Bulbury Knap by Sheila Spencer-Smith Page A

response. ‘No doubt Andrew attempted to turn things to his advantage, but who knows the outcome? We’ll have to wait and see.’
    Michael was being so kind. Deeply she regretted her action but there was nothing she could do to help matters now. ‘So she’s coming on Friday, the day before the Open Day?’ she said in a quiet voice.
    â€˜A good thing, wouldn’t you say?’
    â€˜As long as we keep Sir Edwin and Lady Hewson out of it so they’re not exhausted.’
    â€˜We will,’ he promised. ‘I’ve organised a couple of chaps from the village to take the money at the gate. Zillah’s going to be stewarding the exhibition with the boys’ help. They’ll be handy for showing folk around the place, too. Refreshments in the conservatory, that’s your province, and me in the walled garden area answering questions and manning the plant stall.’
    â€˜And Sir Edwin and Lady Hewson will be barricaded in the den?’ she couldn’t resist saying.
    His lips twitched again and she smiled too, marvelling that they both could find amusement in this dire situation.
    â€˜We’ll rely on Jane’s presence to keep them away from too much of the action,’ he said. ‘She cares for her parents, Kathryn, or she wouldn’t have dropped everything like this to come. She’ll see how much they enjoy having people here and how much it all means to them.’
    *          *          *
    Her thoughts on Michael, Kathryn propped open the back door to feel fresh air on her warm face. The rain had stopped now but the puddles on the cobbles reflected the leaden sky. Zillah’s cottage door opened and Iain emerged, striding across to Kathryn with a cheerful wave.
    â€˜Iain!’ It was good to see him even at this fraught moment. ‘What brings you here?’
    â€˜To see you of course, dear Kathryn. And check on Zillah. She said I could come over the house to have a word.’
    A split-second’s thought that Zillah seemed to be taking over here at Bulbury Knap was quickly banished. Ashamed of herself, Kathryn smiled at him. ‘I’m glad to see you, Iain,’ she said.
    â€˜I’ve completed my research at last and now my book’s ready to be written up.’
    â€˜That’s great. You’ll be able to give a hand with the Open Day. We could do with more help. Zillah’s told you about it?’
    â€˜And given all the credit to you for coming up with the idea. You’re quite a girl, Kathryn.’ He slapped the leg of his ancient jeans. ‘Not only that but I’ve been talking to the Lord of the Manor.’
    â€˜Sir Edwin?’
    â€˜The same. A decent old chap if I may say so.’
    Kathryn saw the look of achievement on Iain’s face. ‘What have you been up to, Iain?’
    â€˜The old chap wanted to hear about the research I’ve been doing. Seemed very knowledgeable about it. You know I’ve got myself in with the Heritage Centre people and I’m going to be doing a bit of work for them, a talk or two and help with the fossil hunts on the beach?’
    â€˜You haven’t wasted much time.’
    â€˜Say you’re pleased, Kathryn. It means a lot to me if you are.’
    â€˜Of course I’m pleased,’ she said. ‘You’ve worked so hard.’
    â€˜But?’ He looked at her intently.
    She tried to smile but her face felt stiff. Her mother’s broken ankle was well on the mend now. Sarah had sounded so happy on the phone last night as she was beginning to make plans to take up her position at Bulbury Knap. It wouldn’t be long now that her room in Polmerrick would become vacant again. Everything was shaping up.
    Except for her, Kathryn, of course.
    â€˜You’ll be able to return to Polmerrick now that Mum’s better,’ she said. He looked surprised. ‘No way. Not with you