AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“No,” Kat replies in her usual blunt manner.
“Apparently, he has to work,” Mum adds, her disappointment clear in her tone.
Kat’s gaze locks on mine, sending me a silent message before drifting lower to where my hand rests on Leah’s leg. Her lips twitch and she steps forward, holding out her hand.
“Hi, I’m Kat. These reprobate’s older sister. You must be Leah. I’ve heard lots about you.”
Leah jumps up, grasping my sister’s hand in hers. “It’s lovely to meet you.” A shy smile gracing her lips.
It’s at that moment I realise Leah and Kat are around the same age. It’s what comes from having a relationship with an older woman, but then Kat and I have always been close.
“If you’ll excuse me,” Kat says. “I’m going to get changed, and I have an urgent call to make. I want to take some time off this weekend. I’ll use Dad’s old office.”
“You go, darling. Do you want me to get Betsy to send you in some tea or coffee? She’s made some scones, your favourite.”
“That would be great,” Kat says, although her tone is flatter than usual, and I know she simply wants to escape and reset.
We all watch as she leaves the room. Leah’s eyes follow her, a crease forming between her brows. I squeeze her hand when she looks at me, a silent message passing between us. I sometimes forget how perceptive Leah is.
It’s not long before some of the staff take Mum’s attention as they prepare for tomorrow’s main event.
“Sorry,” she says to Leah. “There are a few issues that need to be addressed.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?” Leah asks.
“No, no. You rest up. I’ll see you at dinner later.”
Mum turns and follows Henry out. Leaving Caleb, Leah, and me alone.
Caleb jumps up. “Well, I’m going to have a lie down before dinner,” he says, shooting me a grin.
Leah bites her lip to prevent the laughter I know she’s trying to contain at my brother’s not-so-subtle attempt at leaving us alone.
“Come on,” I say. “We can go for a walk in the gardens.”
“Make sure you show Leah the water tower,” Caleb says, shooting me a wink when Leah isn’t looking.
I scowl at him, which seems to make him grin even more.
“Let me guess, the water tower is where Caleb took all his female conquests growing up,” she says, when we are finally alone.
I grunt, forgetting how well she knows my brother. Leah laughs. A sound I’m becoming very attached to. With her hand in mine when she steps in front of me, her eyes twinkling.
“Show me.” she says.
I’ll never think of the water tower in the same way again.
“Where have you been?” Elijah’s voice accosts us as soon as we enter the house.
“Lovely to see you too, big brother,” I reply, squeezing Leah’s hand and smiling down at her. “Leah, this is my older brother, Elijah.”
She steps forward and holds out a hand, offering him her warmest smile. “I’m pleased to finally meet you,” she says, only for Elijah to give her the once over before reluctantly taking her hand.
I bristle at my brother’s rudeness.
“Don’t mind him, Leah.” It’s Harper’s voice that appears to our right. “He’s just a grumpy old bastard.”
I turn to see my youngest sister appear. Her bright purple hair is luminescent against the thick black eyeliner and white foundation, clearly her latest look.
