Deceit of Angels

by Julia Bell

  “I’ve decided I want to start divorce proceedings as soon as possible. Did you speak with your solicitor?” asked Anna, taking the handkerchief from him to continue the cleanup.

  “Yes, I did. And I’ve made an appointment for you.”

  Anna grinned as she suddenly remembered. “Oh, Jason, you should have heard Ben and Mrs Wilby. They were fantastic. They supported me all the way.”

  He nodded. “I would have expected that of them.”

  “But did you know that Ben was once married? And he just up and left his wife one day, without telling anyone?” She giggled as his expression showed utter surprise.

  “He never talked about his family. I assumed he had none,” he said.

  Anna clicked her tongue. “And there’s me thinking you know everything.”

  “Obviously not,” he laughed. “But one thing I do know, we must get you indoors before you catch cold.”

  Tess agreed and began to bark loudly reminding them that the rain had started again.

  Once inside, Anna spent nearly thirty minutes in the bathroom trying to wash away the mud and dirt that clung to her so relentlessly. She washed her hair three times until she felt it was absolutely clean and then changed into fresh clothes. She was ready just in time for lunch and ran downstairs to join Jason and the others in the dining room. She would face Margaret and deal with the situation, she thought ruefully, it was just a question of making her understand.

  While Anna had been tidying herself, Jason had taken Tess down to the kitchen and given her something to eat. Then he went straight to his room to freshen up for lunch. He had neither the desire nor the patience to confront his mother on the matter of his future plans concerning Anna. She could not be blamed for making the wrong choice in the man she had married. Jason knew that his mind was set and he loved Anna with all his heart. She was all he wanted and no one was going to take her away from him.

  “And Deborah is buying up more shares in your company? What’s the implication of that?” asked Anna.

  Jason nodded. “Only that she’s now a shareholder and will attend meetings. I can’t see there being a problem except that I really don’t want her involved in any aspect of my life, either personal or professional.”

  They were in the parlour alone, since Ben and Mrs Wilby had gone to visit a mutual friend in Wedmore and Margaret had taken herself off to the study once more. Thankfully lunch had not been as tense as Anna had feared and in fact, everyone had kept up a happy banter during the meal. Margaret had tried to join in with the conversation, but often she would become unusually quiet. Sometimes Anna would catch her eye and knew she was being assessed.

  Now sitting on the couch with Jason, Anna felt that her troubles were coming to an end, except for the problem with Margaret.

  “What are you going to say to your mum?” asked Anna quietly.

  He answered sharply. “Nothing! Absolutely nothing!” Seeing Anna’s expression he smiled and took her hand. “I’m sorry that I’m cross with her when you asked me not to be. But I’m a grown man and I don’t need my mother to make my decisions for me.”

  “I know and I understand. I just wish everything was settled and there wasn’t all this uneasiness. I never meant for this to happen and I do so want her to like me again.”

  He kissed her hand. “You really worry about what people will think, don’t you?”

  “I guess I’ve always been that way.” She wrinkled her nose. “My mum is exactly the same. She believes it’s undignified to call attention to yourself and has strong opinions about ‘making your bed and lying on it’. Hence the reason for hurrying me into marriage when I fell pregnant.”

  He looked down at her fingers, devoid of her wedding ring. “When are you going to tell your family about us? Why don’t you call them now,” he nodded towards the phone in the corner of the room, “and ask them to come down for a visit so I can meet them.”

  Anna couldn’t hide her excitement. “I was thinking that myself. It would be wonderful, but could they stay? Is there room at Bishop Sutton?”

  “We’ll put them up in a hotel in Bristol. That can be sorted out when we know the dates they can come down.”

  She licked her lips, her eyes shining. “Perhaps they could come for just a weekend. It will give me a chance to talk to them and tell them what we’re doing.”

  “Then do it.” He smiled at her enthusiasm.

