Secrets of the Tides by Hannah Richell Read Free Book Online

done,’ cheered Alfred.
    ‘What clever granddaughters I have,’ said Daphne, entering the room with a tray of toasted hot cross buns wafting warm cinnamon and cloves, and a steaming teapot. ‘Don’t stand on ceremony – help yourselves.’
    Cassie was the first up. She grabbed half a bun and then wandered towards the French doors. ‘OK if I go outside for a bit?’
    ‘No, darling,’ Helen started, ‘we’ve only just arr—’
    But Daphne had already cut her off. ‘Of course, Cassandra!’ she said brightly. ‘You go right ahead. I’m sure a good dose of country air would do you the world of good. You might find Bill down in the orchard. We’ve had some terrible storms down here recently; he was talking about building a bonfire.’
    Helen bristled. They hadn’t been in the house ten minutes and Daphne was already undermining her. She took a deep breath. Stay calm, she willed. It didn’t matter. Cassie was better off out of the way anyway.
    ‘Don’t tell me old Bill Dryden’s still managing the estate for you, Dad? He must be nearly seventy,’ Richard marvelled.
    ‘Not far off,’ agreed Alfred, ‘but he’s as fit as a flea, that man.’
    As father and son began to talk about the challenges of managing the land around Clifftops and Cassie drifted away through the French doors, Daphne turned pointedly to Helen.
    ‘When did Cassandra start wearing nail varnish, Helen? Isn’t she a little young for all that nonsense?’
    Helen smiled sweetly, irritated by the disapproval written all over her mother-in-law’s face. ‘Oh, it’s just a little bit of fun for the holidays. I don’t let her wear it every day.’ Why was she lying? Why didn’t she just say that it was the first time she’d ever seen Cassie with painted nails and it certainly hadn’t been her idea? Because it made her seem weak and incompetent as a mother, that’s why.
    Daphne tutted. ‘Young girls these days are in such a rush to grow up. Boys, clothes, make-up . . . there’s plenty of time for all of that.’ Helen braced herself for a sermon but Daphne surprised her by suddenly changing tack. ‘So how is London, Helen? You’re all well? Keeping busy?’
    ‘Yes,’ nodded Helen. ‘We are.’
    ‘No plans to move out of the city just yet then?’
    Here we go again, she thought. ‘No, Daphne,’ Helen said firmly, ‘you know our lives are in London.’
    Daphne sniffed. ‘I just think you’d have a much better quality of life if you moved to the countryside.’
    ‘We have a great quality of life. London is a wonderful, vibrant city. It has so much to offer the girls.’
    ‘I’m sure it is an exciting place – for a young couple ,’ added Daphne pointedly. ‘I just can’t help thinking a family would be better off in a more rural setting. I do worry about the girls.’
    ‘There’s no need to worry about them. They’re thriving. At their age they need stimulation, opportunities and adventure, don’t you think?’
    ‘Well . . .’ murmured Daphne noncommittally.
    ‘What?’ asked Helen, rising to the bait. ‘You don’t think so?’
    ‘I can’t help noticing Cassie seems a little withdrawn. She’s such a serious thing, so inside herself. I’ve heard about those inner-city schools. No fresh air, no green outdoor spaces. It can’t be good for her.’
    Helen’s cheeks flushed red. ‘Cassie’s fine. She’s happy and healthy.’
    ‘I just think—’
    ‘We can’t uproot our lives, Daphne. I’ve got my work . . . my research at UCL. I won’t give that up. It’s an important part of my life.’
    Daphne sniffed. ‘I suppose I’m just a bit different to you modern women. I always chose to put my husband and family first.’
    Helen bridled at the accusation. Daphne thought she was selfish for keeping the family in London but there was no way they were going to uproot everything to come and camp on Daphne and Alfred’s doorstep, just so Daphne could meddle in their lives. Helen couldn’t think of anything