good in your opinion?â
âI seem to have lost the Llinos I once knew,â Watt said sadly. âYou have changed so much over the years. Youâve become like all the rest of the wealthy folk who hide their heads in the sand.â He stood up. âAny minute now youâll be telling me that itâs better to pass on the other side.â
âWatt!â There was a lump in Llinosâs throat. âI do care, of course I do. I took Shanni in, didnât I? Iâve tried to educate her and make a lady of her. Iâm not one of the heartless, idle rich, and you know it.â
Watt nodded slowly. âIâm sorry, Llinos. I may be airing my views too bluntly. I know youâre a good woman at heart but you are oblivious to whatâs really happening on your own doorstep. Open your eyes, Llinos. See whatâs really going on around you.â
Llinos felt a moment of fear. âWhat do you mean?â
âIâm just trying to warn you that the world is changing, values are changing. Ordinary folk want more out of life, a decent standard of living and the chance to earn an honest crust. The dissatisfaction of the poor has culminated in the need for a stronger voice and thatâs why houses are burned and gates hacked to pieces. It might not mean much to you, but those with little money are being penalized for needing topass through the roads of their own home town.â
Llinos was about to speak when there was a rapid knocking on the door. Flora peered into the room and the angry words died on Llinosâs lips.
âYour visitor is here, Mrs Mainwaring.â The girl stood aside. âMr Dafydd Buchan.â
Llinos glanced at Watt, who frowned. The man who entered the room was about thirty. He was tall and dark, with an imposing air of authority. His hair was thick, and curls clung to the collar of his immaculate shirt. He bowed politely. âThank you for taking the time to see me, Mrs Mainwaring,â he said. âI apologize for my brother but he is indisposed and Iâve come in his place. I do hope itâs not inconvenient.â
âCome in, and let Flora close the door,â Llinos said. âThere seems to be a draught in here.â For some reason she was breathless. She could almost believe her pulse was fluttering in excitement, but that was absurd. âIâm sorry Iâm unprepared but your visit was sprung on me by my manager.â She gestured towards Watt. âI was unaware that such an eminent gentleman was visiting today.â
âShall I go away again?â There was a hint of laughter in his eyes.
As they met hers Llinos felt the magnetism of the man. She held her head high, unwilling to be persuaded by his obvious charm. âMy husband is away on business at present or Iâm sure he would have been delighted to meet you.â Now, why had she said that? Was it defence against Dafydd Buchanâs rudely familiar stare?
âWhat can we do for you, Mr Buchan?â sheasked sharply. The two men waited politely until Llinos had sat down and had arranged her full skirts. âPlease, take a seat.â
âI do hope this is not an imposition, Mrs Mainwaring.â Dafydd Buchanâs voice seemed to ring through the room with power and strength. âI wondered if you would allow me to observe the processes you employ here in Swansea.â He spread his hands deprecatingly. âI am a comparative newcomer to potting, as you doubtless know.â
âBut your brother Ceri, he is the businessman, is he not? His name is always in the newspapers.â
âAh, my brother, yes.â His tone told Llinos that he was not impressed by the way his brother conducted his life. âHe is a very clever man but sometimes heâs . . . something of a pacifist shall we say?â
âI find nothing wrong in that,â Llinos said. âNow, Iâm sure Mr Bevan will be delighted to show you around our
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