Page 100 of Secrets at the Last House Before the Sea

‘I’m so sorry, Liam.’

He shook off the hand she placed on his arm. ‘You did go to see Charles Epping the other day, didn’t you?’

Rosie nodded, her happiness about Driftwood House’s reprieve turning to ashes in her mouth.

‘Did you beg him to save Driftwood House, at whatever cost?’

‘No, of course not. I wouldn’t do that.’

‘Then why did you lie when I asked if you’d been to see him?’

‘I panicked.’

‘Why would you panic unless you’d just sold my livelihood down the river?’

‘That wasn’t why I went to High Tor House.’

‘Then tell me why you’d go to see such a dreadful man who doesn’t care at all about anyone or the lives he wrecks? Why that would make you panic, rather than tell me the truth?’ He pushed both hands through his hair, totally bewildered. ‘Why, Rosie? Make me understand. I thought we were getting on well. I thought… oh, it doesn’t matter what I thought.’

‘I’m pretty sure that Charles Epping is my father.’

Rosie didn’t know she was going to say the words until they were out of her mouth. Liam stepped back as though she’d hit him.

‘Don’t be so ridiculous.’

‘It’s true. He’s the person who sent Mum the love letter. They had a relationship just before I was born, and there are other things that make me think he’s—’

‘Your dad?’

Rosie nodded, miserably.

‘So you went to High Tor House for a cosy family reunion, I suppose.’

‘No, it wasn’t like that.’

‘How was it then, Rosie? It must have been quite a reunion for him to then turn round and save Driftwood House for you.’ He shook his head, disgust on his face. ‘Were you ever going to tell me?’

‘I’m sorry. I should have said but…’

Before she could finish her sentence, Liam strode off towards Nessa. ‘Billy!’ he yelled. ‘Here, boy, now!’

The dog gambolled up and followed as Liam hurried down the cliff path, almost falling in his haste to get as far away from Rosie as possible.

‘What was that all about?’ asked Nessa, hurrying over. ‘Liam can be a bit moody at times but he looks well upset. You too. Lovers’ tiff, was it?’

‘Charles Epping is ending the rental agreement on Liam’s land.’

‘Why?’ Nessa’s hand flew to her mouth. ‘No, he’s not thinking of building his stupid hotel there instead, is he?’ Her shoulders dropped. ‘But Liam will never keep his farm going without that land.’

‘I know.’ Rosie’s voice wobbled.

‘It’s not your fault.’ Nessa put her arm around Rosie’s shoulders and squeezed. ‘It was Charles Epping’s decision and he doesn’t care about anyone.’

‘But itismy fault,’ Rosie whispered, guilt clutching at her insides.

‘How on earth can it be?’

‘Can you keep a secret?’