
And Patricia’s skin
Charlotte’s voice
And Debbie’s eyes
Joanne’s teeth
And Susan’s thighs
Emma’s grace
And Christine’s hips
Diane’s heart
And Penny’s lips
If this was something
That I could do
She would still not
Be as good as you
A WASTED LOVE
Do you know why,
Even after all these years,
When I close my eyes
It’s your face I see
Even after all these years
My thoughts are of you
My dreams are of you
It’s because I still love you
And I am stuck
In this mind set
Of not being able to love another
While I’m still in love with you
It’s a wasted love
Because you moved on
When I could not
Your heart is cold to me
While mine still burns for you
I've known that for years
But I cannot break free
And when my eyelids close
You are there behind them
BENEATH THE MOONLIT SKY
Beneath the moonlit sky
I looked at a star and wished
Then later that moonlit night
Beneath the moon we kissed
SHADOW DWELLER
I have always been content
To live in the shadows
Avoiding the limelight
Keeping out of the sun
Living on the fringes of life
Bathing in the reflected glory of my peers
Living life vicariously
Keeping the world at arm’s length
And keeping a low profile
Laughing at other people’s jokes
Rejoicing in other people’s good fortune
Cheering on other people’s success
Crying at other people’s weddings
Always the bridesmaid, never the bride
Always the uncle, never the father
Always the friend, never the lover
And why not? no harm no foul
Its safe wrapping yourself in Clingfilm
Living a sterile life, protected
Against the pain and hurt
That fills the world
And I was more than happy to do it
And I thought myself the better for it
But now I realise
I am incomplete
I have lived a half-life
Taking no risks
Not opening my shell
By not exposing myself to the dangers
I have denied myself the pleasures
Well no more will I be content
I will no longer inhabit the shadows
No more will I view life from the fringes
I want to be blinded by the limelight
I want to walk in the sunlight
Before it’s too late to live a full life
IF ONLY YOU WERE HERE
If only you were here
So I didn’t miss you
If only you were here
So I could kiss you
If only I had been
Granted three wishes
Then I would wish you here
And cover you in kisses
LIVING IN THE SHADOWS
I finally looked into the shadows
And saw where you live
Because I’ve reached the end
I have no more to give
I really loved you
And I thought you loved me
But it wasn’t love
That you wanted from me
You wanted control, of
My every thought and deed
You brow beat me and bullied
Until you got me to concede
You've always been there
Behind my tears
Belittling and undermining
Feeding off my fears
Deprecating me, correcting me
Telling me I’m wrong
Bleeding me until I am weak
Making yourself strong
But all those empty years
I just couldn’t see
I was blind to just how bad
You really were for me
But now my eyes are open
And I see the man within
Those dark days are behind me
And my new life can begin
LOVE STRUCK
It feels like only yesterday
That you first came in to view
And the world seemed to stand still
As I looked at you
It seems like only yesterday
That cupids arrow took flight
And struck me through the heart
And it was love at first sight
Radiance and beauty
Seeps out from your every pore,
Pure loveliness
I FEEL SUCH A LOVE
I feel such a love
Pulsating through my lonely heart
Rippling through my soul
WHEN YOU SIT NEXT TO ME
When you sit next to me
The skies seem to brighten
I feel sunlight on my skin
And all my senses heighten
Just being in such close proximity
Makes my old heart lighten
Just imagine if you only knew me
Then I’d be as invisible as a titan
MIX AND MATCH
If only you could mix and match
To build the perfect girl
It would be great fun
I think I’ll give it a whirl
Bits may be out of proportion
She may look odd I guess
But she will only have eyes for me
And she will only answer yes
THE MOST PERFECT WOMAN
If I could make
The perfect wife
To keep with me
All of my life
If I was able to
Build the perfect one
I would chose Charlie’s legs
And Brenda’s bum
Laura’s breasts
And Eliza’s back
Annie’s arms
And Connie’s neck
Jenny’s hands
And Sarah’s toes
Cassie’s ears
And Karen’s nose
Maureen’s mouth
And Stephanie’s grin
Doreen’s hair
And Patricia’s skin
Charlotte’s voice
And Debbie’s eyes
Joanne’s teeth
And Susan’s thighs
Emma’s grace
And Christine’s hips
Diane’s heart
And Penny’s lips
If this was something
That I could do
She would still not
Be as good as you
A WASTED LOVE
Do you know why,
Even after all these years,
When I close my eyes
It’s your face I see
Even after all these years
My thoughts are of you
My dreams are of you
It’s because I still love you
And I am stuck
In this mind set
Of not being able to love another
While I’m still in love with you
It’s a wasted love
Because you moved on
When I could not
Your heart is cold to me
While mine still burns for you
I've known that for years
But I cannot break free
And when my eyelids close
You are there behind them
BENEATH THE MOONLIT SKY
Beneath the moonlit sky
I looked at a star and wished
Then later that moonlit night
Beneath the moon we kissed
SHADOW DWELLER
I have always been content
To live in the shadows
Avoiding the limelight
Keeping out of the sun
Living on the fringes of life
