by Alicia Hope
He frowned at her. ‘Have I done something wrong?’
Yes, you have. You’ve been too nice ... and too yummy.
‘No, of course not.’ She shook her head vigorously.
‘Oh, it’s the Capaldis’ misunderstanding isn’t it?’ He gave a frustrated sigh. ‘Don’t let that bother you, it’s just them ... being them. They don’t mean anything by it.’ When he saw her purse her lips as though unsure of what to say, he took her by the hand. ‘It’s cold out here. Let’s talk inside.’
And before she could protest further, she found herself in Byron’s cosy home once more, feeling like it was her home too.
And that bothered her.
Closing the door, Byron turned toward her with a smile. ‘Make yourself at home. Want a coffee or a tea?’
‘Yes, thanks. Tea.’ She didn’t really want one, having felt obliged to drink the stronger than usual espresso Gino had proudly made for her at the café earlier, but it gave her time to think. Slipping into the spare room, she closed her suitcase and put it beside the door. Returning to the lounge room, she sat on the sofa, her feelings in a jumble. One part of her was demanding she make a quick exit, while another part argued heatedly against that.
As she watched Byron in the kitchen, she felt a warm, pleasurable glow envelope her. But trepidation and guilt kept pricking dark holes in it. And over all these sensations rose the strident voice of another emotion.
Desire.
Although she tried to stifle it, it kept surfacing, and the more time she spent with Byron, the more passionate its urging became. She recognised signs of it in his eyes too, when he looked at her.
She was walking a dangerous path.
When he came over with their drinks, he noticed the faint tremor in her hand as she took the cup from him. Sitting close beside her, he regarded her intently but she kept her eyes averted.
He put down his untouched cup. ‘Claire-Rose,’ he breathed, putting a finger under her chin and lifting her face so he could see her eyes, ‘look at me.’ His heart leapt at what he saw.
When he leaned over her to rescue the hot drink from her unsteady hand, Claire-Rose’s lips parted in a gasp as energy arced between their almost-touching bodies. ‘Byron, I....’ she whispered, putting a hand on his chest and feeling the strong beat of his heart under her fingers.
Pausing, he gazed at her and tenderly brushed an errant lock of hair off her face.
She took a deep breath. ‘I ... have to tell you something.’
He drew back. ‘Oh hell, you’re not married, are you?’
With a snort she blustered, ‘No! As if I’d be doing ... I mean ... as if I’d be here ... if I was spoken for!’
He cupped her face in his hand and rubbed his thumb along her cheek. Feeling her tremble at his touch, he took her face in both his hands and murmured, his voice gravelly, ‘So, there’s nothing stopping you from....’ His eyes finished the sentence as he bent his head and kissed her.
Her pupils were large and dark, and her mouth had a bruised look about it when he lifted his head again. They didn’t speak, but stared at each other for a long moment before he got to his feet and held out a hand. She took it and rose to stand beside him.
He led her to his room where a lantern on the bedside table cast a soft light. She sat on the bed, feeling like every nerve in her body was queue-jumping for attention. Sitting beside her, he took both her hands in his, saying in a thick voice, ‘I have something to tell you, too.’
She gazed mutely at him, trying to rise above the depths of her desire to focus on his words.
‘Tonight wasn’t the first time the Capaldis have jumped to a conclusion like that.’
This made her take notice.
‘But this is the first time I wanted them to be right.’
Claire-Rose stopped breathing.
What is he saying?
She stared into his eyes and found the answer.
But … no … surely not…?
‘Do you mean ... what I … think you mean?’
‘Yes.’ He bent his head to kiss her again, but she pulled back.
‘No, wait.’
He paused, his face so close to hers she could feel his warm breath on her quivering mouth.
Her mind was rushing over another, similar scene. Of the first time Kris had told her he loved her. She blinked hard. ‘I didn’t finish telling you....’
‘Whatever it is, it doesn’t matter,’ Byron rasped, his breathing ragged.
‘It’s important,’ she insisted, wishing it wasn’t, but knowing she couldn’t go any further while the taint of guilt shadowed her every move. And now she had an idea of how he felt about her, it was even more urgent to get it out in the open.
