‘Bring Jenna round for dinner, why don’t you?’ I change the subject. ‘Or Sunday lunch. I’d like to meet her. And now explain to me exactly how Sherlock knows that woman’s just been in a first-class train carriage on the way from Dorset?’
I try so hard to enjoy my night with Frank; I mean I do enjoy it. But now I am alarmed by this new Scarlett thing. Please, keep away from Frankie, I think. That’s all we need.
Nineteen
Jeanie
9 February 2015
I’ve finally told Matt the truth. I can’t believe it – but it’s out in the open at last!
I told him because I was pretty sure that Scarlett had found out, and that she would tell him before I did. I was convinced that it must have been her poking around in my drawers – and probably her that had left the envelope in the spare room, along with her earring.
So I cooked the best dinner I could, fed Matt a bottle of Bordeaux (from his own wine rack, it must be said – I know nothing about wine) and a rare steak, managing to get his attention off the FT rolling news for long enough to tell him. It was obvious that he hadn’t known – his surprise was evident.
I told him I’ve got a second interview for the college job – and he was pleased – and then I told him I’d been worried about applying to teach again. Deep breath: because of the Seaborne incident.
‘Why didn’t you tell me?’ He put his hand over mine on the table after I’d finished talking. ‘I’m sorry you went through that.’
The flood of relief washing through me was immense; tears sprang to my eyes.
‘Poor Jeanie. What a nightmare for you, hon.’
Holding back my tears, I asked him if he remembered the email I’d sent to Munich. Fortunately, he did – and that he’d not read it.
‘So – are you okay now?’ He was tentative. ‘It’s all – behind you?’
‘Yes,’ I said, and I felt so relieved, so free and light that I started laughing, topping up my glass and his, wanting to get up and dance.
‘What’s so funny?’ He looked confused.
‘Nothing. Everything. I was just so worried – and I shouldn’t have been. I knew you’d understand.’ I threw my arms round him and kissed him all over his face and neck. ‘Oh I’m so pleased, Matty. I love you so much.’
It took a lot to say those words.
Twenty
Jeanie
11 February 2015
Matthew rings to say he is working late.
I go upstairs to put the bath on, freezing from sitting too long, finishing my interview notes for the morning. I am determined to get this job.
I run back down to find my glasses, and as I pass the great curly mirror, I hear a noise.
I stop.
Is someone in the house?
‘Frank?’
But he is working tonight; I know that really.
Another noise, like chains rattling.
I go down a few stairs, leaning over the bannister. ‘Matthew?’
In the mirror, I see the figure of a woman in a long grey dress, walking towards me, her face deathly white, a veil thrown over it, her eyes black behind the veil…
I start to shake.
I don’t believe in ghosts – but this is the Grey Lady, and she is coming towards me, her hands out in front of her…
I run upstairs and slam the door of the bathroom, locking it. My chest is heaving, and I try to laugh at my own fear – but it’s too real to be funny. I feel sick with it.
When Matthew gets home, I tell him what happened.
‘Don’t be silly.’ He grins. ‘You were imagining it. You’re just tired.’ He hugs me. ‘Silly thing. Don’t let Luke’s stories scare you, hon.’
But I know what I saw.
* * *
14 FEBRUARY 2015
* * *
Valentine’s Day – and we’re going away for the night!
After all the stress recently, it’s the perfect way to smooth things over. Plus Marlena’s coming to stay next weekend. This all feels like a new start – everything’s going to be okay!
I had the second interview at the college yesterday, and I felt an instant rapport with the head of department. She told me pretty much straightaway the job was mine. When I got home, they called to make the offer.
I didn’t get the chance to tell Matthew because he rang to ask me to meet him in Berkhamsted for pizza with Luke and Scarlett: a late birthday meal for them. Matthew was upset he hadn’t seen them on the actual day, but he and Kaye had decided to take ‘celebrations’ in turn – and so they spent their actual birthday with her.
We had an all right time. Scarlett even answered a question or two I put her way, mainly about school – although she’s still angry with me, it’s obvious. She was fed up Frankie didn’t come – that was clear too when I sent her Frankie’s birthday wishes.
At one point during the meal, I went to the bathroom, and when I came back, the three Kings all stopped talking.
‘Don’t mind me,’ I joked, but no one really laughed. Matthew raised his glass to me, but I felt awkward from then on. All in all I was relieved when the meal was over and we dropped them off.
There was something in Scarlett’s steely little face that scared me a bit.
* * *