by Sk Quinn
‘Well maybe you should be spending time with them,’ I say. ‘Instead of my little sister.’
‘Pheeny!’ says Wila. ‘I like being with Grey. He’s funny. And I’ve already told you. We’re just friends, okay? He’s nice.’
‘I am nice,’ says Grey. ‘And no offence to Wila, but she’s a little young for me, if you’re worried about what I think you’re worried about.’
‘Such a gentleman, Grey.’
‘I am a gentleman,’ says Grey. ‘As I continue to tell you. Not that you listen. But actually, I’m not half as bad as you think.’
Wila looks at me with big, mournful sad eyes. ‘Don’t say I can’t spend time with Grey. He’s a friend. He’s really been cheering me up.’
‘That’s what I’m worried about.’
‘Pheeny!’
I sigh. ‘Look. Lala. You already got in trouble with an older man. Remember?’
Wila drops her hands to her tummy.
Grey follows her gaze. ‘Wait a minute. Christ. Wila, tell me you’re not …’
Wila’s eyes fill with tears and she runs past me.
Oh shit.
‘Lala!’ I call after her. ‘Wait!’
‘Well done big sis,’ says Grey. ‘What were you saying about me not being a gentleman?’
‘Oh just save it Grey,’ I say. ‘We all say the wrong thing sometimes. You should know that better than anyone.’
‘Aren’t you going to go after her?’
‘Not right now. She’ll just slam the door in my face. She needs time to be by herself. I’ll go find her in an hour or so.’
‘Has Patrick already left?’ Grey asks.
‘Yes, but – I can’t think about that. Okay? I just can’t.’
Focus. Focus on the moment, Sera. Focus on the now. For Bertie’s sake.
‘I’m just going to pretend like Patrick’s gone for a walk in the woods,’ I tell Grey. ‘And he’ll be back soon. Right?’
‘Of course he will be,’ says Grey. ‘You don’t need to worry about Patrick. It’s the other fellas who need to worry. Okay?’
‘No. Not okay. But I’m trying.’
‘Have some breakfast. Take your mind off things.’
I sigh. ‘You’re probably right.’
‘Is Wila really … you know what?’ Grey asks, nodding down at my stomach.
‘Yes. She really is you know what.’
‘Who did it to her? Seriously – I love that little girl. She’s a sweetheart. I’ll kill the guy responsible.’
‘Funny. My brother said something similar.’
‘She’s got another brother now,’ says Grey. ‘And seriously. If an older man got your sister knocked up he needs sorting out. She’s only sixteen, for Christ’s sake.’
‘It’s okay. Really.’
‘No. It’s not okay. Who is he?’
‘Some other time,’ I say, leading Bertie to the breakfast table. ‘Sit here, Bertie. I’ll get you something to eat.’
I notice Grey has a huge English breakfast – four eggs, bacon, black pudding, sausage, beans and toast.
‘You and Patrick really are brothers,’ I say. ‘I’ve never seen anyone else have four eggs for breakfast.’
‘Us Mansfield men have healthy appetites,’ says Grey. ‘You should have breakfast too. It might help calm you down. That temper of yours can’t be good for your blood pressure.’
‘You’re probably right.’
I take a seat beside Bertie, squashed in next to Grey. ‘Are you going to move up?’
‘Hey. We’re family now, right? It’s nice to be close.’
‘Could you stop flirting just for a moment? There’s a serious situation going on today.’
‘Okay, okay.’ Grey shuffles over. Then he calls out to the kitchen: ‘Vic-toria! My beautiful Victoria! The new Lady Mansfield and Master Bertie are here for breakfast.’
Vicky peaks out of the kitchen hatch, smoothing her curly hair.
‘Don’t go getting all shy on me now,’ says Grey. ‘You can’t be that shy. Not after another fantastic night—’
Vicky’s eyes widen and she goes bright red. ‘Um. Sera! Bertie! What can I get you two for breakfast?’
I can’t help but smile. I give Vicky a ‘what’s going on then?’ look, but she doesn’t meet my eye.
‘I’ll have whatever’s easy,’ I say. ‘Bertie? How about you?’
Bertie gives a little shrug – which makes me want to cuddle him.