He straightened, ran a hand over his hair and sighed, ‘OK then, tell me.’
‘Byron, I’m ... I mean Mum and I ... you see....’
When she faltered, he ran his fingers up and down her arm, whispering, ‘Can’t this wait?’
She almost succumbed. But it couldn’t wait. That wouldn’t be fair to either of them. Her conscience jabbed her to tell him while she could still resist the need growing voraciously within her.
Taking a shuddering breath, she burst out, ‘Byron, it’s possible Mum and I are going to buy the castle.’
* * *
Claire-Rose unlocked the door to her unit and Byron reached in to place her bags on the floor.
‘Sure you’ll be OK?’ he enquired stiffly. At her mute nod, he retorted, ‘Right. Goodnight then,’ and turned and strode away.
She stood in the doorway watching until he disappeared into the dark. He didn’t look back. Hanging her head, she slowly closed the door and leaned her forehead against it, staying that way until something brushed against her leg. Dreading another confrontation with her arachnid nemesis, she gave a start and a loud gasp, only to sigh and slump against the door when she saw Topaz grinning up at her.
‘Ohhh, it’s you, pusscat.’ She bent to scoop him into her arms. ‘Glad you’re here, I can sure use a hug right now.’ Stroking his furry head, she gave another deep, heartfelt sigh and leaned against the door again. ‘Guess what? Without meaning to, I’ve managed to hurt someone else I care about.’ Her lips twisted. ‘It seems I have a real talent for that.’
Her bitter words were met with an unconcerned, loving gaze from Topaz. When she made her way over to sit by the French doors, he settled himself on her lap, purring.
Smiling sadly at him, she mumbled, ‘At least I haven’t hurt you.’ Sitting there, withdrawn and silent, she gazed at the moonlight shimmering on the waves of the harbour and, from time to time, down at the cat, nestled contentedly on her lap. The scene with Byron replayed in her mind.
He’d appeared amused at first, as though suspecting she was pulling his leg about buying the castle. But at her assurance she was serious, his face had tightened and then darkened when she mentioned knowing Emma was all for selling up. Rising to his feet to stare down at Claire-Rose, suspicion and hurt replacing the longing in his dark eyes, he’d said in a deceptively quiet tone, ‘So you thought you’d take advantage of my family’s situation and muscle in with an offer?’
Despite her flurry of explanations and vigorous denial of any wrongful intent, he’d remained silent and disapproving. The sensuous atmosphere around them had completely evaporated, replaced by an unpleasant prickly feeling. When he’d marched out of the bedroom, she’d followed, still trying to make him understand it was just business, nothing personal. But she’d grown quiet when he went into the spare room and picked up her suitcase.
Without looking at her, he’d said tightly, ‘I’ll walk you to your unit.’
Claire-Rose choked back a sob as she recalled the expression on Byron’s face. Betrayal, hurt, and condemnation were all there in bucket loads. She hung her head to stare at the sleeping bundle of tabby fur on her lap and said softly, ‘C’mon buddy, it’s late. We’d better turn in.’
Rising with a luxurious stretch, Topaz slipped t
o the floor and followed her into the bedroom. He leaped onto the bed and began licking his fur smooth while his mistress undressed wordlessly. She was willing herself not to dwell on where she might have been, and who she might have been with, if not for her ‘do-the-right-thing’ compulsion....
* * *
Elizabeth, dazzling in the gold gown and sparkling jewellery of the ballroom dream, stood close to Claire-Rose, gazing at her with a joyous smile on her face. Beside her, Edward – the young, handsome, elegantly dressed version – gazed tenderly at his wife, offering her his arm.
‘All will be well, dear one,’ Elizabeth whispered. She extended a filmy, gloved hand as though to gently wipe the tear from Claire-Rose’s cheek; a tear that was both glad and sad. When Elizabeth turned toward Edward and their eyes met, Claire-Rose felt their love coming at her in radiant, blissful waves. This might only be a dream, but it sure felt good….
