Page 161 of The Sun Sister

‘She will indeed,’ Katherine agreed, seeing Cecily’s distress and coming to her rescue. ‘And...’ – Katherine looked up at Bill expectantly – ‘you have another gift for your new wife, don’t you? How about I go and get it while you two say your goodbyes?’

Bill nodded, so Katherine walked off the veranda and disappeared around the side of the cottage as Cecily stood up.

‘Thank you again for everything, Bill. I’m very grateful.’

‘As I said originally, I’m sure we’ll rub along together well. I’d appreciate it if you would keep an eye on our house-building project while I’m gone. While the cat’s away and all that.’

‘Of course I will, I’ll enjoy it.’

‘And here’s your transport!’ Katherine reappeared, leading a glossy chestnut mare towards them. ‘Come and meet her.’

‘The horse is for me?’

‘She is, yes,’ said Bill. ‘The easiest way of visiting your neighbours, that’s for sure.’

‘Why, she’s beautiful, aren’t you?’ Cecily stroked the mare’s nose, which looked as though someone had dropped a large splodge of white paint all over it.

‘She should be the perfect size for you and seems very even-tempered,’ added Bill.

‘I love her! Is she really mine?’

‘She is, yes, although you’ll have to take care of yourself for the next few months,’ Bill indicated her stomach. ‘We wouldn’t want any accidents, would we?’

‘No,’ Cecily blushed, ‘we wouldn’t.’

Even though Katherine knew about the baby, it was the first time Bill had mentioned it openly in front of her.

‘The horse doesn’t have a name yet.’ Katherine stepped into the breach once more. ‘You’ll have to think of one for her, Cecily.’

‘Yes, she must. Right, I’ll be off then.’

‘I’ll walk you to your pick-up,’ said Cecily.

‘No, stay here with Katherine – you’ve had a tiring couple of days. Bye, Cecily,’ he said, and with a short wave and a nod, strode off towards the ever-patient Nygasi waiting for him in the pick-up.

He didn’t even kiss me goodbye, Cecily thought as she followed Katherine disconsolately back onto the veranda. She’d been so encouraged by Bill’s perfect wedding gift, and the wonderful smile he’d given her before taking off in the plane, but now...

‘Are you all right, darling?’ Katherine asked.

‘Yes, I’m just a little tired is all.’

‘Of course you are. It’s a shame that Bill has to go away so soon, but I’m sure he’ll be back here to you as soon as he can.’

‘Yes, and I shouldn’t feel bad or make him feel guilty, because I knew when he asked me to marry him that this was the deal.’

‘Oh darling, you really care about him, don’t you?’

‘I guess I do, but I truly have no idea how he feels about me.’

‘I always knew that Bill harboured feelings for you, Cecily. It was obvious when we were out on that safari. It was you I wasn’t sure of.’

‘I’m sure you’re wrong. I thought he asked me to marry him out of the kindness of his heart.’ Cecily could feel the tears pressing at the back of her eyes as she saw Bill’s pick-up finally disappear from sight.

‘I wasn’t aware until recently that Billhada heart, let alone a kind one,’ Katherine smiled. ‘But you’ve changed him, Cecily, you truly have. And the fact he’s prepared to take on your...situation must be evidence of his feelings for you?’

‘I...just don’t know.’

‘Well, everything will be better once you’re settled in your new home together. Hopefully it won’t be too long, but we’ll try and have a lovely time while you’re here. Now, sit with me in the kitchen while I peel the vegetables. Remember, Bobby has gone too, so we can keep each other company.’