When Alice Met Danny Read online

To make matters worse, there was nothing worth watching on television. The next programme was billed as a documentary about paedophiles. She switched it off and spent the evening catching up with the ironing.

  At least, she thought to herself, I’ll have my Awesome T-shirt ready to wear next time I see Danny. When, she wondered, would that be?

  Chapter 45

  The weather forecasters were dead right. Tuesday dawned grey and very wet. Not the monsoon-like conditions of Monday, but nevertheless most unpleasant. Alice got up at seven, conscious that the dog was waiting for his walk. The walk itself was a hasty dash around the smaller field, trying not to get too wet. She deliberately chose a route that avoided passing Mandy the gossip’s house.

  Unexpectedly, her waterproofs proved up to the task that morning so, when she got home, she did not have to rush upstairs and change into fresh clothes. She went into the kitchen and did her best to dry the dog. Then she put the kettle on. As was their habit, Danny got a slice of bread as an early morning snack. She had just given it to him when her phone rang. It was two-legged Danny. She felt a pulse of excitement, immediately followed by a sense of foreboding. She found herself struggling for words.

  ‘Hello.’

  ‘Alice, is that you?’

  ‘Yes.’ She still didn’t know what to say. And she was terrified of what he might be calling to tell her.

  ‘Where are you?’ He had called her on the mobile.

  ‘In the kitchen.’ She could hear the strain in his voice. He sounded exhausted. This, more than anything, helped her natural hospitable instincts reassert themselves. ‘I’m making tea. Want some?’ She was doing her best to sound normal, but her voice sounded hollow to her. He didn’t appear to notice anything.

  ‘Yes, I would. Would you mind if I came round?’ She couldn’t miss the anguish in his tone.

  ‘Danny, you know you’re welcome any time.’

  ‘Two minutes. Bye.’

  She barely had time to retie her hair before she heard footsteps at the front door. She and the dog were there before he could ring. She opened the door and waved him in. He was wearing a short jacket without a hood. He was soaked, his hair plastered down around his face, his jeans dark blue where the water had run off the jacket onto his thighs.

  ‘You should have worn your wet suit.’ She half-smiled at the sight of him, but his expression wiped it off her face. She led him, unresisting, into the kitchen and sat him next to the Aga. The damp dog came over and rested his head in his lap. Danny stroked the Labrador absentmindedly.

  ‘Want to talk about it?’ She went over to the kettle, hardly daring to listen, dreading what he might be about to tell her. She was unprepared for what he had to say.

  ‘It’s Mandy.’

  Alice’s ears pricked up, although she carried on making the tea.

  His voice was barely audible. ‘She’s been in an accident.’

  ‘She’s what?’ Alice whirled round.

  ‘She was in the car, yesterday morning.’ His voice sounded totally drained. ‘Just this side of Exeter on the main road. A tree came down on top of her car. She’s in Intensive Care.’

  The TV news story flashed though Alice’s head. ‘Oh, how awful. That was Mandy? The poor girl.’ She didn’t know what to say. ‘So what are they saying at the hospital? What’s the prognosis? Will she recover?’

  ‘They won’t pronounce, but it doesn’t look good. I suppose they don’t know themselves. They know her back’s broken, but it’s too soon to know how bad it is. There’s a lot of damage to her head, and she’s in a coma. I got the call at lunchtime yesterday. I’ve been rushing round ever since. When I phoned you yesterday I was at Exeter St Davids station. Janie came down as soon as she heard.’ He looked up wearily. ‘We were both at the hospital last night. I couldn’t leave Janie there on her own. You do understand, don’t you? I can’t leave either of them at the moment.’ She abandoned the tea making, went over to him and cradled his head against her. The ramifications of what he was saying were slowly sinking in.

  ‘Of course I understand. How simply terrible. I do hope she makes a full recovery.’

  ‘She looks awful, with tubes and wires all over the place.’ He glanced up at Alice, his face distraught. ‘I know we were all but divorced. I know things were pretty bad between us, but I feel it all the same. Somehow I’m still responsible for her. She hasn’t got anybody else. Her mum’s got dementia and Janie’s up at university.’ He wrapped his arms around her and hunched there like that for a while. Finally, he roused himself. ‘Janie’s at home, asleep. They told us we couldn’t do anything at the hospital, but we didn’t get to bed until late last night. I don’t know about Janie, but I didn’t get much sleep.’ Alice bent down and kissed the top of his head. Then she went over to the worktop.

