Goldhill's Treasure

occasionally!"

Chapter 1

Have you both lost your minds?

Sophie laughed Maybe, but we’ve fallen for the place.

Calum grinned Well Soph’s fallen for it and I think it could be a good proposition.

John Langtree leaned back in his chair and said The surveyor’s report isn’t brilliant and there’s some doubt whether you’d get it fully insured. Subsidence is the problem.

We know Calum said but we’ve had a good dig around it and a friend who’s a geological surveyor says that, yes it did have a subsidence problem fifteen years ago, but the ground works done then were very thorough and there’s no further signs of a continuing problem. An insurance company already insures it, apart from subsidence, and we are going to practically gut it and start again. We’ve got enough cash to buy it and some over so we only need a top up for the renovations.

Their bank manager, and friend, said Why can’t you do what normal movie stars do and buy a mansion?

Sophie snorted and Calum chuckled I’m not a movie star, don’t have that kind of money and Sophie wants something to do while I’m doing this film.

It’s got great potential, lots of land and a great barn at the bottom of the drive that will make a great pottery studio, and sales area. Please John, say yes!

Mmm, don’t make eyes at me Sophie, you know I can’t resist you, but I’m working, and as your business manager I won’t rush into anything. He leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers, looking at them keenly. You really want to do this?

Yes they both replied.

Why?

They looked at each other and Sophie nodded. Calum frowned and marshalled his thoughts. I’m going to be away for months once the film starts shooting but I’ll be around for the next few months, apart from an occasional trip to London, so I’ll be here to see the work well under way. Sophie needs a studio; the shed in the garden just isn’t big enough now that her pots have taken off. She needs a bigger kiln and better work area, plus where the cottage is situated is the ideal place for passing trade. A couple of shops in London and Hampshire are selling her things and want more, so we must move to somewhere she can have a bigger studio. What could be better than an eighteenth century cottage with large barn and land. It’s in beautiful historical countryside, the outside of the cottage is sound and I’ve always wanted to put my own stamp on somewhere.

Sophie smiled at him. They’d been married for three years and she had been the main bread winner while he struggled through auditions, television dramas, adverts and a low budget movie. She’d taught at the local art college and made pots in her shed in the evenings, when she wasn’t taking evening classes, to pay the mortgage on their modern two up and two down starter home. Her Mum and Dad had given them a decent deposit as a wedding present; they adored Calum, everybody did, this Robert Redford look alike, and he got on alright with them.

Ok, personally I think you’re mad but if you buy it and get it reasonably insured I’ll give you the loan, but only if you invite me to the housewarming party. John stood up and Sophie hugged him.

Oh thank you John, the party might not be for a year but there’ll be a Jack Daniels with your name on it!

More than one Calum added getting to his feet and holding out his hand.

As they left the bank Sophie put her arms around his waist and hugged him Thank you, I know you’re not as keen as me but you’ll see it’ll be worth it in the end.

Calum kissed the top of her head If you’re happy it’ll be worth it. I know you hate me being away filming and you’ve worked so hard to keep us afloat while I was struggling, but you know that you’ll have to do most of the donkey work, while I concentrate on my career.

Yes I know, she murmured thinking what’s new about that, and they walked towards their car, oblivious to the admiring glances from the people along the way. They were worth looking at, Calum tall and muscular with Robert Redford good looks, with a slightly rougher edge. Sophie was petite but voluptuous, with lustrous long wavy dark blonde hair, deep blue eyes and a lovely heart shaped face. A five foot five she wasn’t too short but next to Calum she looked like a doll. They both ran and worked out regularly, Calum for his career and Sophie because she enjoyed it and wanted to stay in shape for her husband. Even before he became a known actor women had thrown themselves at him and she was well aware of the temptation placed in front of men who looked like him.

They had been together since college, him studying acting and her, art and design. To start with they’d lived together in a grotty bedsit, and marriage had been the next obvious step. Because Sophie had never suffocated him or reacted jealously he had appeared never to have been been tempted to stray. Because she was always ready to make love, and not expecting too much of him, she had, or so she thought managed to keep him faithful. The fact that he had such an accommodating wife and was too lazy to put much effort into wooing women had lulled her into a sense of security.

