Harry’s chest tightened as he looked his brother in the eye. How could anyone forget that? Although Dominic was being rather magnanimous, as it had been Elizabeth who had been the catalyst of that shitstorm with her scheming to try to get what she wanted. All the same, he was taken aback that Dominic would bring it up. It was an unwritten agreement in the Sinclair household. No one spoke about that. Until now, it seemed. ‘Why bring that up now?’ Harry managed to say with a degree of control.

‘Because Owen is a liability and I need to make sure he doesn’t get out of control again. I know you don’t like talking about it, but what Elizabeth did to him just goes to show how susceptible he is. He’s a weak man and no one, least of all you, wants that episode dragged up again. So, when I say keep an eye on that journalist and keep Owen under control, it’s with good reason. It may not be so easy this time to keep our personal business out of the spotlight.’

Harry felt the old familiar feeling of irritation wash over him. Dominic could be dogmatic at times. Once he got an idea into his head, it was hard to get him to see it any other way. Now he had a bee in his bonnet about Steph and was trying to manipulate Harry’s thinking by dragging up the past. Harry sighed. This time he didn’t have the luxury of France for an escape.

Chapter Twelve

Conmere, Friday, 10 May, 2.00 p.m.

Steph was relieved to be back in the reception room, where she could lose herself among the other journalists and holiday reps. Even so, she kept one eye on the door, taking the stance that it was better to know where Dominic was at all times, rather than be surprised by him again. A few minutes later he came into the room, followed by Harry. The latter slunk back against the wall, while Dominic strode to the front of the room, stepping up onto the small stage.

‘If I can just have your attention one more time, please … So, ladies and gentlemen, just to let you know that you are free now to look around the grounds either on your own or on one of our guided tours. Your rooms are ready, so if you could check in over here and grab a welcome pack, you’ll see where your accommodation is. Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions, and a reminder that the restaurant will be open from six o’clock this evening. There is also a less formal restaurant situated in the Old Barn, just behind the pool house.’