A Time of Peace Read online

  ‘Oh?’

  He was looking very pleased as he handed her some keys. ‘You’ll need these.’

  ‘Come on,’ her mother said. ‘I haven’t seen it yet.’

  When they reached the garage, Kate stopped and gasped in delight. Standing there was a brand-new dark blue Mini. They’d only been launched last year and were fast becoming the thing to own.

  ‘I hope you like the colour.’ Her father slipped his arm around her shoulder. ‘It was the only one they had in stock.’

  Kate ran her hand over the gleaming car. ‘Blue is perfect. Is this really for me?’

  ‘You’re going to need a car of your own for the new business.’ Bill opened the door. ‘Sit inside and see how it feels.’

  Before getting in, she gave him a hug and her mother a tearful smile. ‘Did you know he was going to do this?’

  ‘Yes. You’ve always insisted that you only have things you can afford to pay for yourself, but there is a time to accept help, Kate.’

  Her mother had never been outwardly demonstrative, but Kate knew that she loved her family dearly. She rushed over and hugged her as well.

  ‘Let’s take it for a spin around Richmond Park.’ Bill was rubbing his hands in anticipation. ‘You get in the back, Rose.’

  ‘I’ll never get in there,’ she said, looking at the small car.

  ‘Yes, you will – there’s bags of room.’ Bill tipped the front seat forward.

  Rose examined the space inside, shrugged and clambered in. She was tall but didn’t look too uncomfortable. Bill eased himself into the passenger side, and, after Kate had adjusted the driver’s seat, they headed for the park.

  Kate fell in love with it at once. It was nippy and easy to drive, so she went round the park several times until she felt confident driving the little car. It really was a beauty and a very unexpected but welcome gift.

  ‘It’s just wonderful,’ Kate told her parents over dinner. ‘Thank you so much.’

  ‘Glad you like it.’ Her father couldn’t hide his pleasure at being able to give his daughter this special gift.

  ‘I’m thrilled, and it’s going to be a big help with the business.’ Kate grinned. ‘Just wait until Pete sees it! The Webster Photographers will be tearing around London in style!’

  ‘Webster’s?’ Her mother looked up sharply.

  ‘Yes, we’re going to name the shop after you, Mum, and I’m going to be Kate Webster for the business.’ She smiled at her father. ‘I hope you don’t mind?’

  ‘Not at all,’ he exclaimed. ‘I think it’s a lovely idea.’

  ‘Thank you, Kate,’ Rose said, looking quite taken aback with pleasure.

  10

  There had been more work than Kate or Pete had anticipated in order to get the shop ready for business. However, not daunted by the task, the pair had pitched in with scrubbing brushes and pots of paint. Ten days later it was starting to take shape.

  ‘If we work all this weekend we should be ready to open on Monday.’ Pete stood back to admire the wall he’d just painted white.

  ‘Do you think so?’ Kate wasn’t at all sure about that. There was still a heck of a lot left to do, and it was Saturday morning now. ‘The darkroom isn’t ready, the studio needs another coat of paint, and I haven’t been able to get the toilet clean.’

  ‘Yeah, that is a mess, but a new bit of lino will make it look better. The rest we can finish easily.’

  ‘You’re terribly optimistic.’ Kate laughed at his animated expression. Pete was excited, and having the time of his life getting the shop ready. And so was she. There were no lingering regrets about leaving the paper now. This business venture was risky, but she was determined to make it a success.

  ‘What’s that?’ Pete rushed over to the window as a large van pulled up outside. ‘It’s got the name of Grant Phillips on the side.’

  Kate joined him and watched in wonder as her brother, James, got out, then her father and Reid. The back door of the van was thrown open and her Uncle Will jumped out, carrying a brand-new toilet.

  ‘Wow!’ Pete exclaimed, rushing to open the shop door.

  ‘Where do you want this?’ Will smiled at Kate’s stunned expression and offered his cheek for a kiss, which he got.

  ‘Through to the back, please,’ Pete said.

  ‘Oh, all my favourite men,’ Kate cried, hugging each one in turn. ‘Why didn’t you tell me you were going to do this?’

