Rejection Runs Deep (The Canleigh Series, book 1: A chilling psychological family drama) by Carole Williams (uplifting novels TXT) 📕

Vicky looked up at him despairingly.  “Do you know what she did this afternoon?” pointing at Delia, “and under this very roof, of all places.”

“Well, don’t keep us in suspense,” he replied, almost impatiently, vexed that Ruth had to witness yet another family spectacle.  It was too much.

By now Vicky was shaking uncontrollably and could hardly speak.  The afternoon’s trauma was beginning to take its toll.  She’d never forget the shock of seeing Barrie emerge from Delia’s room and cringed at the memory of a naked Delia sprawled out on her bed like a cat that had the cream.  Then the ensuing row in Vicky’s room, which went on for hours, with Barrie pleading with her, begging her to give him another chance, saying it was all Delia’s fault, she had enticed him into her bedroom, given him brandy and then seduced him.  He seemed to have forgotten he had a mind of his own and could easily have said no and left.  Her Adonis was pathetic and weak and had shattered her dreams.  There had been no choice but to dump him at the railway station, having to listen to the excuses rolling off his tongue on the journey into Leeds.  He still insisted he loved her but all Vicky could think of was that he had been unfaithful, in her own home, with her sister.  The enormity of it was throwing Vicky completely off balance and she looked accusingly at Delia.

“You tell them … tell them what a dirty, rotten person you really are … what a complete and utter bitch … go on, Delia.  You tell them.”

Nobody moved but all eyes were on Delia, waiting for her to speak.  Vicky began to cry, Richard placed a protective arm around her, and Ruth moved closer in sympathy.  Charles, his temper beginning to get the better of him, began to drum his fingers on the table.

“Well, Delia.  What have you done?” he thundered, dreading the answer he knew was coming.

Delia raised her head and looked at her father’s angry face and Richard’s worried frown.  What a bloody little fool Vicky was.  What a bloody little trouble-maker.  If this stupid episode harmed her plans for Canleigh in any way Delia would pay her back and by God it wouldn’t be pleasant.  Why the hell couldn’t she keep her mouth shut?

“It’s no big deal,” Delia announced briskly, standing up and fronting it out.  “Nothing for anyone to get flustered about.”

“How can you stand there and say that?” cried Vicky.  “It may have been nothing for you but my life is in ruins because of your actions.”

“Delia!  I want to know what you have done … and now,” demanded Charles.

Delia paced the dining room, trying hard to think of a way to gain control of the rapidly deteriorating situation.  She waved her hands in a gesture of defiance.

“Barrie and I spent a delightful afternoon in each other’s company, that’s all.”

“Yes, in your bedroom.  In your bed,” Vicky hissed, hardly able to see Delia as the tears coursed down her cheeks.

“Well, if I were you, I would look upon it as a favour.  You’re more stupid than I thought if you think you can hang onto Barrie for long … he’s an alley cat.  Mind you,” Delia softened her tone, remembering the thrill of his hands on her skin, “He’s a pretty terrific alley cat.”

Vicky gasped, Ruth gulped, Richard looked aghast and Charles was beside himself with rage, horrified by what had transpired and seeing more of Margaret in Delia than he liked.  God forbid his eldest daughter turned out like her mother.

He kept his tone even and light but the look on his face was enough to send a chill through Delia.

“That is enough, Delia,” he said quietly. “Your attitude leaves a lot to be desired, my girl.”

He turned to Ruth.  “I can’t apologise enough for this dreadful display.  Would you mind taking Vicky to her room … I’ll come and talk to you in a while, darling,” he said to his youngest daughter, giving her a quick hug.

Ruth was happy to oblige, utterly relieved to get away from the explosive tension pervading the room.  Vicky, blinded by tears, followed Ruth without a murmur as Charles turned back to Delia.

“Go through to the library.  I can’t bear to look at you at this moment in time.  Richard and I will join you there shortly … and when we do, for goodness sake think carefully before you speak again.”

Delia moved quickly, the male members of her family catching the sweet scent of her Chloe perfume as she passed, her long satin skirt rustling slightly, the diamonds in her rings sparkling as they caught the light from the chandelier.

She entered the library and poured herself a brandy and added some ice from the silver bucket beside the decanters.  She could have kicked herself for having thrown caution to the winds this afternoon and again, just now.  Whatever was the matter with her?  She didn’t seem to be able to think or act rationally at all at the moment … and to allow her animal instincts to take over with Barrie had been a huge mistake.  She might have known that Daddy’s little girl would have to tell Daddy.  The cat was really amongst the pigeons now and goodness knows how she was going to put it right.  She badly wanted a cigarette but didn’t dare light up.  Her father hated it and she’d antagonised him enough.  Damn and blast.  All she had wanted to do this evening was to get her future into some sort of shape and now it was going to be overshadowed by this nonsense.  Her father would probably go overboard and no doubt Richard would have a