Rejection Runs Deep (The Canleigh Series, book 1: A chilling psychological family drama), Carole Williams [ebook reader 8 inch .TXT] 📗

Ruth felt sick with fear and she knew she had to get away from this taunting woman as fast as possible.  She stood up and turned to the butler who was standing uncomfortably by the sideboard, waiting to clear the plates from the table so he could serve pudding.

Hardy was scandalised and appalled by what he was hearing from the mouth of Lady Delia, whom he had known since she returned from the hospital with Richard when they were new born babies.  It had been a real pleasure to watch them grow up and he had thoroughly enjoyed all those mornings and evenings driving her backwards and forwards to Thistledown, when all she thought about was horses and Master Philip.  Then, when she was older and the Duke was away such a lot and left her on her own at Canleigh with just the staff, she had been a thoroughly responsible young lady, attending her course at Askham Bryan college every day and working hard at the Kershaw’s in her spare time, helping Master Philip with the horses and his business there.  At that time, Hardy and the remainder of the staff at Canleigh had huge respect for the young woman.  Until the weekend Philip had thrown her over.  The young girl they had all watched grow up so well changed beyond recognition, starting with her antics with Lady Victoria’s boyfriend, then screaming blue murder at Lord Richard and the Duke and following that, flouncing out of the house, not to be seen again for another eighteen months.  Then there was the huge question mark over what had gone on in Richard’s flat.  Would she have killed him?  Would she have killed this Peter Percival?  Hardy didn’t want to believe it of her but listening to her venom towards poor Lady Victoria and the lovely young Duchess didn’t bode well.  Hardy was utterly sickened but in his usual stoic manner his face looked composed and kept his eyes well away from the woman he feared was becoming more like her mother every day but at least, Margaret had never killed anyone.  He smiled sympathetically at the Duchess.

“I’m sorry, Hardy. I have no appetite for pudding but I’ll have coffee in my bedroom,” said Ruth quickly.

She turned to Delia.  “Just keep away from my son.  I don’t want your poisonous presence anywhere near him.  Do you understand?”

“Whatever you say, Ruth,” drawled Delia.  “After all, you’re the Duchess of Canleigh.  You’re in charge.”

“In the absence of your father, yes, I am and I would be grateful if you could remember that and I’m warning you … I shan't stand any nonsense.  You can remain at Canleigh, if you must … at least until whenever your trial takes place.  As soon as your father is fit to travel, I am taking him and Stephen to Blairness and until then I strongly suggest you keep out of everyone’s way as much as possible, especially Vicky.  You’re poison, Delia … to all of us and I shall be extremely glad when they lock you up … because I don’t know how you did it but I am pretty positive you killed Richard … or had him killed.  Either way, you are responsible for his death and although Richard and I have been estranged for some time, I mourn his loss and can never forgive you for what you have done to this family.”

Shaking with anger and fright, Ruth left the room in a hurry and flew upstairs to find Vicky had locked herself in her bedroom.

“Vicky, please let me in,” Ruth begged, desperately worried about her.

Vicky was obviously crying bitterly as her voice was muffled.  “No, Ruth.  Leave me for now … I’m tired and want to go to bed.”

“Okay, but if you want to talk, I’ll be in my room.”

Ruth made her way slowly down the corridor to her bedroom, her mind in turmoil.  Vicky’s marriage was rocky enough without Delia causing more havoc and her interference could prove to be the final straw.  Ruth didn’t know how Vicky would be able to forgive Barrie a dalliance with her sister a second time.  Ruth felt so sorry for her.  What a complete and utter rat Barrie had proved to be.

She reached her bedroom and knocked gently on the door.  “It’s me, Tina,” she said softly.

Tina was quick to let her in.  “Stephen has been fine, Your Grace.  He will need a feed soon though.”

“Thank you so much.  You go off home now and I’ll see you in the morning.  I’ve told Lady Delia you’re taking Stephen out for the day tomorrow so perhaps you could take him to your home … that is, if you don’t mind?  I have to visit my husband and will be busy with last minute funeral arrangements and will feel much happier if I know he isn’t here at Canleigh.”

Tina nodded.  “Of course, Your Grace.  I will be more than happy to take him home.  He will be quite safe there.”

Tina departed.  Ruth locked the door behind her and turned to her sleeping son in the cradle beside the bed.  He stirred, opened his eyes and waved his tiny hands in the air.  She picked him up and cuddled him close, breathing in his gorgeous baby smell.  His skin was like silk.  She kissed his face and neck.   Just to feel his warm cheek against hers gave her courage and determination.  She loved him so fiercely.  She would do anything to keep him safe and happy and somehow she would find the strength to do so but until Delia left Canleigh for good Ruth knew she was going to have to keep up her guard at all times of the day and night and she was already exhausted.

Her son