Substitute Bride by Angela Devine

Author:Angela Devine [Devine, Angela]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781459269477
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2011-07-14T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIVE

SUE let her chestnut horse dance skittishly around in the foam for a moment before she answered. Laura had the unworthy suspicion that she only did this so that she could display her slim legs and the skill with which she brought the snorting animal under control. All her own good humour drained away as she watched the other woman lean forward and address James confidingly, without even acknowledging her presence.

‘I’ve got a copy of the shopping centre plan and it’s just as bad as we feared. They want to put it smack bang in the middle of the village and tear down six beautiful old houses to do it. Not only that, but that avenue of hundred-and-fifty-year-old oak trees would have to go.’

James included Laura in the conversation by means of an apologetic glance.

‘You remember Sue from the wedding, don’t you? She’s been spearheading a campaign against architectural vandalism in the village. A development company is hoping to put in a supermarket complex which will wreck a really beautiful area if it’s allowed to go ahead. Not that I’m against development, but that’s definitely the wrong site for it. Can I come and look at the plans, Sue?’

‘Of course. The sooner the better.’

‘We’ll come now, if you like,’ offered James. ‘We can put the horses in your back paddock and Laura can sit and put her feet up while we sort this out.’

Sue’s green eyes narrowed.

‘Oh, I don’t think Laura would be interested,’ she said swiftly. ‘It’s only a local matter, after all. Why don’t you come back this evening and see them properly? I’m sure Laura wouldn’t mind staying at your house and watching a video or something.’

‘Well—’ began Laura.

‘No, it’s better to get it done now,’ cut in James. ‘I want to see my lawyers in Hobart tomorrow, and there’s no point doing that until I’ve had a good look at the plans. Besides, I’m sure Laura would like to see your house.’

Sue’s smile was tight-lipped.

‘All right,’ she agreed ungraciously.

Sue’s house proved to be one of the old sandstone buildings in a quiet street only a short distance from the proposed development, with an acre of lush green gardens, a paddock and stone stables behind it. When they had tied up the horses, Sue led them into a pinelined kitchen, where sunlight splashed in through tall windows divided into numerous tiny panes of glass. Waving them towards a table and chairs of Huon pine, she switched on the electric jug and lifted down an old-fashioned tin.

‘You will have some coffee, won’t you?’

‘We’ve already had some, but I’d be glad of another cup,’ said James. ‘What about you, Laura?’

‘Yes, please.’

‘Oh, dear,’ cried Sue, lifting the lid of the tin and pulling a comical face. ‘It looks as though I’m out of your Arabica, James. I’ll have to give you Kenyan instead. But we have got some of those hazelnut wafers you like. Try one, Laura, they’re nine million calories a bite, but utterly yummy. Fortunately I don’t have to worry about my figure, since I’m naturally slim.

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