‘Oh yes?’ Marjorie raised her eyebrows, looking over the top of her spectacles.
‘They’re a bit worried about you. Irene said that you’re shutting yourself away, spending a lot of time on your computer.’
‘Oh bloody Irene,’ said Marjorie. ‘She should mind her own business. She treats me like I’m a child. I’m a grown woman, for goodness’ sake, more than capable of making my mind up about how I would like to spend my time. My body might be failing, but I haven’t gone doolally yet.’
‘Mum, no one’s suggesting that you have. Everyone wants the best for you, that’s all.’
‘Right, well you can tell Irene and anyone else who’s interested that I’m perfectly happy as I am. I wish I could be left alone to get on with my life without interference from everyone else. Other people are allowed to do that. Why can’t I? Don’t we live in an age where we’re all told to be ourselves, to follow our dreams?’
‘Yes, I suppose so,’ said Tess, not entirely sure what Marjorie was alluding to.
‘Exactly, so live and let live, that’s what I say!’
* * *
On the way back to Hollyhocks Cottage, Hannah turned to her mum as they drove along the country lanes.
‘I think Grandma is doing fine. She’s just getting a bit more stubborn and cantankerous as she gets older.’
‘Well, I wasn’t sure that was even possible, but you might be right. As for what she’s doing on the computer all the time, I dread to think. Spending all her money on designer clothes maybe, or laying bets on the horses, or being led astray by these new friends of hers.’ Then, more seriously: ‘It’s easy to be taken in by scammers; I hope it’s not something like that.’
Tess fell quiet, her mind going into overdrive imagining what Marjorie might be getting up to.
‘I think we should keep a closer eye on her, make sure she’s getting the stimulation she needs, and plenty of fresh air and walks too. It can’t be good for her, hiding herself away in that room all day.’
13
‘Is this a bad time?’
Tess opened the back door to find her friend Suzy standing on the threshold with a tentative smile on her face, looking effortlessly stylish in grey flannel trousers teamed with a pale-pink, soft knit jumper.
‘Not at all! It’s the perfect time.’ She stepped forward to welcome her in a hug. ‘Come along in. I was about to pop the kettle on anyway. How are you?’
Suzy followed Tess into the kitchen at Hollyhocks and took a seat at the island, exhaling a sigh.
‘I’m fine. Well, I should be fine. Only I’ve had a bit of a wobble this morning.’ She pressed her lips together and gave a shrug. ‘It’s funny; I thought I would relish having time to myself, now I’m working only two days a week, but it’s taking some getting used to. Oh, hello there, Barney,’ she said, giving into the demands of the dog, who was insistent on some petting. ‘Some days, I don’t know what to do with myself. Like this morning. I woke early – I can’t seem to shake that habit either – I made myself some breakfast, read some of my book, answered my emails, looked at my watch and it was still only eight o’clock. Outside, it was tipping it down with rain and I thought, what on earth am I going to do with the rest of the day? I knew I just had to get out of the house.’
‘Well, you came to the right place. You’re always welcome round here whenever you’re feeling at a loose end.’
‘I thought you’d say that, and that’s why I’m here. You’re a lifesaver, and I’m very grateful. I feel a bit more human just being here, but I’m going to have to find a better way of dealing with these moments.’
‘You’ll adjust. It’s a big change so it’s bound to take some getting used to.’
‘Honestly, Tess, I’ve got to this age, and suddenly, after being so busy for years, bringing up the boys, and working at the school, it’s as though I don’t know who I am any more. What am I supposed to do with all this time I have now? I’ve been looking forward to this for so long, but the reality is much scarier than I ever imagined.’
Tess placed a mug of coffee in front of Suzy and a hand on her shoulder, giving her a gentle squeeze.
‘Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. You don’t have to fill every moment of the day. You can simply stop, smell the coffee and take time to decide what it is you want to do with your life.’
Suzy’s face crumpled in disbelief.
‘I’m not sure if I even know how to do that. My life has been structured for so long that not knowing where I should be and what I should be doing at,’ she glanced at her watch, ‘eleven o’clock on a Tuesday morning sends me into a complete panic.’
Tess understood entirely how Suzy might be feeling. She’d been friends with her long enough to know that Suzy thrived on routine, on being in control, and not stepping out of her comfort zone. Even her mousey-brown hair, now naturally lightened with a few strands of silver, had been worn in the same style, a short pixie cut that framed her fine delicate features, ever since Tess had known her.
‘You’ll get the hang of it, I promise. In a matter of no time, you’ll be able to while away the hours, like me, and you’ll get to the end of the day and wonder what you’ve done all day.’
Tess could see the tension and anxiety escape from Suzy’s tightly held shoulders as she took a sip from her mug of coffee and relaxed into her chair. It pleased Tess no end because she knew the kitchen at Hollyhocks had an innate ability to wrap its warmth and charm around you, making you feel immediately at ease.