  ‘We hatched the plot last night when we realized you were going to have a job finishing in time for Monday.’ Reid had already taken off his coat and rolled up his sleeves. ‘Will’s going to put the new toilet in for you and I’m handy with a paint brush …’

  Kate slapped a brush in his hand, gave him an impish grin and pointed to the studio. ‘The paint’s already in there.’

  Loud banging was coming from the back as Will began to rip out the old toilet. Kate turned to her father and brother. ‘And what can we get you to do?’

  ‘I’ll finish your darkroom,’ James said.

  ‘And I’ll make the tea,’ her father announced, winking at Kate. ‘I’m playing golf with Will tomorrow, so I can’t wear myself out!’ He disappeared into the small back kitchen, whistling happily to himself.

  Pete was practically doing a jig of delight. ‘We’ll definitely be able to open on Monday now. What a smashing family you’ve got, Kate.’

  ‘They are a bit special, aren’t they?’ Kate thought she would burst with love for them. When it seemed that they might not be ready for the planned date of opening, her marvellous family had arrived to help. She really was a lucky girl.

  When opening day arrived, they were delighted with the shop. It was bright, inviting, and the display of photographs in the window was causing a lot of interest from passers-by. Kate hoped they would soon stop walking past and come in. They had flooded the area with advertising leaflets by tramping the streets and spreading the word. They’d also put an advert – designed by Pete – in one of the popular daily papers. The car had been a tremendous help and had enabled them to travel around without wasting time on buses and trains.

  She gazed around the shop and smiled at her assistant. Pete was so happy, and she wondered why she couldn’t match his mood. Everything was going well: things were improving at the children’s homes, with offers of help coming in; the shop was ready to welcome customers. She should be feeling elated. But she wasn’t! Her emotions were on a roller coaster – one day up and the next down. It didn’t make sense and she was irritated with herself. The only time she’d ever felt like this had been towards the end of the war when her Grandpa George had been killed by a flying bomb. She’d only been eight at the time and it had taken her a long time to accept that he had gone. But they were at peace and there wasn’t anything like that in her life now, so why was she so unsettled?

  She was completely at a loss to explain her strange mood. It wasn’t because she’d lost her job with the paper; that no longer bothered her. So what the devil was wrong? Her sigh was ragged.

  ‘Don’t worry, Kate.’ Pete came and stood beside her. ‘The customers will soon be flooding in.’

  ‘A slow trickle would do for a start.’ She gave herself a severe mental telling-off. This nonsense had to stop! She smiled at Pete, who was looking at her with a worried frown. ‘I wouldn’t mind coping with a flood, though.’

  The bell on the door tinkled as someone came in. It was their first customer. Pete gave her a little shove and whispered, ‘We’re in business!’

  ‘Good morning, madam,’ Kate stepped forward, smiling warmly.

  ‘Oh, morning.’ The woman returned her smile and held out one of their leaflets. ‘I’d like a picture done of my children and me, please. It’s to be a Christmas present for my husband.’

  ‘Certainly, madam.’ Kate turned to pick up the appointments book, only to find Pete already had it open, pen poised.

  After the customer had left, Kate grinned at Pete. ‘If my Grandma Marj was here, she would say tha
t called for a nice cup of tea!’

  They had several more customers that morning. Christmas was only eight weeks away, and people were beginning to respond to their advert about giving portraits as presents. They even had bookings for a wedding and a twenty-first birthday party.

  Kate pushed her earlier strange mood aside. Everything was going to be all right.

  They closed for lunch, and when they reopened a tall man walked in and Kate rushed forward. ‘Dad!’

  ‘I’ve come to see how you’re getting on.’

  ‘We’re doing fine, Mr Freeman.’ Pete showed him the appointment book. ‘We’ve had all these customers this morning.’

  ‘Well done. You’re going to make a great success of this business, I can see.’ Bill wandered into the studio and nodded approval. ‘While I’m here, Pete, you can take a photograph of me. It’s time Rose had an up-to-date picture.’

  ‘Me, sir?’ He looked startled.

  Bill sat on the chair, faced the camera and nodded.

  Pete was in his element and Kate stayed out of the way, not wanting to interfere with his first commission. Her father was a kind man, and she suspected that he’d taken a liking to Pete, and wanted to encourage him.