‘How about some cereal?’ I ask. ‘Frosties or something?’
Vicky winks at me. ‘I have a whole cupboard full. My guilty secret. I love those sugary cereals.’
‘Really?’ says Grey, raising an eyebrow. ‘I’ll have to remember that. It’ll make it nice and easy to cook you breakfast.’
Vicky blushes bright red and hurries back to the kitchen.
I turn to Grey. ‘So what’s going on with you two?’
A hazy smile spreads onto Grey’s face. ‘Oh, just … I think I love her. A little bit. I mean, no big deal or anything. She has a boyfriend. So. I don’t think the feeling is mutual. But … I can hope.’
‘Don’t you hurt her,’ I warn.
The smile leaves Grey’s face. ‘You’re joking, aren’t you? It’ll be the other way around. When she gets tired of me and goes back to lover boy.’
‘Something tells me Vicky and her boyfriend aren’t all that close,’ I say.
‘Oh?’ Grey leans forward. ‘What have you heard?’
‘Nothing really,’ I admit. ‘Just a feeling I have. The way she talks about him …’
Grey frowns. ‘Why do I always fall for the wrong ones?’
‘Vicky’s not a wrong one,’ I say. ‘She’s lovely.’
‘But spoken for.’
‘Maybe. Maybe not.’
Vicky brings a stack of blueberry pancakes and syrup for me and frosted flakes for Bertie.
She and Grey exchange flirty smiles, but then Vicky goes all coy again and hurries back to the kitchen saying, ‘hope you enjoy your breakfast, you two.’
Grey watches her, chin in his hands. ‘She is lovely. Isn’t she? And not just her arse …’
‘Grey!’
‘What? Can’t a man find a woman’s body attractive? I’m sure Patrick likes your arse, Miss Harper.’ He leans back on the bench. ‘And it’s very nice.’
I cuff him round the head. ‘Stop it. And yes – of course you can find her attractive. But it’s rude to eye her up in front of everyone. She was embarrassed.’
Grey snorts. ‘Embarrassed! Women are crazy sometimes. They’re upset when men don’t notice them. And when they do, they don’t like it. Anyway. If you were listening, I was saying it’s not just her arse I like. I like all of her. Her personality as well. And that doesn’t happen to me often.’ He looks at the ceiling and shakes his head. ‘Stupid, isn’t it?’
‘What is?’
‘Me and her. Stupid.’
‘I actually think it could be very lovely,’ I say. ‘And if it stops you bothering me and my sister, you and Vicky definitely have my vote.’
‘I bother you do I?’ says Grey, raising an eyebrow.
‘Yes. When you flirt.’
‘Oh, I’m harmless. Just a bit of fun. You have me all wrong. You really do.’
‘So it was harmless fun when you followed me to my bedroom that time?’
‘I wouldn’t have tried anything. You’re my brother’s girlfriend. I just like to flirt. To see how far I can push it. And you’re a very pretty girl—’
‘Grey—’
‘What? What’s wrong with me saying that? It’s true. Men like flirting with pretty girls. That’s just how the world goes around.’
‘What about Patrick?’ I ask. ‘Does he like flirting with pretty girls?’
Grey laughs. ‘Patrick? Patrick isn’t what you’d call a flirt. He’s way too serious. No – a hunter. That’s what I’d call him. He doesn’t waste time flirting. He goes straight in for the kill. And since he’s had you, I
guess there’s no need for him to go hunting anymore.’
‘I’m glad to hear it.’
I turn my attention to Bertie, who’s pushing soggy frosted flakes around his bowl.
He looks up at me with pale, mournful eyes.
‘They’re nice,’ I say. ‘Frosties.’
Bertie glances at my stack of syrup-drenched pancakes.
‘Do you want to try some of these?’ I ask, pushing the plate towards him.
Bertie gives the tiniest little nod.
‘Here. Let me cut some for you.’ I do, and hold the fork out.
Bertie gingerly takes a bite. Then he takes the fork from my hand and tears off another piece. Then another.
I glance at Grey. We both have the same soppy smile on our faces.
‘Look at the little guy go,’ says Grey.
‘Yes,’ I say, smiling. ‘Look at him go.’
