Page 37 of Tears of Gold

Jennings’ lips twitch. “That will be fine, Miss Hitchin.”

He nods his head as he leaves me in the cold drawing room. Do they not heat the rooms in this place? I never spent much time in here when I stayed over the summer. I spent most of my time in the kitchen where the atmosphere was a darn sight more welcoming. The decor is shades of green, with sage being the most dominant, offset with a flare of damson. It’s actually a good combination. Better log that in my knowledge box in case I ever need it.

I’m studying a landscape on the wall which seems to be by Paul Cezanne, telling myself it must be a copy and not an original, when the temperature in the room drops by a further few degrees and I know the wicked witch has arrived.

“It’s beautiful isn’t it?” Her voice could honestly cut glass. I glance up at the chandelier to check it’s not about to come down on my head. “He stayed as a guest here once.”

“Really? Did he play croquet with Virginia Woolf out on the lawn?”

Her lips press into a tight-lipped smile. “How can I help you, Faith?”

I don’t even allow myself to drag in a deep lungful of air because I know she will be watching. “I’m here to tell you to back off. I know you think you will make me crumble and run if you put enough pressure on me, but it’s not going to happen.” Now I can breathe. “Not now, and not ever.”

She claps her hands together. “Darling, I don’t know what you are talking about. I am merely the old grandmother living out her twilight years in the old family home.”

Really?

“Cut the crap, Connie. You know, I’ve lived through a lot, shouldered a lot of pain and I’ve got through it. Nothing you do will make me fall.”

I’ve said too much. Her smile is icy, her gaze as hard as diamonds.

“Oh, I know. That’s why I don’t need to do anything. Eventually you will stumble and then Elijah will see you for what you are.”

“And what’s that?”

“Not the person he should be with.”

“Rubbish, this is the twenty-first century; you are still living in the eighteenth.”

“I’m living in whatever time the Faircloughs need to be in, and so shall you.”

“Bollocks, and no. Just no, Connie. I’m not interested, and neither is Elijah. You will back off and let us live our lives the way we want.”

“Or?”

“Or maybe you will be losing another heir.”

Her face pales a little. “Elijah would never leave this family or his responsibilities. He understands well enough his role.”

“Maybe losing Peter has changed that.” I smirk. “Or maybe finding me has.”

She doesn’t say anything further.

“So tonight, I won’t be at the function you’ve organised. I will pick the events I attend and ones I believe are of benefit to Elijah and I. And…” This is the big one, I want this more than I want her off my back. “Please know I will be including Jeremy in all things I organise.”

Her mouth flaps open and I take her silent shock as an opportunity to give her a cheery wave and stalk out of the room.

With my back as straight as a rod, I make my way to the large door and down the steps to the MG. I don’t need to hang around and I know Bowsley will never be a place I’m welcome. Jennings is by the MG, his face lit with amusement. Was he eavesdropping?

“Come back again soon.” He opens the door for me.

“I can’t guarantee it.”

Ten

I’m sat in what I believe is called the sitting room, but what I like to call the lounge when the door opens on Friday evening. My entire body relaxes with the sound of the key in the door and the thud of Eli’s leather bag landing on the floor.

“Eight o’clock? What is this apparition I’m seeing?” I stretch out on the sofa and point my toes and wait for him to walk in.