‘I’d be going for twenty years! I’m certainly not leaving you behind!’
‘But we won’t be married before you leave, there isn’t time.’
‘That’s what I went to see this chap about. He was in a similar situation. Rose, I know it’s not ideal, but Kendall says that if we don’t rock any boats, there shouldn’t be any problems. You’ll be Mrs Denham, you’ll be treated as my wife, and shown the same respect. As soon as the divorce comes through, we’ll marry. So are you coming?’
‘Alex , you’ll be marrying a pauper,’ Rose reminded him. ‘Daddy won’t change his mind.’
‘Let Easton inherit the whole of Dorset,’ Alex said, so softly that Rose could hardly hear the words. ‘My darling, I have you.’
‘What about Chloe’s settlement?’
‘Henry says he’s going to pay her off.’ Alex shrugged. ‘I’ll pay him back. I’ll make my fortune out in India, and I’ll pay him back, I’ve promised him.’
The following morning, Phoebe seemed subdued, or even tearful.
‘’E’s very nice, your Alex,’ she began, as she and Rose sat in the breakfast room, eating toast and watching Daisy follow the ducks that came up from the lake each morning hoping to find crusts, and were now waddling round the sunny terrace. ‘’E’s got nice manners, too – not like some people I could mention, what don’t live a million miles away.’
‘I’m glad you like him. I love him very much.’ Rose took Phoebe’s hand. ‘Phoebe, about Daisy–’
‘Rose, you know I can’t take ’er!’ Phoebe’s mouth was working and she looked as if she might start to cry. ‘These past few days, I’ve tried an’ tried! I like ’er well enough. She’s very sweet an’ everythin’–’
Phoebe rummaged in her pocket, searching for a handkerchief. ‘But she don’t know me. She don’t feel like my child.’
‘But Phoebe, she’s your daughter,’ Rose said, gently. ‘You must feel–’
‘I’m sorry, Rose, I don’t.’ Phoebe glanced towards open the door. ‘Look out, ’ere comes your feller.’
Alex walked into the breakfast room and sat down at the table. ‘You’re very quiet, ladies,’ he began.
‘We was thinkin’,’ Phoebe told him.
‘About what?’ Alex looked Rose. ‘Darling, what’s the matter?’
‘Nothing, Alex.’
‘Rose, it’s everythin’!’ Phoebe looked anxiously at Alex. ‘Rose might ’ave said I’m goin’ with a Jewish feller, yeah?’
‘She didn’t, but go on.’
‘I’m goin’ to convert. I’m ’avin’ lessons with the local rabbi, and I’m doin’ all right.’ Phoebe turned to Rose. ‘Nathan’s done so much for me!’ she cried. ‘ ’Idin’ me when Dan was after me, then takin’ me to Leeds an’ lodgin’ me with his relations there. But there’s nothin’ for us ’ere in Britain. So now the war is over, we’re goin’ to New York, to start again.’
Phoebe looked earnestly at Rose. ‘We’re takin’ Mrs R, of course. She’s been like a mother, what that woman ’asn’t done for me ain’t nobody’s business. But as for little Daisy – money’s tight already. I can’t ask Nathan to do this for me, as well.’
‘Phoebe, love, Maria left some money. You could have–’
‘Oh, for God’s sake, Rose!’ wailed Phoebe, bursting into tears.
‘Phoebe, don’t upset yourself,’ said Alex. ‘If you feel you can’t take Daisy to New York with you, we shall have to think of something else. Rose, is there any coffee?’
Henry shuffled in just then, and Rose began to talk of eggs and bacon. Phoebe’s sobbing turned to furtive sniffing. Later, she and Henry went off arm in arm to feed the doves.
‘Henry’s such a lovely man,’ said Rose. ‘So good, so generous, so kind.’
‘Yes, I’m going to miss the dear old chap.’
‘Alex, what exactly did you mean when you said we’d have to think of something else for Daisy?’
‘Of course, it’s really up to you.’ Alex buttered a slice of bread, then cut it into fingers. ‘She doesn’t have a proper home. She needs one, and she could have one with us.’
Rose stared at him, astonished. ‘You – you mean we could adopt her?’
‘I don’t see why not.’
‘Alex, Michael would have killed you! He’s going to inherit what should be yours and mine. But you’d still take his child?’
‘We still don’t know if Daisy is his daughter, and anyway she needs a family.’ Alex watched Daisy toddle across flagstones, clapping her podgy little hands, and scattering all the ducks. ‘Daisy?’
Daisy stopped. She turned to him and beamed. She came inside and climbed on to his lap, then helped herself to fingers of his bread.
‘Sins of the fathers,’ Alex murmured, as he stroked her silky, golden curls. ‘Rose, the child is always innocent, but always suffers most.’
Then Rose understood. Alex was remembering his own appalling childhood, and – loving little Daisy as he did – he didn’t have any choice.
‘Daisy?’ Rose reached out to stroke one soft, pink hand. ‘We’re going on a ship to India.’
Daisy twisted round to frown at Alex.
‘Don’t look so worried, sweetheart.’ Alex smiled reassuringly. ‘It’s going to be a very big adventure for us all.’
At the end of yet another golden afternoon, when Daisy was asleep on Henry’s lap and Phoebe had gone upstairs to do her packing, Rose took Alex for a walk.
They followed the winding path around the headland and watched the tide race in. ‘You’ve gone very quiet again,’ said Alex, taking Rose’s hand. ‘You’re happy to take Daisy?’
‘More than happy,’ Rose assured him.
‘It’s just that I was thinking – if we can’t have children of our own – Daisy is so lovely.’
‘Yes, she’s gorgeous,’ Rose agreed.
‘So what’s the problem?’
‘There’s no problem.’ Rose smiled up at him. ‘There’s something I must to tell you.’
‘What?’
‘I didn’t want to say until I was certain. But now I’m almost sure. Alex, it’s like a miracle, and I never thought it would happen. But I’m going to have a child.’
‘You’re what?’ Alex stared at her in disbelief. ‘But when you were in hospital, you said–’
‘I know I did. But I’ve been getting fatter, every morning I feel slightly sick, and there are all the other signs as well. Alex, are you pleased?’
‘You need to ask me if I’m pleased?’ Alex picked her up and swung her round. ‘Rose, I’m delighted. We’re going to have the perfect family.’
About the Author
Margaret James was born and brought up in Hereford. She studied English at London University, and has written many short stories, articles and serials for magazines. She is the author of fifteen published novels.
Margaret is a long-standing contributor to Writing Magazine for which she writes the Fiction Focus column and an author interview for each issue. She’s also a creative writing tutor for the London School of Journalism.
An active member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, she contributed to the 50th anniversary anthology Loves Me, Loves Me Not. Margaret’s short story is The Service of My Lady.
For more information on Margaret visit:
www.margaretjames.com
www.twitter.com/majanovelist
More from Margaret James
The Golden Chain
Can first love last forever?
1931 is the year that changes everything for Daisy Denham. Her family has not long swapped life in India for Dorset, England when she uncovers an old secret.
At the same time, she meets Ewan Fraser – a handsome dreamer who wants nothing more than to entertain the world and for Daisy to play his leading lady.
Ewan offers love and a chance to escape with a touring theatre company. As they grow closer, he gives her a golden chain and Daisy gives him a promise – that she will always keep him in her heart.
But life on tour is not as they’d hoped. Ewan is tempted away by his career and Daisy is dazzled by the older, charismatic figure of Jesse Trent. She breaks Ewan’s heart and sets off for a life in London with Jesse.
Only time will tell whether some promises are easier to make than keep …
Second novel in the trilogy
Find out more and purchase in the kindle store: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Golden-Chain-Choc-ebook/dp/B004YTJ6US
The Penny Bangle
When should you trust your heart?
