Deceit of Angels

by Julia Bell

  Anna felt stunned at such a confession, but it was Jason who answered. “It’s OK, Mother. Don’t worry about it.”

  Anna grimaced at his coldness and her heart went out to the elderly lady sitting opposite them. She stood and went to sit next to her.

  “It’s fine, really it is. Please don’t fret. Mothers will always worry about their children even when they’re big enough and ugly enough to look after themselves.”

  Jason looked startled. “Big and ugly! I beg your pardon!” But then he smiled and came to sit beside his mother.

  “I’ve just had a phone call from Sarah Orchard,” Margaret said awkwardly. “We’re trying to finalise my birthday trip to London and also she and the doctor are coming for dinner tomorrow evening. I hope you don’t mind Anna, my dear, but I needed to confide in her.”

  “Oh, for goodness sake…!” started Jason, but Anna felt the need to stop him.

  “No Jason, other people are going to find out sooner or later. What does it matter now.”

  Margaret took her hand. “You’re very understanding. However, Sarah has known me a long while and she decided to tell me a few home truths. Especially about the time I told your father, Jason, that I was…pregnant so that he would marry me.”

  Jason stared at his mother in astonishment. “You did what?”

  Margaret shrugged her shoulders. “It was during the war. I was only seventeen when we got engaged and we decided to get married when peace came and Tom came out of the Navy. But it seemed to be dragging on for years and I had the impatience of youth.”

  “So, you told him you were expecting a baby?” said Anna.

  “Yes, and he came home on leave and we married by special licence.”

  “But didn’t that cause a scandal in your family, expecting a baby before you were married? I thought girls in those days waited until they were wearing a wedding ring.”

  Margaret started laughing. “My dear, you won’t believe how many illegitimate births there were in those days. It was an unsure time, your man went off and you didn’t know if you’d see him again. People lived for the moment. Yes, there were a lot of war babies. So, we married in January 1945. Of course the war ended in the May. If I’d known, I would have waited. I was only eighteen.”

  Jason felt puzzled. “But didn’t he get suspicious when a baby didn’t arrive?”

  “I was going to tell him that I’d made a mistake, but then I fell pregnant on my wedding night. So, I was expecting a baby after all. And Tom, the poor love, never realised. It never occurred to him to count up the months.”

  “That’s because he trusted you,” said Anna sadly.

  “I know. And it was very wrong of me to deceive him like that.”

  Jason had remained quiet, counting up the years. “But that can’t have been me. I wasn’t born until 1956.”

  She patted his knee. “No, my dear. You came along eleven years later. I was nearly thirty before you arrived and by then we’d given up all hope of having another child. That’s why you were such a blessing.”

  “But what about your first baby?” His voice was hushed.

  “She would have been your big sister. She was stillborn. I carried her for nine months, but it all went wrong when I went into labour. I shouldn’t have been allowed to deliver her, you see. I’m too small to have a normal delivery and I nearly died too. I should have had a caesarean. That’s why you came into the world that way.”

  Jason’s face turned white, the revelation shaking him to the core. “You never told me anything of this.”

  His mother brushed away a silent tear. “There didn’t seem to be any point. I was going to call her Christina after your grandmother.” She turned her gaze towards the window, her thoughts distant. “It’s strange to think she would have been in her fifties by now and most probably with children and grandchildren. And I would have been a great-grandmother.” She turned to Anna. “So, you see, Anna. We are all capable of deception and I’m no different.”

  After Margaret had left, Anna and Jason sat quietly together.

  “I might have had a sister,” he whispered after a short while.

  She hugged him close. “Your mother was very brave to tell us.”

  “Christina. That’s a beautiful name.” He pulled Anna closer to him, holding back the tears.

  Nigel Barnes was very happy to take on Anna as his client and when she kept her appointment with him, he greeted her warmly. Jason had suggested accompanying her but Anna had different plans. She wanted to do some shopping and spend some time on her own.

  Anna travelled to Bristol with a great deal of apprehension and yet excitement. It was the first time she had driven alone in her new car and she was enjoying every minute. She felt independent and totally at ease as she picked up the main road. But she wondered what the solicitor would say to her and what he would advise. When Dave came back from his business trip, she would have to speak to him about the divorce and she wasn’t looking forward to that.

  Once in Bristol she found a parking space and following Jason’s directions she made her way to the offices of Barnes, Atherton and Gill. Nigel was waiting for her and in his polite and professional manner made her comfortable and offered her a cup of coffee. And then they got down to business.

  “It’s important that my marriage is ended as soon as possible,” she told him. “I’m hoping to divorce him on grounds of his adultery.”

  “As long as he admits to it, then there shouldn’t be any problem.”

  Anna pursed her lips. “I caught him out three times. The first two he admitted to, but he denied the third.”

  Nigel sat back in his chair. “Did he admit his guilt in front of witnesses? I mean, besides you.”

  Anna shook her head. “No, he was always defensive and even the first two were difficult for him to admit.”

  “That could be a problem. It will be your word against his.”

  “Is there any other way I can get a divorce?”

