Read Online We'll Meet Again by Lily Baxter - Free Book Online Page A

white charger, although the white Rolls-Royce would be more comfortable and a lot quicker. It was two days now since the ball and she had been confined to the house in disgrace. She had not been allowed to contact Rayner and, as far as she knew, he had not called at the house.
    If Uncle Paul had been draconian in his handling of the matter, Aunt Josie had been utterly splendid. She had admitted that she had done much worse things when she was a girl, although she said in a whisper it would be better if they did not mention that to anyone, especially her husband. She had tried her best to comfort Adele, but her words fell on deaf ears. Adele was past reasoning.
    Meg crossed the landing to lean over the highly polished oak banisters. She could hear familiar voices and she craned her neck in order to get a better view. Although she could only see the tops of their heads, she recognised Frank and Walter, but there was no sign of Rayner or David. She ran down the stairs to greet them. ‘Have you come to say goodbye?’
    ‘Well, we couldn’t let you go home without seeing you first.’ Walter stared at her anxiously. ‘Are you all right, Meg?’
    ‘Absolutely fine. They didn’t beat me too much.’ She could see from their shocked expressions that they actually believed her and she smiled ruefully. ‘Just joking, but I’m in deep disgrace.’
    ‘Rayner was more at fault than you, and David only made things worse,’ Frank said, frowning. ‘I’ve taken him to task and I believe your uncle has too.’
    ‘Yes. You were not entirely to blame,’ Walter added earnestly. ‘I’m really sorry you’re going away so soon.’
    ‘I don’t want to go, of course. But the worst thing is that Addie is being sent home too. I feel awful about spoiling her holiday.’ Meg turned to Frank with a meaningful look. ‘She’s very upset.’
    ‘I’d like to see her, Meg. I really need to talk to her in private.’
    She breathed a sigh of relief. Perhaps all was not lost. ‘If you’d like to wait in the conservatory, I’ll fetch her.’ She grabbed Walter by the arm as hestarted to follow Frank. ‘Why don’t you wait here, Walter? I’ll be back in two ticks.’
    She raced up the stairs and burst into the bedroom. ‘Addie. Stop crying and fix your makeup. You look like a panda. Frank is downstairs in the conservatory and he wants to see you urgently.’
    Adele reached for her hanky. ‘I must look a perfect fright.’
    ‘No you don’t,’ Meg said stoutly. ‘At least, it’s nothing that a touch of mascara and lipstick won’t fix.’ She pulled Adele to her feet. ‘Wash your face and put on your war paint. I’ve a feeling that Frank is very serious, if you get my meaning.’ She picked up a silver-backed hairbrush and thrust it into her sister’s hand. ‘Do your stuff, Addie. And good luck.’
    Downstairs in the entrance hall, Meg kept Walter chatting while Adele went to find Frank. She was running out of conversation when Josie emerged from Paul’s study. She looked pale beneath her makeup but her serious expression melted into a smile when she saw them. ‘Hello, Walter, how nice of you to call. But why are you two skulking around out here?’
    ‘Frank and Addie are having a heart to heart in the conservatory,’ Meg said earnestly. ‘We’re giving them a bit of privacy.’
    ‘Then I suggest we go into the drawing room and have a drink before dinner. You will stay, won’t you, Walter? I’m sure Cook could stretch the meal for another two hungry undergraduates. David is supposed to be coming, but he’s always late.’
    Walter nodded eagerly. ‘Thank you, Mrs Shelmerdine. I mean, Josie. That would be super.’
    ‘Good, that’s settled then.’ She opened the drawing-room door and went straight to the cocktail cabinet. ‘Would you like a glass of sherry or would you prefer beer, Walter?’
    ‘I’d love a beer, please.’
    ‘Meg, would you like a drink?’
    ‘I’m surprised I’m allowed to.’
    ‘It’s all