Chapter 6

The new term saw William become a sixth-former and having achieved excellent GCSE exam results he started out with some much-needed confidence. Lawrence could not match the academic achievement of his brother, so he loved autumn term and the start of the rugby season for the opportunity it gave him to shine. Caroline, as always, put her heart and soul into her role. Applications to Sulgrave far exceeded the availability of places and her project for the year was to explore ways to increase intake without huge capital expenditure. While John was not back at University for some weeks, he seemed to spend every waking minute there, often late home citing some progress or hiccup with his book which warranted his attention. When he was at home he appeared distracted and Caroline pondered that the improvement in the level of his support had not survived the summer. She put it down to John being absorbed in his novel, knowing that he had already exceeded his publisher's deadline.

Caroline saw little of Kate during her first week of employment but knew from Jeremy that she had settled in extremely well and was showing initiative with some struggling students. Lawrence's initial enthusiasm for his form tutor soon deteriorated. Kate, unlike some new teachers in the past, made no concession because he was the head's son and he was the first in his group to be given a lunchtime detention. He was less than impressed and from that moment there was perceptible antipathy on his part. He sought solace from his dad as he knew better than to voice his feelings to his mum.

'It's not fair, dad. It's like she's made an example of me to deter the others. I reckon she thinks that if they see her punishing me they'll think twice about misbehaving.' Lawrence off-loaded to John on a rare occasion that his dad had picked him up from his friend's house. 'Anyway, Angus reckons she's a lesbian. Toby Roberts in year ten got a detention from McKenzie because he called Jason Knight a poofter. That's bang out of order because everyone knows that he is. She's obviously standing up for her own.'

His dad was only half-listening to Lawrence's rant. His eye was on the clock and he no sooner dropped his son at Conway Drive than he headed out again, saying that he'd left his laptop in his University room. Lawrence had forgotten his key and had to wait in the rain for someone to open the door.

'Where's your key? Where's your dad?' questioned his mum as she headed back to the kitchen.

'I think I must have left it at Angus's. Dad's gone to get his laptop.'

'He's what? It's here. I've just moved it off the table. Honest to goodness. I was just about to serve the dinner.'

Not the first such conversation she had overheard since their return from Kefalonia, Celia listened to it all, with growing concern and a sense of déjà vu.

ooOoo

Kate had enjoyed the Pilates class and decided to continue. On the second week she made her own way to the village hall and her only real contact with her head teacher was during the short interval. She was pleased that their conversation remained comfortably informal even though Caroline was now officially her employer. Kate was aware that some Sulgrave staff attended a class in Harrogate itself, but she had not wanted Caroline to think she was avoiding her by transferring to another venue. To be truthful, neither did she want to lose the opportunity to see Caroline out of school. Aware that this was a sensitive issue, she had not mentioned anything to the other staff about the class and assumed Caroline thought similarly.

At the end of the class Kate decided to tag along with those who planned to decamp to the nearby pub, feeling that it gave her an opportunity to make some new friends. Caroline appeared to be undecided when one of the others asked her if she wanted to join them.

'Um, well, not sure; no. I don't think I will, thanks for asking. Maybe another week.'

'The more the merrier but no pressure,' replied the twenty-something, bubbly woman who sported bright pink stripes in her blonde fringe. 'Right, all the mats have been put away so I'm ready. Who else is thirsty?'

As Caroline left the hall she turned to say goodbye to Kate before heading to the car park.

'Are you sure you don't want to come, Caroline? You seemed indecisive.'

Caroline caught Kate's arm to lead her slightly further away from the others.

'A small glass of red is just what this doctor would order but I can't, Kate.' She dropped her voice to a whisper. 'I didn't bring my purse.'

Kate returned the shy smile that was directed her way.

'If that's the only reason please let me pay.' Instantly realising that this would not be acceptable to her boss, she quickly added 'Or you can borrow some cash from me.'

Caroline began to regret her honesty. Attending a Pilates class with a member of staff was one thing, but she wondered whether it was a step too far for them to go for a drink together, even though it would be as part of a group. Kate sensed her discomfort.

'I understand if any of this puts you in a difficult position, but I promise you that I'm good at keeping confidences. I'd not mention this to anyone at school.'

'Are you sure? Sure you can loan me the cash, I mean? I can give it back to you tomorrow.'

'Have you got your passport with you?'

Caroline looked perplexed. 'Passport? Who are you trying to flatter? I certainly don't need that to prove my age in the pub!'

'No, surrender your passport so you can't leave the country and I'll trust you with a crisp twenty; no interest! Come on, I'm in dire need of a cold cider.'

ooOoo

'Caroline, have you seen my grey suit trousers?' John was packing a bag for his trip to Cardiff, two Thursdays later.

'Suit trousers? I haven't seen you in anything but jeans or chinos in years. Well, apart from hideous Y-fronts, that is.'

'So, they should be in my wardrobe. My jacket's there but not the trousers. Damn!'