Bathing in the reflected glory of my peers
Living life vicariously
Keeping the world at arm’s length
And keeping a low profile
Laughing at other people’s jokes
Rejoicing in other people’s good fortune
Cheering on other people’s success
Crying at other people’s weddings
Always the bridesmaid, never the bride
Always the uncle, never the father
Always the friend, never the lover
And why not? no harm no foul
Its safe wrapping yourself in Clingfilm
Living a sterile life, protected
Against the pain and hurt
That fills the world
And I was more than happy to do it
And I thought myself the better for it
But now I realise
I am incomplete
I have lived a half-life
Taking no risks
Not opening my shell
By not exposing myself to the dangers
I have denied myself the pleasures
Well no more will I be content
I will no longer inhabit the shadows
No more will I view life from the fringes
I want to be blinded by the limelight
I want to walk in the sunlight
Before it’s too late to live a full life
IF ONLY YOU WERE HERE
If only you were here
So I didn’t miss you
If only you were here
So I could kiss you
If only I had been
Granted three wishes
Then I would wish you here
And cover you in kisses
LIVING IN THE SHADOWS
I finally looked into the shadows
And saw where you live
Because I’ve reached the end
I have no more to give
I really loved you
And I thought you loved me
But it wasn’t love
That you wanted from me
You wanted control, of
My every thought and deed
You brow beat me and bullied
Until you got me to concede
You've always been there
Behind my tears
Belittling and undermining
Feeding off my fears
Deprecating me, correcting me
Telling me I’m wrong
Bleeding me until I am weak
Making yourself strong
But all those empty years
I just couldn’t see
I was blind to just how bad
You really were for me
But now my eyes are open
And I see the man within
Those dark days are behind me
And my new life can begin
LOVE STRUCK
It feels like only yesterday
That you first came in to view
And the world seemed to stand still
As I looked at you
It seems like only yesterday
That cupids arrow took flight
And struck me through the heart
And it was love at first sight
Too Many Mirrors
When you reach a certain age and have acquired an unfortunate body shape, gravity becomes your enemy and a simple mirror becomes your nemesis.
In the privacy of your own home you can minimise your exposure to their spiteful honesty and therefore perpetuate the falsehood that you are 20 years younger and 4 stones lighter.
You can control this to a much lesser degree in the wider world.
For example shops and stores all possess a multitude of polished surfaces and shopping centres are all bedecked with glass and mirrors, but by far the worst are hotels, in particular the one where Jim Blackwood recently stayed.
It was a rather grand and elegant place and the venue for one of their over 50s club weekends.
However the downside to staying in an above average Hotel are the number and the positioning of mirrors.
A whole wall in the bathroom, a full length one in the hall and another monster above the writing desk come dressing table.
But the worst by a country mile was the bathroom.
There is nothing that dents your confidence more than seeing your naked form as others might see you if you were fortunate enough to reach that level of intimacy with them.
It was when Jim was in the shower that he caught sight of himself, and the full horror of what he saw was not even diminished when viewed through the steam in the shower, the water droplets on the shower door and the condensation on the mirror.
In short the image did not leave him possessed of any self confidence in fulfilling his hopes of soon reaching that afore mentioned level of intimacy with a not unattractive widow in his group called Faye Harvey.
His face had stood the test of time well enough but his body had been badly abused
“I bet Faye looks better in the bathroom mirror” he said out loud
He was quite presentable for his age when dressed in his dinner suit and the accessories, and without being conceited he was confident he could leave her satisfied, so to speak, if he got that far but his great fear was that he would leave her disappointed with his natural appearance.
Faye meanwhile was having much the same internal discussion as she stood before her own mirror, though even after 4 children and a hysterectomy her body had not reached the level of decline that his had.
Finally she deemed herself satisfied with the final look, she just hoped it would suffice for him.
However this final presentation was only achieved with undergarments that pulled her in and held her up and her fear was that the way she looked at that moment might well be enough to get Jim into the bedroom but with everything removed she was worried he wouldn’t go back for seconds.
The next morning at the breakfast table they sat across from one another, Jim wore a smug look of satisfaction while Faye wore one of tiredness.
This “exhaustion” however did not prevent her from taking him back to her bed before lunch.
In the privacy of your own home you can minimise your exposure to their spiteful honesty and therefore perpetuate the falsehood that you are 20 years younger and 4 stones lighter.
