Guernsey Retreat by Allen Anne

Author:Allen, Anne [Allen, Anne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: novel, fiction
Publisher: Sarnia Press
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Later that evening Louisa finished the last of the seared pork medallions and fresh steamed vegetables, breathing out a contented sigh. ‘That was delicious! Just what I needed – good food and wine,’ she said, raising her glass of rosé towards Paul, sitting opposite.

‘There’s baked figs with Greek yogurt to follow so I hope you’re not full,’ he teased, clearing away the plates.

‘Yummy, sounds perfect. And I’m so glad you suggested avoiding the other guests tonight. I’m sure I’d have found it hard to pretend nothing’s happened.’ She focused on her glass as Paul collected the desserts from his mini-kitchen. ‘But I don’t see how I can avoid admitting I’m Malcolm’s daughter. What do you think?’

He placed the dishes on the table and sat down. ‘I think you should tell Charlotte first, as you two seem pretty close.’ Louisa nodded. ‘The staff already know, and if other guests find out, I don’t see it’s a big deal. Some are leaving in a few days, anyway. Malcolm’s well liked so I’m sure everyone will be pleased he has family here while he recovers. The room next to yours will be vacant tomorrow so he can stay there,’ he said, adding with a grin, ‘You’ve probably noticed it’s called Balance. Appropriate don’t you think?’

‘You’d better hope Malcolm hasn’t lost his sense of humour!’ she laughed. Sitting here in Paul’s tower eyrie, she was able to let go the tensions and anxiety of the day. The room was light and airy and decorated in inimitable Asian style; colourful Indian rugs covered the floor and silk wall hangings vied with watercolours on the pale walls. Book shelves encircled the room and an array of Indian artefacts formed a feature on a side table; pride of place being given to a bronze Buddha. She imagined that Paul found it the perfect retreat after a busy day downstairs; wealthy guests could be pretty demanding, he’d told her. As she glanced around now, her eyes were drawn to the man himself. Concentrating on his dessert, he didn’t see her looking at him. Which was just as well, as she felt herself flushing at the potential of his bedroom only feet away. How can I be so turned on by the thought of going to bed with Paul when my father is in hospital? I should be ashamed of myself! But the desire didn’t leave and she began eating her figs, thinking they were an unfortunate, albeit delicious choice, given her state of arousal.

‘Good, aren’t they?’ Paul asked, looking up.

‘Mm, yes.’ She lifted her eyes to a spot on his shirt. ‘Paul, I–’

His mobile beeped and he picked it up, glancing at the screen. ‘Hey, what do you know, Nicole and Ben have a baby girl!’ He grinned delightedly.

‘That’s great news. She didn’t mess around, did she? Does he say anything else – name, weight, how they both are?’

‘They’re calling her Eve, after Nicole’s grandmother, who used to own this house. Did you know that?’

‘No, I didn’t. That makes it a bit more personal doesn’t it? So, did Nicole live here too?’

He shook his head.

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