Stormy Relationship

by Margaret Mayo

  Mrs Quest swallowed hard, visibly fighting an inner battle, presumably realising that if she opposed this marriage she would lose her son; perhaps for ever. ‘In that case,’ her thin lips compressed, ‘I’ll say nothing more.’

  Jordan inclined his head, but remained tense, and it was left to his father to step into the breach and offer them all a glass of sherry.

  It was still a very difficult day, and Hannah was glad when Jordan suggested they leave. His mother had done her best to make amends, but it was still clear she favoured the blonde girl, and it became obvious to Hannah during the course of the conversation that Riva had played a much larger part in Jordan’s life than she had suspected.

  For Jordan’s sake she was civil to the older woman, pleasant even, but inside she was as cold as ice, and even in his car on their way back home she sat stiff and rigid, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.

  Daniel had been as good as gold. Jordan’s father had taken him out into the garden and Hannah had seen them laughing and talking together. With Mrs Quest, though, he was carefully polite, speaking only when spoken to, and Hannah knew he was afraid of her.

  ‘I’m sorry I put you through that,’ said Jordan, once they were in his car. ‘My mother has always held the notion that I should marry Riva.’

  ‘Perhaps you should,’ she whispered. ‘I obviously wasn’t in favour.’

  ‘It’s not my mother you’re marrying,’ he growled. ‘Don’t worry about her, she’ll come round.’

  ‘But why should she want you to marry Riva if you don’t love her?’ Hannah insisted, forgetting for a moment that he did not love her either.

  Jordan grimaced. ‘My mother didn’t marry for love either; she married my father for his money. I’ve had girls after me for that reason too,’ he added bitterly.

  ‘Is that why you scorn love so much? You think no one holds it in good esteem?’

  ‘From my experience not many people do,’ he replied cynically.

  ‘I’d never marry a man for his money,’ came her firm response.

  He glanced at her and gave a wry smile. ‘No, I don’t think you would, Hannah. You’re too straight and too honest. There aren’t many girls like you. Roger was a lucky man.’

  She wished she could tell him that she loved him.

  When he dropped her off at the flat and she trudged lip the stairs with Daniel she could not believe that tomorrow was going to be her wedding day. Apart from feeling drained after meeting his parents she felt scared, experiencing none of the excitement and happiness that had gone with her marriage to Roger. But this wasn’t a normal wedding,’ she must not forget that, though she could not help wondering why Jordan had chosen her instead of Riva. It didn’t make any sense when he was so fond of the other girl.

  He obviously viewed them both differently. Riva was good for one thing, she another. She had the intelligence and aptitude to help him with his work, Riva was the proverbial dizzy blonde that a lot of men seemed to prefer but never married, and it was clear to Hannah, no matter what he said, that Riva would continue to be his mistress. The thought hurt more than she expected.

  Hannah wore a cream suit and a tiny hat with a veil, and had never looked more beautiful―or so her mother said. Her parents had arrived late the night before and stayed in a small hotel, turning up at Hannah’s flat in time for her mother to help her get ready.

  ‘I’m so happy for you, Hannah,’ said her mother. ‘I despaired that you’d ever find yourself another man. lt’s a pity you didn’t bring Jordan up to meet us, but if you love him, then I’m sure we will.’

  Hannah could not help comparing her reaction to Mrs Quest’s and gave a tiny inward smile. ‘I do love him, Mummy, and so does Daniel.’

  The marriage ceremony was brief, Hannah nervous and feeling sick, Jordan handsome and smiling in silver-grey. He played the part perfectly. No one attending could guess that he did not love her. It even shone out of his eyes, though how he managed that Hannah did not know. Nevertheless it was the boost she needed to get her through the day.

  The small reception was held in his house on Hunter’s Hill. Their respective parents, Yvonne, Drew and Daniel, were the only people present, and Daniel looked very grownup in his first long-trousered suit. Hannah felt very proud of him.

