“I know, he’s told me bits about it, and anyway I read his book Warriors, and he covered it in that.”
Tessa walked over to the window seat, and Lorne made room for her as he had always done when they were children. Leaning back against him, she murmured softly, “I’m so afraid he might get killed.”
“He could get killed walking across the Champs-Élysées,” Lorne answered. “It’ll be all right,” he went on quietly, putting his arms around her, wanting to calm and reassure her.
Tessa nodded, then sat up slightly, put her hand in her pocket, and brought out the diamond engagement ring. Turning around to look up at her brother, she said, “We’re engaged,” and showed him the ring.
Lorne stared at it, then whistled, and his eyes twinkled as he exclaimed, “I’m thrilled. Congratulations. I couldn’t be happier for you.” He started to laugh then, looking at her with sudden amusement.
“What is it?” she asked, eyeing him intently, frowning.
“When I set the two of you up, I never guessed it would actually come to this … a permanent relationship.”
“I knew it!” Tessa cried, punching his arm. “Right from the beginning. I told Jean-Claude on our first date that I suspected you’d brought us together, and very specifically to have an affair.”
“And aren’t you glad I did?”
“You bet!” Smiling, she slid the ring on her finger and showed it to him again. “Look, Lorne.”
“It’s a bobby dazzler, and so are you!” he exclaimed, and then he added in a more sober tone, “He’s a good man, Tess. True blue. And he’s very good for you, just as you’re so good for him. When do you plan to get married?”
“As soon as we can, and I’d really like it to be before June. I don’t want to infringe on India’s splashy wedding in Ireland.”
“I agree. And can I hope to be best man?”
She grinned. “We haven’t got that far. He only just gave me the ring this morning. But I’m sure he’ll ask you.”
Lorne nodded. “When does his assignment actually start?”
“In two weeks. He’s going to Paris on Monday, but he’ll fly directly from Paris to Yorkshire on Thursday. He says he’s determined to attend one of our famous family weddings.”
“Learning the ropes, eh?” Lorne teased.
“I suppose. Thanks, Lorne, for getting us together. It means the world to me that you did that for me, that you cared enough.”
“Hey, come on, don’t be a silly goose. Incidentally, why aren’t you wearing the ring? Be careful you don’t lose it, leaving it floating around in your pocket like that.”
“I’ll wear it tonight, after we’ve told Mummy and Dad. They don’t know yet, since they’re both out.”
“Then we’ll make it a celebration tonight.”
“That’s an idea … . Lorne?”
“Yes, what is it? You sound suddenly mournful.”
“I’m worried about not having a job after I marry Jean-Claude. I’ve always worked. What I mean is, I’ll have to give up Harte’s.”
Her twin gave her a long, thoughtful look, frowning, shaking his head. “Is it still that important to you, working at Harte’s?”
“Yes. No. I don’t know.”
“You’re thirty-two, darling, and you’ve had a lot of success at the stores. But let’s not forget the rough ride you had with Mark Longden. A very bad marriage that gave you absolutely zilch.”
“It gave me Adele.”
“Yes, of course, and I know you love her, I know what she means to you. But you’re a young woman, you should have happiness with a man, a fulfilled life. And how often do we find the right person? The one for us? I haven’t yet. But you have. Jean-Claude is the perfect man for you, and you’re going to be very busy being his wife and bringing up Adele. And what if you have a child, or indeed children, by him?”
“You’re right, Lorne,” she replied very quietly, looking into the distance.
“I know you, Tessa, and you’re thinking about Linnet. About Linnet being the head of Harte’s, and that kills you, doesn’t it?”
Tessa stared at him. She said nothing, biting her lip.
Neither of them spoke for a while.
It was Lorne who finally said, “You’ve just got to get over this jealousy of yours. You’ve been rivals for years, and it only makes for bad blood between you. And upsets us all.”
“I know … but she wants the top job desperately.”
“And she’ll probably get it. Face that now. You’ll be living in Paris with your new husband. She’ll be here, right on the spot. Of course Mummy’s going to give it to her.”
“I wish I could commute.”
