by Sally Rigby
‘I do,’ he said gently, resting a hand on Hubert’s arm. ‘But I also know that being left to languish alone won’t be of any benefit to you, at all. You have to make the decision to deal with what’s happening, if not for you, for your wife and children. It can be fixed. I promise you.’
‘How do you know?’
‘I know people who have been in the exact same situation and I’ve witnessed them get better and come through their depression.’
‘You think what I’ve got is depression?’
‘I believe so. Hasn’t that crossed your mind?’
Hubert shrugged. ‘Maybe. I’m not sure.’
‘You’re depressed, and it’s curable. How long have you been staying in London?’
‘I drove up here a week ago, wanting some time to myself, forgetting that Mother and Father were going to be here.’
‘Have you spoken to Virginia during this time?’
‘She messaged two days ago and asked how I was.’
‘To which you replied?’
‘I didn’t.’
‘What did she say when you told her that you were going to stay here for a while?’
‘Nothing. You have to understand, we’re not in each other’s pockets. It’s not unusual for me to be away.’
‘Answer me this. Do you wish to get back to normal mental health? By that, I mean, to be feeling in control of your life and your feelings.’
His brother nodded. ‘Yes.’
‘Then return to Winchester, explain everything to Virginia and book a doctor’s appointment immediately. There’s nothing wrong with admitting that you need help. Your wife will understand.’
‘And I look like a weak person, not up to following in my father’s footsteps.’
‘You believe that now because of your condition. Trust me, you will get better.’
Hubert audibly sucked in a long breath. ‘Okay, Sebastian, you’ve convinced me. I’ll go back this afternoon.’
‘Why don’t you wait until tomorrow, so you avoid the rush hour traffic?’
Was his brother in the right frame of mind to undertake the journey?
‘No. I’m going now, before I have time to change my mind.’ Hubert stood and walked over to the wardrobe. He took some clothes out and dropped them on the bed.
‘You’re doing the best thing.’
‘I’ll contact Virginia and let her know to expect me.’
‘Good, call,’ Seb said patting his brother on the back. ‘You’ll get through this and be back to how you used to be.’
‘We’ll see. I’m not so convinced as you are, but I’ll try. For my family’s sake,’ Hubert said, giving a pained smile.
‘I’m going to have tea with Mother and Father. Remember to keep in touch and let me know how you’re progressing.’
Seb left and headed downstairs to his parents. Despite the positive attitude he’d displayed in front of Hubert, he was shocked at the change in him. His brother had always been the loud, outgoing one. Now he was a shadow of his former self. Seb hoped this was only a blip.
Chapter 20
‘I fail to understand why Sebastian can’t return from Market Harborough to assist me, even if it’s only for a short time while things are difficult,’ Phillip Clifford said to his wife as he stared at himself in the mirror while tying a full Windsor knot in his navy tie. They’d arrived home later than he would have liked from the Savoy last night, and his tetchiness was in part because of being tired.
He had a meeting with the chair of a large charity later. They were intent on persuading him to sit on the board of directors, but he was unsure whether he’d have the time now he couldn’t rely on Hubert to pull his weight. All the more reason for his younger son to step up.
‘He has his own life to live, and we’ve always encouraged that,’ Charlotte said.
‘Only because I believed that eventually he’d see sense and return home to us. Family comes first, and now that Hubert isn’t contributing, Sebastian should feel duty-bound to take his place until his brother is back working at full strength. Whenever that will be.’
‘Hubert is planning to see someone for his problem, and he’ll soon return to work. Sebastian spoke to him yesterday and achieved more than we have been able to since this problem first took hold. I can’t tell you what a relief that is.’
‘I know what you’re going to say, but in my day one had to get on with things oneself, with no outside interference.’
‘This is no longer your day,’ Charlotte said gently, standing behind him so he could see her reflection in the mirror. ‘I realise now that there’s no shame in Hubert seeking expert advice. He’ll soon be back in the saddle, you’ll see. We’re lucky that Sebastian visited and could help his brother, as well as stepping in at such short notice to go with you to the Savoy. Talking of which, how did it go last night?’
‘Sebastian was very good, but he’s not in the same league as Hubert, who, when on form, is a natural at these events. Sebastian’s a little more reserved, but he certainly was an asset. The event was a success, and they raised a substantial amount of money.’
‘I’m pleased to hear it. But you can’t expect Sebastian to be there whenever you need him. He’s got his own career to pursue now as an investigator.’
‘I had hoped he’d have nothing more to do with the police force, but it appears he’s still working with them. Surely he could find something more suitable to engage in.’ He gave a frustrated sigh.
‘He’ll forge his own path, even if we don’t approve. He always has done.’
‘Yes, you’re right. He’s been like that for his whole life, so it’s futile to expect him to be any different. But one can hope. It disappointed me when his relationship with Annabelle ended. I’d hoped she could make him see sense and do something more fitting with his life.’
‘They weren’t destined to be.’
‘She was eminently suitable and would have been an excellent addition to the family.’
