A Country Scandal: a sexy, scandalous page-turner

by Sasha Morgan

  ‘Thank you so much.’

  ‘Not a problem.’

  ‘I’ll return the favour.’

  ‘I’m sure you will.’ The corners of his mouth twitched.

  ‘I mean, obviously I’ll pay—’

  ‘We’ll come to some arrangement.’

  Megan shook her head, ‘Are you laughing at me?’

  ‘Not at all.’ His eyes widened innocently. ‘There is something you could do for me, though.’

  ‘What’s that?’ Megan asked uneasily.

  ‘I’ve noticed your paintings in the pub. They’re good.’

  ‘Thanks.’ She really was beginning to warm to him.

  ‘I’d like you to paint the Hall.’

  ‘Really?’ Megan was surprised. Usually she painted landscapes and wasn’t sure she’d be able to paint such a grand building.

  Sensing her hesitation, he continued, ‘Someone with your talent could do it justice.’

  ‘Well…’ Taken aback by the compliment, Megan was wavering further.

  ‘That’s settled then,’ Tobias cut in. ‘I’ll mend your house and you paint mine.’

  Why not? She wanted to get back into painting, a fresh challenge could be just what she needed, plus she’d be saving her hard-earned cash into the bargain.

  ‘OK, you’re on.’ Megan held out her hand in agreement. He shook it. His hand felt firm and warm, reassuring. Or maybe that was the effect of the hot toddy, she thought wryly.

  Chapter 17

  6 Jan 1945

  Dearest Gracie,

  Just received your letter and how I would have loved to have been there sitting with you against our oak tree. Instead, I am writing this by candlelight in one of the worst storms we have had this year. It is raining, thundering, and lightning, and I expect this tent to go down soon. I am glad I don’t have to go out tonight – my heart goes out to those infantry soldiers out there in holes filled with water. The mud is knee-deep, even in this tent. Enough of my complaints.

  Darling, I have but one wish and that is to get back on the other side of the Channel to you. How about throwing me a rope?

  My sweet, I will close this letter, as the wind is coming up again, and the candle is about to blow out.

  All my love,

  E.

  Megan was sitting up in bed reading the first letter from the Parma violet tin. It was such a lot to take in and she couldn’t quite face reading any more. She looked through the photographs again, taking particular interest in the one of ‘E’ in his soldier’s uniform. She cast her mind back to Tobias’ reaction when she had shown it him. Had he been thinking the same as she? Because right now, it felt like she was looking at herself. ‘E’ had the same almond-shaped eyes, the same button nose, sprinkled with freckles, the full lips and jaw line. Even their ears were the same, small and compact. With an uneasy feeling starting to brood, Megan decided to try to get some sleep.

  *

  True to his word, Tobias had arranged for the plasterer to call at Bluebell Cottage early the next morning. Megan rubbed her eyes and let him in.

  ‘Looks like your door’s—’

  ‘Sticking. Yes, I know,’ Megan interrupted the rather portly-looking workman wearing white overalls and a cheery smile. Far too jovial for this time in the morning, she thought whilst showing him into the sitting room and pointing out the ceiling with her footprint in the middle of it.

  ‘No problem, love, just you leave it to me. It’ll be perfect by the time you come home.’

  ‘Will it?’ Megan was surprised, not daring to think that her return from work would welcome freshly plastered walls and ceiling.

  ‘Course,’ he winked. ‘You won’t recognise the place.’

  ‘Oh, thanks,’ she beamed, fatigue suddenly replaced with a little more zest.

  She decided to walk past Treweham Hall on her way to the pub, to weigh up exactly what she had agreed to paint. In the early morning mist it stood proud and resilient. The pale pink sky made a splendid backdrop as rosy sun rays highlighted the fresh green of the virginia creeper elegantly draping the creamy stone. Across the silvery haze of the grounds, swallows flew and dipped, and she heard a wood pigeon call, and then the shuffling of hoofs.

  Megan turned her gaze towards the stables to the right of the hall. Her heart stopped. There he was, Tobias, looking magnificent in jodhpurs, slowly leading his horse through to the courtyard. Quickly Megan hid behind a tree so he couldn’t see her spying on him. She saw him gently reassure and pat the horse before he swung one leg over to land directly in the saddle. His jodhpurs certainly showcased his powerful physique, Megan noticed in awe, not to mention the black T-shirt hugging his broad shoulders and biceps. As if sensing he was being watched, Tobias suddenly looked up. Megan jerked her head back behind the tree trunk and held her breath. Daring to stare through the branches, she saw him canter straight backed out into the dewy morning. She just hoped she’d be able to paint the hall without too much distraction.