  ‘Jordan’s perfect,’ said her mother when they managed to get a moment alone. ‘He’s everything I could ever have wished for you. He’ll look after you and Daniel, I know he will. I’m happy now.’

  Hannah had been a little apprehensive about Mrs Quest, but she behaved perfectly as well, even though her congratulations were not quite as warm as her own mother’s. ‘You must feel free to come and visit us whenever you like,’ she said, smiling insincerely. ‘Tell me, where are you going for your honeymoon?’

  Hannah felt a moment’s panic and turned to Jordan. He had surprised her by rarely leaving her side, and how thankful she was now.

  ‘We haven’t time for a honeymoon, Mother,’ he said smoothly. ‘There’s a lot of work to be done at Stowley Hall. We might manage one later in the year.’

  His mother frowned and looked as though she was about to say something else, but Jordan took Hannah’s arm and moved her swiftly away. ‘I think we ought to go now,’ he muttered.

  She nodded, glad to be leaving this mockery of a wedding, but jittery with nerves about being alone at Stowley Hall with Jordan. Her only salvation was Daniel. He was looking forward to moving and thought the whole affair extremely exciting.

  It was a tension-filled journey, every one of Hannah’s senses attuned to Jordan, unable to see what the future held, hoping only that she would not be too unhappy.

  Her first impression of Stowley Hall was one of awe. She had thought Jordan’s house on Hunter’s Hill was grand, but it was nothing compared to this. It was a three-storeyed moated manor dating back, he told her, to the sixteenth century. It was built of stone and brick with a partly castellated roof, and Daniel’s mouth fell open as he looked at it. ‘Wow! Is that where we’re going to live?’ he demanded.

  After turning off the road through a pair of wrought-iron gates with lanterns on either side they had followed a long drive which passed through dense woodland before crossing a balustraded stone bridge over the moat, ending in a sweep of gravel in front of the house.

  Even though Jordan’s aunt had not lived here for almost two years the windows still sparkled and there was no air of neglect, which somewhat surprised Hannah, and she said as much to Jordan.

  He grinned. ‘Mrs Savill, Aunt Kate’s housekeeper, is a whirlwind on two feet. She has amazing energy for a woman her age. You won’t find a speck of dust anywhere, even though she’s lived here alone since my aunt was taken into hospital. She doted on her and kept it in readiness for her return.’

  Hannah had been unaware that there was a housekeeper, but it was a relief―in more ways than one!

  Arched, studded oak doors led into the porch, and the main hall beyond must have been over twenty feet long, with oak-panelled walls and a geometrically patterned tiled floor. Mrs Savill came to greet them, a thin woman with a bird-like face and quick, nervous movements. Hannah was duly introduced, and the woman smiled warmly. ‘It’s good to have young people in the house again. Is this your son? It’s been many a year since there were children running around. It’ll be quite like old times. Your trunks arrived a short time ago, Mrs―er―Quest, and I’ve had them put upstairs. Supper will be ready at seven, Is there anything else you want?’

  ‘Not for now, thank you,’ answered Jordan, and when she had gone he said to Hannah, ‘Would you like to have a look around, or freshen up first?’

  ‘I’ll look around,’ said Hannah, wanting to see all of this wonderful place.

  ‘Can I go outside?’ asked Daniel.

  ‘So long as you don’t dirty your new suit,’ she agreed.

  As they wandered from room to room Hannah got the impression of immense wealth and a house far too big for anyone single person to live in. It was at th
e very least a family home, one where entertaining took place on a large scale. The diningroom table seated twelve people comfortably, there was also a sitting-room and drawing-room, as well as a library and billiard-room where Daniel would be in his element―if he were allowed to use it! Hannah could not imagine what Aunt Kate had done with a billiard-table. Leading from a halt at the tear of the house was the kitchen and breakfast-room, a utility-and ironingroom ,a gun-room, a boot-room, a cloakroom. And upstairs was even more impressive still, with nine bedrooms on the first floor, six of them with en-suite bathrooms. It was all too much for Hannah to take in.

