Chapter 1

 

'Michael you sent for me?' Bethany opened the door with caution not knowing what to expect. It was very unusual for her cousin to call for her, especially so early on in the day when he was usually locked in his study seeing to his business affairs.

'I want to apologise, Charlotte and I know now that we were wrong to stay out so late the other day, but they were in need of our help at the shelter.'

'I did not call you here to scold you again on that matter. But don't think I don't know already that Charlotte put you up to it. You wouldn't have had the confidence to do it otherwise. Bethany, you are sometimes too easy led! Anyway, I am diverting from what I wanted to say. Bethany, please sit down will you, you are making me feel uncomfortable seeing you standing there so nervous.' Michael spoke with half bemusement but looked relieved when Bethany finally took a seat at the other side of his desk.

'Now, I have some hopefully very happy news for you,' Michael looked at her with a smile, making Bethany feel even more confused. Her usually reserved cousin was acting in the most peculiar way.

'Please Michael what is it?'