The Sun Sister (The Seven Sisters #6) - Lucinda Riley Page 0,238

Cecily knew there was no genetic link to ascribe it to, she was happy to nurture it. But when Stella had caught sight of Michael, she had squealed and run to hug him.

‘Golly,’ smiled Katherine as Michael zoomed round the soaking garden pretending to be an aeroplane, with Stella screaming as he tried to catch her, ‘I can barely get my son to sit down at a table to eat, let alone concentrate on mathematics.’

‘If ever Michael wants to join in the classes, I’d be glad to teach him.’

‘Maybe I’ll take you up on that,’ Katherine agreed as they both sipped lemonade on the veranda. ‘You really are terribly fond of Stella, aren’t you?’

‘Of course I am. She’s grown up under my roof,’ Cecily said defensively.

‘Well, it might be very useful for you to take Michael for me occasionally in the next few months. I’m finally pregnant again.’ Katherine raised an eyebrow.

‘Why, that’s wonderful news! Are you pleased?’

‘Oh, I’m sure I will be when he or she is here, yes. It’s just that pregnancy is not my favourite thing.’

‘Is Bobby pleased?’

‘I don’t know. He’s been so distant since he returned home from the war. To be blunt about it, I’m amazed we even got to the point of making a baby. His interest in that department has been non-existent for the past few years.’

‘So has Bill’s.’ Cecily blushed pink at the admission. ‘And he’s awful grumpy most of the time.’

‘I keep hoping that time will heal Bobby,’ sighed Katherine. ‘Watching men torn down right in front of your eyes must have affected all of them. But it’s been over a year now, and I simply want the Bobby I love back.’

‘I’m glad it’s not just my husband then.’

‘Everything feels as though it’s changed, doesn’t it, Cecily? Even up here in the Valley. I think a lot of the natives who were forced to sign up during the war to serve king and country believed that things would be different when they came back. But of course, nothing has changed for them, has it? In fact, given that a lot of the farms weren’t cared for the way they should have been, work here is even more scarce than it was before.’

‘And there was me thinking everything would be better.’

‘Nothing wrong with being an optimist. It’s what got us all through the war. I must admit,’ Katherine said, ‘there’s part of me that’s very tempted to return home to Blighty. The medical facilities there are so much more advanced, and I’d also be able to pursue my career as a vet. Out here, it’s almost impossible. The ranchers take one look at the fact I’m a woman and run away with their sickly cows as fast as they can! I’ve also been dreaming about fog,’ she chuckled.

‘I know exactly how you feel. I want to go home for Christmas, Katherine. I haven’t seen my family for nearly seven years now.’

‘Then you must go. Of course you must.’

‘But what if Bill refuses to come too?’

‘Then leave him behind,’ Katherine shrugged. ‘Golly, if I had a chance to get out of Africa for a while and see America, I’d be there like a shot.’

‘And I’d say come with me, but . . .’ Cecily gave a nod to Katherine’s small but noticeable bump. ‘That isn’t going to happen, is it?’

‘Not this time, no. But ask me after the baby’s born and it will be a definite yes. Cecily, go and have yourself a proper family Christmas in Manhattan. Take your maid with you if you don’t want to go alone.’

‘And Stella, of course.’

Katherine eyed her. ‘Of course.’

When Bill arrived home from the plains a few days later, and knowing a decision had to be made as December was fast approaching, Cecily made him his favourite beef stew with dumplings and uncorked their last bottle of claret.

After he’d eaten and drunk, Cecily plucked up the courage to say the words.

‘Bill, I’d . . . well, I’d really like to go home and visit my parents for Christmas.’

‘Would you now?’

‘Yes, I would. And I’d like it even better if you would come with me. I’ve been patient for a year, as you asked me to be. I know that the farm needs your attention and that you have to rebuild all that was lost in the war. But . . .’ She took a deep breath. ‘I need to see my family. It’s been too long. And when it comes to the people we love,