by Croft, Pippa
We both slept better after we’d got a few things aired and when we woke up this morning, we had some amazing if rather gymnastic sex. While Alexander does his physio, I’ve decided to go for a quick jog before breakfast. Although I asked him if he wanted any help, I expected him to refuse. I’m sure the exercises will be painful and he can do without spectators.
Soon, I’m out of the door, walking down the steps and checking my watch while I crunch over the damp gravel. It rained overnight and now an early mist is burning off fast and the Falconbury estate looks like a freshly painted canvas in its spring hues. Breaking into a run, I make a beeline for the path that seems to skirt the deer park, hoping it leads in a loop back round to the house. If not, I’ll turn back, because Alexander said he’d meet me for a late breakfast in an hour.
I also need to get some work done. Despite everything, I seem to have got myself into a position where I’m going to be juggling several balls at once this coming term. My exams, college life, helping Emma and being with Alexander. Mulling it all over, I find I’ve gone further than I thought and have to power-walk the last mile before finally reaching the house again. My jogging has never developed into a habit and over the last term my main source of exercise has come from cycling around Oxford, my dance classes and, of course, sex.
As soon as I reach the porte cochère, the front door opens and Robert steps out, his face a little anxious.
‘Ah, Miss Cusack.’
‘Hi, Robert. Is everything OK?’
‘Yes. Helen thought you’d like to know we have visitors.’
My post-jog endorphins evaporate when I walk into the hallway to find Alexander with his cousin, and my arch-enemy, Rupert, his father and a petite and very well-preserved redhead who must be his mother, Letty.
Rupert and his father grunt a greeting almost in unison but Letty de Courcey steps forward, smiling warmly. ‘Lauren, hello again.’
Recognition flickers, but I’m more aware of my sweaty palms and the ragtag mess I must look after my run. I shake her hand as briefly as possible but return the smile.
‘Hello.’
‘I’m Letty. We have met before but the circumstances weren’t happy.’
‘Oh, of course,’ I say, vaguely recalling her at the funeral, although I’d hardly recognize her today in her skinny jeans and pale-blue sweater, with a pair of dark glasses pushed back on her auburn bob.
‘How was the run?’ Alexander asks, looking a little strained.
‘Good, though I’m sorry I’m late. I took an unscheduled detour.’
Rupert smirks.
‘It’s a big estate,’ says Mr de Courcey gruffly.
‘And easy to get lost in,’ Letty adds. ‘I seem to recall a search party being sent out for you, Giles, when you took Rupert for a walk years ago.’
‘I don’t remember it.’
‘My memory is better than yours and how could I forget? Rupert was still in nappies at the time and needed a complete change of clothes by the time you found your way home.’
Rupert groans. ‘Mother!’
I am struggling not to snigger and even Alexander is smiling. ‘Would you like to join us for some breakfast, Aunt Letty?’ he asks.
‘I had mine some time ago,’ says Mr de Courcey tartly.
Ignoring her husband, Letty slips her arm through Alexander’s. ‘I’d love a cup of tea, but only if you drop the “aunt”, please, Alexander. It makes me sound like I’m a hundred and one.’
He laughs. ‘Whatever you want, Aunt.’
She glares at him but soon the smile is back on her pretty face. She seems much younger than her husband, though she must be in her late forties because Rupert is a few years older than me.
‘What about you, Rupert?’
‘I’ll have a black coffee,’ he mutters.
‘I suppose I’ll have some tea too, if it’s going,’ Giles grumbles. Alexander calls to Helen, who’s been hovering on the sidelines. ‘Helen, would you mind serving breakfast now, please? And bringing some extra tea and coffee? I’m sorry we’re so late.’
‘It’s my fault,’ I say. ‘And I need to leave you again to change. I’ll be as quick as I can but please start without me.’
I scoot off, ignoring a look from Rupert that’s somewhere between loathing and lust. While I take the fastest shower ever, and pull on jeans and a top, I try to decide how to react to the de Courceys’ visit. Alexander doesn’t know yet that it was Rupert who emailed the sex clip to me last term. I still cringe even now, when I recall the images of Alexander and Valentina having kinky sex, but I don’t think telling Alexander about it now, in front of his aunt and uncle, is the best idea, even though I’d love to see Rupert’s face.
