Autumn Leaves at Mill Grange by Jenny Kane (the little red hen ebook .txt) 📗

as well as to drink. Bert and I can’t take it this late anymore, but we enjoy the occasional cup as a treat when we can’t shift the damp from our bones.’

‘I’m sorry I disturbed you so late. I didn’t think about the time. I just…’

Bert dismissed her apology with a wave of his hand. ‘Not a bit of it. You needed to talk, and where else would you go but to friends. Now, what’s that young Sam done?’

Tina felt a giggle form in her throat. It was almost hysterical after the tears. ‘What makes you think Sam did something?’

Mabel snorted. ‘More like what he didn’t do if I’m any judge.’

Bert grinned. ‘And she is, Tina love. A good judge. My Mabel has always been good at knowing people.’

‘Thank you, dear.’

‘Doesn’t stop you putting your foot in it though, lass, so don’t you go preening.’

Afraid she was about to cause a row between her hosts, Tina got to her feet. ‘Please, I didn’t want to cause trouble. I should go.’

Bert, unable to get up as quickly as Tina, who was already by the door, called out, ‘Tina, sit down, lass. We’re just bickering. It’s what we do. It’s okay.’

Mabel guided her friend back to the sofa. ‘You don’t find it easy do you – arguments and confrontation?’

‘I hate it. My parents used to argue sometimes, and so did the other kids at school. Somehow the rows always felt like my fault, even though, logically, I knew they weren’t.’

‘You and that Thea, you’re like two peas in a pod on that front; both hating confrontation.’ Mabel picked up the mug of hot chocolate again and pushed it into Tina’s hands.

‘She misses Shaun. She hasn’t talked about it much, but I know she does.’

‘Aye, lass, she does.’ Bert nodded. ‘I reckon that’s why she was so pleased to see that Helen. Another archaeologist; means Thea can have the same work chats, even if she can’t have the rest.’

Tina went back to staring into the hot chocolate, watching the steam lessen as it cooled. ‘I hadn’t thought of that.’

‘You are allowed you know.’ Bert gave a reassuring smile.

‘Allowed?’ Tina took a sip of her drink so she didn’t have to say anything else.

‘To be put out. To feel left out. To argue even. It’s all allowed. Nothing bad will happen if you admit to being unhappy or cross.’

Tina stole a glance at Bert; she didn’t know what to say.

*

Thea thumped onto the bench next to the Stag and Hound, opposite Sybil’s Tea Rooms. She slipped her hands into her pockets to hide their anxious shake as Helen sat beside her.

‘You can’t think of anywhere else she would have gone?’

‘I was so sure she’d be at the pub.’ Thea slapped the bench’s arm in frustration.

‘What about Sybil?’ Helen pointed at the café. ‘Are they close?’

‘They’re friends, but I don’t think Tina would go to her in a crisis.

‘Isn’t there anyone she would go to?’

‘Of course!’ Thea leapt up. ‘I know exactly where she’s gone.’

*

‘Lord and Lady Malvern!’ Mabel was on her feet. Tina had the strangest sense that the old woman was going to bow.

‘Well, I think it is Earl and Lady Malvern. I’m not quite sure on the etiquette title-wise.’

‘Sam is an earl’s son?’ Mabel looked like she might faint as she sat back down again. ‘But he has a ponytail?’

Tina burst out laughing. ‘I’m sorry, Mabel, I’m not laughing at you, it’s just I agree. Sam is an unlikely candidate for the nobility – ponytail or not.’

‘Yes, well.’ Mabel composed herself. ‘If his father is an earl, then his mother is a countess.’

Bert observed their visitor carefully. ‘Sam’ll want to take you to visit their home.’

‘Yes.’ Tina put down her mug down. ‘He hasn’t said much about it.’

‘I suspect he’s afraid to. Sam told me he wants to live up to their expectations, while not letting you down at the same time.’

Sensing her disquiet, Bert raised a hand, and said, ‘Before you get offended that he spoke to me about who his parents are, and how badly he wants you all to get on, you should know that young Sam felt rather awkward about sharing his fears with me. I wouldn’t have said anything but, in the circumstances, I thought I should. I’d hate to upset you.’

‘You could never do that.’ Tina reached her hand out and patted his pyjama-covered arm.

Mabel spoke before Bert had the chance to answer. ‘You knew Sam was gentry and didn’t tell me!’

‘Sam told me in confidence.’

Mabel huffed as she turned back to Tina. ‘And you didn’t know Sam had confided in Bert?’

‘I don’t seem to know about much that’s going on these days, but I did know about the dinner invitation. That was sort of my fault.’

‘Your fault?’ Mabel pursed her lips as she gathered up the hot chocolate mugs. ‘Oh, I doubt that very much.’

Twenty-Two

September 10th

‘Thea!’ Bert blinked into the night air as he opened the door of his home. ‘And Helen. You’ve just missed Tina.’

‘She was here then? Thank goodness.’ Thea exhaled in a rush of relief. ‘We’ve looked everywhere and she isn’t answering her phone. Is she alright?’

‘Put out. She headed back to Mill Grange about ten minutes ago.’ Bert stood back to invite the women inside.

‘You’re very kind, Bert, but it’s late, and I think you and Mabel have been disturbed enough for one evening. We’ll see you tomorrow.’

Helen yawned as they walked back through Upwich. ‘Will you go and talk to Tina tonight?’

‘If she’ll talk to me.’

‘Of course she will. You haven’t done anything wrong other than getting wrapped up in work.’

‘That is beginning to feel like a feeble excuse.’ Thea swallowed. ‘Let’s just hope she’s gone straight back to the manor.’

Lost in her own thoughts, Helen didn’t break the silence until they reached the top of the drive. ‘Where do you want to try first? Inside the house? Or do you think Tina’ll be in the tent with Sam?’

‘Hopefully the house – or Sam will wonder