Part 13 (2/2)

'He might have knocked himself out.

'Ill finish this chapter and if theres still no sound then Ill go and look.

He was back long before the end of the chapter, wearing T-s.h.i.+rt and shorts, which was a bit of a relief.

'Our virtue is safe, said Thomas. 'Hes looking for spare blankets and pillows.

So he was, unsteadily building himself a nest on the sofa. He fell heavily and pulled a blanket over himself. Within seconds, he was snoring.

It was the first time I hadnt slept alone. I mean, the first time Id slept with someone else in the same room.

'What about me?

'Well, you dont snore like bathwater going down the plughole.

We listened some more.

'Its very loud.

'He certainly sleeps with enthusiasm.

I lay awake for most of the night, thinking. Stubborn pride came to my aid. I wasnt giving anyone the satisfaction of seeing me run back to Aunt Julia. If I gave up now, I would never, ever again have another opportunity to make a life for myself. I could see myself, dwindling down the years, becoming 'Mad old Jenny Dove in the attic. I s.h.i.+vered. I was twenty-eight. I could reasonably expect to live for about another fifty years. Fifty years of nothing.

No, I had taken a small step towards independence. Tomorrow I would take another. And another the next day. I would get there. With or without Russell Checkland, I would do this.

I must have drifted off at some point because I woke at around seven thirty the next morning. For a panic-stricken moment, I wondered where I was and then jumped a mile as someone snorted, grunted, and turned over.

I sat up quickly and looked across the room. Russell Checkland my husband lay sprawled on his back, arms out-flung. Hed stopped snoring, thank G.o.d, but it still wasnt a pretty sight. His mouth was slightly open and his hair, always unruly, lay in all directions. His pallor accentuated the dark shadows under his eyes. He looked sad and vulnerable. I hardened my heart.

The bathroom was full of his clothes. I kicked them aside. Not attempting to be quiet, I showered, cleaned my teeth, dressed, and brushed my hair. Returning to the bedroom, he hadnt moved at all. I wondered whether I should wake him.

' What for? He wont thank you. I think its kinder to let him sleep. Should we roll him on his side in case he chokes on his own vomit?

'Hes not vomiting.

'He might.

'Im sure hes done this before. He can probably roll himself over without even waking up. h.e.l.l be fine.

I packed up my few things, again not attempting to keep the noise down, but there was no reaction. Maybe he really was unconscious. I went into the bathroom and filled a gla.s.s of water and left it and a strip of paracetamol where he could see them, snapped my case shut, picked up my coat, and headed to the door without a backwards glance.

Down in reception, I said carefully, 'Is it ... possible to extend the ... booking for another twenty-four hours?

'One moment please, madam. Yes, that wont be a problem.

'Thank you. There was no way he was going to make checkout at 11.00 a.m. And I was sticking him with the bill. 'Can I have a ... taxi please?

I climbed into the taxi and the driver said, 'Where to, love?

Where to indeed? My old home or my new home?

'Well? said Thomas.

Was there every any doubt? I gave the Frogmorton address.

I remembered to direct him around the back because for all I knew the front door still didnt open. Kevin appeared as I was paying him off.

'Can I take your case Mrs Checkland?

Yes, it sounded strange to me too, but thats who I was. Mrs Russell Checkland.

'Thank you, Kevin.

We went into the kitchen. Mrs Crisp bustled forward.

'Welcome, Mrs Checkland. Welcome to your new home. She looked over my shoulder for the young master.

She spoke with such kindness that I felt sudden tears p.r.i.c.k my eyes. She must have seen my embarra.s.sment because she said, 'I expect youd like to spend the morning getting settled. Let me take you up.

So we all trailed towards the stairs. The living room was full of boxes.

'Your books, I think, she said, following my gaze. 'I didnt like to unpack them. Your clothes and personal effects are all in your room.

The room was exactly as I remembered it. 'Ive put some curtains up, she said, 'and found some pretty bedding, but I expect youll be replacing everything, sooner or later.

Was there a bit of an off-note there?

She signed to Kevin to put my case on the bed. I thanked him. It wasnt heavy. I could have managed. They left.

I walked to the window and looked out over the wet jungle that was Russell Checklands garden. I stood for a long time before Thomas wandered over.

'Arent you going to unpack?

I sighed. 'I dont feel like it.

'Whats the matter?

'It just doesnt feel like home.

'No, its better, dont you think?

'I dont know. I walked away and sat on the bed.

'Jenny, his voice was stern. ' I have not helped you through the emotional maelstrom of the last month to have you sit alone and friendless in yet another bedroom. Get changed, were going for a walk.

'Its raining.

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