Daughters of Rebecca by Iris Gower

good in your opinion?’
    â€˜I seem to have lost the Llinos I once knew,’ Watt said sadly. ‘You have changed so much over the years. You’ve become like all the rest of the wealthy folk who hide their heads in the sand.’ He stood up. ‘Any minute now you’ll be telling me that it’s better to pass on the other side.’
    â€˜Watt!’ There was a lump in Llinos’s throat. ‘I do care, of course I do. I took Shanni in, didn’t I? I’ve tried to educate her and make a lady of her. I’m not one of the heartless, idle rich, and you know it.’
    Watt nodded slowly. ‘I’m sorry, Llinos. I may be airing my views too bluntly. I know you’re a good woman at heart but you are oblivious to what’s really happening on your own doorstep. Open your eyes, Llinos. See what’s really going on around you.’
    Llinos felt a moment of fear. ‘What do you mean?’
    â€˜I’m 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 that’s 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.’
    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 Llinos’s lips.
    â€˜Your visitor is here, Mrs Mainwaring.’ The girl stood aside. ‘Mr Dafydd Buchan.’
    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. ‘Thank you for taking the time to see me, Mrs Mainwaring,’ he said. ‘I apologize for my brother but he is indisposed and I’ve come in his place. I do hope it’s not inconvenient.’
    â€˜Come in, and let Flora close the door,’ Llinos said. ‘There seems to be a draught in here.’ For some reason she was breathless. She could almost believe her pulse was fluttering in excitement, but that was absurd. ‘I’m sorry I’m unprepared but your visit was sprung on me by my manager.’ She gestured towards Watt. ‘I was unaware that such an eminent gentleman was visiting today.’
    â€˜Shall I go away again?’ 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. ‘My husband is away on business at present or I’m sure he would have been delighted to meet you.’ Now, why had she said that? Was it defence against Dafydd Buchan’s rudely familiar stare?
    â€˜What can we do for you, Mr Buchan?’ sheasked sharply. The two men waited politely until Llinos had sat down and had arranged her full skirts. ‘Please, take a seat.’
    â€˜I do hope this is not an imposition, Mrs Mainwaring.’ Dafydd Buchan’s voice seemed to ring through the room with power and strength. ‘I wondered if you would allow me to observe the processes you employ here in Swansea.’ He spread his hands deprecatingly. ‘I am a comparative newcomer to potting, as you doubtless know.’
    â€˜But your brother Ceri, he is the businessman, is he not? His name is always in the newspapers.’
    â€˜Ah, my brother, yes.’ His tone told Llinos that he was not impressed by the way his brother conducted his life. ‘He is a very clever man but sometimes he’s . . . something of a pacifist shall we say?’
    â€˜I find nothing wrong in that,’ Llinos said. ‘Now, I’m sure Mr Bevan will be delighted to show you around our