Retribution (Sebastian Trilogy Book 3) (4 page)

“And you were an arse.” I grin. He chuckles and wipes the tears from my cheeks with his thumb. “So, how do we move forward?”

He bites his lip, and when he speaks his voice is tormented. “I have to choose, don’t I?”

“Yes. You do. Me or her?”

His gaze locks on mine, earnest and sincere. “Then there is no choice to be made. You are mine.
”
I expel the breath I have been holding, relief coursing through my body. I surrender to his waiting embrace.

“It will be okay,
”
he soothes, stroking my hair, kissing my forehead. “I’ll deal with it. With her.”

“I said she could stay until after my party.”

“Elizabeth, it’s cruel to evict the girl before she has somewhere else to go.
”

I decide not to push him further. Gathering my clothes and dressing silently together, I feel we’ve reached an understanding and moved our relationship forward. Whatever she has done, or not done, she can no longer hurt me or my family. Scarlett will soon be permanently erased from our lives.

Smoothing down my skirt, still in the afterglow of passion, I fetch my handbag from the kitchen. Sebastian is several paces ahead of me. Scarlett is reading the morning paper and drinking coffee at the kitchen table as though she is the lady of the house. Suppressing the torrent of anger rising within, I nod curtly when she peers over her coffee mug at me. Immediately, she springs to her feet and takes two fresh mugs from the cupboard into which she pours coffee from a percolator. I decline the mug she proffers but Sebastian cocks a brow and indicates that I should join him for coffee before running my errands. I acquiesce and sit beside him, sipping the steaming coffee as quickly as the burn will allow lest I must endure her company longer than necessary.

“It’s bitter,
”
I complain. “Is it a new coffee brand?
”
Scarlett removes the mug from my grasp and heaps a spoonful of sugar, stirring thoroughly and sighing audibly. She just forgot to sweeten it, she tells me, but everything that girl says or does is sinister in my view.

The drive to town seems interminably long, the traffic heavy with the onset of early tourists on the narrow roads. They have all the time in the world and no sense of direction or highway etiquette. The florist brings three long white boxes from the cold storage at the rear of the shop, and places them on the counter. “Tiger lilies. Beautiful vibrant orange blooms, straight from Asia,
”
he purrs, taking a large bloom from a box. “Smell.”

Inhaling deeply, my senses are filled with the vision and sweet pungent fragrance of the exquisite flower.

“There is an old legend from Asia about the Tiger Lily,
”
he says. “A Korean hermit helped a wounded tiger by removing an arrow from its body. The tiger asked the hermit to use his powers to perpetuate their friendship after his death. The hermit agreed and when the tiger died, his body became a tiger lily. Eventually the hermit drowned and his body was washed away. The Tiger Lily spread everywhere, searching for its friend.
”
He sighs contemplatively before replacing the lily in the box.

“That’s quite a story,
”
I agree. “So sad, that the hermit should die through such deep love for another.
”
The tragedy brings a tear to my eye. Will I die through my love for Sebastian, as those I love have died?

“Hey. It’s just a story. Lighten up.
”
He laughs and snaps me out of my melancholy mood. “Soak them for thirty minutes before trimming the stems and putting in vases. Tomorrow, snip them again on an angle and try and keep them cool today. Okay?”

Having paid the florist, he helps me to load the boxes into the trunk of my car. “Have a fabulous party.
”
He air kisses me goodbye. “Is there anything else?
”
he asks. “Mrs. Dove?”

“What?
”
I’m daydreaming.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes. Sorry, I’m fine. Thanks. Bye.
”
I’m so very weary, finding it hard to concentrate, my thoughts centred on love lost.

***

The house is a hive of activity on my return. The great hall has been transformed into the most fabulous dining room. The long polished table has been extended to seat thirty, with Sebastian and me to be seated together at the far side. Silverware glistens against the crisp linen cloth and crystal glasses sparkle under the light of the vast chandeliers and sunlight which streams through the mullion windows.

“Six can’t come.”

The silver candelabra are in the shape of deer. One is moving, just very slightly, barely discernably but nonetheless it’s moving.

“Elizabeth. Six can’t come.”

The deer turns its graceful head and blinks up at me from the centre of the table.
You’re an adorable little thing, aren’t you?
It twitches its cute nose and raises a delicate hoof.

“Elizabeth.”

The stag next to the female deer, seeing his mate move, has decided to take leave of his mount too. Silver antlers sway and dip as the stag climbs down gracefully from the candelabra.

“Look at me. Elizabeth.”

