Page 40 of The Cornish Christmas Book Clu
‘It was easier for you to put the blame on me than face the fact your precious husband...’ Ophelia’s sobs muffled the rest of her words.
Before Gage had a chance to turn around and creep away, Ophelia burst through the door. Automatically he shot out his hands to stop her barrelling into him. Over her shoulder he spotted Evelyn.
‘Oh,mon Dieu, I’m sorry.’ The mixture of French and English showed her confusion, and her wild eyes struggled to focus.
‘It’s fine. Is there anything I can do to help?’
Ophelia shook her head at Evelyn. ‘I hoped we might finally... but she won’t listen... it’s hopeless. I have to leave.’
‘I believe that will be for the best.’ There was ice in Evelyn’s voice and her blue eyes were equally cold.
‘I don’t know what’s kept you at odds for forty years, but Idoknow your time to sort it is running out. If you aren’t careful, you soon won’t have the chance to listen to each other’s side of the story and you’ll never know who was right.’
Evelyn scoffed. ‘I know compared to you we must seem ancient, but neither of us has one foot in the grave yet.’
‘I do,’ Ophelia whispered. Silent tears tracked down her face.
‘I should go.’ Gage shifted awkwardly from one foot to the other.
‘No, stay. Please.’
‘I only came to return your book, Evelyn.’ He turned to his newly acquired friend. ‘It was wonderful and I’ll definitely read more of her work.’
‘I’m glad you enjoyed it.’ She gave him a cool nod. ‘I don’t have a problem with you remaining if that’s what Ophelia wants. Why don’t you both go into the living room while I make tea?’She nodded to her sister. ‘I assume you’d prefer coffee? If you trust me with your fancy machine, that is.’
He noticed Ophelia’s jaw tighten and was prepared for another caustic comment, but none came. She wandered off in the direction of the living room, shoulders slumped and every slow step a massive effort.
Gage followed behind and sat in the chair closest to the window. He spotted a couple who’d been in the shop this week out walking their miniature white poodle. They waved and smiled, so he did the same. Running a business was far different from what he’d expected. Harder in some ways because everything relied on him, but that same aspect made it incredibly satisfying. After a career spent following orders and an agenda made by others, Gage revelled in the freedom to carve his own path. It might prove an abject failure in time, but at least he’d only have himself to blame.
Ophelia nestled in the corner of the sofa furthest away from him and kept her eyes down.
‘Right, here we are.’ Evelyn bustled in with a loaded tray and set it down on the low wooden table before passing them each a cup and saucer. No mugs here. She considered them a sign of lowered standards. ‘Now, Ophelia, I want to know exactly what you meant by that dreadful thing.’
‘Dreadful? Really? That’s the nicest thing you’ve said since I arrived.’
‘I opened my home to you and put my life on hold. What more do you want?’ Evelyn bristled. ‘I wouldn’t leave you homeless, but it’s no good pretending we’re close and loving sisters, is it?’
‘I suppose not.’ Ophelia’s head drooped. ‘Gage saw it straight away, but you didn’t.’
‘Saw what?’ Evelyn’s attention switched to him. ‘Do I get an answer?’
‘Sure.’ Gage planted his hands on his knees and leaned forward. ‘I don’t know the details because Ophelia didn’t share them, but anyone with eyes can tell she’s seriously ill.’
‘Ill?’ Evelyn set down her cup and stared at her sister. ‘She’s terribly thin, but I never...’ She shook her head. ‘What is it?’ she croaked.
‘My lungs. Too many cigarettes. I didn’t listen to the warnings. But that’s me all over, isn’t it?’ The attempt to sound blasé might’ve worked if her eyes weren’t brimming with tears.
‘How long?’ Evelyn whispered.
‘Have I been sick or have left?’ Ophelia’s brittleness returned. ‘About a year ago, I could no longer ignore my persistent cough and tiredness, and the doctor confirmed what I already guessed. They don’t care to be too precise when it comes to handing out death sentences, but if I make it to next summer...’ Her voice faded.
Rain beat against the window now, darkening the room until they were all in shadowy profile. It pinpointed a strong likeness between the two women he hadn’t recognised before now.
Evelyn rose and sat by her sister, reaching for her hand. ‘I’m sorry.’ The faint smile she sent his way tugged at Gage. ‘Thank you. If you weren’t so—’
‘Nosy?’
‘I’d use the word astute. But I’m grateful.’