Instead of heading back to their tiny house, already with a firm offer of the asking price on it, they drove into the countryside towards the Hereford border. It had been a joint decision not to move closer to London for Calum’s career, as he had enough of it when he was working or auditioning, and Sophie was a country girl at heart. Being an actor it didn’t matter where he lived as he had to travel anyway to wherever the work was.

Sophie Dickton ceramics sold well no matter where they were made and the studio owners were always begging for more, only too happy to travel into the country to collect new designs or have favourites delivered by a carrier.

Arriving at the almost derelict cottage on the Worcester/Hereford border, Calum skilfully manoeuvred the car through the overgrown bushes at the bottom of a sloping path, which looked as if it was ready to slide off the side of the hill. As they climbed up the pathway they had to push brambles and overgrown vegetation aside to move up it safely. At the top of the path the cottage nestled close to the hillside; a warm brick building it exuded charm and Sophie always felt a frisson of excitement whenever she approached it. A mixture of excitement and nerves.

The extensive gardens behind the cottage were a sad mixture of bramble bushes and damson tree suckers, which had grown from the dropped fruit for years without disturbance. Gazing at the side of the old building they discussed the plans that they’d already agreed with a top architect. They would keep the character of the place but with clever design more than double the living area. It wasn’t permitted to build up too high, so they had decided on an extension to either side, with a good area of hill cut out behind the existing kitchen for a new larger one; glass skylights would make it light and airy. The largest extension would be on the right of the original building and would be a large living area with retracting all glass doors, so that in the summer it would be like sitting outdoors. In front of the living area would be a large paved patio surrounded by concrete planters full of shrubs and flowers. The extension at the other end and part of the old cottage would hold four bedrooms, all with ensuites; the master bedroom being at the very end with views over the river Teme to the Malvern Hills, and a large ensuite with wet room.

I think it will work, don’t you? Calum asked frowning in concentration as he pictured it in his mind’s eye.

I think it will be beautiful. Sophie smiled.

As long as we can get enough of the old bricks!

Well, most of this end is glass so that saves a lot. It’s only the back wall next to the hill that will be bricks, she pointed out.

Calum nodded, then he pulled her against him Fancy going up the hill and christening the place?

What in the long grass and brambles?

Never stopped us before, Calum grinned as he took her hand and pulled her towards the hill path.

The view from the top of the hill was breathtaking, across the river, over hop fields towards the hills, empty countryside as far as they could see.

It’s stunning, isn’t it? Sophie said, suppressing a shiver as that slight frisson affected her again.

Not half as interesting to look at as you Calum growled as he slipped her zip down her back.

As usual she couldn’t resist him; he made her feel wanted as he quickly reached orgasm. If it left her feeling a bit frustrated, well, they were outside and who knew who might appear. As she lay loose limbed in his arms she whispered I love you so much Calum Livesey.

Mmm, me too, he grunted lying back satiated in the long grass looking up at the blue sky above them.

***

The next four months passed in no time, what with the sale of their house, packing their possessions and organizing the purchase of the old cottage called Goldhill.

As usual it was Sophie who shouldered most of the work, packing, clearing the house and her studio shed. Experts were needed to move her old kiln, as although she had purchased a larger one, to be delivered when the new studio was ready, her old one would be a perfect tester unit.

Calum was rushing up and down to London for meetings with the producers, director and costume fittings; he had managed to be home to sign the loan agreement and meet the architect and builder but had managed to evade most of the donkey work. Packaging up the last of a delivery for the studio in London Sophie rubbed a hand across her sweaty forehead. She was filthy and exhausted and looking forward to a long soak in the bath, Calum was home that evening and she always tried to look her best for him. Heaving the heavy boxes out to the front hall, for the carrier to pick up she wished that she had taken up jewellery making instead of ceramics.

Rushing upstairs she turned on the bath and threw a bath bomb in; her friend, who she’d met at a craft fair when she first started to sell her pots, made them, and Sophie was going to put some of her products into her craft barn when it was ready to open to the public.

