Daughter of Riches by Janet Tanner

should remember that we are talking about something which happened a very long time ago. I know it’s new to you and it’s understandable you should be interested. But we have lived with it for almost twenty years.’
    â€˜What difference does that make?’
    â€˜We have accepted it and put it behind us. I don’t mind talking to you about it but you might find other members of the family less eager to do so. I think you would be wise to do as we have done and forget it ever happened.’
    â€˜How can you say that?’ Juliet’s eyes were feverishly bright. ‘ If Grandma didn’t kill Louis, if she served a prison sentence for a crime she did not commit, then surely it’s only right that we should try to clear her name? To be honest, I can’t understand why you did not pursue it at the time.’
    â€˜Juliet, I’ve told you …’
    â€˜I know. I hear what you say. But you must see how it looks to me. She is my grandmother, remember.’
    â€˜And my sister.’
    â€˜Yes, but that’s not quite the same.’ Juliet broke off, not sure how to express the deep-seated need she was beginning to feel which went beyond proving Sophia’s innocence for her sake alone – the need to know for herself whether she was the granddaughter of a murderess and what blood any children she might have would carry in their veins. It was not something that had occurred to her immediately, rather it had crept up on her insidiously, beginning with the look she had seen in Sean’s eyes when she had told him the story Molly had told her. It really was not very nice to feel that you might be the direct descendant of someone who could do such a dreadful thing and in a way Juliet could understand Sean’s shock at learning that she might be; illogical or not it did actually matter more than she would have ever believed possible.
    â€˜Juliet,’ Catherine said, ‘don’t drag it all up again. Let it rest.’ There was a note of pleading in her voice and she leaned forward and touched her great-niece’s arm. ‘For your own sake, for your own peace of mind, leave well alone.’
    A moment’s sharp unease prickled over Juliet’s skin.
    â€˜Why?’ she asked.
    Catherine hesitated. Her cheeks were faintiy flushed and she could no longer meet Juliet’s eyes.
    â€˜All families have skeletons in the cupboard, Juliet. There is nothing unusual in that. But sometimes it is best if they stay there. Almost always it’s best.’
    Again a shiver of discomfort whispered up the back of Juliet’s neck. What was her aunt talking about? But perhaps she had probed enough for one afternoon.
    â€˜I’m sorry, Aunt Catherine, I’m asking far too many questions,’ she said with forced lightness. ‘And besides, I think I should be getting back. I’m being taken out to dinner tonight, to one of the hotels. It’s just won a special award for its cuisine – chefs’ hats, or something.’
    â€˜I think you will find they all have, my dear,’ Catherine said, laughing. ‘I expect you are going to Les Belles Fleurs; that has the most elaborate restaurant. But I know Sophia’s special favourite is the smallest and most intimate – La Maison Blanche.’
    â€˜The one that began it all. Of course, she lived there as a child.’
    â€˜We all did,’ Catherine said, reminding Juliet that she was Sophia’s sister. ‘Nicky and Paul, Sophia and me.’
    â€˜Nicky – he was killed in the war, wasn’t he?’
    â€˜He … died.’
    â€˜Oh, I thought Dad said …’
    Catherine smiled sadly. ‘Family skeletons again, my dear. I will tell you about that one when you’ve more time but I warn you, it’s a sad story. Now …’
    â€˜Yes, I really must go. Grandma wouldn’t want to take me out to dinner looking like this.’
    â€˜I think