Written in the Stars Read online

  Suzi hesitated. She had intended the invitation to show an appreciation of his effort to stop the thieves at Caxton Manor, but that was before he had stirred up those feelings within her. She thought quickly. Proud as she was of Stow Restaurant, she was reluctant to spend an evening with him in a place where she would be unable to relax and enjoy his company. It would be better to go somewhere else, somewhere private, somewhere away from Mark’s questioning gaze and the prying eyes of the staff.

  ‘I can’t stop to talk now,’ Suzi said. ‘Give me your number and I’ll ring you back to make arrangements. You’ve caught me at a bad moment; I’ve just popped out of the shower.’

  She made a note of Steve’s number as he continued to talk. ‘I’m leaving for Belgium pretty soon, and I’d hate to miss out on a free meal, so I’ll look forward to hearing from you.’

  She replaced the phone, delighted he had phoned, and thrilled at the thought of seeing him again. Ahead was a busy day at the restaurant, but her thoughts were on Steve Pardoe more than on anything else.

  When she arrived, the first thing she did was to forewarn Mark that Narelle, the senior waitress, was to be hostess for the following evening. He gave her an inquisitive look. ‘Sorry, Mark, but I’d forgotten an arrangement I’d made for tomorrow evening. I can’t cancel it at this stage, and anyway it’s important.’

  Mark nodded, and curled the corner of his mouth, a habit that usually indicated he did not believe what he was hearing. However, he made no enquiry as to what it was about or whom she was meeting. ‘How about we discuss the menu for that large dinner party we’re having on Sunday?’ he went on, drumming his fingers on the kitchen surface. ‘I keep telling you we should think seriously about new premises. We’ve outgrown this place, so you’d better put your thinking cap on.’

  ‘Too soon, and too risky. We should concentrate on weddings and parties and not try to compete with the big boys.’ Suzi stabbed the table with her finger. ‘You’re too stubborn to listen to me.’ She turned away, knowing he did not realise her objections were centred on the necessity to consolidate before expanding.

  She gazed out onto the busy street, nodding as sensible thoughts ran through her mind. After all, we’ve only been in business for just over a year. The restaurant is well patronised and provides the bulk of our income, but it’s early days yet, and we must use common sense.

  ‘Trying to do things the way we are means setting up in a hall every time we book something big,’ Mark complained, following her around and interrupting her thoughts. ‘It’s messy, it’s time consuming. If our premises were bigger, we could have everything under one roof.’

  Suzi took a deep breath and stared straight at him, wondering was he so thick he couldn’t see the folly of what he was suggesting? She was about to lay into him with the whys and wherefores once again when the early arrival of a party for lunch brought their disagreement to an end. She knew it was inevitable that Mark would demand that they discuss it again. He seemed determined to have his way, even though he knew she could ill afford to take the risk, with her house fully mortgaged, plus the personal loan to finance her share of the business.

  She recalled discussing that very same situation with her friend, Charlize, when Mark had first suggested their buying a restaurant. At the time, she and Charlize had met for coffee in the Old Forge Inn shortly after Suzi’s mother, Annabelle, had died following a long illness. Her mother had never come to terms with her husband’s abrupt departure for Scotland when he had been made redundant. She had never been very outgoing, but after he left she had become even more introvert and difficult to live with. Few people mourned her passing; even less attended her funeral.

  Judith Brinstead, an old school friend and former neighbour, had driven down with her brother, Mark, to pay their respects and attend Annabelle’s funeral. Although their paths had diverged over the years Suzi had kept in touch, and had visited Judith in Leicester for a weekend when Mark happened to be there. When he learned that Suzi was in charge of catering at The Lodge, he had laughingly suggested, ‘How about we go into business together? I’ve finished my training as a chef, so we could open a restaurant. With our combined talents we should do very well.’

  When Suzi returned home, she forgot all about the idea, but to her surprise, a few days later she received a letter from Mark, saying he had given considerable thought to the idea, and wanted to know if she would be seriously interested in his proposal.

  As they had a second cup of coffee Charlize had asked how Suzi really felt about the idea.

