The Harbinger Page 6

  “Thank you,” Ellie replied, pride swelling in her chest. “It took a long time, and it wasn’t cheap, but I have it as I want it now.”

  Holly turned fully and took in Ellie’s appearance. Willowy, fairly tall, and with a fresh beauty you didn’t see much of these days. A flash of longing roamed Holly’s body. She needed a distraction, and Ellie’s pyjamas provided it. “I can’t go to sleep without saying how much I love your PJs. Very cute. Teddy bears and ribbons in mint green… lovely.”

  Ellie stuck out her tongue. “These were an extra gift from my mum at Christmas. Do you feel awful for poking fun now?”

  Knowing Ellie might be feeling a little embarrassed made Holly giggle. “Yes, a little. Isn’t it funny how parents always perceive their daughters as little girls?” Holly shook her head.

  Ellie stifled a yawn as she put her hand over her mouth. Her eyelids drooped. Holly came to her rescue without knowing. “Well, it’s way past my bedtime, so I think I’ll turn in if you don’t mind. I reckon you could do with some sleep too. You looked wiped out.”

  “Yes, the bathroom mirror tells me it’s my wiped-out look.” Ellie smiled weakly. “Come on. I’ll show you the guest room.”

  The guest room reflected Ellie’s work skills. A large iron bedstead with an intricate scroll design dominated the room. The main colour scheme was various shades of grey with white. The room oozed good taste.

  “I’m not sure I can sleep in here,” said Holly as Ellie turned on the bedside lamp.

  Ellie’s head snapped back and turned her head to see Holly wearing a serious expression.

  “I’m sorry, but,” she said seriously, “the only other habitable one is Alex’s, and it has a single—”

  Holly interrupted her. “Much too classy for me,” she said, at the same time, letting out a raucous laugh. “You should see your face,” she added playfully.

  Ellie closed her eyes and let out a sigh of relief that she wouldn’t have to put Holly in Alex’s room. She swore she wouldn’t turn it into a shrine, but... “You are completely bonkers. You know that, don’t you?” Ellie said playfully.

  “I believe someone mentioned something similar a few hours ago. Oh yes,” she said, pointing at Ellie, “that would be you.”

  “And I stand wholeheartedly behind my comment. Seriously, will you be okay in here?” Ellie asked.

  “I’ll be fine, really. I didn’t mean to put a scare into you.”

  “Don’t worry about it. It’s nice to have the company in the house. The en-suite is through there,” she said, indicating a door to the right. “And I’ve put out a nightshirt and a new toothbrush. I’m sorry, I could only find a child’s one.” Ellie pursed her lips together by way of another apology.

  “Ellie, it’s fine. It’s only one night. I’ll remember to bring my own next time.” Holly seriously hoped there would be a next time.

  Ellie made her way to the door. “I’ll wish you goodnight, then. Sweet dreams,” she added as she closed the door behind her.

  6

  The smell of freshly ground coffee roused Holly from her slumber. It was a smell she couldn’t ignore, so she sat up and took in her surroundings, wondering for a split second where she was. Then she remembered a night filled with laughter and sorrow, reminding her that you had to have one to appreciate the other—not necessarily in the same evening, though.

  She visited the bathroom before she made her way downstairs, following the inviting smell. Entering the kitchen, she found Ellie sitting at the island perched high on a stool, reading the Sunday papers. Lots of Sunday papers. Pages were strewn across the whole of the countertop.

  “Morning,” she said with a croaky voice. “Couldn’t you find any more trees to cut down?” Holly asked indicating all the newspapers.

  Ellie giggled. “Welcome to my Sunday morning,” she said in a bright voice.

  Holly looked in amazement at her. Ellie must have been awake with the larks. Freshly showered, her hair still slightly damp, making her gold-coloured hair change from nine-carat to eighteen-carat. Her skin still pink from the heat of the hot water had not yet receded. “You grab yourself some coffee while I go out for breakfast,” she said, indicating the large percolator on a heated stand.