  “Well, there’s unreasonable behaviour, but you’ll have to give a statement listing reasons why you think your husband behaved unreasonably.”

  “Despite his adultery, he was a good provider and an excellent father.”

  “Then there’s irretrievable breakdown of marriage. But you’ll have to wait one year for that to happen. When did you leave your husband?”

  “End of June, but that seems such a long time to wait.”

  Nigel linked his fingers together. “If you want a quick divorce then I can only suggest you…let him divorce you on grounds of your adultery.”

  Anna squirmed uncomfortably. “But that doesn’t seem fair! He cheated on me while we were married while I…” She knew she was blushing, it seemed so strange to be talking like this to a relative stranger.

  “It would be the easiest way,” he said kindly. “Have you talked to your husband yet?”

  “Not yet. But I will when he comes back from his business trip.”

  “Excellent! If he’s willing to admit he committed adultery then I will need to know the name of his solicitor then we can start communicating all the details. Also, your husband will have to tell his solicitor the time and place when it happened.”

  Anna nearly dropped her cup in her lap. “I’m sorry, I don’t understand. What do you mean, time and place?”

  Nigel put his elbows on the desk and clasped his hands together. “Mrs Stevens, if your husband is going to admit adultery then I will need verification.” Her embarrassment showed in her face. Nigel had seen this many times before and smiled sympathetically.

  “Is that really necessary? I mean, what would happen if I admitted adultery?” said Anna slowly.

  “Then it would be the other way round and your husband’s solicitor would need the date and place when it happened.” He spread his hands on the desk. “I know it sounds harsh, but it’s only a question of your husband providing a date and place of his own choosing.”

  “Do you need photos too?”

  He couldn’t
help laughing. “No, that won’t be necessary.”

  Anna put down her cup and sighed. “It seems such a degrading business. Why can’t he just admit it and leave it at that?”

  “I assure you there’s nothing to worry about. It’s just a formality. If everything goes smoothly and your husband doesn’t contest it, then your divorce should go through in four or five months. That would make it February.”

  “That would be good. The sooner the better.”

  “What about a settlement?”

  “I haven’t thought about that. We have a house but it’s mortgaged and I think a few investments.”

  “In an amicable divorce the property is usually shared and if your husband sells the house you will be entitled to half. Unless your husband buys you out.”

  Anna shook her head. “Would it be easier if I just killed him?”

  Nigel gave a chuckle. He had really warmed to Jason’s new lady friend. “Well, if you decide to do that, I will have to pass you on to our Mr Gill. He deals with criminal law, I only deal with family law.”

  After she had left Nigel’s office, Anna found a café and bought a cup of coffee. She watched from the window as shoppers hurried past carrying their purchases. All these people, she thought, going about their business. All with their own worries and plans and dreams. And quite a few of them will have gone through a divorce. Well, she thought feeling more confident, if they can do it so can I.

  Anna found the shop were she had bought her dress for Margaret’s party. She wanted to buy another for this evening. Doctor Orchard and Sarah were coming to dinner and Margaret had requested a more ‘dressy’ occasion, although not too formal. Anna made a selection from the rail and after trying on a few, finally settled on a red lace cocktail dress, knee length with pretty embroidered shoulder straps. The assistant was very helpful and found some matching shoes and a handbag. She only needed to buy some ‘bits and bobs’ and then she was on her way home.

  She was nearly ready. She had done her hair and makeup and was sitting at the dressing table, her kimono wrapped round her, the dress still hanging on the wardrobe door. Her thoughts returned to her appointment with Nigel Barnes. She had liked him and if he was Jason’s friend as well as his solicitor, then there was no reason why she shouldn’t have absolute faith in him. But if Dave refused to co-operate, it would be down to her and she would have to give the time and place when she had committed adultery! Time and place indeed!

  There was a quiet knock on the door and she went to open it just an inch to see who it was. Jason was standing outside; his hand already raised as though he was about to knock again.

  “Good evening. I thought I’d escort you downstairs. The good doctor and his wife will be arriving in just ten minutes.”

  “I’ve got a better idea,” she murmured.

  Before he could say another word, she pulled him into the room, slamming the door shut behind him. She leaned up against the wall, entwining her arms round his neck and forcing his face down towards hers. Her kiss was passionate and took him unawares.

  “What a surprise! I didn’t expect this when I knocked on your door!” he gasped.

  “Well, I know I’m a bit late but I’ve just thought of another birthday present I’d like.”

  With one hand, she unfastened her robe and let it slide with a soft swish to the floor. Underneath she was wearing a satin slip in pale pink.

  He let out a cry of dismay. “Anna! We haven’t time for this. We’re expected downstairs.”

  She started unbuttoning his shirt, watching with joy as he struggled with her, his features twisted with bewilderment and desire, as he tried to understand her sudden actions, even if her intentions were quite clear. Once his shirt was undone, she slid her arms round him and caressed his back, continually kissing his neck and throat, delighting in her role as temptress.

  He breathed faster, pressing her close. “Oh, God! It’s a shame we haven’t got time,” he murmured. He hooked his finger under the strap of her slip and slid it off her shoulder, kissing her bare skin.

