‘Have you read this one yet?’ asked Rose, shunting it across the kitchen table.
‘No, but keep it for a day or two, I might get round to it.’ Daisy yawned and stretched. ‘Or light the stove with it, if you prefer.’
‘Daisy,’ Rose said earnestly, ‘if you want to do a season anywhere, we could easily manage. The twins are getting older and bigger, they do lots of jobs around the place.’
‘You still need me, Mum. I don’t want to be anywhere else. This is where I belong.’
‘You belong here anyway, wherever you go, whatever you want to do.’ Rose looked at Daisy, her grey eyes dark and serious. ‘Sweetheart, don’t bury yourself alive in Dorset if being a farmer’s wife is not for you.’
‘I need to get the cows in.’
‘Actually, talking about the cows – Alex has been advertising for a cowman in the local press. We’ve a Mr Tasker coming round at eight tomorrow morning. If this man suits, Alex will take him on full time. You and the twins won’t need to work so hard.’
‘Mum, you’ve got to get the road repaired or even build a new one. You can’t afford a cowman.’
‘Actually, I think – I hope – we can,’ said Rose. ‘Alex had a letter from his broker recently. It seems that some investments in America are making a decent profit nowadays.’
‘Oh?’ said Daisy.
‘Yes, Alex seems quite hopeful.’
‘So you’ll have some money?’
‘I think so, yes – and although when we’ve rebuilt the road we won’t be rich, we should be better off.’
‘Oh, Mum, I’d like you to be rich!’
‘I had enough of being rich when I was younger. Nowadays, if I have enough, I’m happy – and it looks as if we’re going to have enough at last.’
‘What about the house, will you rebuild it?’
‘Maybe we won’t have quite enough for that,’ said Rose, ‘But I’ve got used to living here, we’ve made the cottage very cosy, and does a family of five need a house with twenty bedrooms, anyway?’
‘You still need me here,’ said Daisy, pushing her feet into her Wellingtons. ‘You and Dad aren’t getting any younger, and you shouldn’t have to work so hard. I think I should stay.’
‘What are you running away from, Daisy?’
‘I’m not running away from anything.’
Ewan opened the letter postmarked Dorset and read it quickly, frowning. He was surprised she’d written. If he’d had to make a list of people most unlikely ever to write to him, she would have definitely been on it.
He wondered what to do. Plymouth wasn’t far from Charton, or not as far as Glasgow, anyway.
Give it a couple of days, he thought, as his head said keep away, and his heart said go.
So should he listen to his heart?
Daisy was walking home along the cliff path when she saw someone coming from the opposite direction.
A tourist, she supposed. But he wasn’t doing any harm, so she didn’t need to tell him this was private land. As the man drew nearer, she realised she knew him.
‘Hello, Daisy,’ Ewan said.
‘Hello, Ewan.’ Daisy’s heart began to hammer hard against her rib cage. She felt her colour rise. ‘What are you doing here – visiting your relations?’
‘No, I’m banned from Easton Hall for life. Your mother said that if I walked this way, I’d very likely meet you.’
‘You’ve been to see my mother?’
‘Yes,’ said Ewan. ‘She said you’ve been upsetting Cousin Mike.’
‘Then that makes two of us.’ Daisy looked at Ewan, and hoped she didn’t look or sound as flustered as she felt. She thought, I’d better get this over. ‘One of the people from the company in Leeds wrote and told me Sadie was going to have a baby,’ she said quickly, looking at her feet. ‘So, Ewan, are you married?’
‘What would you say if I said yes?’
‘I’d say congratulations, I wish you every happiness, and what would you like first, a boy or girl?’
‘Sadie’s had the baby, and last week she married Mungo.’
‘What?’ Daisy’s head jerked up, and she stared at Ewan in astonishment.
