Sebastian - Dark Bonds (21 page)

“Elizabeth, wake up!”  Sebastian’s voice tears me from the graveyard and I open my eyes, startled.

“You were having the nightmare again, darling.”  He kisses my lips tenderly and brushes a damp curl from my cheek.

“It’s the one on the beach again.”  Shuddering as the last remnants of tormented sleep ebb away, I curl up in Sebastian’s arms, seeking his protection and reassurance.

“It’s over, darling.” 

“It’ll never be over,” I whisper.

“Come on.  It’s a beautiful Saturday morning.  I’m taking my girls out for a treat.  Get dressed and meet me downstairs in twenty.”  He ruffles my hair with his large hand and springs from the bed.

“You know I hate surprises.  Where are we going?”  My mood lifts marginally, it will be lovely to take Bella out, a real family outing.  Family.  Fighting against the negative thoughts, I do as I’m told and get up.  When dressed, I wake Bella and, with some coaxing, she complies and grumpily gets up and dresses.

Sebastian drives us to Padstow.  It in indeed a beautiful day, as we travel down the hill to the harbour, Bella and I marvel as the sun shimmers on the sapphire sea, giving the look of a million crystals sparkling on the swell.  We park up outside the National Lobster Hatchery.

“Come on, we’re going to explore.”  Sebastian links arms with Bella and I and we giggle at his boyish excitement as we enter the hatchery.  It’s fascinating, even my sulky teenage daughter appears enthralled as we glimpse the marine laboratory.

“Local fishermen bring in pregnant female lobsters,” Sebastian tells us.  “They rear their young here in captivity so they have the best chance of survival, away from predators.”

“How sweet.  Then they’re boiled alive and eaten,” laughs my sardonic daughter.

“No, Bella,” Sebastian corrects.  “Then they’re released back into the ocean.  Then they’re caught in lobster pots, boiled alive and eaten.”  I swipe at him with a visitor brochure but he catches my hand and tickles me unrelentingly, encouraging Bella to join in until we all double over with cathartic laughter.

Leaving the hatchery we drive down to the harbour and park next to the quay which is bustling with tourists - some are watching fishermen preparing a plethora of boats of varying sizes, others are ambling past the galleries and gift shops.  Sebastian leads us in to a café and we enjoy a delicious brunch of Cornish pasties and coffee.

“This is such a lovely day, thank you Sebastian,” I smile.

“You haven’t had your surprise yet,” he grins at Bella and I mischievously.

“What are you up to?”

“Come.  We’re going fishing.” 

The Lady Martha takes us to sea, cutting through the foamy swell, we don’t venture far from the rocky shore.  Our skipper, Bob Tanner is a jovial man with sun-kissed skin and a booming voice.  Sebastian has chartered the vessel for four hours, which is hopefully enough time to snag some mackerel. 

“What do you think of her?” Sebastian calls from the angling platform to the rear of the smart Evolution 38.

“She’s fabulous,” I call back, windswept and exhilarated.  The skipper is trying to teach me how to ‘work’ the fishing tackle and rod and it’s plain I’m testing his patience.

“Let me do it for yer,” he finally says in defeat.  Joining Bella and Sebastian, who are both competently casting their lines to sea, I set about trying to fish. 

Three hours later we have bass, mackerel and Bob has snared a 4ft long porbeagle shark, which he declared was small.  Bob produces a cool box containing a basic packed lunch and we ravenously devour every crumb.  It’s been a wonderful day.  Arriving back at Padstow harbor, we wake farewell to our skipper and walk wearily back to the car.

“Thank you so much, Sebastian.  It’s been the best day ever,” Bella declares.

“Not too nerdy was it?” he teases.

“Not at all, for an old man you’re alright.”  She play punches his arm, which he reciprocates.  It’s heart warming to see them so happy and relaxed.

“Mrs. Dove, I think we should get home so that you can make yourself look even more beautiful for tonight.  I want to see Marcus’s face when he sees what a babe I’ve snared.”

“You men, you’re so funny.  Thank you darling for such a wonderful day.  I really mean it, it’s been therapeutic.”  On tiptoes, I plant a big kiss on his cheek.

