He bit the inside of his cheek hard, forcing back the angry retort. He didn’t know whether he was more furious at her for accusing him of lying, or because she had referred to Sophie as “the kid.”

‘Believe what you want, Kate.’ He couldn’t keep the harshness from his tone. ‘But I am as surprised as you. They are coming back this way next Sunday, staying at the Fenmoor Lodge, and I hope you will be able to drag yourself away from your precious house for five minutes to meet them.’

Kate glowered at him in silence.

He heard Matt’s voice whisper in his ear. “No surprises, mate. Tiptoe on fairy feet.” He swallowed. ‘Look, Kate. They only want to see us for a bit. They won’t be staying here, and it’ll be just two days before they go back to Canada. Please come and meet them at the hotel. Just for a short while, to say hello to Sophie. Then if you don’t mind, I’ll spend a bit of time with them, show them around.’

‘They aren’t coming here.’

It was not a question, but Will treated it like one. ‘No, they’re not coming here. I know how you feel about the house, sweetheart. I wouldn’t let Sophie stay here, would I?’

Kate stared at him suspiciously.

‘Come on, sweetheart. What do you say?’

‘They can’t come here, Will.’

He began to worry. In a moment, her features had changed from angry to fearful. Her eyes had widened, and her breathing was fast.

‘Kate! Aren’t you listening? They’re not coming, alright? I promise you.’

Wild-eyed, she almost screamed, ‘You don’t understand! She shouldn’t have come in the first place! She should never have come here!’

He lost it. ‘For the last time! I didn’t know they were coming! But I’ll make damn sure they don’t come back.’

Her fury abated as swiftly as it had erupted. Kate took a slow step towards him. She studied him coolly, her face taking on a strange, almost compassionate expression. ‘You really don’t understand, do you, Will, darling?’ She paused. ‘Because it’s too late now.’

‘Too late for what?’ His head had begun to ache.

‘For Sophie.’

‘Whatever are you saying, Kate? What do you mean?’ How much more of this could he take?

With a sigh, she turned from him and walked towards the house.

He stood and looked at her for a moment and then came to himself.

He ran to her and grabbed her arm. ‘Kate! Don’t walk away from me! What the hell do you mean by “too late for Sophie?”’

She gazed down at his hand, and then up into his confused face.

‘You know.’ She pulled away and went inside, closing the door behind her.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN