Free Family Secrets by Jenny Lane Page A

feminist types who prefer to grit their teeth and carry on - even if it kills them?”
    Rhianna laughed. “I certainly am, but that doesn’t mean to say I don’t appreciate help when it comes to negotiating winding staircases.”
    He picked up the case and carried it effortlessly downstairs and out to her car.
    “I hope we’ll be seeing more of each other in the future, Rhia.” And, stooping, he kissed her gently on the cheek.
    “Yes, I hope so too,” she told him, resisting the urge to reach up and touch the spot where his lips had been.
    He stood there waving as she drove away and she fancied her heartbeat quickened.
    *
    When Rhianna arrived at Wisteria Lodge , Irene whipped open the door.
    “Did you catch up with that guy who was looking for you?” she wanted to know.
    Rhianna stared at her fearfully. “What guy?”
    “That reporter chap. He interviewed Mavis just as she was leaving the hospital and came into the post office and saw Lizzie and me, but we didn’t know where you were.”
    Rhianna gasped with relief. “Irene you nearly gave me a heart attack. I thought you meant someone more sinister.”
    “Sorree – his mate took oceans of pictures. Fame at last! Mind you, I wouldn’t like to go through that again in a hurry!”
    “Nor me,” Rhianna said with a shiver.
    Letitia was in the sitting-room, Tansy on her lap.
    “Oh, I’m so glad you’ve come. I’ve sorted out a couple of keepsakes you might like to have, dear. Things that belonged to your father.”
    She handed Rhianna a flat package. “Save it to open until you get home. I wanted to show you his room, but it’ll keep until we’re alone.”
    They chatted about a variety of things and, presently, Irene brought in a tray of coffee. She refused to stay and have a cup with them, saying she needed to pick up Lizzie’s small son from nursery shortly.
    “Irene’s an absolute treasure,” Letitia told Rhianna when she’d gone. “She’s agreed to come up here a couple of mornings a week to help me out, as I believe I told you. I think it’ll work out really well.”
    It was a tearful parting. Letitia hugged Rhianna who told her, “I’ll be back before you know it and - when I come next time - I’ll bring you some prints of the photographs I’ve taken.”
    Letitia smiled and wiped away a tear. “Well, I’ve got Laurie coming to see me this afternoon. I’m so fortunate. Only a short while ago I had no-one in my life and now I’ve got the pair of you.”
    Rhianna hugged her back. “I feel the same way,” she told her sincerely. “I thought I was the last of the line when Dad died, but now I’ve discovered I’ve got a grandmother.”
    She kissed the elderly lady and made more promises to come again.

 
    Chapter Six
     
    The drive back to Hertfordshire was uneventful. Rhianna decided to pop into the gallery on the way home.
    “Am I pleased to see you,” Fiona told her. “It’s been manic here.”
    Rhianna poured some coffee and they sat down at one of the tables. Fiona gave her an update on what had been happening during the past few days and filled her in about Friday’s workshop.
    “We’ve still got several boxes of mugs and plates left over from last time and I’ve ordered more eggcups and dishes. The suppliers assure me they’ll be here on time. We’ve been inundated with requests – oh and Matthew’s sold another painting.”
    Rhianna’s eyes widened. “Another one! Wow! He will be pleased. His work is proving popular.”
    “Certainly is…Now, before you tell me all about your trip, you’d better listen to this…We’ve had one or two weird phone calls,” Fiona informed her.
    A shiver ran along Rhianna’s spine. “What sort of weird?”
    “Asking for Ms Soames. I told the first caller firmly that no one of that name was here, but the second one was more persistent so I put the phone down.”
    Rhianna gasped. “Oh, my goodness! This is a nightmare! If only Letitia hadn’t called me Soames . I’m sure