Page 108 of Escape to the Country

Chapter 36

It was a subdued Eleanor that headed home to see her mum that evening. She knew that she couldn’t avoid the conversation that they needed to have. Or put off causing her mum pain when that was the last thing that she wanted.

‘I’ve just seen Dad,’ she announced, as soon as she found her mum in the front lounge watching the television.

Her mum straightened her back as if bracing herself for an incoming assault. ‘Well, that’s a pleasure that we’ve both had today then,’ she replied.

‘Are you okay?’ asked Eleanor, sitting down next to her.

‘Are you?’ asked her mum.

Eleanor burst into tears. ‘He thought I was like him. With the publicity about Tom, you know.’

Her mum pressed her lips together as if not wanting to speak out of turn and just held her arms out. Eleanor went straight in for the hug.

‘What happened?’ prompted her mum, still holding her tight.

‘I sent him away,’ said Eleanor, snuggling in closer.

‘It’s awful,’ she carried on. ‘It’s as if he forgets that he wasn’t at the end of a phone or here when I needed him for help or any kind of advice. Unlike you.’ She drew back to look at her mum. ‘You were always there for me.’

‘And I always will be,’ said her mum softly. ‘Do you know what? I fancy a cup of tea and a biscuit.’

They went into the kitchen and after getting the biscuit tin out, Eleanor straightened up and searched her mum’s face. ‘What about you? How are you doing after seeing Dad?’

Her mum tried to smile. ‘I felt bad for looking a mess. He always made me feel like that. And, of course, I’ve got this stupid plaster on my leg which doesn’t help. But I thought he looked older. Not so great, actually. I mean, not ill. Just…’

‘Mutton dressed as chicken,’ said Eleanor, nodding in agreement.

‘It’s not a good look, is it?’ said her mum, making a face.

Eleanor shook her head. ‘No. It’s not.’

‘I’ve been thinking about a lot of things this afternoon,’ said her mum. ‘When I get this plaster off tomorrow, I thought that perhaps things could start to change around here.’ She stared out of the window. ‘I’ve been thinking about what you said. I think you’re right, the animals deserve better than this.’

Eleanor went over to give her a hug. ‘They were so lucky to have you. As am I.’ She gave her mum a squeeze. ‘But I think Buttercup and Daisy would probably prefer some kind of field.’

Her mum turned to face her. ‘Actually, I think they should all go. Big and small.’

Eleanor was amazed. ‘Allof the animals? Even the kittens? What will you do?’

Her mum smiled. ‘Have a life. And give them a better one. I think that it’s time for me to start living again.’

‘Oh Mum!’ said Eleanor, reaching forward to give her another squeeze. ‘I’m so proud of you. Look, we can start off small. The tortoise and the fish didn’t leave much of a dent when they went, did they? But let’s start with the little animals, if you like. How about the kittens? Everybody loves kittens, don’t they?’

‘I’m sure there are some families that would love a kitten,’ said her mum, nodding. ‘But they’ll all need vetting. We can’t just give them up to anyone.’

‘I know. They have to be the right families.’ Eleanor wondered if Megan could help them out with that. ‘Why don’t we have a chat with Annie, Megan and Rose tomorrow night? And Ben, too. Between us all, we must be able to think of someone.’

Her mum smiled. ‘Okay. I must say, it’ll be lovely to have a spa evening and try out some of your creams.’

Eleanor nodded, still feeling nervous. ‘I think I’ve got enough for everyone. I’ve made a rose cream as well as a lavender one. And also the infamous carrot cream. I thought Rose might like to try out the rose cream. It’s supposed to be good for mature skins.’

‘God, don’t say that to her!’ said her mum. ‘I think Rose is only thirty-two in her mind.’

As it happened, the spa evening was a huge success. Everyone approved of the creams, oohing and aahing at the feel and smell of them on their skins. Even Eleanor was happy with the results. She had already begun to use sweet almond oil instead of sunflower oil. It was a little pricey but worth it for a more luxurious feel and smell.

‘You must make some more for the fete,’ said Annie, smoothing some cream onto her hands.