"We should ask Mrs. Kent for the name of a nice place to have lunch tomorrow, Kae,"Donna said. "Let's get an early start, do lots of shopping, have lunch, and then–"
"I don't think I’ll go shopping tomorrow."
"But, you said before that you would. You promised," Donna pleaded.
"I said I don't want to go."
Caroline watched as Kae walked away. She joined Maurice, who was momentarily alone in front of the fireplace. They began a conversation, which appeared to disquiet Nelson's wife. Caroline decided to clear some of the drinks' glasses which had begun to accumulate around the room. Eventually she drew near enough to the fireplace to hear some of what the two Hargreaves were saying.
"I can't wait for an answer." Kae's tone was rigid.
"You won’t have to," Caroline heard Maurice say lightly. "I can give it to you in one word. No."
"You don’t want trouble at a time like this, Maurice."
Caroline pretended to inspect an imaginary water ring left by one of the glasses on a table.
"A time like what? I don’t know what you think you know, Kae, but–"
"Stop it," Kae hissed. "Don’t play games with me. I’m not one of your feeble blood relations. I want out. You have to let me out."
"You know what you signed when you and Nelson married. You know what you get in the event of a divorce."
"That’s not good enough, Maurice. I know what you’re doing. I can ruin you."
Caroline could not help looking at Kae Hargreave. An unflattering line had hardened around her mouth.
"I wouldn't if I were you," Maurice said. "No good comes of being greedy, Kae. Take my advice and avoid the temptation."
"You’re not in a position to give advice, Maurice."
Kae turned and looked around the room. When she found her husband's tall figure she strode in his direction. Maurice Hargreave watched her with an impassive stare and drained the last of his drink.
Next in the Newport Mystery Series