London, Summer 1984

Chapter Seven

Present Day

The fields and trees zipped by and disappeared into the fading light as the car sped along the road. The air was close, heavy with the scent of peppermint candies and cologne. Elizabeth rested her head back, her coat draped over her like a blanket. The cool glass fogged beneath her breath. And her mind swam with snatches of thought.

Whether you like it or not, this interview is happening. People's perceptions will change. The information is out there; it's only a matter of time. There's something sexy about a woman who enjoys her food. Some people distance themselves or disappear completely, others change the way they act. Maybe if she spent a little more time getting to know him in the first place. It's naive to think that people won't judge you. A strong likeable woman? Maybe one day...

***

October 1984

Tick, tick, tick. The indicator beat out the time as the car slowed and curved onto the driveway that wound its way through the grounds. The gravel crunched and prickled beneath the wheels, and Elizabeth's stomach clenched. 'Houghton Hall'. The name was emblazoned in bold white letters across the maroon sign. The car sailed between the two stone pillars and eased along the track towards the red brick building that loomed ahead.

Elizabeth's aunt glanced at her. "I've told the school that you spent the summer with me in London. That's what you'll say if anyone asks. Do you understand?"

Elizabeth paused. Summer in London. It couldn't be further from the truth. "But—"

The car jerked to a stop. Elizabeth grabbed hold of the seat beneath her, her heart pounding. Her aunt turned to her, crimson lips drawn tight. "Elizabeth, listen to me." She jabbed a manicured nail at Elizabeth's chest. "You are a woman; you needn't give anyone anymore reason to think you're weak."

"But I don't want to lie," Elizabeth said. There's nothing more valuable than the truth, her father had told her, and it's a gift you can give for free.

Her aunt shook her head to herself and let out an exasperated sigh. "You're gifted, Elizabeth, but it's naive to think that people won't judge you for this. Maybe one day..." Her expression softened, and she rested her hand against Elizabeth's knee. "Look, you have a chance now to make something of your life. It's time to put this whole episode behind you."

Elizabeth's lips pressed into a taut line. She turned away from her aunt and stared out of the side window, through the row of poplars that lined the drive. In the silence, the toll of the bell rang out, as solemn as the knell that saw her parents to their graves. Perhaps her aunt was right, perhaps that's where that summer belonged, hidden beneath the earth until flowers grew atop and people no longer cared what had nurtured them from underneath.

Her aunt's hand retreated to the steering wheel. As the car pulled away again, the tyres skidding over the gravel, she murmured, "Please, Elizabeth, don't let this define you."

Will was waiting on the steps outside the main entrance. His blonde hair had grown longer, a messy fringe falling in his eyes. His shirt was untucked, and the knot of his tie was askew, but he wore a smile so bright that it flooded Elizabeth's chest with a golden light.

Elizabeth opened the car door and then stood facing Will. He waved, and his smile turned bashful, as though they were meeting for the first time. "Um...hi..." He looked down at his shoes as he scuffed them against the stone.

"Hi," Elizabeth said. And which one of them took the first step, she didn't know, but within a breath they were in each other's arms. She clung to him so tight, and then tighter still as tears threatened to prick her eyes. "I missed you," she said, and she swallowed back the thickness in her throat.