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

less than a minute she had placed her order and felt very content at the prospect of the evening in front of her. Was it too early for a glass of wine, she wondered? Probably, but what the heck? There was still the matter of the packing that was concerning her and she should also make a list of all the things that she needed to take care of before she left. Maria had got her into the habit of making lists, right from the time when she used to send her out for the shopping, in Lucca, because Bella had made so many mistakes. She remembered those times fondly, recalling her mother as a warm, caring person with an infectious vitality. It prompted Bella to think how much she really missed her, another example of the fickle wind that buffeted her emotions. If there is any one person I’d want to visit me, at the cottage, she admitted to herself, it’s Maria. I must ring her and invite her to stay. The thought fortified her and she made a promise to call her before she left. As she got up from the table there was a ring at the door. In good spirits, Bella went out to the hallway and opened the door. Laura, her face a picture of malevolence, enjoyed the moment as she watched the smile fade from her sister’s face.

“Sister, dear, how nice to see you again, so soon!” Bella made no attempt to invite her in. She had been expecting the pizza delivery man, thinking he’d got there in record time.

“Laura!…” Bella was at a loss for something to say.

“Surprised to see me?  She looked like the cat that had got the cream.

“What are you doing here? What do you want?” After their last meeting, Bella was instantly suspicious.

“Well, if you invited me in, like most normal people would do, you’ll find out, won’t you.” Having got the idea of a quiet restful evening settled in her mind, the last thing Bella wanted was to have Laura come in.

“Why don’t you just tell me, here. As it happens I was planning to have a bath, then go to bed. I’ve got a lot on tomorrow.” Laura looked at her watch, in an exaggerated fashion.

“At 7-o-clock? My sister going to bed? I don’t think so, Arabella. Come on, let me in. I’ll only be a few minutes.” Her attitude only made Bella all the more determined to keep her out and she wanted to have her gone before the pizza was delivered. In the dark recesses of her mind, Bella’s brain suddenly made a connection.

“That was you, on the phone earlier wasn’t it?” She could see it in Laura’s face, her sister didn’t have to say anything.

“For god’s sake, Laura, what are you playing at? At least speak to me if you want to find out that I’m in.” Bella sighed, heavily. She seemed to be sighing a lot, lately. “Just what is it you want? Tell me and be on your way. I’m really feeling rather tired.” Laura adopted a look of mock sympathy.

“Oh, I’m so sorry, Arabella, dear. Well, I won’t keep you. I wanted to let you know when Maggie and I will be coming down, that’s all.” Bella’s face darkened and she felt her blood rising.

“What’s prompted the sudden interest, Laura? Why are you doing this?” There was the vestige of a smile on her sister’s face but there was no warmth about it. It was a cold, calculating look that was reflected in the tone of her voice.

“For years I had to put up with you and mother acting like I didn’t exist, or I was some kind of second class person. You and all that patronising crap you used to come out with. You’ve no idea how I despised you, Arabella!” She spat the words out, her face contorted by hate, and Bella was appalled by her sister’s accusations.

“That’s not true, Laura, and you know it…how can you even think…”

“I don’t think, Arabella, I know! I was there, remember? What a crock of fucking shit you made my life. Well, it’s payback time. As usual, you’ve got what you wanted. A nice little cottage in the country. Well whoop-de-doop! Your sister would like to share in your good fortune, so I’m making a booking for the weekend after next, whether you like it or not!” Behind Laura, and to her right, the floor indicator light came on above the lift doors and the bell pinged as the lift arrived. Bella saw the pizza delivery man step out and walk towards her. Laura turned at the sound of his approach.

“Seafood Special for Foxton?” Bella had the money in her hand and passed it across in exchange for the flat package. The delivery man thanked her and headed back to the lift.

“I guess I’m not invited in for dinner, so I’ll leave you to it. I’ll be in touch for the address and directions.” The pizza smelled delicious and Laura looked at the package enviously. “Don’t eat it too quickly, sister dear. I wouldn’t want you to choke on it .” Amused at the thought she turned away and laughed all the way over to the lift. Bella slammed the door, fiercely, to shut out the grating, offensive sound and, fraught with conflicting emotions, burst into tears.

Driving down to the cottage, the day after her confrontation with Laura, Bella was still plagued by a headache which had started even before she had gone to bed the previous night. The evening had not gone well from the moment her sister had left. Having been on a high, moments before answering the door, it was not surprising that Laura’s outrageous behaviour had been responsible for destroying Bella’s mood. Not only had she been unable to stop crying for some time but the experience had also served to kill her appetite. It had, however, tempted her to drink more wine than she usually