LITMIR.BIZ

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to enjoy the July morning, her mind lighter than it had been for weeks.

       SIX

      Cecily stood at the bottom of the grand staircase, listening. In the distance she could hear footsteps, and she knew immediately who was coming along the corridor to the front hall. It was the slightly uneven step that told her it was Charlie.

      Moving into the hall, she stood waiting for him; suddenly he was visible as he left the corridor and walked into the hall. He waved. She waved back. He had always been her favourite of Miles’s nephews and nieces when he was a child; after he was wounded in the war and tragically had to have a leg amputated, her heart had gone out to him.

      And yet she had known that he would handle his disability well, and he had. He used a walking stick for proper balance, but few people realized he had lost a leg. His limp was almost imperceptible; he stood tall, and at thirty-two was a good-looking man.

      When he stopped next to her, she put her arms around him and gave him a huge hug. They were both smiling when they stepped away from each other. There had always been a special bond between them, and they had often relied on each other for many things over the years.

      ‘I’m sorry we arrived so late last night,’ Charlie apologized. ‘All my fault. I was on a special story, and it just took longer, was more complex, than I’d realized.’

      ‘No problem,’ Cecily replied. ‘I’m glad you and Alicia are staying until Monday, and I understand from Paloma that your books are doing well. Congratulations. And thank you for sharing them with us. Your contributions do help to pay some of the staff in the shops.’

      He grinned. ‘Our pleasure. And I must say, I am rather chuffed that my little history of the Inghams and the Swanns is sold out. Who’d have thought it, eh?’

      ‘I knew the history book would work. It’s a very well-told story, rather intriguing. Like a novel, in a certain sense.’

      ‘Thank you, Aunt Ceci, and listen, I’m so sorry about Mama. Alicia and I were really upset that she blamed you for what she calls “the commercialization of Cavendon”. We know she loves you, and deep down she is probably very appreciative of everything you’ve done over the years, to save the estate and the family. We believe she’s just worn out. We do hope you can forgive her one day. You can, can’t you?’

      Cecily linked her arm through his, and said, ‘I’ve already forgiven her. Daphne has put her heart and soul into this house, and she’ll come back refreshed, her old self. Now, let’s go to the library for a few minutes. It’s a bit early for lunch.’

      Within moments they were sitting together on a sofa near the fire, which burned year round because this room was always icy cold.

      Cecily said, ‘I understand from Eric that Bryan didn’t come with you after all.’

      Charlie nodded as he leaned back against the cushions, stretching out his artificial leg. ‘He had to beg off. His father is sick, and he felt he had to go to Brighton to sort things out. Bryan’s mother is dead, as I’m sure you know, and I don’t think Bryan’s younger brother is all that good about taking care of their father.’

      ‘I understand. I like Bryan. He’s an awfully nice man and such a good actor.’ She laughed. ‘I rather thought we might be getting yet another actor in the family, actually. Alicia and he seem like a good fit. What do you think? Is Alicia finally going to tie the knot?’

      ‘I hope they make it permanent. He’s a fine chap—’

      ‘Hello, Aunt Ceci!’ Alicia exclaimed as she floated into the room, looking lovely in a summer frock of checked lilac and purple cotton, which Cecily had given her last year.

      ‘I’m so glad you both came up,’ Cecily replied, smiling at her niece.

      ‘About our mother,’ Alicia began, and then stopped abruptly when she saw Charlie shaking his head, warning her off.

      Looking at his sister, Charlie said, ‘I’ve already apologized to Aunt Cecily, and she fully understands about Mother being exhausted, Alicia. There’s no problem here.’

      ‘There certainly isn’t!’ Cecily exclaimed. ‘I know Daphne will come back, sooner than we think, and everything will be back to normal. Cavendon is her home, and Hugo’s and yours. This is where you all belong.’

      ‘Goodness me, am I late?’ Aunt Charlotte asked from the doorway, walking in, coming to join them near the fireplace.

      ‘I think we were a bit early,’ Charlie replied, standing up to greet the Dowager Countess. He went over to Charlotte, escorted her into the room; Alicia joined him, welcoming her as well.

      They all sat together talking for a few minutes, when Charlie suddenly focused on Cecily and asked quietly, ‘Isn’t Greta here? I thought she was coming to see you this weekend?’

      ‘She is at Cavendon, yes, Charlie. She and Dottie are here for a meeting about changes we’re planning in my business. But my mother invited them both to lunch.’ Greta’s half-sister, Elise, was best friends with Victoria, the young girl who had been taken in as an evacuee by Walter and Alice Swann when she was ten years old. Now almost twenty-one, Victoria was working as a photographer in London.

      Poor Greta. She was going to get quite a grilling about how Victoria was doing in the big city.

      A faint smile played around Cecily’s mouth, then she laughed, as she added, ‘As you well know, my mother is forever wanting news of her little evacuee, whom she and my father love very much. She’s like a second daughter to them. Mam’s missed her since she moved down to London.’

      ‘I’ve no doubt Greta is getting quizzed at this very moment. I know how Mrs Alice feels,’ Charlie answered. ‘But she has nothing to worry about. Victoria is doing well, and because Elise works in the reporter’s room at my place, I get constant updates about her friend all the time.’ The mischievous grin he was well known for suddenly surfaced. ‘Surely you must realize by now that both girls treat me like their big brother.’

      ‘More like their great hero,’ Cecily shot back, knowing how the two young women felt about Charlie. They were in awe of him, almost worshipful.

      ‘You know, Aunt Ceci, the next time you want to have some of your clothes photographed, you ought to try Victoria,’ Charlie said. ‘I’ve seen some of her pictures and she’s extremely talented. I know she’s still young, but Paloma is very proud of Victoria’s talent, which she helped to nurture. She thinks she will go far.’

      ‘That’s a very good thought. I’ll keep it in mind.’

      At this moment the door opened again and Eric entered the library. Looking at Cecily, he said, ‘Lunch is served, Lady Mowbray. His Lordship is waiting for you in the dining room.’

      It was one of those lunches where everyone was friendly, warm and chatting to each other continually. Obviously, they were happy to be with family.

      Charlotte sat at the right of Miles, and was engaged in a long conversation with David, his eldest, while Miles was questioning Alicia about her new film, due to start soon.

      Walter and Venetia were focused on Charlie, wanting to know what it was like to work on a newspaper, asking questions. And Gwen was taking every ounce of Cecily’s attention.

      ‘Can I help you design the clothes?’ the eight-year-old was begging her mother. ‘You said I was very good at sketching.’

      ‘Yes, you are, my darling,’ Cecily replied, not wanting to discourage her youngest child, who was indeed talented when it came to drawing. ‘I shall be starting the new collection soon. You can help me to do my research.’

      Gwen gazed up at her mother, a smile of adoration flooding her face. ‘Oooh,’ she sighed, ‘thank you, Mummy. What will I research with you?’

      ‘The gardens – the ones

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