  The statement took Holly back. She wondered if this was her normal practice, Ellie swanning off for breakfast when she had a guest. She found the idea distasteful. In all honesty, she had invited herself to stay the night, and Ellie might have a long-standing arrangement to meet up with someone on a Sunday morning, but she’d never mentioned it. She shook her head as she poured herself a mug of the dark liquid and ahh’d at the first mouthful. She was nonplussed.

  “Do you want me to drop the latch on the door when I leave or will you give me the other key to post through the letterbox?”

  Ellie looked puzzled by the comment. “Why would you be going home so early?”

  “You said you were going out for breakfast. No point me hanging around on my lonesome,” Holly answered, a slight irritation revealed in the tone of her voice.

  Ellie laughed aloud. She walked to the kitchen cupboard and took out two plates and two covers. “Going out to get breakfast, I should have said.” She thrust the plates in Holly’s direction. “From Geoff’s café on the corner.” Ellie smiled gently. “You drink your coffee and come round. I’ve set up the dining table so at least it will be a civilised affair. I promise not to read as I normally do. Back in a few ticks.” She grabbed her coat from the hall on the way past and closed the front door gently behind her.

  Holly blinked at the whirlwind performance and drained her coffee mug, tittering as she placed it on the countertop, then refilled it quickly, wishing she could be a morning person. By midday, she was there. She reflected on the different Ellie from the one who went to bed last night. This morning, she was bright as a button with no hint of guilt or depression. It was almost as though she was a different person. An updated version. Was it one that was likely to last or only until the next meltdown? She only wished she could offer more help and support, but Leah was always her priority. Was it fair to offer? Holly was still debating whether it was a good or a bad thing when she heard the front door open.

  “I hope you’re awake now,” Ellie called from the hall. As she entered the kitchen, she lifted the two plates higher in the air. Instantly, the smell of bacon and sausages reached Holly’s nostrils. “I hope you like full English. I never thought to ask. Just leave what you don’t want. Follow me to the dining room.”

  Ellie kicked open the door to her right, which was slightly ajar. It was a compact room with just enough space to house a table for six with chairs and ample room to walk around it. It was bright and airy, aided by the winter sun streaming in through the window. Ellie laid down the two plates where the settings were and then shrugged off her coat, slipping it on to the back of her chair. It reminded Holly of the previous evening.

  “What’s this then? Self-service delivery,” Holly said with a titter.

  Ellie gave Holly a glorious smile. “Geoff’s very obliging. I had a wobbly when I was in there a while ago. He was lovely, very gentle and kind. He said if I wasn’t up to staying in the café, I was to phone him. He gets everything ready, and I just go in, give him my plate, and he puts what I want on it. It works a treat. He said I was looking happy this morning, then looked at the two plates and smiled. I do believe he thinks I have some romantic liaison going on.”

  When she laughed aloud, Holly drank in the sight with a pang of regret. Would that ever be a possibility? She didn’t even know if Ellie was gay. She only knew her gaydar was typically reliable, and she was receiving the strongest of vibes. Ellie whipped off the plate covers to reveal the two perfect English breakfasts.

  Holly couldn’t contain herself. “Oh, my God! Fried bread! I thought this went out years ago at the same time the government said we should be health conscious.”

  “Don’t just stare at it… sit down and eat it.”

  Holly nodded as she took
her seat. “I still can’t believe it,” she said. “The last time I had fried bread was at a motorway services while Leah and I were on a road trip. I knew I shouldn’t have eaten it, but I was starving. It took me exactly half an hour to return it to Mother Earth. Good job I had the sense to pull off the motorway the minute I started feeling iffy.”

  Ellie hid her face behind her hand as she tried to hide the laugh. “I guarantee Geoff’s food is wonderful and won’t upset you in any way. Now, eat!”

  Ellie heard the crack as Holly cut into her fried bread. If that were all it took to please Holly, she would ask Geoff how he made his. Then she would perfect the art… just in case.

  Holly was sprawled across the couch with one leg stretched out fully, the other dangling over the edge, foot swinging easily back and forth. A Sunday supplement balanced on her lap—she looked fully relaxed.

  She looked up and caught Ellie’s eye. “I want to thank you for being the perfect hostess. It’s wonderful to have company on the weekend, especially when Leah is with her dad. The house is lovely and welcoming, and I feel as though I’m at some spa resort.”

