‘She’s lovely,’ Tia said, on their way to the Ferris’s place. ‘You should ask her out.’
‘I don’t think so.’ Nick seriously didn’t want to discuss this right now. He was too busy trying to push the image of bright hair, laughing eyes and a wonderful smile out of his mind.
‘Why not? She’s lovely!’ Tia repeated.
Nick shot a swift look at Tia’s hopeful face ‘Because I’m not interested in anyone, that’s why.’
‘You seemed to connect with her.’
Darn it, his sister could be very persistent when she wanted to be! ‘Will you please give it a rest, sis. I neither want, nor need, a woman in my life right now.’
There was a long pause, then Tia whispered, ‘It’s because of me, isn’t it?’
Nick thumped the steering wheel. ‘No, it’s not because of you. I’m talking about the business, my career. I keep telling you, I haven’t got time for love and romance.’
‘That’s so sad.’ She sounded wistful, and he was well aware that she, on the other hand, had all the time in the world because she had little else to occupy her, despite his efforts to get her involved.
There was a tiny light at the end of the tunnel she’d retreated into, though. He’d been pleased when she’d agreed to help Stevie’s nieces with their helmets. He’d made the excuse that it was probably best if a woman did it, and because Stevie wouldn’t be able to tell if the helmets were a good fit or not, it had to be Tia. He’d had difficulty hiding his delight when Tia had accompanied them to the arena, and then went on to play the part of a riding instructor. It was a long time since she’d done that.
‘Why do you think Edgar and Julia have invited us for dinner?’ he asked, deliberately changing the subject. ‘I was only over there a couple of weeks ago.’
‘Perhaps they like you?’ Tia suggested. ‘Maybe they see you as son-in-law material.’
Nick growled. ‘I damn well hope not.’
‘Miranda has made it clear how much she fancies you. It’s no secret,’ she added, but both brother and sister got the surprise of their lives when they pulled up into The Manor’s sweeping drive to be met by Miranda folding her long legs into a tiny sports car.
‘Nice,’ Tia drawled out of the window.
‘Oh, it’s not mine. It belongs to Roger.’
‘Roger?’ Tia called, as Nick lifted the chair out of the back and positioned it next to Tia’s open car door.
‘Yes, you must remember Roger. He’s one of the Smythe-Cuthberts. You met him at last year’s summer ball. Mummy introduced you. You remember, don’t you, Nick? He was quizzing you about martingales.’
Nick vaguely recalled some posh bloke wittering on about assorted bridles, but he hadn’t been taking an awful lot of notice to be fair. He’d been too busy worrying about Tia, who had looked lost and forlorn, like a child who was only able to talk to the waistbands and elbows of adults. She’d spent most of her evening trying to slip off into a corner, and he’d spent most of his trying to get her to mingle. Oh, and avoiding the over-clingy attentions of Miranda, who constantly patted and pawed him like he was some kind of lap-dog.
‘Here he is,’ Miranda said. ‘Dahling, I was just telling Nick and his sister that this lovely little car is yours.’
Nick checked out the man trotting out of the wide front door. Now he remembered him. He’d met him a couple of times since, too, but the details were fuzzy.
‘Saunders,’ Roger grunted.
No way was Nick going to call this man by his surname. ‘Roger, nice to see you again.’
From the expression on Roger’s face, he clearly didn’t think so. ‘Can’t stop. I’m taking Mirry to London.’ He squeezed into his car and started the engine.
Mirry? Nick winced. There was no way Miranda was a Mirry.
‘Yes, we’re off to see his parents,’ Miranda yelled over the roar. She had a big smile on her face. ‘He’s already asked Daddy, so before we announce our engagement to the world, Roger thought he’d better let his lot know. Do me a favour, Nick, dahling, and don’t say anything to anyone for a few days. Ciao, got to run.’
She blew them a kiss and waggled her left hand at them, as Roger spun the car around and headed down the long drive, gravel spewing from the tyres.
Tia had her mouth wide open. Nick mirrored her expression.
‘Well, that’s a turn up for the books,’ Tia said eventually. ‘You’ve missed your chance. Dodgy Roger nabbed her.’
‘Dodgy Roger?’
‘Let me put it this way, he’s worse than an octopus.’
‘The nasty little sod! Did he try anything on with you?’ If anyone laid so much as a finger on his little sister, Nick would—
‘No, not the touchy-feely sort of octopus, the steal-anything-he-can-get-his-hands-on sort of octopus. I’m surprised the Ferrises allow him in the house. They’d better check the silver.’
‘He’s not a thief, is he?’
‘He doesn’t call himself that. Apparently, he says he “borrows” things.’
‘But I got the impression he’s quite well off,’ Nick said.
‘He is. His family are rolling in it. The rumour has it that his father kept him on a bit of a short leash when it came to spending the family fortune, so he used to help himself to trinkets from other people’s houses to supplement his allowance. I’ve heard that one lord actually had his butler pat Roger down before he left, just in case.’
‘How do you know all this?’
‘I listen. It’s surprising how many people think that because your legs don’t work, your ears don’t either,’ Tia said, dryly.
‘Last year’s ball?’
‘Yep.
‘I’m sorry. Look, we won’t go to this one.’
‘Yes, we bloody well will. Edgar and Julia would be offended. Although,’ she paused, ‘I might well be gone back to Mum’s by then.’
To stop himself from sparking up an argument, Nick grabbed hold of the back of her chair and began to push, ignoring her huff of annoyance.
‘Nick, darling, and Tia! So glad you could join us.’ As usual, Julia Ferris was dressed as though she was off to Ascot, although at least she wasn’t wearing a hat. She breezed into the hall, a billow of expensive perfume wafting around her, and leaned in to give them both a double kiss. ‘You’ve just missed Miranda and Roger. They have news.’ This last was said in an exaggerated whisper.
‘We know, Miranda told us,’ Tia said.
‘Don’t worry, we’ll keep it quiet until it’s official,’ Nick added, seeing Julia’s startled expression. At least, he thought the slight widening of her eyes and the parting of her bright pink lips indicated startlement. With the amount of Botox Julia had had done, it was difficult to tell.
She waved an elegant hand in the air and gave a little pout, simpering at him. ‘I did hope… oh well, as long as my little girl is happy, that’s all I care about.’
Yeah, and marrying into the Smythe-Caruthers family was nothing but a bonus, Nick thought. Julia Ferris was renowned for her social climbing, but to be fair to her, she did seem to genuinely love Edgar. Nick hoped so, because if local gossip was to be believed, Edgar had been practically disowned by his father when he’d fallen in love with Julia. Which was sad and ironic, since rumour had it, Edgar’s father had been forced to give up the love of his life by his own father. Talk about history repeating itself. Nick would have thought Edgar’s father knew how it felt to have love denied and wouldn’t have wanted to inflict that on any son of his.
Not so. From the fragments Nick had overheard, mostly in The Hen and Duck, Edgar’s father had been of the opinion that if he’d survived being separated from the woman he loved, then Edgar would too. But he’d not made allowances for Edgar’s stubbornness nor his determination to marry Julia. Good for you, Edgar, Nick thought, as he shook the older man’s hand.
He didn’t see William until he heard a sharp intake of breath from Tia and he turned to see him straightening up from kissing her. His sister didn’t look pleased about the contact. Her shoulders were hunched and a little tick played at the corner of her eye – a sure sign she was nervous.
Why did William make Tia nervous, Nick wondered?
‘Hi, Nick, have you heard the good news? Miranda is engaged.’ William smiled, but Nick thought he looked a bit strained.
‘Yes, we bumped into her outside,’ Tia said. Nick thought she sounded slightly odd, too.
Julia said, ‘Tia, tell me, how are you, dear? Well, I hope? I must say, you’re looking a bit peaky, isn’t she, Edgar?’
‘What?’ Edgar asked.
‘Tia, she’s looking a bit peaky. You’re not coming down with anything, are you? Let me get you a jar of honey to take home with you. Edgar swears by it, don’t you, Edgar?’
‘Hmm?’ Edgar was too busy shaking hands with Nick.