“So beautiful. Look at that, Sebastian.
”
I point to the stag who stands proud and strong as he sniffs the air. So tiny it would fit in the palm of my hand, yet so majestic, the stag regards me cautiously. I lower my voice to a whisper. “Don’t move, Sebastian, or you’ll scare him away. Look, he’s watching us.”

Sebastian is clutching my arms and shaking me so that my head flops back and forward. His hand snaps across my cheek. I gasp, shocked at the sudden sting.

“He’s gone! You frightened him,
”
I cry, my hand rubbing my smarting cheek, my eyes burning with hot tears of frustration.

“Fuck, Elizabeth. Oh fuck. Stop this. I can’t take this again.
”
He’s holding and soothing me with his soft kisses and kind words but it’s too late. It’s far too late. Moments like that will never come again, the stag will be too fearful to move. Sebastian leads me upstairs, undresses me as though I am a child. He lays me on the bed and pulls the duvet over my body then lies with me, his strong arms holding me until I fall asleep. I feel so safe, so warm. So loved.

Through an impenetrable fog a slight figure
emerges, too small to be a man and too distant to identify, yet the figure is familiar to me. It moves with the grace of a swan gliding on still waters, white as a swan too, with an ethereal beauty. As it nears me the mop of unruly hair is unmistakable. “Joe! My darling, you’re so pale.”

“Hello, Mummy.
”
He beams at me with his adorable smile. “It’s your birthday tomorrow, don’t be sad.”

“Mummy’s only sad because I miss you, little man.”

“I miss you too, Mummy. I bought you this for your birthday.
”
His tiny hand holds a white feather. He puckers his pale lips and gently blows. The feather floats up into the air where it catches the breeze, twists, turns, and rides the draft before settling at my feet.

“Whenever you see the feather, Mummy, I will be there with you. It’s my present for your birthday. Do you like it?”

“Joe, sweetheart, I love it. It means so much knowing that you are never far away.
”
I keep my eyes on Joe as I reach down for the feather, afraid he will vanish if my gaze leaves his. The feather has gone. My gaze darts to the ground at my feet as panic grips me. “Joe. The feather?”

“Oh, Mummy.
”
Joe giggles adorably. “The feather will come back. When I’m near you, then you’ll see the feather. Get it?
”
He rolls his eyes at his mother’s confusion but without malice, just utter love for me. “Have the coolest birthday ever. Save me some cake.
”
Joe fades away and is gone. My heart breaks anew.

“Wait, Joe. Don’t leave so soon. Come back to me, Joe. I miss you, oh dear God I miss you…”

“Elizabeth! Ssh, darling, you were dreaming. It’s okay, I’m here.
”
Sebastian is stroking my damp hair, his face etched with concern. I blink, adjusting to the bedside light. Sebastian holds me tightly and soon I hear the familiar settling of his breathing as he drifts back to sleep. I remain awake in his arms until morning light, the tears flowing silently until my pillowslip is wet through.

Chapter 4

Bella bounds into our room with the girlish excitement of a ten-year-old. “Happy birthday!
”
she exclaims. Sebastian swats her behind as she jumps on the bed between us. She plants a kiss on my cheek as my sleepy eyes adjust to the daylight. I must have eventually drifted back to sleep. My head feels muzzy and I still feel unwell.

“It’s my birthday? Already?
”
I croak, sitting up.

“Happy birthday, darling. Yes, it’s Saturday,
”
Sebastian confirms. “Scarlett’s made you breakfast in bed. You’re going to be thoroughly spoiled today.”

Turning my head, I can see a tray on the nightstand; there is a plate of bacon and eggs and a single rose stem with a beautiful pink bloom. The clock next to the tray glows 9:32 in red neon. “It’s my birthday,
”
I say numbly, wishing the day away, irritated by the exuberance of those around me.

“It is indeed. How does it feel to be forty?
”
Sebastian plants a kiss on my lips and brushes a stray curl from my eye.

“Old,
”
I reply sulkily. “I had no idea that I’d feel so old at forty.”

“Ancient,
”
Bella teases. “Open your presents.
”
She places three brightly wrapped parcels on my lap and claps her hands together excitedly. Carefully pulling at the tape, I remove the paper to reveal a box. The picture on the front shows two old clockwork ladies and the gift makes me smile just a little. “You wind them up and they race with their walking sticks.
”
Bella squeals and Sebastian laughs.

“Charming.
”
I sigh. “Are you implying I’m one of those old ladies?”

The next gift is a bottle of Chanel No.5 perfume. “My very favourite, thank you, darling.
”

Bella proffers her cheek for a kiss, which I give gratefully. “Open Sebastian’s present next,
”
she enthuses. Unwrapping the slim square package, I see Sebastian hold his breath.