  Ellie smiled languidly. “Unfortunately, there is no pool or treatment room, but you’re welcome to what there is.”

  “It’s perfect. I can’t believe I managed to eat all that breakfast on top of what I ate last night. At this rate, I’ll be buying a size bigger.”

  Ellie looked down at the top she was wearing, knowing it was at least one size too big. “I don’t feel guilty at all,” she said confidently. “I think we both needed a blowout. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.” Ellie’s high was beginning to descend, knowing the promise she’d made to her son. It wouldn’t happen again. Sadness swept over her, and it took all she had to keep the look from her face.

  A loud knock emanated from the front door, followed by the sound of it opening. Ellie looked skyward, and Holly looked puzzled. They heard the person walk past the lounge door, and then Dee Hanray’s voice rang out.

  “Ellie, where are you? It’s Mum.”

  Ellie shot Holly a glance. “As if I didn’t know,” said Ellie, rolling her eyes.

  Holly put her feet on the floor and tidied the newspapers and supplements from various parts of the couch, putting the pile tidily by her side. Dee Hanray frightened her to death, even though their meetings had been very brief and all library-related. She hadn’t done anything in particular, but Dee had an air about her that made you aware of her presence. She made the ether crackle. You just waited for her to say something cutting. Holly pressed down the top of her trousers, trying to iron out the little creases that had formed while she’d sat awkwardly.

  Ellie laughed at Holly’s antics. “I’m in here, Mum,” Ellie called from the lounge. She was angry at the thought of her mother spoiling her afternoon. Dee Hanray knew how to press her daughter’s buttons, albeit unknowingly most of the time. Ellie didn’t want to be upset today, but she knew her mother could achieve it with something as subtle as her tone of voice. Ellie didn’t want to share, either her time or Holly’s company. Not today. For the first time since Alex’s death, she felt alive, almost human again.

  When the lounge door opened, Ellie heard the gasp from her mother, who immediately covered her mouth with her hand, then moved it above her heart. “Oh, that was a shock,” she said, looking at Holly on the couch. “I didn’t know you were expecting company, Eleanor. Shall I make tea while you two girls tidy up?”

  Ellie glared at her mother. “By all means make tea, but we’re not moving anything. There is plenty of room beside Holly to sit down if you’re staying.” Ellie surprised herself. Normally, she just fell in with her mum’s wishes because she couldn’t be bothered to fight these days. Today, the worm had turned.

  Her mother looked aghast at Ellie’s reply. “Well, I’ll go make tea then.” As she left the room, she shrugged off her coat, folding it neatly before laying it over the bannister.

  Holly whispered. “Your mum frightens the living daylights out of me, and I don’t even know her all that well. I think I’m influenced by what Sue has told me. I gather they don’t get on.”

  Through the rattle of crockery, Ellie said, “That has to be the understatement of the century. They are always at loggerheads over something. I think they love to hate each other. It all started when Michael Devlin allowed Sue to join the committee. He thought she had a vested interest, my mother did not. She has as much right to be there as my mum, if not more so. It is her business premises, after all. My mum is just a concerned member of the public, although she does lots of fundraising and organisation. I suppose they both have a place. My mum considers Sue uppity, while Sue thinks my mum is a snob. Actually, Sue is probably right, although my mum considers herself discerning.” Ellie grinned. It had been a long time since she’d been in a chatty mood. She believed Holly had given her back some of her joie de vivre.

  Both women were having a fit of the giggles when Dee Hanray entered the room. Her back was ramrod straight as she carried the tray before her like an offering. She bent her knees with legs together as she placed the tray on the coffee table. Both Ellie and Holly fell silent, as though they’d been sharing a joke to which Dee Hanray was not privy. The atmosphere in the room changed—immediately strained. Ellie and Holly looked at each other with sullen eyes.

  Dee Hanray had opted for using the teapot instead of teabags and cups and saucers instead of mugs. Ellie again rolled her eyes. Pretentious. That was a perfect description of her mother—pretentious!

  Ellie cleared her throat. “A mug and teabag would have been okay, Mum. No need to go to all the trouble of cups and saucers.”

