Page 58 of Weeping Roses
“How will your inheritance affect that, my dear? You now own two expensive houses that are expensive to maintain. Money will be tight.”
“I haven’t figured that out.” I shrug, not really prepared to discuss my affairs with this woman and luckily the food arrives providing a welcome distraction.
We help ourselves and I must admit I love it here. The view of London is breathtaking and the food sublime and, as I eat, I wish I was here with Valentin rather than the slightly strange Marsha Steele.
After a while, she returns to the subject and fixes me with a keen eye.
“I may be able to offer a solution to your money woes.”
“Really?”
I’m surprised, and she nods, glancing around before leaning in and whispering, “I run a discreet service for rich men. Nothing underhand, just providing companions to escort them for the evening.”
She smiles warmly. “You would be the perfect choice and the pay is rather generous. If you would like more information, I can provide everything you need and the money would be more than enough to pay for the upkeep of your two homes.”
“Oh. Um, thank you.”
I don’t really know what to say because it doesn’t sound like the job for me and she must sense that because she changes direction.
“Your aunt was one of my employees.”
I stare at her in surprise and she nods, realizing she now has my full attention.
“Yes, she was part of my garden of roses as I call them and the money was used for the upkeep of her homes. She was extremely selective, though, and soon became the firm favorite of one gentleman in particular. Subsequently, she only accompanied him and they struck up quite the friendship. Sadly, he died a few weeks before her own demise and now they are together in the afterlife.”
Marsha‘s expression is somber as she sighs. “It was such a tragedy. They were so in love too, although the gentleman was unfortunately trapped in a loveless marriage and Veronica was his only light in a storm.”
My heart sinks when I hear her describe Valentin’s father and his relationship with my aunt, and I don’t know how I’m going to tell him what she said. It will kill him inside. I already know that and yet I don’t have long to dwell on that as Marsha shakes her head and sighs.
“Well, the offer is there, my darling, and of course I want to help you in your time of need, but if it’s not for you, there is another way.”
“I’d love to hear it.”
I’m confused by this whole conversation and her eyes flash as she says airily, “I am interested in buying Thorn House.”
She must register the shock on my face because she says quickly, “I’ve always loved the property and am currently searching for a country house for my business activities. I’m branching out into exclusive parties that I run, instead of my members and Thorn House would be perfect. It’s private, discreet and large enough to accommodate several guests and is perfectly placed in the center of the country.”
She studies my reaction and I attempt to maintain a blank expression that she obviously takes as an encouraging sign and smiles broadly. “I will pay you ten percent above the market value out of respect for my dear friend, Veronica. You will have enough money to maintain Briar House in London and rebuild the Cornwall home knowing that Thorn House is in the loving hands of somebody who cares for it as much as dear Veronica did. What do you say? Do we have a deal?”
Honestly, the last thing I want to do is sell Thorn House and especially to this woman for her dubious business activities. Then there’s the job offer from hell she spoke about. I’m not naive enough to believe these men only require a companion for the night. I’m not stupid and realize that money would be hard earned indeed. I’m not interested in any of her suggestions but I am interested in the motive behind them and so I say carefully, “Your offer is most generous, both of them and I will need time to think them over.”
She nods, as if in agreement, but I note the flash of anger light her eyes that she tries to conceal with a false smile.
“I am in the country for three more days. Perhaps we could meet at Thorn House tomorrow to discuss this further. Say ten am. I can offer you a ride up there and collect you at Briar House if that’s easier for you.”
“Thank you. I’ll give you my answer tonight when I’ve had time to think about it.”
I try to control my breathing and say, “You’ve given me a lot to think of, and you must forgive me for giving it careful consideration. I’ve only just learned that I now own two expensive properties, and it’s a lot to take in.”
“Of course, I understand.”
She pours herself another glass of champagne and nods toward my still full glass.
“Please, Polly, join me in a toast to new friends and absent ones. May we enjoy the same close friendship as the one I enjoyed with your amazing aunt. This is exactly what she would have wanted. Her oldest friend taking care of her niece. She will be beaming with approval from heaven as we speak.”
Once again, I raise my glass to hers but know in my heart I will never meet with her again. There is something so incredibly dangerous about this woman. It settles around her like toxic gas and is choking me inside. It’s as if she is trying to steal my soul and I shiver as we touch glasses. Her eyes bore into mine with a strength that scares the shit out of me because I doubt she is the type of woman who doesn’t react well to the word no.
CHAPTER 33