  ‘I don’t know. Mark said he’s tired of working for others and wants to branch out on his own. He says meeting me at the right time was fortuitous and could be a heaven sent opportunity for both of us.’

  ‘But you don’t?’

  ‘A heaven sent opportunity? No, not really. According to Judith he’s a brilliant chef, but not very good with the finer details of running a business. He needs someone to take care of that side of things.’ Suzi sighed. ‘I wouldn’t consider it under normal conditions, but I may take him up on the idea. Anyway, I feel I can trust him.’

  ‘And nothing else?’

  ‘What do you mean?’ Suzi looked quizzically at her friend, and then laughed. ‘You mean a personal relationship? Oh, no way; not with Mark. First of all I don’t think it’s wise to become involved with a work colleague, and secondly, he doesn’t appeal to me. No spark there.’

  Charlize had warned her at the time that Mark might not see that as an obstacle, but Suzi had dismissed that out of hand. She and Mark had spent months looking for suitable premises and were just about to give up when The Stow Restaurant came on the market. Somewhat against her better judgement, Suzi had gone ahead with the plan, and had invited local media personnel to a complimentary meal before the restaurant was officially opened. It had paid off, and since then the restaurant had done well.

  They had capitalised on the influx of tourists that thronged the picturesque village a few weeks later. By the time the winter set in they were nicely established and well patronised by the local community, catering for weddings and all kinds of parties.

  When Uncle Bart died, she had turned immediately to Charlize for comfort. ‘I was so fond of Uncle Bart,’ she had said. ‘I imagined he’d go on for ever; just shows, doesn’t it?’ From there on, with Uncle Bart having no other living relatives, Suzi did not envisage any problems about inheriting Caxton Manor. The thought of using Caxton Manor as a venue for what Mark was proposing had never occurred previously, but now she thought differently. It provided the means to expand the business without a huge financial outlay. Of course they would have to make some alterations to the place, but that did not concern her too much. Charlize had listened patiently while she talked, and had counselled her not to borrow any more money.

  ‘You’re up to your neck in debt now with The Stow, Suzi,’ she reminded her at the time. ‘If you took out a mortgage on the manor, and things went pear-shaped you’d risk losing everything.’

  ‘There’s always that possibility,’ Suzi agreed, ‘But you know me. I’ve a habit of making dreams come true.’

  But Charlize had the last word. ‘Just remember, dreams can turn into nightmares.’

  And now, as Suzi dismissed her reverie, she said goodbye to the last customer and prepared to close the restaurant. It was only then that she remembered her promise to ring Steve Pardoe. Picking up the phone she dialled his hotel.

  ‘Suzi.’ Steve sounded pleased to hear her voice. ‘I was hoping you wouldn’t forget.’

  ‘How could... ?’She stopped and gave a self-conscious laugh. It wouldn’t do to let him know he had been on her mind for days. ‘If you’re free tomorrow night we could meet for dinner, but I would prefer somewhere more private than my own restaurant, if that’s all right with you.’

  ‘That’s a good idea. Best not to give the natives too much to talk about, eh?’

  ‘You’ve hit the nail on the head; too many wagging tongues in this place.’ />
  ‘And no doubt a jealous boyfriend lurking in the background?’

  ‘I won’t answer that. Shall I pick you up at the hotel?’

  He agreed readily. ‘Until seven tomorrow then.’

  As she replaced the receiver, Suzi wondered why he had made the remark about a jealous boyfriend, but then her thoughts settled on Mark. Although he was a likeable person, and nothing was too much trouble for him, his attitude towards her had changed over the last few months. She had made it clear from the outset that she was happy to be a business partner, but he was becoming persistent in wanting it to be something more.

  The following day her mind was mainly preoccupied with the thought of meeting Steve; the hours dragged. The luncheon bookings were light and there were few walk-in diners to take her mind off him. Suzi kept looking at her watch, willing time to pass, and as soon as everything was set up for the evening meals, she closed the doors and hurried home. It was only as she pulled into her driveway that she began to have second thoughts about things. After all, she knew nothing about the man; he could be married, on the make, or… She stopped and raised her brows. ‘What is the matter with me thinking like this?’ she murmured, consoling herself that they were meant to spend this time together, because, chance is a fine thing .

