Legacy

By Diane Dowsett

From security and happiness to grief and worry in the blink of an eye.

Zachary Trent wanted Gina out of Penny Mere and as far away as possible. He did not trust the girl who had suddenly become an important part of the household. Then a will reading turned everything on its axis.

Strange things started to happen, putting Ginas safety at risk. Who was after her? What did they want? Zachs antipathy towards the feisty young woman was changing as her vulnerability began to show. It soon became a race against time to save her from the clutches of her past.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris UK
• Release date: Sep 5, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543486452

Diane Dowsett

As a child, Diane Dowsett, would often be found with her head in a book. She would read by the glow of the street lamp on her bedroom wall, after lights out, because the chapter or book just had to be finished. Whilst it did not do her eyes much good, her love of reading inspired her to write her own book one day. Years passed and marriage, children, family and Guiding filled her days. Giving little time to write. A life changing diagnosis of Parkinson’s at the age of forty seven, finally gave Diane an opportunity to fulfil her writing dream.

Book preview

C hapter 1

A face ravaged by grief stared out into the rain soaked garden, forehead resting on the cold glass for support.

The tears began to flow again creating rivulets as they fell onto and meandered down the once gleaming pane. Rain had been falling incessantly since the previous afternoon and was only now starting to ease, leaving behind a grey heaviness. The chill from the glass was beginning to seep into Gina’s bones that were now stiff from the prolonged standing. She was oblivious to the discomfort and had no energy or inclination to move away from her position

The poor girl was tired and drained with the feelings of bewilderment and confusion dominating her thoughts. Trying to make sense of the recent events.

The last few days had taken their toll and she was beginning to seriously doubt about her future. She doubted it would be here at Penny Mere. Particularly if a certain person had anything to do with it.

A feeling of dread overwhelmed her when she thought of what the future would have in store. She did not have to think too hard and was acutely aware of the unpleasantness that was to come. The last thing she wanted was a confrontation with the one man who had been constantly invading her thoughts for the last couple of nights. He would be arriving at any time in the near future, bringing along a realm of issues that always surfaced whenever they met. Gina was not ready to face either him or them just yet…

It was not going to be an enjoyable experience.

Oh Enid she whispered aloud. Hoping that someone would hear and give her an answer. Why did you have to die? Why did you leave such turmoil behind? Gina breathed deeply in an attempt to calm herself and curtail the tears that were falling. She had cried so much recently.

The crunch of gravel startled Gina, alerting her to the sound of a car coming up the driveway. A sleek black Porsche came to a stop the front of the house. Gina straightened her back and moved quickly away from the window, hiding herself from view and gripping the back of a chair for support. She had not for a moment considered that he would come quite so soon. She had hoped for at least another day, giving her just a little more time, so that she could prepare herself for the inevitable meeting.

In reality, she should not have been too surprised that Zachary Trent had arrived so promptly. He was not the type of man who would waste his time and linger over anything. Considering Enid was his beloved Godmother, any form of delay would be wholly unacceptable. He had obviously flown back from his business trip in America at the first opportunity.

Zachary Trent stood by the side of his car looking at the house where he had spent many happy days throughout his life. Today was not a happy day. He was reluctant to go inside because he knew the usual warm embrace he always received from his God Mother would not be waiting for him. Instead there would be an empty hall way and Gina would probably be hiding from him. He did not really blame her because their first meeting and all the subsequent ones after had been nothing short of disastrous. He had readily jumped to conclusions about the pretty, young woman, who had suddenly become a big part of Enid’s life. He had been quite rude to her, which he regretted now, but was too proud to admit. Labelling her as a gold digger and questioning her motives for being at Penny Mere, without getting to know her, had been perhaps a little rash. His problem was he was openly suspicious of anyone until he knew them, a little better. Being so antagonistic to Gina had not helped at all and every visit had created more tension and uneasiness between them. He was loath to admit that he was a little bit jealous of the relationship between the two women and he was feeling left out. He really had to try to make peace with Gina but every time they came into contact, he went on the defensive and was horrible to the poor girl. He had tried to find some background information about her without success. The frustration at not knowing anything about her displayed through his behaviour towards Gina. He wanted to be amenable but he was finding it very difficult because as far as he was concerned she was hiding something. The young woman was a mystery and he did not like that. Zach was very protective of his God Mother and did not want to see her getting hurt. However hard he tried he always went on the defensive with Gina whenever their paths crossed. It was not intentional. He just could not seem to help himself.

