Deception Read Online Free PDF Page A

Jonti being called ‘Cuddles’.
    “I’ll have a word with her.” He sounded so sombre. It made me feel wretched. As if he was being torn in two. And of course it was my fault.
    “When?” Miranda persisted. “I’d like this sorted.”
    “As soon as I’m able,” replied Jonti patiently. “When the time’s right. Try to be more understanding for just a little longer, Miranda. I can tell she’s still feeling very fragile.”
    “ Bailey’s feeling fragile! What do you think I’m feeling? I’ve lots more reason to feel fragile in my extremely delicate condition. And I have to think about finally selling this place and moving to St John’s Wood. That’s stress enough for anyone at any time, never mind a woman who’s pregnant. And on top of all that, I have to cook a four course meal tonight!”
    “I’m sure three courses would be ample. And I could help you.”
    “Jonti, you know how I feel about your helping in the kitchen. Look what happened last time I let you cook a meal. You simply ruined a perfectly lovely saucepan.”
    “Sorry, sorry. What I meant to say was I’m sure Bailey’s aware she needs to move on. And I’m sure she’s also working on looking for a suitable place to move into. But give the poor woman credit, she’s tried to stay out of your way as much as possible, hasn’t she? She was out late last night. And the night before.”
    “Yes, I know. I heard her come in. Very late. And fall over the table in the hall.”
    I could imagine the disapproving sniff from my sister-in-law as she spoke.
    “Look, don’t get me wrong,” she went on, “I’m not trying to be unreasonable or unkind. You know I’m fond of Bailey. And anyone will tell you I’m the most patient and reasonable person in the world. And I told you right at the very beginning that I honestly didn’t mind having your sister over to stay as a house guest, but for a short while, not on a permanent basis.”
    “Don’t exaggerate.”
    “Well it feels like she’s been here forever.”
    She sounded so disgruntled I actually began to feel quite sorry for her.
    “Calm down,” Jonti told her soothingly. “It’s not good for you or the baby if you get upset.”
    “Then please don’t get me upset.”
    I heard the clatter of cups and smelt coffee and fried bread, and my stomach rumbled.
    Jonti spoke again. “Okay, I’ll talk to her later.”
    “Promise?”
    “Yes, but I’m not going to throw her out into the street, Miranda,” he warned.
    “Of course not. I never said you should do that, did I? God, don’t make me out to be the guilty party here. I just want her to understand that she has to make a serious effort at finding herself some new lodgings.”
    Jonti’s voice was low. “I’m not sure she can afford to rent anywhere decent, and she won’t borrow money from me. You know how proud she can be.”
    “Don’t be silly. She works, doesn’t she? She’s still got a job, hasn’t she? Honestly, the way you talk, you make it sound as if she’s got nowhere else to go, Jonti.” There was a longish pause. I could picture the two of them in the kitchen. It wasn’t difficult to imagine Miranda’s face when she spoke again, sort of heavily, as if she wanted to emphasise what she was saying.
    “And we all know where else she could go, don’t we?”
    For a moment there was complete silence. I almost stopped breathing. Then Jonti spoke up.
    “That was never an option for her, sweet cheeks. This would always have been her first port of call.”
    “And as I said, we’ve done our bit. It’s time she went on to her second port of call, don’t you think? Honestly, Cuddles, it’s been almost four weeks!”
    By now I’d overheard enough of their conversation to feel utterly ashamed of myself, and I don’t mean just for listening in. So swiftly and as silently as I was able I slid along the wall and backpedalled into the first open doorway I could reach without giving myself away, which happened to be the door