I dash downstairs, my still damp hair restrained with a clip.
Alexander and the de Courceys are sitting around the table in the breakfast room, with tea cups in front of them. The breakfast plates, however, are still on the dresser so they have waited for me. Alexander stands when I enter the room.
‘Sorry to have kept you waiting,’ I say.
Letty smiles. ‘Oh, don’t give it a thought. I bet you’re starving after your jog.’
Despite their earlier claims, Rupert and his father pile food on their plates. Like me, Letty selects a croissant from the tray.
While we’re eating, I can’t resist a dig at Rupert. ‘So how are you, Rupes? How’s your vacation going? I haven’t seen you since the Boat Race party, when we had such an interesting chat – really, so enlightening.’
‘I’ve been working,’ he says, suddenly reluctant to meet my eyes. He must wonder if I’ve already told Alexander what he did. Then again, if I had, Rupert might not have got as far as the hallway, let alone the breakfast room.
‘Rupert has a lot of catching up to do, if he’s going to get his degree,’ Letty says acidly.
Rupert almost chokes on his bacon but then mumbles, ‘Thanks, Mother.’
‘It’s true. He seems to have spent most of his time in that dreadful drinking society or else raving all night in some club.’
‘I promote club nights, Mother, I don’t rave!’
‘You know what I mean. You’ve been virtually nocturnal since you’ve been back home so I assume it’s a habit you developed at Wyckham. You see more of my son than I do, Lauren, I’m sure. You’ll have to let me know what he’s been up to.’
Alexander smiles and Letty laughs. ‘Perhaps we should go for tea some time while the boys are busy hunting.’
‘Lauren won’t want to do that and the season is almost over.’ Rupert sounds horrified at the prospect of his mother and me cosying up over a slice of cake and a cup of Earl Grey.
‘I think it sounds like a lot of fun, Mrs de Courcey,’ I say brightly.
‘Oh God, call me Letty. Mrs de Courcey makes me feel ancient!’
‘OK, Letty.’
Alexander holds up his arm. ‘I’m not allowed to ride until the medics sign me off but I’m hoping I’ll be fit by the new season, if I get any leave that is.’
Letty pats his arm. ‘Poor you. You’ve had some terrible luck this year, apart from meeting Lauren, of course.’
Rupert rolls his eyes and I cringe a little, though Alexander smiles politely.
When we’ve finished breakfast, which was far more fun that I’d expected thanks to Letty, Alexander disappears into the study with Mr de Courcey to discuss some papers relating to the probate of the estate. Rupert’s father is an executor of General Hunt’s estate but I’m not sure how much actual help he’s being.
Rupert, clearly fed up that things haven’t gone his way this morning, seizes the chance to escape and mutters something about going to make a call outside.
The door slams and Letty and I are left alone. ‘Oh dear, perhaps I overdid the teasing, I say.’
She sighs. ‘It won’t do him any harm though. He was such a lovely child but I’m not sure the company he’s been keeping at Wyckham has been entirely good for him, you and Alexander excepted, of course.’
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Letty smiles but I suspect she may be hiding her real anxieties over Rupert. It can’t be a happy thing to realize that your kids aren’t the people you’d like them to be. I feel deeply sorry for her because I don’t think even she can know quite how mean-spirited her son has turned out to be.
‘I hope you don’t mind me saying this, but you’re a very beautiful girl. I think Rupert may have a crush on you.’
‘A crush? I don’t think so! I also look a terrible mess. I’m sorry you met me when I’d just got back from a run.’
‘Rubbish. You look natural and lovely and as for Rupert, I know him better than anyone – and I can also see that Alexander is mad about you.’
My cheeks are heating up. ‘I really don’t know about that.’
‘It’s obvious to us all.’
