The Velvet Cloak of Moonlight

by Christina Courtenay

  To his credit, he didn’t. Instead, he seemed to take a deep breath and start again. ‘Yeah, fair enough. Airplane. But did your mum send you? Because she sure as hell didn’t tell me you were coming.’ He was scowling now. ‘It would’ve been nice to have some warning.’

  Shayla shrugged. ‘No, Mum didn’t send me. I came by myself.’

  ‘What, she doesn’t know?’ The girl gave a small nod and this time Josh did go nuts. ‘Jesus, Shayla, she’s going to kill me! And you. What were you thinking? And where does she think you are now?’

  ‘So many questions, Dad. It’s great to see you too.’ Shayla took a sip of a Coke that Louis must have found for her.

  The boy had been quiet up till now, but he stood up and shoved his chair in, almost matching Josh’s scowl. ‘I’m going back outside. Coming, Vincent?’

  The dog followed him out the door and Tess stared after them. What was that about? Had the girl annoyed Louis? Or perhaps he’d noticed Tess and Josh holding hands and taken offence? She hadn’t thought he’d mind if she moved on, but she could have been wrong. Giles had been his uncle after all.

  ‘Tea? Coffee?’ she asked Josh, trying to defuse the tension a little.

  ‘Coffee, please.’ He sat down opposite his daughter. ‘Okay, can we stop with the attitude and just tell me why you’re here? Then I’d better call your mum.’

  Shayla’s mouth took on a sulky pout. ‘It’s the holidays. I just wanted to spend some time with my dad. Is that so wrong? Most kids of divorced parents do.’

  ‘Cut it out, Shayla. You’ve never wanted to visit me before.’

  ‘That’s because you lived on a smelly sheep station. Who’d want to go there? But this is England, that’s way cooler. And Louis said this house is yours. Was he having me on?’

  Josh shook his head as if he couldn’t quite believe what he was hearing. ‘Yeah, it’s mine. For now. And actually, it’s in Wales, but anyway … So all I had to do to spend time with my kid was to move here? Great. Wish someone had told me that a long time ago.’

  ‘Hah! You just didn’t want to be bothered with me.’ Shayla crossed her arms, pushing her breasts up perilously high. Again, Josh didn’t comment, although Tess would bet good money he was biting his tongue. But maybe he was used to Shayla’s fashion sense, or lack of it.

  ‘Is that what your mother told you?’ He copied her and crossed his own arms over his chest. ‘Because if so, it’s a big fat lie. I asked to be allowed to have you for visits, at least once a month and for longer during holidays. Your mum got the court to give her sole custody and decided not to allow me access because I wasn’t paying her enough maintenance. Her words. So don’t give me that crap.’

  Shayla opened her mouth and closed it again, as if she didn’t know what to say. Tess almost smiled. That was obviously a first.

  ‘Here’s your coffee, Josh.’ She put a mug in front of him and looked at Shayla. ‘Hi, I’m Tess. Are you okay with that Coke or can I get you something else? If not, I’m going upstairs for a bit.’

  ‘Nah, I’m fine. Thanks.’ Shayla added the last word almost reluctantly but Tess pretended not to notice.

  Josh glanced at her, his eyes sending her a message – apology for Shayla’s intrusion and behaviour, intense frustration that their afternoon had been cut short, but she also thought she glimpsed a promise that he’d get back to her, to what they’d been contemplating, as soon as he could. She nodded at him. This wasn’t his fault, but right now, he needed to be alone with his daughter.

  ‘So, welcome to Wales then. Although you weren’t far off as we’re just across the border from England.’ Josh pushed his fingers through his hair and tried to think rationally. Shayla, here? Who’d have thought?

  When he and Tess had arrived back, he’d been fizzing with anticipation, sure the afternoon was going to end exactly like he’d been hoping. They’d been holding hands for much of the way, making it difficult to change gears, but that only made them laugh. The desire had been simmering, an electric current between them, just waiting to erupt again.

  Damn it, why had Shayla chosen today of all days to arrive?

  But she couldn’t have known, of course, and it wasn’t fair to blame her for her bad timing. He sensed there was more to her arrival than she was letting on, but decided to take things one step at a time.

