The Secret Kiss of Darkness (18 page)

‘Oh, uhm … I was studying art in London part-time and in particular paintings by Gainsborough. I was told Wes might have one or two in his possession, and I made an appointment to come and have a look.’ Kayla found it hard to lie yet again, but Alex nodded, apparently finding nothing strange in her answer.

‘And then he persuaded you to work for him instead?’

Kayla nodded. ‘Yes, but only until he can find someone else. I’ve got to go back to London eventually.’

Alex smiled as if he didn’t quite believe her, but said nothing more on the subject.

The rest of the meal passed quickly, although Wes’s continued brooding silence was a bit unnerving. Kayla decided to ignore it. Whatever was going on between these two was their own business and nothing to do with her.

Kayla excused herself and left the dining room earlier than she normally would. Wes watched her go, but didn’t ask her to linger. He knew he’d made her uncomfortable with his silence, but he’d be damned if he’d make small talk with his brother. Alex didn’t deserve it. In fact, he shouldn’t even be here.

‘So what is it this time?’ Wes asked, as soon as he was sure Kayla was out of earshot. ‘Short of money again? Someone chasing you for payments you can’t cover?’

Alex scowled at him. ‘No, I’m debt free. Well, as much as anyone ever is.’

‘Why are you here then? I thought you said you were moving out for good last time you left. “I hate this fucking dump and you’re welcome to it, you pretentious git”, quote, unquote.’

Wes watched as Alex struggled visibly to keep his temper from erupting. ‘I might have exaggerated a little,’ he muttered.

Wes snorted. ‘Yeah, I’d say. Well, just so you know, your pretentious git of a brother has bailed you out for the last time. If you’ve come here hoping for money, you can leave right now. I’ve given you more than your fair share and that’s it. I don’t owe you anything.’

Alex stood up and slapped his napkin onto the table. ‘I don’t want your damned money. You’re welcome to it. But this is still my home, as far as I know, and I have a right to stay here whenever I want to. Wasn’t that what Dad’s will said? So if I feel like spending some time in Devon, I’ll damn well sleep in my old room. And as I told Kayla, I’ve got to start touting for business. Dave’s been after me to show off his latest yacht so I’ll be staying for a while.
If
that’s okay with you?’ The final sentence was said in an overly sarcastic way, which grated on Wes.

‘Fine. As long as all you want is room and board.’

As Alex stormed out of the room, Wes ran a hand across his forehead, trying to loosen the tight vice that seemed clamped around it. He didn’t know why they found it so difficult to get on with each other, but he knew Alex resented the fact that Wes had inherited Marcombe Hall.

‘The oldest son inheriting everything is a relic of times gone by,’ he’d grumbled more than once. ‘These days the property should be divided equally between any children.’ But their father had disagreed.

‘Don’t be ridiculous, Alex. That would mean selling the place. Unthinkable! It’s been in the family for generations and goes with the title. And you can’t honestly expect Wesley to buy you out.’

The old man had tried to make it up to his younger son by leaving him a generous trust fund, but Alex never seemed to appreciate it. He always wanted more and was forever living beyond his means, buying expensive cars, boats and who knew what else. Wes suspected drugs were involved too, but there was no talking to him.

Well, enough was enough. It was time to let Alex sink or swim.

The final straw had come a few weeks previously when a mutual acquaintance had revealed that Alex had been seen cosying up to Caroline at a club in London.

‘Very lovey-dovey, they were. But you don’t mind, do you?’ the friend had asked. ‘Water under the bridge and all that, eh?’

‘No, not at all. Why should I?’ Wes had been forced to reply, but inside he was seething. He did mind. Not because he still wanted Caroline – he most certainly didn’t – but because he suspected it was all an act.

Why the hell else would Alex want his brother’s cast-offs? It had to be for the usual reason – Alex coveted everything Wes had. It infuriated him that this should include Caro though, especially as he suspected she’d only go along with it to irritate her ex-husband as well. And what could Alex possibly see in a woman ten years his senior when he had the pick of more or less every girl he ever met? They fell for him in droves.

Something wasn’t right, but he figured if he refrained from mentioning it, perhaps the two of them would tire of the game. By not reacting, he would cheat them of their petty little revenge.

