Chapter 4

Despite the uncertainty of her future at Sulgrave Heath Independent School, Caroline decided to maintain a "business-as-usual" attitude although she had the prospect of possibly being asked to resign her position as Head Teacher by the school's Board of Governors hanging over her head . She didn't know what decision to expect from the Board or when to expect it so, for now, she went about her job as normal thinking that perhaps no news was good news. However, mid-morning on Thursday as Caroline was doing some final note-taking and preparations for that afternoon's staff meeting, there was a tentative knock on her office door and Gavin, the Board's chairperson, poked his head in to see if Caroline was there. Seeing her at her desk, Gavin walked in. The rather serious expression on his face made Caroline's heart sink. It didn't bode well Caroline thought to herself as she came from behind her desk and gestured to Gavin to take a seat at the table reserved for meetings.

"Good morning, Gavin. What can I do for you?" Caroline asked trying to sound jovial but missing the mark.

Gavin pulled out a chair and sat down. He looked troubled. Caroline sat beside him and waited for him to speak. He rested his elbows on the table and bridged his fingers in a thoughtful pose as he struggled to find the right words to express what he had to say. Caroline felt her stomach begin to knot. Were they really going to ask her to leave?

"Err…Caroline, I've been speaking to the other members of the Board about …um…the matter you brought up…you know…you and Miss McKenzie….and it seems that the Board is….undecided. As you know, for decisions like this to be made there has to be at least a majority in favour of any particular action. In this case the Board is split. Five of us are adamantly in favour of your staying on, two are unsure and the other three….well, at this stage they are saying they don't think you should retain your job here."

Caroline's annoyance at the ridiculousness of the whole situation was beginning to get the better of her. She didn't like being "held hostage" by these foolish people with their archaic way of thinking. She thought for a fleeting moment of just resigning anyway and saving them the trouble but her good sense stopped her from making such a rash decision. Instead she took a deep breath to steady herself and asked, "So what happens now?"

"We've called another meeting for next Monday evening to discuss the matter….thrash it out… and make a final decision," Gavin informed her. "You're more than welcome to be there, Caroline."

"I'll think about it, Gavin," Caroline replied, "although I don't know if there's much more I can add to what I've already said. Will anything I say make a difference to those members determined to stick to their narrow-minded views, anyway?"

"I honestly don't know," Gavin answered, "but, Caroline, I can assure you that you have my full support. I have nothing but respect for you and the excellent job that you do here and I know that you will not allow this relationship with Kate McKenzie to adversely affect Sulgrave Heath. As a matter of fact, I couldn't help but notice how much happier you've been of late….I'm putting it down to this change in your personal situation…so I'm thinking that, if anything, we will benefit." Gavin gave a brief smile, hoping he hadn't said too much.

"Possibly," Caroline replied and smiled in return to show her appreciation of his support.

"I just thought I would update you on what was happening," Gavin said by way of explanation, "I'd better be going and let you get back to your work."

Gavin pushed his chair back and rose to leave the room. He took a couple of strides towards the door before he stopped to consider something for a few seconds, then he turned back to face Caroline and said in a more secretive tone, "It's Owen Wilkinson and Trish Hallsworthy and their lot that you need to watch out for."

Caroline nodded her acknowledgement of what he was saying and that he hadn't been obliged to share that information with her. Caroline thought she knew exactly who he was talking about. "Thank you, Gavin."

With that said, Gavin continued his exit from the room. Caroline returned to her desk and slumped in her chair. "Why does this have to be so complicated," she asked herself.

Caroline tried to take her mind off the situation by focussing on some paperwork she had to finish but she couldn't help going over in her mind what Gavin had said to her. There was something conspiratorial about it all. She had never been offside with any of the Board previously, even the more difficult ones. They'd had their differences over the years but nothing too serious and they had always managed to negotiate and work out these matters to everyone's general satisfaction. Were they really that homophobic or was there something else at play?

It was almost half past three and the last few staff members tried unsuccessfully to enter the room without being conspicuous. Aware of their tardiness, they were apologetic as they quickly found seats and hoped the attention would soon be diverted away from them. Caroline sat at the table at the front of the room facing her staff with Beverley beside her ready to take the minutes. Mrs Aspinall and several other Heads of Departments also sat at this front table. The remainder of the staff filled the other tables spaced around the room or sat in the more comfortable chairs around the outer edge. Kate sat with some of her colleagues at a table nearer the front. It had been a long day so Caroline was keen to get the meeting over and done with. As soon as the last person had found a seat she began with a brief welcome and then quickly got down to business.