19
After breakfast, I decide Bertie and I should track down Wila.
We never leave an argument too long without making up.
She’s in her bedroom, lying stomach-down on the bed and flipping through a gossip magazine.
‘Hi,’ I say.
She looks up. ‘Hi.’
‘Bertie and I thought we should come up and say hello,’ I say.
‘Uh huh,’ says Wila, staring at her magazine.
‘What are you reading?’ I ask.
‘Nothing really,’ says Wila, still not looking at me. ‘Just something Grey bought me. He thought I might like it.’
‘Lala, I’m really sorry about what I said at breakfast,’ I say. ‘I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I got scared. Grey is such a flirt, and … I don’t know. I was just being the overprotective big sister.’
Wila nods at her magazine. I can see she’s been crying.
‘Bertie,’ I say softly. ‘Could you go play Xbox – just for ten minutes or so? In your bedroom? I need to talk to Wila.’
Bertie gives a little nod.
‘I’ll come get you soon,’ I call after him. ‘Okay? I’m right here if you need me.’
I go to Wila and put my arms around her. ‘Look, I’m REALLY sorry, okay? Me and my big mouth. I didn’t mean to blab about you being pregnant. I wasn’t thinking.’
Wila shakes her head. ‘It’s not that.’
‘What then?’
She starts to sob, her whole body shaking.
‘Wila?’
She sniffs. ‘Pheeny. I lost the baby.’
‘What? Wila what are you talking about?’
‘Last night. I … I … it came out.’ She bursts into noisy sobs and clutches at me, burying her face against my chest. I put my arms around her, feeling panicky. ‘How do you know?’
‘There’s no way … there was so much blood.’
‘Are you bleeding?’
‘No. Not anymore. Just a little bit.’
‘Tell me what happened.’
‘I felt all these pains. And then I was bleeding. Lots and lots.’
‘Why didn’t you come and get me?’
‘You were out.’
I put my head in my hands. ‘I knew I shouldn’t have gone out last night. I was worried about Bertie. I never even thought you might need me …’
‘It’s okay. Don’t feel bad. Just one of those things.’
‘I’ll never forgive myself.’
‘It’s fine, Pheeny. Honestly. I mean, I’m sad. Really, really sad. But I handled it.’
I grip her tighter. ‘I wish you’d called me. I’ve always got time for you. Always. No matter where I am or what I’m doing.’
Wila sniffs. ‘It’s weird. At first I didn’t want this baby. And then when I decided to keep it … it became a real little person. I even had a name. Benji.’
I laugh. ‘Like our hamster?’
She laughs too. ‘Yes.’
I sigh. ‘I’m so sorry Wila. Truly. I’m so sorry. Do you want to come out with me and Bertie? Get some fresh air?’
‘No. I think I just want to stay up here for a bit. Alone. Okay?’
‘If you’re sure. But listen – you’ll need to see a doctor. As soon as possible.’
Wila looks at me with big, frightened eyes. ‘A doctor? Pheeny, they’ll want to prod and poke me around. I don’t want that.’
‘We have to make sure you’re all right,’ I say soothingly.
Wila bites her lip. Then she gives a little nod. ‘Okay.’
‘Do you have sanitary stuff? Towels for the blood?’
‘Yes. The bathroom is full of stuff like that. It was all stocked up when I arrived. It’s nice here.’
‘I’m glad you like it.’
We smile at each other.
‘I’ll sort out a doctor,’ I say. ‘And – I really am sorry about the baby. And letting things slip to Grey.’
‘It’s okay.’
‘Do you like Grey?’
‘Of course I do. He’s really nice to me.’
‘Yes, but I mean … oh, never mind. Now isn’t the time.’
‘Pheeny, I don’t fancy him, if that’s what you mean. I mean, he’s very handsome. But he’s just like a big brother. That’s all. He’s nice, Pheeny. You should give him a chance. I know he jokes around and everything. But he’d never try anything.’
‘What makes you so sure?’
Wila gives a sharp laugh. ‘I think I have a pretty good idea of when an older man is pulling the moves … I know all the tricks now.’ She sighs. ‘My teacher was so clever. He really was. I thought it was all my idea. But looking back … he knew what he was doing. Right from the start.’
