Deceit of Angels

by Julia Bell

  “Well, then that’s what we’ll do,” he smiled. We’ll think only of tomorrow and let the future take care of itself.” He raised her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. “You’re still wearing my ring.” She didn’t answer. “And what on earth is this?” He lifted up the pendant round her neck. “You’re wearing a ten pence coin!”

  “It’s our coin, the one you used in the club. I never take it off.”

  He shook his head in disbelief. “I’ve bought you some expensive gifts and you cherish something so mundane?”

  “It’s not the price of something that’s important, it’s the meaning behind it.” Anna stared at him hardly believing that he was standing there.

  He pulled her closer. “Oh, Anna, please let me help you through this.”

  She put her arms round his waist. “You were so angry with me.”

  “Yes and now I’m angry with myself. I’ve been unbelievably cruel.”

  “I used to peek through the curtains when you visited,” she giggled. “I tried not to but I couldn’t help myself.”

  He gave a chuckle that was so good to hear. “You’ve been here all the time and I didn’t know. Where were you when I came with Hollie?”

  “Hiding. In John and Irene’s apartment.”

  Jason threw back his head and laughed. “The one place I would never go. And you were using your old bedroom, weren’t you?”

  She nodded. “Yes, but Fran had to lock the door every time you came.”

  “I thought I felt your presence. But I put it down to wishful thinking.” Jason looked down at her and smiled. For the first time he saw how she bloomed with health. Pregnancy enhanced her beauty. It suited her. “When’s the baby due?” he whispered.

  “Beginning of September.”

  He glanced around the garden that was starting to fill with the heavenly colour and scent of roses, clematis and a variety of other summer plants.

  “I haven’t been to this part of the garden for a long time.”

  “Actually, I spend most of the day here if the weather is fine and I want to work outdoors.”

  “You work here?”

  “Yes, your mother employed me. I’ve been her wedding planner.” She pointed to the table laden with files.

  He sucked in a sharp breath. “She knows?” Anna shook her head. “I have a lot to make up for. Whatever you want us to do, then I’ll do it gladly.”

  She felt reluctant to ask the next question but needed to know. “How’s everything at Harrington Rhodes?”

  He became serious as his smile faded. “Not so good. I’ve been losing contracts. Can’t seem to get my head round the business and if I don’t pull myself together I’m certain it’s heading for bankruptcy.” He pulled her closer and smiled. It was wonderful feeling her in his arms again. “I exaggerate slightly, but I have been losing contracts.”

  Anna opened her eyes wide in surprise. “But in all the time I worked for you, you never lost one.”

  “That was when you were working for me. Now Natalie sits at your desk.”

  “Natalie?”

  He grinned at her jealous tone. “Mmm! She needs to be seen to be believed.”

  “That perfect, eh!” He teased her by not answering. “Well, I’m pleased you found yourself another PA.” She turned her face away.

  Jason waited a few seconds and then cupped her face in his hands. “But she’s not you. I’ve missed you terribly.”

  “And I’ve missed you.” She paused for a moment. “In a few weeks I’ll not be married any more.”

  Jason jerked back in surprise. “Your divorce! It’s finalised?”

  “The decree absolute will be through very soon.”

  “That’s wonderful.” He rubbed his cheek on top of her head. “I hope I never meet your husband. I’m liable to do him some harm.”

  She pulled away from him. “Oh, no you won’t. He’s done enough damage to us. Make me a promise that you’ll never let him come between us again.”

  “I promise,” he whispered.

  Fran appeared. “Madam says are you friends now? And do you want to come in for coffee?”

  They smiled at each other.

  “Yes, we’ll come in,” said Anna, taking Jason’s arm.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  The next three weeks were unbelievable. Jason established a routine of coming for dinner every Wednesday evening and he and Anna would walk round the garden, or if it rained, they would stay in the parlour, talking endlessly, while Margaret kept herself busy with her cross-stitch. Sometimes she would raise her eyes from her work and smile at Anna snuggled comfortably in the armchair with Jason sitting on the floor at her feet. The fact that her son was now reconciled with the mother of his child, filled her with absolute delight. And then at the weekend, Jason would try and stay overnight, depending on his business commitments, sleeping in his usual room and leaving on Saturday or Sunday evening.

