Inheritance

Chapter Seventeen. Conflicting Dates.

                                                                              ***** 

John sat intrigued, as Gillian drove her Hillman past the University and Crewe Hall, down to Hunter's Bar and up Ecclestone Road. 

"Where are we heading? Derbyshire?" 

"Not so far. Only to Dore." 

"Dore? Why Dore? That's in the back of beyond." 

"It's only twenty minutes or so. You'll see." 

Gillian brought the car to a halt before a small, detached bungalow close to the Dore bus terminus. There was a "For Rent" sign displayed at the front gate. "What do you think of it?" 

"Of what?" 

"Don't be so daft, John. The bungalow of course." 

"Looks a bit rinkydink to me." John knew he had said the wrong thing when he saw the look on Gillian's face. "Don't tell me you've gone and rented it?" 

"I sure have. It has a kitchen, a bathroom, a sun porch, a living room two bedrooms, and a study. We could share it, John. It would be so much better for you than living in those terrible digs of yours, and it will cost about the same. It's also on a direct bus route to the University. What do you think? We can have a look around before you decide." 

John's mind whirled. To Hell with Sheila. Here was an opportunity to lead a comfortable existence with a wonderful girl and ....who knew what might develop. It was a no-brainer.

"No need to look around. It's a deal." 

                                                                                       *****

The following evening, John arrived in Ulverston on the 6.40 train. He'd arranged for his trunk to be delivered, so unimpeded by luggage, he made his way along the public footpath through the fields that led home. There was a noticeable spring in his step. He'd made it into second year honours, he had a new girl, and all was right with the world. 

John opened the door to an empty house. His father was already at work but he had obviously made an effort to tidy up before leaving. The small kitchen table was set, with a dinner plate, a knife and fork, an unopened packet of sliced bread, a slab of butter, and all the accoutrements for making a fresh cup of tea. There was even a vanilla slice, John's favourite pastry. Beside the plate lay a piece of paper, torn from a grocery bag, bearing a scrawled note:- 

Dear John,  

Glad to have you home again. It has been lonely without you. Make yourself some beans on toast. Can of beans on stove. Hope you enjoy the vanilla slice. It was bought fresh today. See you in the morning. 

Love 

Dad 

P.S. There's a letter for you on the mantelpiece. 

John gulped. Could it be possible after all this time? He rushed into the living room, reached for the letter, and immediately realised that his intuition had not failed him. The Matlock postmark, the beautiful handwriting - it was from Sheila. 

Ampleforth College, 

Ampleforth 

Nr. Matlock, 

Derbyshire 

May 16th 1960 

Dearest John, 

Can you ever forgive me? I have been such a fool and have missed you so much. I really have some growing up to do, but I was so mad when you told me that you had been with another girl during your first term at University. I just couldn't bear the thought of you being with someone else! I so wanted to get back at you but I let things go too far. I am so sorry. 

If it's any consolation, I only went out with Charles Smythe a couple of times after the Ball. He was an obnoxious character, so full of himself and he treated me as if I was a trophy. Kaiser took an immediate dislike to him. I always trust his instincts and he proved right again. Charles soon made me realize that not all men are like you. To be quite honest he was a boor, and I hated being with him. 

My father, as you are probably aware, is a bit of a snob and he feels it only right that his daughters marry into what he calls families of importance. What he really means is that we have to marry money. I have to believe that once he realized we were becoming close he had your background checked and decided that you were not a suitable partner for his darling daughter. I'm sure he encouraged Smythe, and arranged for me to spend the coming summer in Germany purely to keep us apart. 

I have discovered that for some reason my sister Sharon has taken a dislike to you and has been telling outrageous lies about you. I don't think I shall ever speak to her again. Can you believe that she volunteered as an assistant in the school mailroom; purely I'm sure to intercept my mail? I have no idea whether you wrote to me at all during this horrendous term. I would understand if you hadn't because I have treated you so badly. I am just hoping that you will give me another chance. I will be home for a week, June 23rd to 30th. I leave for Germany on the 1st of July. Kaiser and I will be looking for you at the usual time. Please be there. I so want to be with you again! 

Love 

Sheila 

P.S. Wait for me on the Flan. I cannot risk you being seen around the house