As she slipped into the welcoming hot water she heard the telephone in the bedroom ring. She ignored it waiting for the machine to pick up a message, but when it did she recognised Calum’s voice and jumped out to try and reach the phone before he rang off. Too late, he was gone and the message light was blinking. Pressing the replay button she listened anxiously as he said Soph, where are you? Oh, sorry love, but I can’t make it home tonight. Got a dinner meeting with the director and female lead. Can’t believe I’ll be acting opposite such a big star! Catch you later, bye.

Deflated Sophie trailed back to her cooling bath and climbed in, a quick wash, shampoo and rinse and she was out again. Pulling on her towelling bath robe, she wrapped a towel around her head and went miserably downstairs and into the kitchen. Opening the fridge she glanced at the steaks and salads she had prepared for Calum’s dinner and took out the cheese. She’d have a cheese toastie and a cup of tea and watch the tele. Carrying her supper through to the living room she curled up on the sofa trying hard not to think of Calum being wined and dined in the company of one of the most beautiful film stars in the world. It was his job; he loved her and had never looked at another woman.

Tired out she fell asleep on the sofa and woke up at one a.m. with a stiff neck and aching heart. He hadn’t phoned back. She tried to reassure herself that he had just been kept late and was being considerate not phoning her too late. Dragging herself up to bed she tossed and turned for the rest of the night, imagining her husband in the arms of a blonde siren, and woke up in the morning with an aching head as well as neck and heart.

Chapter 2

Continuing with the packing the next day, she tried hard not to dwell on where Calum was. He’d come home eventually, apologetic and with flowers, perfume or chocolates for her. He had always been thoughtful that way.

When she heard his key in the lock she abandoned the kitchen ware she was packing, and rushed through to the hall to greet him. Flinging her arms around his neck she went to kiss him, but he pulled back I stink like a rugby player’s jock strap and I’m knackered. I’ll have a shower and I’ll be right back.

Do you want a cuppa or something to eat?

No thanks, touch of Deli belly, too much rich food and booze. Don’t know how these film types do it. Thought British actors could put it away but even Carla drank me under the table.

Carla Blane, the most upwardly mobile star in Hollywood, with a body to seduce any man and her husband would be filming love scenes with her. He had told her over and over again that no one could get excited filming a love scene. There were just too many people watching and the director would be ordering them about; put that leg there and turn your face so, for the best camera angle, but she still worried.

I’ll come up and unpack for you, shall I? she asked.

No, he snapped Don’t fuss, I haven’t got much. I’ll shove my laundry in the machine when I come down. You’ve had enough to do.

Sophie smiled, he was so thoughtful, and feeling happier she went back to her packing. When he came back down he pushed his things into the machine and went to switch it on.

Hang on a minute love; I’ve got a few things to do so we might as well do them together.

As she pushed her things into the machine a very strong perfume hit her. My god how much perfume does Carla Blane wear?

Not a lot, it’s just very expensive and strong, I expect he muttered.

Mmph!

As she added the soap powder to the machine Sophie felt a slight feeling of trepidation flow over her. She trusted Calum, of course she did, it was the other women she didn’t trust!

How’s the packing going? Have you packed my CD’s yet?

No not yet trying not to bristle at his question she explained, I left them because I know you have them in order and I thought you’d like to pack them yourself.

Yeah, I’ll do that tomorrow, I’m too knackered today.

Sophie humphed to herself again. What did he think she was? He’d only been talking eating and drinking while she slaved away packing and cleaning.

We don’t have many days left; the shed is packed and cleaned up and all the linen etc. is packed. I’m in the middle of the kitchen at the moment so you could help with that. If I wrap, you could put things in the boxes and it’ll take half the time.

Oh god Calum muttered, Ok, let’s get it done. We’ve got too much stuff, that’s the trouble.

Sophie did bristle at that Actually we haven’t. The linen hardly filled a small box and the kitchen stuff will take two, and that’s only because I want to keep the nice china Mum and Dad gave us safe. I’ve only got half a dozen pans, less than most women.

We mostly stir fry or grill so why would we need more?

Sophie thought ‘You mean I mostly stir fry or grill, when did you last cook anything?’

Then she pulled herself up short, he’d just come home and she didn’t want to fight.

Tell you what, let’s pack quickly and then I’ll grill some rib eyes, and I’ve got salad and new potatoes.

Normally he would have said Then I’ll have you for dessert! but today he didn’t, just grunted Ok let’s get on with it.

