Laura Possessed by Anthea Fraser Page A

should have seen to it that Laura’s appetite had improved before this.
    â€˜We’ll have coffee in the sitting-room; it’s more comfortable,’ she remarked at the end of the meal.
    â€˜If you don’t mind,’ Laura murmured, ‘I think I’ll go straight upstairs. I’m feeling a little tired.’
    â€˜May I come up in a few minutes and sit with you for a while?’ Gillian asked. ‘I won’t stay long, but we’ve not had a chance for a chat yet.’
    Laura smiled at her. ‘Do—I’d love that.’
    Edward led the way across the hall. ‘I thought it might be an idea to drive out to the Inchcape for lunch tomorrow and spend the afternoon in that area. It’s a long time since we’ve had a day out.’
    â€˜I won’t be free in the morning,’ Caroline said, her voice a fraction higher than usual. Why the hell did he—?
    â€˜Oh? Why? What’s on?’
    â€˜Well, the shopping, for one thing.’
    â€˜I thought you said you’d been into Ledbrook today?’
    â€˜I did, but there are still a few things—’
    â€˜A few things are no problem. We can pick them up before we go or on the way back. Don’t be a spoil-sport, Caro. I thought you’d be glad to have one less meal to worry about.’
    â€˜Well, personally, I think it sounds a marvellous idea,’ Richard said lazily, settling himself in an easy chair. ‘I’m all for short, concentrated doses of country air, provided they’re not too frequent!’
    Fuming inwardly, Caroline took the coffee tray from Mrs. Baines. Something always seemed to come up to prevent her going to the cottage, almost as though the family knew about her obsession with Lewis and was determined to keep her from him. Like a continuation of her fancy, Richard leant back in his chair, crossed one leg high over the other, and said without preamble, ‘Now tell me—who the devil is Lewis Castleton?’
    It was so apposite that Caroline’s hand shook involuntarily as she poured the coffee and it spilt on the silver tray. She bent forward hastily to mop it up with her handkerchief, screening her burning cheeks.
    Edward was saying easily, ‘A chap I know. Why?’
    â€˜Apparently Laura’s set her heart on writing his biography.’
    â€˜No! Caro, did you know about this?’
    She wasn’t to be trapped a second time. ‘She did mention it, over breakfast,’ she murmured truthfully.
    â€˜What’s he like?’ Richard pursued.
    â€˜Oh, pleasant enough, I think. Restless kind of a chap—never seems able to relax. I don’t know much about him, except that he used to live in this house.’
    â€˜Really? What an extraordinary coincidence! You don’t think Laura’s going to fall for him or anything, do you?’
    Caroline tasted the spurt of warm blood on her tongue.
    â€˜My God, I hope not! Whatever gave you that idea?’
    â€˜Just something about the way she speaks of him—it’s not easy to pinpoint.’
    â€˜For one thing, he’s far too old for her. I must say this has all come as a complete surprise. I had the distinct impression that she didn’t like him. In fact, I almost fancied she was afraid of him at one time.’
    â€˜Afraid?’
    â€˜It sounds idiotic, doesn’t it, and obviously I was wrong or she wouldn’t be contemplating doing his life story.’
    Richard was frowning as he stirred his coffee. ‘She told me she hadn’t liked him at first, but then she added that since he agreed to let her write the book, she’s felt happier than she’s ever been before. You know, Edward, there’s something about this whole business that I don’t much care for. I can’t put my finger on it, but she’s—different, somehow.’
    â€˜If you ask me,’ Caroline put in jerkily, ‘I think she’s psychic or something. That