Page 56 of A Family Affair
With that, Ion stood and so did his bodyguards, but there was one more thing on Tristan’s mind and he wouldn’t sleep if he didn’t ask. ‘And our agreement still stands? The figure we discussed and the properties.’
When a sly smile spread across Ion’s face, for a second Tristan thought he’d gone too far and forced down a gulp and the memory of waking up face down on a rug.
‘You know, I like you, Tristan. You are my kind of guy. Not afraid to ask the awkward questions so yes, you have my word. We will shake on it, again.’ Ion proffered his hand which Tristan gratefully took.
The brief exchange and firm manly contact over with, Ion turned and flanked by his men made their way out of the bar, Tristan watching on. He’d almost done it. This deal would be the making of him and there was no way on this earth anyone would get in the way, so taking out his phone, he found Chuck’s number, prodded the screen, and waited.
No more being polite. It was time to get things moving so he’d be seeing Cowboy Joe ASAP, whether he liked it or not.
CHAPTER42
CLARISSA
It was bitterly cold outside thanks to a front blowing in from the Atlantic, and while she didn’t appreciate the weather, she was glad that via a similar route, dear Chuck had landed on her shores.
He’d been there almost a month and during that time Clarissa had learned much about him. Most importantly that he was a good man, kind, funny and self-deprecating. Pure of heart and, she gleaned, easily led, and that had rendered him alone and rather lost. Which was why she’d decided to help him find a home, a place to belong on his own terms, be it there in Cheshire or at home in his beloved Kentucky.
And that annoying Tristan Henderson had rang Chuck earlier saying he was calling by tomorrow. Couldn’t that man take a hint? She’d had Jennifer fob him off countless times. And it had irked Clarissa immensely when he’d got his father to intervene with regards to her finalising her will. They were turning into a pair of vultures. She’d soon put a stop to that.
Turning her thoughts away from irritants, they’d had a busy few days at Chamberlain, hosting the crew who were making the television documentary that was soon to air. Dear Penny, who Clarissa had become rather fond of over the course of her research and during filming, had fluttered about in her anxious and studious way. Waving her notes, advising the crew and reporter who conducted the interview but, most of all, making sure that Clarissa was comfortable with it all. And she was.
Hearing the parlour door open, and Chuck return with their cocoa, his new favourite evening drink, and a packet of biscuits tucked under his arm, Clarissa smiled as he took a seat beside her on the sofa.
He began to unwrap the packet. Picking at the tear strip as he spoke. ‘Miss Jennifer has gone up for a bath. I said I’d make her some cocoa when she comes down. I’m getting the hang of that old range now! Cookie’s a good teacher.’
Clarissa smiled. Chuck had cast a spell on every female who crossed his path, herself included. She was so grateful for his company because not only did he lift her spirits, he’d given Jennifer a little break too and it was nice to see her relax. She dedicated her days to caring for Clarissa and sometimes, if she was poorly, nights too.
‘Did you enjoy watching them make the documentary and seeing your ancestors’ story unfold? I thought they did a very good job, especially the section about Eleonora. I was so undecided about mentioning her, you know, but I’m glad I did. And you even got a little mention too. I found it all rather exciting.’
Chuck seemed more interested in dunking his biscuits but between mouthfuls, managed to answer. ‘I thought the part about Cousin Eleonora was the best… got me right in the heart, hearing you tell her story.’
Clarissa was pleased about this, and have her sister referred to as cousin, like she’d never really gone away and part of her remained at Chamberlain. She also didn’t want to stand in the way of Chuck and his food so let him eat while she chatted on.
‘And dear little Penny has offered to do some digging about Eleonora, but wanted my blessing first, but she also told me something rather interesting.’ After receiving a ‘uh-huh,’ from Chuck which translated meantcarry on, she did just that.
‘It seems that not so long ago the MOD released the details of special operatives who were sent to France. Penny said that not all records are intact or complete, but it’s worth a look, don’t you think? We might be able to find out where Eleonora died and maybe visit or if I can’t make it send someone on my behalf. You and Jennifer perhaps.’
Chuck had taken an eating break and looked surprised by her comment. ‘You’d want me to go, kinda like your family representative?’
‘Yes, exactly like that. But let’s wait to see if she comes up with anything after her hols. She’s off to visit her family in New Zealand, but said she’d make a start when she gets back.’ Clarissa sipped her cocoa and lost herself in the flames of the coal fire while Chuck ate his way down the packet of biscuits.
The silence was companiable for a while until Chuck asked, ‘You know what I’ve been thinking these past few days but didn’t like to ask, in case it caused offence?’
Clarissa paused mid-sip, intrigued. ‘What on earth could cause offence… go on, ask away. I’ll have you know I’m quite unshockable.’
She watched as he considered for a moment, and she was expecting another rummage in the packet, however, he did in fact surprise her with his question.
‘Thing is… I know how you like your tea, and your toast and which programmes are your favourites, but I don’t really know anything aboutyouand why you live here on your ownsome. I know you have Miss Jennifer and that makes me real happy, but I’ve wanted to ask you about your younger life but thought it might offend and no way would I go behind your back and ask anyone else. Our stories are private and ain’t no business of other folk. But you told us about Cousin Eleonora, and I can’t help wondering why you didn’t tell us about you.’
Clarissa thought for a moment, not wanting to rush in, and then suddenly she didn’t care and realised she was relieved that he’d asked.
‘I told Penny that I didn’t want to include my early life in the film because it was more important that I told Eleonora’s story. I suppose I wanted to say her name out loud. There’s an old black and white film about a famous secret agent called Violette Szabo.Carve Her Name With Prideand it always makes me think of my sister. It’s such a sad story and my sister’s is probably the same.’
Clarissa banished that thought and pulled herself together. ‘Maybe that’s a touch melodramatic on my part but it felt good especially when they filmed her portrait. I wanted everyone to see how beautiful she was. My life is nothing compared to hers and of little interest. I’m here. I inherited an estate created by my forbears, did my bit for charity and now someone else looks after it all for me. Totally boring.’
Chuck nodded slowly and then scratched his chin. ‘That’s maybe how you see it, but I’ve told you my story and I don’t care if yours is all about sewing those tapestry things I’ve seen around the place. I’d still like to know.’
At that, Clarissa laughed and gave him a gentle tap on the arm. ‘I’ll have you know that I’ve never done a tapestry in my whole life!Soboring – much to the chagrin of Mother and Miss Cleves. But I would like to tell you about myself and why I’m here on my ownsome because I see some parallels in our lives. Perhaps it might help us going forward, into the future together.’