  “Who says we haven’t got time?”

  “I told you, they’re waiting for us downstairs.”

  “Then you’d better hurry up and get on with it.” She started unbuckling the belt on his trousers.

  He gabbed her hand to stop her. “Anna! You know I don’t do this kind of thing in such a hurried manner. I’ve always prided myself on a little finesse and care to detail.”

  She had managed to get his belt undone and now aimed for the zip. “I do know! But as you say, we haven’t got time. And if you think ten minutes isn’t long enough, then I disagree.”

  He groaned and his hand went down to her thigh and then up under her slip. He jerked back from her. “Dear Lord! You’re wearing stockings!”

  She gave a giggle knowing she had him now. Pushing his trousers over his hips and exposing only the necessary parts of his anatomy, she ran her fingers lightly over his buttocks and then pulled the small of his back towards her. He breathed heavily through his teeth, squeezing her up against the wall, his face showing the strain of mounting tension.

  “Five minutes and counting,” she whispered in his ear.

  With a moan of relief he finally surrendered. Lifting her up onto the chest of drawers he ripped off her panties. She drew her knees up round his waist and he lunged forward, his mouth covering hers as if he wanted to devour her.

  It was frantic and wild and very wonderful. His breathing becoming faster and more rasping, his skin sticking damp and hot against her slip. She moved with him, not thinking of her own pleasure, but instead simply enjoying the fury of his passion. Exhilaration overwhelmed her as she relished her power to tantalise and satisfy.

  Within minutes, his body heaved and then stiffened, the ecstasy and vigour of his orgasm making him rise up on his toes to absorb the intoxicating sensation that shot through him and threatened to rip him apart. Sucking in his breath, he released it with a groan and an anguished cry of gratification.

  The madness passed and he stood quietly, taking in huge breaths to calm his pounding heart.

  And then they were laughing together.

  “Wow!” he said his voice hoarse and hardly able to leave his dry throat. “The car wasn’t enough for you, then?”

  “What were you saying about people waiting for us downstairs?”

  “To hell with them!” He stared at the ceiling, concentrating his mind on the ornate cornices.

  Anna stroked his face. “Poor love. You look as though you’ve run ten miles.”

  “Sweetheart, I feel as though I’ve run ten miles. I’ve never experienced anything like it.”

  “Never mind. You’ll feel much better after you’ve had a cup of tea.”

  He threw back his head and laughed. “A double whisky would be more appropriate. I think I’d better go to my room and sort myself out, although the way I feel, I’m wondering if I’ll be able to walk.” He quickly adjusted his clothing and helped her down. He picked up the robe from the floor and she held it against herself. She looked so lovely and innocent that he couldn’t help pulling her close and holding her in his arms once more. “See you in a minute,” he whispered, opening the door and stepping outside. Before leaving, he kissed her hand.

  As she slowly closed the door, she lowered her eyelids seductively. “Bye, sailor. Call on me any time. You know where I live.”

  He tried to answer, but instead blew out a long breath and made his unsteady way to his own room.

  Anna gave a chuckle as she scurried to the bathroom. She completed her toilet routine and tidied herself up, before slipping into her new dress and putting on her shoes. As she left her room she couldn’t help laughing. How about Thursday evening, on top of the chest of drawers? Mr Barnes ought to like that, she thought with amusement. In minutes, she was in the parlour demurely kissing the doctor and his wife and taking a cocktail from Ben. She watched the door for Jason but there was no sign of him.

  It was Margaret, who asked i
rritably, “Where is Jason? He’s not usually this late. We can’t start until he arrives. Anna, have you seen him at all?”

  Anna looked up from talking to Sarah, who was telling her about their holiday to Jamaica.

  “I did see him, Margaret. I think he went to his room.”

  Jason suddenly appeared at the door. His hair was damp from taking a shower and he had changed his clothes. But his smile was more apologetic than guilty.

  “Jason! What have you been doing! We thought you were never going to come down!” his mother reprimanded him, as she poured him a drink.

  He murmured ‘sorry’ and took his place beside Anna on the couch.

  She leaned towards him and whispered, “Yes, Jason. Why don’t you tell your mother what you’ve been doing? I’m sure she’d be interested to know.”

  “Shh!” he answered, almost choking over his glass.

  “Don’t tell me you’re afraid of what she might say?”

  He grabbed her hand and squeezed hard, turning his face away to stop himself laughing.

  That night Anna snuggled down next to Jason, happiness flooding through her. Everything was going so well. The boys were paying her another visit, her divorce was in the pipeline and she was engaged to a wonderful man.

  He rolled over and raised himself up on his elbow to look at her. “So, what time is milady leaving me in the morning? Shall I set the clock for the wee small hours?”

  “No, you can leave it. I’ll get up when you do and then pop to my room to have a shower and get changed.”

  “What! You’re staying the entire night?”

  “Yes.”

  “But what happens if Ben or Mrs Wilby, or perish the thought, Mother sees you leaving my room? Aren’t you afraid of what they’ll say?”

  “No, to hell with them!” She closed her eyes and sighed contentedly.

  He smiled and reached over to turn off the light.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN