Madelene did sigh this time. Simon. She closed her eyes for a moment before seating herself. Selma poured her a cup of tea, and as she handed it to her, she patted the back of her hand. Madelene could hear her father’s chastisement. Ingratitude is unbecoming. She needed to do better. These people had gone out of their way to call on her. The least she could do was show them some kindness.
“Tell me about what you do, David.” She sipped her tea.
“I see to the cows, mostly. They’re a lot of work.” He shrugged, but sat a little taller. “Is it true you came from London?”
“I was only there a short time, actually. I grew up on a country estate, not unlike this one.”
“What was it like in a big city like that?”
“I didn’t see very much of it. But it was loud, chaotic, dirty, and somehow magical.” Most of that magic was probably Simon. But there was Suzy, who was a wonderful woman. Bonnie, the flower seller, the bookshop, the park.
Not until that moment did she realize she missed all of that too.
“I’d like to visit London one day. Perhaps you could show me the places you enjoy.”
Madelene’s lungs stopped working. “Excuse me,” she mumbled, before rushing for the door. Tears were coming, and she would not be able to stop them.
Chapter
Eighteen
It was a luxurious bed. Undoubtedly the nicest Simon had ever slept in. Or tried to sleep in, at least. Exhaustion should have had him sleeping like a baby, but instead, he spent the whole night awake, his mind a jumble of thoughts and emotions. He could almost feel that he was closer to Madelene, and a selfish part of him wanted desperately to go to her. To beg her to come back to him. But he had a job to do, and he was still not husband material, regardless of how much he wanted to be.
The sun hadn’t even risen when he finally gave up and threw off the blankets. Not surprisingly, faint light glowed beneath the door to Timms’ room too. Simon tapped softly, just in case he was asleep.
Timms opened the door, and without a word, turned and walked to the chair in front of the fire, the door left open as an invitation to join him. Simon closed it softly and settled into the empty chair.
“It seems a shame. These are the nicest beds either of us will ever sleep in, and we can’t even do that right.”
Timms nodded. “The nicest for me, perhaps. But it would seem you have friends in high places.”
“I don’t know if I’d call him a friend, exactly. The truth is, I hardly know the man.”
“So what made you decide you want to work for him?”
Simon shrugged. “He’s helped me out a few times.”
“So is it extortion or some sense of obligation then? A debt you have to repay?”
He looked at Timms. “Why does this suddenly feel like an interrogation? Do you think I’ve done something wrong?”
“I’m sorry.” He sighed. “I suppose I’m looking for reasons I shouldn’t feel envious of your opportunity.”
“Growing tired of working for the Intelligence Services too?”
“It does sometimes feel as if they slowly siphon away your soul without you even realizing it’s happening.”
“The truth is, I have no idea what I’ll be doing for the man, or if he’ll even still have me. But I do know he repays the loyalty of those around him with his own. Something we don’t get from the Intelligence Services.”
Timms simply nodded.
“If he turns out to be a decent employer, I’ll happily recommend you, Timms. You’ve been not only an impressive colleague, but a good friend.”
“Thank you. I’d appreciate that. And I hope you’ll stay in touch.”
“Let’s just get this bastard delivered so he can receive the punishment he deserves and we can finally close the book on this whole fraudulent marriage scheme. That has to happen before any job changes can take place.”
“Why is it so important to you? I know you’ve wanted to move on from the Intelligence Services for a long time, but I’ve never seen you fight as hard for something as you have to bring down this fake marriage scheme. Why is it imperative to you to finish this before you leave?”
