The Sun Sister (The Seven Sisters #6) - Lucinda Riley Page 0,174

he’ll be back here to you as soon as he can.’

‘Yes, and I shouldn’t feel bad or make him feel guilty, because I knew when he asked me to marry him that this was the deal.’

‘Oh darling, you really care about him, don’t you?’

‘I guess I do, but I truly have no idea how he feels about me.’

‘I always knew that Bill harboured feelings for you, Cecily. It was obvious when we were out on that safari. It was you I wasn’t sure of.’

‘I’m sure you’re wrong. I thought he asked me to marry him out of the kindness of his heart.’ Cecily could feel the tears pressing at the back of her eyes as she saw Bill’s pick-up finally disappear from sight.

‘I wasn’t aware until recently that Bill had a heart, let alone a kind one,’ Katherine smiled. ‘But you’ve changed him, Cecily, you truly have. And the fact he’s prepared to take on your . . . situation must be evidence of his feelings for you?’

‘I . . . just don’t know.’

‘Well, everything will be better once you’re settled in your new home together. Hopefully it won’t be too long, but we’ll try and have a lovely time while you’re here. Now, sit with me in the kitchen while I peel the vegetables. Remember, Bobby has gone too, so we can keep each other company.’

Cecily followed Katherine into the entrance hall, which doubled as a living room. To her left was a narrow corridor, housing a room the size of a closet that was a study for Bobby to use, and beyond that, a small kitchen with a scrubbed pine table and two chairs. It was of course as neat as a pin. Everything about Katherine was.

‘I’m surprised you didn’t put your kitchen in a separate block like all the other houses round here,’ Cecily commented as she watched Katherine expertly peel some potatoes.

‘Given I have no staff to cook for me, it seemed absurd to do that. One of my favourite moments of the day is when Bobby sits down right where you’re sitting and we eat and chat over where we’ve been and what we’ve done.’

‘I’m afraid I have never learnt to cook,’ Cecily confessed. ‘Do you think you could teach me?’

‘Of course I could, but I’m sure that Bill will employ someone to do it for you.’

‘Still, I should know what to do so I can direct them.’

‘Yes, you’re right, although I doubt the likes of Kiki or Idina have ever put together toast and jam, let alone a beef casserole,’ said Katherine.

‘Well, there’s no harm in learning, is there? I’d like to.’

‘All right then,’ Katherine agreed, handing Cecily some carrots and a knife. ‘Lesson one,’ she grinned.

925 Fifth Avenue

Manhattan, New York 10021

30th April 1939

My darling Cecily,

Your Papa, your sisters and I were overjoyed to receive the photographs of your wedding ceremony. You looked beautiful, honey, and I must say that your Bill is very handsome indeed. Although your dear Papa was somewhat surprised at his age, I assured him that it was a good thing you have chosen a husband who is more mature.

As you may know, Jack and Patricia are now on their honeymoon on Cape Cod. Junie DuPont attended and she told me that Patricia looked nowhere near as beautiful as you and her hair was very unfortunate. She said the reception was like Mardi Gras, and rather crass. (There has also been gossip recently that Jack’s family bank is on the verge of collapse. As Mamie said, it looks like you had a lucky escape!)

Baby Christabel is a delight and Mamie has been a perfectly serene mother. And I must tell you the big news: Priscilla is expecting too! Your Papa and I are so very happy that all of our three daughters are married, and maybe it won’t be so long before you too have some baby news for us.

Cecily, even though you say you are safe from any war that may happen in Europe, we do worry about you, honey. I only wish that you and Bill would come stay out here until things are more certain, but I understand his livelihood is in Kenya.

Write me soon and send my best to Kiki and to your new husband.

All my love,

Mama xx

Cecily sighed heavily as she read her mother’s letter, and tried to summon joy at Priscilla’s news, but all she felt was a cold lump of anxiety as she wrote back to her mother telling her of her own