Away With the Fairies (The Swallow Barn Cottage Series, Book 2)

Leave It in the Ring

My darlings,

It's a double update today, and it's a bit of 'plaster ripped off at once' (looking at you, @Picturina <3) I just think we - and Fiona - need this.

Hope you enjoy!

Love,

Katya xx

***

"I also have a giant bruise on my right hip," Fiona deadpanned, and pointed at her forehead. "It came with this. I fell skating. It was my first time."

"I wasn't–" the blonde started defensively, but then stopped herself. "Actually, you're right, I was wondering. We all are."

"We as in the Holyoakes?" Fiona asked with a soft reproach in her voice.

"I'm not a Holyoake," George said.

"And I thought you said you were 'a Holyoake wife,'" Fiona drew out. "I must be mistaken, I'm sorry."

George gave her a look over.

"You aren't as toothless as you seem, are you, Mrs. King?" the blonde said.

Fiona picked up her brush from a cup and twirled it in her fingers.

"It's Ms. Dorrigan," she said. "And I just don't enjoy it when people are being– I don't know the smart word for it. Two-faced?" she said and threw the blonde a glance. "There's this word. Something about 'duplicates.'"

"Duplicitous?" George offered with a small chuckle.

"Yes, that's the one. When people mean and say two different things. Why don't you just ask me if Will hit me to the face?" she said sharply - and laughed at the blonde's widened eyes and shocked expression. "See? That's much harder, isn't it? I just think that since his sister and you decided to come to... investigate, you should be prepared to ask difficult questions. If you're meddling, you might as well do it properly."

George studied her face - and then laughed.

"Touché, Ms. Dorrigan," she said. "So, did Will hit you to the face?"

"My husband did," Fiona answered. "He came here to take me back home to make me sign the papers that would allow him to steal my pub, and when I pushed back, he slapped me across my face. Why are you here?" she asked without pausing.

"John called Di in the morning and told her Will had asked for the contact information of Viggo Svensson, the divorce lawyer." George shook her head. "You're good at interrogating, aren't you?"

"I just ask direct questions," Fiona said, frowning. "I don't want to interrogate anyone. But I prefer people to say things as they are. Like Will does."

"You see, Ms. Dorrigan, it's your claims like these that make us... worried," George said and sat down on the armrest of the sofa. "You say it with such conviction. But you've known the man for– what? Three days? And anyone can see you're vulnerable."

Fiona pursed her lips. 'Vulnerable' sounded rather similar to Nate's 'subnormal' and 'Airy-Fairy,' didn't it?

"But they've known him for years," she said. "John and Di. I don't know your history with Will– but shouldn't they give him the benefit of the doubt? Clementine did. She didn't assume he was responsible for my bruise."

"Clementine has led a very sheltered life," George said dismissively. "As you seem to have. She just doesn't understand what war does to people."

"I have led a sheltered life," Fiona said, "I'd use the word 'isolated,' to be honest. Are you familiar with the concept of 'gaslighting?'" she asked the blonde, and George nodded. "I've only just found out about it myself, but that's what my life has been up to this point. So, you'll have to forgive me, but I don't take someone assuming I might not be fully aware - or sharp, so to say - very well. I am 32 years old, George. I'm not feeble, nor a child. I'd like to be allowed the privilege of choosing how to live my life - and whom to be with."