She was totally caught up in his excitement now. “It’s a marvellous idea, but it’s also a bit scary.”
“Why? Because you’d have to pose in different locations with the products? You needn’t let that scare you, since I would be still be the photographer.”
“Different locations?” she echoed.
“Well, obviously. We could hardly wheel the new cars into the studio to do it, could we? And any manufacturer who commissioned us would have their own ideas about portraying their products to their best advantage.”
It was all starting to get far too technical for Kate. She could feel the panic inside her gut now. She had a sudden urge to tell Luke that she couldn’t do any of this. That she was just a simple soul, a country girl, who couldn’t cope with all this talk of big business and commissions. And if she did that, she knew she would be dashing his dreams.
“So what do we do next?” she asked huskily.
Kate found it hard to sleep that night, even though Luke had told her to sleep on it and think how rich they were going to be. She crossed her fingers, thinking about that. He had already set up appointments for next week, which he was sure was going to bring them luck. She was glad of the breathing space and, as if aware of how momentous all this was for her, Luke restrained himself from mentioning it any more than was necessary. Even though it was on his mind night and day, almost as much as Kate Sullivan was herself. It wasn’t until New Year’s Eve, when they joined the entire Jubilee Terrace household in the festivities in Trafalgar Square, that he mentioned it seriously again.
As the chimes of Big Ben roared out into the night and the cheering of the crowds followed, Luke pulled Kate into his arms and kissed her long and hard.
“Here’s to us, Katie, and to our success in all our future ventures. That’s one of my dearest wishes for 1926.”
“Only one of them?” she said, knowing she shouldn’t ask, but being swept up in the magic of this night along with everyone else.
“I think you know the other one,” he said, seconds before Doris and Faye dragged him away from Kate and plastered him with New Year kisses.
And since the flamboyant Thomas Lord Tannersley was bearing down on her now, after enveloping Mrs Wood in a bear-hug, Kate had no option but to be soundly kissed by him too.
On Monday, January the fourth, Kate went to work. She and Luke were taking the portfolio to a printer in the city who had already shown interest in Luke’s proposals. Then they would drive out of London to visit the car manufacturers, and then maybe onto other companies.
What Luke didn’t want, was any delay in getting all parties interested in his ideas at the same time, and Kate could see the sense in that. But she was very nervous as they arrived at the big printing works north of the river for the appointment with Mr Ronald Clarke.
The girl in the small outer office showed them into a much plusher one, and brought them tea. The smell of paper and printing ink wafted up from the large printing works alongside, and Kate was so nervous by then, she prayed they wouldn’t be kept waiting. When the owner came in, she was relieved to see a big, bluff man who seemed to have a permanent smile on his face.
“Good morning to you both,” he said. “I’m Ronald Clarke, and you are Mr Luke Halliday, and…?”
“This is my assistant and model, Miss Kate Sullivan,” Luke said for her.
“Charmed,” Clarke said. “I see you’ve been given tea, so shall we get down to business right away, Mr Halliday?”
He nodded towards the portfolio, still smiling as if he’d made some witticism. Kate wondered if he took anything seriously, but presumably he did, if the size of his organisation was anything to go by. Luke put the portfolio on the desk and opened it at the original postcard samples.
For a few moments she felt hugely embarrassed at seeing so many of her photos displayed like this to a stranger, but she would have to get used to it if her picture was to be on postcard stands in hundreds of newsagents. It was a frightening thought, but Ronald Clarke was quickly becoming businesslike now; the geniality simply a façade. Where business was concerned, she could tell he wouldn’t suffer fools or time wasters.
“These are very good, and the little lady does you credit, Mr Halliday. And I agree that it could be a good proposition, providing the British public are prepared to buy postcards of the glamour variety as I understand the Americans are. That’s the only thing I have reservations about.”
Kate felt her heart sink. Luke had been so sure about this, and she wanted his success so much. But he wasn’t prepared to be put off easily.