  “Oh, Jason, I can’t believe you’re going to meet my boys.” It was as if the floodgates had opened and the torrent could not be held back. Jason understood this and let her continue, smiling as she babbled on. “And then of course there’s the rest of the family. Greg, my stepfather. We never thought Mum would marry again after Dad died, but suddenly Greg walked into her life and he’s wonderful. He’s had his own printing business for the last twenty years, so he knows what it’s like to chase contracts. And then there’s my little sister, Elaine and her husband, Terry. They’ve never had children which is so odd in a way, because Elaine is a midwife but I guess she’s been too busy bringing kids into the world to have any of her own…” And then she ran out of breath and started laughing. “Oh goodness, where did all that come from!”

  Jason began to laugh with her and pulled her close. “I hope from happiness. And as for meeting your family, I can’t wait!” After a few moments he whispered, “I have a little gift for you.”

  She looked at him in surprise. “Another birthday present?”

  “Not exactly.”

  He pulled a small box from his pocket and opened it. Inside was a ring, set with three diamonds mounted in gold, the middle diamond slightly larger than the ones on either side of it.

  “Oh Jason, it’s beautiful,” she gasped.

  “You said that when you took off your wedding ring, you would wear my ring. I’m holding you to that promise.”

  She held out her left hand and he slipped it on her third finger. “It fits perfectly! How on earth did you know?”

  He grinned mischievously. “Actually, I cheated.” He opened his hand and lying in the palm was her wedding band. “I found this in the sink when I handed you a towel this morning. I thought it would come in handy to get the right size.”

  “I threw it across the bathroom in a fit of temper! I thought it had gone in the sink, but when I looked for it, I couldn’t find it. And you had it all the time!”

  “Do you want it back?”

  Anna hesitated, her mind spinning. “No, you keep it. This one is much better.”

  “You really like it?” he asked, putting her wedding ring back in his pocket.

  “It’s absolutely gorgeous. I’ve never had an engagement ring.”

  “So, you and Dave never got engaged?”

  “Didn’t seem worth it. Anyway, we needed the money for baby things.” She gave a sad smile.

  “I think the sooner you end this marriage of yours the better. Then we’ll be able to make our own plans.”

  Suddenly she remembered her thoughts when she was taking Tess for a walk. “I’m hoping Dave will let me divorce him on grounds of his adultery. It only seems fair.”

  “Well, let’s hope he plays fair.”

  His comment made her frown. “Do you think he won’t?”

  He blinked hard, realising he shouldn’t have put doubts into her mind. “I don’t know him well enough, sweetheart. What I’m saying is that it’s a dirty business and emotions can be raw. But if he’s sensible then he’ll see that it’s better all round for your marriage to end.”

  Anna snuggled against his shoulder, trying to hide her worried expression. Her hopes for a straightforward divorce were suddenly dashed, as Jason, despite not knowing her husband, had been more than astute. Dave would give her a hard time and she would need all her strength and courage to fight him.

  CHAPTER TEN

  They were on the eighteenth green and Anna was preparing herself for a long putt that would win her the game. The putt was about four metres but she had played far longer ones with
great success. She steadied her balance, took careful aim and then tapped the ball sharply. They watched as the ball sped across the grass and then dropped with a satisfying clunk into the hole.

  Jason gave a groan. “You win again!” he said.

  “Only by a small margin,” she answered, trying to soften the blow.

  “Sweetheart, I gave everything I had and it still wasn’t enough. What am I to do just to draw with you?”

  Anna couldn’t help grinning as they collected up their bags and started for the clubhouse. She was relieved he was a good loser. Her husband wouldn’t have been. Anna hadn’t yet contacted her sons about a visit, even though she had already had a text from them to say that they had returned from their holiday and had had a wonderful time. As excited as she had been about the idea, she had not found the courage to pick up the phone, so she had decided to delay the call until after they returned from their game of golf.

  “I’ll buy lunch, just to compensate,” she said.

  “I wouldn’t hear of it!”

