Eden's Law

by Pamela Pope

  Whatever was the matter with her? She wasn't afraid of Joss Hamblyn. On the contrary, it gave her great satisfaction to oppose him when she felt she was in the right, and their battles livened things up considerably. With Piers, satisfaction had lain in their ability to work together so well, minds attuned, but she found working with Joss a never-ending attempt to prevent conflict. It wasn't anything to do with the work itself. She had adapted quickly to the routine of a solicitor's office and enjoyed the challenge it had offered. No, it was Joss himself. He hadn't fully accepted her, wasn't prepared to forget about Piers, and kept up a cruel sarcasm about anything concerning him which she couldn't understand. No matter how hard she tried she just couldn't like Joss.

  But like him or not, nothing could stop the way she reacted to his physical attraction. She groaned, remembering the shameless way she had pressed herself against him and how the first touch of his lips on hers had sent a pulsating current coursing through her veins. There was no answer to the mysterious question of sexual chemistry. The last thing she wanted was to be guided by a craving for sensation, and she determined never to be swayed again by that powerful male magnetism.

  All the same, she was drawn towards the bed and stood beside it, bewildered by the complexity of her emotions. She'd never thought it possible to be so disturbed by an inanimate object, but the place where Joss Hamblyn lay down to sleep each night had a mesmerising effect on her and she trailed her glance slowly upwards from the foot to the head, returning to the pillows where his head would rest. She brushed the back of her hand over the top pillow, closing her eyes; then snatched it away, chiding herself for being so ridiculously sensuous. There was something about his room that played wicked tricks with her reasoning.

  But her curiosity was still not appeased. Treading softly on the thick, ochre-coloured carpet, she went into the bathroom where his personal possessions were even more intimate. She had the strangest feeling that if she found out details about him like what kind of toothpaste he used and what soap he liked she would be better equipped to deal with him. Nonsense, of course, but it gave her a little more insight into the type of man he was. She picked up a bottle of after-shave, recognising the spicy smell, and an involuntary quiver went through her. It made him seem so near she even glanced over her shoulder guiltily before laughing at herself. This really was quite ridiculous! Only people who were madly infatuated behaved in this silly, childish fashion.

  She froze to the spot. The little ante-room, so intrinsically belonging to Joss, came alive with reminders of him, permeating her senses, drugging her. She couldn't really be infatuated with the man; the very thought made her protest aloud. Yet what was she doing here, touching things that belonged to him with all the wishful longing of someone who craved to touch the man himself?

  'The word for it is lust,' she told herself disgustedly. It was the only word that could describe her present feelings, and she repeated it so that the implications wouldn't be lost. It was quite wrong to let purely physical demands take over when there was absolutely nothing about him that endeared itself to her, and if she valued her self-respect she had to put a stop to such ideas straight away.

  She was just replacing the bottle of after-shave on the shelf when she heard the car come up the drive and pull up outside the front door. If Joss found her here there was no knowing what interpretation he would put on it. With rising panic Meredith hurried out on to the landing and closed the door behind her.

  Almost at once the door bell rang. He must have forgotten his key. She waited a second, her heart pounding, before going warily down the stairs. She didn't want to see him again, tonight, especially now after the revelation that had dawned on her so unexpectedly.

  The bell rang again. It was past midnight and she was alone in the house in charge of four small children. Supposing it wasn't Joss? Her time in London had taught her never to open the door to anyone late at night unless you were absolutely certain who it was; but this was Edencombe. She went to the door and opened it a fraction.

  'It's all right, Meredith, it's me,' said her father.

  'Daddy!' she cried, in pleased surprise. 'Come on in.'

  'I just got back home and you weren't there. I guessed this was where you'd be, but I thought I'd better have a word with Joss and see that everything's okay. Where is he?'

  'He's out,' she said, leading Howard through to the kitchen. 'He had a call from the police about Sid Frank's son, so I had to stay with the children. Did Ellen get off all right?'