But damned if he’d play happy families.

The house was silent, the midwife and physician had gone and the maids had cleared up the mess. Eliza was left alone to gaze adoringly at her son. He was so small, so vulnerable and so utterly beautiful. And so like his father. A stab of guilt sliced through her, but she was too exhausted to worry about it overmuch. Jago would find a way for them to be together. If anyone could arrange things, it would be him. She had absolute faith in him; it was only a question of patience, as he’d said. Now she must concentrate on regaining her strength and nurturing their child.

The baby was lying in a cradle next to her bed and she lay on her side staring at him, studying every tiny detail of his features, watching his little chest move up and down as he breathed. It was a miracle that she had given birth to this wonderful being and she didn’t begrudge the seemingly endless pain she’d had to go through. Her son was worth it. She couldn’t take her eyes off him even for a second. With a smile, she leaned over to kiss his soft cheek yet again. He sighed in his sleep, an adorable little noise.

A slight sound from the corridor made her turn her head towards the door and to her amazement Jago tiptoed into the room. He put a finger over his lips to stop her from saying anything, but she gasped nonetheless. In three strides he was by her side, pulling her close.

‘Oh, Jago,’ she whispered. ‘Have you run mad?’

He smiled and pushed a tendril of her hair behind one ear before bending down to kiss her. ‘Yes, probably, but I had to come. I needed to make sure you’re all right and the child also. You are, aren’t you?’

‘Yes, we’re both fine. Look, isn’t he wonderful?’

Jago went round to kneel next to his son’s cradle and touched the baby’s soft cheek with reverence. ‘He’s perfect.’ He looked up. ‘As are you, my love.’

‘John is downstairs.’ Eliza felt anxiety churning her insides. ‘You’re sure he didn’t hear you come in?’

‘No, he’s drunk. I heard him snoring fit to wake the dead.’

Jago’s words reassured Eliza, but he didn’t stay long in any case. ‘I just had to see you,’ he whispered, ‘and now I know you’re well, I can rest easy. Goodnight, my love.’

As Eliza drifted off to sleep, she felt as though she was floating on a cloud of happiness. Not long now, and her joy would be complete.

‘So you’ve finally deigned to return to us lesser mortals, have you?’ was Maddie’s sarcastic comment on seeing her friend again, but as it was delivered with a huge grin and a hug, Kayla didn’t take offence. ‘I was beginning to think you were staying in Devon for good.’

‘Well, to be perfectly honest, I didn’t really want to come home.’ Kayla grinned back. ‘You see, there’s this gorgeous man and his lovely daughter. Not to mention the grand mansion, the incredible scenery, the brilliant job and the top salary.’

‘Uh-oh.’ Maddie held up one hand and laughed. ‘Don’t tell me any more, I have a feeling I’m not going to like this.’

‘Yes, you are. Just wait until I tell you everything that’s happened.’

Later that evening Kayla collapsed on the sofa in her living room, having packed a large suitcase full of clothes and cleaned the flat from top to bottom. It was unbelievable the amount of dust which could accumulate in just a few short weeks, even when no one was living there. She felt exhaustion wash over her and closed her eyes.

‘You certainly deserve a rest now,’ a familiar voice commented, and Kayla nearly jumped out of her skin. She put a hand over her heart and sent a mock glare at Jago.

‘You’re determined to give me a heart attack, aren’t you?’ she accused. ‘Honestly, I think you enjoy scaring me half to death.’

He chuckled. ‘Not at all, my dear, but I have to confess I am dying of curiosity. If one can die of something when one is already dead that is. Have you found Eliza for me yet? You have been gone an age, or is it simply my imagination? I’m never really clear about time passing.’

‘No, I have been away a bit longer than I’d reckoned with, but unfortunately I haven’t found Eliza. I’ve searched Marcombe Hall from top to bottom and there are no portraits like the one you described anywhere. I even tiptoed into the dusty attics one day when everyone was out, but there was nothing. I’m sorry,’ she added when he stayed silent for a long time.

‘Well, it was worth a try.’ He sighed. ‘I suppose I’m stuck here for all eternity then.’