You can control this to a much lesser degree in the wider world.
For example shops and stores all possess a multitude of polished surfaces and shopping centres are all bedecked with glass and mirrors, but by far the worst are hotels, in particular the one where Jim Blackwood recently stayed.
It was a rather grand and elegant place and the venue for one of their over 50s club weekends.
However the downside to staying in an above average Hotel are the number and the positioning of mirrors.
A whole wall in the bathroom, a full length one in the hall and another monster above the writing desk come dressing table.
But the worst by a country mile was the bathroom.
There is nothing that dents your confidence more than seeing your naked form as others might see you if you were fortunate enough to reach that level of intimacy with them.
It was when Jim was in the shower that he caught sight of himself, and the full horror of what he saw was not even diminished when viewed through the steam in the shower, the water droplets on the shower door and the condensation on the mirror.
In short the image did not leave him possessed of any self confidence in fulfilling his hopes of soon reaching that afore mentioned level of intimacy with a not unattractive widow in his group called Faye Harvey.
His face had stood the test of time well enough but his body had been badly abused
“I bet Faye looks better in the bathroom mirror” he said out loud
He was quite presentable for his age when dressed in his dinner suit and the accessories, and without being conceited he was confident he could leave her satisfied, so to speak, if he got that far but his great fear was that he would leave her disappointed with his natural appearance.
Faye meanwhile was having much the same internal discussion as she stood before her own mirror, though even after 4 children and a hysterectomy her body had not reached the level of decline that his had.
Finally she deemed herself satisfied with the final look, she just hoped it would suffice for him.
However this final presentation was only achieved with undergarments that pulled her in and held her up and her fear was that the way she looked at that moment might well be enough to get Jim into the bedroom but with everything removed she was worried he wouldn’t go back for seconds.
The next morning at the breakfast table they sat across from one another, Jim wore a smug look of satisfaction while Faye wore one of tiredness.
This “exhaustion” however did not prevent her from taking him back to her bed before lunch.
Those Memories Made on Teardrop Lake – (28) The Chorister and the Organist
(Part 01)
“I know you’re 15 years older me” Daniel said “and I don’t care, and my young heart doesn’t care, because I love you”
Win gasped as the words left his lips, it had been a very long time since the previous time they were spoken to her.
And she had thought she would never hear them spoken to her again.
And a moment later she heard herself saying
“I love you too”
Daniel saw her lips form the words, but dare not believe the evidence of his eyes until each word was delivered.
“You do?” he asked
“Yes I do” she said “now kiss me before I change my mind”
To the untrained eye nothing changed between them after their declaration as they kept their relationship secret until the spring.
People were used to seeing them together around Shallowfield, at the Church Hall or in the church itself, so it wasn’t difficult
When they announced their engagement they received mixed reactions from their friends and the St Mary’s congregation.
But from the overwhelming majority it was favourable.
The Vicar was one of the most accepting and so he squeezed them in for a June wedding.
When he told his parents, his father, Horace, forbade him to marry the “old widow” as he called her, for every conceivable reason, age, class, profession and the fact she was from Yorkshire, all without ever having met her and said “if you defy me boy and wed her you will do so without my support”
So on a beautiful June afternoon he did indeed defy his father and married Winifred Margaret Holland nee Tiplady, in front of friends and neighbours, she was given away by her brother in law George Holland who despite ill health had journeyed down from Hull for the occasion.
His parents were not in attendance but did not leave the day totally unmarked as among the cards and telegrams was a solicitor’s letter informing Daniel that no financial support should be expected from his father and to vacate South View with immediate effect.
Fortunately in anticipation of his father’s actions, Daniel had already moved out, he did feel a little sadness when he left South View but that was far outweighed by the joy of marrying Win.
After their special day they had a honeymoon in Torquay and then they lived happily as man and wife at the Old Mill Cottage.
Five years passed by in the blink of an eye and they were still just as happy.
They were still very much in love and also still very active in the Church.
Win was still the organist and Daniel was the Choirmaster.
It was the beginning of December and they were in the Old Mill Cottage beside a roaring fire as freezing fog cloaked the landscape.
They were planning what to do for Winnie’s 50th birthday in January when there was a knock at the door.
Daniel got up and left Winifred pouring over holiday brochures and went to answer the knock, he closed the lounge door behind him to keep in the warmth then he braced himself for the influx of cold air as he opened the street door.
“Hello darling” an elegant middle aged woman wrapped up in furs said
“Mum?” Daniel said “come in, come in”
He hadn’t seen her for seven years and the last time had been in Nice so she wasn’t dressed like a Grizzly bear.
Although his father Horace had severed all contact he had been in regular contact with her via a post office box.
But she hadn’t mentioned in her last letter that she was returning to the country.
He closed the door and hugged her, a long warm hug.
“What are you doing here?” he asked “Are you alone?”
“I’m afraid so” she said flatly
He knew his father had been in poor health in the last year, so by her tone he assumed Horace had died.
A prolonged silent hug ensued before Elspeth Travers said
“I think it’s about time I was introduced to your wife”
(Part 02)
Win guessed it might me someone significant due to the length of time Daniel was gone so she tidied away the brochures and sat poised on the sofa.
Win stood up when the door opened and a slim well coutured lady in her sixties, now devoid of furs, walked in.
Elspeth smiled and then immediately hugged Win.
“I’m so pleased to meet you” she said “it’s long overdue”
“Thank you” Win said and completely out of character cried
They had a wonderful Christmas as Elspeth stayed in Shallowfield until the New Year.
She stayed at the Old Mill Cottage, with Dan and Winnie for a week while she reopened South View.
When the contractors had been in and got the house habitable and ready for habitation she spoke to her son and daughter in law.
“There is to be a family Christmas Dinner at the house and you two are the hosts” she announced
“What?” said Daniel “Who’s going to be there?”
“Everyone who should have been at the wedding” she said “If your father hadn’t been so stubborn”
“But why do we have to host?” he asked
“Because it’s your house” she replied
“It is?” Win said a little shell-shocked
“I’m going back to Nice in January” Elspeth said “That’s my home now”
“This is our home” Daniel said squeezing Win’s hand
She knew how much he loved South View and she would not be the reason he didn’t return, they had been happy at the Cottage but they would be happy anywhere because they were in love.
“Home is where we choose to make it darling” she said
“Quite right Winnie” Elspeth said
Despite his apprehension Christmas went very well and meeting the Aunts, Uncles and cousins was not as onerous as he first supposed.
There were still some who supported Horace’s stance on the marriage, but his philosophy was that it was their loss.
In January, Elspeth, wrapped in fur once again left Downshire bound for sunnier climes, never to return again.
Not however, “never to be seen again” over the years Win and Daniel would be frequent visitors to the South of France until her death in 1996.
For Winnie’s 50th birthday he took her to Venice on the Orient Express, a trip she never forgot.
As to returning to South View, they waited until the spring before they moved in, and they would never live anywhere else again.
Over the years they had their ups and downs but they remained in love and they were always best friends.
He was still Choirmaster and had become a Church warden as well.
The only blot on their landscape over their latter years was her health.
Her poverty stricken childhood finally caught up with her, crippling arthritis first forced her to give up the organ and then confined her to a wheelchair.
But despite her poor health and advancing years Winnie seldom missed a Church service or failed to accompany Daniel to choir practice.
When she reached her 84th year she often found herself reflecting on her life with Daniel and how much she loved him and she never once regretted her decision.
Winnie had three loves, the first was Daniel, the second was the organ, which she was now denied her and the last one was Olwen’s chapel.
So when word reached her that involved the Chapel and a love story she was intrigued and looked forward to meeting Olivia Adamson, a recent newcomer to the lake, who had made an appointment to see Daniel; as head of the Olwen’s Chapel preservation society.
Daniel invited them in to the drawing room and introduced Olivia to his wife Win,
Ben needed no introduction as he had met her many times before.
“This is my wife Win” he said proudly
“I’m so pleased to meet you” Olivia said
“And me you my dear” Win replied “It’s about time Ben found himself a good woman”
“The problem was you were already taken” Ben said
“Flatterer” she replied
Ben and Liv sat on the sofa and Daniel wheeled Win’s chair closer in, then he sat too.
“So how can I help?” Daniel asked
“Oh Danny don’t play with them, you know perfectly well why they are here” Win said indiscreetly
“Win!!” he said in exasperation
“We want to get married….” Olivia began “in Olwen’s Chapel”
“The Chapel hasn’t been used for a proper wedding since the first world war” Daniel said “September 13th 1914 to be precise”
“Don’t you think that’s a shame?” Ben said
“I’m not sure” Daniel replied “it might set a precedence”
“But the society would still be in control” Olivia said
“You realize that it isn’t my decision to make” he said “I am just one member of the society”
“But they will follow your lead dear” Win said
Liv and Ben left South View that night without getting a decision.