  However, the niggling fears returned as she looked into her wardrobe. She wanted to look attractive, but without giving the impression she had taken too much trouble. Finally, she settled on a navy and white pinstripe suit, matching it with a long sleeved blouse of pure white silk and a navy tie. She swept up her hair into a chignon, balancing the coiffure with a pair of exquisite blue Lapiz Lazuli long-drop earrings. Then she smiled at her reflection, convinced she would have Steve’s undivided attention.

  He was waiting in the foyer when she arrived. Obviously impressed, his eyes ranged over her shapely figure and back to her hazel eyes before uttering a word. ‘Suzi Lysle Spencer,’ Steve muttered in a low pitched voice, ‘You look stunning.’

  Suzi coloured slightly as she murmured a thank you, but she was pleased with the compliment. ‘My car’s outside.’ Then she glanced sideways at Steve as he slipped into the car beside her, immaculately dressed in dove-grey trousers and a pale grey shirt with a tastefully patterned tie.

  ‘We’ll go to the Old Forge Inn,’ Suzi said, letting out the clutch. ‘It’s my favourite place.’ She glanced at him again. ‘Oh, by the way most people call me Suzi.’

  ‘I’ll bear it in mind. But I like the sound of your full name; I find it both attractive and intriguing.’ He held up his hands as if fending off a question. ‘Don’t ask me why.’

  Within a very short while she nosed the car into a parking space outside the quaint little sixteenth century coaching house situated just off the busy road that ran through the tiny hamlet of Penhow. The manager greeted Suzi by name as they entered the beamed dining room, and ushered them to a small intimate bar. As Steve read the menu, Suzi silently studied his face. He had an air of confidence about him as if he were accustomed to making decisions and getting things done. He caught her eye in the bar mirror and raised his glass.

  ‘To an enjoyable evening.’ She returned the toast, then Steve gestured to the tiny windows that caught the last rays of the setting sun. ‘Now tell me all about this interesting little place. I guess it has quite a history.’

  Suzi had just finished answering his questions when the manager informed them that their dinner was ready. When the waiter asked if they would like a bottle of wine with the meal, Suzi deferred to Steven. He chose a Merlot from a Hunter Valley vineyard. There was little conversation while they ate, and as the waitress cleared away the dessert plates, she asked if they would like their coffee and liqueurs served beside the fire.

  ‘That would be lovely,’ Suzi said, and they made their way to the fireside. After an hour or more of conversation, they were reluctant to tear themselves away from the cosy warmth and bring the evening to an end, but when a member of the staff pointedly asked them if they wanted more coffee, Suzi knew it was time to leave.

  When they reached his hotel, Steve grasped her hand and raised it to his lips. ‘It’s been a delightful evening, Suzi Lye Spencer,’ he said, softly. ‘You are a not only a very beautiful woman, but a charming companion, as well.’

  ‘Thank you. I’ve enjoyed your company, too, Steve.’

  ‘It’s a pity I won’t see you again before I leave.’

  ‘Yes,’ she agreed, and then suddenly blurted out. ‘If you’re free tomorrow I can show you some of the local sights. A mini tour of the area?’

  ‘I’d like that,’ he said, eagerly. ‘What time will you call?’

  They arranged a suitable time, and Steve said goodnight again. Then just as he was about to get out of the car he leant across and gently brushed his lips against her cheek. She smiled happily as she drove away. Yes, she thought, I’ve got every reason to smile.

  When Suzi edged her car into the kerb the following morning, Steve jumped in beside her and looked at her with a twinkle in his eyes. ‘Suzi Lysle Spencer, you look more gorgeous every time we meet.’

  ‘Enough of your blarney,’ Suzi laughed, but the compliment delighted her. ‘You look most presentable yourself.’

  ‘I try to please.’ He grinned broadly. ‘So where are we going?’

