Return to Lilacwell by Sasha Morgan

Author:Sasha Morgan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Canelo Digital Publishing Ltd
Published: 2023-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

Sitting in the castle’s infamous whisky bar, Fletcher had struck up friendly conversation with many of the visitors who had also come to sample the wares. One or two had asked what the relationship was between him and the ‘dear old twins’.

‘I’ve known them all my life,’ he’d reply. ‘We’ve grown up together.’

‘Have they always been such good fun?’ asked one elderly gentleman, who had taken quite a shine to Ruby. Alfred was a quietly spoken, genteel chap who had joined the party without a companion and clearly had his sights set on her. Ruby, being extremely flattered to receive such attention, had taken him under her wing. Definitely a case of opposites attracting but, to Fletcher and Lilly, an absolute blessing.

‘Yes,’ Fletcher replied, ‘especially Lilly. Ruby has always been the more…’ He struggled for words.

‘Extrovert?’ suggested Alfred.

‘Err… yes, certainly the more dominant one.’

‘Ah, yes.’ Alfred gazed over in awe at Ruby sat nearby, making Fletcher smile to himself.

They had all enjoyed a busy day’s excursion to the nearby town. After taking in the shops and sights, and relishing a cream tea, it was back to the hotel for another evening banquet. Fletcher was tired from all the walking, talking, eating and drinking. He couldn’t manage any dancing tonight. Instead, he and the twins, together with Alfred decided to relax in the whisky bar.

Lilly was wearing her new pale blue dress and feeling upbeat. Everything was falling into place – Ruby had an admirer, making her sister happy, and when Ruby was happy, so was she. Normally Ruby would focus solely on Lilly, forever watching and guiding her every move. But now, Alfred was receiving Ruby’s attention, leaving Lilly free to breathe a little more easily.

‘Over here, Alfred!’ was her cheery call, summoning him to her; and up he’d scuttle like a pet dog. It was rather endearing to watch. Lilly had never seen her twin sister so smitten. The transformation in her was astonishing; gone were the snide digs and exasperated sighs, now Ruby actually smiled. She hummed.

Whilst delighted that Ruby was in such a good place, it did leave Lilly a tad concerned about where she’d be once the holiday was over and they returned home. Would her sister revert back to her usual self? She so wanted Ruby to remain upbeat. It would be better for everyone.

‘Try this one, Lilly.’ Ruby shoved a tumbler of whisky in front of her. Lilly sipped it, but to her all the whiskies tasted the same. ‘It’s peatier, isn’t it?’

‘Yes. Very nice,’ replied Lilly, struggling to keep a straight face against the burn of the alcohol down her throat.

‘Over here, Alfred! Try this one!’ trilled Ruby. Alfred dutifully scurried over and the two sampled the whisky together, muttering about notes and finishes. She lifted her head to the bar. ‘Fletcher, you too!’ she called. Fletcher remained seated. He had his back to them and didn’t move. ‘Oy, Fletcher!’ Ruby shouted, making people turn. But still there was no movement from him.

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