Page 56 of Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure
“In a material way, yes. In emotional satisfaction, no. We are now divorced.”
“Ooh la.” He waved a hand. “That was adventurous of you!”
“His idea, not mine,” she said. “He found a younger woman.”
“As so often happens when a man reaches a certain age,” he said. “My father, too. But I think you are not too unhappy with this outcome?”
“Actually, no,” she said.
“So you enjoy this new life here, no?”
“So far, yes. It’s been a challenge to bring the villa back to life, but now the major work is done. Which is why I have come to you today. We are about to start work on the garden, to get the fountain running again, plant flowers and vegetables. But when we turn on the spigot, there is no water. My handyman tells me the pipe comes down from a spring or a well on the hillside above our property, but he thinks the water has now been diverted to your property instead. Maybe to your swimming pool?”
The viscount shrugged. “I know nothing of this. I am not interested in the construction, just the completion. It is quite possible that when Iordered this pool to be installed a few years ago the workmen saw that your villa was no longer occupied and thus helped themselves to your water. It was done when I was in Paris. I returned to find it ready for me, and quite delightful it is, too, in the summertime.”
“So what do you suggest that we do about our water?” Ellie asked.
He waved a nonchalant hand again. “Have your man meet with my gardeners. They can determine what has gone wrong for you and hopefully put it right. It could also be that the well or spring you speak of has dried up years ago.”
“It could also be that your men helped themselves to our water.”
He shrugged again. “Why worry ourselves? We are approaching winter. The rainy season. Your plants will get all they need. And you will not wish to spend time on your lawns.”
“This is a matter of principle,” she said. “Besides, I wish to enjoy my fountain, the way you enjoy yours. So let’s get this settled, shall we?”
“I do not wish to find that my pool has no water supply,” he said, sounding testy now. “After all the trouble to get the permits and to build it.”
“Then let’s have our men see what the truth is, if this pipe is the only water from above or if your pool can use a supply of its own. Then we can discuss it further.”
He gave a dramatic sigh. “I suppose so. If you wish. I hope this will not be inconvenient.”
“Would you please speak with your gardeners and tell them to cooperate?” she said. “Your man that I met was most hostile.”
“He is only doing his job,” the viscount said. “I wish intruders to be kept at bay, especially the local people.”
“I hardly think intruders drive a Bentley,” she said. “It was quite obvious I was the right sort of visitor.”
“Perhaps I don’t wish any visitors. I like my solitude.”
“You’re too young to want solitude,” she said. “It’s not healthy.”
“You are very forthright.” He frowned. “No wonder your husband wanted a softer woman.”
She hesitated, startled by his rudeness. “I was just being motherly. You can’t be much older than my sons, and I wouldn’t want them to live solitary lives.”
“If you must know, I am lamenting a lost relationship,” he said. “Nursing a broken heart. Handling a betrayal.”
“I’m sorry,” she said.
“It’s no matter. I shall recover, no doubt. Usually I like to travel. Rome, Venice, Barcelona. But at this moment I wish to be alone and write poetry.”
“Then I shouldn’t wait for coffee. I should go and leave you to your solitude.” She went to stand up.
He waved a hand at her again. “No, stay. Remain seated. I am interested to know more about you. You lived in London?”
“No, in Surrey, south of London, but my husband worked in the city.”
“Ah. He worked. Not a man of leisure, then?”
