Read To Eternity for Free Online Page B

conservatory should be his goal for the morning. Sian was always full of her morning’s achievements when they met at lunch, and he must have something positive to tell her. After that, he’d share his other news.
    * * * *
    â€œWhat do you have there?”
    â€œI printed this out. We could go tomorrow evening after dinner.” Sian waved a piece of paper. “It’s a Bonfire Night firework display, hosted by Stonewells Cricket Club, not more than three miles away. The display starts at nine-thirty. I think it looks like it would be great, as long as there’s no rain. Can we go?” Her smile beamed her enthusiasm.
    â€œOf course,” he said. “You have found the perfect post-dining entertainment. I have to say dinner tomorrow evening will be tres chic. The staff are preparing an extravaganza between them.”
    â€œSounds exciting.” She sat, reached over for a plate, and passed one to him before she helped herself to sandwiches and a side salad.
    He took a chicken portion and a little potato salad for himself. “Indeed, it seems Mrs. Tyson and Cook were rather concerned we were alone so much last week, thought perhaps we’d starved. Well, you more than I, or so I think. They’ve enlisted the help of the local Women’s Institute to create a celebratory menu, apparently. I think half the village has been involved in planning this while the ladies have been away from the house.”
    Sian laughed. “I see. I’m looking forward to the results. So, shall we book a cab?”
    â€œI think if I telephoned my mechanic Monty, he may be willing to drive us in one of the cars. We’ll not take Bertha. I’d hate to get holes in her canvas roof from a stray firework. It’s so hard to get replacements for vintage vehicles, and although Bentley are very good suppliers, I’ve had to have things custom made once or twice. Maybe one of the other cars would benefit from a spin. Do we need to book tickets for this event?”
    Sian pushed the advert across the table to him. “No, it says they take a donation of five pounds on the gate.”
    â€œI see. The display seems interesting.”
    â€œDon’t you go comparing this to the fireworks for the king or anything extravagant like that.” Her gaze snapped with crackles of her own.
    A wash of tenderness hit him. She spoke so readily of his longevity, as though it might be an ordinary part of their life together. “Of course not. I’m sure the display will be a most pleasant, simple entertainment.” He broke the chicken leg in two. “Thank you, for finding the event. I shall look forward to it. I’ll telephone Monty this afternoon. I’m sure he won’t mind taking one of the cars out tomorrow evening.”
    â€œNow, what was it you wanted to tell me? I’m intrigued—you sounded so mysterious.”
    He took a deep breath. “A discovery I made regarding the horticultural company you found.”
    â€œOh, yes, the Green Girls. “
    â€œIndeed. It appears their sales pitch is no exaggeration. Martha Raynalds is, in fact, the descendant of a Land Girl who worked in this area in the 1940s.”
    Sian’s eyebrows arched. “No. Did you know her ancestor?”
    The link between them had deepened, as he’d suspected it would. Already, he must make an effort to keep information back from her. “Yes, I believe I did.”
    The delightful smile dissolved. Her brows drew together as she narrowed her eyes. “How did you know her?”
    He gazed down at his plate for a second or two in an effort to gain time. Today, he’d made a grave mistake, one born of his stupid lack of emotional perception. Sian was special in so many ways, but she remained a young woman, with all the emotions of a young woman. She’d not had a couple of centuries to teach her the true depths of his callous selfishness. Cursing his foolishness, he looked at the