‘Oh, don’t give up yet, Jago. I’m going to try and trace Eliza’s descendants to see if any of them left the painting to some other branch of the family. Don’t despair, we might still find it.’

‘Do you think so? It is kind of you to put yourself out on my behalf.’ He sounded downcast and Kayla had the urge to hug him, but she knew she never could.

‘Not at all, I’m happy to do it. But don’t you want to hear about her descendants? Or should I perhaps say
your
descendants, you wicked man?’

Jago chuckled. ‘So I’ve been found out, have I? How?’ Kayla heard the laughter in his voice and tried to look stern.

‘You most certainly have, you old reprobate.’ She wagged a finger at him. ‘I couldn’t help but notice a rather marked resemblance between you and Sir Wesley and his brother. You don’t deny it?’

‘What would be the point now, so long after the event?’

‘I suppose you’re right. But do they know?’

‘Who, my great-great-something grandsons? No, shouldn’t think so. A lot of people may have suspected it at the time and some knew for sure, but nothing was ever said openly. It wasn’t the sort of thing you’d boast about.’ He grinned, obviously unrepentant. ‘Now do tell me how my descendants go on. And what about the house? Has it been much altered? Of course, it was never my property, but I remember it well.’

Kayla didn’t feel at all strange about having a conversation with a man in a painting, which was weird, she reflected. It almost seemed normal now and she hardly gave it a thought once they started talking. She had accepted that this was happening and since he was such good company, she decided she might as well enjoy it while it lasted. The world was full of unexplained phenomena, why not talking portraits? She smiled to herself and started to tell Jago about Wes and his family.

‘Maddie, I need Jessie’s help again.’ Kayla rang her friend first thing the following morning.

‘Oh no, I’ll be owing her favours until Doomsday.’ Maddie sighed.

‘Please, it’s important.’

‘Okay, fine. So what do you want her to do this time?’

‘If it’s not too much trouble, do you think she could put together some sort of family tree for Sir John’s descendants please? I’ll pay her for her trouble, of course.’

‘Don’t be silly, she wouldn’t charge a friend. Besides, I’m sure she’ll enjoy it, you know what she’s like.’

‘Yes. Well, can you get her to call me when I’m back in Devon, please? I need to ask her how to look for Marcombe wills which might mention the paintings as well. It may be that I have to search for that sort of thing locally. I seem to remember she told me wills were often kept at the nearest record office.’

‘You’re absolutely sure the painting of Eliza isn’t at Marcombe Hall?’

‘Positive, so someone else must have inherited it, unless her husband burned it in a fit of jealous rage or something. He did have cause, poor man.’ Kayla giggled at the thought, although it hadn’t been a laughing matter back then, she was sure.

Kayla told Maddie about Jago’s ‘cuckoo in the nest’ and she chuckled. ‘Yes, if he found out, that is. All right, I’ll give Jessie the number so you can ask her what to do.’

‘Thanks a lot, Maddie. I really appreciate it.’

‘Oh, no! What in the name of all that’s holy …?’ Kayla stopped dead just inside the door to her room at Marcombe Hall and stared in horror at the dreadful mess. She couldn’t believe her eyes. It looked as if a malignant whirlwind or poltergeist had swept through, leaving nothing untouched. Dropping the large suitcase where she stood, she turned on her heel and ran in search of Wes. As usual, she found him in the office.

‘Hello, Wes.’

‘Kayla, you’re back!’ His face lit up at the sight of her and she almost forgot her anger for a moment as warmth spread through her at his obvious pleasure in her return. ‘Did you have a good journey this time or did you take any detours?’ he teased.

Kayla managed a feeble smile. ‘No, everything went well and I only got lost once. But Wes, can you come and have a look at my room for a minute, please?’

‘Your room?’ Wes looked puzzled. ‘Why?’

‘Something nasty seems to have happened to it while I was gone.’ Without waiting to see if he followed, she went back upstairs, her heart thumping uncomfortably. As she opened the door she heard Wes gasp in surprise behind her.

‘Jesus! What happened here?’

‘Well, I was kind of hoping you could tell me that.’ Kayla went over to the bed and lifted up one of her favourite sweaters, which had been virtually shredded. She looked at it forlornly. ‘I guess the ghost that doesn’t exist decided to return. Didn’t you hear it?’