  The restaurant at the clubhouse was very pleasant and they chose a table by the window so that they could watch the other players out on the course. The weather had turned truly remarkable and everyone around them seemed in high spirits now that the sun was out.

  “Hi Jason. I’m sorry to interrupt you, but I wondered if I could have a word with your friend.”

  They looked up to see a jovial young woman with short hair and a ruddy complexion.

  “Oh, Caroline, it’s nice to see you again. Let me introduce you to Anna Stevens, Anna this is Caroline Beaumont.”

  The two women shook hands and Caroline slipped into the seat next to Anna.

  “I won’t take up much of your time. It’s just that I’m the captain of the ladies team and I wondered if you’d like to join us in the next match?”

  “Me?” said Anna, feeling quite stunned.

  “I know this is short notice, but your reputation for being an outstanding golfer is already the talk of the club.”

  “I wouldn’t call myself outstanding!”

  Caroline winked at Jason. “She’s quite modest, isn’t she! The problem I’ve got is that we’re playing a phenomenal club in two weeks and unless I can find some better players, then we are going to get our arses kicked.”

  “Oh, I don’t know. I’m only a guest here.”

  “Well, that can be remedied,” suggested Jason, smiling broadly at the turn of event.

  “But we’re going back to Bishop Sutton on Sunday. And I’ll be too busy.”

  Caroline looked crestfallen. “Oh well, I can only ask. Our best player is Deborah Gilbert-Hines and she pales into insignificance compared to you. If you change your mind, ring the club and they’ll contact me.”

  She was gone in a moment, walking quickly through the restaurant and out into the foyer.

  “Well, fancy that! Being invited to join the ladies team,” said Anna, in great amusement.

  “You did say you were captain for the team in Wakefield. I think you should do it.” Anna shook her head. Jason continued his argument. “Not even to give Deborah a good thrashing?”

  Anna wagged her finger at him. “Now then, when you play in a team you play together. Personal rivalries should be put aside for the greater good. Those sorts of battles are better fought in the individual matches.”

  “Mmm,” said Jason into his wineglass. “Well, I’ll be in the front row!”

  It was mid-afternoon when they arrived back at the Grange and Anna decided to make the phone call to the twins. Jason thought this was a good time to tell his mother about his future plans with Anna and clear the air somewhat. He disappeared to the study, where Margaret seemed to be hiding herself these last few days.

  Anna walked into the parlour and finding it empty crossed the floor to the phone. Her hands shook as she lifted the receiver and dialled the number, her heart thudding as the phone rang at the other end, but no one answered. Finally, she decided to ring her sister.

  “Hello.” It was Elaine’s voice.

  “Hi, it’s me, Anna.”

  “Anna! How are you?”

  “I’m very, very well. How’s everyone there?”

  “We’re fine too, but missing you very much, especially the boys.”

  “That’s what I’m ringing about. I’ve called Mum, but there’s no answer.”

  “Ah, I remember now. They’ve all gone into Leeds to pick up books and some stuff for living in halls.”

  Guilt flooded through Anna. This was something she should have been helping them with. “Has their dad gone with them?”

  She heard Elaine give a chuckle. “Dave’s in Germany on business. The lads will be home soon, or why don’t you call them on their mobiles?”

  “I’d rather not speak to them while they’re on the move. I want them to come down for another visit, only this time for longer, perhaps for a weekend. If you and Mum come too, then you can stay in a hotel and we can have a chat about everything.”

  Elaine didn’t answer for a moment but finally said, “Are you really staying in Bristol? Aren’t you ever coming back here?”

  “Of course I’ll come back for a visit, but I won’t be living there again.”

  “Mum was saying how happy you seem now.”

  “Oh Elaine, I am. Very, very happy.”

  “It sounds like you’ve got a good job.” She paused before adding, “And what’s your plans regarding Dave?”

  Anna licked her lips before replying. “I’m going to ask Dave for a divorce.”

  She heard Elaine let out a huge breath. “We wondered about that. Well, I can’t say I’m surprised. I know what you’ve had to put up with.”