‘He doesn’t listen to a word I say,’ Julia continued, guiding Nick and Tia into the “small” dining room, which was actually large enough to seat twenty – more at a push. ‘His mind is elsewhere, so you’ll have to excuse him.’
‘That’s what I wanted to talk to you about, Nick,’ Edgar began, but Julia shushed her husband, claiming there would be enough time to discuss business after dinner, so Nick had to sit through three rather long courses before he could discover the reason why Edgar Ferris had actually invited him to dinner. It certainly wasn’t to make up the numbers, or to keep Miranda company, this time.
‘Do you mind if I borrow your brother for a half an hour?’ Edgar asked Tia, and although Nick could see she was also dying to know what was going on (and rather annoyed that “the women” had to remain behind while the men talked business – Nick knew he would pay for the slight later, even though it wasn’t of his making), his sister nodded and poured herself another glass of wine. A large one.
She’d had two already and it wasn’t like her to drink. Something was obviously bothering her, and Nick vowed to get it out of her by the end of the evening.
‘The Manor isn’t doing too well, you know,’ Edgar began, closing his study door behind them. Nick almost expected the other man to pour them both a brandy and offer him a cigar, but Edgar simply sank into one of the winged chairs and rested his head against the back.
‘No, I didn’t know,’ Nick replied. He was sorry to hear that, because he genuinely liked Edgar and Julia.
‘We can’t keep going the way we are. Something’s got to give. We’re not financially viable, you see.’
Nick nodded, although he wasn’t sure he did see, because he had no idea what any of this had to do with him.
‘We’re opening the place up for weddings and stuff,’ Edgar confided. ‘It’s not my idea of course – I can’t stand the things – but I’ve been outvoted.’
Nick tried to see Edgar organising a wedding and failed. But Julia? She could certainly do it; after all, she’d been running the hunt and annual summer balls for years. She’d be a perfect wedding organiser, and The Manor was a perfect venue.
But Nick still couldn’t see what all this had to do with him.
‘I’ve got a bit of a proposition,’ Edgar continued. ‘It’s William’s idea actually, but we need your help. Weddings aren’t going to be enough to keep the wolves from the door, I’m afraid. We’re opening the house and the grounds up to the public, of course, but at six quid a pop entrance fee, we’ll have to get people in by the shipload to make any decent money. Then William came up with a plan. You know he’s heavily into conservation?’
Nick raised his eyebrows. He didn’t know. The man had a reputation for being out all night and in bed all day, and not necessarily his own bed, either, Nick guessed. Only last week, Mads had mentioned he’d seen William slinking back home at seven in the morning. It looked as though he’d spent the night in a hedge, Mads had said. No wonder Nick didn’t want the man anywhere near Tia.
‘Yes.’ Edgar nodded. ‘He’s been working with The National Trust to reintroduce beavers into the area and it was his idea to dedicate some land for the purpose. I’ve never seen a beaver dam before,’ Edgar added. ‘Bloody marvellous thing. You ought to have a gander at it yourself.’
Nick’s eyebrows rose even further. He wasn’t even aware there were any beavers in Wales, let alone on his doorstep.
‘Poor chap’s been hard at it most nights,’ Edgar was saying. ‘Apparently, the damned things are most active at dusk and dawn. The project is doing well and they’ve had an effect on other wildlife already. It’s all terribly exciting.’
Nick was astounded. So that was why William had been out and about at night, and why Mads had said he had looked like he’d slept in a hedge – he most probably had! It seemed like Nick had totally misjudged William.
‘It certainly is, but how can I help?’ he asked.
‘You youngsters are so impatient – I was just getting to that. We’ve got a few spare bedrooms in the house for the wedding side of the business, but William wants to convert some of the old outbuildings to cottages too, and run residential courses, rural, countryside stuff, like basket-weaving and coppicing, plus some more exciting things like archery and clay pigeon shooting. This is where you come in.’
The logic was lost on Nick. ‘I can’t shoot,’ he protested, ‘either with a bow and arrow, or a gun, and I certainly can’t weave baskets.’