“I understand perfectly, Mr Clarke, but an American friend has sent me some advertising postcards that I think might interest you. I’ve prepared some samples of what could be achieved in conjunction with various British manufacturers, and I’d like you to take a look at them.”
He opened the further pages of the portfolio, where the superimposed advertising samples were mounted, and Clarke studied them in silence for a good few minutes. He nodded slowly.
“I think we may have something here, my dear sir,” he said. “Have you contacted any specific firms yet?”
“I have my first appointment with Wesley’s Motors today, but I wanted to get your approval as to printing.”
Clarke’s hand shot out across the desk.
“And you have it, sir! I’m more than willing to do a small print run of the little lady’s pictures alone, but you’ve obviously already seen the potential of combining the sight of a pretty girl and advertising. If you can get the backing of whatever firms you have in mind, then I’d say we could be in business on a large scale. You have my card, and I’ll wait to hear from you as soon as possible.”
They left the printing firm, walking on air, having promised to telephone Ronald Clarke the minute there was a chance of a meeting between all parties concerned.
“We’re made, Katie!” Luke said jubilantly. Then he caught sight of her pale face as they went out into the cold January morning. Every breath they took sent a small cloud of vapour into the air. “Are you all right?”
“I think so, though everything seems to be happening so fast now, it makes my head spin.”
“Well, just hold on to your head until we’ve got everything signed, sealed and settled. And then you and I are going to celebrate tonight by sinking a bottle of champagne – or maybe two.”
“Good Lord, how extravagant!” Kate said, laughing, knowing that champagne would really make her head spin.
“You’d better get used to it, Katie. From now on, I can see us living the high life,” he said, opening the door of the Bentley for her with an elaborate flourish.
She couldn’t hide her smile at that. Kate Sullivan, living the high life, indeed, and drinking champagne for a pastime! It was a far cry from a country girl scraping a pittance of a wage packet at Granby’s Garments.
By the end of the afternoon, Luke was more jubilant than she had ever seen him. They had driven to the address in Hertfordshire where Luke had an appointment with a progressive motor manufacturer by the unlikely name of Theodore Wesley. From the size of the place, and the gilt lettering announcing Wesley’s Motors, it was clearly a growing concern.
Wesley himself was a dapper, cigar-smoking man in his late sixties. Luke went through the portfolio samples again, explaining his ideas, and Wesley wasn’t slow in showing his interest, frequently nodding and glancing at Kate, and repeating that he knew a potential money spinner when he saw one. Finally, he gave the desk a decisive slap.
“You’ve got a good business head on your shoulders, young man. If everyone concerned is in agreement regarding financial and contractual terms, I’d be more than happy to set up a trial run for the postcards with Miss Sullivan draping herself prettily over the bonnet of my motors.”
She wasn’t sure she cared for the way he described it, but as the two men continued to discuss the project, she realised how carefully Luke had thought it all through during the Christmas holidays. Wesley listened attent
ively.
“Subject to your approval, sir, I suggest that Kate poses in a variety of outfits, which would go on sale according to the season, although they could all be photographed now,” Luke said. “For example, for this time of year, a fur-collared coat and smart cloche hat would attract winter sales. In the spring and summer the poses could be more carefree with light summer frocks, especially for your sporting cars. Then there’s more glittery evening wear, which would attract the more discerning and wealthier clients.”
“Say no more, boy,” Wesley said. “You’ve put up an excellent case for business, so get back to your printer and let’s all get together as soon as possible. We won’t want to waste time and let other competitors get hold of a similar idea.”
“My feelings exactly, Mr Wesley,” Luke said, hardly able to believe his luck at finding such a kindered spirit.
“My business associates and board of directors will obviously need to be consulted,” Wesley went on, “but I’d say we’re all onto a winner, thanks to this little lady’s pretty face. Now then, if you want to use the phone to get back to your printer, feel free to use the office while I show Miss Sullivan some of the models she’ll be getting to know.”
