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Authors: Christina Courtenay
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miserable. And now we can’t find a new flat, so you’re flapping about that. Maybe in the country you’d be happy.’
Melissa bit her lip. She hadn’t realised how much her unhappiness had affected Jolie or how perceptive her daughter could be.
The truth was that her inexplicable reactions to the house had unsettled her more than she cared to admit. And because she was at such a low ebb, she was apprehensive about leaving London and all that was familiar. She had never been one to take chances, but the temptation to just pack up and leave was great. Ashleigh Manor occupied her thoughts constantly and it was almost as if the house was calling to her, urging her to return. And yet at the same time, something about it set off warning bells in her mind …
Could a house be in your blood? In your DNA? No, that’s ridiculous.
She thought for a moment, then forced herself to come to a decision. ‘All right, I’ll tell you what – how about a compromise?’
‘What kind?’
‘I think you’re right, we should try living in the country for a while. What if we agree to stay with Dorothy for a few weeks while we look around for a place of our own in the same area?’ Melissa suggested. ‘That way, we could be near her so she’s not lonely, but without intruding on her space. Renting a little cottage or something should be much cheaper in Kent and if there’s a garden, you can have your puppy. How does that sound?’ Even as she made the suggestion, Melissa was worrying that it wouldn’t work out, but she felt she was desperate enough to at least try.
‘Okay, I guess.’ Jolie didn’t sound totally convinced. ‘You promise I can have a dog?’
Melissa smiled and pulled her daughter close for a hug. ‘Yes, sweetie, as soon as we know we want to stay there for good. I promise.’
Sibell smiled to herself as she made her way towards the stables at Idenhurst. Maude was right, of course – the simple act of agreeing to the marriage contract would probably free her from incarceration. At least to the extent that she would be allowed to visit her former mother-in-law and thus be able to make further plans. I’ll thwart Father’s schemes yet, see if I don’t …
It was dark inside the stables and she stood still for a few moments while her nose adjusted to the smell of horse. When she could breathe easily again, Sibell put out a hand to feel her way along the wall. Maude had insisted that she borrow a mount for her journey home and she was just about to call out for the grooms when she heard the sound of low voices. She hurried towards them, then stopped when she realised the people talking weren’t grooms. There was something furtive about the conversation. On silent feet, she crept closer, crouching down to remain hidden from view.
‘You have need of my services, my lord?’ The whisper was barely loud enough to be heard.
‘Indeed I do.’
Sibell peered over the top of the dividing wall and saw Sir Gilbert standing next to a burly, thick-set man she vaguely recognised from her time at Idenhurst. Sir Gilbert motioned the man closer and Sibell tried to blend into the dark shadows around her.
‘Walter, I need your help. It’s a delicate matter and, as usual, I trust you to keep it to yourself.’
‘Naturally, my lord. What would you have me do?’
‘Did you happen to notice the young knight who arrived here this morning? Tall, fair and with a squire in tow.’
The servant permitted himself a lop-sided grin. ‘If you’ll pardon my saying so, he’s a mite hard to miss, that one. If he stays, he’ll cause a riot among the womenfolk, he will.’
‘Aye, so I thought.’ Sir Gilbert stroked his chin. ‘It should make your task easier. He says his name is Sir Roger and claims to be from a place called Langford.’ His tongue stumbled over the name and he paused for a moment, only continuing after he had cleared his throat. ‘I believe it’s situated north of London, not far from Letchworth,
Melissa bit her lip. She hadn’t realised how much her unhappiness had affected Jolie or how perceptive her daughter could be.
The truth was that her inexplicable reactions to the house had unsettled her more than she cared to admit. And because she was at such a low ebb, she was apprehensive about leaving London and all that was familiar. She had never been one to take chances, but the temptation to just pack up and leave was great. Ashleigh Manor occupied her thoughts constantly and it was almost as if the house was calling to her, urging her to return. And yet at the same time, something about it set off warning bells in her mind …
Could a house be in your blood? In your DNA? No, that’s ridiculous.
She thought for a moment, then forced herself to come to a decision. ‘All right, I’ll tell you what – how about a compromise?’
‘What kind?’
‘I think you’re right, we should try living in the country for a while. What if we agree to stay with Dorothy for a few weeks while we look around for a place of our own in the same area?’ Melissa suggested. ‘That way, we could be near her so she’s not lonely, but without intruding on her space. Renting a little cottage or something should be much cheaper in Kent and if there’s a garden, you can have your puppy. How does that sound?’ Even as she made the suggestion, Melissa was worrying that it wouldn’t work out, but she felt she was desperate enough to at least try.
‘Okay, I guess.’ Jolie didn’t sound totally convinced. ‘You promise I can have a dog?’
Melissa smiled and pulled her daughter close for a hug. ‘Yes, sweetie, as soon as we know we want to stay there for good. I promise.’
Sibell smiled to herself as she made her way towards the stables at Idenhurst. Maude was right, of course – the simple act of agreeing to the marriage contract would probably free her from incarceration. At least to the extent that she would be allowed to visit her former mother-in-law and thus be able to make further plans. I’ll thwart Father’s schemes yet, see if I don’t …
It was dark inside the stables and she stood still for a few moments while her nose adjusted to the smell of horse. When she could breathe easily again, Sibell put out a hand to feel her way along the wall. Maude had insisted that she borrow a mount for her journey home and she was just about to call out for the grooms when she heard the sound of low voices. She hurried towards them, then stopped when she realised the people talking weren’t grooms. There was something furtive about the conversation. On silent feet, she crept closer, crouching down to remain hidden from view.
‘You have need of my services, my lord?’ The whisper was barely loud enough to be heard.
‘Indeed I do.’
Sibell peered over the top of the dividing wall and saw Sir Gilbert standing next to a burly, thick-set man she vaguely recognised from her time at Idenhurst. Sir Gilbert motioned the man closer and Sibell tried to blend into the dark shadows around her.
‘Walter, I need your help. It’s a delicate matter and, as usual, I trust you to keep it to yourself.’
‘Naturally, my lord. What would you have me do?’
‘Did you happen to notice the young knight who arrived here this morning? Tall, fair and with a squire in tow.’
The servant permitted himself a lop-sided grin. ‘If you’ll pardon my saying so, he’s a mite hard to miss, that one. If he stays, he’ll cause a riot among the womenfolk, he will.’
‘Aye, so I thought.’ Sir Gilbert stroked his chin. ‘It should make your task easier. He says his name is Sir Roger and claims to be from a place called Langford.’ His tongue stumbled over the name and he paused for a moment, only continuing after he had cleared his throat. ‘I believe it’s situated north of London, not far from Letchworth,
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