“What have you done?
”
I ask, carefully lifting the lid of the red velvet case. Tiffany & Co.
Oh my God.

“Do you like it, darling?
”
he asks hesitantly.

“Like it?
”
I gasp. “Sebastian, I love it.
”
The necklace rests on cream satin, the diamonds shimmering brightly as the morning sun reflects on each tiny facet. The perfect diamond necklet supports a teardrop shaped ruby the hue of fire and cranberries. Its beauty takes my breath away.

“It belonged to my grandmother,
”
Sebastian tells me, as he runs his index finger over the satin. “My grandfather gave it to her as a wedding gift in 1929. I know she’d love you as much as I do and want you to have it.”

“Darling, it’s too much, you already gave me the choker. But…it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

“Then you haven’t looked in the mirror today. It’s no match for your beauty.”

“Please.
”
Bella laughs. “You’re going to make me hurl if you keep this up.”

Embarrassed, my cheeks blush hot and red. He really does love me.

“Wear it for me tonight,
”
he whispers as he nuzzles my ear. “It will look incredible with your red dress.”

“Yes. I’ll treasure it. Thank you.”

Bella snatches the box from my hands and her eyes widen at the shimmering jewels. “Sick. This is worth a mint.”

“Bella,
”
I admonish. “Show some manners. The sentimental value is what is important.
”
Bella does look contrite but only fleetingly as she hands back the gift. After a moment or two of contemplation she starts to speak but thinks better of it. I look quizzically at her.

“I just wish…I wish Joe and Dad were here for your birthday.
”
Bella’s eyes mist. Tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, I contemplate telling her about my dream but decide not to, certain that she and Sebastian already think I’m losing the plot. Ignoring the painful knot that twists in my stomach, I plaster a false smile to my lips instead.

“I know, sweetheart. I wish that too, but I’m sure somehow they are here with us.”

My thoughtful Sebastian breaks the painful silence that follows with a ruffle of both our heads. “Come on, my two beautiful girls need to get their lazy backsides out of bed. Eat your breakfast, Elizabeth. Scarlett cooked it specially. I want you downstairs in fifteen. Scarlett’s taking you to the hairdresser for a makeover, her birthday gift to you.”

Scarlett drives me to my appointment with a hairdresser in Padstow as I’m still feeling weak, unable to rid myself of this virus, or whatever it is making me feel this way or whoever it is. Although it’s an effort, I intend to make myself look as good as possible today, after all, I’ll be meeting many of Sebastian’s friends for the first time and want to make him proud of me.

“You have fabulous hair.
”
Tanya is blow-drying me to within an inch of my life. “Shall we put it up?”

“Definitely. It’s a masked ball so I’m hoping you can achieve the impossible. Lots of ringlets, and volume. Scoop it up and let some tumble down over one shoulder, please.
”
I gesticulate with my hands in the hope that Tanya grasps the concept I’m explaining. She coos excitedly and sets to work with a curling wand while a trainee files and paints my nails in dark crimson gloss.

“Wow.
”
Tanya holds a mirror so that I can have a good view of my hair from all angles. She’s done an incredible job. Two glossy blonde curls trail down over my left shoulder, resembling snakes. The snakes twist and turn before slithering under the collar of my pale pink cotton shirt and disappearing beneath the lace of my bra.

“I’m not worried,
”
I reassure Tanya. “They’re friendly snakes, they’re part of me.”

Scarlett looks smug. I hate that the hair salon told her about my snakes, when she came to collect me. Now she thinks I’m crazy, just as Tanya thought I was crazy. My hair looks good and I won’t let Scarlett spoil my day. She wants me to be crazy but I’m not giving her the satisfaction. We drive home in silence but as we pass the gates to Penmorrow I turn to her.

“About our conversation, Scarlett.
”
Her face pales and she bites her lip, looking so damned vulnerable. “You agreed to go after my party. I’d like confirmation that you are going tomorrow. I haven’t seen you moving any of your things yet.”

Her eyes mist with tears but remain focused on the road ahead. “His Lordship has told me that I can find another job and a place to live first.”

“He said that, did he?
”
I ask bitterly. “Well, you and I had an agreement, and that was that you would leave tomorrow. As far as I’m concerned, that agreement still stands. You may think me hard, Scarlett, but there is no point in putting off the inevitable.”

“I see, Mrs. Dove. I’ll speak to His Lordship again.
”
Damn her! The minute she weeps to Sebastian he will be putty in her hands. Hopefully I can talk to him first.

“No, Scarlett,
”
I say resolutely. “An agreement is an agreement and I expect you to honour ours.”

