Miss Winbolt and the Fortune Hunter by Sylvia Andrew Page B

love my brother and Rosa dearly, but that day I was wondering how I could tell them that I wanted my own life.’
    William frowned. ‘Are you not free, then?’
    â€˜Of course I am. Philip couldn’t be more liberal in his attitude to what I do, and where I go. But I am no longer as necessary to Shearings as I once was. Rosa runs it superbly. And I…I have too much time on my hands. No, I love them both dearly, but I want to have, to create, an establishment of my own…’ William started to say something, but she interrupted him. ‘I know. Most women find an establishment of their own through marriage. Isn’t that what you were about to say?’
    â€˜More or less,’ said William. ‘It’s the conventional thing to do. Did you manage to tell them about your feelings?’
    Emily sighed. ‘When I told Rosa she was horrified. And deeply hurt. I haven’t even tried to tell Philip, though I suspect Rosa has mentioned it to him. And then she set to work to find me a husband. I can’t tell you how many “suitable men” she has paraded before me since then, all sizes and all ages.’ She gave him a straight look. ‘You are her latest.’
    William laughed out loud. ‘And you are refreshingly candid! How do I measure up to the others?’
    Emily grinned. ‘Well, you’re under sixty, and youhave the use of both legs, and from what I’ve seen, all of your hair…’
    William, still laughing, cried, ‘Stop, I’ve heard enough! Such flattery is bad for me.’
    â€˜But don’t be alarmed. I fully intend to carry out my own plans, as soon as Rosa and Philip come to terms with the thought.’
    â€˜And they are?’
    â€˜To find a suitable house with plenty of grounds, not too far away from Shearings and to settle there. Then I would run my own house hold and create the loveliest gardens in the county.’
    â€˜It’s an intriguing idea, but not at all conventional. I can see why your sister-in-law finds it hard to understand. But does this mean you won’t have time to work on plans for Charlwood?’
    â€˜I think it might be years before I manage to convince my loving brother and his wife that I could be happy living alone,’ she said with a sigh. ‘I don’t want to hurt them. And if we don’t rejoin them soon, they will surely wonder what has happened to us.’
    â€˜Then we shall walk a little faster.’ They quickened their pace. ‘ Will you think of plans for Charlwood’s gardens?’
    She threw him an amused glance. ‘You know very well that I couldn’t resist that. You are counting on it. Yes, I’d like to do some plans for them—such an opportunity is unlikely to come my way again.’
    â€˜Not counting on it exactly, but hoping you would. I am very glad you’ve agreed to.’
    While they were still just out of earshot Emily said, ‘I think I can trust you not to mention my other plans? The situation is still a delicate one.’
    â€˜Of course. You may trust me in anything, MissWinbolt.’ She looked at him, startled, but he did not add to it.
    They joined Philip and Rosa and walked back down the drive to the Dower House, where they enjoyed refreshments prepared by Mrs Lilley. Then, after thanking their host, they drove off.
    Â 
    William was unusually silent that evening. His mind was busy with ideas and speculation. Emily Winbolt’s plans for her future were unusual to say the least. In spite of what she had said, could there perhaps be a better, more conventional solution for her problem, one which might help to solve his own?

Chapter Six
    I n fact, William was so silent that evening that Lady Deardon asked him what was wrong. ‘I hope you’re not feeling ill. Maria Fenton visited this afternoon and was quite disappointed that you weren’t here. I invited her to call tomorrow.’
    Sir Reginald grunted,