‘Yes, I was quite surprised.’ Ewan shook his head. ‘At first, of course, she wouldn’t even think about it. She didn’t need a husband, she kept saying. The baby would be hers and hers alone. She’d take it with her everywhere. It could sleep in its basket while she was on stage, and in the intervals she’d play with it. She could earn her living, and she could support them both.’
‘Oh,’ said Daisy, and wondered what was coming next.
‘But when it was born, the poor wee thing had Mungo’s nose and Mungo’s eyes and Mungo’s widow’s peak, and he was so excited that he more or less wheeled her in a barrow to the registrar’s office in Dundee, and made her sign her spinsterhood away.’
Daisy thought, now I’ve heard everything. ‘Where do they live now?’ she managed to choke out, ‘with Sadie’s parents?’
‘No, they’re with Mungo’s people, in the very best part of Dundee. Although our comrade Mungo led us to believe he was a worker and a worker’s son, it seems he comes from solid bourgeois stock. Mr Campbell is an orthopaedic surgeon with a thriving private practice. Mungo is going to be an architect. He was only playing at being an actor and a Communist, after all.’
‘But Sadie – is she happy?’
‘I believe so.’
‘Poor Ewan, you don’t have much luck with women.’
‘Oh, I don’t know,’ said Ewan. ‘I think I’ve had some lucky escapes, don’t you?’
‘I don’t know how to answer that.’
‘Then maybe don’t say anything.’ Ewan leaned towards her, head tilted to one side. ‘What’s that around your neck?’
‘You know,’ said Daisy. ‘Do you want it back?’
‘Well, that depends,’ said Ewan, and he grinned. ‘It seems we’re going to be married. So it would be common property, in any case. Your mother explained about your meeting with Sir Michael.’
‘I was just bluffing.’ Daisy reddened. ‘You don’t need to worry. Did she also tell you he and I – well, we’re related?’
‘Yes, she did, but I only have to look at you to know what he’s apparently been denying all your life.’
‘So we’re family.’
‘Yes, but the connection’s very distant. My father was a second cousin of Sir Michael’s mother, if you can work that out.’
‘Where are you working now?’ asked Daisy.
‘In Plymouth, I’m in Pygmalion, playing Freddy. But then we’re doing Shakespeare for a month, and I’ll be Romeo.’
‘I see – and playing him as if he comes from Surrey?’
‘We haven’t yet cast Juliet.’ Ewan touched the golden chain, and then he wound it round his index finger. He pulled Daisy close to him, so she was looking up into his eyes. ‘Mrs Denham says you’re longing to go back to the theatre.’
‘I never told her anything of the sort,’ said Daisy, as she met his gaze.
‘But mothers know these things,’ said Ewan, softly. ‘Or some mothers do, at any rate. She showed me your album.’
‘She shouldn’t have done that!’ Daisy thought, is nothing private in this family?
‘Maybe not, but I’m so glad she did. It gave me courage.’ Ewan smiled. ‘You’ve been pasting in my cuttings, too.’
‘So what if I have?’
‘I think it means that you still care for me.’
‘Does it?’
‘Do you?’
‘I – ’
‘Daisy, don’t torment me, is it yes or no?’
‘Yes,’ said Daisy, knowing she must own up. It wasn’t fair to tease him. ‘I must admit I do.’
�
��Then we understand each other, don’t we?’ Ewan let the chain fall and bent to kiss her on the lips.
‘Your little brothers are growing up,’ he added, several minutes later. ‘Plymouth isn’t so far from Charton. If there was something wrong at home, it’s just a couple hours away by train. Daisy, will you come and read for Juliet?’
Daisy looked at him, at this lovely, handsome man who was asking her to read for Juliet, and knew she’d be insane to tell him no.
But did she have that hunger, that kernel of ambition? She suddenly realised, yes – of course she did, she’d always had it, though she hadn’t had the confidence to admit it to herself. Now, Ewan had cracked open that obstinate hard shell.
‘Daisy?’ he repeated, and his gaze was on her face, and his green eyes were shining.
