Beautiful Strangers: Chapters Twenty to Twenty-Two

CHAPTER TWENTY

Beth couldn’t get Lou out of her mind. Like a seed, once planted her feelings started to grow as thoughts of Lou dominated her. She knew they had made a tremendous connection, not just on a physical level but also a spiritual one too. She needed to know how Lou felt. But was she being silly? Unsophisticated? She didn’t think so. As soon as she arrived home she looked in her bag for Lou’s number. It wasn’t there.

Frantically she tipped everything out, scattering the entire contents over the living room floor. She knew exactly where she had put it. Sickened, it dawned on her that H must have searched her bag and destroyed it.

‘How dare she?’ Beth shouted into her handbag as she pulled it inside out tearing the lining. ‘The bitch. The fucking bitch. Just wait till I see her!’ Fury flooded Beth. ‘Now I’ll have to wait for Lou to contact me.’ She flung her handbag onto the floor.

Marching over to her drinks cabinet, she splashed whisky into a crystal tumbler. Snatching up the glass she went to stare into the large mirror above the fireplace. Her anger was so great that she could see nothing but blackness. And Hyacinth’s face. In her head she could hear Hyacinth’s voice. ‘I will make you want only me.’

Beth spun round, violently shaking her head, spilling the whisky on the carpet. Her room was as it should be. She turned back. The mirror now reflected her, and her surroundings. She was suddenly deathly tired and took sanctuary in her bed. She stayed there all day, only getting up to visit the bathroom. She felt ill. On Tuesday she rang into work pleading sickness, then unplugged the phone and switched off her mobile. She needed isolation, to be able to go within herself and look for answers.

On Wednesday morning Beth was working alongside George Dickinson.

‘Feeling better today, Beth?’ George enquired pleasantly while they prepared to scrub up.

‘Yes. Thank you for asking. It was nothing really, but I could not risk coming into work.’

‘Understood.’ George moved the taps into the on position with his elbows and began to scrub under the running water. ‘How did you enjoy your weekend away with my wife?’

Suddenly there was a silence. Everyone’s ears pricked, waiting for Beth’s answer.

Beth smiled thinly, ‘We had a pleasant enough time.’

She dried her hands, tossed the towel into the bin, then held her hands up for the nurse to help with her surgical gloves.

All the while George whistled tunelessly. Then he stopped, glanced over his shoulder, his hands still under the running water, and said, ‘I haven’t seen her since she got back. She went straight to Carlisle. Has she been in touch with you?’

Beth pretended not to hear. She walked off pushing the operating theatre doors open with her hip.

Beautiful Strangers: Chapters Eleven and Twelve

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Beth had been trying to contact Hyacinth since their trip to Scotland. She was smitten, her feelings alternating between incredible lust, desperate to get into bed with her, and total self-doubt seeing herself as a stupid fool who had got the situation entirely wrong. Despite leaving several messages, H hadn’t returned her calls. What was the woman playing at? Beth was anxious to make contact, needing some sort of reassurance.

Beth presumed Hyacinth’s silence meant she wasn’t going to Davinia’s birthday party. She convinced herself H was playing with her mind; she didn’t appear to want to play with her body. The party might help to lift her spirits. Despite going with dreary Daphne, she was looking forward to her first glimpse of Melton Manor. From Daphne’s description the Macfarline residence sounded impressive.

On the night of the party they rattled along in Beth’s old car. The Manor was well off the beaten track. The endless private drive twisted through acres of open parkland. Finally they arrived. Built more like a castle, Melton Manor was imposing, and much bigger than Beth’s family home. She couldn’t wait to see inside.

To create an atmosphere, not that they needed to because the place had enough of its own, strategically placed torches were positioned to cast long shadows. Beth loved it.

The minute they stepped out of the car, Beth’s keys were taken by a handsome young man who drove it away to be parked out of sight. Apparently Daddy didn’t like the place to look untidy and her old bone-shaker of a car would certainly lower the tone. Liveried staff ushered them towards a red carpet leading into an arched doorway that spilled out warm welcoming light.

This is some way to live, Beth thought, walking into the grand reception hall where a string quartet played in an alcove. Davinia and Julie were waiting inside to receive their guests. Beth was amused that they were immaculately and identically dressed in purple silk shirts under flowing black kaftans.

‘Come in, darling girls. Have some champagne,’ greeted Julie. She air kissed Beth, and thrust a glass into one hand as she grasped the other continuing, ‘Come with me. Daphne knows lots of people here, but let me introduce you to someone else so you don’t feel left out. Daphne’s sure to get sidelined; she always does!’ Julie chuckled.

