A Breath of Innocence by K A Merikan

Author:K A Merikan [Merikan, K A]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Acerbi & Villani Ltd.
Published: 2018-05-13T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15 - Griffith

Griffith’s parents lived in the beautiful countryside less than two hours away from Bristol by car. They entered the loveliest and most serene of little historic towns, of the kind that had elaborate decorations in the main street, expensive boutiques, and wine bars full of people in the middle of the day. Griff’s parents often had lunch at one of the contemporary restaurants in the center. They soon left the town behind and, following Griffith’s directions, Mark drove into a smaller asphalt road that lead first between fields, and then into woodland.

Griff was glad when he saw the long fence surrounding his parents’ property, and he asked Mark to slow down just before the road curve, because the driveway started just beyond it. Next to him, Mark made a little gasp when the imposing two-story building made of gray stone emerged from between the trees. Two circular towers built in the severe romanesque revival style stood on either side of an open gate, but Griffith’s uncle must have left the Christmas tree on, because he spotted colorful lights in one of the windows.

Mark’s mouth quirked into a smile when he slowly drove under the arched entrance. “What an unusual home! Is it medieval?”

“It’s actually Victorian. There was a fashion for this kind of architecture at the time. We used to rent out this gatehouse, but my uncle and his wife are going through a rough patch right now, so my parents let them move in.”

Mark tapped the steering wheel, looking at the small garden adjacent to one of the towers, where uncle Stephen and aunt Aurelie cultivated flowers, herbs, fruit, and some vegetables.

“Oh. Are they at the party then?” Mark asked, following a narrow asphalt road between the trees that would lead them to Griff’s family home.

“No, they always spend Christmas in Fiji.”

Mark briefly glanced his way. “Wait what? You said they were struggling.”

Griffith shrugged. “You have to treat yourself every now and then. They’re only staying there for two weeks.”

Mark was too busy taking in the parkland to continue the conversation as they drove along the driveway that would be particularly spectacular in the spring, when bluebells sprouted between the trees and covered the ground with a two-tone carpet. Griffith hoped he would get to show that to Mark in a few months.

When the house finally emerged into view, bathed by the cool winter sunshine, the white of its walls was in stark contrast to the dark color of its timber frame. Griffith had never been away from here for so long before, and even though he didn’t really miss his former home, the sight of the intricate patterns of the framework caused a sense of nostalgia rather than longing. After several months in a city, he saw what looked more like a set for the newest live-action Disney fairy tale rather than a home.

“This is their house?” Mark asked. “Are you a secret duke or something?”

Griffith looked his way, surprised by the blunt question. “Oh... no, of course not.

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