Anne Mather

by Sanja

  CHAPTER FOUR

  The next morning Caroline was awakened by Mrs Jones who had brought her a tray on which was a percolator of coffee and a jug of fruit juice. She placed the tray across Caroline as she lazily sat up and then drew back the curtains. A watery sun was shining, but the frost sparkling on the windows gave everything a wintry look.

  'Breakfast is in the dining-room when you want it,' she said, smiling. 'Just go along as soon as you want to.'

  'Thank you, Mrs Jones.' She sighed. 'This is wonderful.'

  Mrs Jones simply nodded and withdrew and Caroline poured herself a glass of fruit juice before tasting the delicious-smelling coffee.

  Afterwards, when she was dressed, she went down to the dining-room, finding her way quite easily. The house still seemed very quiet and she wondered whether she was first up. It was eight-thirty already, but for a Sunday it was quite early, even for her.

  She looked rather pale this morning, shadows beneath her green cat's eyes. In truth she had slept rather badly and dreaded her eventual meeting with Adam.

  When she entered the large, light dining-room she found only one occupant; John Steinbeck, who was seated at the table, a plate of kidneys and bacon in front

  of him, a newspaper propped against the toast rack.

  He looked up at her entrance and looked at her coolly.

  'Good morning,' said Caroline, feeling nervous.

  "Morning,' he replied abruptly, and rudely returned to his paper.

  Ignoring his obviously childish manners, Caroline poured herself more coffee and then seated herself at the opposite side of the table. The dishes being kept hot on burners on the side-board did not appeal to her just now. Her appetite seemed non-existent.

  John, apparently deciding he was being very rude and remembering that he was host at the moment, put away the newspaper and offered her some toast.

  'No, thank you,' said Caroline, shaking her head.

  John finished his kidneys and bacon and buttered himself a slice of toast before spreading it liberally with marmalade. It was obvious now that he also felt rather uncomfortable and Caroline decided to break the silence.

  'Is your father still in bed?' she asked politely.

  John's eyebrows ascended and he looked cynically surprised.

  'Don't you know?' he asked pointedly.

  Caroline clenched her teeth for a moment, flushing scarlet.

  'If I did I shouldn't be asking,' she replied coldly. 'Now perhaps you'll answer my question.'

  Now John looked embarrassed. 'He's going round the estate with Jones,' he said, studying his toast. 'They've been gone over an hour. I ought to have realised that he would hardly be up at seven if. ..' He did not finish his remark, but Caroline was well aware of his meaning.

  'You're very young,' she remarked easily, before taking a sip of her coffee.

  John looked angry. 'I shouldn't be surprised if I'm older than you,' he retorted with a snort. 'Just what game are you and my father playing? His women aren't usually straight out of the cradle.'

  Caroline refused to rise to the bait. Instead she said:

  'The fog seems to have lifted this morning.'

  John shrugged his shoulders and shook his head. He was baffled. He finished his meal and pushed aside his plate.

  'Would you like some more coffee?' Caroline asked, standing up and lifting her own cup.

  He was about to refuse and then with ill grace he said:

  'Thank you.'

  Caroline poured the coffee and after handing him his, re-seated herself. John took out his cigarette case and offered it to her. With a slight smile she accepted the cigarette, steadied his hand as he lit it and then relaxed back in her chair. Even John seemed more at ease and Caroline reflected that in other circumstances she could have liked him. He was young and attractive and quite intelligent and she was sure he could have liked her. Although he was antagonistic towards her, his eyes told her that he found her attractive, too, and she really felt quite amused at his transparent jealousy.

  'How long have you been at university?' she asked, drawing on her cigarette.

  'A year,' replied John, sounding much more natural. 'I'm reading philosophy.'

  'You amaze me,' remarked Caroline with some sarcasm, and John smiled suddenly, relaxing completely. 'Do you like being there?'

  'It's okay, I guess,' replied John, with a sigh. 'I quite enjoy the atmosphere, the friends I work with, and of course, I'm interested in my subject.'

  'It sounds intriguing,' remarked Caroline. 'I'm afraid philosophy is one subject I know nothing about.'

  'Few people do,' replied John, smiling. Then as remembrance of who she was returned to him, he said quietly: 'How long have you known my father?'

  'A week,' answered Caroline, watching his reaction.

  'Is that all?' he exclaimed, then he shrugged. 'You seem to have become very well acquainted in a very short time.'

  Caroline flushed. 'It happens like that sometimes,' she replied calmly.