  The change in events affected everyone. John, Irene and Fran could now breathe a sigh of relief that they no longer needed to hide Anna. Although news of their reconciliation had not reached him yet, Graham Rhodes saw a complete upturn in the business as Jason started winning the contracts again.

  “The boy is back,” he said, rubbing his hands in satisfaction.

  And the news hadn’t sifted through to the people living at Bishop Sutton either. Jason had decided he wanted to get used to the idea himself, before he broke it to them. But they couldn’t help noticing the radical change in his manner and temper. He filled the house with his presence once more and the only conclusion they could come to was that their boss had a new lady in his life. This would certainly account for his regular absences from home and his overnight bag. They didn’t ask questions and discouraged Hollie from doing the same.

  “He’ll tell us when he’s ready,” said Mrs Wilby sadly. She knew Hollie had never stopped missing Anna.

  For Anna, life began to take on a whole new meaning. She looked forward to Jason’s visits and would wait at the door for his arrival. Sometimes they would travel to Bristol and go to Mothercare to buy items for the baby, including the pushchair, cot and car seat, laughing as they struggled to pack them into the boot.

  “I’d forgotten how cumbersome these things are,” Jason grinned.

  He had kept his promise to Sophia and had let Anna set the pace of their reconciliation. Gradually he began to win her trust and confidence and when the moment finally arrived when he found the courage to press a kiss on her lips, he was surprised and overjoyed that she responded passionately. He didn’t dare hope that they would share the same bed just yet, but there was no doubt that their love was as strong as ever. And that alone was enough for him.

  Anna’s divorce came through and she was now a free woman. The enormous relief that flooded through her when the notification arrived was overwhelming. She was in the library when Margaret gave her the letter and although she knew what it was, her hands trembled as she opened the envelope.

  “That’s it,” she said, giving a half-smile. “I’m no longer married.”

  “Thank the Lord for that. Perhaps you and Jason can make some plans of your own now,” said Margaret with relief.

  After Margaret had left, Anna sat down at her desk and for the first time in months she could see into the future. She and Jason had not discussed marriage, as they had kept to their strategy of taking life one day at a time. But now everything seemed so different. Without realising it they had planned for the baby’s arrival and she knew that Jason was now in the same frame of mind as she, that beyond any doubt the child she was carrying was his. They were both convinced of it and nothing it seemed would shake their belief.

  It was a wet Saturday just a day after Anna had received her decree absolute. Jason was away on business, but he hoped to arrive at the Grange in the late afternoon and spend the night. Anna was very busy with yet another wedding and she felt sad for the bride and groom that the weather was being unruly and threatening to spoil their special day.
Although photos in the garden were impossible, Anna had put ‘Plan B’ into operation, that is, photos in the large conservatory filled with flowers and an abundance of natural light. This plan had always been welcomed in the past and today of all days it was viewed with relief by the agitated mother-of-the-bride who had fretted over the weather. The photos completed everyone made their way to the ballroom to start the reception. Anna needed to collect some invoices from her desk and quickly hurried to the library.

  She met Fran en route. “Gentleman waiting to see you, miss.”

  Anna pulled up short. “Oh, Fran, I’m too busy to see anyone today. And he hasn’t got an appointment.”

  The young girl pulled a face. “He said it wouldn’t take long. Sorry, miss.”

  Letting out a sigh Anna went into the library determined to get rid of this unwanted intrusion.

  He was standing at the window, his back to her.

  “I’m so sorry, but I really can’t see anyone without an appointment, especially today.”

  He turned slowly and Anna gasped with shock.

  “I’m sure you can see me,” he said, smiling.

