Chapter 363: Retreatus Interruptus (Part 2)
As the four finished their tea, the conversation faltered. Price Flynn was obviously preoccupied, and finally excused himself to visit the facilities.
“I’m not surprised by your visit, mother,” Jack said, once Price had gone. “But I have to admit, I’m shocked to see father here. You must have threatened his life.”
“Oh Jack, your father does care – he’s just not very good at showing it,” Eliza replied. “In fact, you may be even more shocked to learn that our visit was his idea! Maybe he’s making progress?”
Jack shook his head and glanced over at Ted.
“Or, more likely, hell has indeed frozen over,” he said, grinning.
Ted laughed – and Eliza joined him, despite herself.
“I don’t know what it is about you two that makes your relationship so difficult,” she said, finally. “Of course, of all my children, you’re the most like me.”
“That explains a lot,” Jack said, teasing.
“Possibly,” she replied. “I’ve never exactly been fond of playing the dutiful wife.”
“Excuse me,” Jack said, rising. “I think I’ll put the kettle back on for another pot of tea.”
Jack stepped toward the kitchen as Ted made small talk. The meeting could have been a disaster, but, thanks to a combination of his quick thinking and Ted’s natural charm, they’d salvaged it.
As he passed the cellar door in the butler’s pantry, however, he noticed it was open.
Strange, he thought. I don’t remember being down there all weekend.
He gazed down the rickety wooden stairs curiously, and started when he heard his father’s voice.
Jack crept down the stairs quietly to find his father looking around, his phone against his head.
“No, not yet,” he said. “I don’t have much time, so I’ll call you as soon as I can,” he said.
“Father?” Jack asked, and his father spun round, surprised. “May I ask what you’re doing down here?”
“Oh,” the baron said, obviously shaken. “I … well … it occurred to me that we hadn’t had the cottage inspected before signing it over to you, and I was … curious as to … how the foundation was holding up. Seems to be in better shape than I remembered.”
“Thank you, father,” Jack said. “Your concern is appreciated. Why don’t we go back up – I was about to make another pot of tea.”
“Quite right,” Price replied, heading up the stairs.
Jack looked around, still curious, but saw nothing out of place.
He sighed, and followed his father back upstairs.
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