As Elizabeth took Edward’s arm and they set off toward the castle, Edward doffed his hat at Claire-Rose in salute, and then smiled indulgently when Elizabeth stopped and stood on tiptoes to whisper in his ear. When he nodded, she looked over at Claire-Rose with a mischievous grin and called out, ‘To repay you for a kindness,’ tossing something toward her.
Claire-Rose threw up her hands to catch it ... and promptly woke up.
Chapter Seventeen
Big News
Thurs, 17 October, 05:26:57
From: Claire-Rose.Brande
To: Connie.Brande
Re: CR’s Travel Log, day 11
Hey Mum, I’ll phone you later this morning, as promised, but thought I’d drop you a quick E in case you’re up early like I am. Have you had a chance to read my last message? If so, I’m starting to wonder if the castle’s as good a prospect as I first thought – I’d hate to give you a bum steer. It still needs loads of renovation work, the McAlisters have only scratched the surface. And the kind of renos it needs would be HUGELY expensive. But we’ll talk about it in more detail when I call.
Luv,
CR (Castle Restorer and Cat Retainer!!)
xxx
Claire-Rose wasn’t smiling as she pressed ‘send’ on the email. She was tired after a restless night, and it had been a strain keeping her email light and breezy when that was the opposite of how she was feeling.
Unwilling to pour lemon juice into the gaping cut left by the altercation with Byron, she decided to skip breakfast to avoid running into him. She made herself a cup of tea and took it onto the balcony, where she sat staring moodily at the sun-kissed harbour until it was time to phone her mother.
‘You sure you’re alright, love? You sound sort of … flat.’
Claire-Rose cleared her throat. ‘Yeah, I’m OK, Mum.’
‘Well, I’ll be glad to have you back home on Sunday.’
‘Actually, Mum, I’m thinking of extending my stay.’ She didn’t add that she had other unfinished business to attend to. Business with a capital B that made her heart flutter and her stomach turn over whenever she thought of it. And which required a solution that was currently, exasperatingly, outside her normally competent grasp.
‘Oh?’
‘Yeah. Can you do without me for a while longer?’
‘I guess so. Actually, I’m thinking of coming over to inspect the castle for myself, so that might work out well. I’ll book a flight as soon as I’ve heard from my accountant and estate agent.’ She sniffed. ‘And I ’spose I’d better check with the pesky doctor that I’m alright to fly again.’
‘Hey, that’s great, Mum! OK, I’ll check on accommodation availability here and let you know.’ Claire-Rose paused. ‘So ... you think the castle’s worthy of consideration, despite all the costly restoration work it still needs?’
‘Of course it’s worth a look!’ Connie gushed, ‘I love the idea of owning a castle. And,’ she added, sounding less like an excited girl and more like the astute business woman she was, ‘as you said, our company has the resources to bolster the business and make it a viable, ongoing concern.’ Her words held a dismissive shrug as she assured her daughter, ‘The accountant will write off the costs, he’s good at that.’ She paused. ‘But hang on, you haven’t gone cold on the idea, surely? After telling me the castle’s part of our history and urging me to bring it back into the fold?’
‘Well, it’s not technically on the market—’
‘The best options rarely are, but – oh yes, I forgot to tell you! A day or so after you left, I was scratching for things to relieve the boredom of “Dr So-dull’s” imposed bed rest, so I did a Google search on the castle. Among the search results was an article in The Financial Review, inviting expressions of interest in Lorienne Castle. So, naturally, I put my financial and real estate hounds onto the scent straight away, even before you suggested we consider buying it. Staying one step ahead is the key to success.’ Connie gave a little giggle. ‘This is the most excited I’ve been in ages, love, thank you!’
Glad her mother couldn’t see her, Claire-Rose screwed up her face thinking, so we would’ve come to this anyway, Byron, without my input. But why did I have to be so convincing?
It was time to change the subject. ‘So, was that all the news you had for me?’
‘No, I have some more.’ Connie still sounded excited. ‘Big news, about Kris.’
Claire-Rose’s eyes clouded over and she murmured warily, ‘Oh, yes?’
