I pulled up to the house in the company car, the driver stopping right at the gate. Exhausted from the long drive, I stepped out at my own pace, grabbed my suitcase, thanked the driver and, with a sigh, said, Time for the welcomehome ritual.
Emily emerged in a flowing, floral summer dress that matched the lateJuly sunshine. She liked to pick outfits that suited the month, and todays choice was in perfect harmony with the blooming season.
She brushed a silky cascade of hair over her shoulders, quickened her step and flashed me a gracious smile.
Kevin, weve been waiting forever you wont believe it, Ive found a brilliant landscape designer, his schedule is jampacked, but I managed to get him on board
I wanted to jump straight to the price, but remembered that the tradition required a kiss first. I obliged.
Emily, you look radiant, I said, slipping my arm around her narrow waist. Ive missed you, too.
I missed you too, she whispered, reaching for me and momentarily forgetting the designer for our garden.
Is Natalie home? I asked.
Just next door, you know the Carters daughter, she replied.
Then its just us, I said, feeling the longing swell. I headed for a quick shower and then led Emily to the bedroom.
Kevin, I also discovered a boutiqueIve already bought something I think youll love an absolutely stunning dress, she said.
Do we have to wear it? I teased, pulling her closer. You could go without it; youre perfect just as you are.
She rolled her eyes.
Fine, Ill show you later. Ive been trying so hard, and you wont even glance at my new wardrobe
Later, I muttered, getting dressed. Hope well find something decent to eat without ending up at a restaurant.
Of course, weve been waiting for you. Mrs. Evans has everything prepared.
Mrs. Evans, our housekeeper, was a marvel of efficiency.
What about me? Im the one who brings in the specialists to spruce up the estate, make it better than the Carters. My taste in furniture is whats really changed
The old set hasnt even had a chance to age, I replied.
And the curtains? Emily continued, gesturing. Look at the colourcombination.
Emily, I value all that, and rest assured I never hold back on the finances, I began, but stopped short so as not to offend.
Dont you have an appointment at the salon? she asked, a hint of panic in her voice.
Whats the rush?
Its a toptier salonbooked a month ago. I cant be late. Dont worry, love, Natalie will be there soon she asked to come with me.
Wheres she coming from?
From the salon.
Isnt it early for her to be out?
Let the girl get used to elegance and learn a bit of selfcare.
Shell grow up, and the boys will look after her, I grumbled.
Exactly, but you have to master the highflyer routine, Emily snapped, turning sharply, her blond hair flipping with the movement.
I ate alone that afternoon. Soon after, Natalie burst in.
Daddy! she clung to me, continuing the welcome ritual. Wheres Mum?
Didnt she tell you about the salon?
Ohshes away! I asked her to bring me along; I need a manicure.
Natalie, your nails are flawless, I praised.
Dad, youre joking? Thats not fashionable any more
I bet you put on polish three days ago, but today some new trend swooped into your head and you felt the need to change colour.
Dad, honestly
Natalie, I just finished a book
And when do you find the time? You work all the time
On the road, in breaks maybe you should read something too, I suggested.
Yes, I read every day, different things
I get it: the latest fashions, makeup, all that fluff
Dad, Im just a girl
A girl, a girl alright, come here, I said, planting a kiss on her forehead. I love you regardless.
That evening Emily returned, twirling as she entered, flaunting her new dress. What do you think?
I tried to gauge the change, and to avoid sounding foolish I answered neutrally, Stunning! Youre enchanting.
By nightfall I was weary, even though Id only been home a day.
Kevin, I forgot to tell youMarion Hughes called, worried about you
Oh, Aunt Marion right, I should visit her. Ill call tomorrow.
Will you go to her?
Why go? Well all go together.
Youre joking? Whats there to do in that village?
Its not a village, its a market town. About a fourhour drive.
No difference to me.
Too bad, I mumbled, already halfasleep. Too bad Ill have to travel alone.
I never liked long trips for visits, but I couldnt ignore Aunt Marion; she was practically a mother to me, ten years older.
I drove my own car to the district, rolled down the windows and let the breeze lift my spirits.
Kevin! You finally made it? Aunt Marion, at seventy, was warm and sweet, her smile and simple chatter inviting conversation. No grand ceremony needed with her.
Aunt Marion, Im sorry its been a year since I last saw you. You know my job takes me round the country.
Ah, you restless soul, she teased, ruffling my hair. She was noticeably shorter than me.
Sit down, love, Ill feed you.
I felt childlike again, as if Mom were feeding me, only now it was Auntie. The table filled with modest, homecooked fare.
Kevin, Im no chef like you city folk. You probably eat out all the time
Emily and Natalie love restaurants, but I prefer home cooking. Im not keen on sampling delicacies for show. By the way, Ill bring you some biscuits I picked up.
No need, dear. I have everything.
Sorry, Auntie, but you deserve a treat.
She perched opposite me, propping her chin with a fist, watching her nephew with pride. Hed studied well, built a career himself, responsible in the company.
I see youre always on the move, how many more miles can you put under your belt?
Mostly up north, in the Lake District.
Cold up there.
I laughed. Its hot now.
So you live here briefly arrive, leave.
I finished eating, smiled, took her hand, kissed her small, chubby fingers. Thanks, Aunt Marion.
I liked calling her thatsoftly, affectionately. No one else called her that but me.
Kevin, want some redcurrant cordial?
Would love it. Your cordial is like fresh water, sweeps fatigue away.
I worry, she sighed, youre a family man but youre rarely home it must be tough.
I savoured the tart drink. Why tough? Its the opposite the farther I am from Emily, the lighter I feel.
She shivered. What are you saying, Kevin? Why stay away?
Dont be alarmed, Aunt Marion, I said, kissing her hand again. This cordial is something Ive never tasted elsewhere.
Its because its made from my own berries the ones growing in my garden. So why stay away?
If I stayed closer, Id have strangled her long ago.
Who? she asked, bewildered.
From dawn till dusk, even at night, the conversations never cease: which salon, which boutique, which colour, which stylist, what makeup who wore what, what the Carters will think Its endless. So distance works better for me. I come, stay a bit, give the money, and go. Thats my routine. I work, I earn, Im content.
What about Natalie?
Shes a carbon copy of Emilysame interests. Three years ago I gave her a home library, chose the books myself, checked the ratings theyre still unread. I prefer paper, but ebooks are handy on the road. I tried to get Emily and Natalie into readinguseless. Theyll spend hours on their phones hunting the next nail artist, gossiping with friends.
Kevin, I didnt know, Aunt Marion said, surprised. Im always for family, but in that case
No, no, I waved my hand. I wont change a thing. I chose my wife. Wanted beautygot it. And the best part is I love her. Yes, I tolerate the fuss over interiors, guests, salons, but I love her.
What about little Natalie?
Shell do fine. Gorgeous like her mother, knows how to present herself. Shell marry a promising lad, maybe someone like me, and be set for life.
So youll be off again soon?
This time only for a month, two weeks at most. Ill have a break.
You still work.
Yes, dear Aunt Marion, my work is my leisure.
That evening I packed to head home, hugged Aunt Marion, slipped a few pounds onto the table, and left a jar of redcurrant jam as a parting gift before driving off.
Aunt Marion was the only person I ever confessed that I enjoyed traveling for work, and that everything in my life was just as I wantedjust like my wife Emily.
