Legal Prejuduce 3 - Lessons In Life

Chapter 2

The following day, loaded with caffeine to combat his jetlag, Jeremy got into the car with Allie and the girls whilst Daniel drove the other car accompanied by John and Susan. They parked in the hotel's driveway and called in for Max and Margie. Standing with Daniel in the damp morning air Jeremy said over the church bells, "Wow, this place is like something out of Four Weddings and a Funeral. " Looking up at the Victorian Manor house he added, "It's beautiful." Dan nodded and laughed, "Yeah, apart from the weather."

They spent an hour exploring what little the village had to offer before heading into the park where John enthusiastically showed Jeremy the castle ruins. Returning to the cars they piled in and drove the six miles or so to the nearby city where Allie walked them 'round the Roman walls encircling it, stopping off at her old school where despite the light drizzle a group of girls in smart sports kit were playing hockey on the fields below. Allie moved to Susan who was watching girls in smart blazers moving between buildings as the bell rang. She tucked a hand in her friend's arm, "Susan, they won't be coming here." Susan laughed and Margie joined in. Daniel, John and Jeremy turned from where they were leaning on the ancient walls as Susan said, "I just couldn't bear to be without you guys." Allie reached up and kissed her as Max walked back to them holding Rose's hand and Emmie skipped in front. He threw an arm around Susan, "I couldn't either Suze, so no Hogwarts for these guys." Rose piped up, "But I like their jackets with the patch Aunty Susan." Max scooped her up, "Yeah, well we can get you a jacket with a badge to wear in California Rose."

By the time the light was fading they had visited the museum, the roman amphitheatre and had early afternoon tea in one of the cafes tucked away among the shops. Parking up in the hotel again, they all piled into the spacious village pub where an open fire was burning brightly in the grate. As they ordered food and drinks Jeremy noticed the looks they and Allie in particular were getting from the sparse population of other customers. Sliding into a seat next to Allie he felt a wave of protectiveness. Daniel sat the other side of him and read his mind. With Allie distracted talking to Margie he said, "It's okay, Allie says it's not the documentary, it's a combination of our accents and the fact her family were quite well known around here. That's why they stare and no-one speaks to her." Jeremy looked confused, "I know I've only been here a couple of days, but everyone seems kinda cold towards Allie, Know what I mean?" Daniel nodded, his face losing all humour, "Yeah, I do Jem. I see it every time we come here. Allie says because she never went to the regular school in this village, no-one got to know her, and then she was the girl who lost her parents, inherited the big house and became this like mysterious figure. Jeremy shook his head and Daniel added, "What's worse she has family within a couple of miles of here who never make the effort to see her. They always say they're busy. Even the neighbours who I really believe care about her on some level, they never touch her, hold her, tell her they care. I don't know if most Brits are cold and heartless or whether Allie's just unlucky." Seeing Jeremy's pained expression, Dan nudged his friend's shoulder with his own, "Hey, she has all of us to give her as much love as she can handle. We visit this beautiful place, but she belongs in California with us."

The following morning, Jeremy had to leave at six to get the train to London. Max and Margie had said their goodbyes at the hotel the night before, but Dan, John and Susan were all up to see him leave. He went upstairs with Daniel to kiss Rose and Emmie, who were still fast asleep after the previous late night. Allie was warming the car up, John had loaded his bags, and he turned to embrace Daniel, "I'd better head off. Catch you for breakfast on Sunday and we can compare jet lag." Daniel clapped him on the back laughing, "Rose and Max can have a competition for who's the grumpiest." Laughing Jeremy jumped into the passenger seat next to a waiting Allie. Once they were on their way, Allie said, "Wish you didn't have to go Jemmy." He smiled and reached to rub her shoulder, "I'll see you Sunday Allie, and hey, thanks for having me. I loved spending time with you guys. This was really special, and we don't often get a chance to just hang out like that."