  ‘Are you going to send me back?’ Shayla had found her voice again, and the attitude. She reminded him so much of himself at that age. Cocky on the outside, hurting on the inside. Was that his fault? He wasn’t sure, but Isla had made it very difficult for him to have any kind of relationship with his daughter.

  ‘That depends.’

  ‘’Cause if you do, you’ll have to pay for the ticket. Mine was a one way.’

  ‘How did you even buy it? You have that kind of money?’ She was sixteen. Did they allow sixteen-year-olds to travel by themselves?

  ‘No, I used Mum’s credit card. I’ll pay her back. Eventually. Or maybe you can?’

  ‘Jesus.’ Isla really was going to kill him. ‘You do realise your mum is going to blame this on me? What did you do, leave her a note to say I wanted you to come live with me?’ He wouldn’t put it past her. She was obviously a shit-stirrer. He’d noticed she had already pissed Louis off, which wasn’t an easy thing to do as the kid was so laid-back.

  ‘No, I just said I was visiting.’ Shayla bit her lip. ‘Actually, I told her I had a right to see my dad occasionally because I’d heard her telling her best friend that she’d put a stop to your visits.’

  ‘Ah, so you knew it wasn’t my fault? Well, thanks for trying to make me feel bad then.’

  ‘I just wanted to test you, see if it was true. I guess it is, since you said the same thing.’

  Josh sighed. ‘Yeah, well, I think your mum thought it was better for you not to see me. It’s not like I know anything about teenage girls.’ He glanced at her outfit. Christ almighty. He was way out of his depth here as he’d never done much parenting. But she probably wanted him to comment, so he wouldn’t.

  Shayla took another sip of Coke. ‘So can I stay? I mean, I’m here anyway …’

  ‘I suppose, but you’ll have to square it with your mum or she’ll be on a plane over here faster than a missile. If she’s not already on her way. And I won’t have her shouting at me again, not even for you.’

  Shayla smiled at that. ‘You’re scared of Mum?’

  ‘No, I just don’t like being told off for something I haven’t done. So will you call her? You can use my phone if you like.’ He fished his mobile out of his pocket and held it out to her. An olive branch of sorts.

  After a slight hesitation, she took it. ‘Okay. How long can I stay? Just so I know what to tell her.’

  ‘I don’t know. When does school start again?’

  Shayla wouldn’t meet his eye and fiddled with her Coke can. ‘I’m not going back. It’s so boring and I don’t want to study any more.’

  Josh took a deep breath and counted to ten in his mind. ‘Okay, let’s save that discussion for another day. Just call her and say you’ll be here for a couple of weeks to start with. Then we’ll see.’

  Shayla smiled and she was actually very pretty under all the make-up she’d plastered on herself. She stood up. ‘I’m going outside, so you won’t have to hear the shouting.’

  He grinned back, relaxing a little at last. ‘Deal. Actually, you’ll have to climb to the top of the hill behind the house. That’s the only place around here you can get reception. Sorry, I keep forgetting.’

  ‘Hah, you’re just trying to make me go even further. Mum’s voice isn’t that loud you know.’

  He shook his head after her retreating back. So she had a sense of humour. Good. Perhaps he’d survive a couple of weeks with her. He had to admit it would be wonderful to finally get to know her a bit better. But it would sure as hell put a dampener on his budding relationship with Tess.

  Shit.

  

  Raglan Castle, 4th July 1646

/>   ‘Are you well, my dear? You look a little pale, but then I expect we all do.’ Lady Margaret leaned back on her bed where she was resting during the worst of the afternoon heat.

  Arabella had been sitting next to her, doing some sewing while dwelling on her encounter with Glyn. Despite having the courage to stand up to him, she’d been left feeling scared and anxious. Could he hurt Rhys? He was devious enough to try.

  ‘Arabella?’

  She looked up to see the concerned expression on her ladyship’s face and was touched that there was someone here who really cared what became of her.