  'She did. Very apprehensive about Ian and worried about the children, but I assured her they were all in good hands. Tell me about Sid Frank.'

  Meredith made coffee and related all she knew, discussing the case with her father at, some length while they drank it, but she was listening all the time for Joss to return. Her mind was preoccupied and in the middle of the conversation she found herself blurting out the most unexpected question.

  'Daddy, why did Joss hate Piers so much?'

  Howard put down his coffee cup and leaned back in the chair. It wasn't fair to shoot such a question at him when he wasn't ready for it, but he only deliberated for a few seconds. He stroked his elegant chin, and his acutely perceptive eyes rested on her thoughtfully.

  'It's quite a long story, Meredith, and knowing your loyalty to the Loring family I'm not sure whether you want to hear it,' he said.

  She had a stab of foreboding, but was adamant. 'If I didn't, I wouldn't have asked.'

  He still looked dubious. She was wearing Ellen's skirt and blouse and it was clear the evening must have been eventful by the way she seemed unaware of her untidy appearance. Meredith was always meticulously tidy. He didn't embarrass her by asking what had happened.

  'It's all to do with Corinne Loring,' he said, watching her expression. 'You see, before she married Mac everyone thought Joss was the one she would choose, although I didn't know either of them then. Apparently they were always together and Joss idolised her. But I imagine Mac Loring dangled his wealth in front of her nose and she couldn't resist it. He's rather good at giving the impression that he's got plenty of money.'

  Meredith interrupted him. 'Just the facts, Daddy, please. I don't want your opinions.'

  'I'm sorry, but you see Corinne was taken in by him just as your mother was years ago. It was just before you met Piers, and I suppose Mac was comfortably solvent and between bankruptcies at the time, but even then it didn't take Corinne long to discover Piers was the apple of his father's eye and anything he asked for his father would give him. That was all very well until he hatched up the idea of going into big business without a penny to his name. It didn't please me when I knew you were prepared to help finance him, but I'd no power to stop you and all I could offer was advice. Mac sank all his money in it, then embezzled the little Corinne had and sold her jewellery without her knowledge. It was despicable. Worse than that. . ..'

  'So I suppose Corinne blamed Piers for the break-up of her marriage and Joss hated Piers for hurting his beloved Corinne.'

  'That's roughly it,' Howard agreed. 'Corinne sought Joss for legal advice and the divorce went through on the grounds of irretrievable breakdown. Joss squeezed every penny he could out of Mac and did very well for her, but he can't forgive the Lorings for what they did.'

  Meredith was silent, digesting the information thoughtfully. She had only met Corinne a few times, and then only socially, so they had never said much to each other, but she could remember feeling that Mac had taken on more than he bargained for when he married her. Oh, she was a very beautiful girl. Men couldn't keep their eyes off her, and she played up to them all the time, knowing her beauty and bubbling personality were irresistible, but underneath all that charm there was stone; no heart at all, Meredith was sure. She also knew quite well that Corinne had tried to capture Piers as well, and had become vindictive when she failed. Piers had had no time for her. But Joss was so susceptible he couldn't see farther than that lovely exterior, and he had gone on fighting her battles for
her even after she had betrayed him and married someone else. Meredith gave an astonished little laugh. He was a much bigger fool than she had thought he was.

  'I suppose Joss now hopes to get back on the same footing with her as he was before Mac appeared on the scene,' she said.

  'Corinne means a lot to him,' said Howard. 'He certainly never seems to have been interested in any other woman. Yes, I imagine one day they will probably marry, if he can persuade her.'

  There was a strange, tight feeling in her chest. It angered her that any man could be so stupid, and she began to wish she hadn't been so eager to find out his reasons for things. She looked round her with enlightenment. He must have furnished this beautiful house for Corinne, ready for when she condescended to be his wife. What a terrible waste! The picture of her at Eden Farm didn't fit somehow, and Meredith hoped she would never have to see her come down here and take possession. The thought of it made her feel quite sick, because Corinne would destroy all the homeliness, all the enveloping warmth that greeted friends and strangers alike, and she would fill it with her brittle acquaintances who sponged on anyone with facilities for a good time. There would be no lovely family atmosphere with Corinne around.

