Anything but Vanilla(50)

‘Won?’

‘What went first, the champagne sorbet or the cucumber ice cream?’

‘Relax, the trust will get its rent. The sorbet had it by a country mile. We were down to the last scoop.’

‘Perfectly judged, then. What happens to the ice-cream bar now?’

‘Sean and Basil will come with a trailer and take it back to the estate.’

‘Sean?’ And there it was again. That same, slightly possessive tone.

‘Sean McElroy. My brother-in-law,’ she said, quickly, trying to ignore the little frisson of pleasure that rippled through her.

Bad, bad, bad...

‘So he would be married to Elle? Father to Tara, Marji and Fenny?’ He looked up as someone approached them. ‘Yes?’

‘I want a word with Miss Amery.’

‘Graeme?’ For the second time that day her heart catapulted around her chest at the sound of a voice. The first time it had soared. This time the reaction was confused. She should be delighted that he’d taken the trouble to come and see how the event had gone. Instead there was a jag of irritation that he should decide to choose today. ‘What are you doing here?’

‘Last night...’ He made the smallest gesture with a well-manicured hand, a suggestion that what he had to say was for her ears only. That the help should take a hint and leave.

The ‘help’ ignored him and stayed put.

‘Last night?’ she repeated.

‘You seemed keyed up, edgy, not at all yourself.’

‘Really?’ Why could that be? Because she’d invited herself into his bed and he’d chosen not to hear, perhaps? Because this was a relationship that he controlled and that until Alexander West had turned up, turned her on, she had been content to allow him to control. Because it was safe.

‘When you didn’t come back for dinner I was concerned.’

‘Were you?’ He hadn’t been concerned enough to come looking for her. ‘I walked along the river. I was safe enough with the dogs.’

‘It wasn’t your safety I was concerned about, but your state of mind,’ he said. ‘To be frank I’m concerned that you’re going to do something foolish.’

‘Why?’ Alexander asked.

Graeme gave him a cold ‘are you still here?’ look, then said, ‘We’ll have tea here—’

‘You’ve missed tea,’ Alexander said. ‘Shame. The cucumber sandwiches were a hit. Why do you think Sorrel would do something foolish?’

‘Come along, Sorrel.’ He used pretty much the same tone as she’d use to call one of the dogs to heel.

‘Only I would have said that Sorrel Amery is one of the most level-headed women I know,’ Alexander continued as if he hadn’t spoken. ‘I’ve seen her deal with a crisis with humour, compassion and a lot of hard work.’

‘Who are you?’ Graeme demanded.

‘May I introduce Alexander West, Graeme? Ria’s friend,’ she added, quickly, before he said anything outrageous about her. ‘He very kindly volunteered to step into Basil’s shoes today. Alexander, Graeme Laing is my financial advisor.’

Graeme dismissed the introduction with an impatient don’t-waste-my-time gesture. ‘Where is Basil? Is he unwell? He was fit enough yesterday evening.’

‘He’s absolutely fine. He and Grandma are running the ice-cream parlour for me today.’

‘For you?’

‘I’ve rented it for a month while we sort things out. I need the facilities.’

‘But that’s ridiculous! Basil should be here.’ He sighed. ‘This is exactly what I was talking about. You’ve become emotionally involved, Sorrel. You have to distance yourself from that woman.’

‘I can’t do that. I need her.’

‘Of course you don’t! I’ve explained what you’re going to do...’ His voice was rising and, realising that he was attracting attention, he said, ‘We need to talk this through in a quiet atmosphere. I’ll go and reserve a table on the rose-garden terrace.’

Alexander said, ‘Now, Sorrel.’

She reached back, a hand on his arm to indicate that she’d heard him. Sun-warmed, sinewy, it felt vital and alive beneath her palm, but she forced herself to focus on Graeme. She had to explain. She needed his support. Needed him to be onside.

‘Distance is the last thing I want,’ she said. ‘I’m passionate about my business.’ There had been plenty of time to think as she’d walked across the common, along the river bank in the gathering dusk with only the dogs for company. ‘I want it to grow. Not just this,’ she said, making a broad gesture with her free hand, taking in the sweeping parkland of Cranbrook Park, guests lingering after the event that had just taken place. ‘I want everyone to be able to have a little piece of what we do. I want Ria to be my partner.’