  “Thanks for your support. Once my marriage is over, I can move on with my life.”

  Anna heard someone enter the room and turned to look. Jason was hovering on the threshold not quite sure if he should intrude, but Anna beckoned for him to come in. He walked over to the drinks’ cabinet and poured himself a whisky.

  “So, what happens now Big Sister?”

  “Ask the boys to ring me and we’ll take it from there. I’ll give you this number, since I’m not at Bishop Sutton at the moment.” She gave the number of the Grange.

  “I’ll do that. I’m passing their door later ‘cos I’ve a patient round the corner. Talk about busy, all the Christmas babies are starting to arrive…If you know what I mean.”

  Anna gave a giggle. “I’ll talk to you later. Bye.” She put the phone down and ran over to Jason who was still standing by the cabinet nursing his drink.

  “How did it go?” he asked.

  “The lads were out, but it was lovely talking to Elaine. It’s a busy time of the year for her.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “I told you Jason, she’s a midwife and people get very careless at Christmas time.”

  He suddenly realised what she was talking about and gave a chuckle. “I can imagine. Now, what would you like to drink? Why don’t you try a vodka and orange?”

  “Are you trying to get me drunk! Because if you are…it will certainly work!”

  He made her the drink and passed the glass to her. “I’ve talked to Mother and told her that her attitude is out of order.”

  “Oh, Jason, you didn’t upset her did you?”

  “I really didn’t care if I did or not.”

  “But I don’t want her upset over me!”

  “Well, she insisted that she had to get it off her chest.”

  Anna began to feel faint and took a sip of her drink. “So, how does she feel about me?”

  “Well, she believes that you should have told me the truth right at the beginning, perhaps at your interview.”

  “But I wouldn’t have got the job.”

  “I told her that, but she thought that irrelevant.”

  Tears began to well up and she brushed them away with the back of her hand. “That interview seems such a long time ago now. So much as happened since then.”

  Jaso
n smiled. “That’s exactly what I said. I told her that I took you on as a personal assistant not as my future wife.”

  Anna put down her glass and wrapped her arms round his middle. He responded with a gentle embrace.

  “Perhaps she’s right. I should have told you the truth when we first met,” said Anna.

  “And where would you be now?”

  “Not with you that’s for sure.”

  “And still unhappy?”

  “Yes.” She swallowed the rest of her drink in one gulp.

  “Hey, steady on!” he said in alarm. “You’re not supposed to do that.”

  “I needed it!”

  “I feel as though I’m corrupting you,” he said, shaking his head.

  “I know. And it’s wonderful,” she giggled. The telephone rang and Anna gave a cry of delight.

  “It must be the boys!” Anna was overjoyed to hear from her sons and listened intently as she was told how they had enjoyed Ibiza, how brown they were and the girls they had met. Jason made himself comfortable with the newspaper, but after ten minutes, it had been agreed that a weekend visit would be arranged and they would ring back with details of how many people would come. By the time she put down the phone, she felt exhausted with the emotional stress and flopped onto the couch next to Jason. “I fancy another drink,” she said licking her lips.

  Jason stood and pulled the bell. “I’ll get Fran to bring up some tea.”

  “Spoilsport!”

  “Did someone mention tea?” said Margaret, suddenly appearing in the doorway.

  Anna felt a wave of apprehension pass through her, but was surprised to see Margaret smiling and looking more like her old self.

  “Yes, I’ve just called for Fran,” said Jason casually.

  Fran finally arrived with the tea and although Anna felt extremely uncomfortable in Margaret’s presence she tried to relax and appear at ease.

  “I need to talk to you two,” said Margaret, putting her cup down on the tray. Anna’s gaze turned to her, although she noticed that Jason wasn’t too happy about this and was staring intently at his mother, the muscles in his jaw tensing. “I hope you can both forgive a silly old woman who should have known better. Anna, I had no right to treat you the way I did.”