Page 91 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

“You don’t have to answer that.” Hugo replied firmly.

“How old are you?” Constance asked cutting across him.

“Thirty two.” Maddie said.

“Hmmm by the time I was your age I was already pregnant with my second.” She stated.

“I’m not sure how to respond to that. I’m not really in a position to think about children let alone want too.” Maddie stated.

“You’d have beautiful babies.” She said folding her arms, appraising her. “Very beautiful babies, with your colouring and Cole’s.”

Maddie felt her jaw drop. Was that some sort of approval?

“I think you need to stop interrogating the girl.” Hugo said laughing a little at her reaction.

“Nonsense, she can clearly handle herself.” Constance stated.

“Yes she can but if you’re not careful she might just handle you.” Hugo replied to his wife with a wink to Maddie who smiled at him.

“What’s this?” Charlotte asked walking and looking between them.

“I think your mother is giving Maddie some sort of interrogation.” Hugo said.

“It’s fine. Honestly.” Maddie said feeling like everyone was suddenly staring at her again.

“I have every right to check out the suitability of the girl my son is dating.” Constance said folding her arms and looking so Cole like in her defiance Maddie had to fight the urge to laugh.

“It’s fine honestly.” Maddie stated before taking the opportunity to have another gulp of her coffee.

“You said last night that your mother is dead, is that correct?” Constance asked.

“Yes.”

“And your father?”

“Is not a nice person.” Maddie stated.

“I see. Do you have any siblings?”

“I have an older half-brother and a younger half-sister. Both on my father’s side.” Maddie said.

“And what do they do?”

“My brother is a surgeon, he has a private practice on Harley Street and my sister is a model.”

“A model?” Charlotte repeated and Maddie smirked.

“Not the kind you write home about.” Maddie said.

“Meaning?” Constance asked.

“My sister is Kelsey Lee.” Maddie replied and Charlotte’s jaw dropped.

“Are you serious?” She said. “Why have you never told me that before? Why has Cole never told me?”

“Who is she?” Constance asked.

“She’s like the IT girl, or she was until…” Charlotte replied before trailing off.

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