Kate looked startled for a moment, then realised he was referring to his motor cars, and not models of the human variety. She went outside with him, glad to breathe fresh air after the staleness of the cigar-filled office as they walked towards the huge doors of the manufactory.
“Are you and and Mr Halliday closely connected, girlie?” Wesley said, eyeing her gloved hand and detecting no tell-tale bulge from a ring.
“We’re just business colleagues,” Kate said, thinking how grand it sounded.
“Ah. Then if you’re unattached, perhaps you’d do me the honour of having dinner with me one evening very soon,” Wesley said smoothly.
At once, Kate wished she had said she and Luke were closer than colleagues. It wasn’t too late. She gave a small, rueful laugh, as if needing to cover her mistake, and felt her cheeks colour.
“Oh dear, I’m afraid I’ve given you the wrong impression, Mr Wesley. Mr Halliday and I are in business professionally, but we also have a more personal relationship.”
“I see. Oh well, you can’t blame an old roué for trying, can you?” he said, chuckling quite blatantly.
Kate laughed back, thankful that he hadn’t taken offence at being rebuffed. Though what her father would have said if he’d heard a man of Wesley’s age asking to take her out to dinner, she didn’t care to think. Especially one who referred to himself as an old roué! Young girls who accepted dinner invitations from wealthy, cigar-smoking gentlemen of advancing years would definitely be branded as scarlet women in Brogan Sullivan’s eyes.
But no thoughts of home or anything else could dampen the way her spirits soared now, as Wesley showed her around what looked like hundreds of motor cars in various stages of production. The noise from the machinery inside the plant was deafening, but at least it prevented the necessity of having to talk too much as Wesley pointed out the different models of cars. It was clear to see his love for his machines, and she warmed to his enthusiasm.
When they went outside, it was to see Luke coming towards them, a broad grin on his face.
“Can we fix a meeting for the end of this week, sir? Ronald Clarke suggests this Friday afternoon, but he’s willing to fall in with whatever arrangements you prefer.”
“Friday will suit very well, and the meeting will take place in the boardroom here, naturally, so shall we say two o’clock sharp?”
He still spoke pleasantly, but Kate could sense the subtle change in his manner. He was at once the businessman, taking control; holding the reins of power and dictating the terms. It didn’t matter, and she was sure Luke would feel the same, just as long as they were going to be set up in the business they had set their hearts on.
“I’ll inform Mr Clarke as soon as I get back to my studio,” Luke said.
“Then we will all meet again on Friday afternoon. I guess you won’t want to leave your portfolio here until then?”
“You guess correctly,” Luke said, with a firm smile. “It belongs at my studio until we have a firm contract. I’m sure you understand.”
“Just testing that you’ve got your head screwed on the right way, boy, that’s all. Until Friday then – and you be sure to bring Miss Sullivan along. The board will want to see what an asset we have in her in selling our product.”
For the first time, Kate began to feel less than pleased. She pulled the car door shut behind her, and sat with folded arms as Luke backed it out of the company car park.
“He made me feel cheap with that remark!” she said explosively. “What does he expect me to do – parade up and down on the boardroom table for them all to ogle me?”
“Calm down, Kate! It’s just his way, and he didn’t mean anything by it. He wasn’t flirting with you.”
“No? He’s already asked me out to dinner!”
Luke had started up the engine, and now he turned it off again. “You didn’t accept, did you?”
“Would it bother you if I had?”
“Yes, it bloody well would. Kate—”
“Don’t worry, I didn’t accept,” she said, shaken at his vehemence. “I had to tell a white lie, though. I said we had a more personal relationship than just a professional one, and that put him off.”
Seeing her flaming cheeks, Luke laughed out loud, his good humour restored. He put an arm around her and kissed her.