  *

  ‘You’re early,’ Finula was busy cooking breakfast for the pub’s overnight visitors.

  ‘I know, making way for the plasterer,’ Megan replied, taking off her jacket and donning an apron. ‘Thanks, by the way, for asking Tobias.’

  ‘No problem.’ There was a pause and Megan still sensed a slight awkwardness between them.

  ‘Finula, I know it’s none of my business about Nick,’ she watched Finula’s back tense whilst she was frying eggs, ‘and I’m sorry if I’ve upset you in any way. I promise not to pry in future.’ She saw Finula’s shoulders relax a little.

  ‘No, Megan, it’s me who should be sorry for snapping at you.’ She turned to face her. ‘Just be careful.’ Megan frowned. ‘Of Nick.’ Then she turned back and carried on cooking.

  Well, what was that about? Megan still couldn’t fathom it out. Both Nick and Finula seemed perfectly nice, rounded people, so why couldn’t they see eye to eye? What had gone so wrong between them? Deciding it really wasn’t her problem, or her concern, Megan put it firmly to the back of her mind.

  ‘Finula, do you think I could have a few less shifts just now? I know it’s short notice,’ she asked warily.

  Finula shrugged. ‘Don’t see why not. We’ve no guests for the next few days, apart from Dylan. Just check with Dad. Why? Got anything planned?’

  ‘Hmm, Tobias has asked me to paint Treweham Hall.’

  Finula whisked round, face animated. ‘Really?’

  ‘Yes,’ laughed Megan.

  ‘Well, good for you! Just think, this could be the start of your new career as an artist.’ Megan was touched by Finula’s enthusiasm and, fingers crossed, there could be some truth in what she said. Two other paintings that had been displayed in the pub had sold already.

  ‘Now that would be a dream come true.’ Megan stared wistfully into the distance.

  Finula grinned. ‘Sorry to put a dampener on things, but could you deliver these breakfasts, please?’ She held out two perfectly cooked full English breakfasts.

  ‘Yeah, sure,’ Megan smiled, and scurried into the dining area with them.

  *

  Megan finished her shift late in the afternoon and after Dermot had very kindly granted her some leave, she set off for home with a spring in her step. Feeling the anticipation build at the prospect of painting again was exciting as well as daunting. For the hundredth time she hoped that agreeing to paint Treweham Hall was the right decision. What could go wrong? Well, for a start, Tobias might hate it, causing embarrassment all around. Stop it, she heard her Gran’s voice in her head. Have conviction in yourself.

  She opened the door, very easily. Puzzled, she looked at the bottom of the door and noticed it had been planed. Tobias must have arranged that, too. How thoughtful. She felt a little warmer inside. Once through the door she rushed to the sitting room to see the freshly plastered walls and a perfect ceiling, without the footprint. A great sigh of contentment escaped her. What a difference! It all looked so clean and spacious. She really mu
st thank Tobias without delay for all he’d done.

  As if he had read her mind she saw him through the window strolling up the footpath. His jodhpurs had been replaced with black jeans, but he still wore the figure hugging T-shirt from this morning. Megan opened the door with a huge grin.

  ‘Thank you so much! Come in and look.’

  Tobias smiled at her gusto. As they entered the sitting room Megan saw again how he dwarfed the place, standing astride, arms folded, face in concentration inspecting the work done. After a few minutes he looked at her, pleased with what he’d seen.

  ‘Yes, he’s done a good job.’

  Megan laughed. ‘It’s brilliant. Thanks again, Tobias, especially for sorting it so quickly.’

  ‘My pleasure,’ he nodded. ‘So when do you start my painting?’ he added playfully.

  ‘How about tomorrow morning?’ she chipped back.

  ‘Tomorrow morning sounds fine. About eight o’clock?’

  Megan gulped. He was keen, wasn’t he? Seeing the look on her face, Tobias went on, ‘That way you can join me in my early morning ride.’