By late afternoon they’d managed to empty the kitchen apart from the basics that they’d need over the next few days and she put the potatoes on to cook and lifted the steaks out of the fridge to relax. As she seasoned them she watched Calum leaning against the table gazing into space. He was miles away and didn’t know she was watching him. Unconsciously he was running his thumb backwards and forwards over his lips, a sensual look in his eyes.

Sophie frowned; she’d seen that look before, when he first seduced her and her heart turned over. He was thinking about another woman. It must be Carla Blane!

Unable to stop herself she blurted out Who are you thinking about?

What?

You have a look on your face that only means one thing. Sex!

Calum looked startled I haven’t, I was thinking about the part.

Is it Xrated then?

No of course not. It’s just a good part. Anyhow the only woman I want to have sex with is you.

He held out his hand and when she took it pulled her into his arms. Lowering his head he kissed her expertly and thoroughly, but to Sophie it felt wrong, mechanical and cold. When she stiffened in his arms he pulled back and looked at her. It was the first time, ever, she hadn’t melted into him.

What’s the matter?

Nothing she lied I’m just tired and hungry. I’ll cook the steaks and then I can relax.

Disgruntled he set the table and put the salads out. Sophie grilled the steaks and drained the new potatoes, putting a knob of butter on them. Sliding them onto two plates she carried them to the table and they settled down to eat. Calum quizzed her on how the move was going; avoiding talking about the film, and slowly harmony reigned.

However when they went to bed, by the time Sophie had cleaned her teeth and showered, Calum was on his side turned away from her, fast asleep. Lying down on her side of the bed she turned her back on him and for the first time in their marriage they went to sleep without kissing goodnight.

Chapter 3

The next few days passed in a blur. Calum actually got stuck in and helped with the packing and their usual harmony settled over them. At night they fell into bed exhausted and after a quick kiss and cuddle slept like the dead.

On the day of the move everything went smoothly and late in the morning they let themselves into their new home. The cottage was dusty and bare but had a welcoming feeling. Sophie felt as if she had come home and although she knew they would be roughing it in a small caravan while the house was renovated, was really looking forward to seeing their dream home emerge from the rubble, that would be the inevitable result of the building work. All their furniture, what there was of it, had been put into store and all they had with them were the essentials; a couple of pans, frying pan, crockery, towels and one lot of bedding were in two small boxes, with their clothes in two large suitcases.

Well, all we need now is for the caravan to arrive and we’ll be ready for the builders starting tomorrow. Calum said as they wandered through the five rooms that made up the cottage.

Mmm, the contractors have made a good job of widening the pathway. Do you think they’ll have any trouble getting the caravan in place?

No, they’re experts at moving vans, I think they’ll have some kind of crane lorry, and they’ll stop the traffic, what there is of it, while they manoeuvre it into place. I reckon the best thing we can do is keep out of their way.

Sophie held out a picnic basket Shall we have a sandwich and a cuppa while we wait? Then we’ll be ready to go.

Calum took the basket off her and smiled You think of everything. Come on, let’s climb the hill and have a picnic at the top.

Hand in hand they climbed the hill behind the house and at the top found a fallen damson tree to sit on while they ate.

Sighing with pleasure Calum said It really is well named. Goldhill, I feel as if I’ve struck gold here.

As Sophie poured the tea from the flask, she again felt that slight frisson and shivered.

What’s up Soph, you alright?

Yes, it’s this place, it feels magical; as if I’ll find complete happiness here!

Calum put his arm around her and pulled her close You old romantic, but I thought you were completely happy already with me!

As she nestled into him she said Of course I am, don’t take any notice of me, it’s just this hill, it sends shivers up my spine.

Leaning over to kiss her he said You soppy old thing.

As they finished their sandwiches they saw, in the distance, a large lorry winding its way towards them along the lane. Another lorry with a crane on the back followed close behind.

Come on, the van’s here. Calum leaped up and headed down the hill leaving her to collect the picnic things and follow him.

Surprisingly the siting of the caravan went very smoothly. The entrance to the property, by the large barn, had been widened and the old shrubs routed out, so the caravan transporter could practically drive right in. The crane lorry turned out to be superfluous as the men just winched the van down the ramp on the transporter right where it was to be positioned. A bit of pushing and heaving and it was on the flat paving stones prepared for it. Gas bottles were attached to the hob in the kitchen area, and as there was already an electricity supply to the barn, a line was easily put into the caravan and Sophie’s temporary home was ready.