“Well, we both know I’d like it to be the truth, don’t we? And if you want to impress on the old boy that we’re more than friends, you’d better smile, Kate, since he’s watching us from his office window.”
For Kate, it wasn’t in the least difficult to pretend they were more than friends for Wesley’s benefit, since it was what she also would dearly love to be. But she smothered such thoughts, knowing that a professional relationship was going to be far easier on her nerves.
It was late in the afternoon when they got back to Jubilee Terrace, where Luke waited for Kate to change her clothes for something suitable for dining out.
“We’re celebrating a special deal with a client,” was all that Luke would tell the landlady.
“Is it royalty?” Mrs Wood said eagerly. “I bet it is!”
Luke laughed. “No, it’s not, so you can put your tiara back in the closet, my old dear. But we’re both feeling chipper about it, and we’re celebrating with champagne, so Kate might very well be back late tonight.”
“She has her own key, and she’s over twenty-one, and I know she’s safe with you, Lukey,” Mrs Wood said complacently.
Once they arrived at Luke’s apartment for him to change his own clothes, he brought out a bottle of champagne and poured them each a glass.
“Here’s to us, Kate. And you know my feelings on what I told Mrs Wood, don’t you? If I had my way, you wouldn’t be returning to Jubilee Terrace at all tonight.”
Despite her determination not to let this evening get out of hand, Kate felt a wild thrill run through her veins. She didn’t doubt what he meant, and they were both already so high on excitement she knew they hardly needed the added potency of champagne. She also knew very well that the mood they were both in was heady – and dangerous.
“And you know that no matter what Mrs Wood said, Luke, she’ll be noting the time I get back, and you wouldn’t want my reputation to be in shreds, would you?” she said, as lightly as she could.
“No. I just want to make love to you,” he said.
Kate drew in her breath. She knew that the sooner they left the apartment for a restaurant where there were plenty of other people, the better it would be for her peace of mind.
“Please don’t say that,” she said in a low voice.
He tipped up her chin, forcing her to look at him.
“Is it so very abhorrent to you, Kate? Or do you really think you can go through the rest of your life without love?”
“I d
on’t think any such thing!”
“Then why won’t you let me love you?”
She shook her head, taking fright at once as his voice became far too demanding for comfort.
Luke took the champagne glass from her hand and drew her into his arms. At the look in his eyes, her heart began to beat so erratically she thought she might faint.
“You’re wrong if you think all men are the same, Katie,” he said gently. “Haven’t I proved to you all these months that what happened to you in the past has nothing at all to do with the present or the future?”
She bit her lip. No matter what he said so unwittingly, Kate knew the past had so very much to do with her future. Walter had seen to that.
“You’ve been a real friend to me,” she said unsteadily. “And that’s what I hope you’ll continue to be. Now that we’ve got this exciting business future ahead of us, it would be a shame to complicate it with something else, wouldn’t it?”
He looked at her without speaking for a minute. “Are you trying to tell me you’re as ambitious for the good life as Doris and Faye, all of a sudden? If so, it just won’t wash.”
“Why shouldn’t I be?” she said, seizing the chance to turn the conversation. “I’m no different from any other girl in wanting nice things for myself.”
“Funny, but that’s just what I always did think you were, Kate. Different, I mean. It’s what attracted me to you in the first place. I can’t believe you’ve changed that much.”
“But you don’t really know me, do you?” she said, feeling ominously close to tears now. “You only see what you want to see in me, and I’m not a saint, Luke.”
It was the nearest she could come to saying what a sinner she really felt she was.
“You’re everything I ever wanted,” he said simply. “But since it’s obvious that you still don’t want me in the same way, then we’ll concentrate on establishing our new working arrangement and making our fortune. But I won’t wait for ever, Kate. When the anniversary of our first meeting comes around, I’ll be asking you the same question again.”
He disappeared into his bedroom to change, while Kate stood looking dumbly at the closed door between them.
A Different Kind of Love Page 22
