Legacy of Desire Read Free Page A

right-hand pew she noticed a man who looked to be in his mid-thirties standing at the end of the row opposite. He stood out because, as far as she could tell, he was the only stranger present. In addition, he was very tall and stood extremely straight, while his brown hair was cut surprisingly short. Even at this moment of sorrow Davina noticed how well the hair had been shaped into the nape of his neck, and as she glanced away she felt a strange sensation in her stomach.
    The service was excellent, everything Davina had asked for and more, with contributions from longstanding friends. When it was over she and Phil shookhands with everyone as they left, swapping polite condolences and regrets. ‘How many more?’ asked Phil as people continued to pour out of the church.
    ‘I don’t know. He had a lot of friends. I think it’s nice,’ said Davina.
    ‘Well, when they’ve gone remember we’re due back at the main house.’
    ‘I know, I’ve laid on food for everyone.’
    ‘And the will’s going to be read,’ Phil reminded her.
    The will, Davina thought to herself. It was strange to realise that very soon all this would legally be hers, and even stranger to realise that Phil was more excited about it than she was.
    It was early afternoon before the last of the mourners had left the house and Davina and Phil were invited by Mr Morrison, David Wilson’s solicitor, to join him in the study. On entering the room Davina was astonished to see the tall man she’d noticed earlier in church standing by the mantelpiece. Since she was five-foot-ten herself, Davina was very aware of a man’s height. She thought that this man must be at least six-foot-two; he was rangy and strong featured, with an extremely conventional appearance. His suit was impeccably tailored,his shoes polished so hard that she was certain she’d be able to see her reflection in them, but when he turned to look at her and she smiled in greeting his features remained impassive, leaving her feeling awkward.
    ‘Davina, do you know Jay Prescott?’ asked Mr Morrison, gesturing towards the stranger.
    ‘No.’
    ‘Jay was your uncle’s godson. He’s from Boston, Massachusetts.’
    ‘I didn’t know my uncle had a godson.’
    ‘I didn’t know he had a niece,’ said the American. For a few seconds the couple stared at each other and Davina was the first to avert her gaze. He looked like a man who was used to getting his own way and his presence dominated the room.
    ‘Why is he here?’ Phil whispered in Davina’s ear.
    She shrugged. ‘I’ve no idea.’
    ‘Well, now you’ve been introduced you’d better all sit down,’ said Mr Morrison, looking slightly flustered. ‘Your uncle drew up this will only six months ago. One might almost wonder if he’d had some premonition of this terrible tragedy.’
    Davina felt a lump in her throat and swallowedhard. Perhaps he had had a premonition, she thought; maybe that was why he’d talked to her the way he had. Mr Morrison cleared his throat. ‘The will is extremely straightforward. David has left everything to his godson, Jay.’ Davina heard Phil’s sharp intake of breath but strangely she felt nothing at all upon hearing the words. It was as though her uncle’s death had left her numb, and in any case she’d never thought about owning the house. But there was the cottage, and now her heart began to race as she realised that she would soon be homeless and without her beloved studio.
    ‘However,’ the solicitor continued, ‘there is a clause in the will stating that “my niece Davina Fletcher must be allowed to stay on in her cottage for as long as she wishes, rent free, in return for carrying out any services that Jay Prescott may require while he is living or staying at the main house”.’
    ‘What a bloody nerve,’ said Phil, no longer bothering to keep his voice down.
    ‘Sshh,’ hissed Davina.
    ‘But you’ve been living here for years!’ exclaimed Phil. ‘We never even knew he had a