Best Kept Secret (The Clifton Chronicles, #3)(27)

‘I have some wonderful news to share with you,’ he announced. ‘Virginia has paid me the great honour of consenting to be my wife.’

An uneasy silence followed, until Harry eventually said, ‘Many congratulations.’ Emma somehow managed a weak smile. As Marsden uncorked a bottle of champagne and filled their glasses, Harry couldn’t help thinking that Elizabeth had only been in her grave for a few hours before Virginia had fulfilled her prophecy.

‘Of course, once we’re married,’ said Virginia, touching Giles gently on his cheek, ‘there are bound to be a few changes around here. But I can’t imagine that will come as much of a surprise,’ she said, smiling warmly at Emma.

Giles appeared so bewitched by her every word that he simply nodded his approval whenever she came to the end of a sentence.

‘Giles and I,’ she continued, ‘plan to move into Barrington Hall soon after we’re married, but as a general election is on the cards, the wedding will have to be put off for a few months, which should give you more than enough time to find somewhere else to live.’

Emma put down her glass of champagne and stared at her brother, who didn’t meet her gaze.

‘I’m sure you’ll understand, Emma,’ he said, ‘that we’d like to begin our married life with Virginia as the mistress of Barrington Hall.’

‘Of course,’ said Emma. ‘Frankly, I’ll be only too happy to return to the Manor House, where I spent so many happy years as a child.’

Virginia glared at her fiancé.

‘Ah,’ Giles eventually managed. ‘I had intended to give Virginia the Manor House as a wedding present.’

Emma and Harry glanced at each other, but before either of them could speak, Virginia said, ‘I have two elderly aunts, both of whom have recently been widowed. It will be so convenient for them.’

‘Giles, have you even considered what might be convenient for Harry and me?’ asked Emma, staring directly at her brother.

‘Perhaps you could move into one of the cottages on the estate?’ suggested Giles.

‘I don’t think that would be appropriate, my darling,’ said Virginia, taking his hand. ‘We mustn’t forget that I plan to have a large household, in keeping with my position as the daughter of an earl.’

‘I have no desire to live in a cottage on the estate,’ said Emma, spitting out the words. ‘We can afford to buy our own home, thank you.’

‘I’m sure you can, my dear,’ said Virginia. ‘After all, Giles tells me Harry is quite a successful author.’

Emma ignored the comment and, turning to her brother, said, ‘How can you be so sure that the Manor House is yours to give away?’

‘Because some time ago, Mama took me through her will line by line. I’d be only too happy to share its contents with you and Harry if you think it might help you plan for the future.’

‘I really don’t think it’s appropriate to discuss Mama’s will on the day of her funeral.’

‘I don’t want to appear insensitive, my dear,’ said Virginia, ‘but as I’ll be returning to London in the morning, and will be spending most of my time preparing for the wedding, I think it would be best to sort out these matters while we’re all together.’ She turned to Giles, and gave him the same sweet smile.

‘I agree with Virginia,’ said Giles. ‘No time like the present. And I can assure you, Emma, Mother has made more than adequate provision for both you and Grace. She has left you ten thousand pounds each, and divided her jewellery equally between you. And she’s left Sebastian five thousand, which he’ll inherit when he comes of age.’

‘Such a fortunate child,’ said Virginia. ‘She’s also given her Turner of Lock at Cleveland to Jessica, but it will remain in the family until she’s twenty-one.’ In that one sentence, Virginia revealed that Giles had shared the details of his mother’s will with his fiancée, before bothering to tell either Emma or Grace. ‘Most generous,’ continued Virginia, ‘remembering that Jessica is not even a member of the family.’

‘We look upon Jessica as our daughter,’ said Harry sharply, ‘and treat her as such.’

‘Half-sister, I think would be more accurate,’ said Virginia. ‘And we mustn’t forget that she’s a Barnardo’s orphan, as well as being Jewish. I suppose it’s because I come from Yorkshire that I have a tendency to call a spade a spade.’

‘And I suppose it’s because I come from Gloucestershire,’ said Emma, ‘that I have a tendency to call a scheming bitch a scheming bitch.’

Emma rose from her place and marched out of the room. For the first time that evening, Giles looked embarrassed. Harry was now certain that neither Giles nor Virginia was aware that Elizabeth had executed a new will. He chose his words carefully.

‘Emma’s a little overwrought following the funeral. I’m sure she’ll have recovered by the morning.’

He folded his napkin, bade them goodnight and left the room without another word.

Virginia looked at her fiancé. ‘You were magnificent, Bunny. But I have to say, what a touchy lot your family are, though I suppose that’s only to be expected after all they’ve been through. However, I fear it doesn’t augur well for the future.’