Chapter 28
‘Hey look at this,’ Finula waved a card in her hand.
‘What is it?’ Megan wiped her hands on the kitchen towel and took it from her. They were busy preparing the breakfasts. ‘Gary and Tracy invite you to join their house-warming dinner party at the Gate House,’ she read excitedly.
‘Look, it’s for both of us,’ Finula said, pointing to their names at the top.
‘I wonder who else is going.’
Finula shrugged. ‘Don’t know, but can’t be that many, it saysdinnerparty, not just house-warming party.’
‘Hmm, are you going to go?’
‘Deffo! It’ll be fun. Gary and Tracy seem a really nice, down-to-earth couple.’
‘They do,’ agreed Megan and decided to look forward to it.
*
Tobias had received his invitation that morning. He had called at the Hall to collect a few more things and his post. He noticed the invitation didn’t state plus guest, which left him a little uncertain. Then, feeling he ought to show his face, especially as they had paid over the odds for the Gate House, he decided to go.
*
Dylan opened his invitation. He might as well go. What else was there to do? He’d tried to ring Flora, but she’d barred him from her phone. He put off the idea of going to the gym, in case he bumped into that personal trainer who performed extras in the sauna. Perhaps he should get out and see his friends instead of being cooped up here feeling sorry for himself.
He made his way to Treweham Hall, telling himself it was to catch Tobias, not on the off chance of seeing Flora. Pulling onto the gravel drive, he noticed Tobias’ car parked at the front. Dylan rang the front doorbell and was greeted by Henry.
‘Good day, Mr Delany.’ He ushered him inside and took him to Tobias’ study, where Tobias was sorting through his post. Dylan noticed the invitation on his desk.
‘You’ve got one, too?’ He pointed towards it.
‘Yes, you going?’
‘Why not? Nothing better to do.’
‘Not busy preparing for Royal Ascot?’
‘Should be.’
Tobias looked up. He could see this wasn’t the usual Dylan. His spark and charisma had vanished.
Dylan went on to explain. ‘I feel like I’m losing it, Tobias, you know, the passion to win. I’ve come to see it all in a different light.’
‘See what exactly?’ Tobias put his envelopes down and sat on the corner of his desk.
‘Racing. It’s a fickle game. You’re everybody’s friend providing you win and make them money. Butrealfriends, well, they don’t come easy, do they?’
‘Me and Seamus are your friends.’
‘I know that, but… what about partners… wives?’ he added weakly.
Tobias blinked. ‘What do you mean, Dylan?’
‘I… I’m lonely, Tobias.’ There, he’d said it. He finally admitted it out loud.
Tobias blinked again. ‘You’re lonely?’
‘I want more. I love horses, but I’ve grown to hate the back-biting, competitive, greedy, money-making side of racing. I mean, look at Sean Fox. Could you take orders from him?’