  Yet even as she unhappily contemplated the change Meredith surprised herself. She had never been particularly drawn towards a close family life. Being an only one, she had been a rather solitary child and had never known what it was like to be part of a muddled, happy household where tidiness was least important. It must be some of Ellen's motherly personality rubbing off on her.

  Her father was giving her an oddly quizzical smile.

  'You don't like the idea of Joss and Corinne marrying, do you?' he said, reading her thoughts.

  She considered her reply. Then: 'No, not really. She would take over this place and change it beyond recognition, and then what would Ellen and the children do?'

  'They can't stay here for ever. Ellen's already on the lookout for property somewhere near so that she can set up a home of her own as soon as Ian comes home. Pray God he will.' Howard frowned momentarily at the uncertain prospect. 'And you must admit this house is far too big for Joss to live in on his own.'

  'It needs to be filled with children,' said Meredith.

  'It needs a wife first,' smiled Howard. 'But talking of children, I was on the phone to your mother this morning and she's sitting up there in Scotland dreaming up ambitious plans to get started on the holiday home for deprived youngsters that she and Ellen are so keen on. She intends to get a fund registered and start raising money as soon as she gets back. She told me to tell you a big barbecue in our garden is the first item on the agenda and can you start thinking about it.'

  'A barbecue!'

  'She said it sounded more exciting than the usual fete.'

  Meredith laughed. 'Trust Mummy! Though I must say it could be fun.'

  Howard was just looking at his watch and checking ii with the clock as he had a habit of doing, when there was the sound of Joss's car drawing up on the gravel drive. It coincided with a cry from upstairs, indicating that Oliver was awake. Of all the untimely things to happen!

  She met Joss at the door as she was on her way up to the baby. He looked tired, his eyes drawn and distant so that when they lighted on her it was almost as if he had forgotten that she would be. at the house and not Ellen. Meredith hesitated, a wave of compassion sweeping over her so unexpectedly she could have gone up to him with a sympathetic touch, for all the world like a woman who had waited up for her husband. She stopped herself in time. Whatever had possessed her!

  'My father's in the kitchen,' she said. 'Perhaps he'll make you some coffee while I see to the baby.'

  She even sounded like a wife! She couldn't remember ever having a similar sympathy for Piers when he was overworked and too exhausted to do anything but flop into the chair in her flat and stay there a whole evening.

  And it was wasted on Joss.

  'A stiff whisky would be more appropriate,' he said. 'And as soon as I've had a few words with Howard I need some sleep, so I hope Oliver isn't going to have one of his more fractious nights.'

  'Do they happen often?' she asked anxiously.

  'About once a week, and we're due for one any time,' he said, stalking off to the kitchen.

  Oh, dear. Meredith's heart sank. She went up to the nursery fleet-footed, her mind only on pacifying Oliver as quickly as possible. He had kicked off his covers and was yelling lustily by the time she got to him and she snatched him out of the cot, hoping he was not old enough to be missing his mother already. It was a wonder he hadn't wakened Kirsty as well, but she was still sleeping peacefully, obviously used to nocturnal disturbances and able to ignore them.

  There were facilities for heating up a bottle in one corner of the room, and this she did before sitting down with Oliver in the low, armless chair. She didn't know whether it was time for him to be fed or not, but it seemed the most likely way of stopping him making a noise, and to her relief it worked. The only thing was she hadn't realised what a long, tedious job it could be, and she began to feel very drowsy. She hadn't realised either how tired she was herself. Surely she couldn't have dozed off, and yet she didn't hear Joss come up the stairs. The next thing she knew he was bending over her, taking the baby from her as the bottle fell to the floor.