It’s 1942 when Cassie Taylor reluctantly leaves Birmingham to become a land girl on a farm in Dorset.
There she meets Robert and Stephen Denham, twins recovering from injuries sustained at Dunkirk. Cassie is instantly drawn to Stephen, but is wary of the more complex Robert – who doesn’t seem to like Cassie one little bit.
At first, Robert wants to sack the inexperienced city girl. But Cassie soon learns, and Robert comes to admire her courage, finding himself deeply attracted to Cassie. Just as their romance blossoms, he’s called back into active service.
Anxious to have adventures herself, Cassie joins the ATS. In Egypt, she meets up with Robert, and they become engaged. However, war separates them again as Robert is sent to Italy and Cassie back to the UK.
Robert is reported missing, presumed dead. Stephen wants to take Robert’s place in Cassie’s heart. But will Cassie stay true to the memory of her first love, and will Robert come home again?
Third novel in the trilogy
Find out more and purchase in the kindle store: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Penny-Bangle-Choc-ebook/dp/B007IKD3NQ
And coming in May 2013
The Wedding Diary
Where's a Fairy Godmother when you need one?
If you won a fairy-tale wedding in a luxury hotel, you’d be delighted – right? But what if you didn’t have anyone to marry? Cat Aston did have a fiancé, but now it looks like her Prince Charming has done a runner.
Adam Lawley was left devastated when his girlfriend turned down his heartfelt proposal. He’s made a vow never to fall in love again.
So – when Cat and Adam meet, they shouldn’t even consider falling in love. After all, they’re both broken hearted. But for some reason they can't stop thinking about each other. Is this their second chance for happiness, or are some things just too good to be true?
More from Choc Lit
The Importance of being Emma
Juliet Archer
Darcy & Friends Series
Winner of The Big Red Reads Fiction Award 2011 and short listed for the 2009 Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance.
Mark Knightley – handsome, clever, rich – is used to women falling at his feet. Except Emma Woodhouse, who’s like part of the family – and the furniture. When their relationship changes dramatically, is it an ending or a new beginning?
Emma’s grown into a stunningly attractive young woman, full of ideas for modernising her family business.
Then Mark gets involved and the sparks begin to fly. It’s just like the old days, except that now he’s seeing her through totally new eyes.
While Mark struggles to keep his feelings in check, Emma remains immune to the Knightley charm. She’s never forgotten that embarrassing moment when he discovered her teenage crush on him. He’s still pouring scorn on all her projects, especially her beautifully orchestrated campaign to find Mr Right for her ditzy PA. And finally, when the mysterious Flynn Churchill – the man of her dreams – turns up, how could she have eyes for anyone else?
Find out more and purchase in the kindle store: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Importance-Being-Emma-ebook/dp/B003ZSHNWW.
Highland Storms
Christina Courtenay
Winner of the 2012 RoNA Best Historical Romantic Novel Category Award
Who can you trust?
Betrayed by his brother and his childhood love, Brice Kinross needs a fresh start. So he welcomes the opportunity to leave Sweden for the Scottish Highlands to take over the family estate.
But there’s trouble afoot at Rosyth in 1754 and Brice finds himself unwelcome. The estate’s in ruin and money is disappearing. He discovers an ally in Marsaili Buchanan, the beautiful redheaded housekeeper, but can he trust her?
Marsaili is determined to build a good life. She works hard at being a housekeeper and harder still at avoiding men who want to take advantage of her. But she’s irresistibly drawn to the new clan chief, even though he’s made it plain he doesn’t want to be shackled to anyone.
And the young laird has more than romance on his mind. His investigations are stirring up an enemy. Someone who will stop at nothing to get what he wants – including Marsaili – even if that means destroying Brice’s life forever …
Sequel to Trade Winds
Find out more and purchase in the kindle store: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Highland-Storms-Choc-Lit-ebook/dp/B00629ZK0I
Turning the Tide
Christine Stovell
All’s fair in love and war?
Depends on who’s making the rules.
Harry Watling has spent the past five years keeping her father’s boat yard afloat, despite its dying clientele. Now all she wants to do is enjoy the peace and quiet of her sleepy backwater.
So when property developer Matthew Corrigan wants to turn the boat yard into an upmarket housing complex for his exotic new restaurant, it’s like declaring war.
And the odds seem to be stacked in Matthew’s favour. He’s got the colourful locals on board, his hard-to-please girlfriend is warming to the idea and he has the means to force Harry’s hand.
Meanwhile, Harry has to fight not just his plans but also her feelings for the man himself.
Then a family secret from the past creates heartbreak for Harry, and neither of them is prepared for what happens next …
Find out more and purchase in the kindle store: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-The-Tide-ebook/dp/B003Y8XQOC
Love & Freedom
Sue Moorcroft
Short-listed for the Festival of Romance Award for Best Romantic Read 2011.
New start, new love.
That’s what Honor Sontag needs after her life falls apart, leaving her reputation in tatters and her head all over the place. So she flees her native America and heads for Brighton, England.
Honor’s hoping for a much-deserved break and the chance to find the mother who abandoned her as a baby. What she gets is an entanglement with a mysterious male whose family seems to have a finger in every pot in town.
Martyn Mayfair has sworn off women with strings attached, but is irresistibly drawn to Honor, the American who keeps popping up in his life. All he wants is an uncomplicated relationship built on honesty, but Honor’s past threatens to undermine everything. When secrets about her mother start to spill out ...
Honor has to make an agonising choice. Will she live up to her dutiful name and please others? Or will she choose freedom?
Find out more and purchase in the kindle store: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Freedom-ebook/dp/B00564A0RS
Please Don’t Stop the Music
Jane Lovering
Winner of the RONA Best Novel of the Year 2012
Winner of the RONA Best Romantic Comedy of the Year 2012
How much can you hide?
Jemima Hutton is determined to build a successful new life and keep her past a dark secret. Trouble is, her jewellery business looks set to fail – until enigmatic Ben Davies offers to stock her handmade belt buckles in his guitar shop and things start looking up, on all fronts.
But Ben has secrets too. When Jemima finds out he used to be the front man of hugely successful Indie rock band Willow Down, she wants to know more. Why did he desert the band on their US tour? Why is he now a semi-recluse?
And the curiosity is mutual – which means that her own secret is no longer safe ...
Find out more and purchase in the kindle store: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Please-Dont-Stop-Music-ebook/dp/B004LROOFK
Kate Johnson
Shortlisted for the RONA Best Contemporary Novel 2012
The portal to an alternate world was the start of all her troubles– or was it?
When Eve Carpenter lands with a splash in the Thames, it’s not the London or England she’s used to. No one has a telephone or knows what a computer is. England’s a third world country and Princess Di is still alive. But worst of all, everyone thinks Eve’s a spy.
Including Major Harker who has his own problems. His sworn enemy is looking for a promotion. The general wants him to undertake some ridiculous mission to capture a computer, which Harker vaguely envisions running wild somewhere in Yorkshire. Turns out the best person to help him is Eve.
She claims to be a popstar. Harker doesn’t know what a popstar is, although he suspects it’s a fancy foreign word for ‘spy’. Eve knows all about computers, and electricity. Eve is dangerous. There’s every possibility she’s mad.
And Harker is falling in love with her.
Find out more and purchase in the kindle store: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-UnTied-Kingdom-ebook/dp/B004URV5SA
Never Coming Home
Evonne Wareham
Winner of the 2012 Joan Hessayon New Writers Award
All she has left is hope
When Kaz Elmore is told her five-year-old daughter Jamie has died in a car crash, she struggles to accept that she’ll never see her little girl again. Then a stranger comes into her life offering the most dangerous substance in the world: hope.
Devlin, security consultant and witness to the terrible accident scene, inadvertently reveals that Kaz’s daughter might not have been the girl in the car after all.
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