To avoid the unpleasant meetings Zach’s visits to Penny Mere became infrequent, using increased work commitments as an excuse. Enid had often travelled to London to stay with him throughout the year, saying that if she did not make the effort they would never see each other. Even after all these visits Enid still complained that she did not see enough of her darling Godson, even though he phoned her at least twice a week and when he was on a business trip these calls would be every day.

Zach had convinced himself that Gina had maintained her place in the household for financial gain only. He took the opportunity when away from Enid’s sharp eyes and ears, to bluntly accuse Gina of being a common gold digger.

The look on her face had very quickly told him it had been wrong thing to say. Her eyes had filled with tears and a there was a sadness about her. Zach, however was immune to this reaction as he’d seen it so many times before. Or was he?

The accusation could not be further from the truth, but he did not know the facts behind Gina coming to Penny Mere and she had not made any moves to enlighten him. As far as Gina was concerned the less he knew the better. Frankly, in her opinion, it was none of his business.

The sound of the front door opening shook Gina out of her trance like state. She started to walk across the sitting room only to stop midway as the door was flung open and Zachary Trent came striding in with a purposeful gait. His dark eyes fell on Gina and a look of distaste spread across his face.

So he drawled You’re still here. I would have expected you to be packed and gone by now.

Now why would I be gone? Gina asked defiantly. Enid made it very clear I was not to leave under any circumstances.

Ah. And of course you always do as you are told! Zach retorted sarcastically. Well Enid is not here now and I am telling you that you are no longer welcome here at Penny Mere. I should have insisted your employment was terminated a long time ago but you spun a web so tight around my poor, gullible God Mother she could only see good in you. He paused and looked Gina over from head to toe, taking in her pale, drawn face and ill-fitting clothing. Her hair, tied loosely and untidily at her nape did nothing to enhance her features. She looked dreadful. Probably panicking about what she was about to lose, Zach thought cynically.

I know your type! he snapped. Well you may have fooled Enid but you don’t fool me. What a shame reality has come back to bite you. Your little plans have come to an abrupt halt haven’t they?

Gina took a step back so she was standing behind the arm chair, giving herself a little distance from the unnecessary and cruel tirade that Zach was aiming directly at her.

She raised her head, straightened her back and looked at him feeling the anger growing inside her, rage making her eyes glitter. Even though she was so angry with the arrogant man standing before her there was something that mesmerised her every time they met. Zach was beyond handsome; he was gorgeous.

Gina had no intention of disclosing that bit of information to him! She wasn’t thrilled with it herself. How on earth could she react like that to a man who loathed her and made her hackles rise the moment he looked at her.

Standing at six feet, he towered above Gina who was a petite five foot five. He had a presence about him that made everyone stop and look. Short dark hair, a strong jaw line and deep grey eyes, framed with the most amazing lashes which enhanced his truly masculine face. He did, however, look tired. This was not surprising considering the journey he had undertaken to get here.

Gina mentally scolded herself for her wandering thoughts. She needed to get a grip not go all gaga whenever he came near her. Zach may be grieving as much as she was but that did not excuse his current antipathy towards her.

How dare you speak to me like that! Gina hissed, taking a deep breath before continuing her defence.

I adored Enid. I have never had an ulterior motive for being here and if you had not been so arrogant and condemning of me from the outset, you would have realised that. What gives you the right to judge when you know nothing about me? You may find it acceptable to treat people that way, but I do not and I will not stand here and be insulted. This household is in mourning and I will not allow you upset Mr and Mrs Croft, who are struggling to deal with the loss of their beloved employer. Now if you will excuse me, I need to speak to Mary about the catering for after the funeral on Wednesday.