  Anna stood completely still as though paralysed. “What do you want? You shouldn’t be here. We’re divorced now.”

  “Your mum told me that you’re pregnant and that you’re due in September.” His gaze dropped to her expanding waistline as he took a step forward.

  Anna moved so that the desk was between them. “What’s that got to do with you?”

  “Because I’ve got an inkling that you’re carrying my kid.”

  “No, I’m not! This is Jason’s baby.”

  “Are you absolutely sure of that?”

  “Yes, I’m positive.”

  He moved round the desk and Anna quickly changed her position. It was though they were in some bizarre dance. He moving forward and she moving back.

  “I don’t think you are. Let me think.” He stroked his chin, his eyes never leaving her face. “We were together at Christmas…”

  “Together! How dare you call it that, as though I agreed to it!”

  “What else would you like me to call it?”

  “You forced me…you kept me a prisoner…!”

  He waved his hand in dismissal. “Whatever! As I was saying, December to September is nine months, so there’s a strong possibility that I could have fathered that child.”

  Strength began to surge through her body and she clenched her fists in anger. “You are not the father of this child. And I would appreciate it if you would leave.”

  He pursed his lips. “I only popped in as I was in the area. But I’ll be making a special trip in say…three months.”

  “Don’t you come anywhere near me!”

  “Oh yes, Anna, I will. I want to know if this is my child. So, you’d better warn that bloke of yours, because if it does turn out to be mine, I’ll be applying for access.”

  “You can’t do that. I don’t want you anywhere near this baby.”

  “Is that so? A judge can’t bar me from seeing my own child.”

  “He would if I spoke up and told him what you did.”

  He gave a mischievous wink. “Ah, but you won’t do that, will you?”

  Anna sat at her desk for a long time after he had left. She would have to talk to Nigel, surely her husband couldn’t intrude into her life and make a nuisance of himself? Then she remembered that Dave was her ex-husband by only twenty-four hours and he was still causing trouble. But the baby was Jason’s she knew that for certain, she felt it. Suddenly she remembered the wedding reception and hurried into the ballroom.

  Jason arrived just as the guests were leaving and had to stand aside as they spilled out of the main door. One exuberant lady emptied the remnants of her confetti box over him and when he finally entered the hall, he was brushing it from his hair and clothing.

  “Look what they’re doing! What a chuffing mess!” said Fran in disgust. “They’ve been told to get that biological stuff, but do they listen? And then I’ve got to sweep it all up.”

  “Where’s Anna?” he said, grinning.

  “Oh, she’s in the library. Must be worn out, poor lamb.”

  He had to admit that she was right. Although Anna was in the best of health, she looked very tired and there were shadows under her eyes.

  “Why don’t you go upstairs and lie down?” he suggested.

  “I’ve just got to finish off here first,” she said, looking down at the pile of paperwork.

  He would have none of it and gently helped her to her feet. “Lie down for an hour and then I’ll bring you a cup of tea.”

  She put her arms round him. She had already decided that she must tell him about Dave’s visit and his threats to her, but not at the moment.

  “OK. But just for an hour, then you must wake me.”

  Anna climbed the stairs with relief and once on her bed, fell into a dreamless sleep. The hour flew past and soon Jason was there with the promised cup of tea.

  She patted the mattress. “Come and lie down beside me,” she whispered, shuffling over to give him some room.

  At first Jason was surprised, as they hadn’t done that for a long time. But the invitation was very welcome and he made himself comfortable beside her.

  “I’ve been talking to Mother,” he said as he kissed her. “She’s absolutely overjoyed about this baby of ours. She wants a grandson.”

  “I know,” laughed Anna. “She’s convinced it’s a boy. I hope she’s not disappointed if it turns out to be a girl.”

  “She’ll be delighted whatever the sex of the baby.” He thought for a moment. “I’m going to have to tell the others soon. And Hollie will need to know about her little brother or sister.”

