Read Unknown for Free Online

directly below where they were standing. There, almost hidden by the trees and bushes that grew on the lower slopes of the mountain, was another, larger island and there were several boats moored in its shelter. Beside the island, on a finger of land jutting out from the mainland, stood a tiny lighthouse.
    ‘The lighthouse is derelict now,' Ben said, ‘but it’s a favourite spot for picnickers.’
    'How on earth do you reach it?’ As far as Rachel could see the spot was quite isolated.
    ‘Three ways. By the low coast road from Ardenbeg; by boat; or, if you’re really intrepid, by that path.’ He pointed to a narrow track disappearing into the undergrowth down the mountainside on the other side of the fence. ‘Look, there’s a stile to reach it by.’
    ‘It’s an awful long way down,’ Rachel said with a shudder.
    ‘It is that.’ Ben laid his arm carelessly across her shoulders. ‘I’ll take you down there one day. But not today.’ He glanced at his watch, ‘We must be getting back. I’m not on holiday even if you are. There’s work waiting for me to do.’ He held open the driver's door. Come on, now, you drive and I’ll admire the view. You’ll find she handles fairly easily.’
    Rachel drove back to Glencarrick without any difficulty, but she was conscious all the time of Ben’s arm, laid lightly across the back of her seat, his hand brushing her shoulder. This disturbed her, although she didn’t know why. She didn’t understand Ben, but she was becoming increasingly convinced that what he had felt for Richard’s wife had been more than simply admiration. Could he have been in love with her? The more Rachel learned about the dead Celia the more of an enigma she became.

CHAPTER THREE
    Rachel found the Mini useful for exploring the countryside around Ardenbeg and Glencarrick. It was all very beautiful and she could feel its relaxing and therapeutic effect on her. No longer did she feel that familiar clutch of cold panic when she thought of the years stretching ahead of her without Keith. She was beginning to feel that life was still worth living in spite of everything that had happened to her. Yet she didn’t feel ready to return home and pick up the threads of her former life. She had become intrigued by the people she had met at Kilfinan House—by poor mixed-up little Melanie, who there was not. time to help because it would be cruel to gain her confidence and then leave her; by Ben; what could Aunt Rose have against him? He was so good-natured and likeable—how convenient it would be to fall in love with him and live happily ever after. Rachel smiled. This was simply not possible, Ben was not her type, pleasant company though he was. Anyway, Rachel was becoming increasingly certain that Celia had been the love of his life. Celia. There was an enigma. And the more Rachel discovered about Richard’s wife the more confused she became. Aunt Rose had indicated that she had been unhappy at Kilfinan House, with some disapproval, Rachel couldn’t help feeling. Yet Celia had stayed there. Perhaps no sacrifice had been too great for Celia to make for her husband. As for Richard, it was plain he had never recovered from his wife’s untimely death. But when he did Moira McLeod would be there, waiting.
    All this was going through her mind as she dressed for the Midsummer Ball. She had found out from Richard that it was to be held at the Caladh Hotel at Ardenbeg and she was thankful she had brought a suitable dress with her, although she hadn’t expected to need it in such a remote part of Scotland.
    The dress was of a soft, silky material in deep coral. Sleeveless, the skirt fell away from the closely-fitting bodice in soft folds, and the high mandarin collar was edged with silver to match her evening bag. It was a simple design, but with her blonde hair loose and shining and a hint of a sparkle of anticipation in her eyes Rachel couldn’t help but be pleased with the reflection in her mirror. She went