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

Ruth resisted the urge to giggle again as Charles moved towards her, took her arm and guided her into the dining room.  “I’m sure Richard won’t mind me taking you into dinner,” he said quietly, “and I’m going to make no secret of the fact I’m going to monopolise you … you’re seated next to me and I want you to tell me all about yourself.”

Charles walked Ruth to the table and pulled out a chair for her.  His place was at the head of the table, she and Richard were on his immediate right, Vicky and Barrie on his left and Delia took her usual seat opposite Charles at the far end.

Ruth glanced around her with interest as they hadn’t spent much time in this room when on the tour.  The plain walls and ceiling were painted ivory; the carpet and chair coverings were a deep burgundy.  Portraits of former Dukes and Duchesses of Canleigh hung on the walls.  The Chippendale table was laid beautifully, decked with rose bowls containing dark red roses from the garden, solid silver cutlery and sparkling glasses.  The candles, flickering softly in the two Georgian candelabras created a subtle, intimate atmosphere.

The first course Hardy served was a delicious gazpacho and Ruth wondered if she could have a quick word with him later to see if he could obtain the recipe for her.  Two glasses of  red Bordeaux wine later and enjoying the succulent roast beef and vegetables which melted in the mouth, Ruth was relaxed and perfectly at ease with Charles on one side of her and Richard on the other, both keeping the conversation light and interesting with snippets relating to the history of Canleigh and its former occupants.

Vicky and Barrie were relatively quiet, Vicky still jumpy with Barrie sitting next to Delia, who hardly said a word or ate anything, playing with her elegant wine glass and nodding to Hardy to refill it frequently.  Vicky wasn’t keen on wine, as good as it was, and as the sherry had sent her a bit squiffy, decided to stick to water for now.

“I hope you don’t find the menu too boring,” remarked Charles to Ruth.  “I have a passion for plain old- fashioned English cooking and tend to forget others might like something a bit different.”

“Not at all,” replied Ruth.  “It’s delicious,” meaning every word.  The beef was beautifully tender, the Yorkshire puddings and roast potatoes light and fluffy and the carrots and green beans succulent and full of flavour.

“Carnivores,” uttered Vicky, playing with a green salad and cheese soufflé.

“Behave,” warned Charles with a smile.  “In case you didn’t know, Ruth, Vicky is a vegetarian … and does like to make her feelings on the subject quite plain.  I’m surprised she hasn’t turned you into one, Barrie.”

Barrie grinned.  “No chance, Your Grace.”

“You can’t say I haven’t tried though,” said Vicky.

“I’ve often toyed with the idea,” supported Ruth.

“On no,” said Charles with mock horror.  “Not another one.”

Ruth laughed.  “Don’t worry.  I don’t think it’s possible really.  Sorry, Vicky, but I do like meat.  Although I like animals too and hate to think of them suffering just so we can eat.”

“I’ll see if I can persuade you properly later, Ruth.  I’ve some leaflets in my room.  Once you’ve seen some of them, I’m sure you’ll be converted,” said Vicky enthusiastically, glad to have someone teetering on her side for a change.

“Do you ride, Ruth?” asked Delia suddenly from the far end of the table, her eyes flashing a challenge.

Shocked that Delia had actually spoken to her, Ruth’s reply was hesitant.  “A little.  Although I’m not very good.”

“Actually, we’re going out for a hack in the morning … I’ll be able to show Ruth the estate far better on horseback,” offered Richard.

“So, you’re not averse to horses.  What other animals do you like?” asked Charles, jumping in before Delia could make any caustic remarks.  She had no patience with anyone who wasn’t into horses and didn’t ride superbly.

“Dogs,” said Ruth without hesitation.  She continued forlornly.  “I’ve always wanted one but my parents … well, they’re both practising G.P’s and haven’t the time  . . .  and, of course, I’m at medical school so can’t have one at the moment.”

“Yes,” said Charles.  “They are my favourites.”  He looked into the distance sadly.  “I grew up with several but my last two labradors died a few years ago and for some reason I have never got another.  Perhaps it’s time I thought about it.”

“Mummy disliked dogs,” stated Vicky.  “She was always complaining about the dog hairs when Granny brought her three here.  She insisted they come no further into the house than the library.  Granny used to get so cross.”

The Canleigh family fell silent, remembering Margaret and Anne and what had occurred on that last fateful day.  It was rare the episode was mentioned as it was painful to them all and no-one wanted to upset Delia after all she had gone through at the time.  Delia's face looked taut.  She gripped her glass of wine tightly, and almost threw the contents down her throat.

Charles hastily turned to Ruth.  “Do I take it you are an only child, Ruth?  I haven’t heard you mention any

brothers or sisters.”

“Yes, I am.  It would have been nice to have someone to play with but unfortunately siblings never arrived.”

Charles patted her hand.  “It was the same for me … we have a lot in common, you and I.”

They exchanged a warm smile and Richard frowned, cleared his plate and placed his knife and fork together.  The undercurrents at the table were beginning to get to him.  Delia was flirting openly with Barrie, with Vicky showing signs of becoming extremely uncomfortable, and his father was monopolising Ruth.