The Perfect Retreat Page 0,51

the child who didn’t speak.

‘It’s fine. Get your things and I’ll sort it out,’ said Kitty as she followed the babysitter up the stairs to the children’s rooms. The woman grabbed her bag and ran down the stairs, only too happy to get away.

Kitty went to her room, pulled off the dress, put on her tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt and cardigan and padded into Poppy and Lucian’s room. Ivo watched her from the corner of the hallway. She was unaware of his presence, and she left the bedroom door open.

Poppy was sleeping peacefully in one of the twin beds. Kitty sat on the floor.

‘Hello Luce. It’s Kits. How are things under the bed? Find any treasures like Poppy?’ she asked gently.

Silence greeted her questions, so Kitty tried a new tactic. ‘Lucian, how about you come out and we go on an adventure?’

Lucian remained under the bed. Kitty had a flash of inspiration and got up from the floor. She sprinted down to Merritt’s room.

Looking around, she opened his wardrobe, and reaching up to the top shelf she found what she was searching for. She came back quickly with her prize, and sitting on the floor she started to talk.

‘Poor Custard. Nobody loves him any more. What’s that?’ she asked.

‘Ah, yes, I know you miss Merritt, but he’s all grown up now. I don’t know anyone who can look after you,’ she said and waited. Silence greeted her. ‘You want someone to look after you? Poor Custard, I’m sure there might be someone here. I would ask Lucian but he’s under the bed and won’t come out,’ she said sadly.

Ivo stood hidden by the door watching Kitty as she spoke to a worn teddy bear.

‘Perhaps if Lucian would come out then he might be your new friend. I know that Merritt would love if he would help you, Custard,’ she said, and Ivo saw a small blond head pop out from under the bed. The small boy looked at the object of Kitty’s conversation and waited.

Kitty continued as though Lucian was still under the bed. ‘Don’t cry, Custard. I’m sure I can find you someone to love and take care of you. Perhaps Poppy, although you may end up wearing jewels and covered in crayons; or Jinty, but she only likes to suck things.’

Lucian darted out from under the bed and snatched Custard from Kitty’s hand.

‘Hello Luce,’ she said, as though him being under the bed was perfectly normal. ‘This is Custard. He was Merritt’s friend, but he has been so lonely. Do you think you can look after him for Merritt? I asked him and he said it was fine.’

Lucian held the bear close to his face as though he was inhaling it and he kissed it. It was the most affection he had ever shown anything, and Kitty smiled at him joyfully. ‘Will you take good care of him, Luce?’ she asked, and Lucian nodded slowly. Kitty felt her heart bursting.

‘I love you Lucian,’ she said as she scooped the small boy up and popped him into bed. ‘Now Custard is very tired and needs to sleep. Will you lie here with him while he sleeps?’ Lucian snuggled down under the covers and Kitty kissed his head. ‘Goodnight darling,’ she said, and she left the room, closing the door behind her.

‘I know you,’ she heard behind her and she spun around to find Ivo leaning against the wall.

‘What are you doing up here?’ she asked angrily. ‘Were you spying on me?’

‘Yes,’ answered Ivo simply. ‘I know you from Willow’s party. You helped that child leave the party when he was in some sort of train trance,’ he said.

‘I don’t remember you,’ lied Kitty.

‘Really? We spoke in the kitchen for a while.’

‘Nope, don’t remember,’ said Kitty as she walked towards the nanny quarters, where the heating worked best, desperate for a cup of tea.

Ivo followed her down the hall and into the room.

‘You shouldn’t be here.’ Kitty felt nervous in his presence.

‘Maybe, but the ball is boring and you are much more fun,’ he said as he walked in and sat on one of the armchairs. ‘You did well with the kid. He’s not right, yeah?’ he asked.

‘He’s fine,’ bristled Kitty as she set about making the tea.

‘I’ll have mine black with one sugar,’ he said.

Kitty frowned, but took an extra mug down and dumped a teabag in it.

‘Where’s their mother?’ asked Ivo.

‘I have no idea,’ said Kitty.

‘With the gardener no doubt,’ laughed Ivo. ‘It’s all very D H