The Holiday Home Page 0,38

Finally she locked the car, went into Dairy Cottage and closed the front door. He allowed himself to breathe out, then padded downstairs. His heart was pounding and his stomach felt jittery; Belinda’s sudden arrival in the midst of his family life had unsettled something inside him.

The house was quiet as he entered the kitchen. A voice made him jump.

‘You sly old dog. Didn’t think you had it in you. Hats off!’

Greg had followed him in.

‘What do you mean?’ Francis tried to keep his voice light.

‘Belinda! She’s one sexy lady. Why on earth would her husband let her slip through his fingers?’

Francis put a wholemeal bagel into the toaster and ignored the question.

Greg continued: ‘You’re playing it dangerously, aren’t you? Having a woman like that, fancying you the way she does, on your own doorstep. Takes guts.’

‘We work on the PTA together, that’s all.’

‘So why invite her down to spend the summer here?’

‘I didn’t,’ Francis said angrily. ‘She won’t leave me alone. It’s making me ill.’

Greg looked disbelievingly at his brother-in-law. ‘Then why was she kissing you in your bed?’

Francis sat down and put his head in his hands. ‘I don’t know. She’s just being kind and caring. It’s her way.’

‘Rubbish, old chap. I’m a man of the world.’ I understand how these things work. Some women are attracted to married men, and it’s our duty to help them.’ He gave Francis another wink. ‘What the eye doesn’t see the heart doesn’t grieve over, eh?’

Francis bristled. ‘What kind of man do you think I am? I love Pru and I take my marriage vows seriously. I would never ever be unfaithful to her.’

Greg sighed and crossed his legs, weighing something up.

‘Look, Francis, I can help you. We can help each other. A problem halved and all that. You see, the thing is … I’m in a bit of a pickle myself.’

‘Pickle?’

‘Yes … With Janie, my secretary.’

‘Oh yes. Has she had any more dates with the soldier?’

‘She has. Apparently things have been going very well. Too well.’ He looked meaningfully at Francis, nodding his head.

‘Great! So your friend can end the affair?’

‘Ah, no. He’s really rather, ha ha … put out. Jealous, maybe.’

‘Well, he has no right to be!’ exclaimed Francis, ‘I think it’s best all round if Janie finds a man her own age.’

Greg looked momentarily wounded. ‘There’s not much of an age difference, actually.’ He lowered his voice: ‘Look, I won’t say a word to Pru about you and Belinda, if you don’t mention a word about Janie to Connie.’ He gave Francis a sly grin. ‘There’s honour among brothers-in-law, eh?’

Francis was horrified. ‘Hang on a minute, what are you saying? I have nothing to hide, and neither should you. It’s not your fault your secretary is seeing someone in your office. If you want my advice, don’t get involved with their problem.’

‘Ah, well, there’s the rub: I already am involved. You see, the reason why Connie mustn’t know is because, well, it’s me Janie’s having the fling with.’

Francis looked aghast. ‘You mean you’re having an affair with your secretary?’

Greg glanced over his shoulder and then back. ‘Shh. Do you want everyone to know? We’re in the same boat, you and I – we both have our little secrets.’

Francis spluttered indignantly, ‘I don’t have any secrets.’

‘Ah yes, but …’ Greg watched Francis slyly, ‘… you wouldn’t want me telling Pru that I saw you and Belinda canoodling in the marital bed, would you?’

Francis shook his head, feeling like a man facing a firing squad. ‘That wasn’t canoodling. That was her seeing if I had a temperature … or something. Belinda and I are just friends.’

‘Stop kidding yourself! Anyone with half a brain can see what’s going on. I’ll keep schtum, and in return you can help me with the Janie situation. If I ever need a little alibi, you’ll be there, won’t you, old bro-in-law?’

Francis’s heart sank – he was snookered.

*

Pru was taking a walk on the cliffs. It wasn’t like Francis to be ill. It had shaken her. To be truthful, seeing Merlin on the beach had shaken her more, and she needed to get out of the house and do some thinking. She walked across the lush lawn surrounded by lavender, box and poppies, then out of the gate and on to the cliff path. She wondered whether to walk straight on and down to the beach or turn left towards the headland. She chose the headland. The beautiful old path lined by perfumed gorse was so