His cold stare was enough to make her want to escape the room. In his hand, he held the plastic bottle containing the pills. ‘Take one tonight and see what happens.’
She took the bottle from him, knowing she wasn’t going to do anything of the sort. She would feign sleep if she had to, and hope that Daisy didn’t scream out too.
While Richard had a shower, Louisa went to start breakfast. But as she took a few steps downstairs, she noticed that the front door was wide open.
She rushed to close it, going through to the kitchen to see if Sarah was up too. But there was no one there. A quick check around the property ensured everything was still secure.
What was going on? Dare she mention it to Richard in case he accused her of leaving it open? She couldn’tremember coming downstairs last night. No, she was certain she hadn’t.
‘Morning,’ Sarah said as she came into the kitchen a few minutes later.
‘Morning, did you sleep well?’
‘I did. There’s something about country living. I’m sleeping deeper than ever. It’s so relaxing.’
‘I’m sorry about Daisy’s crying though.’ Louisa gave a sad smile. ‘I think she’s having nightmares.’
‘The poor thing. But don’t worry. I didn’t hear anything so she was no trouble to me.’
‘I’m surprised. She was screaming so loud at one point.’
‘Oh dear. I hope you managed to comfort her.’
‘Yes, she was fine.’ Louisa decided not to mention that Daisy had been asleep both times she had gone to her. ‘And you didn’t come downstairs for anything during the night?’ she mentioned casually.
Sarah shook her head. ‘No, why?’
‘Oh, no reason.’ Louisa wondered whether to say anything to Richard about the front door being open. He’d likely not believe her anyway; most probably she’d get the blame.
‘It was great to get up knowing that I haven’t got to go to that bloody factory,’ Sarah said. ‘You were so lucky to get away, Lou.’
Louisa smiled half-heartedly. Lucky? To live here, yes.
To live under these circumstances? She begged to differ.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
When it was time to leave, Sarah had no intention of going back to Derby. It hadn’t been a hard decision to see whether Richard’s offer was workable. Her life there was so boring. There was nothing to look forward to, nothing to work towards. And really, why shouldshehave to slave for someone else when Louisa lived in such luxury?
Having spent time with Louisa and Daisy, Sarah was getting to know how much Louisa was capable of doing and, even more, what she wasn’t able to do. It surprised her how often Louisa would have to lie down with a headache, or back pain, or even being plain old tired. Some mornings that week, she hadn’t got up until midday.
Daisy was a pleasant child, considering. It seemed to Sarah that she was used to spending time alone. She would sit and colour in with crayons on the floor ofLouisa’s bedroom. She would look at books for ages in the living room, singing quietly as she turned the pages. When the weather was sunny, she would sit as good as gold with her in the garden.
Today, Sarah was in the kitchen as Daisy had gone down for a nap with Louisa. Richard was heading towards the house when he spotted her in the kitchen window. She waved and went to greet him at the door.
‘Hi,’ she said.
‘Hey, on your own again?’
‘Yes, Louisa and Daisy are taking a nap. Do you fancy a coffee?’
‘Please.’
She filled the kettle with water and turned back to him.
‘I’m glad you came to stay for a while,’ Richard spoke. ‘It’s been a nice change having someone else to talk to.’
‘Well, you’re welcome to slip out this evening if you have somewhere to go. I’m here for both of them. Take the offer while you can.’
