Season Of Mists

‘Even so, seeing you again, hearing about you from other people in the village, as he’s bound to do, is going to revive memories.’

‘Memories he would rather forget.’

‘Some of them, I agree. But there are others, Abby, that he won’t find so easy to ignore.’

Abby moved away from her. ‘Aunt Hannah, if you think, after all that has happened, I could ever forgive Piers for what he did——’

‘I don’t expect miracles,’ retorted Hannah flatly. ‘I thought we were talking about Matthew. It’s Matthew you should be thinking about, Matthew’s future that should be ensured. He is Piers’ son, Abby, and by rights the Manor estate should eventually come to him.’

‘Well, yes, but——’

‘At least give nature a chance. The boy is like his father. Oh, maybe it’s not immediately obvious from his appearance. His colouring is yours, and just now, with that terrible haircut and those awful boots, he bears little resemblance to Piers at that age. But given time, and a change of environment, who knows what might happen? And I’d really like to see Piers’ face when he begins to suspect he may have been wrong all these years.’

Abby’s lips tightened. She would like to see that, too, she thought bitterly. Even if it wouldn’t make any difference to what happened to her, it would be sweet revenge to know Piers was having to live with his folly for the rest of his life …

Matthew appeared at lunchtime. Hannah had taken his breakfast upstairs to him, and although she grimaced rather ruefully at Abby when she came downstairs again, when the tray was finally returned it had been cleared.

Abby was relieved to see her son and reassured to find he had apparently got over his distress. Apart from the faintly sullen expression in his eyes when he looked at her, he seemed much as usual, answering Aunt Hannah when she spoke to him, and making short work of the steak and kidney pie she had baked for lunch.