  ‘Oh… I see.’ A strand of hair fell into her eyes. Tobias instinctively touched her face and pushed it behind her ear. His eyes bore into hers. It felt strangely intimate and left her speechless.

  ‘Do you ride?’ he asked eventually, breaking the spell.

  ‘No,’ she whispered huskily.

  ‘Then I’ll teach you,’ he grinned. ‘We’ll ride the grounds and then I’ll show you around the hall, before you start to paint.’

  ‘Good idea, I’d like that,’ she agreed, appreciating the opportunity to get a feel for the place.

  ‘That’s settled then.’ He turned to go.

  Megan halted him. ‘Tobias?’ He stopped and faced her. ‘You did see me this morning, didn’t you?’

  ‘How could I? You were hiding behind a tree, Megan.’ His lips twitched, then he turned on his heel and went, leaving Megan once again rather flushed. She watched him out of the sitting-room window stride down the footpath. Then she saw Nick at the garden gate, waiting for him to pass. Tobias stopped momentarily, then practically barged past him. Did Nick seem to be hiding a smirk? She went to open the front door.

  ‘Hi, Nick.’ He was holding a small case.

  ‘A duty visit.’ He held out the case. ‘Worming tablets for Zac. His records tell me he’s due for a booster vaccination, too.’

  ‘Ah, right. Sorry, I should have thought about that.’

  ‘Not at all.’ Nick shook his head. ‘You weren’t to know. I can give him his booster now and leave the tablets with you.’

  ‘Fine, thanks. Come in.’

  Zac ran to Nick, wagging his tail. Nick bent down and stroked him. Megan smiled at how good Nick was with him.

  ‘Right, old boy, let’s get you sorted.’ Nick opened his case and pulled out a syringe. Very carefully he injected the vaccine into Zac’s neck. Megan watched his gentle hands administer the needle: Zac hadn’t flinched. ‘There, all done.’ He patted the dog’s head and stood up. ‘That’s him seen to for another six months. You need to give Zac his worming tablet with his next meal.’

  ‘Will do,’ Megan smiled. ‘And thanks again. I dread to think what would have happened to him if I hadn’t taken him in.’

  Nick looked hurt. ‘I would have had him, Megan.’ His eyes looked searchingly into hers, as if she had insulted him.

  ‘Sorry, Nick, of course you would have,’ she replied. ‘Would you like a cup of tea?’

  ‘Yes, thanks. It’s been a long day, the surgery was packed full and one of the vets is still on maternity leave, so we’re short staffed at the moment.’

  ‘It must be such a satisfying job, though, helping all those sick animals?’

  He laughed. ‘Yes, but it’s not giving me much free time at the moment. Sometimes it’s just good to spend time doing what you want, with someone you want.’ He stared directly at her. Megan paused. Nick’s eyes slowly looked her up and down. She felt like he was mentally undressing her and she found herself blushing slightly. Coughing, she carried on making the tea and passed him his cup. His fingers touched hers in taking it. Again, his eyes caught hers.

  He puzzled Megan. There was something about him she couldn’t define.

  Chapter 18

  Picking up her sketch pad and jute bag containing paints, brushes and pencils, Megan made her way, bleary-eyed, up the path. She’d decided to wear leggings as the best substitute for jodhpurs, along with her fitted navy-blue quilted jacket, which was about as horsy as she could muster. Deciding the bag was too heavy to carry on foot, she plonked everything on the back seat of the car. She once again admired the early morning sun and the dewy, moist air. What a difference from queuing in the town traffic smog. It really did feel a lifetime ago that she was working in the office. She shuddered at the thought and started up the car. Moments later she slowly drove up the gravel driveway of Treweham Hall and parked at the side of the stables.

  Tobias was leading a horse out and waved her over. Megan gulped again as she approached Tobias, resplendent in his jodhpurs.

  ‘Meet Juke, he’s strong, but very amiable.’

  Megan sized up the animal, who looked magnificent with his chestnut coat shimmering in the early sun. She patted him gingerly.

  ‘Don’t look so timid, Megan. He’ll not harm you. He has the gentlest nature of all our horses.’

  ‘He’s lovely.’ She touched him again, firmly this time, earning herself a neigh.

  ‘There you go, rule number one: always let your horse know who’s boss.’

  Megan nodded. ‘Will do.’