Gina moved away from the chair and walked towards Zachary who was standing in front of the door with a look of cold fury on his face.

By the way, Gina added. At the moment you have no authority over my employ or this house at all, so you cannot tell me to leave. That decision lies with the solicitors who are handling the estate and until that time I will carry on as normal. Gina paused and finished by saying The details of the funeral are on the desk in Enid’s study. Mary and I had to go ahead with the arrangements as we were unaware of how long it would be before you arrived.

She reached around Zach for the door handle, only to be abruptly halted by his hand snaking out and taking a firm hold of her wrist.

His anger was palpable and Gina felt her skin tingle at his touch.

We are not finished! he ground out. How dare she walk away from him! Nobody walked out on Zachary Trent. He always had the last word. He looked down at Gina vowing she would not be the first.

I relish the day when the solicitors inform you that you are to leave this house. You will not gain anything from this scheme of yours, so I suggest you start packing as I guarantee you will be out of here by the end of the week. I cannot stop you attending the funeral as it would obviously go against Enid’s wishes but be assured I will be keeping a very close eye on you.

He dropped Gina’s arm as though he had been burnt and stood back to allow her to open the door.

She could not get out of the room fast enough. Her legs were shaking with reaction to the altercation that had just taken place. Gina rubbed her wrist convinced she would have a bruise there tomorrow. How dare Zach treat her like some kind of low life. He was just like her father, arrogant, dictatorial and controlling. She had vowed just over two years before that no one would ever take control of her life again and she was damned if Zachary Trent was going to do so now.

Realising that she needed to speak to Mrs Croft, Gina turned to head down the hall then stopped. Sitting at a kitchen table discussing catering for the funeral was the last thing anyone would want after the altercation that had just occurred there was an intense need to be alone. She shakily walked up the stairs to her room gripping the banister for support, afraid if she let go she would fall. The last few days had been difficult, but now Zach had arrived the tension was becoming unbearable.

A wave of exhaustion washed over Gina. She had not slept too well since Enid had passed away and the lack of rest was catching up with her.

They were not prepared for Enid’s sudden death. One minute she was eating dinner with Gina in the dining room, the next she was in bed with the emergency doctor by her side. The older lady had collapsed whilst they were having coffee. She had argued that she was fine when she came round but did not protest too much when Gina insisted on calling the doctor.

Gina opened the door to her bedroom and paused on the threshold looking around the beautifully decorated and furnished room. She still found it hard to believe that this was now her home. Well for the time being at least. If Zach had his way, she would be out by the end of the week.

Gina closed the door and slipped off her shoes, kicking them under her dresser. She lay on the bed and stared up at the ceiling trying to put events into perspective, something she had been attempting to do for the last few days.

Enid’s death had left everyone in the house reeling from the shock.

Poor Amy, the young girl from the village, who frequently came to help Mary, had been distraught. She thought the world of her employer, whom she had known since moving into the village when she was a small girl.

Enid had seemed so fit and healthy. She was always out walking or gardening and had a very active social life. There was always a constant stream of visitors and invitations arriving at Penny Mere, keeping Gina on her toes organising Enid’s social calendar and running the household. Not that she minded, Gina loved to be busy and needed.

Whilst they had been waiting for the doctor to arrive Enid had insisted on speaking to Gina alone. She had made it very clear that Penny Mere was now Gina’s home and it must stay that way. The young woman had protested, telling Enid that everything was going to be fine and not to fret.

It was then that Enid told Gina everything had been taken care of and she was not to worry. Zach would be delighted when he discovered that piece of information! Gina was not quite sure what Enid meant but didn’t question her as the doctor arrived at that moment. It was a mere hour after the doctor had arrived Enid had passed away. She had suffered a massive heart attack.

The next thing Gina knew was that it was dark. She must have fallen asleep. She turned on the lamp and, looking at the clock on the bedside table, realised it was almost time for dinner. She got up off the bed and went into her bathroom to shower. Glancing