She turns her head sufficiently to look at me and, fleetingly, I see pure hatred in her eyes before she casts her gaze back to the lane ahead.

“Ruth!
”
Throwing the car door open even before Scarlett cuts the engine, I race to my friend and hold her tightly. “You have no idea how good it is to see you,
”
I tell her and I mean it. I really do.

“Beth, love. Look at you. You look beautiful. A little thin and pale but stunning as ever. I hate you,
”
she teases. “Happy birthday, love.”

“I’m so glad you’re here for my party.
”
Linking arms, we walk into the house together. “The caterers are busy making the food and Sebastian’s hired staff to set things up and serve this evening,
”
I tell Ruth excitedly. “Meaning all we need to do is enjoy ourselves.”

“Ah, here’s the birthday girl.
”
Sebastian greets us in the hall. “Ruth, darling. How are you?
”
He kisses both of her cheeks and I note how she blushes.
You still have a way with the ladies, don’t you De Montfort?

“Sebastian. The house looks amazing. It’s good to see you’ve gone to so much trouble for my best girl’s special day.
”
Ruth lightly punches his arm playfully.

He arches his brow and grins at her. “She’s my best girl too, remember,
”
he replies, pretending to rub his arm better.

“I see she’s still working here.
”
Ruth glares at Scarlett as she follows us into the house. Scarlett, ignoring Ruth, whispers in Sebastian’s ear conspiratorially. I feel the hairs prickle on the nape of my neck.

“Excuse me, ladies, Scarlett wants a quick word. Elizabeth, why don’t you show Ruth to her room.
”
He turns and heads for his study, with Scarlett scurrying after him.

“Has she said any more?
”
Ruth asks quietly as we take her bags to the guest bedroom.

“She’s agreed to go. I said she could stay until the party and then she’s history.”

“Wow, how did you manage that?
”
she asks incredulously as she glances appreciatively at her opulent room. Ruth places her overnight bag on the floor and takes the dress bag from me, laying it carefully on the chaise at the foot of her bed.

“I’ve won, Ruth. She can see she’s no match for me. Mind you, I’m not sure how Sebastian is really taking it. I’m hoping that’s not what she’s talking to him about now. She’s so manipulative. I don’t want her putting him in a foul mood before the party.”

“You think she’ll try to talk him into letting her stay?
”
Ruth throws herself down onto the queen-sized bed and pats the purple velvet comforter, indicating to me to join her. Adjusting the multitude of cushions and pillows, we get comfortable side by side.

“I have no doubt she will try. We have finally reached an agreement about her going after I gave him an ultimatum…me or her. What concerns me is that she’ll prolong it, get him to agree to her staying longer with some sob story about having nowhere else to go.”

“Stick to your guns, Beth. He’s clearly infatuated with you so use that. He won’t want to lose you so you have to toughen up and insist she sticks to the agreement and struts her scrawny arse out of here pronto.”

“Uh-huh, you’re right. It’s just that he has a weak spot when it comes to her. She plays the vulnerability card and has him wrapped around her little finger.”

Ruth frowns, her contempt for Scarlett very apparent. “I spoke to DI Chambers about her,
”
she says, catching my eye to gauge my reaction.

My eyes widen. “You did? What did you say to him? Shit, you didn’t tell me you’d actually spoken to him.”

“He asked how you and Bella are, sent his kind regards. I told him about Scarlett and what she’d said to you. He said he’d try to look at the notes from Sebastian’s wife’s suicide, and also see if there was anything listed for Scarlett, but other than that there’s little he can do unless you file some restraining order.”

“I’ve got no proof though, Ruth. She’ll deny everything and you know how frail and pathetic she looks—hardly your standard murderer. It’s my word against hers. I tell you this much, though, I don’t trust her. The sooner she leaves here the better I’ll feel.”

“Speaking of which, you actually look like shit. I was being polite earlier.
”
Ruth ducks as my hand swats at her in protestation. “How long have you been unwell?
”
She places the back of her hand on my forehead and frowns. “You haven’t got a temperature, Beth. A virus, you say?”

“I presume so, yes. I’ve been seeing things—weird things—and Scarlett said I had a fever.”

“That’s strange. You don’t seem clammy or sick although you do look pale and you’ve got big dark circles under your eyes. Anyway, I’m here now and I’m going to see that you enjoy your birthday.
”
She pulls me into a tight embrace.

“Thanks so much.
”
I squeeze her tightly. “What would I do without you?”

“Elizabeth.
”
Sebastian stands in the doorway watching me. His face bears a grim expression, coal-dark eyes boring into mine.
Crap.

“I’d like a word. Ruth, lunch is served in ten minutes. We’ll see you downstairs in the kitchen.”