Chapter Twenty Nine

On hearing about the accident, Jen engourages Emily to go to Daniel, despite her own situation

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

It was too late for breakfast, not quite time for lunch; some people call it brunch. Sir Dickie had instructed his household staff to grant all that our hearts desired; currying favour again. A bit like the pheasant plucker's friend �" only plucking pheasants as a means unto an end. There was certainly no end to what he'd undertake to secure Dolly as a willing successor.

My stomach felt full of worms, or leeches, squirming and twisting deep inside. I could only manage tea and toast, but Dolly scoffed a full English. Cassandra was still a no show. Apparently, so the housekeeper informed us, she had been up bright and early, breakfasted with Lady Cecilia, and already left. After breakfast Dolly and I bade farewell to Lady Cecilia and made tracks to Yewell Memmorial.

Aunt Jen was propped up in bed when we entered her room. Her eyes were closed and she looked so peaceful, I was afraid she had already left us. In my emotional state I grabbed Dolly's arm, a little too had, perhaps, for he yelped in discomfort.

Cassandra was sitting beside the bed, looking slightly the worse for wear after the revels of the previous evening. Alerted to our presence she shushed us with a warning finger and a glare, but Aunt Jen had already stirred. She opened her eyes and turned her still beautiful smile on the three of us.

“Sorry to wake you, Aunt Jen” Cassie soothed.

“I was just resting my eyes.” Worry suddenly clouded Jen's face and she reached out to me. “What's happened Emily? Sit and tell me.”

Cassandra gave up her chair, so I did as I was bid and sat down. I filled my aunt and sister in about Robyn's injuries and Daniel's crash. How he was speeding along the motorway to be at his sister's bedside, and how the Lotus had hit the barrier and rolled. My brittle composure crumbled then.

“He wasn't wearing his seat belt” I sobbed, “ he never does,”.

“How is he?”Jen asked quietly her hands comforting mine, coaxing me to continue.

“Daniel is unconscious” Dolly answered for me. “He's broken both legs and cracked some ribs.”

“His sister; that was the pretty girl I met in Richmond Street, with the motorbike,” Cassandra remembered out loud.

I had no words left. Tears started to roll freely down my cheeks, and Jen motioned for Dolly to pass the box of tissues from the bedside cabinet. She handed me a bundle.

“You should go to him, Emily. No buts,” she added, as I tried to protest. “I shall be fine. Cassie will look after me.” Jen looked sternly at my sister, who seemed to be desperately searching for a good excuse. “It will do you a world of good having to think about someone other than yourself for once, my girl” our great aunt continued. Cassie puled a disconcerted face.

“That's what Christopher said” she muttered.

“It's about time somebody did” Dolly said so only I could hear.

“Damien shall drive you. Won't you Damien?”

“Yes, Mrs B” he answered.

“But not in that contraption you call a car” she warned, a touch of our former headmistress returning to her voice. “Take my car. Drive within the speed limit, and wear you seatbelts at all times. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, Mrs B” Dolly replied smartly, as if once more a little boy standing front and centre in the head's office.

“I can't leave you Aunt Jen!” I protested anew.

“Nonsense. I'll be just fine” she reassured me. “Cassandra is here and I'll find plenty for her to do.”

“Yes, do go Emily” my big sister agreed, stepping up to the plate for once in her life. “Aunt Jen will be in good hands, I promise.”

There was a new maturity to her voice. My sister had been humbled, had finally grown up, and was ready to take responsibility for those around her.

Aunt Jen placed a hand uncertainly on her swollen tummy, where the fluid had gathered again. “They're going to fit a drainage tube in place tomorrow. I'll be well looked after. You go to Daniel. Tell him you love him. They say you can still hear voices while unconscious. Maybe a miracle will happen. You'll both be in my prayers.”