(Part 03)
“Why would you not say yes?” Win asked
“I didn’t say no” he retorted
“But you will” she said
“Because it is just a whim” He said and Win gave him a look
“They’ve only known each other for four months” he said “And they believe they’re in love”
“And how long who you known me before you fell in love” Win reminded him
“That was different” returned Dan
“No! It wasn’t” Win answered
Two days later Win finally got her way and he agreed it was in the Church hall where he broke the news
“You can use the Chapel” he said “but there are conditions”
“Name them” Olivia said
“It must be on the 100th anniversary of the last wedding” Dan said
“Agreed” Liv and Ben said in unison, that date fitted perfectly with the time Ben would be off
“Secondly the society and only the society will prepare the Chapel for the ceremony”
“Agreed” Liv and Ben said in unison again, they hadn’t given a moment’s thought to that side of things anyway.
“Finally, and this is a deal breaker” Dan said solemnly
“Ok” Olivia said apprehensively
“Win must be invited” he said and Olivia and Ben burst out laughing.
It took no little effort to get Winnie and her wheelchair up to the Chapel but it had to be done as Win would not be dissuaded from attending.
And it took almost as long as it took for Amanda to lead the Horse and Trap around the perimeter road and along the wooded lane up to the Chapel.
Claire and Harry were chattering away the whole trip but Olivia didn’t hear a word she was lost in the enchantment of it all, she was so happy and for the first time ever she felt like a princess.
When they reached the point on the lane closest to the chapel Amanda halted the cart.
The wedding party having been conveyed to the Chapel on a Governess Cart, a small two-wheeled horse-drawn cart with a small tub body decorated with flowers, pulled by a heavy set white horse and led by Amanda Flanders.
Due to a stand of trees there was no obvious sign of Olwen’s Chapel from the lane.
“Are we here?” Claire asked
“Yes indeed” Amanda replied as she opened the door.
“Are you sure?” Claire said looking around as she climbed down
“It’s just through there” she said pointing to a narrow path
Harry came down next and then held Olivia hand as she followed him.
Amanda kicked off her boots and slipped on something more fitting and then led the way up the path.
It meandered through about 50 yards of dense woodland and then opened out into Olwen’s clearing, and when they reached it Olivia gasped.
“Oh my” said Claire
Although the chapel was in actually just an assortment of stones on the forest floor arranged around a granite altar stone in a woodland clearing.
The society had prepared the Chapel with flowers and chairs borrowed from the church hall and the altar stone was dressed with the appropriate finery.
When Olivia appeared on the arm of Major General Cooper there was an audible gasp.
Win cried throughout the very moving ceremony as did every other woman present.
The wedding, was a fairy tale affair at Olwen’s Chapel.
And every woman present was jealous to the core.
Lynn Cooper’s son in law Steve Lerman provided the music and the Chapel was full of friends from Shallowfield and Bushy Down and for the first time in her life Olivia Adamson felt special.
Steve Lerman started the music and Harry Cooper led her up the aisle where Reverend Robert Hunter was waiting to marry her to Ben Shenton.
It was a beautiful ceremony, very moving and incredibly atmospheric.
(Part 04)
The Reception was held at the Shallowfield Lodge Hotel, Win was feeling quite unwell throughout but kept that fact to herself and stayed to the very end,
Sadly that was the last occasion she was seen in public.
All through the winter Winnie suffered a series of chest infections, the final one culminating in pneumonia.
But thanks to Dr Claire Andrews’s ministrations Winnie survived through until the spring and spent one more summer on the Lake before her heart gave out and she died in her sleep one September night.
Such was Winifred Travers popularity that everyone wanted to pay their respects.
St Mary’s was packed to the gunwales and it seemed like the whole of Shallowfield had turned out to say goodbye and everything ground to a halt.
But the level of love expressed by all and sundry on that somber day was of little consolation to Daniel who had lost his soul mate.
When the wake was over and he had bade farewell to the last of the well-wishers he closed the door behind them.
“Alone at last my darling” he said
Claire Andrews was concerned by what she saw at the wake, Daniel had looked suddenly old and tired, where he had always looked spritely and fit.
She thought, although she knew that from her medical training it was not possible, that he looked as if part of him had died along with Winnie.
So she made a point of paying weekly visits to him to check on his status.
For the first month he would let her in and they would converse, it was strained but it was converse.
For the second month she got as far as the hall, the month after they talked on the doorstep.
The following week he opened the door on the change and they spoke through a crack in the door.
After that he didn’t open the door at all.
Claire persisted however and went to the house daily, and spoke to him through the letter box.
She could hear him in the house moving around and talking to someone, but he didn’t respond to her.
This was repeated day after day until one day in March she began her one sided conversation and heard nothing, no movement, no talking, nothing.
For thirty minutes she carried on and then she decided to call for assistance, and phone for the police and Paramedics.
Within 10 minutes PC’s Jennings and Lowis arrived at South View.
“Morning Doctor” PC Jennings said
She knew Ian Jennings, he was dating one of the practice nurses.
