‘I’ve looked after all of you.’ Dominic’s superior look had returned to his face. ‘You may not know it, or like it, but I’ve always made sure everyone is protected. If you don’t like my methods, tough, but I’ve never had any complaints about the outcome.’

A shudder ran through Harry. How far was his brother prepared to go to protect the family? Dominic was pretty ruthless and conscience-free when he had to be, but … Harry hardly dared think it:’ had Elizabeth known something that had given Dominic reason to step in? … He looked up and met his brother’s eyes.

‘The means justifies the end, is that what you’re saying?’

Dominic returned his gaze with equal intensity. ‘Something like that.’ And then, rather more dismissively, ‘Anyway, you’ve not been here, so it’s not really any of your business.’

‘That’s where you’re wrong,’ said Harry, unswayed by his brother’s attitude. ‘Anything that involves Conmere has a direct impact on Mum and by default that makes it my business, especially as she’s not well.’

‘Then you had better make sure that Steph Durham doesn’t cause any trouble.’

Was that a threat? Had Elizabeth been a threat? Before Harry had a chance to answer there was a knock at the door, which opened at the same time, and Owen appeared in the office. ‘Hey, how’s it going? I’ve just been accosted by …’ He stopped speaking, looking from one brother to the other. Slowly he closed the door behind him. ‘What’s going on?’

‘Nothing; I was just checking with Harry if there was anything that needed doing for the gala dinner,’ Dominic answered smoothly. ‘Did you want me for anything?’

Owen didn’t look particularly convinced but said nothing. ‘Just to say one of the guests complained their room hadn’t been serviced this morning,’

‘Well, sort it out, then. Get someone over there sharpish,’ snapped Dominic.

‘I have,’ replied Owen, scowling. ‘I was just mentioning it. I spoke to Heidi, and she said she had already spoken to Harry about being short-staffed.’

‘That’s right. I’ve got it sorted now,’ replied Harry.

‘Yeah, he’s got one of the reporters staying on for the week,’ said Dominic in an incredulous tone which told Harry he still wasn’t fully on-board with the idea.

‘A reporter?’ questioned Owen.

‘Don’t,’ said Dominic. ‘Anyway, nothing for you to worry about. Haven’t you got some horses that need feeding or whatever it is you do with them?’

Harry once again felt sorry for his younger brother. Dominic was so dismissive of him and almost seemed to revel in belittling him. ‘Thanks for sorting the problem out, Owen,’ he said.

‘Yeah. No worries. Nice to be appreciated by some.’ Owen emphasised the last word and looked at Dominic before he glanced back at Harry. ‘Catch you later,’ he said and left the room.