Pausing on the galleried landing, Oliver peers over the balustrade to the hallway below. The boys are at school but there’s a different level to the quietness pervading the house. It’s as if the building acknowledges its mistress’s absence. How is this set-up going to work? Deanna is so sure of herself. Maybe she thinks that by sheer strength of character alone everything will fall into place and everyone will quietly and seamlessly fit in with her plans. But children’s needs outweigh the parents’ desires. He knows that only too well, having learned the harsh lesson two summers before. As his mind wanders back to the cove, Oliver wonders what Cara is doing. Mid-morning. She’s probably at the gallery. Or perhaps in New York… He frowns. Is Greg making a move on her? He can’t blame him if he is, but there’s something about the man that has never sat comfortably with Oliver. He’s so taut! It’s as if his sophistication would slip given the slightest jolt… and then what would the world see? Deep in thought, he descends the stairs and enters his study.
Shafts of sunlight flood through the French windows and pool onto the dark blue carpet. Switching on the computer, he gazes out at the view. The gardener rides the sit-on mower across the lawn, producing immaculate stripes in the grass. Glancing up at the pale blue sky, Oliver watches a plane jetting away from Gatwick and wonders where it’s heading. He sighs heavily. This new living arrangement is a learning curve for them all. In the past he’s had the comfort of knowing mental stimulation would never be far away. Before too long, he would have the excitement of being on a film set in a part of the world he had probably never visited before, meeting new people and losing himself in the latest character portrayal. Now he has to find another way to keep the ‘grey mist’ at bay, and he must not allow that to be an increase in medication, however tempting.
Oliver turns away from the window. Sitting at the desk, he clicks on his emails and opens one from the solicitor in Truro that Zennor recommended.
‘I wonder what news you have for me,’ he mutters under his breath.
The email is positive, informing him that his purchase of the old coastguard cottages is going well and that the searches are back. As he is a cash buyer, the solicitor envisages a smooth transaction with exchange of contracts and completion within a few short weeks. Locking his fingers behind his head, Oliver leans back in his chair. If all goes according to plan he could be in by the end of May. That would fit well with half-term. He could take Jamie and Sebastian with him and camp out in the cottage. The boys would enjoy the adventure. He imagines his two youngest sons exploring the wild cliff gardens, the private beach and discovering the delights of the river. As always, his gaze falls on Cara’s paintings displayed above the fireplace. How he longs to feel the sun on his face and the breeze ruffling his hair. He can almost smell the fresh Cornish air and taste the salt on his lips. Life is changing, and wherever it takes him he will not put up a fight. He will go with the flow.
Oliver checks the remaining emails, immediately opening one from his agent.
Oliver, how are you coping? I wonder how you fill your days. Are you still content to play the house-husband or can I tempt you with offers of work? There are several piling up. Phone me between the household chores!
On another note, Heather McMullen has contacted me. I have secured a six-month stint for her on the West End stage from the middle of May. She would like to make contact with you and asked for your number, but I said I would get you to contact her. Her email and telephone numbers are below.
I look forward to hearing from you soon. And don’t forget to wear the Marigolds! Sabrina xx
Oliver snorts. Cheeky!
Dame Heather McMullen… The last time he’d seen her was at the BAFTAs a couple of years previously. The award-winning actress is a good ten years older than him, but the energy that radiates from her is age-defying. He’s always found her gamine looks exquisite and her mischievous sense of humour delicious. She’s so wickedly suggestive and her lively wit always lifts his spirits. It would be good to catch up with her again. Where’s the harm in that? After all, Deanna now has Pins as her special friend. It would be a relief to have some light distraction and fun in his life again with an uncomplicated and entertaining person.
Oliver composes an email to Heather. Once it is sent, he leans back in his chair and considers his former leading lady. As a young actor, he found her a force to reckon with. He smiles wryly, his older self recognising that he didn’t stand a chance. In her prime and already a megastar when he was cast as her love interest, Heather not only encouraged the good-looking, vigorous young actor to enjoy her company off screen but positively demanded it. She made it perfectly clear there were no strings attached.
Almost immediately a reply email arrives.
Darling, how wonderful to hear from you! I’m so pleased Sabrina alerted you to my request. I am breathless with anticipation at the thought of six whole months in London all on my very own! Ian tells me he will try to visit, but he’s so busy with his latest production I doubt I will see much of him. So, little old me thought: What can I possibly do to pass the time? And guess who popped into my head?
I arrive in the UK on 15th May and I’ve taken an apartment overlooking the Thames, not far from the theatre. I do hope we can meet. We have so much catching up to do and I long to see how my favourite actor is shaping up!
As always, with love and affection, Heather x
Oliver smiles. Even the impersonal nature of an email has been demolished by her innuendo. He remembers how she made him feel. Invincible! That anything was possible. At the time, when he was just starting out in show business and unaware that stardom and financial security were just around the corner, to his uncertain, sensitive character these were powerful emotions. He was high on adrenalin and his depression was halted in its track. But he wasn’t invincible. She was just play-acting for the duration of the movie. As soon as filming wrapped, as if to punish him, the ‘grey mist’ returned with vengeance. It was only when he met Cara, and for the first time in his life felt ‘whole’, that he truly dared believe anything was possible. As an iron fist tightens around his heart Oliver places a soothing hand on his chest. Will his keen sense of loss ever diminish? How can he survive the rest of his life knowing he will never again experience the affection and warmth she so unconditionally offered? And how will he cope on his deathbed not having ever known the son born of such love? Oliver groans. This is lunacy! He has to do something.
Opening the desk drawer, he pulls out the family’s timetable. Deanna is due back late Saturday night after the evening performance, returning to London the following Monday after dropping the boys at school. If Charlie kept an eye on Sebastian and Jamie on Saturday evening until Deanna’s return, Oliver could leave for Cornwall that afternoon and be back in time to collect the boys from school on Monday afternoon. If Charlie has other plans for Saturday night then Oliver will have to rethink, but he will make the reservation regardless. After all, what’s a couple of hundred quid?
Picking up the phone, Oliver calls the hotel.