  Tobias narrowed his eyes and looked her up and down. Feeling a little unnerved, Megan frowned.

  ‘Just calculating how to adjust the stirrups. Here…’ He took the stirrup iron and, lifting her hand, placed it under her armpit and measured her arm. ‘The stirrups should hang at the same length as your arm,’ he explained. Tobias had a firm, warm grip, making Megan’s heart flutter uncontrollably.

  ‘Oh, I see,’ she answered feebly as he fiddled with the straps.

  ‘Right, ready to mount?’ he asked her, eyebrows raised. Was that a smirk playing round his lips?

  ‘Er…’ Megan glanced at the huge bulk next to her and swallowed. Sensing the hesitation, Tobias reassured her, putting his hand on her shoulder.

  ‘Here, just put your left foot into the stirrup, lift your right leg over and land softly.’

  With a heave and sheer determination, she comfortably straddled Juke and sat upright, feeling quite pleased with herself. Tobias threaded the reins through her fingers, his touch sending little shivers down her spine. Willing herself to concentrate, she took a deep breath and watched him climb with ease onto his horse. The figure-hugging jodhpurs outlined the hard muscles of his thighs and his groin, making her blush slightly. He was born to do this. She considered her childhood, weaving her bike through the bustling streets. Whilst she had been whizzing through the mayhem of urban suburbs, he would have been cantering calmly through the tranquil grounds of the estate. What a difference.

  ‘OK?’ He looked puzzled, obviously wondering what she was thinking.

  ‘Yep, let’s go,’ she answered decisively, shoulders back.

  ‘To ask him to walk on, make a clucking sound and squeeze his sides slightly with both legs.’ He showed her and Megan copied. Soon they were gently walking side by side. Megan was surprised at how much she was enjoying herself.

  ‘Ready to trot?’

  ‘Let’s go.’

  ‘Squeeze with both legs again, then rise up slightly and stand in the stirrup for one step, and then go back down. Let the horse’s pace lift you, go with the flow.’

  Megan concentrated hard and did as she was instructed. She soon got into the swing of it, softly swaying up and down. Tobias followed her closely and she was all too aware of his eyes burning into her back.

  ‘You’re doing really well, Megan!’ he called from behind, whilst admiring her p
ert bum bobbing up and down. He could feel himself getting aroused.

  ‘Thanks!’ She was beginning to feel exhilarated as the wind rushed past and the morning sun rested its warm rays on them.

  ‘Slow down!’ Tobias’ voice edged with concern as she lengthened the gap between them.

  ‘How?’ Megan called back, suddenly conscious of the distance she’d created.

  ‘Lean slightly back and say “Whoa!”’ Sure enough, the horse slowed down and gradually stopped. Tobias caught up with them. ‘You’re a natural in the saddle,’ he beamed.

  ‘Thank you,’ Megan gushed. ‘It’s so…’

  ‘Invigorating?’

  ‘Yes, what a way to start the day.’ Her eyes drunk in all the scenery: a burnt-orange-pink sunrise soaring over smooth, rolling hills, the pale mist hovering, birds elegantly flying in sequence, all sheer perfection taking her breath away.

  ‘I’m glad you enjoyed it.’ Tobias’ voice was closer than she expected, making her suddenly turn to face him. His eyes gazed into hers and she stared back into the gold flecks mixed with hazel green. He leant forward and brushed away an eyelash on her cheek. ‘Come on, let’s get back. I’ll show you round the Hall,’ he said gently.

  Megan followed in silence with a fast-beating heart.

  Once the horses had been watered and put back inside the stables, Tobias guided Megan round to the front of the Hall. She gazed up at the beautiful, majestic building hoping desperately she could do it justice with her painting.

  Tobias sensed her self-doubt. ‘Megan, I know you’ll do a fantastic job. I’ve seen your artwork.’ He then opened the large, wooden door and steered her inside. A vast hallway greeted her with a stone floor and dark oak panelling. A chandelier glimmered in the centre of an ornate plaster ceiling, showing heraldic symbols of the Cavendish family, their coat of arms depicting a cross and a lion. A solid staircase with intricate carvings ran up the middle of the hallway, which led onto an overlooking balcony. Hanging from the wall was a huge tapestry of a knight wearing a white tunic with a red cross. ‘My family had strong connections to the Knights Templar,’ Tobias explained, following her eyes.