  ‘It’s no wonder if we’re all a bit frayed, is it, my lady? This siege seems never-ending, but then I’m not sure what we expected.’ Arabella suppressed a sigh. She couldn’t tell her ladyship the real reason she was looking peaky. Rhys continued to ride out with the others and even without Glyn’s threats, the constant anxiety about his well-being was wearing Arabella down. Not to mention the fears for her own safety.

  A loud crash made them both jump, but neither commented on the fact that it had sounded a bit too close for comfort.

  ‘Yes, this situation is affecting us all, to be sure, but I couldn’t help noticing that you’ve not been your usual self these past few days. Is there something on your mind? Or should I say, someone?’ Lady Margaret smiled gently as if to show that she didn’t mean to pry.

  Arabella shook her head, but smiled inwardly. She should have known she couldn’t fool her ladyship. ‘Well … there is someone I am a bit worried about but I’m sure he can take care of himself. And all of our fates are in God’s hands. We can but pray and hope for the best.’

  ‘Aha, I knew it!’ Lady Margaret’s smile widened. ‘I’ve never known you to be distracted before. Quiet, certainly, but always efficient and capable, but lately it’s been as though you were here in body, but not in spirit.’

  ‘Oh dear, have I been that transparent? I do beg your pardon!’ Arabella was aghast to hear this. She’d thought she had hidden her preoccupation well, but obviously not.

  Lady Margaret held up a hand. ‘No, don’t fret. I’m sure I’m the only one who’s noticed and that’s because I know you so well. Everyone else will have been too concerned with their own worries. But, please, won’t you tell me who it is that has captured your heart?’

  ‘I’d rather not say for the moment, my lady, as I don’t know if anything will come of it. What with the siege and the men fighting every day …’

  ‘Very well, it shall be your secret for now, but I want you to promise to come to me if you want help in any way.’

  ‘Thank you, my lady, I will.’

  ‘Good, that’s settled then. Now please, will you read to me for a bit? Perhaps then I’ll fall asleep.’

  Not very likely, Arabella thought, as another loud bang was heard and the windowpanes rattled. But perhaps her ladyship had the right idea and sleeping through the siege would be the best thing? Then at least it would be over quickly.

  Merrick Court, 4th July 2016

  Tess hadn’t gone upstairs, but into the library. She’d sat down in one of the comfy armchairs that flanked the fireplace and sipped at the cup of tea she’d made herself at the same time as Josh’s coffee. The beverage was too hot so she blew on it and stirred it with the spoon. The milky liquid swirled into a tiny vortex and she became mesmerised by the perfect pattern …

  ‘Tess?’

  She was brought back to the present by someone calling her name and swore quietly. Those damned spirits had been about to get into her head again. Couldn’t she even drink tea now without this happening? It was too much.

  ‘In the library,’ she called, taking a deep breath.

  Josh poked his head round the door. ‘Ah, there you are. Sorry to disturb, but I have a favour to ask.’

  Tess could guess what it was so she nodded. ‘You want a room for Shayla? No problem. I think the one Emilia uses is made up already. I’ll go and check.’

  ‘Cheers, that would be great. We’ll be in the kitchen.’

  He disappeared and Tess rubbed her eyes to try to kick-start her brain. It was ridiculous, him having to ask for his daughter to stay in his own house. It really was time Tess did something about moving out. She’d told Josh end of July, but it would be much better if she left sooner. He didn’t seem in any hurry to sell the house now so she wasn’t needed to show prospective purchasers around. No, she should go. She needed a plan.

  Houses were cheap in this part of the country so she’d considered renting a cottage and continuing with her furniture business. With a degree in graphic design, she could try to find freelance work as well. She’d have to start checking for jobs online. If she could work part-time and keep going with her own business for the rest, maybe she’d make ends meet? It wasn’t like she had an expensive lifestyle.

  And she’d like to stay in this area. At least for as long as Josh does. But what did he want?

  One thing was clear, if she didn’t stick around, their budding relationship would never even get off the ground and she very much wanted to see if it could lead somewhere, even though she was afraid of making another mistake. Josh was so different to Giles. Chalk and cheese. Giles had been temperamental, always on edge, while Josh was totally laid-back and much harder to read. What if all he wanted was a short-term fling? It wouldn’t be Tess’s preference, but maybe it would be worth it?

