The Amber Keeper Read Online Free PDF Page A

enjoyed the relaxing drive over Little Langdale and Tarn Hows with its spectacular views of Wetherlam and Coniston Old Man, glad of a welcome break from the gloom of the tragedy and funeral. The weather, too, was kind, a sparkling spring day with the smell of fresh new grass and sunshine in the air, perfect for a sail.
    It proved to be a delightful adventure which the children loved, Jonathon and Aimée pretending to be Captain John and First Mate Susan, as they were allowed to have a go at steering by the friendly boatman. And they loved seeing Peel Island, named Wildcat Island in the book where the five Walker children set up their camp.
    ‘Apparently the author, Arthur Ransome, also spent time in Russia , just like Gran,’ Abbie commented, as she and Fay sat together in the cabin of the small boat, enjoying a sail on the tranquil lake. ‘He worked as a foreign correspondent during the revolution, so must have been there at the same time as the young Millie, and became something of a spy. Although he was rather on the side of the Bolsheviks, I believe, which Gran was not. At least, I don’t think so.’
    Fay said, ‘Goodness, I never knew that about your grandmother. What on earth was she doing in Russia?’
    ‘I’m not entirely certain, as she rarely speaks of it.’ Privately, Abbie was hoping to persuade her otherwise. There surely came a moment when it was time to pass information on to your family. There were things she wanted to ask about her mother too, and about the will which had clearly upset her father for some reason.
    Could matters be quite that bad? The upkeep of Carreck Place was no doubt quite expensive, although the house no longer employed the number of staff it once had in its heyday. And it wasn’t as if there was a mortgage to pay on the property. Nor, so far as she was aware, did her father have any debts. He’d always been a most prudent man. Her mother, too, could not have been classed as a spendthrift, her wardrobe being that of a countrywoman who preferred tweeds and pearls, and spent her free time outdoors in the garden or walking over the fells when she wasn’t working. She’d never been one for rich furs, or even jewels, despite her selling many gems of great value in her shop.
    But laying the blame for her mother’s death on her own youthful rebellion was deeply hurtful and entirely unfair. Abbie hoped her father would soon come round to that point of view, too, even if her brother persisted with the accusation.
    ‘So what’s eating Robert? He seems even more strung out than usual, blaming me for everything, when it was more likely worry over finance that drove my mother to the edge.’
    Fay cast her a sympathetic glance. ‘Oh dear, I’m sorry if he’s being a bit prissy.’
    ‘Don’t worry, I’m used to him. He always did like to lord it over me. Not that I ever paid much attention to his elder brother lectures,’ Abbie added with a chuckle.
    Fay smiled. ‘He did complain that you never listened to a word he said.’
    ‘I did now and then, if it was advice worth listening to.’ She laughed. ‘But we do both tend to get on our high horses if we don’t agree on something. It’s the way it’s always been between us, and I’ll admit I’m a bit uptight myself at the moment.’
    ‘I’m not surprised. Look, it’s none of my business, but don’t be too hard on him. He’s a good husband, and an excellent father to our children, but he’s having some problems of his own right now. He’d been hoping for a partnership this year. Sadly, it hasn’t yet materialised, so he’s a bit stressed out.’
    ‘No reason to take his disappointment out on me, though, is there? I absolutely refuse to be held responsible for my mother’s death, and Robert has no right to make such an accusation.’
    ‘I’m sure he didn’t mean it quite as it sounded,’ Fay insisted, clearly determined to defend her husband.
    Abbie was pleased that the trip had at least given her an opportunity