‘Good news, that is. You knew his mother took him overseas for specialist treatment?’
‘Mm hm.’ Claire-Rose bit her lip and stared at her feet, holding her breath and clasping the phone tightly against her ear.
‘Well, she’s been able to bring him home again ’cos he responded so well. Isn’t that wonderful?’
Claire-Rose’s head snapped up. ‘Oh, that’s great news! But how did you hear?’ She knew only too well that every member of her family was persona non grata to Mrs De Voss.
‘Just staying one step ahead,’ her mother replied slyly. ‘I have my ways. You should know that.’
Claire-Rose gave a quick snort. ‘Oh, I know, don’t you worry.’
‘So ... I’ll keep you posted on Kris?’ Connie’s voice was tentative, as though she were treading carefully.
‘Please.’
‘You OK, love?’
‘Yes, Mum, for the second time!’
‘Just checking. Wait ’til you’re a mother, then you’ll know what it’s like to worry about a little darling of your own.’
Claire-Rose gave another derisive snort. ‘Don’t hold your breath on that, will you.’
‘We’ll see....’ her mother replied sagely, before signing off.
‘Yes, we can accommodate you for another week.’
‘Thanks, Emma.’ Studying the other young woman as she entered the booking into the guest register, Claire-Rose ventured, ‘By the way, my mother may be coming over soon, so I’ll need to book another room when I know her ETA.’
‘No problem, we have plenty of availability.’
‘Um....’
Emma looked up. ‘Can I provide further assistance, Miss Brande?’
‘No, but I think I can help you with something.’
Emma paused, paperwork in hand. ‘Oh yes?’
‘My mother owns a large and successful Australian company.’
She arched one eyebrow. ‘How nice for her.’
Claire-Rose ignored the wry comment. ‘And she’s on the lookout for a new business venture.’
Emma’s gaze flicked up and she set down the paperwork. ‘Oh?’
‘Yes. She saw an article inviting expressions of interest in buying the castle.’
Emma grew still and regarded Claire-Rose through narrowed eyes.
‘And I’m guessing it was you who placed the article, without telling your mum or Byron. Am I right?’ She received a reluctant nod in reply. ‘Well, I think you should know my mother’s company is considering making an offer.’
‘To buy this place, t
he castle? Lorienne Castle?’ Emma sounded breathless, as though unable to believe her good fortune.
Claire-Rose nodded.
‘I see.’ Emma struggled to contain her hopeful agitation.
‘I haven’t mentioned this to Kathryn as yet. I thought perhaps you might want to?’
A shadow crossed Emma’s face. ‘She might prefer hearing it from a stranger. Or better still,’ and she eyed Claire-Rose shrewdly, ‘from a real estate agent.’
‘Of course. Mum’s agent’s already on the job, so we’ll leave it with him.’
With a nod, Emma blustered, ‘And could we keep it between ourselves for now?’
Claire-Rose’s mouth tightened. ‘Bit late for that, I’m afraid. Byron already knows.’
On hearing that, Emma’s face fell and then grew sulky. She muttered, ‘He hasn’t said anything. When did he find out?’
‘I told him last night.’
‘Last night ... say, you weren’t his date, were you?’ She peered sceptically at the young woman in front of the desk. Not her brother’s usual showy type.
‘Guilty as charged.’ Claire-Rose tried to keep her tone light, but her own words bit into her and she swallowed. Guilty was exactly how she felt about her part in this ‘endeavour’.
‘Oh.’ A bevy of emotions crossed Emma’s face.
‘Anyway,’ Claire-Rose announced over-brightly, ‘I’d better get on. See you later.’ She turned on her heel and walked out of reception, thinking, I’ve planted the seed, Mum, now the rest is up to you.
And what a bitter-tasting seed it’s turning out to be....
Chapter Eighteen
The Word’s Out
Well, I’m not going to mope around here all day, I need time and space to think. What were those other touristy things I had on my ‘to do’ list? Oh yeah, the Big Red Bus tour Ali recommended, and the peninsula horse trek. That’s what I’ll do today and tomorrow. May as well make the most of my remaining time here as a tourist....