‘Ghost? No way. This isn’t the work of anything supernatural.’ Wes looked furious now. He walked around inspecting the damage with angry strides, lifting an item of clothing here, a book there. Every single one of Kayla’s possessions had been either torn, cut or broken. A pair of scissors lay on the floor, open as if they’d been thrown away after the user had finished. ‘Poltergeists wouldn’t know how to use scissors, I’m pretty sure about that, but who the hell would do this sort of thing?’

‘Somebody who hates me?’ Kayla bit her bottom lip. The thought that anyone could dislike her this much was extremely unsettling.

‘But why would anybody hate you? And anyway, you hardly know anyone around here yet. Unless you have some enemies from London who have tracked you down? You’re not being stalked by your former fiancé or anything, are you?’

Kayla shook her head, then frowned. ‘Hey, how did you know I had a former fiancé? I never told you that.’

‘Just something Nell said.’

‘Oh, right.’ Kayla sighed. ‘Sorry, didn’t mean to snap at you. Guess I’m just a little bit paranoid right now.’

‘Understandable. Don’t worry about it, I shouldn’t have mentioned it.’ Wes stopped and stared out of the window, deep in thought. ‘Hmm. It doesn’t make sense though. I’ll make some enquiries, perhaps someone has seen something. Leave it with me.’ He walked over to where she stood next to the bed. ‘I’m sorry, Kayla. I know some of these things probably can’t be replaced, but I will try to give you compensation. Write me a list, please?’ He slowly stroked her cheek, and she closed her eyes, savouring the comforting warmth of his large hand. She had missed him while she’d been away, more than she’d thought possible. When she looked up again he pulled her close and held her in a tight embrace. Neither of them spoke.

At length he let go of her, kissed her cheek and left. Kayla put up her hand to the spot his lips had touched and stood for a long time lost in thought. What had he meant by that? Was it just a comforting sort of hug and kiss, the kind you give a friend in need? Or did it have any deeper meaning? She wished she knew. But she couldn’t read him and although he’d seemed so pleased to see her, he hadn’t said he’d missed her. If he had, it was probably just in her capacity as secretary, but how she wished it was more than that.

With a sigh, she began the task of clearing up.

‘You wanted to speak to me? Again?’ Alex entered the office and closed the door behind him. Wes studied his brother’s face carefully, but couldn’t see anything that would indicate he was hiding something. Alex may be irritating as hell, not to mention lazy and with a devil-may-care attitude, but Wes had never known him to be deliberately cruel or vindictive. He was too easy-going for that.

‘Yes. Take a seat.’ Wes regarded his brother for another few minutes before coming straight to the point. ‘Did you wreck all Kayla’s things while she was gone?’

‘Excuse me?’ Alex looked genuinely surprised. If he was acting, Wes had to acknowledge he was damned good at it.

‘While she was in London, someone entered her room and completely tore all her belongings to pieces – clothes, books, everything. Shredded. There wasn’t a single item left untouched. Do you know anything about that?’

‘No.’ Alex had reverted to a sulky look. ‘Why do you always assume that when something goes wrong around here it’s my fault? And why on earth would I want to ruin Kayla’s stuff? I like her, for Christ’s sake.’

Wes ran a hand through his hair in a tired, defeated gesture. ‘I’m sorry, Alex, but I couldn’t think who else it could be. She doesn’t know anyone here, except us and Annie, and I really don’t think Nell would be capable of such malice. Besides, she likes Kayla too. So who would do such a thing?’ A thought occurred to him. ‘You wouldn’t happen to have seen Caro around, have you? If she was in one of her weird moods, she might decide to smash the place up. Although why Kayla’s room in particular, God knows.’

Alex shrugged and studied his fingernails. ‘Beats me who could have done it, but if I hear anything I’ll let you know.’ His posture was slightly defensive, as if he wasn’t telling the whole truth and Wes noticed he didn’t reply to the question about Caro. Wes narrowed his eyes at his brother but decided not to push it. If Alex knew who the culprit was, perhaps he’d warn him or her off. He certainly hoped so.