Beneath the Shadows

Grace had kept her eye on Ben and Millie as A

A

‘Yes, it’s great,’ Grace agreed, trying to be supportive. Then a thought came to her. She went across to the boxes, rummaged around and returned with a book.

‘Adam’s grandmother wrote this.’ She passed it over. ‘I’ve been meaning to rescue it from my charity pile – it should help you with the piece.’

‘Wow, Ghosts of the Moors. This is perfect,’ A

Grace knelt down on the floor beside Millie. She spent a few moments showing her daughter how to stack her blocks to make different shapes. In the silence, Ben kept his back to them, ostensibly making notes, but Grace wasn’t convinced.

A

‘Are you related to Adam Lockwood, by any chance?’

Both Grace and A

‘Yes,’ Grace replied. She took a breath, summoning up the courage it took to explain. ‘Adam was – is – my husband. He went missing this time last year, just after we’d moved in here. I’ve come back to sort through his grandparents’ belongings, decide what to do next with the cottage …’

Ben’s eyes were wide as he listened, his mouth agape. He seemed lost for words. Grace felt herself flushing under his stare.

‘Did you know Adam?’ A

The question drew him out of his stupor. He blinked rapidly and shook his head as he answered, ‘No, not really, but I know the name.’

‘It made the news last year,’ A

‘I didn’t see that. I’ve lived in Australia for a long time. But I grew up not far away.’

‘Australia – fantastic!’ A

Ben didn’t reply. He and Grace were staring at one another. Grace was full of questions; while it appeared as though Ben were seeing her in a completely new light – and she wasn’t sure whether she liked it. He broke away first, picking up his notepad and tape. ‘I’ve got what I need. I’ll leave you both to it.’

As he headed for the door, A

Grace expected him to decline, but he answered, ‘If you like.’

‘Great! I’ll pop by later and we can plan a trip.’ A

Ben was already in the hallway, and Grace was glad that he couldn’t see her face as she replied, ‘Of course not.’

‘So,’ A

‘How about both?’ Grace suggested, surprised and grateful for the offer, going over to the kitchen area and returning with a bottle of red wine.

‘Great idea!’ A

‘Well, I’ve been tipping them out one at a time and sorting everything into three piles: keep, throw away, and give to charity.’

‘Right-o,’ A

‘Thanks, A

‘Oh my god, what is this?’ A

‘How do I look?’ she asked, and at Grace’s giggles she rushed out of the room and up the stairs, undoubtedly heading for the bedroom, where there was a full-length mirror. Grace heard the excited exclamations from where she sat, and winced, half-expecting Millie to wake up and counter them with a shriller reply of her own. A

‘Hilarious!’ A

They weren’t going to get much done, but A

‘I’ll get it,’ A

‘You two look like you’re having fun,’ Meredith said, coming into the lounge. A

‘No thanks,’ Meredith replied. ‘We won’t stop if you’re busy.’

‘We came to let you both know about the ball at Freeborough Hall on Christmas Eve,’ Claire explained. ‘It’s a bit of a local event and we thought you might enjoy it.’

‘Sounds great,’ A

‘I don’t think we can actually,’ Grace demurred. ‘Because of Millie …’

‘Didn’t Emma volunteer to babysit for you?’ A

‘Yes, but …’

‘But nothing, Grace. You need a break now and again. Let’s ask her, and if she’s free then we’d love to come.’

‘Okay then.’ Meredith took hold of Claire’s arm and made to leave. ‘We won’t keep you. Just let us know if you want tickets – I’m on the committee so it won’t be a problem.’ She stopped in the doorway. ‘They look like Rachel’s clothes, you know,’ she said, staring hard at Grace before she left the room. Claire raised her hand affably, then followed her mother.

A

‘Adam’s mum.’ Grace threw herself into one of the armchairs. Now she felt awful about prancing around in a dead woman’s clothes, as though she were dancing on her grave. Maybe she did need Meredith to help her sort through these things.

‘Oh, I see.’ A