Barely giving Beth time to wish Davinia a happy birthday, Julie led her into the garden room — a lovely, mellow yellow room with tall windows reaching down to the floor that opened in such a way you could step out into the walled garden. Numerous fruit trees jostled with each other from behind shrubs in varying stages of bloom, providing a riot of colour. A summerhouse, almost hidden by rhododendron bushes, was just visible in a far corner — perfect for secret liaisons. Holding on tightly to Beth’s hand, afraid of losing her in the throng of chattering women, Julie headed towards a woman sitting alone on one of the comfortable sofas. As they approached, the woman turned her head, glossy dark hair swung across her shoulders and brown eyes smiled up at them.

Beautiful Strangers: Chapters Nine and Ten

CHAPTER NINE

Beth imagined everyone in the hospital was looking at her. She was bursting to tell someone what had happened. She couldn’t. It was their secret, hers and Hyacinth’s. She kept thinking of what it would be like to have sex with a woman. Not just any woman, Hyacinth.

She didn’t feel any guilt, just excitement, and carried on working with a secret smile on her face all the while visualising their weekend in London. After the interrupted shower experience she knew that trip was going to be some learning curve.

Thoughts of Hyacinth continuously danced through her mind, which was exactly what Hyacinth had planned. Checking patient’s records, in a ‘Hyacinth’ daydream, Beth almost missed the apology from Countess Dracula, the Night Nursing Officer.

‘Beth . . . like I said, I’m sorry I caused such a commotion the night you were attending Mr. Green.’ Daphne hesitated briefly wanting to be sure she had Beth’s full attention. ‘He should be settled back home now, shouldn’t he?’

Beth turned, ‘Sorry Daphne. I was miles away. What were you saying?’

Blushing, Daphne continued. ‘I wondered if I could buy you a drink, by way of an apology?’

The invitation seemed genuine and friendly.

‘Thanks Daphne, that is kind, but there’s really no need. I think the student could have used a shot of brandy at the time though. Don’t you?’ Beth laughed.

In daylight Daphne had a look of Amanda Burton. As she persisted with her invitation Beth felt it would be churlish to refuse and arrangements were made for the following Tuesday night when Daphne was off duty.

Then Beth remembered Hyacinth. Would she mind? Why should she? It’s only a drink with a work colleague and, more to the point, was it any of Hyacinth’s business?

Beth purposely dressed down for her night out with Daphne. Comfortable cowboy boots, denim jeans and a matching denim shirt were all she felt able to aspire to. Her luxurious, long, dark hair was pulled back, caught up in a beautiful diamond butterfly comb. Of course she wore her diamond studs. She didn’t feel dressed without them.

She pulled up outside Daphne’s neat little semi, situated in a residential area popular with a lot of hospital staff because of its close proximity to St. Gregory’s. When her old Audi Coupe rattled into the cul-de-sac, she noticed with amusement how several sets of curtains twitched. She really must do something about buying a new car, and soon.

Before she could turn off the engine, Daphne hurried out and jumped into the passenger seat.

Always polite and attempting to break the ice, Beth said, ‘Oh that’s a nice skirt, Daphne.’

Daphne beamed, ‘Thank you. I’m glad you like it.’ She really had made an effort tonight, and was pleased her long flowered skirt had turned out to be a good choice. She suggested they go to a country pub she knew near Morpeth.

Despite it being June, the evening was cool and they were grateful for the roaring log fire in the pub lounge. Settling into easy chairs with a bottle of red wine on the table between them, Daphne started drinking fast while she talked non-stop about the hospital.

The words blurred as Beth fought to keep her tired eyes open.

Half an hour later, Davinia and Julie walked in. Thankful to learn they were friends of Daphne’s, Beth invited the pair to join them, hoping she could soon beat a hasty retreat.

Davinia was in a ‘sit down and pay attention’ mood whereas Julie was in a silly mood. ‘Daphne, did I ever tell you about the time I took Davinia sailing?’

‘I don’t think so.’

‘Oh not that old chestnut,’ Davinia moaned.

‘Davinia is not what you would call a natural sailor.’

‘Understatement,’ Davinia emphasized.

‘It’s always safety first.’ Julie paused to ensure she had their full attention. ‘So the first thing I did was to make sure that we were both fitted with life jackets.’

‘Quite right,’ Daphne said.

‘And every good sailor,’ Julie lifted her glass of wine,‘should have a good supply of booze.’

‘Yes.’ Both Daphne and Beth agreed eagerly.

‘It was rum, Julie. You took rum,’ Davinia butted in.

‘Yes, sweetheart. I did. I took it to make sure you felt confident.’

‘Confident?’ Davinia looked at her enquiringly.

