Unknown by Unknown Read Free Book Online

‘I can’t believe it. There must be some mistake.’
    Taryn was forced to smile. ‘You mean you don t want to believe it. You’re cherishing the idea that Luke and I will get together one day. Sorry to disappoint you, dear aunt, but that s the way it goes.'

CHAPTER THREE
    Two cars drew up outside Honeysuckle Cottage the next morning. This was such an uncommon occurrence that both Taryn and her aunt rushed outside to see what was happening.
    ‘Miss Penreath?’ One of the drivers got out and looked questioningly at the two women.
    ‘I’m Miss Penreath,’ replied Taryn.
    ‘The car you hired,’ he said smartly. ‘You should find it satisfactory.’
    ‘But I didn’t—I haven’t hired a car.’
    He pulled a slip of paper from his pocket. ‘Miss Penreath, Honeysuckle Cottage, Ferndale. One car for an unlimited period—it’s all here. Good day, ma’am.’ Taryn stared as he climbed into the other car. ‘Er— thank you,’ she called lamely after them as they disappeared in a cloud of dust. ‘What do you make of this?’ she asked, turning to her aunt.
    ‘Beats me,’ shrugged the other woman.
    At that moment a motor-cycle came over the brow of the hill and squealed to a halt beside them. ‘Telegram for Miss Penreath.’
    Taryn’s eyebrows slid up in astonishment. What on earth was going on? She tore open the envelope and read, trust car has arrived, forgot you will NEED SOMETHING TO GET ABOUT WHEN ORDERING THE FURNITURE, ETC. HOPE ALL IS GOING WELL. REGARDS, LUKE MAJOR.
    Wordlessly she passed it to Gammy, who smiled. ‘How thoughtful,’ and to the boy who stood waiting, 'There's no reply.’
    ‘How did he know I could drive?’ asked Taryn.
    ‘I should imagine that in his world all women drive and naturally he assumed you did too. This gesture makes me like him even more.’
    ‘You liked him right from the beginning, didn’t you, Gammy? At least it’s solved my question as to whether he was leaving me to order the furnishings,’ and, suddenly excited, ‘Shall we go into Exeter today? There used to be a marvellous antique shop that has just the sort of thing I’m looking for.’
    ‘I'm sorry.’ Gammy looked disappointed. ‘I’ve promised to bake some cakes for the school fete. Take Janice, she'll enjoy the change. She was only moaning the other day that she never gets out nowadays. Once the baby’s born she’ll have plenty to do, it’s the waiting that gets her down.’
    Taryn laughed. ‘You too. You can’t wait to be a great-grandmother, but it's a good idea all the same. I'll go and ask her.’
    Janice was of the same age as Taryn. They had been to school together, shared each other’s secrets, and until Taryn’s disastrous affair had kept nothing back. But since returning to the valley Taryn had felt disinclined to talk and had not seen so much of Janice. Newly married herself, her cousin had been too engrossed with her new husband to seek out Taryn. but it would be nice to spend a few hours with her again.
    As Gammy had foretold, Janice was delighted at the prospect of a day spent shopping and before long they were on their way.
    ‘What’s he like, this new boss of yours?’ Janice asked, trying to settle her unaccustomed bulk into the limited space of the car. Her pregnancy suited her. Once a thin pale girl, she now looked the picture of health. Her skin glowed and her eyes sparkled and her short dark hair was in tip-top condition. Not as tall as Taryn, she was now pleasantly rounded, but instead of bewailing the loss of her figure she was contented and happy and looked forward to the day when she became a mother.
    Taryn realised there was no point in avoiding the issue. ‘I expect you’ve heard by now that he looks like Mark? Honestly, Janice, it’s the most weird thing that’s ever happened to me.’
    ‘I think it’s exciting. Everyone’s talking about it.’
    'I might have known,’ replied Taryn. ‘I’ve been too busy to become involved myself, but I guessed it