In just over an hour Caroline managed to cover the upcoming visit of the independent schools auditor and what would be expected of staff in relation to this, get updates and have some discussion on the progress of preparations for the next term's concert, congratulate a number of the staff on the success of their sporting and debating teams and inform the staff of possible plans to extend the science wing. In winding up the meeting, Caroline asked the staff if there was any other business they wished to discuss or questions they wanted to ask. Michael Dobson, who was sitting in his usual place towards the centre of the room, raised his hand.

Caroline resisted the urge to roll her eyes and instead said, "Yes, Mr Dobson, what is it?'

Michael Dobson stood up, straightened his tie and, conscious that all eyes were upon him, turned to face Caroline and spoke. "Dr Elliot, I'm only asking this question because, as a staff, I feel that we are entitled to be informed about these matters so that we know what direction we are heading in and if we have to field questions about the matter we can speak informatively…."

Impatiently Caroline cut him off. "You're babbling, Michael. What is your question?"

Blushing slightly at what he perceived to be Caroline's put down, Michael started again, "Dr Elliot is there any truth to the rumour that you may be resigning as Head Teacher of Sulgrave Heath?"

Caroline was immediately taken aback. "You'd really like that, you annoying little prick," Caroline thought to herself. How did he know about her possible resignation? Caroline darted an accusing look at Kate, regretting it instantly. She knew Kate would not have discussed the matter with him. Kate's eyes quickly met Caroline's and, knowing what Caroline was asking, she gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head but the look on Kate's face told Caroline that she had most definitely upset her and she'd have to apologise profusely later for ever having such doubts for even the most fleeting of seconds.

Now that the topic had been brought up, Caroline could see no other way to deal with it other than to explain to the staff what was happening. Although, initially caught off guard by the question, Caroline was quick to regain her composure. She was not going to let Michael Dobson know that he had gotten the better of her. Meanwhile, Michael sat back down in his seat, barely able to contain the self-satisfied smirk that was threatening to spread across his face.

Caroline took a deep, calming breath and cleared her throat before speaking. The room was filled with silent expectation.

"Yes, there is the possibility that the Board of Governors may ask for my resignation as Head Teacher of Sulgrave Heath, however, I'm hoping that the situation can be resolved without it coming to that. There is a meeting on Monday evening and a final decision will be made then. I'm sure you will be notified of the decision as soon as possible after that meeting." Caroline tried desperately to hide the falter in her voice.

"If you don't mind me asking, Dr Elliot, why are you being asked to resign? You do a wonderful job here." Only the ever faithful Mrs Aspinall could get away with asking such a question.

Caroline took a moment to gather her thoughts together and in that moment she looked at Kate, appealing for reassurance that she was about to do the right thing. Kate looked at Caroline, her heart reaching out to her. She understood what Caroline was considering and gave her an affirmative nod and encouraging smile. The entire staff waited with bated breath for Caroline's answer.

"As I explained to the Board at Monday's meeting, my husband and I have been separated for some time now and are soon to be divorced. However, during that separation, I was fortunate enough to meet someone quite wonderful with whom I am now in a relationship. The reason I felt obliged to inform the Board of this relationship was out of courtesy really because that person is a member of staff here at Sulgrave Heath." Caroline looked out at Kate for moral support and to see if she was alright. Kate was putting on a brave face and as Kate would say herself, she was as tough as old boots. "That special person is Kate McKenzie."

All eyes instantly sought Kate out. She could feel the blood rising to her face in a blush of embarrassment at being the centre of attention and also of pride and pleasure as Caroline was true to her word and was being open and honest about their relationship, albeit thanks to Michael bloody Dobson. She could feel tears welling in her eyes and fought them back.

"I assured the Board," Caroline continued, "and now I will assure you, the staff, that this relationship will not have any detrimental effects on the way this school is run or its reputation. We have been discreet up until now and will continue to do so, however, I can't say that I am sorry that I have told you or the Board of this relationship. It's actually quite a relief if I'm to be honest.

A sudden flush of happiness overwhelmed Caroline as the weight of having to keep this secret was lifted from her shoulders.

In finishing, Caroline said, "If anyone has any problems with this situation or questions to ask, please feel free to make an appointment to see me so we can discuss the matter. Now I think we're done for the day. Good afternoon."

Slowly, still somewhat stunned at the unexpected announcement, the staff filtered out of the room. Caroline scanned the room with her eyes looking for Kate. How did Kate feel about what she had done? She spotted her at the back of the room and as she watched, Caroline noticed a number of the staff go up to Kate and give her a friendly hug and speak animatedly with her, smiles all round. Kate waited until the room was almost empty before approaching Caroline.