‘That creep. I need to do something about him.’
‘Can’t we just forget all about it?’ says Wila, wrapping her hands around her stomach. ‘I mean … for better or worse, it’s over now.’
‘He’s still at your school, Wila. There are other girls there.’
‘Most of the girls know already,’ says Wila. ‘I mean, they know I was seeing him.’
‘How?’
‘Betty Reynolds saw us driving together. And she told everybody.’
‘Nobody knows for sure then,’ I say, hoping I sound comforting. ‘I mean, that’s just gossip – you being in his car. He could have been giving you a lift home.’
‘Yes but … you know how people talk.’
I do.
I know what teenage girls can be like. They like a gossip. And the nasty ones – when they sense weakness they go in for the kill.
‘Just leave it to me,’ I say, standing.
Out of Wila’s window, I can see all the way up the driveway.
I think of Patrick.
God – Patrick.
Just don’t think about it, Sera.
Just don’t think about it.
20
Bertie and I head to the office so I can call the doctor.
Grey is there, feet on the desk. He’s tapping away on a laptop coated in ultra-thick plastic.
‘Where’d you get the laptop?’ I ask. ‘The cockpit of an fighter plane?’
Grey laughs. ‘Standard army supply. Built to live in a tank. But I’m guessing you didn’t come down here to talk army equipment, Seraphina. How can I help you this fine day?’
‘Wila needs a doctor,’ I say. ‘A female one. Can you arrange it?’
‘Is she okay?’
‘I think so. But … just to be on the safe side.’
‘Is she still …?’
I shake my head.
‘I’ll sort it,’ says Grey, grabbing the phone. ‘I’ll have a doctor here within the hour.’
‘Thanks. And Grey?’
‘Yes Seraphina?’
‘Sorry for what I said earlier. I trust you. With Wila. And she trusts you too.’
Grey’s eyes crinkle. ‘You’re right to trust me.’
‘Are you worried about Patrick?’
‘Terrified. Aren’t you?’
‘Of course I am.’
‘You’re holding it together well.’
&
nbsp; ‘Outside I am,’ I admit. ‘But inside …’
‘Same here.’
We share a look. An understanding. And I realise I really do like Grey. He’s a good guy. He’ll take care of us. Despite the flirting, I trust him.
21
I take Bertie outside for some fresh air, trying very hard not to chew my fingernails.
‘Uncle Patrick will be back soon,’ I gabble. More to reassure myself than anything else. ‘And he’ll bring your mummy with him. You’ll see.’
I don’t know if Bertie hears me or not.
As we’re walking across the clipped grass, I hear the low rumble of a car.
My heart leaps.
Patrick. Patrick!
His Land Rover growls up the gravelly path towards the castle and pulls neatly to a stop by the east wall.
I grab Bertie’s hand and run towards Patrick, tripping and stumbling over the grass.
When I reach Patrick’s Land Rover, I pull the door open and throw myself into his arms.
Patrick buries his head in my hair.
‘Well now,’ he says. ‘How’s that for a welcome.’
‘I missed you,’ I say. ‘Never, ever do that again.’
‘Where’s Mummy?’ asks Bertie.
Oh no.
Anise isn’t in the Land Rover.
I extract myself from Patrick’s arms and take Bertie’s hand.
‘Maybe she’s with Rab,’ I tell Bertie.
But Patrick gives a quick shake of his head. ‘He’ll be away until tomorrow. But more staff are arriving today. Another housekeeper. And more security.’
‘Come on Bertie,’ I say. ‘Let’s go find Gregory. Maybe he can take you for a walk in the woods while I talk to Uncle Patrick.’
Bertie doesn’t say anything. He doesn’t move or look at me.
I feel a pain in my chest.
God!
Bertie and I were getting closer, we really where. And now it’s like we’ve taken five-hundred paces back.
22
Gregory takes Bertie into the woods and Patrick and I head into the castle.
‘What happened?’ I ask him.
Patrick shakes his head, frowning. ‘Trouble happened.’
‘Oh my god. Is Rab okay?’
‘He’s fine. It wasn’t that sort of trouble.’
‘So what then?’