‘But she wasn’t the one for Sebastian. I believe she might have met someone else. There was a photograph of her at the races in this month’s Tatler. I’ll find the copy and show you.’
‘I hope Sebastian finds someone soon. He’s not getting any younger. He’ll be forty before he knows it.’
‘People don’t marry as early as they did in our time.’
‘Hubert did.’
‘Hubert was lucky to have known Virginia for most of his life. Her mother and I had planned on them marrying from when they were children, if you remember. He’ll make a fine viscount as long as you’re patient with him while he gets through this minor hiccup.’
‘I’ll speak to him after breakfast if he graces us with his presence.’
‘That won’t be possible. He returned home yesterday afternoon.’
Phillip frowned. ‘Why didn’t I know that?’
‘You were busy getting ready, and I didn’t want to bother you.’
‘I would have liked to speak to him before he went.’
‘He told me he was going to make an appointment to see someone as soon as he arrived home. He was worried about what your reaction would be and I explained we would support him in whatever he did. Was I correct in saying that?’
‘Yes, you were. He’s my son. If he thinks speaking about it to a stranger will be of benefit, then so be it. I’ll telephone him later.’
‘I’m sure he’ll be his usual self in next to no time.’
‘I hope you’re right. Let’s go down for breakfast. I have a busy day ahead and will need to leave early as I want to pay a visit to my tailor before my appointment later.’
Seb picked up his overnight bag from beside the bedroom door and was on the way out when his phone rang. It was Birdie.
‘Can you talk?’ she said.
‘Yes, is there a problem?’ He returned to his room and closed the door behind him.
‘I didn’t want to call yesterday because you were going out. I wanted to let you know what I found in t
he CCTV footage.’
‘We have a break in the case?’ He dropped onto the bottom of the bed.
‘Yes. I was working with Twiggy and—’
‘DC Branch has been assisting? Is that wise?’ He didn’t mean for that to sound as it did. The man was Birdie’s partner, and they trusted one another. But he wasn’t comfortable in the older officer’s company. He knew that the feeling was mutual.
‘He won’t tell Sarge, if that’s what you think. I couldn’t have done it without him. I had fifty cars to check, and I’d still be there now without his help. What is it with you two? Why can’t you get along?’
‘I don’t know why you think there’s an issue,’ he lied.
‘Anyway, as I was saying. I was looking at the cars on the footage when I noticed that the car being driven around several times when Lacey was left, the one Ruby mentioned, was also there the other day when she had her shock. It’s a silver Volkswagen Golf. The number plates are different, but it’s got an identical dent in the back. I discovered the car had been stolen just over twelve months ago. The owner, Laura Kingston, lives in Creaton, a village twenty minutes from Harborough.’
‘Well done. You’ve made excellent progress.’
‘We have the image of the woman going into the café twelve months ago, so we should go back there and see if the manager recognises her. Then we can interview the owner of the stolen car. Are you free on Saturday? I’m not working.’
‘Yes, I am.’
‘But you’re still cooking for me tonight though, aren’t you?’
‘Yes. I was planning to make a curry, if that meets with your approval.’
‘Perfect. And I’ll bring the wine. By the way, the spicier the better for me.’
‘I’d have expected nothing less.’
‘Are you having a good time?’
‘I’m not here to enjoy myself.’
‘That tells me everything. But surely the food was good at the Savoy?’
‘There is more to life than food, although yes, the meal was very good.’
‘So, not all bad, then. I’ll let you go. See you later.’
He ended the call and headed downstairs to the dining room, leaving his luggage in the hall by the front door. He intended on having a quick breakfast before calling a taxi to take him to the station. Providing there were no hold-ups, he should be back in East Farndon before lunch. Fred, the man who mowed Sarah’s lawns once a fortnight, was looking after Elsa for him. Fred was used to having dogs around, so he was sure there wouldn’t have been a problem, but he wanted to get back to see her as soon as possible. He missed her when they weren’t together, and judging by her response when he returned from being away, the feeling was mutual.
He arrived at the dining room at the same time as his parents.
‘Good morning, Father. Mother.’ He followed them in, glad he had the chance to speak to them over breakfast and not have to find them afterwards, which would delay his departure.
They sat at the long Edwardian dining table and gave their breakfast orders to one of the staff, Seb’s being cereal, scrambled eggs and two slices of toast. What would Birdie say about breakfast being served in this manner? He stifled a grin, as he doubted his parents would appreciate his thoughts.
‘Did you enjoy yourself last night?’ his mother asked once they were alone.
He wasn’t going to tell the truth, that it was extremely tedious, and he couldn’t believe four hours could go so slowly.
‘It went very well. A substantial amount of money was raised for the charity, which was the prime objective. There was no holding back on the bidding during the auction. It astonished me how much people would bid for a meal out with a celebrity. A rapper who I hadn’t even heard of. I must be getting old.’
‘My sentiments exactly, Sebastian. You need to find yourself a wife. Have some children.’
‘Phillip,’ Seb’s mother scolded.