They reached the railway station, and Jeremy jumped out retrieving his luggage. Slinging his bag on the top of the case, he slipped his free arm around Allie to walk towards the platforms. They checked the board for the platform number and saw he only had a few minutes before it was due. "Allie sweetheart, I'll have to go." He bent to fold her in his arms and said, "Thanks again, love you okay." Allie held him tightly, "You too. Enjoy London, hope the conference goes well." He pulled back and kissed her cheek before walking through the barrier and disappearing up the covered stairwell.

When she got back the girls were still asleep. John and Susan had gone back to bed, but Daniel appeared as she let herself in and captured his wife around the waist to kiss her. Allie melted into it and pulling back Dan let out a moan, "What do you want most Allie, coffee or bed." Allie laughed and kissed his neck, "Everyone will be up soon, so I guess I'll settle for coffee for now." Daniel gave her one more passionate kiss before grabbing the coffee, "Okay, coffee it is for now. Did Jeremy get off okay?" Allie nodded, reaching into the dishwasher to grab a couple of clean cups, "Yeah, I'm so glad he came Dan. I messaged Robyn from the car to let her know he was on the train to London." They took their coffee and snuggled together in the sun room looking out over the grey, wet garden."

They spent their last full day in Liverpool. Whilst everyone else did the Beatles museum and the Albert Dock, Allie went shopping for some things to take back to the US, bringing Rose with her. They met for late lunch in Mathew Street, where the tourists had visited the Cavern Club. Once they'd ordered food John was wildly enthusiastic, "Wait 'til I tell the guys down in the station. They're not going to believe I've actually been to the Cavern Club, Tony's a massive Beatles fan, it'll blow his mind." Max threw his arm around Margie adding, "This city's pretty impressive, but I can't understand a word anyone's saying. Are you sure they're speaking English Allie?" Daniel smiled over at Allie who grinned and said dryly, "They speak Scouse, but don't worry, I'll be your interpreter Max." Sitting next to her Susan said innocently, "Is that like a real language?" Allie burst out laughing, "No Susan, it's just the accent." When their food arrived, John looked at his cottage pie, "I'm hoping this is as good as the one you made the night Jem came." Allie passed him cutlery, "I'll make you one when we get back home John. I can add it to my vast repertoire of culinary delights with the spag bol and lasagne." She sighed in satisfaction, looking at her own plate, "Meanwhile I'm going to enjoy this. Much as I love California, you just can't get a decent sausage." Daniel laughed loudly as Max and John both choked on their food, and Emmie looked puzzled, "What's funny about mommy liking sausage?" Margie and Susan were crying laughing while Max, having stopped coughing, looked across the table grinning and said, "Allie, you're a very bad girl."

The following morning, Allie collected Max and Margie after they'd checked out of the hotel and took them to the house where John and Daniel were ready to load the cars with all their luggage. Allie said she was slipping next door to say goodbye to Barry and Judith and Max said, "I'll come with you, haven't seen them this trip." Allie smiled, and Barry invited them in when they rang the bell. Shaking Max's hand he said, "Nice to see you again. Have you enjoyed your stay? Max grinned, "Sure have Barry, but it's time we got back, get Emmie back to school after spring break." He threw an arm around Allie and added, "And Dan, Allie and I need to get back to the office." Judith appeared and said, "Can I get you some tea?" Max and Allie shook their heads, and Allie replied, "Thanks, but we have to leave for the airport soon. I just wanted to let you know we were leaving and to thank you for looking after the house." Judith nodded, "When do you think you'll be back Allie?" Allie glanced at Max smiling, "Not sure to be honest, but I'll be in touch." They said goodbye and Barry closed the door, "Don't think we'll be seeing her any time soon Judith." His wife nodded, "Yes, she seems very settled with these people doesn't she. I wonder if she and the new husband would ever come back to live here? I mean it's the same firm she worked for in London so it's possible." Barry pulled a face, "It might do those children good if they did. The older one isn't too bad, but that little one needs a firm hand. She's quite wild, needs formal education in a place with strong boundaries. I doubt if the schools over there have much in the way of discipline."

Ten minutes later, they saw the cars pull out of the driveway next door and head towards the main road out of the village.