The Brontë Plot by Katherine Reay Page A

hand on top of one of his. “We’ll leave next Thursday and be gone only two weeks. Then I’ll go back to being just what I always was.”
    â€œHmm . . .” Charlie swung his head as if debating whether to engage further or give up. He gave his mother’s hand a squeeze and stood to face Lucy. “Be sure to forward me the itinerary. This one won’t think of it.”
    Helen grabbed at his hand and Lucy caught a flash of raw vulnerability cloud her eyes. “We’ll talk as soon as I get back.”
    Charlie held both her hands. “I’d like that.” He turned back to Lucy. “If I don’t see you again, Lucy, good-bye.”
    Completely flustered, Lucy managed a nod.
    Charlie leaned down and kissed his mother’s cheek. “Call if you’re coming to brunch on Sunday.” He straightened and walked to the door. “Good-bye, Mother.”
    â€œTell Leslie I’ll be there,” Helen called after him. At the front door’s click, she huffed. “He’s going to press at brunch.” Her attempt at a sharp tone faltered within a tremulous smile.
    â€œIs everything okay?”
    â€œNo . . . It’s not.” Helen shimmied her shoulders as if redirecting her course. “We have planning to do. Lucy?”
    Lucy’s mind spun within the currents. She grabbed for the most stable ground she could find. “We are leaving next Thursday and returning this.” Lucy held up the watch, swinging it on its thin gold chain.
    â€œAh . . . To a Mr. Edward Parrish. On Peel Street. What else shall we see?”
    Lucy peeked at the watch, quickly wondering if she could or should ask more questions. She laid it down. There would be time. “Let’s start with flights and where you’d like to stay. Then, I guess, what you hope to purchase. Silver for Molly and Sophie?”
    â€œYou arrange the flights. Dukes Hotel. And yes, two sets of flatware are now on our shopping list. What do you suggest?”
    Lucy tapped the books. “I did some research last night and think the best place will be the London Silver Vaults.”
    â€œI also remember stores at the top of Portobello Road. Are those any good? I’d love to see Portobello Market on a Saturday again.”
    â€œI’ll mark it down.” Lucy pulled out her laptop and started tapping out notes.
    â€œWe’ll need to find a few more gifts too. I want Sid pleased with his commission, so look into some of the antiques dealers in Notting Hill. I seem to remember a few I enjoyed there.”
    â€œI will, but don’t feel any pressure to buy on Sid’s account. He’s not like that.”
    â€œTrue, but he’s a businessman and he’s giving you, and me, this time. I want to make it worth his while.” Helen nestled back in the love seat. “Lucy, I was serious about what I said to Charlie; I want us to have an experience. Capital E . This is your trip too; let’s have some fun. What do you want to see?”
    â€œAnything you select will be fine . . . Why me, if this isn’t exclusively for shopping?”
    â€œWe’ll get to that.” Helen drew out the words as if savoring her secret. “Let’s simply plan right now. We have our purchases covered; the rocks are in place. Let’s fill the rest of our jar with the gems.”
    Lucy decided to join in the fun. “I vote Charing Cross Road and anything that involves Dickens.”
    â€œAnd Bloomsbury.”
    â€œA literary tour?” Lucy laughed. “Is the British Library too touristy and mundane for you?”
    â€œSeeing the largest library in the world is never mundane and the original Jane Eyre is there, with her notes. I saw it once and it’s special. You’ll enjoy that.”
    Lucy’s fingers flew across the keys. “Here’s a Dickens Museum that could be fun, and the George Inn. It says here that Dickens and Shakespeare frequented it,