Sebastian pulls up the zip on the black cocktail dress he selected for me from the armoire.  Presumably Scarlett chose it, but much as that smarts, it does flatter my figure well.  I fasten my choker around my throat and turn to show Sebastian.

“You look good enough to eat,” he eyes me speculatively.

“Play your cards right, mister, and that’s precisely what you can do later,” I purr. 

He looks striking in charcoal trousers, a white pin-stripe shirt and silver tie.  He forgoes a jacket as it’s a balmy June evening.

Sebastian insists that Bella accompany us, apparently Marcus has a son, Theo, who is nineteen and he’s certain Bella will like him. 

“Where do they live?” I enquire, as we drive away from Penmorrow.

“Camelford.  It’s a twenty minute drive, we should be there on time,” he replies.  “You’ll like their house, it’s quite something.”

Twenty-five minutes later we arrive at a fine Georgian manor house.  It is by no means as grand as Penmorrow, but still impressive.

“Girling Hall.”  The name is familiar.  Where have I heard that name before? 

“Marcus is new money, darling,” says Sebastian.  “He’s a property developer who has done incredibly well.  When we were at Plymouth University together, I honestly didn’t think he’d ever take anything seriously enough to stick at it.  Let’s just say he was the playboy amongst us, and not the sharpest in terms of brains.” 

We draw to a halt alongside a Bentley and exit out car.  Suddenly I recall why the name of the house is familiar.  ‘Girling Hall’ was the address printed on the invitation that I had found in Sebastian’s pocket, the venue for the fetish party, or ‘auction’ as he had referred to it.

“Oh my God. This is where you came for the auction,” I hiss as we approach the entrance, whispering out of Bella’s earshot.  “So, Marcus is as kinky as you?”

He grins and winks infuriatingly.  “Might be.  Depends on the definition, Elizabeth.”

“Ass.”

“Ass?” He slaps my bottom and shakes his head.  “I’ll give you ass.”

Marcus and Rebecca make a fine couple.  He is just a little slighter in stature than Sebastian, with an unruly mop of fair hair and a charming manner.  Rebecca is almost as tall as her spouse and is dressed elegantly in a cerise shift dress and stunning pink Jimmy Choo heels.  She embraces us warmly as Sebastian introduces Bella and I, before Marcus holds me at arms length, letting his gaze travel slowly up my body in an overtly appreciative way.

“Sebastian, how do you manage to attract such peaches?” Marcus digs Sebastian in the ribs and earns an expletive in return.

“She’s out of your league, Marcus old chap,” he mocks.

“It’s wonderful to meet you both,” I say, nudging Bella who has yet to say hello.  “Finally, I meet Sebastian’s friends.  Rebecca I love your dress, and those heels are to die for.”

“Please call me Becky, everyone does and thank you, we must go shopping and do lunch one day, Beth.”

“That would be lovely.”

“Becky.  Drinks, and how’s the food coming on?” Marcus sounds so like Sebastian, it’s apparent that they do indeed share their dominant trait. 

“Another ten minutes,” she replies.  “Come on through, all of you.  Let’s have a Bellini.”  She leads the way in to an expansive orangery constructed entirely from wood and glass it affords a spectacular view of manicured lawns and box hedging.  A crystal chandelier illuminates a white dining table, tastefully set for dinner.

“Theo, darling.  Come and meet the beautiful Bella and her equally gorgeous mother, Elizabeth.  You know Sebastian already of course.”  Bella and I turn to face a tall, long-limbed young man with shoulder length mop of golden curls and brilliant green eyes.  He shakes my hand with a confidence that belies his age, but his eyes are fixed on my daughter who is blushing a furious crimson.

“Very pleased to meet you, Bella.”  He holds out a hand to her, which she shakes timidly.  It’s clear that she’s as taken with his beauty as he is with hers.

“Why don’t you two youngsters go and do something more interesting?  Show Bella your recording studio.  I’ll call you when dinner’s ready.”  Marcus slaps him on the back playfully.

“Want to come and see, Bella?  It’s kinda cool.” He hasn’t yet released her hand - instead taking a cue from her nod he leads her from the room.

