Thornhall Manor by George Benton Read Free Book Online

stable lad.”
    Although Peter complimented and laughed in the right places, there was something at the breakfast table that worried him: the uneasy silence and that faraway look of his uncle.
    â€œI usually take a stroll around the grounds about this time, Peter. Would you like to accompany me?”
    â€œOf course. Will you please excuse me, ladies?”
    â€œLet’s walk by the river, Peter. It’s so peaceful there.”
    They made their way across the gravel drive on to the lawn. On reaching the river they walked along a narrow pathway. Peter was beginning to feel uneasy. Something had happened - maybe some word of his past had become known. There was an uncomfortable silence between the two men.
    â€œPeter, it’s Kathleen. They never went shopping, but to see a specialist. I knew there was something wrong. Consumption. It’s just a matter of time. She only told me this morning, Peter. They didn’t want to worry me.”
    Peter could see the tears in his eyes. He put his arm around his uncle to comfort him. Little did Peter know, but this act of affection was witnessed by both Kathleen and Rebecca from the window.
    Kathleen became weaker and weaker as the weeks passed, but fonder and fonder of Peter. He never missed an opportunity of impressing her. Every day he’d push her in her wheelchair across the lawn, between the trees and along the river path. How kind and considerate! It seemed to her that so much of his time was spent in making her remaining days more agreeable. If she had only known the thoughts Peter had of her at times. He was often tempted to let go of the wheelchair coming down the stairs or to tip her into the river. But what he thought of most was marrying Rebecca.
    â€œNow, I want to see you both fit and well on my return.”
    â€œMust you go, Peter?”
    â€œI’m afraid I have to. There are one or two business matters needing my attention.”
    As he waved goodbye a feeling of relief came over him. No more pretending!
    Looking down at his open hand, his whispered thoughts were, “This should provide the stakes for a few games of cards and pay for the companionship of my lady friends.”
    â€œHe’s gone, Kathleen. Let’s go inside. It’s too cold for you out here, my dear. Kathleen - your ring. It’s not on your finger.”
    â€œNo, I must have mislaid it.”
    It never occurred to any of them that it was financing Peter’s visit to London.
    They could tell there was bad news by the worried expression on the Doctor’s face as he quietly closed the door behind him.
    â€œHow is she, Doctor?”
    â€œVery weak. She’s been asking for you both - also Peter.”
    â€œIs that you, Rebecca?”
    Rebecca quietly sat by her bedside and gently held her hand.
    â€œYes, dear.”
    â€œIs Peter there?”
    â€œHe is in London, my dear, on business.”
    John managed these words before turning away with tears streaming down his face.
    With a loving squeeze of Rebecca’s hand, Kathleen said, “Thank you, my dear, for everything.” Her voice was hardly above a whisper. “I was hoping you and Peter . . .”
    Rebecca looked across at John, who nodded with approval.

Chapter Nineteen
    THE NIGHT AFTER ANOTHER FUNERAL
    Having said goodbye to the last of the mourners, both John and Rebecca adjourned to the drawing room.
    â€œIt’s been a long day, John.”
    â€œYes, Rebecca. I’m tired and very lonely. Today, seeing your mother and father, I realised for the first time how lonely they must have felt. We took your affection from them. It was wrong. I see that now. Things will never be the same, Rebecca. Material things mean nothing when you lose your nearest and dearest. My father used to have a saying, ‘Nothing lasts forever’. How true, Rebecca! I’m feeling sorry for myself. I don’t think I’m going to be good company for you, my dear Rebecca.