“Don’t be so ridiculous! That wouldn’t work. You’d better make up your mind to forget having the power at the stores and think of your marriage. I don’t believe you can have both. And to my way of thinking, you’ll be happier being Madame Jean-Claude Deléon than being the new Emma Harte. That role’s for Linnet. Accept it.”
Tessa stared at him. She did not respond.
“I would like to speak to the Countess of Dunvale, please, Paddy. I believe she’s lunching there. This is Linnet O’Neill.”
“Oh, hello, Miss O’Neill,” Paddy Whitaker said pleasantly. “I’ll put you through to the dining room.”
“Oh, I don’t want to disturb their lunch!”
“No, no, it’s all right, they’ve finished. Just a moment please, Miss O’Neill.”
It was India who picked up the phone in the dining room of Willows Hall and said, “Hello, Linnet, I hear you want to speak to Grandma.”
“For a minute or two, India. I hope I’m not phoning at an inopportune time.”
“No, no, it’s fine. We’ve finished lunch, just waiting to have coffee. Let me get Grandma, she’s talking to Dusty.”
Linnet waited several minutes before she heard that famous sonorous voice. “Here I am, Linnet. To what do I owe this honor? A phone call from you is a rarity.”
“Oh gosh, Great-Aunt Edwina, don’t say that. You make me feel guilty.”
“Don’t be daft, and guilt’s a terrible waste of time.”
“Yes, Great-Aunt Edwina,” Linnet responded and went on quickly. “I need to talk to you about Uncle Robin and Evan’s family, and it’s urgent.”
“Why? Is there something wrong?”
“No. But there could be. Is it at all possible for me to see you tomorrow? I could drive over.”
“Today would be better, my dear. And if it’s urgent, isn’t it better we meet today? Or can you tell me about this problem on the phone?”
“I’d prefer to talk it out with you in person. I have an idea. Why don’t you come to supper tonight? Tessa’s cooking, she’s making her famous lamb stew.”
“It sounds delicious, but I’m not sure I could eat another big meal,” Edwina protested, although she was now riddled with curiosity.
“You don’t have to eat much, you know. You can pick, like the model girls do.”
Edwina laughed. “Well, I am free this evening, and—”
“I could invite Robin, Great-Aunt, and we could kill two birds with one stone,” Linnet cut in swiftly. “Please say you’ll come. It’s very important.”
“What actually is it about?”
“It’s too complicated to explain on the phone, but let’s just say this … . I need you to talk some sense into him. About having the Hughes family stay with him. They can’t.”
“Why not?”
“Because Jonathan Ainsley’s unexpectedly in Yorkshire, and he might cause trouble for everyone. Especially Owen Hughes. He’s so angry and jealous of Owen. He sees him as a threat … because he’s the half brother. And there’s Robin’s will.”
“Ah yes, of course, Linnet, you are absolutely right.” There was a little pause. Edwina took a deep breath and announced in her familiar, commanding voice, “I shall come tonight. And you must make sure Robin is there as well. You are correct, as usual. As your great-grandmother always w
as. Only I can talk some sense into my brother.”
“Thanks for agreeing,” Linnet said, her voice suddenly cheerful. “Shall I send somebody over to fetch you?”
“No, no, that’s not necessary. I have my driver. Just tell me what time I should arrive, and I shall be there promptly.”
“You’d better come before drinks. Is about six-thirty all right with you? Then we can have a chat before Uncle Robin arrives. Just the two of us. Oh, and it’s a casual evening, Great-Aunt Edwina.”
“I am never casual, my dear. I shall dress for dinner as usual.”
“Could I have a word with you in private, Gladys?” Dusty said, walking across the kitchen to the small eating area where Gladys Roebotham was finishing lunch with Atlanta.
“Of course you can, Mr. Rhodes,” Gladys responded, standing up and moving away from the small table. “I’ll be back in three shakes of a lamb’s tail,” she said to the child, who laughed and clapped her hands with glee on hearing these words.
Dusty smiled lovingly at his daughter, and then, turning to Gladys, he said, “I haven’t heard that expression in donkey’s years. My mother used to say that.” As he finished, he laughed when he saw Atlanta’s face. It was a picture.
