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

“I do apologise for my sister’s rudeness.  I sincerely hope her manners will have improved by the time we dine,” Richard said grimly.

Chilled by the frosty reception, Ruth wholeheartedly agreed, praying earnestly that Richard’s father would be more welcoming.  Shaken by Delia’s greeting, Ruth could hardly take in the sumptuous surroundings as Richard took her up the stairs.  The landing was spacious, expensively carpeted in pale green and on the cream emulsioned walls between the windows overlooking the east and west courtyards at either side of the stairs, hung oil paintings of Italian landscapes.

Richard turned at the top and headed towards the south side of the house where he turned right, pointing to the doors on their left as they passed by.

“This is my bedroom and sitting room … then we have a couple of guest rooms and then,” he stopped at the last door before the corridor took a sharp turn to the right.  “This is yours.  Vicky’s bedroom and sitting room are next door to you along there,” he pointed to their right and Delia’s rooms are next.  There are more guest rooms along the north front.  You’ve got the best room actually, facing south and west … it gets plenty of light and sun.”

Richard opened the door and stood back for Ruth to cross the threshold, following her in and placing her case on the floor beside the bed.

“I’ll come and fetch you before dinner … show you around a bit.  The room should be comfortable and if you need anything at all just ring down to the Hardy’s … the number is on the telephone by the bed,” he said.

“Gosh.  This is absolutely gorgeous,” Ruth sighed with pleasure, looking around the capacious room sporting double aspect windows.  The walls were covered with white silk and the furnishings were a delightful shade of cornflower blue.  A huge brass bed dominated the room while the remainder of the furniture was modern and white with mirrored wardrobe doors and brass handles.

“The bathroom is through there,” said Richard, pointing to a door in the corner of the room.  “Hardy will be up in a minute with a pot of tea and something delicious to eat … probably salmon and cucumber sandwiches as they’re my favourites,” he grinned.  “Have a nice rest and I’ll see you later.”

Richard departed, closing the door behind him.  Ruth moved to the south window and looked out over the gardens and lake beyond.  She sighed again.  It was stunning.  Richard was so lucky, having a home like this.  The sun was strong, beating through the sash window and Ruth pushed up the lower part to let in the wonderful fresh air.  It felt good and her spirits began to rise.

A tap on the door made her jump.  She crossed the room quickly to open it and smiled with pleasure at the sight of Hardy bearing a tray loaded with a silver tea set and two silver platters, one on which rested delicately cut smoked salmon and cucumber sandwiches, along with ham and mustard in brown bread and egg and cress in white.  The second platter was decorated with slices of cherry, coffee, and chocolate cake, which was Ruth’s favourite.

“If there is anything else you should require Miss Barrett, please don’t hesitate to ring down,” said Hardy, placing the tray on the occasional table near to a comfy looking bedroom chair next to the south facing window.  “And if you don’t mind me saying, don’t worry too much about Lady Delia.  Her bark is always worse than her bite and she … she had a bit of an altercation with her fiancé this morning,” he grimaced.

Hardy was usually the soul of discretion about the Canleigh family but Lady Delia’s greeting to this nice young woman had been extremely rude and uncalled for and being as fond of Delia as he was, he wanted to provide some kind of explanation for her behaviour.  He was deeply concerned as her high excitement with the coming wedding had been swiftly replaced by hostility to everyone around her so whatever went on in the dining room must have been pretty serious, especially with the huge dent in the door where Delia had hit it with the candelabra, which had also suffered in the impact.  He had no idea what Charles was going to say when he arrived later.  He wouldn’t be pleased, that was for sure.

“Oh dear,” replied Ruth, noticing the worried expression on Hardy’s face.  The butler was obviously fond of Delia.

He brightened.  “Lady Delia is a somewhat forthright and focused young lady but we all love her and wish her the best for her future with Master Philip.  I expect it was something and nothing and she will bounce back to her happy self shortly.  I’m sure she is already regretting her words to you earlier and will be desperate to make it up to you later this evening … and don’t be too nervous about meeting His Grace.  One couldn’t wish to meet a nicer gentleman and he will soon put you at your ease.”

“Thank you, Hardy.  That’s very kind,” said Ruth, grateful for his thoughtfulness.

Hardy departed and suddenly ravenous as it had been a long time since she and Richard had stopped off for a quick snack on the motorway, Ruth polished off all the sandwiches but could only manage the cherry and chocolate cake and two cups of tea.  The coffee cake looked delicious but she really hadn’t any more room.  She quickly unpacked her things, sighing with pleasure as she surveyed her sumptuous surroundings and with a few hours to spare before dinner and feeling sleepy she curled up on the bed, leaving her window wide open.  It wasn’t long before the soothing songs of blackbirds and thrushes outside lulled her into sleep.

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Delia strode