She steers me to the window, where Rupert is striding up and down the courtyard with his mobile clamped to his ear. ‘Mmm. Have it your way, but I do know that Rupert hasn’t got a cat in hell’s chance where you’re concerned. I love my son, no matter what he gets up to, but he needs a kick up the arse for his own sake.’ She sighs again. ‘I can’t say he’ll find life hard after he leaves Oxford because he’ll just walk into the family firm, but as for relationships, I don’t want to see him badly hurt, alone or heartbroken.’
‘I can promise you that I will not be the one to break his heart.’
She smiles, but she is definitely nobody’s fool and her eyes bore into me like an interrogator’s.
‘I hope you’re not planning on doing it to my nephew.’
I laugh lightly. ‘Alexander doesn’t allow his heart to be broken.’
‘You’d be surprised. If he falls, he falls hard. Very hard.’
I stiffen. ‘If you mean Valentina, I know he was upset when they broke off their engagement.’
She blows out a sharp breath. ‘Valentina? God knows why they got engaged, or rather I do know. Valentina wanted to get her hands on this place and his title and Alexander thought he was pleasing his father – and his dead mother too, poor boy. No, I didn’t mean her, and I’m very glad it ended.
‘You’re young, Lauren, and I’m sure the world is your oyster as they say, in terms of men and careers, but behind that devil-may-care facade Alexander is a very deep and intense young man. Wound him and the hurt cuts deep.’
‘I’m sure there won’t be any wounding on my part,’ I say, wondering if it would be such a great idea to have tea with Letty, after all.
‘An honest answer. I appreciate that, but sooner or later you will be responsible for what happens. Sooner, I’m guessing, and then you will have to make a choice. I can’t tell you what that is but make sure it’s the right one.’
I’m getting uncomfortable now – I’m not ready for this. Most of Alexander’s relatives seem terrified that I might one day end up as mistress of Falconbury; now Letty seems terrified that I won’t. For once, I’m lost for words, and that takes some doing.
Letty is smiling. ‘I’ve said too much; as you’ve noticed, I always do – but I stand by my opinion of Alexander, and do meet me for coffee one day. I’d love some female company.’
‘I will,’ I say, smiling. And I do mean it, but our girly chat is cut short by the door opening and Alexander and his uncle walking into the room.
Letty collects her handbag. ‘All done? Shall we leave these people to get on with their day?’
Rupert is waiting in the hallway as we say our goodbyes and Alexander kisses Letty. ‘You’re staying then,’ Rupert mutters with a sneer.
‘Of course,’ I say with a huge grin, then Letty kisses me and sweeps her son out of the door. He still manages a glare at me before he gets in his father’s BMW, which I return with a cheery wave.
If I wasn’t sure about my decision to stay before, I am now.
CHAPTER SEVEN
‘Hi, honey, how are you?’
It’s with mixed emotions that I answer the phone to my mother a few days later. I’ve popped back to Oxford for the day to do some research in the Ashmolean, and she calls while I’m in the juice bar in the Covered Market, grabbing some lunch. It’s only breakfast time in Washington, so I know she must be keen to speak to me.
‘I’m fine, Mom.’
‘And how is Alexander?’
‘On the mend,’ I say as lightly as I can.
‘Where are you? It sounds very noisy.’
‘In a cafe in the market.’
‘In Oxford? Are you back in college?’
I touch the table for luck. ‘Only for the day to do some research. I’ve been staying with Alexander at his family’s home.’
There’s a pause. ‘His family’s home? Do they mind? Can’t they help him?’
‘Well, he lost his mother when he was young and his father died in January and he has a young sister to take care of.’
My mother’s voice has softened when she next speaks. ‘How awful for them both! Well, I’m sorry to hear that … But remember, you have your own life, Lauren; you mustn’t let yourself get sucked into other people’s tragedies. But it sounds as if you have made your mind up and you’re not going to listen to me.’ She pauses for a beat or two and I think I’m over the worst, and then her tone changes. ‘You know, this situation may turn out to be a blessing in disguise.’
I have to make a conscious effort to stop twirling my hair. ‘What do you mean?’