  ‘Want something to eat with your tea?’ She handed him the mug. ‘I’ve got some scallops that need eating.’

  He looked up and grimaced. ‘I’m sorry, Alice.’ She shushed him.

  ‘Not a word. Well, if not scallops, how about some toast?’ She didn’t wait for his reply. She went over to the toaster and put in two slices. By the time they were done, she had laid butter, jam and fruit on the table. He made a feeble attempt to refuse, before falling on the toast and devouring it, along with two peaches. She sat quietly, sipping her tea and watching him. Finally she deemed the time right to start speaking again.

  ‘So what’s the plan? I presume you and Janie will be staying down here?’ He nodded. ‘Any idea how long she’ll be in Intensive Care?’

  ‘I’m going in to see her this morning. I rang the hospital a few moments before I rang you. The specialist will be looking at her first thing. Hopefully they’ll be able to tell me more by the time I get there. I’ve got to start calling the relatives. Her mum’s in no fit state anyway to ring round to tell people. To be honest, I’m not even sure she’s understood what has happened to her daughter. I’ll have to do all that kind of thing.’

  ‘Will I see you?’ She reached across and took his hand. ‘But I know that isn’t going to be easy.’

  He looked uncomfortable. ‘I suppose the answer is probably not.’ He looked across at her, his face a mask of sorrow. ‘I’ve got to do the right thing. And I know that is to stay with Mandy for as long as she needs me. G&B will let me work from down here for a while, I’m sure. I’d love you to meet Janie, but now’s not the time. I’d love to spend time with you, but, the way things are, I just can’t.’ There was no need to spell it out. He was saying he had to stay with his wife, at least for now. Alice nodded. She understood.

  ‘Will you be at Mrs Tinker’s funeral today?’

  He shook his head. ‘I don’t think so. I am off to the hospital as soon as Janie stirs. I doubt if we’ll make it back in time.’

  ‘Danny,’ she squeezed his hand. ‘As far as anybody needs to know, I’m just a casual friend from the village. Only Megan and Derek know about us. Janie, Mandy’s mum, her relatives; nobody needs to know anything.’ She leant across and kissed him gently on the cheek. ‘Not that there’s much to know yet. Casual friends, OK?’

  He nodded wearily. ‘It’s just so unfair. Unfair on her, unfair on us.’

  She took a deep breath. ‘You have no choice. No, that’s not right. You do have a choice. You can carry on with your life and leave her to her fate, or you can do the decent thing. What you are doing is the right thing to do.’ She kept strict control of her emotions. ‘I admire you for it.’ And she did.

  For the first time that morning, he gave the ghost of a smile. ‘I love you, Alice. I’ve loved you for years.’ She almost gave in, but she bit her lip and stood firm. He hurried on. ‘This situation can’t go on for long. Things will get sorted out. I’ll be back for you. If you’ll have me.’

  ‘I’ll have you.’ She was pleased to hear her voice still strong.

  He reached across and pulled her towards him, until his mouth rested gently against hers. She felt the lightest pressure of his lips and then he stood
up. ‘I’d better go.’

  She accompanied him to the door. Before opening it, she turned back and looked him straight in the eye.

  ‘Casual friends, OK? Until you say the word.’

  He nodded, pulled on his waterproof and made a run for it.

  Chapter 46

  The church was packed for Mrs Tinker’s funeral. Alice left her umbrella alongside a whole host of others in buckets by the door, and made her way to a seat. She looked around and saw a lot of familiar faces. The Burrell brothers, including young Billy, were seated near the front. Along with them was Neil the decorator, and even the electrician and plumber had come along. Gerry the giraffe’s head stood out from the rest, a good three or four inches above even Neil’s.

  The service was simple and moving. Megan spoke warmly about Mrs Tinker, calling her Agnes, although few had ever used her first name. It was evident she had been well-loved in the village and Alice found herself crying into her handkerchief. In the short time she had known her, she had come to think of her as more like a mum than a landlady.

