Page 48 of The Sapphire Child
‘You can’t really believe that?’ Stella cried. ‘It was your mother who chose to desert your father and come back to Scotland – none of that was Esmie’s doing.’
‘How do you know?’ Andrew asked in agitation.
‘Because Tibby told me,’ said Stella, ‘and I remember what it was like when your parents ran the Raj in Pindi. I don’t think your mother ever loved your father.’
‘That’s not true! Mamma said she was devastated when Dad left her and went back to India to be with Esmie.’
‘That’s your mother twisting the facts again. Your dad wasn’t unfaithful to her – she was to him! Your mother was having an affair with an army officer.’
Andrew sprang up. ‘I don’t want to hear any more. I thought you’d understand why I want to stay here – but I don’t care if you don’t. It’s my choice and that’s that.’
‘Sorry,’ Stella said, quickly getting to her feet. ‘I do understand. I just think you’re being unfair to your father and Esmie. I don’t know what I’m going to say to your father – I feel responsible that you’re not coming home with me and I know he’s going to be so sad—’
‘You’re not responsible for me,’ Andrew said. ‘And you don’t need to worry about Dad – I’ve written a letter explaining that it’s my decision and I want to stay in Britain. No one is forcing me.’
‘And Meemee?’ Stella questioned. ‘Have you written to her too?’
He glared. ‘She’s not my Meemee any more. She came between my parents.’
‘Don’t say that,’ Stella rebuked him. ‘She couldn’t have been a more loving mother to you. She’s loved you your whole life. You’ve only known your mamma for a few weeks.’
‘Only because I was stolen away from her,’ Andrew replied.
‘Those are your mother’s words,’ Stella said in exasperation. ‘If you want the truth, she could have kept you here in Ebbsmouth years ago but she chose not to. She sent you back to India with your ayah when you were a baby. Esmie has always loved you ten times more than she has!’
He gave her a fierce look, his blue eyes accusing. In that moment he reminded her of Lydia. He thrust the book ends back at her. ‘Take them. I don’t want them. I’m glad I’m not coming back with you, Stella!’
He spun round and fled from the room. She threw the book ends on the bed and went after him.
Andrew was already standing at the main door with his mother as she said goodbye to Tibby. Willie was hovering in the rain with an umbrella, ready to escort Lydia to her car.
‘Goodbye, Stella.’ Lydia turned and gave her a brief nod.
‘MrsLomax,’ Stella said, forcing a smile. ‘I believe you have a letter of mine that I left behind by mistake. Lily said she gave it to you. I wondered if you’d brought it. If not, I don’t mind cycling over to get it before I leave.’
She saw Lydia colour. ‘A letter? No, I don’t recall...Lily must’ve been mistaken.’
Stella persisted. ‘She found it the day I left and offered to deliver it here but you said you’d do it.’
Lydia gave one of her dismissive waves. ‘I don’t remember any such thing.’
‘The letter from Dublin,’ Stella reminded her.
She saw a flicker of realisation in Lydia’s eyes and knew she remembered the incident.
‘Oh, the letter from a fellow passenger,’ said Lydia. ‘Some widow, wasn’t it? Aren’t you making rather a fuss over it?’
Stella flushed. Lydia was enjoying her discomfort.
‘Well, if it turns up,’ Lydia said, ‘I’ll send it on.’
‘Thank you,’ Stella said, trying to remain calm.
‘Come on, darling.’ Lydia chivvied Andrew out in front of her and dashed under the umbrella.
‘Goodbye, Andrew,’ Stella called.
He half-turned as he hitched his jacket over his head. ‘Bye, Stella,’ he mumbled. Then he was running down the steps and leaping into the car.