  'It's been quite a day,' he said softly, cradling the little boy in his strong arms, and carrying him over to the cot. 'You're not used to it, Meredith.'

  When his voice was low and soft like that she found it the most stirring sound in the world. It never failed to affect her, and this time she didn't try to find any ulterior reason why her limbs went weak.

  For a moment or two Oliver gurgled and threatened to stay awake.

  'I don't suppose you thought to change him, did you,' said Joss, with a return to the old impatience. Then he proceeded to do it himself while she watched, marvelling at his capability.

  'Now perhaps we can all get some rest,' he went on, when the job was done and the baby in the cot closed his eyes without another murmur. He drew Meredith outside, and steered her towards the door on the landing immediately opposite his own. 'Your father didn't wait for you. I got one of Ellen's nighties out for you and put it on the bed. This is her room.'

  He opened the door and stood aside for her to pass. He was so brusque she knew he couldn't wait to get away from her and seek the privacy of his own bedroom where he needn't be bothered any more with her irritating presence.

  'Thank you, Joss,' was all she said. She had an equal need for escape.

  But once she was alone, strange, alien thoughts came crowding back. The conversation with her father tormented her, bringing unwanted pictures of Joss with Corinne Loring. She couldn't understand herself for being so disturbed by them. In many ways they deserved each other, and no doubt Joss would be feeling far from tired right now if Corinne was in the house. She wouldn't have meekly closed the bedroom door and let him disappear either. But then Corinne had a strong liking for Joss Hamblyn, which was reciprocated, whereas Meredith had no patience with him whatsoever, and the only strong feelings she had were aversion. She had learned a lot tonight.

  Ellen's room was beautiful, bearing the stamp of her artistry, and when Meredith switched on the lamp beside the bed she began to feel soothed. From the curtains of peach velvet to the peach rosebud wallpaper there was an aura of warmth, and she soaked up the atmosphere thankfully. It had been a very long day. There was a shower unit in one corner where she freshened up before slipping into the homely cotton nightdress that lay waiting on the bed. It ought then to have been easy to drop straight off to sleep, but somehow her mind was still much too active and she found herself listening: was it for sounds from the nursery, or for movement in Joss's room? To her annoyance she was acutely conscious of how near he was.

  For a long time she lay very still in the unfamiliar bed, trying to banish every thought of Joss from her head. She purposely dwelt on Piers, something she had not done since his death, for
even when memories crowded in on her unbidden she always found them too painful. But tonight it was a relief to think of him, a comfort. If they'd been married that fateful morning instead of him dashing off to Paris, what would her life have been like now? So uncertain were their plans they hadn't even decided on a permanent place to live and would no doubt have made do with her flat until Piers could find time to spare for personal matters. Heaven alone knew when that would have been. She would probably have had to arrange everything herself, just as she had done the wedding plans. And as she thought about it deeply she uncovered the uncomfortable truth that she had always done all the running. Piers had never talked of marriage except when she had forced the subject on him.

  The room was getting unbearably stuffy. She got up and drew back the velvet curtains, letting in a beam of moonlight that illuminated a mirror opposite and showed her another picture of herself. In the plain, unglamorous nightie, her hair loose about her shoulders, she looked very young and ordinary, not a bit like the sophisticated girl Piers had enjoyed putting on display as if she was an expensive acquisition. She hadn't wanted all the valuable presents he had showered on her, but when she protested he had joked about her being a decorative showcase for his new-found wealth and they had laughed about it together. But just how long would it have taken for her to grow tired of being just another of Piers's assets? Because that was all she had been. The revelation came to her in the same instant that she knew there was far more to be had out of life. She wanted rewarding things, like a home, a baby to cuddle, and a loving husband, and she would have had none of these with Piers. Though it hurt her pride to do so, she had to admit that Joss had been right after all, because it was possible that she had had a lucky escape.

  She pushed the window open wide, breathing in the clear night air that did wonders for her spirits, then went back to bed and fell asleep with almost the same rapidity as Oliver.