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didn t think she d pushed him in on purpose, then thrown herself in too, somehow
managing to get underneath him, so she hit the bottom and not him. But he d just stood
there like a stupid lemon.
When she reached her car, Flick stripped to her underwear and dropped her wet
clothes into the passenger foot well, turning to glare at the guys in a passing car who
sent her two piercing wolf-whistles.
Why did it have to be Beck she d knocked in? What did life have against her? Oh
look, Flick, here s the man of your dreams. Now let s see how many ways you can find to make
him hate you. Oh yes, dozens.
71
Barbara Elsborg
Chapter Eleven
Flick drove over to Hartington Hall at Henry s request. It was Celia s birthday and
she d made a last minute decision to go to York. Flick was in charge of Gertrude. What
joy!
I hope it s not too much of an imposition, Henry said. Gertrude specifically
asked for you.
No, it s fine, Baresches. Flick smiled, thinking sticking her tongue in a mousetrap
held more appeal.
Ah, the very best procurer of women in hell. He laughed. If only it were true.
I think you should up the stakes to this game. I ll never catch you out.
Don t give in. I thought you had staying power. Now, Gertrude will have a nap
after lunch so if you want to sunbathe naked in the garden, feel free. Or maybe you d
like to go down to the dig?
Flick tried not to blush.
Take the monitor with you so you can hear her.
How s the dig going?
Since there have been no screams of excitement or otherwise, I presume they
haven t found a sausage. He gave Flick a lustful grin. Speaking of sausages, I seem to
have lost mine. Would you like to look for it?
Only if you let me fry it for you, Henry.
Saucy.
I d let you choose the sauce, Flick said.
He chuckled. Don t worry about the dogs. If they give you any more trouble, play
with their balls.
Flick winced. I thought they were bitches?
Henry roared with laughter. I mean their red and green footballs.
Ah.
Right, I m off to work. If you need me, give me a ring and I ll come like a shot,
especially if you go for the naked sunbathing.
Flick chose not to respond to that.
She found Gertrude sitting in the kitchen.
I don t need babysitting, she said in a gruff voice.
Mr. and Mrs. Hartington just want to be sure you re safe.
72
Digging Deeper
Gertrude snorted. My daughter isn t worried about me. My blood pressure
rocketed this morning and she wouldn t get out of the bath to recheck it. It might be her
birthday, but it was also the day I went through hell giving birth to her. The memory of
it still haunts me. The doctor said he d never had to put in so many stitches. Celia
ripped me apart.
Flick saw why Celia had fled to York.
I had the most terrible night, Gertrude whined.
Are you feeling any better now? Flick flinched as she asked a question.
When I gave birth, you idiot, not last night, but since you ask, my rash is worse.
Gertrude looked glum. It s spreading. I ll show you. You can put some cream on for
me.
Gertrude ate a huge lunch, and settled down to watch the three millionth rerun of
Diagnosis Murder. By the time she fell asleep, no doubt dreaming of Dick Van Dyke
ministering to her suffering, Flick felt as though she d been stuck for hours in a lift with
a group of hypochondriacs. How could one woman have so much wrong with her? Plus
Flick was going to have a word with Lady C about the cream. Having to touch
Gertrude s body lay way outside her job description. Flick didn t care if it was Celia s
birthday, she could rub her own mother s sore bits.
Lady C s cards were displayed on the mantelpiece. Only three. One to My
Wonderful and Amazing Daughter , another to My Very Special Loving Wife, and
one from Giles To The World s Greatest Mum. Proof, as far as Flick was concerned,
that the family had a sense of humor or maybe they hadn t read them first. Still, at least
they had a mother they could send cards to.
While she stood in the kitchen making herself a cup of tea, Flick saw Beck drive off
in the minivan. Much as she wanted to fling herself into his arms, she knew she had to
keep well away from him. They were like a lit match and dry grass an accident
waiting to happen. He was too quick to jump to conclusions and Flick was the sort of
person who constantly needed second chances. She had to forget about him.
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