[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
bull and kill a deadly snake in one clean shot, but Rachel. . . . Well, Hamish crossed his legs and tapped the side of his glass softly.
let us just say that he s putty in her hands. Divorce is so untidy. There s always gossip and court hearings;
Ethan turned for the house. Come in. Come in. We ve much to wrangling over money and property and the reasons why, etcetera.
talk about. I want to learn all about Australia and my sister s new I have no choice. I have spent the last seven years living a half-
home. How long are you staying? life. I could be an old man before Clarice dies. I want children. I
Not long. I have to be on my way to Liverpool and then London. want to be happy. Naturally, I d make certain that Clarice had
I ve much to do in my time back home. everything she wanted.
They entered the drawing room and found it empty. Ethan went There is no hope for the two of you?
to the drinks cabinet and poured them both a brandy. When do you None at all. Ethan shuddered. I don t love or desire her. I never
return to Australia? did. She feels the same as I do. Father wanted our union and I
Hamish sat at one end of a cream and green striped sofa. wanted the estate to prosper with Clarice s dowry. He flopped
Hopefully in twelve months. It could be more though. Depends, on down on his mother s wing-backed chair. For seven years the
Mother. estate has been my life, my love.
How is she? Ethan handed him his drink. Is she worth it? This Isabelle?
Not well. She has missed both John and me these last few years A tide of adoration enveloped Ethan like a soft, warm embrace.
since father died. The estate has fallen into disrepair. It is too much She is worth everything to me.
for her. I am trying to persuade her to move to Carlisle and be with Hamish raised his eyebrows. I ve never seen that expression on
my sister Joan, but she refuses. your face before, dear friend. She must be a madonna? He grinned.
Ethan swirled his drink in his glass. Difficult situation for you. She is. She s beautiful and clever and warm.
Enough of me. Hamish sipped his drink. What about you? Where does this wonderful woman reside? Hamish laughed.
Where is your delightful mother? She sounds so delightful I might marry her myself!
Ethan looked through the doorway. I believe she is out calling. Jumping to his feet, Ethan paced the room. The walls seemed to
And your wife. be closing in on him. He paused to stare unseeing out the window,
I neither know nor care. He swallowed the rest of his drink and and then turned. She is married to a tenant of mine.
returned to the cabinet for more. I might as well tell you that soon Hamish jolted in surprise and twisted on his seat to gape at him.
my marriage will be no longer. Are you mad? A married woman? A working-class married
Hamish spluttered and choked on his mouthful of brandy. No woman?
more? he cried hoarsely. Ethan lifted his chin, defiant and ready to argue. Her status is of
I am to divorce Clarice. no importance to me.
Good Lord. It s as bad as that? Good God man! Hamish leaped to his feet. You are willing to
Ethan nodded and sighed. I have fallen in love with another, and sacrifice your family s reputation and everything a divorce entails
I wish to be with her. He rubbed his eyes, suddenly tired. It s all for such a woman?
such a mess really. Totally unexpected. You don t understand
Rachel has worried constantly ever since we left England. She I understand you have lost your mind!
96 97
ANNE WHI T F I E L D T HE GE NT L E WI ND S CARE S S
Gritting his teeth, Ethan glared at his oldest friend. Hamish, you onto the table. Bertie s eyes followed her every move and she could-
are a valued friend, but you have no right to speak n t help but grin at him. They are too hot to cut. She turned them
Where is she? Hamish strode to the door. upright in short movements. You aren t hungry again, are you?
Startled, Ethan went after him. What are you doing? The boy shook his head but seemed hesitant to admit it.
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]