“Thank God” she said “I need to get in Ian, Mr Travers isn’t answering”
“How long have you been trying?” he said
“About an hour” she replied
“Maybe he’s gone out” Jennings said
“He hasn’t left home since his wife died” Claire said
“Ok then” Ian responded
“I’ll check around the back” PC Lowis said
Catherine Lowis returned after doing a circuit of the house
“No sign of life and no way in” she said
“Ok” Ian said and got the ram from the car and made short work of forcing the door open.
The PC’s went in first, Ian searched the ground floor and Catherine went upstairs.
“In here Doc” Ian called
Claire followed his voice and found him standing next to an armchair containing the lifeless body of Daniel Travers.
On the tables either side of the chair were numerous photos of his late wife.
“Oh damn” she said “I guess you can cancel the ambulance”
When Daniels body had been removed Claire had one last look around the house and allowed the love that was ingrained in the fabric of the house wash over her.
When she stepped over the threshold PC Jennings, who was just making some final notes in his book, looked up and asked
“What are you going to list as cause of death Doc?”
“Well I don’t quite know what terminology to use but in my professional opinion he died of a broken heart”
“I know you’re 15 years older me” Daniel said “and I don’t care, and my young heart doesn’t care, because I love you”
Win gasped as the words left his lips, it had been a very long time since the previous time they were spoken to her.
And she had thought she would never hear them spoken to her again.
And a moment later she heard herself saying
“I love you too”
Daniel saw her lips form the words, but dare not believe the evidence of his eyes until each word was delivered.
“You do?” he asked
“Yes I do” she said “now kiss me before I change my mind”
To the untrained eye nothing changed between them after their declaration as they kept their relationship secret until the spring.
People were used to seeing them together around Shallowfield, at the Church Hall or in the church itself, so it wasn’t difficult
When they announced their engagement they received mixed reactions from their friends and the St Mary’s congregation.
But from the overwhelming majority it was favourable.
The Vicar was one of the most accepting and so he squeezed them in for a June wedding.
When he told his parents, his father, Horace, forbade him to marry the “old widow” as he called her, for every conceivable reason, age, class, profession and the fact she was from Yorkshire, all without ever having met her and said “if you defy me boy and wed her you will do so without my support”
So on a beautiful June afternoon he did indeed defy his father and married Winifred Margaret Holland nee Tiplady, in front of friends and neighbours, she was given away by her brother in law George Holland who despite ill health had journeyed down from Hull for the occasion.
His parents were not in attendance but did not leave the day totally unmarked as among the cards and telegrams was a solicitor’s letter informing Daniel that no financial support should be expected from his father and to vacate South View with immediate effect.
Fortunately in anticipation of his father’s actions, Daniel had already moved out, he did feel a little sadness when he left South View but that was far outweighed by the joy of marrying Win.
After their special day they had a honeymoon in Torquay and then they lived happily as man and wife at the Old Mill Cottage.
Five years passed by in the blink of an eye and they were still just as happy.
They were still very much in love and also still very active in the Church.
Win was still the organist and Daniel was the Choirmaster.
It was the beginning of December and they were in the Old Mill Cottage beside a roaring fire as freezing fog cloaked the landscape.
They were planning what to do for Winnie’s 50th birthday in January when there was a knock at the door.
Daniel got up and left Winifred pouring over holiday brochures and went to answer the knock, he closed the lounge door behind him to keep in the warmth then he braced himself for the influx of cold air as he opened the street door.
“Hello darling” an elegant middle aged woman wrapped up in furs said
“Mum?” Daniel said “come in, come in”
He hadn’t seen her for seven years and the last time had been in Nice so she wasn’t dressed like a Grizzly bear.
Although his father Horace had severed all contact he had been in regular contact with her via a post office box.
But she hadn’t mentioned in her last letter that she was returning to the country.
He closed the door and hugged her, a long warm hug.
“What are you doing here?” he asked “Are you alone?”
“I’m afraid so” she said flatly
He knew his father had been in poor health in the last year, so by her tone he assumed Horace had died.
A prolonged silent hug ensued before Elspeth Travers said
“I think it’s about time I was introduced to your wife”
(Part 02)
Win guessed it might me someone significant due to the length of time Daniel was gone so she tidied away the brochures and sat poised on the sofa.
Win stood up when the door opened and a slim well coutured lady in her sixties, now devoid of furs, walked in.
Elspeth smiled and then immediately hugged Win.
“I’m so pleased to meet you” she said “it’s long overdue”
“Thank you” Win said and completely out of character cried
They had a wonderful Christmas as Elspeth stayed in Shallowfield until the New Year.
She stayed at the Old Mill Cottage, with Dan and Winnie for a week while she reopened South View.
When the contractors had been in and got the house habitable and ready for habitation she spoke to her son and daughter in law.
