Retribution (Sebastian Trilogy Book 3) by Rosen Janey

Author:Rosen, Janey [Rosen, Janey]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Limitless Publishing LLC
Published: 2015-08-18T07:00:00+00:00

***

A chicken is roasting in the oven. It’s the first meal I’ve cooked for a long time and the normality of such a domestic task calms my nerves. Bella peels potatoes and Ruth pours me a second glass of red wine. My mobile phone rings just as I remove the tray of sizzling chicken from the oven to baste. Ignoring the familiar ringtone, I spoon hot fat onto the crispy bird and replace the tray, slamming the oven door shut with my foot. The phone rings once more. Sebastian’s photograph smiles from the phone display as I toss aside the oven glove and answer the call.

“Elizabeth?”

“Sebastian. Hi. How are you?”

“I’m fine,” he says curtly. “You said you’d call when you reached Dorset. I know the roads can be bad but I’m guessing the journey didn’t take over twenty-four hours?”

“Sorry. I meant to call you yesterday but I’ve had a lot to do, getting ready for Bella’s birthday.” I’m thankful he can’t see my flushed cheeks.

“I see. I’ll drive up tomorrow. I wouldn’t miss my girl’s birthday for the world.” My girl. His fondness towards Bella warms my heart. “I hope you’re not overdoing it? The idea is that you rest, Elizabeth. It doesn’t sound as if that is the case.”

“Oh. I’ve been resting too. Anyway, how are things at Penmorrow? Are you missing me?” I try to change the subject tactfully.

“Yes, of course I miss you. Are you feeling any better?” His voice is clipped and a little cool.

“You don’t sound as if you’re missing me. Is everything okay?”

“Everything is wonderful, darling. Unless of course you mean in spite of my girlfriend going nuts, running off to Dorset, my maid sulking and you not taking my calls.”

“I see.” Ouch. That hurts. “It’s only for a short while, Sebastian. We agreed that I needed this space to get well.”

“And are you getting well? Are you taking your medication?

“Yes, of course. I’m feeling more clearheaded. Maybe you were right about this being grief.”

“Yes, darling. I do think I’m right.”

There is a long awkward silence. I break it. “Why is Scarlett sulking?”

“I have no idea what goes through any woman’s head, Elizabeth, least of all hers.”

“Has she mentioned a moving date? Has she found somewhere to go?”

“No, she hasn’t. She kindly offered to stay on while you are away to look after the house.”

I just bet the bitch has.

“To look after you, you mean.” I can’t hide the bitterness in my voice, and he sighs deeply.

“Elizabeth.”

“Yes?”

“It’s not forever. It makes sense that she stays until you return. It gives her more time to find another position and a place to live. I need the help too. Try to be reasonable.”

“Reasonable?” I repeat, trying to curb the venom. “I think I’ve been very reasonable, given the fact that she has made it totally untenable for me to live with the man I love.” He sighs deeply but I’m unable to stop myself. “Furthermore, Sebastian, it seems remarkable to me that I’m feeling better now I’ve left Penmorrow.

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