  Bill left an hour later and Pete rushed off to develop his film. Kate had several more inquiries, so the afternoon passed quickly. Just before closing time, Pete emerged from the darkroom, flushed with pleasure. He handed her the prints of her father.

  ‘Oh, these are wonderful!’ The paise was easy to give, because they really were excellent. ‘These are the best photos of Dad I’ve ever seen. He’ll be delighted. Make out an invoice for him.’

  He looked at her aghast. ‘We can’t make him pay for them.’

  ‘Of course we can. We’re in business now.’

  They were just packing up for the day when the doorbell went again. Kate looked up from what she was doing. ‘Terry! When did you get back?’

  ‘Last Friday.’ Terry gazed around the shop in obvious approval. ‘It’s lovely to see you again, Kate. We all miss you at the paper, but I’m sure you’ve done the right thing. This shop looks great – I’m so proud of you.’

  ‘Thanks. How was the Congo?’

  ‘Unpleasant.’ He shuddered. ‘You two got time for a coffee? And I’ll tell you all about my dreadful trip.’

  ‘Hello, Will.’ Rose put her book aside when she noticed her brother’s worried expression. Will had always been her favourite brother. He cared for other people and wasn’t afraid to show it. ‘What’s the matter?’

  ‘Where’s Bill?’

  ‘He’s gone to see how they’re doing at the shop.’

  Will sat opposite his sister. ‘I don’t suppose Bill’s told you, but when I played golf with him yesterday he had bad pains in his chest. We were on the twelfth hole and a long way from the clubhouse, so I was dreadfully worried. We sat down for ten minutes, then he said he was all right and insisted on playing the rest of the course.’

  Rose was concerned. ‘He didn’t tell me. Did he overdo it when you were all at the shop on Saturday?’

  ‘No.’ Will couldn’t help smiling, even though he was obviously worried about Bill. ‘All he did was make the tea and offer me advice on how to fit the new toilet properly.’

  ‘Was he all right yesterday after a rest?’

  ‘I think so, but you ought to get him to see a doctor, Rosie.’

  ‘He already has. He’s got angina, but the doctor said it isn’t too serious, as long as he doesn’t overdo things. The hospital said it’s all right for him to play golf – moderate exercise will be good for him.’

  ‘How long has this been going on?’ Will frowned.

  ‘He had his first attack just over a year ago. That was the real reason he retired.’

  ‘Oh, I’m sorry, Rose. Why didn’t you tell us?’

  ‘Bill didn’t want anyone treating him like an invalid. He’s determined that it isn’t going to restrict his life.’

  ‘I can understand that. Does Kate know?’

  ‘No, we don’t want her worrying.’ Rose spoke firmly. ‘Especially now when her life is unsettled.’

  ‘She’ll soon realize there’s something wrong,’ Will pointed out. ‘She’s always been tuned in to him.’

  ‘I know, but let’s leave it as long as possible before she finds out. James has already been told. He won’t say anything, though.’

  ‘I don’t agree.’ Bill came in and sat down. ‘I’ve been thinking about this, and I don’t feel it’s right to keep her in the dark about my health.’

  ‘I don’t either,’ Will said. ‘Kate won’t make a fuss, Rose, she’s got more of you in her than you think.’

  Rose held her hands up in surrender. ‘Okay, you do what you think is best.’

  Kate didn’t arrive home until nearly eight. They’d spent some time listening to Terry’s tale and looking at the photographs he’d taken, then she’d dropped Pete off before making her way back home. She drove the Mini up to the garage, got out and hurried into the kitchen. Her parents were just finishing dinner and she greeted them with a broad smile on her face, well satisfied with the first day’s business.

  ‘Do you want dinner? I’ve saved some for you.’

  ‘Not really, Mum, we had something after we’d shut the shop.’

  ‘I can’t wait to hear about your first day.’ Rose put the kettle on. ‘Sit down, have a cup of tea, and tell us all about it.’

  ‘We had ten customers. Not bad for a first day, and if things go on like this we’ll soon have a sound business.’ She took the photos of her father out of her bag and handed them to him with a mischievous smile. ‘You’ll find an invoice inside.’