‘Your father desperately needs a break and London’s only a few hours away, as you kept reminding us when you took up this place to study. I’m sure England looks wonderful at this time of year and I’ve been meaning to come over again. This is the perfect excuse.’
I push my salad bowl away, my appetite gone. I could slap myself. Why, oh why, did I not foresee this would happen?
I swallow – I have to handle this right. ‘Um, that sounds a nice idea. But I’ll be very busy with revision and work so I may not have much time to spend with you, and won’t it be tricky to get flights and hotels at such short notice?’
Her voice takes on a determined tone. ‘Nonsense, Lauren. We’ll be sightseeing some of the time so we won’t get under your feet. It will do you good to take a break and I’m sure you can spare a little time to see us. Now I come to think of it, this is serendipity. Your father needs a holiday and it means we can meet Alexander. I’ll email you when I’ve booked flights.’
There is no stopping my mother in this mood so, like a gigantic wave, I let her words roll over me and carry me along. There is nothing I can do now. My parents are going to meet Alexander and know everything.
‘Lauren? Are you still there, honey? Did you hear what I said? We can’t wait to see you.’
‘You too, Mom.’
‘And Alexander, of course,’ she adds, and with a final ‘See you soon,’ the line goes dead.
‘Is there anything wrong with your meal?’
Back at Falconbury later that evening, I glance up from chasing a carrot baton around my dinner plate to find Alexander eyeing me thoughtfully from the other side of the small dining table in the sitting room.
‘I’m OK.’
‘Really? You’re very quiet and you haven’t eaten much. I’d have thought all our activities would have given you an appetite,’ he grins. ‘I know I’m ravenous.’ He pops a forkful of fish into his mouth. He’s managed to hack pieces off his fillet of sole, which was served with bite-sized forestière potatoes and sliced vegetables. Good old Helen, she obviously consulted the cook on what to serve a one-handed man to spare him the indignity of having to have his food cut up for him.
I rest my fork on my plate. ‘Sorry.’
‘Why are you sorry? If anything’s worrying you, you can tell me.’
Can I? I’m not so sure about that. ‘Well,’ I sigh, deciding to get it over with, ‘the thing is, I spoke to my mom earlier and it seems my parents are planning to visit, since I can’t get home.’
Alexander swallows, then puts his fork down.
‘I had to tell them about us.’
He regards me steadily. ‘About us?’ The remark hangs in the air between us. ‘You mean the fact that we’re shagging each other senseless.’
I smile. ‘Well, anyway, they want to come over for a visit. To check you out, I suspect.’
He reaches for the wine bottle and manages to top up my glass without spilling any. ‘You can hardly blame them. They must be disappointed you’re not going home as planned.’
‘I know, but …’
He smiles. ‘But what? I’d be delighted to meet them. In fact, why don’t you invite them to Falconbury?’
It’s only with a monumental effort that I don’t spill the wine halfway to getting it to my face. I can’t believe he seems so cool with the idea that my parents are going to meet him – and I’m even more amazed that he’s asked then to Falconbury.
Alexander is sleeping peacefully on his back with his wounded arm out of its sling and supported on a pillow by his side. I haven’t been able to sleep and now I’m lying next to him, thinking over what he said earlier.
Why don’t I ask my parents to Falconbury? I guess I have no choice now he’s issued the invitation but I can’t imagine their reaction. I’m not sure whether they’ll be impressed or horrified at the scale and grandeur of the place. They’ll certainly think things have become ‘serious’ between us and yet we’ve barely even discussed being back together.
Once again, I’ve allowed myself to be dragged back into Alexander’s life. I listen to him breathing peacefully, and see his long lashes fluttering against his cheekbones. Everything is so peaceful, so tranquil and calm. I rest my hand on his chest and feel the rhythmic rise and fall, and the glorious warmth of his body.
I turn over and sigh into my pillow. Maybe I’ll ease my parents in gently at first, arrange to meet them on neutral territory in Oxford and introduce them to Alexander there, before launching Falconbury on them. I’ll see how the land lies and if need be, maybe I can get away with them not seeing the place at all.