  Anna smiled mischievously. “Would you like to see a photo and then you can decide for yourself whether it’s a boy or girl.”

  He turned to face her. “A photo?”

  “Look in the bedside table.”

  He rolled over, opened the small drawer and took out the scan picture.

  “Wow! This is him or her?”

  Anna smiled at his enthusiasm. “Your mum thinks it’s a boy because he’s punching the air like you did at sports day after you’d won an event.”

  Jason frowned. “I don’t remember doing that.”

  “But a mother always remembers.”

  His smile appeared again. “He’s beautiful,” he murmured. “I wish I’d been with you when you had this done.”

  “Margaret came with me. She’s been absolutely wonderful. But there again she doesn’t know that…” For the first time in months, Anna felt tears stinging her eyes.

  He noticed. “Hey, this won’t do!” He gathered her up in his arms. “This baby is mine. I just know it.”

  “I really hope so.”

  “There’s no doubt about it.” He gently stroked her stomach. “This baby will have my name and when you’re ready I want us to marry. Then we’ll be a family.”

  She looked at him; her eyes filled this time with happy tears. “Then you’d better tell Hollie so we can buy her a bridesmaid dress.”

  Anna knew she should have told Jason that her ex-husband had visited the Grange and threatened her. And she had meant to when she had invited him to lie down beside her. But his sweet endearments and his tender kisses had proved too much for her. She just couldn’t spoil the moment or the absolute joy of planning for their future once more. She decided to tell him after dinner but the evening had been so wonderful that she let the opportunity pass.

  Anna tossed and turned restlessly. She had fallen asleep almost straight away but then had awakened with a start. Glancing at the clock she realised it was only two o’clock. Anna grimaced and remembered that this was nature’s way of preparing her for all the nightly feeds. It would be strange coping with a small baby again. She had really thought that her childbearing days were over. Anna rolled onto her side and still not able to get comfortable finally slipped out of bed and walked across to the window. She
drew back the curtains and let in the bright moonlight that filled the room with a silvery sheen. Then she wondered if Jason was awake too.

  Trying to hold back her giggles, she tiptoed down the corridor and up the short flight of stairs. She turned the handle gently and entered the room that seemed in complete darkness. As her eyes became used to the gloom, she saw him lying peacefully asleep and hesitated for a moment. But then closing the door silently, she hurried across the carpet and climbed into bed beside him.

  It was strange feeling him close like this. He was lying on his back and as she watched him she remembered all the nights she had missed this closeness. She felt safe with him and lying next to him she felt that nothing and nobody in the world could harm her. Anna placed her hand on his chest stroking his bare skin. Her hand floated over his stomach and she felt it ripple under her touch. Her fingers drifted lower and he gave a low moan, hardening immediately. This was very naughty of her, she thought mischievously, she really ought to let him sleep.

  His eyes flickered open and he gave a gasp. “Who’s that?”

  Anna sniffed indignantly. “Should I be offended at that question?”

  He reached out and switched on the light. “Good God! What are you doing here?”

  She pulled a face. “I was sleep walking and when I woke up I found myself in your room.”

  He smiled and pulled her closer. “And in my bed it seems.”

  She cuddled down against him. “I woke up and couldn’t get back to sleep.”

  “So, you thought you’d wake me up too.”

  “It’s your baby keeping me awake.”

  He adjusted his position. “Well, you’re very welcome.”

  “You don’t mind me sharing your bed tonight?” He raised himself up on his elbow and his eyes flickered over her rounded shape. She noticed and suddenly felt embarrassed. “That’s unless you find me very ugly and repulsive. In which case, I’ll go back to my own room.”

  She tried to sit up, but he gently pressed her back against the pillows. “There’s something very erotic about a pregnant woman,” he smiled. Slipping his hand under the covers, he caressed her over her nightdress, passing tenderly over her breasts until he reached the new life growing within her. “I’ve imagined being with you every single day,” he murmured against her ear.