  Bill chuckled, examined the pictures and gave them to Rose to look at. ‘They’re very professional and worth every penny. That boy’s got flair.’

  Rose was obviously pleased. ‘They’re very good.’

  ‘There’s something I think you ought to know, Kate,’ her father said.

  ‘Oh, what’s that?’ Then she saw his serious expression and her smile died.

  ‘I retired because I haven’t been too well. I’ve got a heart complaint called angina. It’s only mild, and as long as I don’t overdo things it shouldn’t be too much trouble. It isn’t serious, so I don’t want you worrying about me.’

  She reached out and took hold of his hand. Now she understood why her emotions had been so up and down lately. She had assumed it was because of the upheaval in her working life, but it hadn’t been that at all. ‘I felt something was wrong, Dad. Thank you for telling me. I won’t make a fuss, but you must promise me you’ll take care of yourself.’

  ‘I promise.’ He smiled and squeezed her hand. ‘I’ve got another twenty years in me yet.’

  ‘You make sure you have, and more!’ she threatened, making light of the situation.

  ‘Of course it would ease my mind considerably if you would find yourself a nice young man and get married.’ Her father’s mouth twitched at the corners as Rose chuckled.

  ‘Dad!’ Kate jumped up and stood in front of him with her hands on her hips, just as her mother did when she was at her most commanding. ‘You’re not going to play on my sympathy and start badgering me, are you?’

  His grin spread, well knowing how much his daughter disliked being told to settle down. ‘Now would I do such a thing?’

  ‘Yes, you would!’ Kate tried what she hoped was a fierce expression. ‘Mum, I’m sure he’s trying to get rid of me!’

  Both women looked at Bill, who was now roaring with laughter. ‘My God, look at you, you’re like two peas in a pod.’

  Kate glanced at her mother with pride. What a compliment!

  11

  Closing the shop door against the icy wind, Kate blew on her fingers. ‘Thank goodness we haven’t any more outside assignments until after Christmas. It’s freezing out there.’

  Pete took the camera from her and ginned. ‘Come to the kitchen and I’ll make you a hot drink. What do you want?’


  ‘Is there any soup in the cupboard?’

  ‘Tomato?’

  ‘That’ll do lovely.’ She sat in front of the single-bar electric fire they had in the back room, slipped her boots off and wiggled her toes at it. ‘All I’m going to do the next few days is lounge by a blazing fire and eat.’

  ‘Me, too; it’s going to be a cold Christmas by the look of it.’ Pete poured the steaming soup into two mugs and then produced some crispy rolls.

  She took the mug, bit into a roll and groaned with pleasure. ‘What would I do without you?’

  ‘You’d manage very well on your own, Kate,’ he said.

  ‘I wouldn’t.’ She clasped her hands around the hot mug, and marvelled at how much he’d changed since they’d opened the shop nearly two months ago. He had grown in stature, confidence and skill, and was taking on more and more of the everyday running of the shop. This left her free to go chasing after pictures they could sell to newspapers and magazines. She’d been getting some decent commissions. ‘Our business is doing well, and I could never have done it without you. You’re the best manager anyone could have.’

  He spluttered over a mouthful of soup. ‘Manager?’

  ‘Yep, I’ve just promoted you. I think you’re ready for more responsibility.’

  ‘Wow!’ He cast her an amused glance. ‘Does this mean a rise in pay?’

  ‘Of course.’ She drained her mug. ‘How much do you want?’

  Another two and six a week.’ He spoke with a touch of laughter in his voice.

  ‘It’s yours, starting this week. And I think you need a trainee assistant, so we’ll advertise after Christmas.’

  He was staring at her open-mouthed. ‘Are you serious?’

  She held out the mug. ‘Completely. Is there any more soup?’

  He filled it with the last of the soup from the saucepan and handed it back to her.

  ‘Don’t look so stunned. You’ve earned every penny, and the way the business is increasing, you’re going to need help.’

  ‘I can’t thank you enough for giving me this chance.’

  ‘We’ve got an ideal partnership. You enjoy running the shop, and I love roaming around looking for exciting pictures.’