Best Kept Secret (The Clifton Chronicles, #3)(18)

Harry climbed into bed just after midnight, even more desperate to call Emma and share his thoughts with her, but it was still only five in the morning in Bristol, so he decided to stay awake and ring her in a couple of hours’ time. He was just about to turn off the light when there was a gentle tap on the door. He could have sworn he’d left the Do Not Disturb sign on the handle. He pulled on his dressing gown, padded across the room and opened the door.

‘Many congratulations,’ was all she said.

He stared at Natalie, who was holding up a bottle of champagne and wearing a tight-fitting dress with a zip down the front that didn’t need an invitation to pull it.

‘What for?’ said Harry.

‘I’ve just seen the first edition of Sunday’s New York Times, and Nothing Ventured has come in at number fourteen. You’ve made it!’

‘Thank you,’ said Harry, not quite grasping the significance of what she was saying.

‘And as I’ve always been your biggest fan, I thought you might like to celebrate.’

He could hear Great-aunt Phyllis’s words ringing in his ears: You do realize you’ll never be good enough for her.

‘What a nice idea,’ said Harry. ‘Just give me a moment,’ he added, before walking back into the room. He picked up a book from a side table and returned to join her. He took the bottle of champagne from Natalie and smiled. ‘If you’ve always been my biggest fan, perhaps it’s time you read this,’ he said, handing her a copy of Nothing Ventured. He quietly closed the door.

Harry sat on the bed, poured himself a glass of champagne, picked up the phone and booked an overseas call. He’d almost finished the bottle by the time Emma came on the line.

‘My book’s crept on to the bestseller list at number fourteen,’ he said, slurring his words.

‘That’s wonderful news,’ said Emma, stifling a yawn.

‘And there’s a ravishing blonde standing outside in the corridor holding a bottle of champagne, and she’s trying to break my door down.’

‘Yes, of course there is, darling. By the way, you’ll never believe who asked me to spend the night with him.’





6


THE DOOR WAS OPENED by a woman in a dark blue uniform with a starched white collar. ‘I’m Matron,’ she announced.

Harry shook hands, then introduced his wife and son.

‘Why don’t you come through to my office,’ she said, ‘then we can have a chat before you meet the girls.’

Matron led the three of them down a corridor that was plastered with colourful paintings.

‘I like this one,’ said Sebastian, stopping at one particular painting, but Matron didn’t respond, clearly believing children should be seen and not heard.

The three of them followed her into her office.

Once the door was closed, Harry began by telling Matron how much they’d all been looking forward to the visit.

‘As I know the children have,’ she replied. ‘But first I must explain a few of the home’s rules, as my only interest is the well-being of the children.’

‘Of course,’ said Harry. ‘We’re in your hands.’

‘The three girls you have shown an interest in, Sandra, Sophie and Jessica, are currently in an art lesson, which will give you a chance to see them interacting with other children. When we join them it is important that we allow them to continue their work, because they must not feel they are taking part in a competition. That can only end in tears, and might well have long-term repercussions. Having been rejected once, they don’t need to be reminded of that experience. If the children see families walking around, of course they know you’re thinking about adoption. Why else would you be here? What they mustn’t find out is that you are only considering two or three of them. And of course, once you’ve met the three girls, you may still want to visit our homes in Taunton and Exeter before you make up your minds.’

Harry would have liked to tell Matron that they’d already decided, although they hoped it would look as if it was Sebastian who made the final choice.

‘So, are we ready to join the art class?’

‘Yes,’ said Sebastian, leaping up and running to the door.

‘How will we know who’s who?’ asked Emma, rising slowly from her seat.

Matron scowled at Sebastian before she said, ‘I will introduce several of the children to you, so none of them feel they are being singled out. Before we join them, do you have any questions?’

Harry was surprised that Sebastian didn’t have a dozen, but simply stood by the door impatiently waiting for them. As they walked back down the corridor towards the art class, Sebastian ran ahead.

Matron opened the door to the classroom, and they entered and stood quietly at the back. She nodded to the master in charge, who said, ‘Children, we have been joined by some guests.’

‘Good afternoon, Mr and Mrs Clifton,’ said the children in unison, several of them looking round, while others carried on painting.

‘Good afternoon,’ said Harry and Emma. Sebastian remained uncharacteristically silent.

Harry noticed that most of the children kept their heads bowed and appeared somewhat subdued. He stepped forward to watch a boy painting a football match. He obviously supported Bristol City, which caused Harry to smile.