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

“How’s Philip coping at Tangles?  It can’t have been easy for him … taking it over at such a young age,” she said, quickly changing the subject.

Delia took a deep breath.  “He’s doing really well.  The riding school is booming and he’s really busy … and that’s the best thing.  It keeps his mind occupied.”

Vicky shuddered.  “Poor Philip.  Losing all of his family.  It’s so sad.  Darling Constance was wonderful and as for poor Ralph.  What a dreadful death … being kicked to death by your own horse … then you wonder why I don’t like the vicious brutes.”

“Thunderbolt had a good excuse.  He was stung by a wasp and was in agony.  He would never have kicked out otherwise.  It was just unfortunate Ralph happened to be in the stable with him at the time.  Thunderbolt’s been like a lamb since … in fact I think he realises what he did.  He seems to look so sad now.  It’s tragic.”

Delia felt the tears sting her eyes.  That had been another day she would never forget.  She and Philip had actually been at the stables when it happened, helping the grooms muck out.  They heard Thunderbolt lashing out and Ralph’s terrified yell.  They and the grooms rushed over to Thunderbolt’s box to see Ralph spread-eagled on the floor while the horse reared and kicked out furiously, terror and pain in his eyes.

One of the grooms did her best to calm the horse while the other, along with Philip, risked their own lives pulling Ralph to safety.  Delia left a distraught Philip kneeling by Ralph’s side while she dashed into the office to ring for an ambulance but there was nothing anyone could do.  The horse’s hooves had dealt a fatal blow to Ralph’s head and he had died instantly.

“I expect Philip will be glad when you move in permanently.  He must get lonely.”

Vicky’s words brought Delia back to the present with a jolt.  “He hasn’t time to be lonely … and anyway I’m there every day.  I only come back to the Hall to sleep … and then not always,” she said with a smile to her lips.

Vicky began to relax.  Perhaps marriage was going to soften Delia.

“What happened to the show jumping ambitions?”

“Oh, they’re still there but I outgrew Star a long time ago … and as for Demon … he’s not the right temperament … too skittish and temperamental.  And I’ve been busy at college and helping Philip.  Now studies have finished and once the wedding is over, I’ll think about it again.  I could afford to buy a decent horse for the ring now I’ve received Granny’s inheritance.

“Gosh, yes.  You and Richard … a million pounds each.  Wasn’t darling Granny generous, leaving that to us and the rest of her millions to animal charities.  She was very special,” said Vicky, smiling up at the portrait.  “Although I wish I didn’t have to wait for mine till I am twenty-one.  Another couple of years of scrimping at Oxford.”

Delia snorted.  “Father hardly keeps you short and you have a very nice flat to live in which he pays for.  Anyway, time will soon pass and you have your studies to complete.  Another two years of English.  Goodness, what a bore … and what on earth will you do when you finish?  Teach it I suppose … even more boring.”

Vicky giggled.  “Just as well we don’t all think like that.  I find it absorbing … and anyway why did you pick estate management to study?  I thought you would have concentrated more on the horsey side.”

Delia gave a slight smile, not wanting to tell Vicky the real reason.  That would be revealed later this weekend, when she spoke to Father.  Then they would all know.

“Because it will help us at Tangles of course.”

Further discussion was interrupted by a knock on the door announcing Hardy’s arrival with an enormous tray bearing the silver coffee pot, a jug of milk and bowl of sugar; bone china crockery and silver cutlery.  The delicate egg and cress, smoked salmon, and cucumber sandwiches with the crusts removed, and a big bowl of cornflakes and two generous slices of Delia’s favourite cherry cake looked particularly tempting.

“Thank you so much, Hardy,” said Delia.  “This looks lovely, although I might just manage some more cornflakes later,” she grinned.

Hardy smiled back.  Lady Delia’s passion for rounding off the day with a huge bowl of cereal amused him greatly.

“Yes, Milady.”

Hardy left the room and Delia poured the coffee, handing a cup to Vicky.

“When we’ve had this, I suppose we better go up to my room.  You need to try on your bridesmaid dress.  We only have a couple of weeks if any alterations are needed.”

Half an hour later they entered Delia’s bedroom and walked through into the dressing room next door where the two enchanting full-length gowns hung side by side.  Delia took down the turquoise bridesmaid dress and held it up for Vicky’s inspection.

“Oh wow,” said Vicky, eyes lighting up with pleasure.  “It’s beautiful.  We’ll look stunning, especially you,” she gasped, staring with envy at Delia’s floaty white gown.

The design and fabrics of the two dresses were identical.  The silk chiffon was long and flowing, the bodices inlaid with pearls, shining brilliantly in the evening sun from the window.  The result was elegant and charming.  Vicky was to wear a specially made turquoise posy in her hair and for Delia, there was a veil, to be held in place by the dazzling diamond and pearl Canleigh tiara, passed down through the generations.

“I just love mine.  It’s my favourite colour, probably because I always look good in it,” said Vicky.

Delia agreed.  The gown would set off Vicky’s dark complexion beautifully.

“These must have cost Daddy a bomb … having them made in Paris.”

“I shouldn’t worry too much … he can