  Her suitcases were piled neatly in the centre of one of the rooms, a large room with a draped four-poster bed and tall windows with cream and rose curtains to match.

  Jordan paused only briefly before leading her up another staircase to the second floor, where there were yet a further nine bedrooms. ‘These were the staff quarters when the house was built,’ he told her.

  Hannah was overawed. ‘It’s too large,’ she said, ‘for you, or Drew, or anyone. It ought to be turned into a country hotel or a conference centre or something.’

  He frowned harshly. ‘Not you as well? My aunt has been approached many times by would-be developers, but she flatly refused to let it go out of the family, and I agree with her. The next thing, tenants would be turned out of their cottages and the whole estate would be one big commercial development. It would be disastrous. Some of the tenants have lived here all their lives; it’s not fair that they should be disrupted. My brother doesn’t agree with it, of course, that’s why Aunt Kate put into her will the stipulation that he couldn’t sell.’

  ‘But the maintenance, the upkeep―it’s ridiculous!’ she protested. ‘What did she expect Drew to do with it?’

  Jordan smiled. ‘Get married and raise a large family, I imagine. Run the estate as it’s been run for generations. He would in effect be a gentleman farmer. Some of the land is let for sheep and cattle grazing, crops are grown. There are paddocks, a three-mile gallop, and an excellent shoot. Stop worrying your pretty head about such things. Come, let’s take a look at the cellars.’

  ‘I can’t understand why she left it to Drew and not to you,’ Hannah said with a frown. ‘Surely you’re the obvious one to take over?’

  ‘But I have my own business, Drew has nothing. She talked it over with me, I knew exactly what was in her will.’

  ‘Didn’t she leave you anything?’ she asked.

  He smiled. ‘Some priceless paintings to add to my collection. Don’t worry, she treated us both equally.’

  Hannah was not prepared for the extent and size of the cellars, carefully converted to form a small dance hall, a discotheque, bars, and well-stocked wine cellars. ‘Your aunt entertained a lot?’ she asked in disbelief.

  ‘In her younger days, yes. She not only invited her own tenants, but villagers as well. She was a well liked and respected woman.’

  ‘I’m beginning to see that.’

  ‘It was a pity she never married,’ Jordan went on. ‘Her fiance was killed in the First World War, but she never stopped loving him and never wanted any other man. It made her lonely in her old age, though. She discovered you can’t live on memories for ever. You’d be as well to remember that, Hannah.’

  She looked at him sharply. ‘I understand how she felt.’

  ‘And you’ll never love any other man either,’ he grunted impatiently. ‘Is that what you’re saying? It’s a pity you nevermet myaunt, you’d have a lot in common. But you’re mine now, Hannah, don’t ever forget that.’ He was standing behind her, and there was a determined toughness to his voice as he slid his hands about her waist and pulled her roughly against the rock-hardness of his body.

  It was quiet here in the cellars, cool but not cold, an atmosphere totally different from anywhere else, a place where the strain of the day could be forgotten. Hannah felt her senses surge, and she made no protest when his mouth sought the soft skin behind her ears, allowing herself instead the drugging pleasure of his caress.

  Jordan created different and exciting feelings, feelings never experienced with Roger, even though there had been nothing wrong with their sex life―or so she had thought! She had been completely satisfied, had never realised that there was anything missing―until now! It was a startling discovery.

  Could Jordan offer her something Roger never had? A peak of perfection not dreamt of? The intensity of emotion that raged in her each time he kissed her far exceeded anything she had previously encountered. She wanted to fight it, to resist it, knowing it was still far too soon to give herself like this to another man. But she did not struggle when he turned her in his arms, when he kissed her eyelids, the tip of her nose, the corners of her mouth; softly, oh, so softly, until she felt her insides begin to melt. Her head fell back as his mouth moved to her throat and neck, and fire ran like quicksilver through her veins.

