Heirs of Ravenscar Read Online Free Page A

intelligent and caring. His methods are very modern , and he’s most up-to-date with the latest advances. I approve of his approach.’
    Edward walked in, a broad smile on his face. ‘I was so glad to hear the clatter of pots and pans in the kitchen amoment ago. Earlier this morning, when I came back from my ride, the house was ghastly, so quiet, and the total silence rather eerie. In fact, Jessup just told me that Cook was most upset about Young Edward, hence the gloomy atmosphere in her domain. According to Jessup, none of the other staff were allowed to speak.’
    â€˜I know she can be quite a tartar at times,’ Cecily murmured.
    Walking across to the drinks tray which stood on a chest-of-drawers, Edward poured himself a glass of pale Amontillado sherry. Then went and stood in front of the French doors, staring out at the gardens and the sea beyond, lost in thought.
    His mother said, ‘Ned?’
    â€˜Yes, Mother, what is it?’ He swung around to face her, his blond brows arching.
    â€˜It’s the fourteenth of December today. Only ten days left until Christmas. I do think we ought to consider cancelling the festivities we’ve planned. Bronchitis lasts several weeks, even longer –’
    â€˜I’m not going to consider cancelling. I’ve already decided to cancel. Immediately . It must be done today. That will give the guests we were expecting some time to make other plans … well, hopefully. After lunch, I’ll telephone Will, also Vicky and Stephen. They’re like family and will understand. I’d better have a word with George, also.’
    â€˜ George! ’ Richard exclaimed, gaping at his brother. He was thunderstruck. ‘You didn’t tell me you’d invited George, Ned. How could you? ’
    â€˜I didn’t. George invited himself and you know what our brother is like. And he also said that he was bringing Isabel and the children.’
    â€˜Why didn’t you tell him he couldn’t come for Christmas?’ Richard cried irately, his pale face unexpectedly flushed.
    Edward was totally silent.
    â€˜You know how upset I’ve been with him, and so has Anne. The way he treated her and blocked our engagement was appalling!’ Richard shook his head. ‘I don’t want to see him. Or Isabel, for that matter. She plays along with him.’
    â€˜She’s weak,’ Ned muttered. ‘She dare not oppose him in anything.’
    â€˜It was my idea,’ Cecily interjected very softly, staring at Richard.
    â€˜ Why? ’ Richard demanded, his voice rising. ‘In God’s name why ? George has treated me most abominably these last few years.’
    â€˜I hoped you would both make up this Christmas, be friends again, loving brothers, the way you used to be.’
    Laughing hollowly, Richard snapped, ‘I wouldn’t trust him as far as I could throw him, Mother.’
    â€˜He’s your brother,’ she answered.
    â€˜Tell him that!’
    When she remained quiet, Richard continued in an angry tone, ‘You always did stick up for him, even when he was a boy. And a mother’s boy at that! Always clinging pathetically to your skirts, throwing himself at you, and hiding behind your skirts when he had committed some nasty little prank. You protected him then, and I’ll never understand why.’
    Cecily shook her head, and her voice broke slightly as she tried to explain. ‘There was something about him that made me feel he needed protection. In a peculiar way, I was always a bit afraid for him, he always seemed so vulnerable …’ Her voice trailed off.
    â€˜ Vulnerable . That’s a laugh.’ Richard now turned to Edward, stared at him. ‘George betrayed you, Ned. Not once, but many times. He went over to Neville’s side, after Neville and you quarrelled. He entangled himself in Neville’s plansto go along with Louis Charpentier and make a bid for Deravenels.