A Venetian Affair: A Venetian Passion / In the Venetian's Bed / A Family For Keeps

‘Long enough to know that you and I are meant for each other. Per sempre,’ he added, in a tone that buckled her knees.

‘Forever?’

‘Yes, Laura, forever. When you come to me I shall take great pleasure in convincing you of this!’

Later that night, after Abby had been settled in bed at the flat, Laura ordered her exhausted, wrung-out mother to sit still while she made supper. ‘Just sit there on the sofa and I’ll wait on you.’

‘That’s very sweet of you, darling, but I don’t feel very hungry.’

‘I know, but you must eat something,’ said Laura firmly. ‘Abby’s agreed to some soup, and I’ll whip up a couple of my special omelettes.’

Isabel straightened her shoulders. ‘You’re right. I’ll need all the energy I can get when I go home. Abby will heal quickly enough physically, but I’ll have to watch that she gets over it mentally, too.’

‘University will help with that.’

‘Practical Laura, as always! And thank God you are, darling. This can’t have been a pleasant experience for you.’

‘It was a lot worse for Abby.’ Laura shook her head in wonder. ‘She hiked to Chepstow to catch the London coach this morning.’

‘Over three miles in that condition! And I thought she was off to the Kents for a day out with Rachel.’ Isabel looked at Laura in despair. ‘Why didn’t she tell me what was wrong?’

‘Look at it from her point of view,’ said Laura gently. ‘Up to now Abby’s been the perfect daughter, never a moment’s trouble of any kind. Then this happened. She obviously felt she’d ruined your life as well as hers.’

‘I can see your point,’ sighed Isabel. ‘But what on earth made her trek all the way to London to see you?’

‘She wanted my support,’ said Laura, sparing her mother the real reason. She frowned. ‘I haven’t heard about any boyfriend. I asked who was responsible but she wouldn’t say. Any ideas?’