Page 34 of Tainted Reasoning

Chapter Sixteen

Tamara

“Do you want another romantic comedy, or can we have something with a bit more action in it?” William flicks between the Netflix icon of Fast and Furious and Crazy, Stupid Love.

“You can put the car one on.” I shake my head at him. “I’m done with romance for the day. Although I will have to tell you all the laws they’re breaking in the film.”

“Deal.” William switches back to Fast and Furious and sets it up to play. He pauses the screen, though. “Do you want anything more to eat or drink?”

We’ve been watching films for the last few hours. Ever since the clash with Lord West this morning, nobody has felt like doing much. Nicholas arranged for a doctor to come and see Victoria about her morning sickness. She was prescribed some pills and, along with Nicholas, took to her rooms for some rest. I suspect she was also breaking her vow to never allow her husband near her again, especially when chocolate coated strawberries were sent to their room. I can’t take my friend anywhere. Mind you, it’s lovely to see her so happy. William and I took a walk around the estate to clear his head after his almost meltdown this morning. We sent the driver to fetch a traditional takeaway kebab for lunch because I’d discovered during the walk William had never had one before. The Oakfield’s chef wasn’t impressed, and I’m not sure William was either. I kept reassuring him it tasted better after a night out drinking at the pub. I don’t think he believed me. The chef made us a platter of snacks, and we came into the cinema room to watch films for the afternoon. Following his kiss to my forehead this morning, we’ve not engaged in any other embraces but simply enjoyed being close to each other. It had been a perfect afternoon, and I didn’t want it to end.

“Do you think the chef has any more of those chocolate cookies?” I rub my index finger through the crumbs on the plate and lick them off my digit.

William presses a button located in the arm of the comfortable sofa we’re sitting on, and the voice of the chef fills the room.

“My Lord?”

“Do you happen to have any more chocolate cookies left?” William asks.

“I’ve just taken a fresh batch out of the oven.” I can tell the chef is happy to be cooking, and I can imagine him sniffing the freshly baked smell into his nostrils.

“Can you send some for Miss Bennett, please?”

“Of course. Anything for you, sir?”

“I’ll just have another coffee, thank you. Best make it decaffeinated, though, or I’ll be awake all night.”

“I’ll bring them right through.”

“Has Nicholas said whether he’ll be taking dinner downstairs or in his rooms, yet?” William asks.

“I believe he’s eating downstairs, but I’ve not been able to confirm that. He was called into an urgent meeting, according to the butler.”

“Urgent meeting?” I see William’s brows furrow together. I love the concern he has for his brother. The two of them are beyond close. I often wonder if it’s what got them through their youth, making them the men they are today. The bond between them being strengthened with everything that was thrown at them.

“Yes, sir. I believe it was…” The chef goes quiet.

“Was who?”

“I can’t say.” The jovial nature of the chef has completely disappeared, and his voice is caged.

“Now,” William orders, his voice terse and commanding. “I want details. Now!”

“I believe it was Miss Bennett’s mother.”

William turns his head to look at me, and my mouth must fall open in shock. Before I know it, I’m gasping like a fish out of water, trying to find words. William grabs my hand, and we are running through the corridors of Oakfield Hall toward the office we all share. Without knocking, William barges in. My mother is sitting in a chair with Victoria. My friend's arm is around her, and my mother’s crying.

“Mum,” I call, and I’m across the room in an instant and at her feet checking her for injuries. “What’s wrong? What’s happened?”

I look up at Nicholas and see the frown on his face. He looks over toward William and shakes his head.

“Tamara, why don’t we wait outside? This could be nothing, but I’m sure Nicholas can handle it.” William taps me on the shoulder and tries to assist me to my feet, but I jerk away from him.

“My mother is crying. I’m not going anywhere until someone tells me what’s going on.”

“She…came to apologize to me…for knowing about my father’s plans and not helping me,” Victoria stutters her answer quickly, too quickly, and I see it instantly for the lie it is. She’s pale, shaking, and has also been crying.

“You told me she wouldn’t know I’ve been here.” My mother looks up at Nicholas while using a tissue in her hand to dab away the tears in her eyes.

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