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

cement her ideas, her father, who respected Philip’s business acumen, might not look upon her wish to run Canleigh quite so favourably.  All her plans were tumbling like a pack of cards and all because of this other woman who was ruining her hopes, her ambitions.  How dare she … who the hell was this bloody Sue?

Delia stood up furiously.  “If you’re not lying, who is this woman then?”  She banged her fist on the dining table again.  “You’d better tell me now as it won’t take me long to find out.”

White-faced, Philip couldn’t answer.  He had left Sue snuggled up in bed at Tangles and was terrified that if Delia found out she would go careering down there to confront her.

Suddenly Delia burst into tears and slumped back into her seat at the table.  “Philip,” she sobbed.  “Please don’t do this.  How can you throw away everything we have together?  You don’t know what you’re doing.”  She looked up hopefully.  “You’re tired …  and it’s probably pre-wedding nerves.  I’m just the same.  The thought of actually finally getting married is such a huge step.  I get fabulously excited but very nervous too.”

She brightened and sat up straight.  “Yes, of course.  That’s what it is.  Oh, Philip.  It’s only natural to be apprehensive but once it all gets under way, we’ll be fine … or is it the big wedding that’s putting you off,” she gulped, clutching at straws.  “If that’s it, I’ll cancel everything … we can slope off somewhere and do it quietly … just you and me and a couple of witnesses off the street.  I don’t mind, really I don’t … if that’s what you would prefer.”

He looked at her, feeling nothing but pity and desperately sad for having to put her through this.

“It’s not going to happen, Delly.  Believe me.  The wedding is definitely off.  We’re not right for each other.  I’m just not strong enough for you … you’d tire of me eventually and then where would we be … in the divorce courts … and if there were children … just think of the hurt you suffered, Delly … with your mother … and when your parents split up.”

“That’s exactly what I am doing,” replied Delia through gritted teeth, vividly remembering the scenario.  It was all happening again.  That awful, awful sense of rejection.  Why?  Why did everyone have to let her down so badly?  Her temper began to boil again and her voice hardened as Philip turned to the door to leave.

“Don’t walk out of this room, Philip.  I’m warning you.  Don’t leave me!”

“I’m really sorry, Delia.”

“I hate you, Philip Kershaw,” Delia screamed, grabbing a heavy silver candelabra and aiming it at Philip’s head.  He just managed to reach the safety of the corridor before she hurled it viciously across the room.  It hit the door, severely splintering the beautiful eighteenth-century polished mahogany.

CHAPTER 15 YORKSHIRE - MAY 1972

“This weekend will give you time to think … put things into perspective,” said Richard, smiling at his attractive companion in the seat beside him.

Ruth nodded in agreement and watched the urban sprawl of Leeds grow nearer as Richard expertly steered his black Mercedes sports car off the motorway and into the city.

“Any thoughts of what you will do if you do decide to give up medicine?” he asked.

Ruth shook her head and grimaced.  “No idea at all … and I can just imagine what my darling parents will have to say to such indecisiveness.  They live and breathe medicine and consider it should be the same for me.  I applaud their dedication, working tremendously hard to build up a thriving practice from nothing but wish so much that they did not want and expect me to want to follow the same path.  They are going to be absolutely heartbroken and shocked to the core if I give up.”

“But you have to do what’s right for you.  They will see that, surely.”

The conversation came to a halt as Ruth thought hard about her career dilemma and Richard concentrated on wending a safe passage through the heavy city centre traffic until they reached the Harrogate road, the large detached houses with extensive gardens and fancy gates becoming more impressive as the countryside and Canleigh grew nearer.

Ruth sighed.  “It’s so easy for you.  From what you’ve told me, you’ve always known what you want to do and your father has supported you in your decision.”

Richard nodded.  “I’ve been very lucky.  I think Father would have preferred me to do something more akin to my heritage and eventual responsibilities regarding the estate but he is an understanding man and let me choose my own path without a fight.  It’s a shame if you give up though.  You’re academically brilliant and have such empathy with people.  Everyone responds to you … an important trait for a doctor, you must agree.”

“That’s all very well but my heart isn’t in it.”

“Well, how about research?”

Ruth grimaced.  “All test tubes and rubber gloves.  No, I don’t think so.”

“Any inkling at all of what you would like to do then?”

“No, not really.  Pathetic isn’t it?  I’m twenty-one years old with no real idea of what I want to do with my life … although sometimes I think I’d just like to get married and have lots of children.”

“Oh, my goodness.  I do hope that’s not a proposal,” smiled Richard with mock horror.

Ruth giggled.  “That would certainly shock my parents into submission.  It’s a good swop … a Marchioness instead of a G.P.  I’m sure they would be most impressed but no, Richard.  I like you very much as a friend and anyway I don’t think Cressida would be too happy, do you?  She probably won’t be too pleased you’ve brought me to your home either when she finds out, especially as she’s never had an invite.”

“Umm,” replied Richard,