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

“Oh, that’s magnificent,” Ruth sighed, staring at the painting above the fireplace.  The imposing gilt-framed landscape, elongated to cover nearly the entire higher part of the wall, boasted high mountains, lush greenery, waterfalls and a meandering river, making the observer ache with longing to be in such idyllic countryside.

“Scotland … as I am sure you must have guessed,” smiled Charles, more pleased than he could say at Ruth’s reaction to a painting that gave him immense pleasure every time he looked at it.  “Mother commissioned it   . . .  she was brought up at Blairness Castle, right near that particular spot and when she married Father and came to live at Canleigh she wanted a reminder of the beautiful countryside in which she grew up.  I spend a lot of time up there now and walk in that beautiful scenery most days.”

“Gosh,” Ruth exclaimed.  “You are so lucky.”

Charles smiled.  “Yes, I suppose I am … but you must come up to Blairness, Ruth.  I insist.  As soon as you have some free time let me know and I’ll be delighted to have you stay.”  As he said the words, he hoped he hadn’t sounded too eager and alarmed her in any way and that Richard would think he was just being polite and hadn’t guessed how keen he was to spend more time in Ruth’s company.

“That’s very kind … I …,”

“How about in August, Ruth?  Father is always to be found at Blairness then and we could have a week up there with him,” jumped in Richard, somewhat perplexed by the invitation and feeling mysteriously jealous at the idea of Ruth being alone with his father in such a remote part of the world.  He was pleased Ruth was being made so welcome but wasn’t it just a bit intense and the old man’s behaviour certainly odd?  He was usually quiet and unresponsive in female company but he was actually animated now, taking Ruth’s arm, chatting happily and then an invitation to Blairness!  He had never invited anyone up there before.  It was baffling and Richard actually began to feel uncomfortable and wished he hadn’t said there was nothing between him and Ruth romantically.  His feelings for her had been growing for a long time but he had known as soon as she stepped into Canleigh that she was definitely the one for him.  Although dreadfully nervous she looked so right here and his feelings took on a new dimension and he knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was in love with her and had every intention of making her his … but now, to his utmost horror, it seemed his own father was muscling in and Richard didn’t like it.  Not one little bit.

“Well, yes.  Of course.  Both of you must come.  It will do you the world of good up there, my dear.  The air is so fresh and the perfect peace gets right into your soul.  It rains quite a bit, of course,” Charles laughed, “but we don’t mind.”

“That’s very kind of you.  I would love to.  I’ve never visited Scotland so it will be a real pleasure,” replied Ruth, smiling widely at both men, thrilled and amazed at the invitation, knowing there was no way on earth she would refuse it.  To spend a week in idyllic surroundings with this lovely man, and Richard of course, would be something to really look forward to and August wasn’t very far away.  There wasn’t long to wait.

Charles and Ruth turned reluctantly from the Scottish painting and Richard, with an impatient look on his face, stood beside a double mahogany door in the corner of the room by the east window.  Ruth noticed it was possible to see quite a way up the main drive as she and Charles passed the two large sash windows facing north but as she neared the east window, she could see the huge domed swimming pool outside.

“There’s the pool,” Charles remarked, following her gaze.  “I swim every morning around 6.30, usually for around an hour, sometimes longer.  If you are an early riser, please feel free to join me.  I understand Richard advised you to bring swimwear.”

“We had intended to swim in the morning but am not quite sure if we will make it that early,” grinned Richard, looking at Ruth. “I was thinking more around eight o’clock?”

“Yes.  I think so,” laughed Ruth.  “I like to get up early but that bed upstairs is extremely comfortable and I’m not quite sure if I shall want to leave it in the morning.”

Charles smiled and took Ruth’s arm again, much to Richard’s annoyance.  “Come and see the ballroom.  You’ll love it.”

In a grand gesture, Richard threw back the double mahogany doors and the ballroom was revealed in all its glory.  Eight floor to ceiling windows flooded the room with light and three marble fireplaces and row upon row of valuable paintings decorated the inner wall.  The oak floorboards were highly polished, as were the occasional tables.  The ceiling was awesome and Ruth could feel the tension in her neck as she gazed at the beautiful artwork created so long ago but which still retained perfection.  Three more enormous chandeliers graced the room and Ruth could just imagine grand dances being held, could almost hear the chatter, the enchanting music and the rustle of the women’s skirts as they swirled gaily from one end of the room to the other.

“Come back to us,” urged Richard, noticing the far-away look on Ruth’s face.

Ruth laughed.  “Sorry.  I couldn’t help myself.  It must have been a wonderful experience attending a ball here.  Have you ever held any?” she asked Charles.

“My parents had several when I was a small boy.  I used to stand and watch the guests arriving.  They were grand, auspicious occasions … and Mother always looked so beautiful and regal … but since then … no