The Inca's Curse (The Thornton Mysteries Book 2) by Ellen Read

Author:Ellen Read [Read, Ellen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Easy Reads Publishing
Published: 2023-11-04T16:00:00+00:00

Alexandra looked at her watch. It was five o’clock. They’d finished luncheon and were milling around on the sloping lawns. The mountains on the horizon had turned mauve, with dark shades of purple, and the air was thinner, crisper in the late afternoon. Parrots and cockatoos, unseen in the orchard, were squawking a noisy song, as they came in to roost for the night.

‘Before you leave,’ Carl said. ‘I must show Benedict one of our springs.’

‘I’d like to see it,’ Benedict replied.

‘Why don’t we all go,’ Alexandra said. She didn’t want to be left behind. John Moreno wasn’t far from where they stood. He’d stared at her on and off the entire time they’d been here. Her father was deep in conversation with Fabrizzio. ‘Daddy’s seen it, so we won’t interrupt.’

‘It’s not far,’ Carl said. He grabbed one of the few clean glasses left on the wine table, took Edith’s hand and led the way to behind the orchard.

The squawking was deafening as they passed the trees. Alexandra caught glimpses of pale-headed rosellas in hues of yellow, blue and red.

‘It looks rather unremarkable,’ Carl told Benedict when they’d left the raucous parrots behind. They’d arrived at a fence. He opened it and they went inside.

‘Is this it?’ Benedict asked. ‘Just this tap and pond?’

Carl laughed. ‘I told you, not very impressive.’

Alexandra’s eyes cut straight to Edith. She was rewarded by a look of ecstasy on her friend’s face. Carl’s laugh was deep and warm, like being wrapped in a blanket in front of a fire. Edith sank into its embrace and sighed.

Carl filled the glass with water and handed it to Benedict, who sniffed it as he would a fine wine. He wrinkled his nose, took a mouthful of the spring water, and then grimaced.

‘My goodness,’ he exclaimed.

They all laughed.

‘It’s an acquired taste, darling,’ Alexandra said.

‘Some of the springs around the ranges are very strong in minerals, such as this one,’ Carl explained.

‘I hope my reaction didn’t offend you?’ Benedict said.

‘Not at all.’ Carl smiled.

As they walked back to the house, Alexandra said, ‘You must come to dinner, Carl. We’re staying over tomorrow. Would tomorrow evening suit you?’

Carl glanced at Edith. Her heart was in her eyes as she looked at him. ‘I was heading back to Melbourne,’ he said, ‘but I’ll ask my boss if he can manage one day without me. I’m sure he can. His father works in the shop too. So, I’d be delighted to accept your invitation.’

Carl left them to have a brief word with Moreno. He nodded as he hurried back to Edith.

‘Are you ready to go?’ Thomas asked, when he joined them. ‘I’ve phoned Rigoni to come collect us.’

‘Yes, Daddy,’ Alexandra said, adding, ‘Carl is coming to dinner tomorrow evening.’

‘You’re very welcome,’ Thomas said, and shook Carl’s hand.

Farewells took about half an hour, with hugs and kisses followed by more conversation, and then more hugs and kisses. Carl kissed Edith’s cheek. Alexandra was certain he wanted to kiss her lips.

Virgilia joined her family to say goodbye.

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