Naked Truths by Jo Carnegie Page B

to the disappointment of Clementine’s housekeeper, Brenda Briggs, who still hadn’t got over the fact that her idol had moved into the village.
    Twisty Gables, the gorgeous rambling house Caro had grown up in, appeared a little further on. Mauve-blue flowers caressed the outside walls, almost covering several of the windows. Four ponies were grazing in the fields flanking the house, and Caro noticed the current owners, Lucinda and Nico Reinard, had built an outdoor riding school. She had heard through Clementine that Lucinda had just been made the new district commissioner of the Bedlington Valley Pony Club.
    Opposite two gateposts signalled the entrance to the Maltings. Caro grinned as she passed. Angie! Although they had phoned each other regularly since Caro went to London, she’d missed their lively, fun-filled catchups. Her spirits rose even higher when she pulled up at the village green. Across the shimmering mirage of grass, looking more inviting than ever, was Mill House.
    Caro couldn’t wait to get home, but knew she’d better see her grandmother first. News travelled fast in Churchminster, and Brenda, who lived in one of the cottages on the Bedlington Road, had probably seen her drive past and been straight on the phone to Clementine.
    Her grandmother’s house was on the opposite side of the green to Mill House, down a little lane fringed by bramble bushes. Brenda was clearly on razor-sharp form today. As Caro drove up the driveway to the large, imposing house, the front door was already opening. A rather portly black Labrador shot out, followed by Clementine in a floppy canvas sun hat.
    â€˜Darling!’ she said. ‘I’ve just got off the phone to Brenda. How was your journey? Oh, Errol Flynn, do stop barking!’
    In the back seat Milo was wriggling. ‘Sweeties!’ he shouted happily.
    Clementine’s mouth twitched. ‘I see city life hasn’t diminished Milo’s appetite.’
    Opening the car door, Caro got out and threw her arms round her grandmother. ‘Oh, Granny Clem, I can’t tell you how good it is to be home!’
    At six o’clock the village was still bathed in the warmth of the day. Armed with a G and T, Caro was walking with Milo through Clementine’s extensive gardens, pointing out all the different flowers. Milo, however, was more interested in finding worms, and so far three were curled in the palm of his hand like forlorn strands of spaghetti.
    â€˜Snakies!’ he shouted, trying to tip them in Caro’s glass.
    Caro tried to look disapproving and failed. ‘You little bugger!’
    Milo ran off, his hand held aloft with the wriggling pink bodies. Caro watched her son in fond exasperation; he was going through an awfully naughty stage at the moment.
    â€˜No, darling! Don’t put that thing in your mouth! Oh Christ.’
    â€˜Having trouble?’ a familiar voice chuckled. Caro turned round to see Angie Fox-Titt. She looked fantastically healthy, new sun-kissed streaks running through her hair.
    â€˜I can’t believe you’ve got that colour from sitting in the garden!’ Caro exclaimed. ‘You look fantastic!’
    Angie inspected a tanned arm. ‘I look grossly fat. Freds has just been on a trip to France with the boys, and he brought back mountains of cheese and wine. I seem to have single-handedly worked my way through most of it. I could barely do up my shorts this morning!’
    Caro laughed. ‘Don’t be so silly.’
    â€˜No Benedict?’
    â€˜He’s having to work this weekend, some drama with one of his clients.’
    Angie smiled sympathetically. ‘We’ll just have to keep you amused ourselves. Freddie is dying to see you.’
    On cue, Freddie came bouncing towards them, waving a bottle.
    â€˜Caro! Your grandmother said I’d find you out here. Thought you might be in need of some refreshment.’
    A few minutes later, the garden gate swung