‘I’m going to run the shooting,’ Edgar said. ‘You’ll do the riding.’
‘I will? What riding?’ By now Nick was thoroughly confused. It all sounded wonderful, and he was pleased to see Edgar so enthusiastic, but Nick had no idea what he was on about with regards to riding.
‘Horse-care classes, riding lessons, trekking,’ Edgar said, sitting forward with excitement. ‘Are you in?’
‘In?’
‘Yes, on board, with the programme, in.’
‘Um, I’m not sure. I don’t think so, I mean, I’m a show jumper, not a riding instructor.’
‘Nonsense! You train other riders, don’t you?’
‘Yes, in show jumping.’
‘I haven’t made myself clear – it won’t be for any old common or garden riders, it’ll be for—’
The door slammed open with a bang and Tia shot into the room. ‘Take me home, now!’ Her eyes were red and suspiciously damp. She’d clearly been crying.
Nick leapt to his feet. ‘Why, what’s wrong? Has something happened? Are you hurt?’
‘I’m fine. Nothing’s happened. I just want to go home.’
Nick glanced helplessly at Edgar, who shrugged. ‘Tia—’ Nick began.
‘Please, Nick, don’t ask any questions, I just want to leave.’
He shook his head, confused and concerned. ‘OK, I’ll just say goodbye to Julia. Thanks for dinner, Edgar. You’ve certainly given me a lot to think about.’
Even as he uttered the words, Edgar’s proposal slipped from his mind. The only thing Nick was interested in, was finding out what had upset Tia.
‘Wait by the car,’ he said to her. ‘I’ll go and find Julia.’
‘She was in the sitting room the last time I saw her,’ Tia called after him.
What did she mean “the last time I saw her”? If Tia hadn’t been with Julia, then where had she been? And, more to the point, who had she been with?
Julia was reading the newspaper, her glasses perched on the end of her nose, but she swiftly removed them when Nick poked his head around the door, and Nick smiled a little at her vanity. Julia Ferris was a handsome woman, with or without her spectacles, but he pretended he didn’t notice as she stuffed them down the side of her chair.
‘Thank you for a lovely dinner, Julia, but I’m afraid we must be off.’
‘Did you have a nice talk with Edgar?’
‘I’m not sure…?’
‘Give it some thought, won’t you? There are very few places in the country offering what we’d like to offer – with your help, and Tia’s, of course.’
‘I will,’ he said, but he wasn’t making any promises. Riding schools were ten a penny, and he simply wasn’t interested. And Tia certainly wasn’t!
Julia tilted her head for a kiss and Nick dutifully air-kissed both cheeks. Then he strode into the hall and out to the car, only to pull up short at the scene in front of him.
Tia was in her chair, waiting by the car. William, hands on hips, towered over her. Nick couldn’t see his face, but he could see Tia’s, and tears were streaming down it. Her cheeks were blotchy, her eyes red, and she looked so distraught, Nick’s heart went out to her. He hated seeing his sister upset, he always had done ever since they were small children. He was the eldest, it was his duty to protect her, and if William Ferris had done anything to hurt her…
‘Tia? What’s wrong?’ In a few quick strides, he was at her side and kneeling in front of her chair.
‘Nothing. Just take me home,’ Tia insisted, burying her face in her hands.
He stood up. If she wouldn’t talk to him, then he’d make sure William damned well did.
‘What have you done to her?’ His voice was low and menacing as he took a step towards him. ‘If you’ve touched her…’
‘Leave him alone, Nick.’ Tia stared up at him. ‘Just take me home,’ she repeated.
‘Not until I find out what’s going on.’ Nick was adamant.
‘Please, Nick.’
‘What did he do?’ Nick persisted.
‘Nothing!’ Tia tugged at his sleeve, but Nick didn’t move.
He glared at William. William was staring at Tia with a stricken look on his face.
‘Then why are you crying?’ Nick demanded. ‘Please, Tia, you’ve got to tell me.’
‘Because… because… I love him, if you must know!’ Tia cried and promptly burst into fresh tears.
Nick was dumbfounded. ‘You love William Ferris?’