Marriage Under Suspicion by Sara Craven Read Free Book Online Page A

radiant smiles before clumping rather unsteadily across to
    her and planting a sticky kiss on her cheek.
    It was a totally unexpected gesture, and Kate felt oddly touched by it. Neither of the
    children had ever been particularly demonstrative with her in the past. Indeed, she was
    aware that Sally had cautioned them more than once about being a nuisance to her. But
    there'd been something very satisfying about the trustful way Tom's sturdy little body had
    leaned against her. And not even the realisation that his clutching hand had left a perfect
    set of fingerprints on the front of her cream shirt could detract from that.
    She persuaded Holly to help her build some tracks with the rest of the Lego for Tom to
    drive his cars down, and they were occupied with this when she heard the sound of the
    Mercedes coming up the drive.
    ‘Mummy.' Holly took off joyously across the grass, as the car came to a halt, and Sally
    emerged from the front passenger seat, bending to greet her daughter. The men left the
    car more slowly, bringing the newspapers and various carrier bags.
    For a moment, they all stood by the car and Kate could feel four pairs of eyes boring into
    her across the expanse of lawn. As she got slowly to her feet, Tom tugged at the leg of
    her trousers, and held his arms out, asking mutely to be carried.
    'You're supposed to walk, Tom-Tom,' Kate told him gently, using the pet name employed
    by the rest of the family, but she lifted him into her arms anyway, and stood holding him.
    No, she amended mentally. Holding on to him. Because she was suddenly aware that she
    was shaking inside. And that she felt disturbingly—painfully self-conscious. And that the
    little body in her arms was a shield.
    It was clear from their reactions, more wary than actually surprised, that Mrs Lassiter had
    indeed rung the pub to warn them of her presence. But why she should have done so was
    beyond Kate's comprehension.
    It took all her courage to pin on some kind of smile as they moved towards her, Ryan
    leading the way. His eyes were hidden behind dark glasses, and the rest of his face
    seemed totally expressionless.
    Kate, recalling the nature of their earlier parting, felt her heart sink.
    'Hi,' she greeted them, trying to sound nonchalant. 'The weather was too lovely for work,
    so I thought I'd join you.' She saw Ben and Edward Lassiter exchange glances, and
    added, 'I—I hope that's all right.'
    'It's fine, my dear. Couldn't be better,' her father-in-law said heartily. 'We see far too little
    of you. I was just saying so to Ryan earlier.'
    'Oh,' said Kate, wondering whether or not Ryan had agreed with him. There was certainly
    no indication in his impassive expression.
    Sally stepped forward, her eyes fixed on her small son who was fidgeting now that he'd
    seen her. 'Kate—let me take Tom. He's far too heavy for you. And he's always filthy,' she
    added, with a slight intake of breath as she removed him firmly from Kate's grasp. 'Just
    look at the mess he's made of your shirt. Oh, dear, I'm so sorry.' She shook her head at the
    little boy. 'Tom-Tom, I've told you not to pester Aunty Kate.'
    'He wasn't pestering me,' Kate protested, swiftly. 'And the shirt will wash.'
    But Sally was already carrying the child towards the house, scolding him fondly. Kate
    watched them go, feeling momentarily bereft, then turned back to her father-in-law with a
    determined smile.
    'The—the garden's looking wonderful,' she ventured, hoping that it was true.
    'You seem to be wearing some of it,' Ryan remarked quietly. He stepped forward, and
    removed a couple of beech leaves from her hair. 'How on earth did you manage that?'
    'Aunty Kate was hiding in the hedge,' said Holly, emerging from under the table where
    she'd been ensconced with the dogs.
    Ryan paused. 'Hiding in the hedge?' he repeated on a note of incredulity.
    'I was looking over the gate,' nodded the child from hell. 'And I seed her.'
    'Saw her,' Ben corrected her automatically, then