Where the Heart Belongs by Sheila Spencer-Smith Read Free Book Online Page A

her cheerful face a contrast to her daughter’s grimmer one. ‘Be off with you, Ingrid, and leave us to get things sorted here.’
    Ingrid’s mouth was a thin line and the look she threw Shona was venomous. ‘I’ll go then. I can see when I’m not wanted.’
    â€˜Take no notice of her,’ said Mags when she had gone. ‘She gets in a strop when she can’t get her own way, right enough. It’ll blow over. We’ve time for a cup ourselves now that their tea is put back. Sit down, lassie, and take the weight off your legs. Not that you’ve got any spare weight of course, not like me.’
    She sounded so complacent that Shona laughed. The atmosphere had lightened because of Mags and the kitchen felt a friendly place. There was still the evening’s programme to feel apprehensive about, though, but for the moment she could relax.
    *   *   *
    Jack gave a welcome speech when the group gathered with their coffee in the lounge after dinner. He spoke movingly about the attractions for walkers in the surrounding area and promised an interesting week at Ferniehope Castle.
    â€˜You did well earlier,’ he said to Shona when he had finished. ‘Everything seems on course for the programme tomorrow. Donald will bring the minibus to the front door at ten. Whitborn Abbey and the Machars, a shortish walk. The forecast is OK with sunny periods. Mags knows about the packed lunches?’
    Shona nodded. ‘It’s all in hand. They know where to leave their boots and outdoor clothing when they get back. Rex, Mr Luttrell, was please to find there’s a drying room next door.’
    â€˜It’s stated clearly—the specifications.’ Jack raised an eyebrow and his lips twitched. ‘Perhaps he can’t read?’
    She smiled. ‘He was able to read the name plates on the bedroom doors.’
    â€˜Just as well or the written sheets for the quiz this evening would be lost on him. We’ll both be on duty as it’s their first night but then we’ll take it in turns to be here, starting with you tomorrow. Is that all right?’
    â€˜Of course.’
    â€˜Good girl. It’s good to have you here.’
    She glowed at his praise.
    He looked at her closely. ‘A word of warning, Shona. I don’t want to see you hurt. You’ve done enough for that man. Don’t be fooled by his so-called charm.’
    No need to ask which man he had in mind. ‘I won’t,’ she promised.
    â€˜I know him of old. Please be sensible and have nothing more to do with him.’
    She smiled but didn’t answer.

INGRID SHOWS HER TRUE COLOURS
    Ferniehope Castle was very quiet after the group’s noisy departure next morning with much laughter and banging of doors. Shona wandered from room to room checking that no one had left anything lying around they might not be able to find later. She gave Jack’s office a wide berth because she knew Ingrid was working in there, finalising next week’s programme for the group of wildlife enthusiasts.
    In the guests’ lounge she found the pile of completed quiz sheets laced neatly on the piano lid. On the top was the one marked with Jeannie’s name in a flowery scrawl. She had got top marks. Rex’s effort was at the bottom. Smiling, Shona left them where they were.
    She heard the telephone’s ring from the hall and paused as Ingrid stuck her head round the office door.
    â€˜It’s for you,’ she said abruptly.
    â€˜I’ll take it in the dining room,’ said Shona.
    She was glad she had because the voice on the end was Felix’s.
    â€˜This evening?’ he said. ‘Any good? Bessie’s Kitchen is doing a curry night. D’you like curry?’
    â€˜I’m sorry, Felix,’ she said, a catch of disappointment in her voice. ‘I’m on duty here.’
    â€˜That’s too bad. Can’t you just slip out without anyone