Caroline came out of the en-suite to join her husband in the bedroom.

'Sorry, John, I haven't got time to look for you. I'm going to be late. They've got to be there somewhere.'

An inaudible response came from the depths of the wardrobe. Caroline didn't ask him to repeat it, correctly supposing that it was not going to be something she'd want to hear.

'Oh, John, I almost forgot. I need to use your car. You've parked up behind the Jeep and mum's parked so awkwardly that I can't manoeuvre. Plus, I've a headlight out and don't fancy country roads on one beam.'

John stepped out of the wardrobe in a hurry, knocking his head on one of the metal door hinges as he did so.

'Shit!' he moaned, rubbing his left temple. 'That hurt.'

'Cold flannel will do the trick. The quicker the better. Here, sit on the bed and I'll do it.'

The compress was soon in place. There was a very small abrasion but Caroline had no real concern for his wellbeing.

'You'll live, as my mum would say. Oh, you've had your hair cut,' she commented as she studied the wound.

'I have,' he replied, quickly moving away from the topic while rummaging in a pocket for his car keys. 'Here you go. Might come and take a photo of the glorious Dr Elliot driving my heap!'

'You wouldn't dare. Get back to the wardrobe to find the missing trousers. See you later.'

John returned to the task in hand but a few minutes later he stopped in his tracks, straightened up and practically flew out of the bedroom. Taking the stairs two at a time he was soon at the front door, opening it wide.

'Oh shit, shit, shit,' he yelled as he realised he was too late and his car was pulling out of the drive.

ooOoo

Kate was waiting at her garden gate as Caroline pulled up although she had to look twice to check who was driving before she opened the car door.

'Thanks for picking me up, Caroline. The garage didn't have the new part to put my car back on the road today. Didn't know you'd come in disguise, though?!'

'Don't. I hate driving this wreck. I apologise in advance for the state of it. Come on, jump in before your new neighbours notice and you lose your street-cred.'

The women enjoyed the hour of Pilates and once again joined in with the trip to the pub. They found that the others left space for them to sit together, obviously recognising a connection outside of the Pilates class. Caroline was in awe of the way that Kate chatted so easily, comparing her own ability and finding it wanting. She managed to join in confidently when the subject matter was something formal or academic, but, struggling with small talk, was content at times to enjoy her glass of wine and listen to what was going on around her.

'You in a relationship?' she heard someone ask.

'Me? No.' Kate replied, answering before she had time to realise the cheek of the question.

'Seriously? Not you two?' came further questioning. Caroline turned to see the impertinent woman, who was there for the first time, waggling her finger between the two of them.

Kate burst out laughing. Caroline's chin dropped and her wine glass came to a stop an inch or two away from her gaping mouth.

'No, we're colleagues.'

'That's surprised me; you seem so good together.'

Kate laughed again and muttered something about gaydar that Caroline didn't quite catch.

The evening came to an end shortly afterwards. Kate noticed that Caroline seemed to have become withdrawn and made a guess as to what was on her mind.

'You ok?' she asked as they settled in the car for the drive back to Harrogate.

'Yes, what makes you think I'm not?'

'I thought you seemed extra quiet after Mrs Busybody Matchmaker's comments. Oh, what have I kicked?'

Kate leant down and picked up a small item from the footwell. 'Oh, it's a book. Captain Corelli's Mandolin. Terrific book, terrible film.'

Caroline reached over and took the book from Kate. She turned on the interior car light to look more closely.

'Must be William's although I don't quite know why it's in John's car.' She opened the book and saw that there was an inscription, which she read quickly without comment to her companion.

'To John. Glad you enjoyed the ride, and I don't mean the motor-bike!' It was signed 'Judith' and multiple kisses followed. She thrust the book into her handbag.

'We need to go.'

Uncomfortable silence followed, lasting until they reached Kate's cottage.

'Thanks, Caroline. Probably see you tomorrow at school.'

'Bye.' Caroline barely gave Kate time to get out before she pulled away from the kerb.

Kate stood for some time watching the car leave her road. She was not sure what the problem was, but assumed it was something to do with the conversation in the pub and she shook her head in disappointment.

Caroline's emotions churned under the surface while she continued her journey home, pieces of the jigsaw falling into place. She screeched to a halt on her driveway, picked up her bag and ran indoors. John was watching the television in the lounge with their sons.

'Boys, what are you still doing up at this time on a weeknight? Bed. Now.' she chastised before going through to the kitchen and pouring herself a large glass of wine. The boys followed her to say goodnight but sensing that she was really cross, they were soon climbing the stairs. Steadying herself on the worktop, Caroline leafed through the book and found a small slip of paper that she read and pocketed. Finishing the wine in one further swallow Caroline strode through to the lounge, closing the door behind her. She flung the book with venom towards her husband.

'Who the fuck is Judith? One thing I do know, John, is that she is not a Greek guide. The second thing I know is that I can't believe a word you say.'