Lyrebird Hill Read Online Free Page B

wrist. Esther’s skin felt as smooth as ancient satin, but her grip was firm.
    ‘Will you promise me something, Ruby?’
    I frowned at her, still shaken by our exchange. Any request for a promise made me wary, let alone one put forth by someone I’d only just met.
    Esther released my wrist, but her eyes pleaded with me until I nodded.
    ‘Will you visit me at Lyrebird Hill?’ she asked. ‘Please say you will, my dear. We can continue our conversation in private. I have fond memories of you and Jamie as children. Perhaps they’ll help you remember? Besides, I’ve got something for you. A book,’ she added quietly.
    Surprise made me ask, ‘What sort of book?’
    Esther glanced over her shoulder, then replied hastily. ‘Now’s not the time to talk, love. Please say you’ll come and visit. I’ll show you the new gardens I’ve planted, and the seedling nursery, which I know you’ll adore. It’ll be great, we can make a day of it.’
    I blinked at her. Visit Lyrebird Hill? Return to the place I’d spent the past eighteen years running from? Immerse myself in all the sights and sounds and smells of my childhood home, and risk remembering ? The mention of a book rang my alarm bells, too.
    ‘I’ll think about it,’ I said reluctantly. ‘The shop’s pretty hectic at the moment. I might not be able to get away for a while.’
    Esther adjusted her bag and smiled. ‘Well, when you can manage a couple of days off, why don’t you come and stay? There are plenty of spare bedrooms, as you know. Please do, Ruby. It would mean so much to me.’ Unpinning the bouquet of wildflowers from her collar, she pressed it into my hand. ‘Just turn up whenever you like, dear. Any time of night or day. My door’s always open.’
    She hesitated, as if wanting to say more. Instead, she kissed me lightly on the cheek, then turned to join a group of patrons heading towards the entryway. I watched until she reached thedoor, and caught a last glimpse of her white hair and red dress, before she disappeared outside.
    ‘Ruby!’
    I looked around. Rob was weaving his way towards me through the crowd, balancing glasses of wine and a mini cheese platter.
    ‘There you are,’ he said, handing me a glass and helping himself to the platter. ‘Incredible turnout, isn’t it? All of Armidale must be here. Margaret’s sold just about everything, too. Having fun?’
    ‘Not really,’ I admitted, and gulped my wine. ‘I’ve had enough. I’ll say goodbye to Mum, and then meet you outside.’ Before he had a chance to respond, I stalked away into the thinning muddle of people, making a beeline for my mother.
    When she saw me approaching, she hurried over and took my arm, steering me towards a quiet corner of the gallery.
    ‘I was wondering where you’d got to,’ she said. Her face was flushed and her chignon had frayed from its pins. ‘I’m afraid I’ve been caught up; did you get a chance to look around?’
    ‘The paintings are beautiful, Mum. All from memory, I suppose?’
    She nodded. ‘Although I’ve spent the past four years cursing myself for not having the foresight to photograph the old place. It would have made my job a great deal easier.’
    ‘I’m sure Mrs Hillard would have welcomed a visit.’
    Mum tensed. ‘You know how I feel about the place, Ruby. The paintings were a way for me to try and find a sort of closure. Actually going back there would have just opened up old wounds.’ When I didn’t reply, her eyes narrowed on my face. ‘What’s wrong, Ruby? You look pale.’
    My pulse picked up, and I took a breath. ‘Speaking of Esther Hillard, she was here.’
    Mum glanced over my shoulder. ‘Oh? I must say hello.’
    ‘She had to leave.’
    ‘That’s a shame. I haven’t seen her in ages. I’d love to catch up with her.’ Mum seemed to ponder this, then said a bit too loudly, ‘Had a good chat, did you?’
    ‘We did, actually. She mentioned Jamie.’
    Mum forced a smile, but her eyes were wary. ‘Both you