  His kisses changed gradually from gentle pleasure to urgent need, and still Hannah did not stop him. He murmured her name against her mouth, deep, emotional hunger in his voice. He moved his hand to cup her breast, feeling the hardness of her nipple, her arousal all too evident. The buttons on her new silk blouse came easily undone.

  ‘Jordan, I think…’

  But there was no stopping him. Her breasts were eased out of their cream lace bra, supported instead by his hands, a thumb stroking, fingers squeezing. Hannah felt mindless with pleasure, but she had to stop him. It was imperative. Before she knew it they would end up in bed and he would be using her body to gratify his own needs. She did not want that. She wanted him to take her only in love. ‘Jordan, please…’ she began.

  ‘Hannah, don’t stop me now, don’t fight me,’ he groaned.

  ‘But I’m not ready for anything like this yet,’ she protested throatily.

  His breath came out in a savage hiss. ‘So you keep telling me, so you keep telling yourself, but it’s not true. Your time of mourning has come to an end. You’re my wife now, and I expect— ‘

  ‘Jordan, you promised!’ Her eyes were luminous and wide and faintly apprehensive.

  ‘I know what I promised, but I didn’t realize how hard it would be,’ he snarled. ‘Hell, Hannah, you’re my wife, and I want you. And you want me too, so don’t try to deny it!’ Flames of anger glittered in his eyes.

  Hannah had known his patience would not last long, but she had never suspected he would want to consummate their marriage within a few hours. ‘I can’t give myself without love,’ she whispered miserably, at the same time knowing his love would never be forthcoming.

  ‘Love!’ he jeered, thrusting her away from him. ‘What is this word “love” that you keep bandying around? What is this stupid romantic notion? It means nothing. All marriage needs is mutual respect, a chemical attraction, and compatibility, and I think we have all three. I don’t see what your problem is. No, that’s wrong.’ He pushed his face up to hers. ‘I do know your problem: it’s Roger. But, hell, Hannah, I refuse to have him come between us. I respect your affection for him, but he’s a part of your past, I’m your present and your future, and I need you.’

  He needed her! That was it in a nutshell. He needed her, but he didn’t love her. Hannah swallowed her disappointment and turned away from him, rubbing her arms. ‘It’s cold down here, let’s go back up.’

  ‘Yes, let’s go,’ he sneered, ‘let’s run away. But you can’t hold me at arm’s length for ever. Don’t for a moment think that.’

  At the top of the stairs they parted company, Hannah going outside, ostensibly to look for Daniel, in truth needing to get away from Jordan for a few minutes. She felt he was suffocating her, he wasn’t giving her time to come to terms with the fact that she was no longer a single woman; he wanted more from her than she was prepared to give.

  Daniel was nowhere in sight, but Hannah wasn’t unduly worried. The estate was vast; he was probably having the time of his life. She stood a moment surveying the neatly clipped lawns and the moat surrounding
the Hall. The still water reflected clearly trees and bushes on the opposite side, and beyond were endless fields where cattle grazed. It was a heavenly spot, so peaceful, so beautiful. She did not want to go back inside. She did not want to face further torment.

  But eventually she turned and made her way upstairs. She would shower and change and put away their clothes and Daniel’s toys. With a bit of luck she could make the job last until supper.

  To her amazement Jordan was in her room. He had changed out of his suit and wore a beige open-necked shirt with toning trousers. Her suitcases were open, clothes piled on the bed, some of them already put away in wardrobes and drawers. ‘What are you doing?’ she gasped.

  His smile was one of satisfaction. ‘Helping my wife.’

  ‘To do what?’ she frowned. ‘This is my room, those are my clothes.’ She snatched a pair of pink lacy briefs out of his hand. ‘Get out! I’ll do the unpacking myself, thank you very much.’