Read Online Hidden (Marchwood Vampire Series #1) by Shalini Boland - Free Book Online Page A

of all this cold-shoulder nonsense. But she had
taken against him for some unknown reason, so he should probably
forget any thoughts he might once have entertained.
    Maybe it was all a question of balance. His life had become
more exciting and interesting, but his charms had fallen by the
wayside. Well alright, he would take the adventure for now and try
to work on his relationships. Or maybe he could try a little
reverse psychology and ignore both his sister and Leonora. At least this would
spare him the constant humiliation of being snubbed. Yes – he would
concentrate all his efforts and attention on the trip and ignore
these temperamental women.
     
    *
     
    There was an
excited buzz aboard the Mistral. They would reach their destination
today and everyone was out on deck trying to be the first to spot
land.
    Out of
nothing, a haze of coastline gradually shaped itself into a blurred
outline, taking on more definition to finally appear solidly in
front of them like an astonishing magic trick.
    Alexandre felt
his heart rate speed up as they steamed purposefully forward on the
undulating blue Aegean Sea and up the Gulf of Smyrna. As the ship
drew closer to port, he enjoyed the un-European sight of red tiled
chimneyless roofs and painted balconies, interspersed with the
smooth domes and white minarets of a multitude of mosques. Fruit
trees and tall cypresses grew everywhere, and behind the city, on
top of a craggy mountain, stood the dark walls of a dilapidated
ancient fortress.
    ‘ Well, children,’ Papa announced. ‘At last we are in Turkey.
Let us try to enjoy every minute.’
    ‘ Papa,’ Jacques said. ‘May we ride on a camel to get to our
hotel?’
    ‘ I shouldn’t think so,’ Isobel replied.
    ‘ Do not worry, Jacques, the camels will still be here
tomorrow,’ Papa replied. ‘We will all need a good rest tonight
before we undertake the next part of the journey.’
    Alexandre
imagined the exotic sights and sounds he would soon be
experiencing. He could not wait to soak up the foreign atmosphere.
To start living his dreams.

Chapter
Five
    *
     
    Mr Vasey-Smith
continued talking. ‘I’m afraid the terms of the will are very
clear, if you do not actually reside in the property, you will not
receive a penny of the inheritance. It will remain in trust,
however, for another four years, in case you change your mind,
after which time it will pass to the next beneficiary, your
brother, Ben, when he reaches sixteen years of age.’
    ‘ Well it looks like we’re moving to Gloucestershire, Maddy,’
Trevor interrupted. He turned to Mr Vasey-Smith. ‘What’s this house
like? Is it big? Is it in a nice place?’
    Mr Vasey-Smith
ignored him. ‘Madison, the decision rests with you and I understand
it is a lot to take in. Perhaps you would like time to think about
it? Here are the details of the property we have put together for
you to look at today.’ He handed her a glossy-looking brochure,
which she took without looking at. ‘Would you care to sit in our
private lounge and examine it at your leisure? As you will see, the
property has continued to be well cared for and maintained during
the last century.
    ‘ Mr and Mrs Johnson, Ben, I have arranged for a car to take
you to lunch in Covent Garden followed by a top West End show of
your choice. Perhaps we should give Madison some space to reflect.
We can meet back here at 6pm.’ He put an envelope in Trevor’s
hand.
    Trevor looked
at the contents - some theatre tickets and a thick wad of crisp
twenty pound notes.
    Mr Vasey-Smith
continued, ‘Madison, is this agreeable with you?’
    Maddy’s mind whirled and span. She would appreciate some time to
herself, where no one was talking to her or telling her what to
do.
    ‘ Yeah … Some space.’
    ‘ Fine. Mr Johnson?’ Mr Vasey-Smith rose from his chair and
indicated for him to do the same. Trevor didn’t speak. He just
waved the envelope in front of Angie’s eyes so she could glimpse
the cash inside.
    ‘ Oh, a