“There is to be a family Christmas Dinner at the house and you two are the hosts” she announced
“What?” said Daniel “Who’s going to be there?”
“Everyone who should have been at the wedding” she said “If your father hadn’t been so stubborn”
“But why do we have to host?” he asked
“Because it’s your house” she replied
“It is?” Win said a little shell-shocked
“I’m going back to Nice in January” Elspeth said “That’s my home now”
“This is our home” Daniel said squeezing Win’s hand
She knew how much he loved South View and she would not be the reason he didn’t return, they had been happy at the Cottage but they would be happy anywhere because they were in love.
“Home is where we choose to make it darling” she said
“Quite right Winnie” Elspeth said
Despite his apprehension Christmas went very well and meeting the Aunts, Uncles and cousins was not as onerous as he first supposed.
There were still some who supported Horace’s stance on the marriage, but his philosophy was that it was their loss.
In January, Elspeth, wrapped in fur once again left Downshire bound for sunnier climes, never to return again.
Not however, “never to be seen again” over the years Win and Daniel would be frequent visitors to the South of France until her death in 1996.
For Winnie’s 50th birthday he took her to Venice on the Orient Express, a trip she never forgot.
As to returning to South View, they waited until the spring before they moved in, and they would never live anywhere else again.
Over the years they had their ups and downs but they remained in love and they were always best friends.
He was still Choirmaster and had become a Church warden as well.
The only blot on their landscape over their latter years was her health.
Her poverty stricken childhood finally caught up with her, crippling arthritis first forced her to give up the organ and then confined her to a wheelchair.
But despite her poor health and advancing years Winnie seldom missed a Church service or failed to accompany Daniel to choir practice.
When she reached her 84th year she often found herself reflecting on her life with Daniel and how much she loved him and she never once regretted her decision.
Winnie had three loves, the first was Daniel, the second was the organ, which she was now denied her and the last one was Olwen’s chapel.
So when word reached her that involved the Chapel and a love story she was intrigued and looked forward to meeting Olivia Adamson, a recent newcomer to the lake, who had made an appointment to see Daniel; as head of the Olwen’s Chapel preservation society.
Daniel invited them in to the drawing room and introduced Olivia to his wife Win,
Ben needed no introduction as he had met her many times before.
“This is my wife Win” he said proudly
“I’m so pleased to meet you” Olivia said
“And me you my dear” Win replied “It’s about time Ben found himself a good woman”
“The problem was you were already taken” Ben said
“Flatterer” she replied
Ben and Liv sat on the sofa and Daniel wheeled Win’s chair closer in, then he sat too.
“So how can I help?” Daniel asked
“Oh Danny don’t play with them, you know perfectly well why they are here” Win said indiscreetly
“Win!!” he said in exasperation
“We want to get married….” Olivia began “in Olwen’s Chapel”
“The Chapel hasn’t been used for a proper wedding since the first world war” Daniel said “September 13th 1914 to be precise”
“Don’t you think that’s a shame?” Ben said
“I’m not sure” Daniel replied “it might set a precedence”
“But the society would still be in control” Olivia said
“You realize that it isn’t my decision to make” he said “I am just one member of the society”
“But they will follow your lead dear” Win said
Liv and Ben left South View that night without getting a decision.
(Part 03)
“Why would you not say yes?” Win asked
“I didn’t say no” he retorted
“But you will” she said
“Because it is just a whim” He said and Win gave him a look
“They’ve only known each other for four months” he said “And they believe they’re in love”
“And how long who you known me before you fell in love” Win reminded him
“That was different” returned Dan
“No! It wasn’t” Win answered
Two days later Win finally got her way and he agreed it was in the Church hall where he broke the news
“You can use the Chapel” he said “but there are conditions”
“Name them” Olivia said
“It must be on the 100th anniversary of the last wedding” Dan said
“Agreed” Liv and Ben said in unison, that date fitted perfectly with the time Ben would be off
“Secondly the society and only the society will prepare the Chapel for the ceremony”
“Agreed” Liv and Ben said in unison again, they hadn’t given a moment’s thought to that side of things anyway.
“Finally, and this is a deal breaker” Dan said solemnly
“Ok” Olivia said apprehensively
“Win must be invited” he said and Olivia and Ben burst out laughing.
It took no little effort to get Winnie and her wheelchair up to the Chapel but it had to be done as Win would not be dissuaded from attending.
And it took almost as long as it took for Amanda to lead the Horse and Trap around the perimeter road and along the wooded lane up to the Chapel.
Claire and Harry were chattering away the whole trip but Olivia didn’t hear a word she was lost in the enchantment of it all, she was so happy and for the first time ever she felt like a princess.
