‘She’s less’ — Henry shuddered — ‘than she used to be. Don’t worry, I’ll take you to her now and if you want I can stay and make sure she listens to what you have to say.’
Ava thought for a moment. Whatever caused the change in the relationship between their mothers might be of interest to Henry too, especially as his mother’s reaction to them being together all those years ago had been so fierce. Besides, her stomach was already twisting into knots. Having Henry along for moral support might help steady her nerves. As well as ensure she actually got in the door.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Ava stood in the corridor, waiting for Henry to return for her. He had gone inside the drawing room to speak to his mother in readiness for her to go in. Not hearing raised voices, Ava assumed was a good sign. Granger had been led outside en route to visiting Lady Bramlington, making her feel very alone, with nothing more than a stag’s head, staring blankly out across the corridor, and a coat of armour for company.Never mind Downton Abbey. This is full-on Scooby-Doo!Ava didn’t know which was making her feel more like she was going to be murdered. At least she hoped karma meant the stag would be on her side. She realised she would have to address the issue of having taxidermy from bygone years exhibited within walking distance of Critters’ Lodge.
As the door clicked open, she jumped. ‘BUGGER ME!’ Ava looked at Henry, her eyes wide, her hand clenched over her mouth as her cheeks flushed.
He didn’t bother to stifle his laughter. ‘Don’t worry. I’m sure she’s heard worse.’
Henry held the door open a little wider, inviting Ava into the room. She swallowed, an attempt to encourage saliva into her too-dry mouth. Once inside, she looked at Lady Bramlington; the woman she had for so long vilified in her thoughts looked smaller than she remembered. She was certainly much older and less animated than the woman Ava had encountered by the lake, as she sat, her hair neatly coiffed, wearing a black twinset and pearls. Remembering herself, Ava wondered if she should curtsey.
‘Mother, you remember Ava Flynn.’ Henry made the introduction and gestured for Ava to take a seat on one of the three two-seater settees in the room, while Lady Bramlington sat in a high backed chair. The duck-egg blue of the wallscounterbalanced the bold floral patterns on the soft furnishings and worn-Axminster carpet. A large, age-flecked, ornately framed mirror hung above the open stone fireplace. Paintings depicting landscapes in the style of Turner adorned the walls, and Ava wondered if they were genuine.
The ruched curtains at the window, and the carved lime wood panelling that framed the room absorbed the light, making it appear much darker than Henry’s. As much as Ava appreciated the age and magnitude of the surroundings, she could see why he chose to alter his own living space.
Once Henry took a seat, Lady Bramlington folded her hands into her lap and readied herself to speak. ‘What brings you here?’ She looked between Ava and Henry, cocking a grey eyebrow. ‘You have a personal matter to discuss with me, I believe.’
Ava swallowed again. ‘I wanted to ask you about, about this . . .’ Reaching into her pocket she produced the photograph.
‘Bring it closer. I can’t see from back there.’
Henry looked at Ava curiously as she flicked the picture towards him, before passing it into the hands of Lady Bramlington. The woman looked at it, her breathing becoming visibly more rapid as she turned and read the back.
‘Where did you get this?’
Ava wondered if Lady Bramlington’s eyes were glistening more than previously. ‘It was in the frames, Hen — Lord Bramlington donated.’ Ava wished she’d read up on the etiquette of using titles; she had no idea if she were saying the right thing.
Henry coughed and shifted in his seat.
‘Donated?’ Lady Bramlington looked at him, pointedly.
‘They were wrapped in newspaper in the office. I felt they could be put to better use donated to All Critters Great and Small.’
Lady Bramlington seemed halted by the mention of the charity.
‘It was a very generous donation. They’ve gone to auction and along with some of my mum’s ornaments—’
‘Ornaments? Birds and woodland creatures?’
Ava thought she saw recognition in Lady Bramlington’s eyes and wondered if she had gifted them, or was it simply a guess given her mother’s work.
‘Yes, that’s right. They’ve raised a wonderful amount for the charity, funding vital care for sick and injured animals who have—’
‘No owner to look after them in their time of need.’
Ava looked at Lady Bramlington.
‘You sound just like your mother, and you look just like your father.’
Henry looked between the two women.
‘Yes, I do.’ Ava smiled. ‘You were friends with my mother.’
‘Yes, dear friends.’
‘But she never mentioned that. I’ve been through her things, and there’s no evidence of it. Until I saw that picture I had no idea—’
