Page 4 of Summer Storms

Now he sounded angry. Or perhaps, though it seemed unlikely, hurt. Perhaps it was time to draw a line under those awkward memories, walk away, and carry on with her life.

“I was selfish and silly,” she admitted in a voice that strove to be remorseful. “There, I admit it. These days I know better than to blame the poor for their circumstances.”

“How magnanimous of you,” said Zek, then his gaze swept over her and his lip curled. “Though I admit, you are all grown up. A changed woman. I can see that.”

She refused to look away and narrowed her eyes at him. “What did Reeve mean about you being his business partner? How are you a businessman?”

He seemed to consider her questions, then shrugged. “My uncle finally decided to help us out. He and my father had been estranged for years and he says he did not realise how dire our circumstances were. When I went to stay with him in London, I discovered we got on extremely well together. It was a revelation, one that has been very beneficial for me.”

Christine thought about this. “It is a wonder I have not seen you about in London.”

“It is a big city, and I doubt we move in the same circles. I am not a theatre goer, though I did take my mother to see one of your plays.”

Christine couldn’t hide her surprise. “Oh!” She hoped she wasn’t blushing. Why on earth should it matter to her? It wasn’t as if she was seeking his approval.

“It was the one where you played the minor part. The silly wife who doesn’t realise her husband is a criminal. You died in the second act.”

Of course. It would have to be that play, wouldn’t it?

“My mother enjoyed your performance very much. She now tells everyone that she knows a famous West End actress.”

Christine desperately hoped he would not notice the heat in her face. Suddenly she felt ashamed of herself all over again. “It was a rather ridiculous part, I know, but the audience was laughing, which was what mattered for the role. You should have brought your mother to the theatre door,” she added with her best false smile. “I would have come out to greet her.”

Zek huffed a laugh. “So you could embarrass her? I think not.”

Christine waved a languid hand. “I wouldn’t have embarrassed her. That isn’t professional, and I assure you, I am very professional.” Yet at the same time she wondered if she might have said something unkind, simply because Zek had been with her. She hoped not, but if tonight was anything to go by, she might have.

“Christine!” Molly appeared at the door. “We are saying our farewells.”

Relieved to have an excuse to leave, Christine turned away from Zek and went back inside. Soon she was back inside the coach, returning to Starling Hall.

“You didn’t expect to see Zek Nash there, I take it?” Will asked her once they were settled for the short journey home.

Molly leaned forward, concerned. “I’m sorry. We should have warned you.”

Christine pretended to be confused. “Warned me? Why?”

Molly glanced at her husband. “Well, you and Zek never did not get on, as I recall.”

I hated him, and he hated me. But Christine did not say the words aloud. “Did he say that?”

“No, he is too polite, but it was obvious. You glared at him throughout dinner, and he didn’t look too pleased. He’s usually a lot more fun than he was tonight.”

She felt uncomfortable that her feelings had been so obvious, but it was true. They had hated each other, and probably still did.

“He said he brought his mother to see my play,” she admitted.

“Oh?” Molly smiled. “How lovely.” Molly always thought the best of everyone. “You should call on her while you are here. I’m sure she would like that very much.”

“Where do they live?” Surely they weren’t still in that hovel in the village she remembered!

“He bought a house just beyond Barton Lacey. You may remember it. The Lady’s House?”

Christine did indeed remember the Lady’s House. It was a sprawling place, and had been very run down the last time she had passed it by. She tried to imagine Zek and his ragged family living there and couldn’t. It was impossible to think of him as someone comparable with the Starlings of Starling Hall.

“Of course, he has had the place repaired,” Molly went on. “Will and I have been there, and it is lovely.” This was not exactly enlightening. To Molly, everything was ‘lovely.’

“I didn’t realise,” Christine said, her mind far away.