  She smiled to herself. He’d certainly wanted her today at the castle even though he’d been gentleman enough to insist it should be her decision how far they went. Her insides melted just thinking about what being in his arms had felt like. She’d wanted him too, definitely. And was that so bad? They were consenting adults with no strings.

  Things had definitely moved a little too fast though so it was probably a good thing that Shayla had arrived, giving Tess time to think it over a bit more. If Josh was serious about wanting her, surely he wouldn’t mind waiting for a while longer. He had said it was up to her.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Merrick Court, 5th July 2016

  The following morning Tess was teaching Louis how to scramble eggs to perfection. Bryn’s hens had started to lay several a day so they were eating a lot of egg dishes. While Louis did his best to follow her instructions, they chatted. He seemed to have reverted to his normal, sunny self and Tess didn’t know whether to bring up his bad mood of the day before. In the end, as Shayla was still asleep, she decided she had to tackle it.

  ‘So, uhm, Josh and I had a good time at Raglan Castle,’ she began, wondering if he’d take the hint. He did and grinned at her.

  ‘Yeah, I noticed. You were kind of shining when you came through the door.’

  ‘You don’t mind? I mean, if I … if we should happen to …’

  Louis shook his head, while scraping the now cooked eggs onto two plates. ‘No, why would I? It’s nice to see you happy.’ His expression clouded over and he added in a near whisper, ‘Although that little bitch sure killed the mood, didn’t she?’

  Tess added already cooked bacon to the plates and carried them over to the table. ‘Yes, but that was just bad timing. Not her fault.’

  ‘Huh.’ Louis just grunted and started shovelling food into his mouth.

  ‘What happened when she arrived? You seemed a bit … cross? Did she interrupt you and Bryn in the middle of something?’

  ‘No, it wasn’t that.’

  Tess frowned, seriously curious now. ‘What then?’

  Louis put down his fork and sighed. ‘I shouldn’t tell you really, because I like Josh and it’s not his fault he has a bitch for a daughter, but … promise you won’t mention it to him?’

  ‘No, of course not.’

  ‘Okay, well, she walked in here and started mouthing off right from the word go. She went on about what a bastard her dad was, how she hated rich people like us who live in huge houses, how English transport sucked, how school sucked … I mean, jeez! I tried to be friendly, but I didn’t get a word in edgewise. And then she to
ld me I’m dressed like a nerd.’ He indicated his clothing, normal torn jeans and a faded T-shirt. ‘What the hell is wrong with this? Just coz I’m not wearing the latest fashion like her.’ He huffed.

  Tess felt her eyes widen. ‘Wow! She did seem to have a bit of an attitude. I’m sorry you had to look after her for a bit.’

  Louis shrugged. ‘Not your fault. I just feel sorry for Josh.’

  ‘I’m sure he can deal with it. For what it’s worth, I think it was all a front and her mission in life is to provoke and grab attention any way she can. If you got to know her, she might not be so bad underneath all that bravado.’

  Somewhere behind the attitude had been a scared and sad little girl, Tess was sure. One who wanted attention at any cost. She was obviously going the wrong way about it though.

  Louis looked thoughtful and nibbled on a piece of toast. ‘Yeah, maybe you’re right. I’ll give it a try, for Josh’s sake. And yours.’ He sent her a teasing glance. ‘Maybe she’ll be your stepdaughter. Then you’ll have to deal with her.’

  ‘Whoa, not so fast! Josh and I were just holding hands.’ Although they’d been thinking of doing a lot more than that, but that wasn’t something she wanted to share with Louis right now.

  ‘Mm-hmm.’ He grinned. ‘Well, I’m going outside. You coming?’

  ‘In a minute. I’m just going to put some breakfast in the warming oven for Shayla. See you later.’

  Josh grabbed Tess the instant she walked through the door to her workshop and pulled her hard up against him. She gasped with surprise, but he cut the sound off with a searing kiss. He’d spent a damned uncomfortable night thinking of nothing else but kissing her again. Now he made a thorough job of it, behind the door to make sure they weren’t seen. She seemed a bit hesitant at first, but soon melted into his arms as if she couldn’t resist. Good.