Gladys laughed with him and said, “It’s funny the way these old-fashioned sayings always have a reference to animals in them. They certainly amuse Atlanta, she loves hearing them.”
“Indeed she does.” He guided Gladys across the kitchen and into a small hallway that led out to the back garden.
Gladys said, “What did you want to speak to me about, Mr. Rhodes?”
“I was wondering if you would be able to do a bit of babysitting for me, Gladys. You know, come over and look after Atlanta, if it’s at all necessary? She seems very attached to you, and you’re so good with her.”
Immediately, a troubled look settled on Gladys’s face, and she said slowly, “I’d love to do that, I really would, but it’s a bit of a problem right now. I have a relative staying with me who’s not been well, and I can’t be away for too long during the day. I’m ever so sorry, Mr. Rhodes, I am that.”
“I am too,” Dusty responded, forcing a smile, filled with disappointment. Over lunch he had convinced himself that Gladys would be available and that she would solve a lot of problems for him.
Gladys saw the crushed look slide onto his face, and swiftly she said, “But perhaps I’ll be able to do something to help later on. I mean, if Molly’s still in hospital and Atlanta’s out here with you.”
“I’d appreciate it if that becomes the case, Gladys, I would indeed. I want to thank you again for looking after Atlanta, for being so responsible. Now let me take you back to the kitchen to finish lunch. And whenever you’re ready, Paddy will call for the car. It only takes the driver five minutes to get here, and he’ll take you anywhere you want to go.”
“Thanks ever so much, Mr. Rhodes, you’ve been ever so nice. Any message for Mrs. Caldwell if I do get to visit her for a while?”
“Yes, of course. Tell her I’m wishing her better very quickly, and that she should have the hospital call if she needs anything. You can also tell her I’ll be in to see her on Monday.”
“That’ll please her, it really will,” Gladys replied, smiling up at him, thinking what a nice man he was, not at all the villain Melinda Caldwell had made him out to be. In fact he was a real gentleman.
10
Paula sat at her grandmother’s old desk in the upstairs parlor, making a list of things still to be done for the wedding, when a light tapping brought her head up with a start.
“Come in,” she called, glancing at the door.
It flew open, and Margaret sallied in, carrying a laden tray and exclaiming, “Did you think I’d forgotten about your tea, Mrs. O’Neill?”
“No, Margaret, I didn’t. You never forget anything,” Paula answered, and, putting down her pen, she rose and went to the fireplace.
The housekeeper bustled over, put the tray on the coffee table, and then straightened. Looking across at Paula, who was now seated on the sofa, she murmured, “I made your favorite ginger biscuits, Miss Paula.” As she spoke she dropped a piece of lemon in the china cup and asked, “Shall I pour the tea, or do you want to wait for Mr. O’Neill?”
“Oh, that’s all right, Margaret, you can pour it,” Paula answered, smiling at her. The housekeeper had grown up at Pennistone Royal, and the two women had known each other all their lives. Paula thought of Margaret as part of the family and never paid much attention to her odd moods and moments of familiarity. She said now, “I’m so glad Tessa wanted to cook dinner, you can have a night off.”
Margaret shook her head, said a little vehemently, “I’ve been pressed into service, so to speak, Mrs. O’Neill. Tessa needs a bit of help, that she does.”
Frowning, Paula exclaimed, “What do you mean? She makes her lamb stew very quickly. Why does she need help?”
“I think you ought to know you’re having a dinner party tonight, Miss Paula.”
“I am?” Paula stared at the housekeeper in bafflement and disbelief.
Margaret nodded emphatically “Eighteen pounds of lamb stew! That’s what Tessa ordered from the butcher. It seems a lot to me, but when I questioned her about it, she said there’re a loads of bones in neck and shoulder. Which is true, a’ course.”
“I know that,” Paula answered a bit impatiently and asked, “But who’s coming for dinner? Who are those I don’t know about already?” She was curious more than alarmed.
“Miss Linnet’s invited Mr. Robin and the countess, and Tessa told me that Emily and Winston are coming, and probably India and Mr. Rhodes.”
