Heirs of Ravenscar by Barbara Taylor Bradford Read Free Book Online Page B

house, intimate and inviting, decorated in various shades of blue with touches of brilliant yellow throughout. Over the years Jane had collected exquisite decorative objects and all were well displayed, with flair, but it was the art which captivated. Jane had an excellent eye, and the paintings she had bought over the years, as well as those which Edward had given her, were superb. They enhanced the parlour, gave it even greater beauty.
    Jane hurried across the floor to the circular table in the corner, and picked up the bottle of champagne. ‘Would you like a glass of your favourite Krug?’ she asked, turning, smiling at him. ‘I think I will.’
    â€˜Grand idea,’ he responded, going to stand in front of the fire, warming himself, his eyes resting on her as she poured the champagne.
    A moment later, as she approached, he suddenly thought of Lily. Almost from the first moment he had met Jane she had reminded him of Lily Overton, who had died so tragically. His darling Lily. For a split second a flicker of sadness clouded his brilliant blue eyes.
    Jane, who was particularly observant when it came to Edward Deravenel, saw the sudden shadow on his face, and as she handed him the flute of sparkling wine she asked quietly, ‘Young Edward is all right, isn’t he, Ned?’
    â€˜Oh yes, he’s getting better. Much better. I spoke to the doctor before I left the office, because the boy still has an awful cough, and Leighton told me that’s not unusual with bronchitis. Apparently it lingers. And Young Edward is eating better. Also, my mother tells me he’s finally lost that rather disturbing glazed look.’
    â€˜I’m relieved for you, darling. He’s obviously on the mend, thank goodness.’ Jane retrieved her own glass of champagne and came back to the fireside. She and Edward touched glasses and took a sip, and then she sat down on the sofa close to the fireplace.
    Lowering himself on a chair opposite her, Edward remarked, ‘I spoke to Vicky this evening, before I left Deravenels, and I was so pleased to hear that you finally accepted her invitation for tomorrow evening.’
    â€˜I hesitated at first, because I didn’t want to intrude –’
    â€˜How can you say such a thing?’ Edward interjected, sounding surprised. ‘Why would you think you’re intruding? You’re one of my oldest friends … we’ve known each other for ten years.’ He grinned at her. ‘Or had you forgotten how long it’s been?’
    â€˜Of course not. It’s just that … well, you and Will and Vicky go back years –’ Jane broke off, shook her head. ‘I’ve always told you I never want to embarrass you, or be an embarrassment, and you know the reasons why.’
    â€˜I do,’ he replied, an amused smile touching his mouth. ‘I’m a married man and you’re my mistress. However, you must remember, my darling, that Will and his sister are two of my best friends. They are not my wife’s friends. They never have been. They are part of my coterie, shall we callit, not hers. It is you they care about, Jane, not Elizabeth. But let’s not go into all those hatreds now. Let’s get back to the point – I’m happy we’ll be together tomorrow night.’
    Jane nodded. ‘I am too. But –’
    â€˜Why have you stopped? Say what you started to say.’
    â€˜Vicky told me Grace Rose will be there.’
    â€˜I know that.’ He burst out laughing when he saw the troubled expression in Jane’s eyes, and shook his head. ‘Darling, do you think she doesn’t know you’re my mistress? Good Lord, of course she does. She’s eighteen and very clever, and very much my daughter … quite sophisticated, not at all naive. You know, Vicky and Stephen have been wonderful parents to her, have brought her up to be a lady, and she’s had an extraordinary education.