“He’s a handsome young man, Becky.  You must be very proud of him,” I say.

“We are.  Very Proud.  He’s a talented musician too. Marcus had the studio installed for him for his eighteenth birthday.  We keep encouraging him to apply to the X Factor but he said that’s not for serious musicians.”

“Well, Bella certainly looks smitten already, it’s so refreshing to see her mixing with someone nearer her own age.  I think she’s going stir crazy at Penmorrow.” 

I catch Sebastian frowning and quickly add, “of course she loves it there but she needs new friends.  I hope they get along.”

Becky hands flutes of Bellini cocktail to each of us, before regaling us with tales of a recent trip to Venice.  The ice cold Prosecco with peach puree is delicious, but goes directly to my head and loosens my tongue almost instantaneously.

“Beth, you wanted to talk to me about something?” Marcus has an arm placed around my waist much to the annoyance of Sebastian, who cocks a challenging eyebrow at his friend.

“No,” I counter, “it was nothing in particular.  I just thought it would be good to see if Sebastian really does have any friends.”

Marcus roars a guttural laugh, while Sebastian turns his eyebrow on me.  Keep your hair on De Montfort, I’m only teasing.

“Not sure I’d call myself a friend, more of a long-suffering acquaintance, hey De Montfort?”  He quips.  “Come on Beth, while Becky burns the dinner, let me show you our University photos in my study.”  He takes my hand and leads me from the orangery before I can protest, leaving Sebastian blazing.

“Did you see his face?” Marcus nudges me as he closes the study door.

“He’s rather protective of me, Marcus.  Don’t take it personally please.”

“Beth, I’ve known Sebastian for more years than I care to recall.  I know what he’s like, but he doesn’t intimidate me.  Come here.  Sit down.”  He pats edge of the desk, having seated himself in the sole chair in the sparsely furnished home office.  Affronted, I remain where I stand, looking less than impressed.  What a pratt.

“Please come and sit.  You can see the photos better here,” he asks more convivially. 

Following orders, I perch on the hard edge of the desk and study the album he’s retrieved from a drawer.

“We shouldn’t be too long,” I say nervously.  “Becky will wonder where we are.”

“Nonsense, she can keep the dinner warming in the oven.  Look – there we are in the student bar.  See how weedy he used to look?”  He points to a young looking Sebastian, fresh faced and clutching a pint of beer.

“He was handsome even then.”

“Handsome!  Girl, you have got it bad,” he laughs.  It’s a fascinating glimpse into Sebastian’s past, which enables me to feel that I know him a little better. 

“Can I please ask you something?”  My finger nervously trails along the edge of a blotter pad.

“Course you can.  What is it?”

“I went to see Libby’s mother this week and she suggested I ask you about Sebastian’s past.  She insinuated there was something that happened to him, which may have caused his … behaviour.”

“His childhood.  Hmm, I’m not sure I should be discussing this with you, without his permission.”  He closes the album, replacing it in the drawer, and folds his arms defensively.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry,” my cheeks flush fiercely.

“Look, I don’t suppose it will hurt to impart one titbit of information about him.  Sebastian didn’t have a conventional adolescence.  I’m not saying he was fucked up by his parents - for the most part they were very good to him – top private education, fantastic inheritance.  His mother had … shall we say, an anger management issue.”

“Oh? What do you mean?”  This is intriguing.

“She used to beat seven shades of shit out of him, Beth.  The first time I noticed it, was when he came back from the first summer recess.  He had a nasty black eye, so of course I presumed he’d been in a bar brawl, I teased him mercilessly.  We got drunk in the halls of residency and he told me she’d hit him.  His mother.  I didn’t know him before University, so I can’t tell you how long it had been going on before but he hinted that she’d always punished him from a young age.”  Oh my poor, poor Sebastian.  Images of a little dark haired boy being struck by his mother bring a tear to my eye.

“Did he say why she’d hit him?”  I rasp.

“Nothing he’d done apparently.  She was always the bossy one, used to order Sebastian’s father around and it seems, on this occasion, he’d messed up in some way and she took it out on her son.  Between you and I, Beth, I suspect that’s why he’s gone the other way in adulthood.”