When they reached the point on the lane closest to the chapel Amanda halted the cart.
The wedding party having been conveyed to the Chapel on a Governess Cart, a small two-wheeled horse-drawn cart with a small tub body decorated with flowers, pulled by a heavy set white horse and led by Amanda Flanders.
Due to a stand of trees there was no obvious sign of Olwen’s Chapel from the lane.
“Are we here?” Claire asked
“Yes indeed” Amanda replied as she opened the door.
“Are you sure?” Claire said looking around as she climbed down
“It’s just through there” she said pointing to a narrow path
Harry came down next and then held Olivia hand as she followed him.
Amanda kicked off her boots and slipped on something more fitting and then led the way up the path.
It meandered through about 50 yards of dense woodland and then opened out into Olwen’s clearing, and when they reached it Olivia gasped.
“Oh my” said Claire
Although the chapel was in actually just an assortment of stones on the forest floor arranged around a granite altar stone in a woodland clearing.
The society had prepared the Chapel with flowers and chairs borrowed from the church hall and the altar stone was dressed with the appropriate finery.
When Olivia appeared on the arm of Major General Cooper there was an audible gasp.
Win cried throughout the very moving ceremony as did every other woman present.
The wedding, was a fairy tale affair at Olwen’s Chapel.
And every woman present was jealous to the core.
Lynn Cooper’s son in law Steve Lerman provided the music and the Chapel was full of friends from Shallowfield and Bushy Down and for the first time in her life Olivia Adamson felt special.
Steve Lerman started the music and Harry Cooper led her up the aisle where Reverend Robert Hunter was waiting to marry her to Ben Shenton.
It was a beautiful ceremony, very moving and incredibly atmospheric.
(Part 04)
The Reception was held at the Shallowfield Lodge Hotel, Win was feeling quite unwell throughout but kept that fact to herself and stayed to the very end,
Sadly that was the last occasion she was seen in public.
All through the winter Winnie suffered a series of chest infections, the final one culminating in pneumonia.
But thanks to Dr Claire Andrews’s ministrations Winnie survived through until the spring and spent one more summer on the Lake before her heart gave out and she died in her sleep one September night.
Such was Winifred Travers popularity that everyone wanted to pay their respects.
St Mary’s was packed to the gunwales and it seemed like the whole of Shallowfield had turned out to say goodbye and everything ground to a halt.
But the level of love expressed by all and sundry on that somber day was of little consolation to Daniel who had lost his soul mate.
When the wake was over and he had bade farewell to the last of the well-wishers he closed the door behind them.
“Alone at last my darling” he said
Claire Andrews was concerned by what she saw at the wake, Daniel had looked suddenly old and tired, where he had always looked spritely and fit.
She thought, although she knew that from her medical training it was not possible, that he looked as if part of him had died along with Winnie.
So she made a point of paying weekly visits to him to check on his status.
For the first month he would let her in and they would converse, it was strained but it was converse.
For the second month she got as far as the hall, the month after they talked on the doorstep.
The following week he opened the door on the change and they spoke through a crack in the door.
After that he didn’t open the door at all.
Claire persisted however and went to the house daily, and spoke to him through the letter box.
She could hear him in the house moving around and talking to someone, but he didn’t respond to her.
This was repeated day after day until one day in March she began her one sided conversation and heard nothing, no movement, no talking, nothing.
For thirty minutes she carried on and then she decided to call for assistance, and phone for the police and Paramedics.
Within 10 minutes PC’s Jennings and Lowis arrived at South View.
“Morning Doctor” PC Jennings said
She knew Ian Jennings, he was dating one of the practice nurses.
“Thank God” she said “I need to get in Ian, Mr Travers isn’t answering”
“How long have you been trying?” he said
“About an hour” she replied
“Maybe he’s gone out” Jennings said
“He hasn’t left home since his wife died” Claire said
“Ok then” Ian responded
“I’ll check around the back” PC Lowis said
Catherine Lowis returned after doing a circuit of the house
“No sign of life and no way in” she said
“Ok” Ian said and got the ram from the car and made short work of forcing the door open.
The PC’s went in first, Ian searched the ground floor and Catherine went upstairs.
“In here Doc” Ian called
Claire followed his voice and found him standing next to an armchair containing the lifeless body of Daniel Travers.
On the tables either side of the chair were numerous photos of his late wife.
“Oh damn” she said “I guess you can cancel the ambulance”
When Daniels body had been removed Claire had one last look around the house and allowed the love that was ingrained in the fabric of the house wash over her.
When she stepped over the threshold PC Jennings, who was just making some final notes in his book, looked up and asked
“What are you going to list as cause of death Doc?”
“Well I don’t quite know what terminology to use but in my professional opinion he died of a broken heart”
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