Second Best by Pamela Fudge

Author:Pamela Fudge [Pamela Fudge]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780709093985
Publisher: Robert Hale
Published: 2011-09-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

* * *

Lex rose to his feet, and without a hint of annoyance at the sarcastic tone, greeted his brother levelly. ‘Nick, it was good of you to cut your honeymoon short – and you, too, Anthea.’

‘I suppose it was the least we could do under the circumstances.’ It was Nick’s new wife who replied in a less than happy tone, adding, ‘How is Eleanor?’

While Lex repeated the information he had already shared with me, I went off to purchase refreshments for the newcomers, returning with great reluctance to the table where they were all sitting now and talking earnestly.

‘Thank you, darling.’ Lex pulled a chair up close beside him and once I was seated he took my hand in a seemingly casual fashion. A sign of ownership, perhaps, or just a big act, but I found I didn’t really care and instead gained comfort from the strength and warmth of his fingers.

I doubted I was ever going to be at ease in Nick’s company, though it had nothing to do with any left-over feelings for him. I found I couldn’t have cared less about him and his tawdry reputation. I knew I was well rid of him, but I did have concerns about his wife and any suspicions she might still be harbouring about the two of us after the little scene at the wedding reception.

‘You must go up first,’ Lex encouraged the other couple, ‘after coming all that way home.’

‘Well, to be honest, we wouldn’t have bloody bothered if we’d realized it was only an ear infection,’ Nick said shortly, any concern he might have had for his grandmother appeared to be evaporating by the minute. ‘I do think you might have waited for a few tests to be carried out before summoning us home, Lex. It’s hardly the emergency you led us to believe, is it?’

To give Anthea her due, she did protest. ‘Oh, that’s hardly fair, Nick. Given your grandmother’s age I’m sure Lex did what he thought was best.’

The disparaging look on Nick’s face left us all in no doubt of his opinion of Lex’s best and without another word, he stalked off, taking Anthea with him.

‘He’s insufferable. It was hardly only an ear infection,’ I said indignantly. ‘And he would have been the first one to object – and vehemently no doubt, if you hadn’t told him what was happening.’

‘Don’t let it worry you.’ Lex shrugged. ‘That’s Nick all over and it really doesn’t bother me.’

‘Well, it should,’ I said roundly. ‘His attitude stinks, yet you continually excuse his bad behaviour and let him get away with it. Why?’ Then I continued bitterly, ‘Oh, don’t tell me – it’s because he was so young when your parents died that he must be forever shielded from the harsh realities of life. But, Lex, he’s a man now and it’s time you all stopped making excuses for him.’

I suddenly realized he was just looking at me, and I stopped, shrugged and said, ‘I know, I know, it’s none of my business, but where is the concern for you, Lex? Tell me that.

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