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

fast as she flew across the ground, unable to keep up with Demon as Philip and Delia guessed she wouldn’t.  They headed for the hill up to the old copper beech tree but then Delia pulled Demon up sharply.

“We’re not far from the Dower House … come and see what I’ve done to it.  I’d value your opinion … and I’ll even make you a cup of tea,” she grinned.

Feeling easier with Delia than he had for a long time, Philip agreed.  He was enjoying her company and the hair-raising ride was a great way to let off steam.  After having to amble around most of the time with all the riders who used his stables, it was good to ride with someone who knew absolutely what she was doing and had no fear of speed or jumps.  It was exhilarating and he couldn’t see any harm in having a cup of tea with her at the Dower House.  He was also curious to see what the old place looked like inside, not having entered it since the Dowager Duchess died all those years ago.

They tethered the tired horses on the lawns to graze undisturbed, took their boots off at the front door and Delia gave him a grand tour of the whole house and then took him back to the drawing room.  Her anxieties had lessened through the ride but now returned with a vengeance and her hands shook when she picked up the decanter of brandy.  “I’d prefer a drop of this to tea … how about you?”

Philip badly wanted tea and it was far too early for him to start drinking but he felt it churlish to refuse.  A small one wouldn’t hurt and he could have tea as soon as he got home.  He didn’t intend staying at the Dower House for long.

He nodded, reclined on a sofa, basking in the luxury of the drawing room, fascinated by all the horse figurines.  Delia had opened the French doors and it was pleasant listening to the pigeons cooing gently to each other and the talk of the sheep in the fields nearby.  A grey squirrel bounded across the lawn and out of sight up an ash tree in the corner of the garden.

“Well, what do you think?” asked Delia, waving a hand around the room.  “Do you like what I’ve done to the house?”

“Not bad … not bad at all,” Philip muttered, spying the crystal horse and heading straight for it.  “Where did you get this?  It’s pretty amazing.”

In re-telling the ornament’s fascinating history, Delia managed to compose herself and gain control of her nerves.  The brandy helped.  She took another gulp and handed him the figurine to examine.  “I’ll just pop to the bathroom.  Won’t be a tick.”

Philip was more impressed by the improvements to the Dower House than he had said.  He liked Delia’s choice of décor and furnishings but then she had always had an eye for beautiful things.  He could remember the detailed planning for Tangles when they were engaged.  It would have set him back a pretty penny if she had had her way.  What an escape that had been, he grimaced.  If Sue hadn’t come along when she did, he would have been married to Delia now.  Perish the thought.  He liked her well enough and was pleased they were slipping back into their old easiness with each other but he had told Ruth the truth when Delia wanted to move back to Canleigh.  There could never be anything between him and Delia again.  It had all ended long ago … but it was good to be friends and have no ill feeling, especially when he told her his news.  She wouldn’t have hysterics this time, that was for sure.  He would tell her today while he was here and get it out of the way.  Then there would be no more need for secrecy.

A movement behind him made him turn and his mouth fell open.  He replaced the figurine in its place, trying to stop his hands shaking.  He had been wrong.  So very wrong.  This was going to be much worse than he thought.

Delia sidled towards him, dressed in a revealing white negligee with nothing underneath.  Her breasts were full and her nipples erect as she moved towards him with a sly smile on her face.  She slid her hands across his chest and played with the top button of his shirt as she kissed his neck, her soft hair whispering against his face.

“Now then,” she whispered, “I think it’s time we stopped playing games, don’t you?”

Horrified, Philip resisted the urge to push her away.  He didn’t want a scene but it looked horrendously like there was going to be one … and a big one at that.  What a fool he had been to come to the Dower House.

“I’m not playing any kind of game, Delia.  Go and get dressed for goodness sake.”

Delia laughed and stroked his face.  “Oh, come on, darling.  Don’t be prudish.  You didn’t used to be.  We used to love sex in the afternoons.  Remember.  All those fabulous sessions in your nice big bed ….”

“That was a long time ago,” he croaked.  “A lot has happened since then.”

“True but I still want you … and I know you still want me … we have the whole place to ourselves for a few hours.  Let’s make the most of it.”

She laughed gaily and moved away, reaching out for her brandy glass, but holding his hand at the same time, the long see through gown swirling sensuously around her long, slim legs.  “It’s incredible, isn’t it?”

“What is?” asked Philip, wondering desperately how to get out of this mess he had got himself into.  He was at a loss to know what to say or do.  He only knew he had to get out of the house as