“Good Lord! How many does that make altogether? About sixteen?”
“Seventeen,” Margaret announced. “Grandfather O’Neill always has supper with you, doesn’t he?”
“That’s true. But we’re used to that, aren’t we? I’ve done the same for years. Invite loads of people. And perhaps Tessa didn’t order too much lamb after all.” Paula raised a brow, amused by Margaret’s attitude.
“I usually reckon half a pound per person, because there’re a lot of vegetables in the stew.” The housekeeper gave Paula a smug smile, as always wanting the last word when it came to her domain. “She’s gone overboard.”
Paula nodded. “You’re right as usual, Margaret. And I’m so sorry you’ve been pressed into working when we’d agreed you could have the evening off. Perhaps I’d better come down and help.”
“No, no, no, madam, it’s not necessary!” Margaret exclaimed, reverting to formality again, her voice rising. “I’ll help Miss Tessa flour the meat and sauté it, and the others are preparing the vegetables at this very moment.”
“The others?” Paula raised a dark brow.
“Emsie’s chopping onions. Mr. Julian’s scraping carrots, and Lorne is peeling potatoes.” A loving smile settled on her face as she mentioned him. “He’s such a darling, Mr. Lorne is, and so obliging and helpful. There’s nobody like Lorne. The woman that gets him is going to be fortunate indeed, a woman blessed.”
Paula bit back a smile, endeavoring to keep her face straight. The whole family knew that Margaret had adored Lorne since his babyhood and he could do no wrong in her eyes. The fact that he was now a famous actor only added to his allure. Margaret was his biggest fan and spoiled him outrageously when he came home to stay. “Yes, Lorne is special,” Paula finally murmured and at last let the smile slip onto her face. She added, “But you didn’t mention Mr. Deléon. Or Linnet. Where are they?”
“Oh, Miss Linnet’s on the phone doing business as usual, I think.” Margaret beamed at Paula. “You know she’s so like Mrs. Harte, open for business twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. A right chip off the old block!”
Paula broke into laughter, then asked, “And Mr. Deléon?”
“He’s sitting in the kitchen drinking coffee and talking to Miss Tessa, and looking very worshipful, I must say.”
“And I suppose Adele is
with Elvira?”
“Oh yes, Miss Paula. They’re having tea in the nursery.” Edging away from the fireplace, Margaret thought to add, “I don’t mind helping Miss Tessa sauté the meat, you know. After all, she’s been an apt pupil of mine, very apt.”
“Indeed she has, Margaret. You’ve taught her everything she knows about cooking. Thank you for doing that. And you shouldn’t mind too much when she invades your territory.”
“I don’t, Mrs. O’Neill. And I’ll be enjoying her stew for supper, and so will Joe, since there’ll be so much left over. Anyway, it’s my recipe.” With another smug smile and a nod, the housekeeper walked out.
A moment later Paula glanced at the bedroom door as it opened and her husband, Shane, sauntered in, laughing hilariously. “What a card she is these days, darling!” Still laughing, he joined his wife by the fire. “She can sound like a tyrant at times, and then quite suddenly she’s all marshmallow. She moves from formality to casualness with such ease and in a way I’ve not seen or heard from anyone else.”
“I don’t pay too much attention, Shane,” Paula replied, smiling at him lovingly. “I never know what she’s going to call me … we all know that by now. And I don’t care. She is part of the family, and her parents worked for Grandy all of their lives. She’s like one of those devoted retainers of old, and she feels part of us, one of us. And let’s remember, she did grow up with me; in fact, she’s only about four years older than I am.”
Shane nodded his understanding, reached for the pot, and poured himself a cup of tea. “But I think she’s wrong about Winston and Emily coming to dinner. Winston didn’t say anything to me about that when we had lunch today at the Drum and Monkey.”
“Neither did Emily when we were working at Beck House. But Emily is rather besotted by Evan at the moment and, more important, with Evan’s condition … . She can’t wait for those babies to be born.”
“But they’re not going to be born tonight, are they?”
“Oh, Shane, don’t tease, you know what I mean. She loves to be around Evan right now, and let’s remember that Gideon is her favorite child.”
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