Undine -

Chapter 16

SOPHIE returned to Fern Deane to find the last few guests making their farewells in the hallway. She gazed around in surprise, nodding at a knot of people standing by the stairs who stared at her in a dull, mesmerized fashion as though seeing her for the first time. Elizabeth emerged from the dining room looking more haggard than Sophie had ever seen her.

'Are you alright, Elizabeth?'

'I'm fine. Just tired. It's been a long day. What time is it?'

'Almost nine thirty. Where is everyone?'

'All gone. Gone back from whence they came.' Elizabeth brushed a grey strand from her face and gave one her barking laughs. 'And we thank God for small mercies.'

'It's been the shortest party I've ever known. Does it usually wind up this early?'

'No. But I'm glad it has. Perhaps I should thank Serena after all.'

'Has she gone?'

Elizabeth nodded. 'Excuse me a moment, my dear.'

Sophie watched Elizabeth bid farewell to the people in the hallway. There was no sign of Michael.

'I think I shall take a bath,' Elizabeth sighed returning to Sophie's side. 'A nice cool foamy one; but not before a large G and T.'

'Mother's ruin?' Sophie teased.

'There is nothing left of me to ruin,' Elizabeth remarked, marching into the library and opening the walnut drinks cabinet. 'Therefore, my gins are large and my guilt small. By the way, I must apologize for that unpleasantness with Serena.'

'I've forgotten it already.'

Elizabeth snorted gently. 'You don't fool anyone. Least of all me. Serena was...well, let's just say she was being herself, and that she'll never alter.'

'She and Michael seem close. I mean, I got the impression...'

'That she's jealous of you?' The delicate nostrils flared. 'She may as well have the word tattooed on her forehead. Care to join me in a drink?'

Sophie shook her head and chuckled.

'It's good to see you laughing, my dear. I was beginning to wonder if this place was getting to you. Fern Deane is a place you either love or hate. It has no in-between. You've been looking peaky these last few days. I'm not overworking you, am I?'

'Of course not.'

'Good,' Elizabeth nodded. 'Good.'

For a moment, both women were silent, then Sophie asked, 'where's Michael?'

'Escorting Serena home. If it's any consolation,' Elizabeth explained gently, 'that girl has always been truculent with members of her own sex.'

'She said some terrible things to you tonight.'

'I'm used to it.'

'Nothing's made any sense to me. First Serena, then Michael in the rose garden.'

Elizabeth's jet eyes flickered. 'The rose garden?'

'A few minutes ago.'

'That's impossible. He left here shortly after his seasonal slanging match with Serena, which was almost an hour ago.'

'I've not long spoken with him. That's why I expected to find him here with you.'

'Serena must have flounced off on her own,' Elizabeth muttered distractedly. 'What did he say?'