‘It’s fine, Mother. It’s nothing I haven’t already heard from Father many times, including last night. I will repeat what I told you then. If it happens, it happens. I’m perfectly happy with my life as it is.’
‘Que sera, sera. Whatever will be, will be,’ his mother sung. ‘Doris Day has always been one of my favourite singers.’
Seb smiled to himself. ‘I’m glad you understand.’
Their breakfasts were delivered, and they sat in silence while eating.
‘Have you decided when you’re returning to Sarah’s house, Sebastian?’ his mother asked.
‘I’m leaving immediately after breakfast, as I have a lot of work to do.’ He glanced at his watch. He should be away within the next thirty minutes, all being well.
His mother’s face fell. ‘Oh. I was hoping you were going to stay a bit longer, considering we haven’t seen you for a while. I cancelled my weekly facial thinking we were going to be together today.’
He stiffened. This wasn’t the way his mother usually behaved. He’d never known her cancel appointments to spend time with him. Had Hubert’s illness affected her more than she was letting on? ‘I’m sorry, it’s not possible. Another time, I promise.’
‘Surely you can spare some time to be with your parents. You’re disappointing your mother,’ his father said.
‘I explained that I could only stay a short time. Long enough to step in for Hubert last night. How did your evening go, Mother?’ he asked, wanting to change the subject.
‘Most pleasant, thank you. I was sorry to have missed your father’s charity event, but there wasn’t much I could do as I’d committed myself to attending the Renaissance art exhibition.’
He breathed a sigh of relief that she seemed back to her usual self.
‘I’d have liked to have seen it, that’s one of my favourite periods in art.’
‘Stay until tomorrow and we can go together this afternoon,’ she suggested, smiling.
‘You know I can’t, but thank you.’
‘Hubert is due to attend a polo tournament with me next month. Will you be able to go in his place?’ his father asked.
Watching a polo match was hardly a good enough reason for him to drop everything, although he doubted his father would understand.
‘If I have the time, and Hubert isn’t available, then I will, but as I’ve already mentioned, I’m very busy at the moment working on two separate cases and they have to take priority.’
‘You mean your family doesn’t.’
‘Father, I’ve already explained this to you. I understand you need help with certain things, but last night you didn’t really need me. You could have gone on your own.’
It was like going around in circles.
‘I disagree. The family has to be represented and as your mother and Hubert weren’t able to attend, it meant that you were required.’
‘Once Hubert has received some help, he’ll return to work in no time. It’s been lovely seeing you both, but I can delay leaving no longer.’
‘Have you heard recently from Sarah?’ his mother asked.
‘Yes, she contacts me regularly. She’s currently enjoying exploring South America. Going away was the best thing for her and each time we speak she’s excited about all the places she’s visited.’
‘Is she on her own?’ His mother frowned.
‘She’s travelling alone, but there are plenty of people she’s met up with who have now become friends.’
‘I think that’s very brave of her. I would have done nothing like that when I was younger.’
‘She’s not much younger than you.’
‘True, but I still think she should be admired her for her courage. How are the twins getting on at university? Don’t they miss their mother?’
‘Sarah contacts them regularly, too. They’ve been back to the hall once, and I spoke to them. They’re young students and too wrapped up in university life to worry about their mother travelling overseas. Now Donald’s murder case has been settled, they’re both doing well. When the court case is heard, it will all
be dragged up again, so I’ll have to support them then. Although it may not come to court until next year and Sarah might be back.’
‘That’s all we need,’ his father said, shaking his head and tutting. ‘It caused a lot of damage to the family’s reputation.’
‘There’s nothing we can do about it, Father. But we should be there for Sarah and the children. It was bad enough that Sarah felt abandoned by her family when she needed us the most.’
His father cleared his throat. ‘What else could we do?’
‘Put family first.’
‘Easy for you to say, my boy. But not so easy when you consider our position in society.’
‘Stop,’ her mother interjected. ‘Sebastian, you’re right, but you must understand your father’s point of view. When the case comes to court, I will be there for Sarah.’
‘Thank you, Mother.’
He finished his breakfast and bade them both farewell, glad to get away. As much as he loved his parents, rehashing Donald’s case would not get them anywhere.
Chapter 21
Birdie ran over to the bedroom window and glanced out at the street. Seb’s car was already there. Crap. She hadn’t finished doing her make-up. And as for breakfast, she’d have to forgo that. They were going to the Olive Tree Café, so she could buy something to go from there.
It was all his fault that she’d got up late. She’d ended up staying much longer at his place than she’d originally intended and hadn’t arrived home until gone one in the morning. The curry he’d made was to die for. She wished she could cook like that. Actually, no, she didn’t. She didn’t have the time or patience. After dinner, they were so involved in looking at the footage and discussing the case that time flew by. It was so exciting that they were finally getting somewhere.
She finished getting ready and ran down the stairs.
‘I’m going out with Seb for the day, as we’re working on the case. I don’t know when I’ll be back,’ she said, popping into the kitchen and seeing her mum sitting at the table, her hands wrapped around a mug.