I didn’t answer him as I was too busy gawping at the gigantic Christmas tree in the corner of the room. The tops of the branches brushed against the high ceiling. Silver glass baubles and crystal ornaments hung from every branch. They did not like the cheap decorations I’d bought from the supermarket. The tree gave the impression it had been custom designed for one of those glossy country life magazines Maddie used to have on her coffee table before she met Frank.
It was a beautiful living room with an open fireplace at the far end, tall French windows, cream drape curtains, plush brown leather sofas, and several oil paintings on the walls. I couldn’t see Maddie’s influence in the décor. It was all Frank. Even the paintings on the walls were of historic battles. I’d never known my sister to be interested in military artwork.
‘I don’t want any of the locals setting foot inside the house or in the grounds,’ Frank explained. ‘Only you and Eric are to stay at the house. There’s everything you could want here, and no need to go into Harp Brook village.’
‘Sorry,’ I said, thinking I’d misheard him. ‘What did you say?’
Frank cast me a fake smile. ‘You and Eric are to stay here in the house.’
‘Why?’
He took a step back and stared at me. Running a hand through his grey hair he began to walk towards the open fireplace. ‘I don’t see why you would need to go into the village. There’s enough food and wine in this house to feed you and Eric for three months, let alone three weeks. The garden and grounds are big enough for daily walks and if you prefer to exercise inside you have full use of our gym. I have every TV channel, every streaming channel, every subscription, and the best wifi.’
‘For three weeks, you want us to stay here and not venture out?’
Frank nodded. ‘I don’t see a problem with that.’
‘But what about walking Humphrey?’
He shrugged. ‘The grounds and garden are big enough for Humphrey. Maddie walks him out there every day.’
‘Well, that sounds great, but Grandpa and Iwillbe venturing into the village,’ I said, defiantly.
Frank gazed out of the French window. I followed his gaze. Huge snowflakes were descending from the sky. If the snow carried on it would be unsafe for Grandpa to walk into Harp Brook, but I did have the car.
‘I will leave that decision with you, Rachel,’ he said, quietly. ‘However, my wife assured me you would abide by our rules and keep your elderly grandfather safe.’
An uncomfortable silence fell upon us, and he turned away to stare up at a painting above the open fireplace. He spoke first, maintaining his gaze on the artwork. ‘The builder will be here Monday to Friday. The cleaner every three days.’
Maddie showed Grandpa and me where we would be sleeping. The ground floor annexe with its rose-coloured bedroom, an en-suite toilet and a shower room would be where Grandpa would be sleeping. ‘I am going to sit here and take in the beautiful snowy view,’ said Grandpa, pointing to a gorgeous royal blue chair by his bed, overlooking the garden. ‘You girls go on ahead.’
Maddie took me upstairs. She was wearing a crimson dress which was gathered at her slim waist and grazed her brown leather ankle boots. ‘Sorry about Frank earlier,’ she whispered as we crept along the east wing’s landing. ‘He gets power crazy sometimes.’
‘Is that what you call it?’ I cast her a worried glance.
She pushed open the door to my bedroom and I gasped. It was a spacious room with abundant natural light due to the tall windows, a fireplace, an en-suite and a giant wardrobe. The windows commanded a spectacular view over the east side of the garden and grounds.
‘Apologies, I haven’t spoken to you much since my visit last weekend,’ she explained. ‘We’ve had Frank’s company social media team here and they’ve been filming us in the house.’
‘Oh,’ I said, running my hand over the beautiful sage green bedding which was adorned with embroidered silk woven peacocks walking through an array of ferns and green shrubs. It was magnificent and so soft to touch. Maddie sat on the edge of my bed and stared at the beautiful, embroidered birds. ‘I gave you the peacock bedding.’ She smiled. ‘Did you know the peacock is a symbol of rebirth?’
‘Maddie, I don’t need a rebirth, I just need a rest.’ I took her hand. ‘Do you know that I’ve been worried about you?’
She smiled. ‘Me? Don’t be worried, I’m okay.’
I recalled Kate asking about cameras. ‘Does Frank have security cameras?’
‘Yes, but that is a touchy subject,’ explained Maddie. ‘He’s having the old ones replaced when we get back from our holiday. There are cameras outside, but they are not up to his high standards. Frank has great plans for his security system. He wants an American firm to come over and install cameras in every room.’
‘Even in the west wing? The part of the house you and he don’t use?’
Maddie rolled her eyes. ‘Everywhere.’
‘He’s told me that Grandpa and I are to stay here for three weeks and preferably not go into Harp Brook.’
‘Given the snow, I think that’s sensible, Rachel. There’s a snowstorm forecast for Christmas Eve according to Frank.’
I glanced at my sister. She was squeezing her hands together so hard her fingers were almost white. ‘Are you okay?’ I asked.
