‘Liv, I’m really sorry, but do you mind if I head off? It’s only two hours till my shift starts and I don’t trust myself not to get lost on the way home.’
‘Of course not,’ I said, pulling Cass into a tight hug. ‘Thank you for everything, and I’ll see you soon.’
Bertie and I would be staying in the main house. For all Harry’s laissez-faire attitude, during our first conversation it became clear there were some things she took very seriously, not least her guest’s safety. The house was reserved for families and couples, single men staying in separate accommodation near the lake. Each adult resident, however temporary, had to undergo a DBS check, and every room had a lockable door to ensure residents had their own space to retreat to and felt secure in their environment. It all sounded very impressive, but I had no idea if the reality would match up to Harry’s Utopian dream.
‘How many people do you have staying?’ I asked Harry as she led me up the wide staircase.
‘Not that many. We get more in the summer, especially in school holidays. Burnt-out families often come here for a week or two’s relaxation, and I work closely with the council to provide respite for families in crisis. We only take people on recommendation. In your case, the recommendation came fromyour sister’s colleague, Gemma. That way, we don’t get overrun with people on the lookout for a free holiday.’
‘You don’t advertise?’
‘Christ, no. We’re an open house, but within certain boundaries. Currently, you’re the only family staying with us. Don’t worry though, Bertie, you won’t be bored. I’ve already got you pegged as an animal lover and it’s all hands on deck with the farm.’
As we reached the top of the stairs, I looked around. The house was a strange mixture of a farmhouse and something grander. The low ceilings gave it a cosy feel, but the house was spread over three floors, the wide staircase and landings suggesting it had once been more than a home for tenant farmers. There was something a little institutional about the faded thin carpets and fire doors whose paint was peeling.
‘What did this place used to be?’
‘How far back do you want to go?’ asked Harry, letting out her throaty laugh. ‘Before I took it on, my grandparents had run it as both a farm and a home for children in care who couldn’t find foster placements. When they died, I wanted to keep their legacy alive, but I’m not experienced enough to work with disturbed teenagers, so this seemed a good compromise.’
‘Do you run the place by yourself?’
‘No, I have plenty of help. You’ll meet the rest of the team at dinner. What time is it now?’ Harry checked her watch. ‘Right, so it’s three now. Dinner’s at six and we usually eat together. Here’s your room.’
Harry opened the door onto a long, thin room, housing two single beds, a wardrobe, writing desk and not much more. ‘Arrange the furniture however you like. The last people to use this room were two siblings who stayed here with their parents for the summer. They pulled the beds as far apart as they could, but you arrange them as you see fit.’
‘Thanks,’ I said, my hand stroking a faded section of floral wallpaper. The furnishings were eclectic, as though they’d been sourced from charity shops or car boot sales. Everything in the room was utilitarian, although as I sat down on the bed, I felt the quality of the mattress, and the white bedding was more like something you’d find in a hotel.
‘The bathroom’s just down the hall. As we’re low on numbers, you’ll have it to yourself, but if you’re still here when things get busier, you’ll need to share.’
‘That’s fine,’ I said, thinking I could only spare a couple of weeks before I’d need to face the real world again.
‘If you need me, I live in the annexe. It’s the ugly extension tacked onto the side of the house. You’ll have seen it when you arrived. Maggie and Stephan live on the top floor. They manage the place for me, so I’ve rewarded them with an entire floor. Oh, yes, that’s something I didn’t mention before. Whilst single men live apart from the main house, Stephan is the exception.’
‘Oh, I assumed he and Maggie were married.’
‘No, they’ve been best friends since they were at school, but as far as I’m aware, it’s never been a romantic relationship. Stephan stayed in separate accommodation for years, but he was up at the house all the time and as they have an office as part of their accommodation, it made sense for him to move in.’
‘OK.’
‘Right, I’ll leave you to settle in and I’ll see you at six o’clock for dinner. Bertie, do you think after dinner you could help me feed the pigs?’
Bertie, who until then had been wallowing in a shocked, sad silence, perked up. ‘Yes, please!’
‘Wonderful,’ said Harry. ‘I’ll see you later.’
Chapter Thirteen
Itook a deep breath before opening the door. Bertie and I had spent the afternoon quietly in our room, playing cards, reading books and trying to tune the TV hanging from the wall. I’d expected Bertie to be desperate to explore, but he was subdued and listless, as though the enormity of our situation was just beginning to sink in.
‘Mum? I don’t want to go downstairs. Can’t we eat our dinner in our room?’
‘No, Bertie. It’s one of the rules here. All the guests eat together.’
‘Please.’
‘I’m sorry, Bertie. Come on.’ I held out my hand, and Bertie allowed me to lead him away from our room. His small body was shaking, and I fought the overwhelming desire to give in to my son, and my desire to run back to our room and lock the door. What were we doing here? How would staying with a group of strangers help us figure out anything? It was only delaying the inevitable.
‘Ah, good, you’re here.’ The door to the dining room flung open and Harry smiled at us. The only concession to her usual attire was a shirt instead of a tank top. ‘You’ve come on the right night, Bertie. It’s Patrick’s turn to cook, and he’s made pizza.’
