Edwyn looked sheepish. Freya had indeed read him the riot act and told him to get down on one knee before a prize like Kate slipped through his fingers.
Maureen spoke up: “She’s been my friend for as long as I can remember. It was Freya I told about the cancer as soon as I was diagnosed and she was so kind and understanding.” She added, “When I was really sick from the chemo, Freya would come over, give the place a clean and stick a washing on. She’d leave a basket of bread and a Tupperware full of homemade soup or stew to save Andrzej cooking for himself after a hard day at work. I’d be upstairs sleeping and when I came down it was as though someone had waved a magic wand and the fairies had visited.”
She smiled at Andrzej. “You all know what a help my Rory and Andrzej are in the house, but men never really do housework properly, do they?” She patted Andrzej’s hand.
“I know you do your best love, but Freya sees all of the bruck and muck.”
Patsy agreed, “She’s a diamond. An absolute diamond and I don’t think I would be here without her.”
That was all they would get out of the taciturn Patsy, but it was enough to know that Freya had stepped in and helped when she was at her lowest ebb.
Amelia said, “She really is a very special woman. I’ve only been here a short time but already I can’t imagine my life without her in it.”
Kate grinned at her. “And that’s why we’re glad you are staying for a bit longer, so you can be part of the celebrations. This is one party you don’t want to miss.”
“Well, I have nothing to go back home for right now. I am so looking forward to it, and I want to thank you all for making me feel so welcome.”
They all smiled at her fondly. Evie felt that creeping sense of unease again. Amelia couldn’t stay indefinitely, could she?
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Evie’s House
The next morning, Evie rang Kate to talk about Amelia. “I just think it’s weird. She got her hair done just like me and she’s even wearing the same sorts of clothes.”
Kate replied, “Think of it as a compliment. She obviously idolises you and she’s desperate to fit in here. I think you should cut her some slack.”
“Do you think that’s all there is to it?” said Evie, desperate to believe her friend.
“Yes. What else would it be? I know how sensitive you can be sometimes, but I do think you are overreacting a peedie bit. There’s no harm in the girl.”
“I know. You’re right. I’m sure you are right. Did I tell you that Ross Isbister has asked her out on a date tonight?”
“Seriously? That’s a turn-up for the books. I never thought I’d see the day,” said Kate. “Wait a minute, is that why you are out of sorts, Evie Muir? It’s nothing to do with Amelia being a copycat and it’s actually all about Ross?”
“Absolutely not,” said Evie indignantly. “He can ask whoever he likes out. I’m not bothered at all.”
Kate was unconvinced but instead she said, “It’s a big adjustment for both of you. She’s family, but you don’t know each other at all. I think she is just trying too hard. Give it time.”
Kate hung up and looked around the room with exasperation. She had frantically tidied up when Amelia had come over to meet everyone, but the house was back to the chaos that comes with an untidy husband and two small children.
Kate decided there was no point in trying to sort everything because it would just be a guddle again in no time. The dogs, Eric and Ernie, looked at her hopefully.
“Come on then, let’s go for a morning walk and clear away the cobwebs. Those two little monkeys can clear up their toys when they get back from school and it will do them no harm to wear un-ironed uniforms tomorrow. I don’t feel like making the tea so we can get fish suppers from the chippie instead.”
The dogs barked for joy as they headed out the door. Kate was surprised by how restless she felt. She loved being a mother, but since the girls had both gone to primary school she had a bit more time on her hands. She wasn’t artistic like Evie, but she did feel as though she had unfinished business when it came to having a career.
She’d never used her law degree, getting pregnant with Louise soon after she graduated, and then having Claire shortly after meant she never had the chance. With Edwyn working such long hours in the hospital it wasn’t possible for her to take on full-time work.
She bundled the dogs into the back of the messy, muddy car and they settled happily in the back seat knowing this would be a proper hike. Kate drove all the way to the Kitchener Monument. She decided to do the full circuit which would tire out even Eric and Ernie, two boisterous border terriers, named after the famous Morecombe and Wise comedy legends, even though they were both girls.
It was a tradition started by Evie’s dad, Duncan, who lived in a house of women but pretended his dogs were boys. “Iknow it doesn’t make any sense,” said Kate when Evie had brought them home as cute little black-faced puppies, “but I want to do it for Duncan.”
As with everything, Edwyn bowed to the wisdom of his wife. He considered himself the luckiest man in the world.
He was married to his best friend. The sex was still good for both of them and although his job at the hospital was often exhausting and demanding, he loved being a doctor. Best of all, he had two funny, bright and beautiful daughters.
Everything seemed just as it always was to Edwyn. He hadn’t noticed that Kate had grown quieter these past few months, but she knew they would soon need to have a serious conversation.