  As the service proceeded, she thought back to the reading she had been doing. She found herself comparing the dignity and the warmth of this ceremony to the squalid end of so many millions during the First World War. No funeral service for them, no coming together of friends and family as they were laid to rest. Instead, just ugly, vicious maiming and death, often followed by putrefaction in a muddy shell hole, then hasty burial in a common grave. She wept for them as well as for Mrs Tinker.

  At the end of the service, they all filed out into the churchyard, the rain continuing to fall in a continuous stream. The grave where her husband lay had been opened and they all stood in silence as the coffin was lowered into it. Alice saw Peter the surveyor and big Derek among the little group of family members close to the grave.

  The mood back at the King’s Arms was less sombre. The general sense of relief to be in from the inclement weather spread throughout the room. Time and time again, Alice heard people refer to Mrs Tinker’s “good run”. Drinks were passed round, as were plates of food, and soon the atmosphere in the function room had warmed up. Even Alice began to feel a bit less dejected. She felt a hand on her shoulder, turned round and beamed.

  ‘Vicky, you’re here. And you’ve brought my little boyfriend.’ Vicky was holding young Danny in her arms. Beside her, looking happier than she had ever seen him, was Daniel Tremayne. The look of love in his eyes as he surveyed his family made her eyes burn. She glanced from one to the other. ‘All well? I don’t need to ask, do I?’ The answer was so obvious from their expressions. Daniel was the first to answer.

  ‘If we weren’t at a funeral, I’d be singing. Alice, thank you for all you’ve done.’

  ‘Yes, Alice, thanks for everything.’ Vicky held out the baby. ‘Want to take the weight?’ Alice took him most willingly and the little boy’s face lit up. He gurgled contentedly.

  ‘Hello, Danny. You sound almost as happy as your parents.’ She held him for a few minutes while they chatted, before handing him over to his very proud father. As she did so, she clearly saw the family resemblance in their faces. ‘He’s unmistakably a Tremayne, isn’t he?’

  His answer was his smile.

  Alice saw Neil the decorator in the distance, excused herself and made her way through the crush of people towards him.

  ‘Hello, Alice, what can I get you?’

  She gave him a weak smile and looked at her watch. It was well past twelve. ‘You know, I think I’d quite like a glass of beer.’ She rarely drank beer, but somehow it felt like the right thing to do. When, moments later, a pint glass was passed to her, she began to question the wisdom of her decision. She talked over her choice of colours for the paintwork at number 23 for a while, finding herself having to decide between gloss, satin and eggshell for the woodwork. Confused, she decided to leave the decision up to Neil. He gave her a smile.

  ‘I’ll do it in eggshell. I think it looks classy.’

  ‘Hi. Alice.’ It was Billy the bodybuilder. He had somehow squeezed his muscular frame into a dark suit, but the button on his shirt collar had not been man enough for the job. It gaped open, just held by the thin dark tie. ‘I see you are on pints now.’

  ‘Pint, singular. And I’ll be doing well to get through just one of them. How’re you doing, Billy?’

  ‘I’m fine. I’m waiting for my dad, but he’s waiting for the vicar.’ He gave Alice a sly grin. ‘Things are looking serious between them. I’m not sure what she’s going to make of my little sideline.’

  ‘What sort of sideline is that? Something to do with bodybuilding?’

  He had the decency to look slightly embarrassed. ‘Ever heard of the Chippendales?’ Alice began to see where this might be leading.

  ‘The dancers? Or whatever they do...’ He laughed out loud.

  ‘Dancing is not the half of it. Anyway, there’s a group of us who’ve set up our own version. We’re called the Builderdales. We’re all builders or tradesmen. We have our first gig in two weeks’ time. I’ll get you tickets if you like.’

  Alice was looking for a polite way of refusing when Mrs Tinker’s nephew, Peter, came up.

  ‘Hello, Alice. Thanks for coming.’ He looked very smart in a dark suit.

  ‘I wouldn’t have missed it for anything. Your aunt was a lovely, lovely lady.’

  He nodded gently then looked up, a more cheerful expression on his face. ‘So how’s the house full of poo? Are you getting there?’ His question cheered her up in her turn.

  ‘I certainly am. Decoration and new kitchen next week, carpets the week after. I’m planning on having a party in July to say thank you to all the people who helped. I hope you’ll be able to come along.’