Let’s go down to the pub for supper Calum suggested.

We’re filthy and I don’t know if the shower is rigged up yet.

"Oh for god’s sake we’ve been working, nobody cares what you look like in the country.

I’m going so it’s up to you whether you come or not."

As usual Sophie gave in and went with him, she felt a mess but if Calum didn’t care why should she.

The local pub, The Crown, was busy, with people dining and drinking. All were cleanly and smartly dressed and when they walked in, all eyes turned towards them, assessed them then turned away. Only for the women’s eyes to swivel back to Calum, then wide eyed recognise him. The bartender looked at them and Calum asked for a table for two, only to be told that they were very busy and there was a half hour wait. Calum frowned not used to having to wait and then the lady owner of the pub spotted him and rushed over.

Oh, you’re Calum Livesey, I’ve seen you on TV. I’m Connie, I own this place, did I hear you say you want to eat?

Yes please, we’ve just moved into the cottage on the hill and we’re filthy and starving!

What, Goldhill? We’d heard it had sold but didn’t realise that a film star had bought it.

I’m just a jobbing actor and we intend to gut the place and extend it. If you can feed us I’ll be forever grateful, he gave the woman his most charming smile and she practically melted at his feet.

Don’t worry, don’t worry, I’ll find you a table somehow, just give me a minute. And she bustled away, still overcome by his charm.

Sophie, completely ignored, shook her head and waited until he remembered her, as various people came up and introduced themselves. Eventually one, polite, man asked to be introduced to her and Calum turned suddenly remembering her.

Oh yes, this is my wife Sophie.

The man politely shook hands with her and said Just moving in, you must be exhausted. Here have my stool until your table’s ready. What would you like to drink?

Calum turned No let me buy you a drink, your usual Soph?

Yes please she said sitting on the vacated stool.

Eventually they were found a table and the meal, when it arrived was excellent. Calum bought a lot of drinks for people and many were sent over to their table. At the end of the evening they staggered back to the caravan, already feeling a part of the local community. Their plans for the cottage had been well discussed and there was a lot of interest in Sophie’s ceramics as well as Calum’s new film.

Once the women realised that Sophie had no edge to her she was invited to join lots of local societies; the one she was really interested in was the local branch of Riding for the disabled, run on her own farm by a girl called Jenny. Sophie had ridden all her life and had promised to attend a meeting as soon as she could find the time.

They quickly washed and brushed their teeth and fell into bed. Smaller than a normal double it was a bit of a squeeze for Calum, but then he wouldn’t be there for much longer, so they snuggled together and he made gentle love to her. Usually he took his time, but tonight he was happy to indulge in quick vanilla sex and once again Sophie was left feeling unsatisfied.

Still she thought he must be as tired as I am. And she fell asleep with him spooned behind her.

***

The builders arrived bright and early next morning waking them up. Calum groaned as he rolled over God, how much did we drink last night?

Sophie opened one eye and squinted at him I don’t know, I lost count, too many I think!

A large knock on the door rocked the caravan and Calum grabbed his jeans and hauled them on before shouting Hang on, I’m coming!

When he opened the door he was met by a grinning face Hi I’m Mick, your friendly local builder the round faced, plump fair haired man said.

Hi Mick, give me a second to grab a shirt and I’ll be with you, Calum said as Sophie hid under the covers.

Shutting the door firmly behind him he followed Mick up the widened pathway waving to either side as he explained what needed doing first. Sophie struggled out of bed groaning as her stomach and head lurched. Never again! She couldn’t remember what she had drunk the night before but it obviously didn’t agree with her.

Picking up the kettle she realised that they didn’t have any water in the van so picking up the large water container she followed Calum up the path to the cottage. As she reached the top a large digger trundled off the road, stopped by the caravan and the driver jumped out.

Mr Livesey here love! he shouted.

Yes he’s up here, I think he’s in the cottage, come on up.

The young man ran up to join her My god, we got our work cut out here he grinned.

Yes we certainly have! As she