‘Well anyway. There we were on the water and Davinia was having a ball. Singing at the top of her voice, and drinking the rum like there was no tomorrow.’ Julie laughed loudly, remembering. ‘The next thing I know is — she,’ pointing at Davinia, ‘tells me that she’s going to climb the mast. And she did. The boat almost capsized. We were so far over it’s a wonder she didn’t cause us to both fall overboard.’

They all laughed loudly. Davinia’s laugher the loudest of all. Lucky she was wearing a life jacket, Beth thought, although Davinia’s underwear would have given her good buoyancy.

In the lull that followed Julie said to Beth. ‘It’s Davinia’s birthday soon. We’re having a party at the Manor. Please say you’ll come. We’d love to have you with us. It’s all women, of course,’ she winked lewdly.

Beth accepted prettily, ‘How kind. Thank you. I’d love to come along, providing I’m not on duty, that is.’ She’d never been to an all-women party before. She wondered who else would be on the guest list. Would this be the kind of party Hyacinth had talked about?

It turned out to be an unexpectedly enjoyable evening. During the drive back to Newcastle, Daphne described the Manor to Beth, it seemed as though she was a regular visitor. Beth was impressed. It sounded baronial and grand. She loved old property and couldn’t wait to see it. While they were driving along an unlit road in the middle of nowhere Daphne asked Beth to pull over. Thinking she must be feeling ill, Beth immediately stopped the car. She could feel Daphne looking at her.

‘What’s wrong Daphne — are you ill?’

‘No. I’ve been waiting to do this since the day I met you.’ Daphne leaned over. Taking Beth’s face between her hands, she kissed her.

Beth didn’t respond. Alarm bells began ringing in her head. She didn’t want to do this with Daphne, not at all. Not in any way, shape or form.

It wasn’t the same as being kissed by Hyacinth. Fleetingly Beth thought how confusing life could be. Suddenly women were making advances towards her. Why now? Why not when she’d been sixteen and her hormones were raging and sex was sex without questions or analysis. Or better still at university where they had a Lesbian Group. Beth’s sexuality needed looking at and here were two women wanting to do just that!

Disliking Daphne’s taste, Beth removed her hands from her face. Holding onto them to stop Daphne touching her again, she politely said, ‘I’m sorry Daphne, I can’t do this.’

‘Oh Beth, please don’t be sorry. I shouldn’t have assumed. But you are so damned beautiful that I couldn’t resist you. Let’s just forget it ever happened. Please?’

‘Well I can, if you can.’

‘We can still go to Davinia’s birthday party together?’

‘Yes.’ Reluctantly Beth agreed, totally without enthusiasm. ‘I suppose so.’

‘Oh thank you. I’ll look forward to our date.’

‘It’s not a date Daphne.’

Beautiful Strangers: Chapters Seven and Eight

CHAPTER SEVEN

Beth was up at the crack of dawn. She wanted to look perfect and went through her entire wardrobe carelessly flinging clothes on the floor in her search for something that she considered suitable. Why don’t I have some glamorous walking gear? she fumed while putting in her diamond stud earrings.

Hyacinth wouldn’t have cared if Beth had worn a black bin bag. Soon she would be expected to introduce Beth into her inner circle, but she didn’t want to share this one, not yet. She was still kicking herself for getting carried away with the situation in the theatre staff room. She could have blown it, yet her gut instinct had been right. Today, she told herself firmly as she drove into town, she would be on her best behaviour. Absolutely no touching. She smiled as the memory of Beth’s body caused her to place her hand between her legs.

Beth heard the sound of a car horn, looked out of the window and saw Hyacinth waving her down. Better not go in, thought Hyacinth, or we’ll never get going. She switched on the CD player so that when Beth stepped into the car her favourite music would be playing. It had been easy to discover Beth’s musical preferences from the theatre staff and load the CD player accordingly. Let the seduction begin.

‘Good morning, Hyacinth.’ Beth said as she slid into the passenger seat.

Hyacinth looked sideways at Beth.

‘Whoops. Sorry.’ Beth apologized. ‘I mean good morning, H.’

‘That’s better, darling.’ H shot her a killer smile. ‘And good morning to you too.’

‘Aren’t we lucky? The sun’s shining and the weather forecast is good. Unseasonably warm. It looks like we’re set for a good day. What lovely music.’ You’re jabbering, Beth.

‘One of my favourite artists, darling. I heard the weather forecast too. It must have been my sunshine spell that did it, but I‘ve brought a jacket, just in case. Did you think to put one in your bag?’

‘Yes.’ Beth rubbed her clammy hands against her bare legs in an effort to cover her flesh from Hyacinth’s penetrating gaze. Then she searched in her bumbag for her sunglasses.

Aware of Beth’s uneasiness Hyacinth said, ‘Have you settled in okay at St. Gregory’s?’