  ‘I’ll look forward to it.’ And with that, he made his way towards the door to greet other guests.

  A few moments later, Alice saw Megan coming through the crowd. She was still in uniform, the hem of her robe soaking wet from the churchyard.

  ‘Hi, Alice.’ She accepted Billy’s offer of a drink and turned to Alice, lowering her voice. ‘You’ve heard about Mandy?’ Alice nodded. ‘Isn’t that awful?’

  ‘Poor Danny is distraught.’ Alice kept her voice down. ‘His daughter must be in a terrible state.’ She glanced around the room. ‘He’s going to stay with them for as long as it takes.’

  ‘He’s a good man.’ Megan laid a comforting hand on Alice’s arm. ‘I know it doesn’t make it easy for you though.’

  ‘I’ll manage. You’ll see.’ Her voice betrayed her sorrow, but she rallied. ‘But at least the Tremaynes seem to have found happiness once more.’ Megan followed her gaze.

  ‘It’s no more than they deserve.’

  ‘And your fish dinner last night?’ Alice was doing her best to sound cheerful. ‘Did the evening match up to your expectations?’

  Megan gave her a happy smile. ‘It certainly did. And, what’s more, he really can cook. The whole evening was a delight.’

  Alice smiled back, glad that her friend had found the happiness she had been seeking. ‘So where is Reg now? Billy said he was waiting for you.’

  ‘He and Peter are talking fishing. I thought I’d leave them to it.’

  Alice smiled. ‘So he can catch them, cook them and he can even fix the leaky roof as well. That’s quite some man you’ve got there.’ Her eyes flitted around the room.

  Megan knew enough about human nature to see how despondent Alice was. She laid a hand on her arm and lowered her voice. ‘And what about you?’

  ‘I told you, Megan, it’ll be fine. I lost two Dannys yesterday; Danny from the trenches and my slimy neighbour, but he was no real loss. I’ve lost little Danny Tremayne to his mum and his dad, and that’s only right. I’ve lost Daniel Tremayne to his wife and that’s only right, too.’ She took a deep breath and looked up. ‘But Danny, my Danny, will come back to me when he can. I know he will.’

  Chapter 47

  By the time Alice came out of the pub, the rain had stopped.
Patches of blue sky were emerging from behind the clouds as the weather front cleared. She walked the few hundred yards back to the cottage, her mood still bleak. She knew it was for the loss of Mrs Tinker, but she also knew it was for herself. Her new life had been going so well; new friends, a new home, a successful building project and even a historical period to study. And now she felt almost as alone and aimless as she had been a few months ago.

  She slid her key into the lock and opened the door to Duck Cottage. Danny the dog came rushing out to greet her.

  ‘Hello, handsome.’ She ruffled his ears. He had dried out now, although the kitchen still smelt of wet dog. She went over to the back door and opened it. Along with fresh air from outside, a chorus of birdsong filled the room. Danny trotted over to the door and flopped down in the position he so loved: his front paws hanging over the top step, head in the emerging sunshine, master of all he surveyed.

  She went over to the coffee machine and turned it on. As the wonderful aroma of coffee replaced the stuffy atmosphere, she sat down, glad of the rest after hours on her feet. The smell of the coffee soon reached into the garden, round to her next-door neighbour and, before long, the sound of the dog’s tail whacking the ground told her that Derek Tinker was on his way. She had put a cup under the spout for him before he reached the open door.

  He bent down to pat the dog. ‘Hi there, Danny. Isn’t it good to see the sun again?’ He tapped the door frame. ‘Knock, knock. Wasn’t it the Sirens who tempted sailors? If they’d had coffee machines, the whole merchant marine would have been lured to their doom.’

  ‘Hi, Derek. Enjoy it while you can. Tomorrow night you’ll be thousands of miles away.’ She realised she would miss this good-natured bear of a man.

  ‘Ah, yes, but I’ve got a good coffee machine at home. All is not lost. I’m going to miss you, Alice. Still, you’ve promised to come over on your honeymoon.’

  She looked up from the machine. ‘Erm, slight change of plan. Honeymoon prospects not looking quite as rosy as they were a day or two ago.’