River of Destiny. Barbara Erskine

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      ‘No. I don’t want to sail. Not today.’ Zoë was sitting in the cockpit of the boat, sketching the river bank. She had made a complete mess of the drawing and tore it out of the sketchbook angrily, screwing it up and tucking it into the sail bag lying at her feet.

      Ken was squatting on the foredeck, coiling down some ropes into neat perfect circles. He had looked up suddenly and pointed out that the tide was perfect and it was a glorious day with a brisk wind. He looked taken aback. ‘Why on earth not?’

      ‘Because I told you last time I didn’t like it. I was terrified. We nearly sank!’

      ‘Oh, what rubbish! It was the most glorious day.’ He looked genuinely bewildered. ‘Oh, come on, Zoë, you’ve always loved sailing.’

      ‘No.’ She put down her pencil and pad and stood up, feeling the boat move restlessly under her feet. ‘I haven’t loved it. I have enjoyed it from time to time when it was calm, and I love it like this, on the mooring, sketching or reading my book, but I do not like it when it is rough, and when the wind is tearing out my hair, when my ears ache and I’ve got salt in my eyes and my hands are numb and wrinkled with the sea water and my clothes are sticky and you are screaming orders at me which I can’t hear because of the wind and I am expecting to die at any moment. I don’t find that exciting! I don’t find it a challenge!’

      ‘But Zo –’

      ‘No. If you want to sail, fine. Go without me on your own, or find someone to crew with you. What about Leo? Or Steve or Jeff?’

      He had dropped the length of rope and was making his way back along the side deck. Jumping lightly into the cockpit he sat down. ‘I thought you loved it here.’

      ‘I do love it here. I love everything about it. Just not the possibility of drowning. For goodness’ sake, Ken, it is almost the end of the season anyway.’

      ‘Would you come if we just motor?’

      ‘Maybe. But not today. I’ve got a headache and I can’t bear the stink of fumes from the engine.’ She stood up. ‘Look, Ken, I’m sorry, I really am. I should have said it before, but I have never been so frightened. Row me ashore now, and then go on your own. You often went by yourself when we sailed in Sussex.’

      He looked crestfallen. ‘I don’t like being on my own.’

      ‘Then you’ll have to find someone else to sail with. It would be much more fun for you. You could find someone who is experienced and knows this river and the bar and the sea outside, and you could go off for real adventures.’ She gave him a small smile. ‘Please, don’t be angry.’

      ‘I’m not angry.’ He was, though. She could see by the white patches under his cheekbones as he clenched his jaw.

      He rowed her towards the landing stage, held the boat steady while she climbed up, and had already pushed off back towards the boat as she reached the top of the short ladder and stood for a moment looking back at him. As he rowed he was facing her, but he looked over his shoulder towards the Lady Grace until he had come alongside and climbed up into the boat again. Once there he disappeared down the companionway into the cabin. Zoë gave a deep sigh and turned to make her way back to the house.

      ‘I take it that was your defining moment?’ Leo was standing on the river bank in the shadow of the trees. She jumped at the sound of his voice, then shook her head sadly. ‘You were right. I should have told him years ago.’

      ‘What did he say?’ He leaned back against the trunk of one of the pines; she could see the feathery shadows from the branches playing across his face.

      ‘Nothing much. He was pretty upset.’

      ‘That’s tough. Maybe I’ll offer to sail with him some time. Do you think he would like that?’

      ‘I’m sure he would.’

      They walked together up the track and over the lawn towards the houses. Where the path divided, right to Leo’s and left to Zoë and Ken’s, she paused. Suddenly she didn’t want him to go. ‘Do you want to come up for a drink or something?’

      He hesitated. ‘Do you think that is a good idea?’ He held her gaze.

      ‘Why not?’ She looked away.

      He shrugged. ‘OK, I’d like to.’

      ‘If Ken comes after me you can suggest sailing with him. I’m sure he would be pleased.’

      They were halfway across the lawn when Leo stopped suddenly. ‘Did you leave your front door open?’

      ‘What? No.’ She followed his pointing finger. ‘Oh God!’

      ‘Wait.’ As they walked into the hall he put his hand on her arm to hold her back. ‘Is there anyone there?’ His voice was surprisingly powerful in the silent house. They waited.

      There was no reply.

      Zoë pushed past him and stood in the doorway to the large living room, peering in. The armchairs were back in a straight line.

      ‘Someone has been in and rearranged the furniture.’

      ‘You’d СКАЧАТЬ