‘I think so. Thanks for asking. I discovered an old friend working there too. So that was nice.’

‘Really, darling? And who is that?’

‘One of the sisters. Val Taylor.’

‘Oh yes. I know Val. She came to our fundraiser last year. Jolly soul. Game for a laugh if I remember correctly.’

‘Oh yes. That’s Val.’

‘And just what is your connection darling?’

‘We met on the first day of my medical training. She’s been like a guardian angel to me.’

‘Has she now?’ said H, making a mental note to check Val out.

‘She works night duty mostly, and always has some student nurse under her wing these days. She likes to have a joke with them. Jolly them along. She told me about one student,’ Beth started to laugh.

‘Come on then. Spit it out.’

‘Well. Val sent this particular student to theatre for a set of fallopian tubes. When she returned she was carrying two lengths of plastic drain pipes that the theatre porter had obligingly given her.’

They both burst out laughing.

‘She’s not like some of the sisters who treat their staff appallingly, and seem to relish bullying the students. It’s awful.’

‘That’s dreadful. But rest assured — they will reap what they sow.’ H said, as she drove with speed through the rugged northern landscape.

The sun had started to climb into the blue sky. It cast pretty shadows through the high broken clouds enhancing the deep yellow of the hundreds of daffodils heralding their approach to Wordsworth country.

Hyacinth mesmerized Beth; who thought H looked about twenty years old today with her hair up in a ponytail. Beth didn’t know today was H’s fortieth birthday. The more they talked the more Beth fell under her spell. Davinia and Julie became a topic of conversation. Beth discovered Davinia’s daughter Felicity ran an outrageously expensive livery yard on the family estate, and was a successful event rider.

Hyacinth smirked when she said the Macfarlines had staff to attend to their every need, especially Petra, the Swedish housekeeper. ‘Housekeeper my eye.’ H laughed. ‘Petra is so sexy. She has the most beautiful blonde wavy hair I’ve ever seen. She is a natural blonde too.’

Beth gasped. ‘How do you know that?’

‘Believe me, darling. I know,’ H said playfully. ‘And, she has the sexiest pale blue eyes.’ She glanced at Beth to check the effect her words were having, pleased at the jealous sparkle in Beth’s eyes. She continued innocently, ‘Did I mention her amazingly long legs?’

Beautiful Strangers: Chapters Three and Four

CHAPTER THREE

The Dickinson’s annual charity bash was due to take place in early May. Beth received her invitation, but wasn’t keen to go. She moaned about it to Val when they next met over a midnight cup of coffee. If she had expected sympathy, she didn’t get it.

‘Don’t be silly, Beth. You have to go. Have you any idea how fussy George’s wife Hyacinth is about who she invites?’

‘Well, I expect all of his surgical team will have received an invite.’

‘No, they haven’t. Only a handful of staff have invitations this year. Anyway, you’ll enjoy The Do.’

‘If you say so.’

‘Oh yes. It’s a classy place the Dickinsons have. I was a guest last year. Not like your family estate, you understand, but it is a big house all the same, out Jesmond way with beautiful gardens. Ultra posh it is.’ Val picked up her coffee cup and put it down again without taking a drink. ‘Wait till you see the swimming pool, indoor of course, straight out of Homes & Gardens with changing rooms big enough to spend your summer holidays in. From what I can remember of last year nearly all the youngsters ended up skinny-dipping at midnight. Come to think of it, it wasn’t just the youngsters. I didn’t bother though; not wanting to be centre-stage!’ Val roared with laughter at her own joke, rocking backwards and forwards in danger of overbalancing and falling off her swivel chair. Wringing her hands together she became serious. ‘Listen . . . ‘she bent forward, looked up and down the ward to see if anyone could hear, making sure no-one was lurking in close proximity. She patted Beth’s knee and said, ‘Hyacinth can be one to watch out for, mind.’

‘What do you mean?’ Beth automatically copied Val looking left and right. ‘Why? What does she do? Apart from being married to George, that is.’

‘Don’t you know?’ Val looked around again not wanting to be overheard. ‘Oh you are slipping up. Well, she’s a gynaecologist. Gave up a brilliant career when she married George. Had two children before you could sneeze, hired a nanny, and returned to work before a decent amount of time had elapsed. Not full time though just part-time, for appearances sake. They say she can wrap George around her little finger. She looks more like a film star than a doctor, dresses like a film star too. Must cost him a fortune. Probably buys her knickers at Harrods.’ Val rocked back in her chair again. ‘Anyway, she travels to Carlisle a couple of days most weeks. She has a clinic-cum-hostel over there for teenage mums who have nowhere to go. That’s what the fundraiser ’s for.’ Val paused weighing up her words, ‘A bit of a card that one.’