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

Laura was about to meet Ben and whatever either of them might say, she would never believe it. Oh shit!

Typically, Bella could see the funny side of the situation as she waited for Ben to turn up. What he was likely to make of it, though, God only knew and she couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. Walking into the saloon bar of The Lamb was child’s play, by comparison. While Laura was freshening herself up, after the drive down from London, Bella was furiously trying to think of the best way to play things. On reflection, she didn’t want to leave Laura alone in the house if Ben and her went off somewhere but, on the other hand, if she came with them it would spoil their time together. Perhaps I should just strangle her now and hide the body, she thought. “Oh, what a bloody disaster,” she muttered, just as the doorbell rang for the second time that morning. As she got up to answer it, Bella saw her sister at the top of the stairs so she hurried to the lobby and opened the door. Ben stood there happy and relaxed under a firmly-held golf umbrella obviously looking forward to the day ahead.

“Hi!” Bella said, over-enthusiastically, and before Ben had a chance to say anything, she added “Laura’s here,” in a flat monotone. His smile faded as though it had been switched off at the wall and the sparkle went out of his eyes. “Think up a reason for your visit,” she advised him, out of the corner of her mouth, sensing that Laura was approaching. His eyes narrowed, not understanding, then a slight raising of his eyebrows accompanied by an almost imperceptible nod of the head indicated that he’d caught on. Within an instant, his face changed, lighting up into a broad smile.

“Laura, isn’t it?” It was well done and Bella breathed an inward sigh of relief. “I remember you from the reading of the will.” Laura’s suspicious glance shot from Ben to Bella and back again as she stood at Bella’s shoulder. “Bella mentioned that you might be here, when I said I’d be coming down.”

“You always take an interest in the relatives of deceased clients then, do you? Funny that I haven’t heard from you.” Ben noticed Bella’s mouth tighten and realised what he was up against.

“It’d be nice if I could come in, don’t you think? It’s not very pleasant out here!” Unseen by Laura, he winked at Bella.

“Of course, Ben, sorry!” Bella apologised, stepping back and forcing her sister to move. “Would you like a tea or coffee, perhaps?” He collapsed the umbrella and put it in a corner of the lobby.

“Whatever you’re having, will be fine. The place has certainly got that lived in feel now,” he said, looking around him as Bella disappeared towards the kitchen.

“It’s probably Cora’s little touches,” she said, over her shoulder. Ben and Laura were left standing together in the lounge and an awkward silence developed between them.

“Couldn’t wait to see how your sister was getting on here, eh?” It was a simple question aimed at breaking the ice but only succeeded in bouncing off Laura’s thick skin.

“Not at all!” Laura replied, icily, her face taking on a tight, shrewish look. “I couldn’t believe it when I heard he’d left her this place. God knows what they used to get up to together but it doesn’t take an Einstein to figure it out, does it. He was obviously very grateful!” Ben was shocked and appalled. The two of them were virtual strangers and it was not the sort of remark he would have expected. Bitterness oozed out of her like toxic waste and her body language spoke of tension and aggression, someone to be very wary of. Someone you wouldn’t want for a neighbour. Or a sister, he thought, grimly.

“That’s a very serious accusation to make, Miss Foxton,” he said, carefully. She gave him a look that indicated she cared little for what he thought.

“Typical of a solicitor. You’re all words. You make a business out of words, twisting and turning them to shape lies into truth or weaving fact into fiction to suit your purpose. You’re no different to her,” she sneered, nodding towards the kitchen. “I know what went on between the two of them, so don’t talk to me about accusations!” How do you make conversation with someone like that, Ben wondered, wishing like hell that Bella would come back. Fancy having to put up with a sister like Laura.

“And why have you really come down here Mr…?” Laura asked, as she seated herself in an armchair.

“Hollingsworth,” Ben answered, about to continue speaking but Laura got in first.

“She’s inherited the cottage, so what? It’s no longer any business of yours, is it?” Ben gave her his best disgruntled client smile.

“Hollingsworth, Hope & Mitchell is an old-established firm. It’s been in existence nearly eighty years with a reputation based on personal service…”

“So you thought you’d personally service my sister, did you?”

“Laura, cut it out!” Bella’s angry voice took them both by surprise, as she returned from the kitchen. “If you can’t keep that mouth of yours under control then take it back to London.” She set the tray down on the coffee table and Laura abruptly got to her feet.

“I can see I’m not welcome here. I shall go and take a look round the village. I’ll leave you two lovebirds to it.” Turning her back on them both, she went to the lobby and let herself out, slamming the door behind her. It was still raining heavily and she hadn’t taken her umbrella. Ben got to his feet and took Bella in his arms. There were tears in her eyes and she was trembling with emotion. He kissed her lightly on the cheek.

“Oh, I’m so sorry, Ben,” she apologised, trying not to cry. “You didn’t deserve that.” He gave a wry laugh.

“I’ve heard worse,” he confessed. “Is she always like that?”