Part 5 (2/2)

'That is what I just said.

'Indeed you did, my Teutonic temptress. I just rephrased in slightly more acceptable terms. Now theres a chance h.e.l.l actually come.

'Are you doing roast pork? said Russell, hopefully.

'If you wish it.

'I do indeed, and you may phrase your invitation any way you please. If you could arrange for Andrew to be absent then the day will be perfect.

'No, he must be there to talk to you about your life and make sure you do not drink too much.

Andrew groaned. I giggled.

'Yes, said Russell. 'Good luck with that, mate. The doors behind you.

Even Thomas didnt argue when I bounced out of bed the next morning. I packed up a pair of old jeans, some battered trainers, a faded sweats.h.i.+rt, a few toiletries, and a towel.

I made sure to have a piece of toast with Mrs Finch in the kitchen just so no one would think Id vanished off the face of the earth or been s.n.a.t.c.hed by aliens, and Thomas and I oozed out into the drizzle at half past nine.

Astonis.h.i.+ngly, he was outside the post office waiting for us. I thought he looked relieved.

'I wasnt sure youd come, he said, chucking my bag in the back and climbing in beside me. 'I did wonder if youd had second thoughts.

'No. Looking forward to it.

He laughed. 'Ill soon put a stop to that.

He pulled out to the usual fanfare of outraged beeping. I dont think he ever actually heard it.

Mrs Crisp was in the kitchen. 'Lunch is at one, she said, severely.

'Steady on, said Russell. 'Ive only just had breakfast.

'Im talking to Jenny. Never mind him. You come down at one oclock and take an hour for your lunch. Dont let him gallop you through it in ten minutes and then have you back up those stairs again.

'You make it sound slightly indecent, said Russell to her retreating back. 'Were only painting, you know. A door closed behind her. 'I dont know, he muttered. 'You pay them and they think they own you.

'Where shall I change? I asked, trying to get him back on track.

'Youd better stay out of my room or well have Mrs C muttering and crossing herself all morning, so use the nice one next door. Can you remember where it is? Ill get the stuff ready and meet you at the top of the stairs. I thought wed do the three small bedrooms first, then the nice bedroom, then the landing. Ill do the stairs and well finish with the important rooms downstairs. OK?

I nodded and shot off to change.

'Do you know what youre doing?

'Not a clue.

'Ill stand well back then.

Actually, it was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Or I was a natural painter and decorator. Russell did the ceilings and I did the walls, which were quick and easy. I got rather a lot on me, especially the first day, and had to shower quite a bit out of my hair, but otherwise it went well.

We fell out over our choices in music so we listened to Radio 4 instead, mostly so that Russell could shout insults and argue vainly with whichever presenter happened to incur his wrath. Which was all of them. I found it more entertaining than the actual programmes.

Every day I emerged from the alley behind the post office, and resumed my normal life.

'A bit like Superman, said Thomas, as I made my way home, pleasantly tired and with an unfamiliar but enjoyable sense of accomplishment. As far as I could see, no one had the slightest interest in my doings.

Time pa.s.sed happily and then Thomas burst the bubble.

'You do realise that when you finish the dining room, probably the day after tomorrow, thats it? All finished.

I hadnt realised. Id been enjoying myself so much that I hadnt thought ahead at all. This time next week, Id be back to my old ways. It was going to be hard. Id had a glimpse of something better.

I swallowed and nodded.

'What will you do?

I shook my head.

'Jenny ... speak.

'I dont know. Ive got used to being out of the house. Maybe Ill do some walking. Explore the moors.

'Not on your own.

'Maybe Ill join a walking group.

'You?

I thought that was a little unkind. Normally it was Thomas urging me on to try new things. I thought he would be pleased.

'Or maybe a book group.

Silence.

'Or maybe the Local History Society.

More silence. What was wrong with him?

'You think thats the answer?

'Whats the question?

'What are you going to do about your feelings for Russell Checkland?

'Nothing. You must have noticed, since Im sure it was you who pointed it out to me in the first place, that hes head over heels in love with FrancescaKingdom.

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