  ‘The Wye Valley. It’s really picturesque at this time of the year; we’ll start there, have a look at Tintern Abbey and then head towards Trellech.’ Suzi groaned inwardly as she saw two tourist buses disgorging their passengers in front of the famous abbey ruins. Steve seemed unconcerned about the seething crowd of people ahead of him, but it was obvious he was not keenly interested in the ruins. He bought a few postcards to send to his family in Auckland and then they made their way back to the car. When they reached the top of the hill, he asked her to stop so that he could take a few photographs.

  ‘I’ll show you a better spot,’ she said, swinging the car down a narrow lane. She drove head on towards a closed gate and then backed up a narrower track to clearing next to a stile. The vista was breath-taking; a small herd of cattle grazed the undulating land, and in the distance a plume of smoke issued lazily from the chimney of a small cottage nestling in a green basin beneath a grove of trees. It was like a picture postcard.

  ‘I want a shot of this.’ Steve said, clicking the shutter several times. ‘What happens when you meet someone coming the other way?’

  ‘You stop, and search for a space to pass,’ Suzi said, offhandedly. ‘It’s easy when you know the roads. I grew up driving around these lanes, so it’s second nature to me. Minutes later she drew into the forecourt of the local pub.

  ‘What’s up there?’ Steve asked.

  ‘I’ll show you’ she said taking his hand as they walked along a pleasant tree-lined path leading to a well-kept cemetery of an ancient church. There, a raised stone dais topped by a large Celtic cross stood proud. Unable to enter the locked church, they made their way towards a stile set in the boundary fence. Beyond it lay the site of an early Norman fort.

  Suzi pointed to a huge circular mound. ‘It’s all that remains of the fort. It was standard practice for William the Conquer to erect wooden structures. He placed them in key positions, intending to assert his authority over the rebellious local Celtic tribes.’

  ‘You certainly know your Welsh history,’ Steve said, as they strolled leisurely back to the little pub. ‘Shall we have a coffee inside?’ In a matter of minutes, he placed a coffee before her on the table, and smiled. ‘You’re a delight to be with. I’m really enjoying our time together.’

  ‘You said that last night.’

  ‘Did I? I must be paying you too many compliments.’ He laughed softly. ‘But seriously, I appreciate your kindness. I’d never have found these places on my own.’

  ‘My pleasure.’ Suzi murmured as she glanced at her watch and made a face. ‘I must get back to open up for lunch, so I’m afraid we have to go now.’ When they reached the restaurant Suzi introduced him to
Mark. As the first guests arrived she sat Steve at a table looking out on the square, while she greeted the customers one by one. It wasn’t until after the last person had left that she brought two chicken salads to the table and sat down beside Steve. By the time they had finished the meal, Mark and the waitress had gone and they were alone.

  ‘We re-open later for the evening,’ she explained. ‘And now, I suppose I’d better take you back to the hotel.’ Suzi fiddled with her napkin, then laid a hand on his arm ‘I’m reluctant to let you spend the afternoon propping up a bar, so why don’t I drive you past a few Welsh castles? There won’t be enough time to go around them, but at least you’ll have seen them?’

  ‘That sounds great, if you can fit it in.’

  When she finally dropped him off at the hotel later in the day, Suzi had barely enough time to change for the evening. As she combed her hair, she thought about their time together, and wondered what would have happened if he had decided to stay in Britain for the remainder of his visit; it would have been pleasant to have spent more time with him.

  She smiled as she recalled how their chance meeting at Caxton Hall had seemed preordained. For her, the meeting had been an exciting interlude, and now she was wondering what might have happened if he didn’t have to return to New Zealand. She sighed softly at her wishful thinking.

  She had just finished breakfast the next morning when Steve rang. ‘I couldn’t resist the chance to thank you again for the past few days.’ His voice sounded a trifle husky. ‘I enjoyed your company more than I can say; you made my stay so enjoyable. I’d like to have spent more time with you, but…’

  ‘I’ve enjoyed it too, Steve,’ Suzi replied, with a catch in her throat. It was hard to think she wouldn’t see him again, but she resisted the temptation to ask for his address in Auckland. She breathed in deeply to control her emotions. ‘Take care, and have a pleasant trip home when the time comes’ she said, as brightly as she could manage, considering the sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.