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

start. Instead of enjoying the usual feeling of mild euphoria and general well-being induced by an enjoyable weekend, Bella couldn’t shake off a little cloud of depression. All she could put it down to was Kyle’s phone call but even that didn’t seem to make sense. Having got up early, at 6am, to work on the book she found that she wasn’t able to concentrate and thought that perhaps a dose of fresh air and a brisk walk might help. A quick check on the weather revealed a blustery, overcast day which could be just the thing for blowing any cobwebs away. Her gumboots were always at the ready now, in the lobby, for just such an occasion or a spot of gardening. Whoever would have thought I’d own a pair of these, she reflected, with a look of gentle amusement on her face. Bella gave a little grunt with the exertion of pulling on each one. Shrugging into a quilted waistcoat then topping her ensemble off with a woollen hat, she opened the front door. The sky was dark and threatening now and the wind had strengthened, bending treetops to its will, this way and that, whooshing through the leaves and branches, gusting in great squally blasts. She paused on the doorstep. It was easy to imagine some mythical woodland giant filling his lungs with air then puffing out his cheeks as he vented his breath through the trees. It must be the country air, she thought, forcing herself to move and shaking her head in bewilderment. The weather was more than a match for her mood, the wind buffeting her as she walked down the drive towards the lane, making her feel vital and alive as she rallied against its onslaught, her gloom dispelled by the forces of nature. Feeling one or two large spots of rain she cast a wary eye skywards at the ominous thunderclouds looking like huge bruises against the lighter grey background. Far from having the effect of persuading her not to continue Bella felt invigorated by her environment. Her objective was a small stream that ran through a gully about half-a-mile distant across Spinney Lane, which she had discovered on an earlier walk. What had made her decide to go there now she couldn’t explain, other than it was reasonably close and a definite location to aim for. Head down and digging her hands deep in her pockets she marched to the end of the drive as the rain began to fall in earnest. With a quick glance either way, up and down Spinney Lane, she crossed the road and disappeared into the trees on the other side.

By the time she returned to Willow Cottage breathless, laughing and absolutely wet through, she had been out for over forty-five minutes. The walk had not only succeeded in turning her day around but had made her appreciate, yet again, the benefits of her inheritance. Rupert could never know how he had transformed her life and helped her discover something in her own nature that she had been mostly unaware of. Bella thought about this as she tugged at her gumboots, in turn, to yank them off. Perhaps she wouldn’t have been ready for this existence before now. Her grown-up life had always been a bit like a fairground ride, which she’d stepped on as a teenager and been swept along by ever since, never having time to stop, think or look around as she enjoyed the thrills and sensations it provided. Maybe the ride had slowed down or had she now got off altogether, seeking an alternative form of amusement more in keeping with her age. Uncertain of what it might be she thanked her lucky stars as she got to her feet that Laura had got the bracelet and she had inherited the cottage. It was difficult to imagine life now anywhere else but Willow Cottage and the thought of her sister owning it made her shiver. Only then did she remember that she was soaked to the skin and ran on tip-toe towards the stairs, stripping clothing off as she went.

Standing under the shower it felt as though she was beginning the day all over again but she was now filled with an enthusiasm to carry on with her work that had been uncharacteristically absent earlier in the day. Within a very short space of time she was dry and warm, dressed in Jeans and a Nike sweatshirt, and seated at the computer munching on an apple. What had started off as a disaster was now turning into one of the better days as ideas began to flow and time slipped past almost unnoticed. Only the sound of the phone ringing caused her to stop and instinctively look at the clock as she picked up the portable.

“Bella Foxton!”

“Bongiorno, carissima!”

“Maria!” She had forgotten how good it was to hear her mother’s voice. “How are you?”

“Enjoying life, Bella mia. But how are you in that draughty old cottage of Rupert’s?”

“Who said it’s cold and draughty? Oh, let me guess. Never mind.” It was obviously Laura’s handiwork. “I’m fine mother. I got your card, thank you very much. How was Capri?”

“Beautiful. It is somewhere I have always been in love with.” Bella remembered the harbour from her one and only visit as a child and could understand how her mother felt.

“So when do I get to see you? Sometime soon, I hope, otherwise I shall be forced to take some time off and come over there!”

“That won’t be necessary. I would like to see your sister and you so I will do the travelling.” Maria’s voice sounded strained.

“Are you sure you’re alright, Maria? You sound a little tired.” Bella thought she heard a wry laugh.

“I’m fine for an old lady. Just a little problem with my breathing. It’s nothing…”

“I know you, mother. Are you taking care of yourself?” Bella interjected.

“Don’t fuss, child! I told you, I’m fine but there are things we must talk