‘Yes,’ she said. ‘Of course I will. I’d love to read for Juliet.’
‘That’s wonderful,’ said Ewan, and his smile made her heart start singing. ‘We’d better get in some practice right away,’ he added, kissing her again.
‘You kept it,’ he said, minutes or hours later – Daisy didn’t know and didn’t care.
‘Did you think I’d lose it?’
‘I wouldn’t have blamed you if you’d sold it. You must have had some difficult times in London.’
‘Ewan, I would never have sold your chain. It means too much to me.’ Daisy didn’t want to let him go. ‘Will you come back to the cottage and have some supper? Mum won’t mind, she always cooks too much.’
‘Actually,’ said Ewan as he took her hand, ‘I might as well confess. Mrs Denham saw my name in a review, in the West Country Herald. She wrote to say that when I had a rest day, I’d be very welcome to come over here for supper. So she’s already invited me.’
About the Author
Margaret James was born and brought up in Hereford. She studied English at London University, and has written many short stories, articles and serials for magazines. She is the author of fourteen published novels.
Margaret is a long-standing contributor to Writing Magazine for which she writes the Fiction Focus column and an author interview for each issue. She’s also a creative writing tutor for the London School of Journalism.
An active member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, she contributed to the 50th anniversary anthology Loves Me, Loves Me Not. Margaret’s short story is The Service of My Lady.
For more information on Margaret visit:
www.margaretjames.com
www.twitter.com/majanovelist
More Choc Lit
From Margaret James
First novel in the trilogy
If life is cheap, how much is love worth?
It’s 1914 and young Rose Courtenay has a decision to make. Please her wealthy parents by marrying the man of their choice – or play her part in the war effort?
The chance to escape proves irresistible and Rose becomes a nurse. Working in France, she meets Lieutenant Alex Denham, a dark figure from her past. He’s the last man in the world she’d get involved with – especially now he’s married.
But in wartime nothing is as it seems. Alex’s marriage is a sham and Rose is the only woman he’s ever wanted. As he recovers from his wounds, he sets out to win her trust. His gift of a silver locket is a far cry from the luxuries she’s left behind.
What value will she put on his love?
ISBN: 978-1-906931-28-5
Why not try something else from the Choc Lit selection?
New home, new friends, new love.
Can starting over be that simple?
Tess Riddell reckons her beloved Freelander is more reliable than any man – especially her ex-fiancé, Olly Gray. She’s moving on from her old life and into the perfect cottage in the country.
Miles Rattenbury’s passions? Old cars and new women! Romance? He’s into fun rather than commitment. When Tess crashes the Freelander into his breakdown truck, they find that they’re nearly neighbours – yet worlds apart. Despite her overprotective parents and a suddenly attentive Olly, she discovers the joys of village life and even forms an unlikely friendship with Miles. Then, just as their relationship develops into something deeper, an old flame comes looking for him....
Is their love strong enough to overcome the past? Or will it take more than either of them is prepared to give?
ISBN: 978-1-906931-22-3
Revenge and love: it’s a thin line …
The writing’s on the wall for Cleo and Gav. The bedroom wall, to be precise. And it says ‘This marriage is over.’
Wounded and furious, Cleo embarks on a night out with the girls, which turns into a glorious one-night stand with …
Justin, centrefold material and irrepressibly irresponsible. He loves a little wildness in a woman – and he’s in the right place at the right time to enjoy Cleo’s.
But it’s Cleo who has to pick up the pieces – of a marriage based on a lie and the lasting repercussions of that night. Torn between laid-back Justin and control freak Gav, she’s a free spirit that life is trying to tie down. But the rewards are worth it!
ISBN: 978-1-906931-24-7
All’s fair in love and war?
Depends on who’s making the rules.
Harry Watling has spent the past five years keeping her father’s boat yard afloat, despite its dying clientele. Now all she wants to do is enjoy the peace and quiet of her sleepy backwater.
