The Unquiet Spirit by Penny Hampson

Author:Penny Hampson [Hampson, Penny]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fiction & Literature
Publisher: crooked cat / darkstroke
Published: 2020-08-20T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

After all the excitement died down, Sue shepherded everyone except Laura into the dining room. Kate had noticed how Laura’s initial animation over the portrait diminished and was therefore not surprised when Laura tugged on Sue’s sleeve to say she was going to have a rest in her room.

“I’ll save some dinner for you, love. Let me know when you want to eat.” Sue gave Kate a brave smile as Tom carried Laura upstairs. “Never mind. I thought she was trying to do too much. Next time you come round, she might be feeling a bit better and you can spend some time together, get to know one another. It’s done her good to meet someone new.” Sue slapped a hand to her mouth. “Oh dear. There I go again. I haven’t even asked you whether you’d like to see her again. I do beg your pardon, Kate.”

Kate patted Sue’s arm. “Of course I’ll come and visit Laura. And not because I feel sorry for her; I’m sure we have a lot of common interests.” It was true. Beneath the constraints of ill health, it was clear that Laura possessed an intelligent mind and a lively sense of humour. Kate thought in other circumstances they would get on well together. But she was not entirely sure about risking an involvement with Laura’s brother.

Tom had been utterly charming once they’d cleared up that awful misunderstanding, so charming in fact, that she was in great danger of falling head over heels for him. But she didn’t want to get hurt and she also sensed a remaining wariness on his part. There were areas of his life that he was reluctant to share or discuss with her. And what had Laura meant with her warning not to hurt him? Surely he could take care of himself? He could be very intimidating when he wanted. She wasn’t looking for a new relationship this soon, Kate told herself, and neither, if what the waitress had said was true, was he.

Kate took her place at the table, Tom was seated across from her, with his dad at the head and Sue at the other end. An empty place setting next to Kate indicated where Laura would have sat, if only she’d remained well enough to join them. Sue, however, seemed determined to make the best of things. It was obvious to Kate that this meal was more than just a normal Sunday lunch. There was a starter of smoked salmon, served with salad leaves and a vinaigrette, followed by a main course of roast pork with the usual accompaniments of stuffing, apple sauce, roast potatoes, carrots, green beans, and lots of gravy. By the time Kate had cleaned her plate she didn’t think she could find any room for dessert.

“That was wonderful, Sue. I really enjoyed it. I think I’ve eaten so much, I’ll have to walk home to work it off.”

Sue glowed at Kate’s praise, and Tom patted his mum on the shoulder as he started to clear the dishes.

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