  Her mother shot her a glance. “Oh, it’s Sunday, Eleanor. We might get away being slovenly the rest of the week, but on Sunday, we should make an effort.” She glanced at her daughter’s jogging bottoms.

  Ellie bristled. “That obviously includes the Sunday name as well.” Her voice lay heavy with displeasure.

  “I don’t know why you object. It’s a lovely name. Your father and I spent days deliberating over it. I’m sorry if it doesn’t please you.” Her gaze shifted to Holly, and she sniffed. “Now, I don’t believe we have been formally introduced. Dee Hanray,” she said offering her hand to Holly.

  Holly took it and hoped the tremble wasn’t evident in her grip. “Holly Simons. Pleased to meet you.”

  Dee Hanray tilted her head to one side and gazed intently at Holly. “Holly Simons,” she repeated intently. “The name rings a bell and your face is familiar, but I just can’t place where from.”

  Holly smiled. “I work as a volunteer at the library three days a week, and I’m there when you come on your Thursday visit. I only swapped to a Thursday recently, so that’s probably why you didn’t marry up the face with the name. We have met briefly on a couple of occasions. My appointment was some time ago.”

  “Oh, of course! Ex-librarian. I remember now.” She smiled as she passed the cup of tea to Holly, and then offered her milk and sugar. “I didn’t know you knew Eleanor?” she said, trying to draw out every last bit of information.

  Holly flicked a glance at Ellie. The look said, how much should I tell her, but all she got in reply was a pair of pursed lips. “She came looking for a book I think you recommended, we got chatting, and you know how it is.” Holly wondered if she did know. “Then, of course, she rescued my daughter from harm and looked after her until I got there. She’s been very kind.” Holly smiled in Ellie’s direction. She got a mouthed Sorry in reply.

  Dee passed her daughter her cup of tea, already made up with a drop of milk. “So, you’ve been playing guardian angel, have you?”

  Ellie gave her mother a scowl. “It was nothing of the sort. A gang of girls set upon Leah. I merely broke it up and waited for Holly to arrive. I only did what any sensible adult would do, I hope.”

  Holly chipped in, seeing how aggravated Ellie was getting having to explain herself. “Phil was so grateful. He treated her to a meal at Intimo. We went last night, hence
my presence here today.” Out of the corner of her eye, Holly saw Ellie screw up her face. She knew then she sad too much. In her defence, Dee had a way of wheedling out information.

  “Oh, so you both made a night of it—that’s nice. It’s good of your husband to let you be away from home so long. If he’s anything like mine, there is always some kind of crisis.”

  Ellie spluttered on her tea. “Phil’s a very resourceful man. He can obviously cope.”

  Holly narrowed her eyes at Ellie’s deliberate deception, but she let the comment go.

  Dee Hanray finally took a seat at the opposite end of the couch. She kept glancing at the pile of newspapers and supplements on the seat between herself and Holly.

  “Is there something wrong, Mum?” asked Ellie, wanting her mother to say what she had to say and get it over with.

  “Well, I did come over to discuss next Friday evening, but under the circumstances, it can wait. I’ll phone you this evening.”

  Ellie felt her face flush, yet a shiver ran down her spine. Trust her mother to spoil a good day. Not that she didn’t think about Alex—of course, she did. She certainly didn’t need her mother reminding her of the day he was born. After twenty hours of labour, she had given birth to her bundle of joy. Yet, today, thoughts of him weren’t all-consuming as they had been in the past. Today had tempered them to manageable. Banter, fun, adult company and discussion of the newspaper headlines had placed Ellie in a world she hadn’t been part of for a long time… and she was enjoying it.

  “I’ve been waiting for you to call and tell me your thoughts, but you didn’t ring, so I made my own arrangements. Sue is providing us with a buffet dinner, and I’ve asked her to stay when she’s finished.”

  Ellie saw her mother scowl, but Ellie stared her down.

  “Sue has been a good friend when I needed one and a shoulder to cry on. In addition, I get to ask who I like. It’s my son’s remembrance, and I want people here who have helped and supported me, not every Tom, Dick and Harry. It’s not a party.”