So when property developer Matthew Corrigan wants to turn the boat yard into an upmarket housing complex for his exotic new restaurant, it’s like declaring war.
And the odds seem to be stacked in Matthew’s favour. He’s got the colourful locals on board, his hard-to-please girlfriend is warming to the idea and he has the means to force Harry’s hand. Meanwhile, Harry has to fight not just his plans but also her feelings for the man himself.
Then a family secret from the past creates heartbreak for Harry, and neither of them is prepared for what happens next ….
ISBN: 978-1-906931-25-4
A modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma.
Mark Knightley – handsome, clever, rich – is used to women falling at his feet. Except Emma Woodhouse, who’s like part of the family – and the furniture. When their relationship changes dramatically, is it an ending or a new beginning?
Emma’s grown into a stunningly attractive young woman, full of ideas for modernising her family business.
Then Mark gets involved and the sparks begin to fly. It’s just like the old days, except that now he’s seeing her through totally new eyes.
While Mark struggles to keep his feelings in check, Emma remains immune to the Knightley charm. She’s never forgotten that embarrassing moment when he discovered her teenage crush on him. He’s still pouring scorn on all her projects, especially her beautifully orchestrated campaign to find Mr Right for her ditzy PA. And finally, when the mysterious Flynn Churchill – the man of her dreams – turns up, how could she have eyes for anyone else?
The Importance of Being Emma was shortlisted for the 2009 Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance.
ISBN: 978-1-906931-20-9
Marriage of convenience – or a love for life?
It’s 1732 in Gothenburg, Sweden, and strong-willed Jess van Sandt knows only too well that it’s a man’s world. She believes she’s being swindled out of her inheritance by her stepfather – and she’s determined to stop it.
When help appears in the unlikely form of handsome Scotsman Killian Kinross, himself disinherited by his grandfather, Jess finds herself both intrigued and infuriated by him. In an attempt to recover her fortune, she proposes a marriage of convenience. Then Killian is offered the chance of a lifetime with the Swedish East India Company’s Expedition and he’s determined that nothing will stand in his way, not even his new bride.
He sets sail on a daring voyage to the Far East, believing he’s put his feelings and past behind him. But the journey doesn’t quite work out as he expects ….
ISBN: 978-1-906931-23-0
Money, love and family. Which matters most?
When Diane Jenner’s husband is hurt in a helicopter crash, she discovers a secret that changes her life. And it’s all about money, the kind of money the Jenners have never had.
James North has money, and he knows it doesn’t buy happiness. He’s been a rock for his wayward wife and troubled daughter – but that doesn’t stop him wanting Diane.
James and Diane have something in common: they always put family first. Which means that what happens in the back of James’s Mercedes is a really, really bad idea.
Or is it?
ISBN: 978-1-906931-26-1
How much can you hide?
Jemima Hutton is determined to build a successful new life and keep her past a dark secret. Trouble is, her jewellery business looks set to fail – until enigmatic Ben Davies offers to stock her handmade belt buckles in his guitar shop and things start looking up, on all fronts.
But Ben has secrets too. When Jemima finds out he used to be the front man of hugely successful Indie rock band Willow Down, she wants to know more. Why did he desert the band on their US tour? Why is he now a semi-recluse?
And the curiosity is mutual – which means that her own secret is no longer safe ...
ISBN: 978-1-906931-27-8
Abducted by a Samurai warlord in 17th-century Japan – what happens when fear turns to love?
England, 1611, and young Hannah Marston envies her brother’s adventurous life. But when she stows away on his merchant ship, her powers of endurance are stretched to their limit. Then they reach Japan and all her suffering seems worthwhile – until she is abducted by Taro Kumashiro’s warriors.
In the far north of the country, warlord Kumashiro is waiting to see the girl who he has been warned about by a seer. When at last they meet, it’s a clash of cultures and wills, but they’re also fighting an instant attraction to each other.
The Golden Chain Page 27