"Thank you," Kate whispered lovingly to her.

Caroline tested their new-found openness and held Kate's hand. She felt wonderful and nervous all at the same time.

"How do you think they took the news?" Caroline asked.

"I think they were shocked at first but I'm sure they'll be fine. Nobody actually looked totally horrified and I had several of them come up and congratulate me…us. Melanie even said that we made a 'lovely couple'," Kate teased, "however, you can bet we will be the topic of conversation for a while yet."

"Mmm…I'm sure we will be."

"Do you want to go out to that little Italian restaurant near my place for dinner? We could celebrate," Kate suggested.

"Sure," replied Caroline after a moments contemplation, "but can we go to your place first? I'd like to freshen up and I'll call the boys and let them know what's happening."

Caroline returned to her office and dumped her books and notes on her desk. There was still work there for her to do but it would have to wait for tomorrow. Suddenly she was feeling exhausted and emotionally drained. All she wanted to do was relax and be with her lovely Kate. She grabbed her bag and her coat and made her way to her car.

Within fifteen minutes she was ringing Kate's doorbell. Kate appeared instantly and let her in. Caroline was barely in the door when Kate embraced her and placed a loving kiss on Caroline's mouth. Caroline responded to the sensuous touch of her lover's lips and it was several minutes before they released each other.

"Do we continue this," Kate whispered, "or do we go and eat? I'm happy either way."

Caroline's growling stomach gave them the answer. She hadn't eaten since morning tea.

Both women freshened up and Caroline gave her sons a call to let them know that there was some dinner in the fridge for them and that she would probably be late home. It was only a few blocks to the restaurant so they decided to walk rather than drive.

The waitress at the restaurant recognised Caroline and Kate and led them to their preferred booth. It was in a quieter, more secluded part of the restaurant. They both knew what they wanted to eat so they ordered their meal and a bottle of red wine straight up. While they waited for their meals, Caroline took the opportunity to apologise. She reached across the table and held Kate's hand in hers.

"I'm so sorry, Kate."

Kate looked into Caroline's magnificent blue eyes.

"I didn't mean to suggest that you told Michael Dobson about what had happened…..he took me by surprise…it was just a reaction, a stupid reaction. I didn't really think you had told him. I'm sorry."

Kate could see the sincerity in Caroline's face and instinctively she reached out for Caroline's other hand and gave them both a reassuring squeeze.

"It's fine, Caroline, really. You've more than made up for it," Kate said gently.

"I love you," Caroline offered.

Before Kate could respond, the waitress was at their table with their meals and pouring them each a glass of wine. Once she had left, they raised their glasses.

"To us," Caroline said quietly but with meaning.

"To us," Kate repeated, "and I love you too."

A comfortable silence prevailed as they both began to eat. As the meal continued Caroline filled Kate in on Gavin's visit that morning.

"Something doesn't feel quite right to me," Caroline tried to explain to Kate, "I've always had a good working relationship with the members of our Board and I always felt as though they respected me. I just find it hard to believe that this would make such a difference to them."

"Unfortunately people do often react irrationally to things they don't understand," offered Kate.

Suddenly something caught Caroline's eye.

"Oh no. Look who's just walked in."

Kate turned around to see Michael Dobson organising a table for himself and his friends.

"Oh my god! Look who he's with!" Caroline said in a frantic whisper. "It's Trish Hallsworthy, Owen Wilkinson and his wife and Stephen Walsh. They're the three Board members who want me to resign!"

"Have they seen us?" Kate asked.

"No, I don't think so. We're out of their line of sight. What the hell are they doing here and, more significantly, why are they with Michael bloody Dobson?"

"I don't know, Caroline," replied Kate, "why is he with them?"

"You can bet that the little prick is up to no good," Caroline seethed, "that conniving piece of excrement is probably charming the pants of those Board members and all the while filling their heads with lies and rubbish about us. Well, if he thinks he's going to get rid of me that easily, he'd better think again. I'm not going anywhere."

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Kate couldn't help but smile to herself. There was nothing more formidable and inexplicably attractive than Caroline when she was in full combat mode. Kate was almost tempted to feel sorry for Dobson. He was well and truly in over his head if he was going to take on Caroline.

Caroline continued to rant, "It's all starting to make sense now. I knew there was something sinister going on and now I know what….or rather, who it is ….Michael bloody Dobson. He'd like nothing more than to see me lose my position at Sulgrave Heath. The little twat probably thinks he has half a chance at the position himself…not likely. Well, if he wants to play dirty, I can play that game too."