The Knapthorne Conspiracy by Malcolm Ballard (best english novels for beginners txt) 📕

had sent her hurrying to the bathroom. Mid-morning Jane had arrived for coffee, as planned, with the announcement that her romance was blossoming and she wanted to know all Bella’s latest news, especially any of a more intimate and salacious nature. She was strangely reticent though to talk about her own relationship, leading Bella to the conclusion that it must indeed be serious. Her theory was supported by the new Jane. Less full in the face and a little slimmer and there was a glow about her that spoke volumes, prompting Bella to feel secretly happy for her friend, praying that it would last. Enquiring about the book Jane was delighted to get a positive response but before Bella could enlighten her any further she had suggested some retail therapy before lunch.

“If we’re quick, darling, that little shop in Knightsbridge you like so much, has got a sale on. I can never remember its name but they’re only open til twelve.” Jane glanced at her watch.

“Panache, you mean?”

“That’s the one! Thought you’d be keen. You can tell me about the book on the way!”

Jane had been irrepressible, obviously glad to see Bella and pleased to hear that the book was coming along nicely. Over lunch at The Grenadier, a popular pub with a noisy, intimate atmosphere she had pressed Bella for more information about Kyle.

“So what’s he really like then, this tv producer of yours?” A look of mild annoyance crossed Bella’s face.

“He’s not my tv producer any more than he’s yours, Jane!” Then she lightened up. “Well, not yet, anyway!” Back into their usual easy-going relationship Bella explained about the trip to Fordingbridge, mentioning Kyle’s driving habits but, for some reason she couldn’t explain, didn’t go into too much detail about the man. Then she mentioned their discussion about events in the village, hoping to sidetrack her friend.

“Well, I definitely felt there was something odd about the cottage. I mean other than you, that is, darling!” she added, dissolving into noisy laughter but seeing the threatening look on Bella’s face recovered herself quickly.

“Anything else odd happened since I was there?” Her question prompted Bella to recount the story of finding Alfie outside Willow Cottage and her subsequent meeting in the pub with Samuel Handysides. Jane listened with interest.

“From your reaction, I take it you don’t believe his version of events.” Bella flicked her head, running a hand through her hair, before she replied.

“Oh, I don’t know. I’m probably making a mountain out of a molehill but Kyle seems keen to look into it. Thinks it might have potential for a screen drama.”

“You’re kidding?”

“Probably,” Bella answered, with a sigh. “But it would be nice to get to the bottom of it one way or the other.” Jane looked thoughtful.

“So where does this leave, whatsisname? Ben, the solicitor chap. He’s the one who started all this, isn’t he?”

“Yes. I suppose you could look at it like that,” Bella replied, wistfully.

“Do I detect a note of reticence in the voice, Ms Foxton? Heading for the door marked ‘Exit’ is he?” It had the required effect of making her friend smile.

“Probably. He wants something more than a casual relationship but he’s still married, of course. Not that it sounds like much of a marriage…” Jane butted in, eager to offer her opinion.

“Takes two to make a marriage, good or bad, sweetheart. Rarely does the blame lay on one side only for a failed marriage!”

“Thank you, Claire Rayner, for that educated insight.” Bella glowered at Jane. “I am aware of that!”

“So, what are you going to do about it, darling? I should be so lucky to have men queuing up like that!”

“You’re not doing so bad by the sound of it. And the look of you,” she emphasised, giving Jane a warm smile. Then she shrugged her shoulders in response to Jane’s question. “I don’t know, Jane. I’ll maybe let things sort themselves out naturally. There’s no denying,” she added, with a lascivious grin, “that I could do with a man in my life, right now. Trouble is I don’t want him to take over and that’s what usually happens.”

On leaving the pub they had parted with Jane promising to be in touch soon and Bella noticed she made no mention of wanting to come down to the cottage again. Perhaps she had felt more spooked than she’d let on. But Bella didn’t dwell on it as she now had the evening to look forward to. A meal at Le Gavroche with two old friends, Brian Mullender and Gray Ingliss, a pair of ageing gays who had been together since the days when gay meant light and breezy and nothing more. They were theatrical people, of course. Brian, noisy and exuberant with fleshy features and a portly frame, always reminded Bella of George Melly, the jazz vocalist. Brian was a director from way back, working mainly in the provinces while Gray was the actor, or act-or, as he liked to pronounce it, with heavy emphasis on the last syllable. Grey-haired, slim and softly spoken, he possessed the rapier-like wit of an Oscar Wilde which he used with devastating effect and there was never a dull moment in the pair’s company. She had met them years ago in a West End pub when she had been dating the lead actor in a show and they had remained friends ever since. Of the lead actor, however, there was no more than a memory. As she looked, in vain, for a taxi Bella experienced the strangest feeling as a wave of emotion swept over her. It lasted no longer than a matter of seconds, rather like the jolt of a powerful earth tremor, but it took her completely by surprise. Looking around her, as though she were an alien from another planet, she searched for an answer to what had just taken place. Was she really a stranger now in these surroundings? The noise. The crowds. The traffic. The frantic pace of life. And what