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end.’
    â€˜Yes . . . well, I was wondering if I could come and stay for a few days? I have always found Vanbrough a peaceful place to be and it would be nice to see you and young Robert.’
    â€˜Of course you can,’ Emily said instantly. She sensed that he was lonely. He had married soon after Vane died but his wife had died in a car crash a few months later. The verdict of the inquest had been that she had been driving while under the influence of alcohol. ‘We would love to have you – and you can stay for as long as you wish.’
    â€˜You are a love,’ Alan said. ‘I’m not surprised Vane fell for you, Emily. Simon didn’t deserve you. I was thinking of coming on a Saturday two weeks from now – if that will suit you?’
    â€˜Yes, of course. I shall look forward to it.’
    Emily smiled as she replaced the receiver. She enjoyed having visitors to Vanbrough. Her family didn’t visit often enough for her liking, but she had quite a few friends who came for long weekends. She wouldn’t invite anyone else while Alan was staying, though. He obviously needed some peace and quiet.
    Emily smothered her feelings of guilt. Alan ought to have been Vane’s heir, because neither she nor her son was blood-related – but Vane hadn’t seen it that way. He had known that Emily would carry out his wishes for Vanbrough to the best of her ability. Alan had his own life. He was wealthy, a successful businessman, and although he had just confessed to thinking Vanbrough a peaceful place, he would probably not have had the time or the desire to devote his life to it as Emily had.
    She reached out for the letter from Alice, wondering how Frances would feel about the impending visit. Frances had been a bit irritable when Emily paid her a flying visit a couple of weeks previously. She had looked tired and older, but when Emily suggested she take time off and come back to Vanbrough for an extended stay she had snapped her head off.
    â€˜I have a hotel to run if you hadn’t noticed. Just because you lead a life of leisure, it doesn’t mean that we all can, Emily.’
    â€˜That’s ridiculous and you know it.’ Emily felt annoyed because she had cancelled a charity meeting to make this visit to her sister. ‘I have as much and more to keep me busy as you do, Fran.’
    â€˜Sitting on the board of charities and drinking coffee,’ Frances scoffed. ‘You don’t have to worry whether your bookings are up or down – or whether your suppliers are cheating you.’
    â€˜Neither do you,’ Emily replied. ‘You have staff to help you, just as I do – and you don’t really need to work. You could sell this hotel and live off your investments.’
    â€˜What would I do then? Sit staring at the wall and go off my head with boredom,’ Frances retorted and then shook her head. ‘Sorry, Emily. I shouldn’t take it out on you. I do miss you, you know.’
    â€˜You could live with me if you wanted. I could find you something to do if you felt bored.’
    â€˜I can’t do that. Sometimes I wish I were there with you, but then I start to feel bitter and angry and I know it wouldn’t be fair. I don’t want you to suffer my moods.’
    â€˜Oh Fran, can’t you put it behind you? I know what Sam did to you was awful, but it is over now.’
    â€˜It will never be over. I still have nightmares about being locked up somewhere . . .’ Frances broke off. ‘I love you, Emily, but I don’t want to live with you. I need my independence.’
    â€˜You could have the dower house if you like. I’m going to do it up – as soon as I get the money together.’
    â€˜Don’t tell me you’re short of money. You have thousands in pictures and silver – Vanbrough is a treasure house!’
    â€˜Yes, but I don’t own it – Robert doesn’t