  'So I believe,' said John, with a sneer in his voice. 'And I suppose money doesn't bother you either?'

  'No, it does not!' exclaimed Caroline. 'Honestly, it seems to me that far too much emphasis is placed on money in this family. You can please your petty little self whether you believe me or not, but your father's money is not what attracted me to him. He's a very attractive man, or hadn't you noticed? Your girl-friend has!'

  John was furious now and Caroline felt pleased. He thought he was so clever. Well, she had shaken his complacency!

  She rose to her feet and strolled over to the wide windows which overlooked the drive. It gave John time to control his temper. He had not enjoyed being made a fool of by a girl he was coming to like, regardless of her attachment to his father. He was used to being immediately popular with any girls he met and the fact that this girl preferred his father baulked him. She must know that he was just as attractive money- wise, and he could not understand how she could prefer his father who was almost forty. After all, she could only be about eighteen herself!

  The entry of Toni Landon brought a welcome end to his speculation and he turned to greet her with a smile. Dressed this morning in a slim-fitting skirt and a red sweater, she looked very charming and John decided to ignore Caroline.

  'I'm sorry I'm late, darling,' she exclaimed. 'You ought not to have such comfy beds here. Mine was dreamy.. .but dreamy, darling.'

  Caroline raised her eyes heavenward as she listened to Toni's inconsequent chatter. No wonder Adam was soon bored if the women of his acquaintance spoke like that. Decorative ornaments, thought Caroline, sighing. Somewhere for the men to hang the jewellery where it would be seen. Walking models of fabulous dresses but inwardly empty shells without any interest in anything but themselves.

  Excusing herself, she left the dining-room, collected her duffel coat from the cloakroom and slipping it on opened the front door and stepped outside. Closing the door behind her, she shivered momentarily as the cold air hit her after the heat of the house.

  Everywhere was covered with the fairy-like coating of frost and the air was fresh and invigorating. Much different from London, thought Caroline, used to the smells of petrol and diesel fumes. Thrusting her hands deep into the pockets of her coat, she made her way round to the rear of the building where she had seen the swimming pool the night before.

  It was easy to find her way and she walked on down the path, through the now stark rose beds, past the pool and the tennis courts into a copse of trees. Her earlier lethargy had partly dispersed when she came out of the trees into a clearing to find a stables, and standing in the forecourt was Adam with two other men. One was obviously the groom and she presumed the second man must be Jones, Mrs Jones' husband.

  Adam saw her first and leaving the other men he crossed swiftly to her side. Caroline's cheeks were flushed now from the air, but her eyes were still tired and the dark rings could not be disguised.

  Adam did not speak at once, but touched her cheeks lightly, indicat
ing the pallor beneath her eyes.

  'Am I to blame for this?' he asked softly, his eyes gentler than she had ever seen them.

  'Why should you think that?' she asked, turning away. 'You didn't tell me you kept horses, Adam.'

  Adam put a casual arm across her shoulders. 'Don't be frigid with me,' he commanded quietly, and she was forced to look up at him appealingly.

  'I'm not,' she breathed helplessly. 'I just don't understand you.'

  'You will in time,' he replied calmly. 'Come on, I'll introduce you.'

  He introduced her to Frank Leyton, the groom who with his wife and two sons lived over the stables in a converted flat. Mr Jones was a cheerful, older man ;ind she felt quite at home with them both.

  The horses were a delight in themselves. Caroline was unable to ride, but she loved animals, and Adam said:

  'I'll teach you to ride, next time you come down, hm?'

  Caroline sighed contentedly. His final remark had told her all she wanted to know. There was going to be a 'Next time'.

  They strolled slowly back to the house together, Adam's arm still across her slim shoulders.

  'For the first time in my life, I wish I didn't have to go away tomorrow,' he murmured, his mouth brushing her ear.

  'So do I,' she said, sighing and his arm tightened possessively.

  They drove up to London after Adam had had some breakfast. He had suggested that she should stay all day, but apart from John's apparent antipathy, Caroline knew that Amanda would be worried so she decided to go back. Adam had been disappointed at her refusals to stay, but he was deliberately thoughtful towards her as they drove back to town.

  He drew up outside the block of flats and Caroline bent her head, feeling utterly depressed. The week stretched ahead of her, blank and uninviting.

  'Well,' said Adam sliding his arm along the back of her seat, 'our time together is over for the time being.'

  Caroline nodded, feeling as though she wanted to cry. She had never felt so miserable or so alone before.

  'Oh, Adam,' she whispered, raising her eyes to his, 'you aren't just playing with me, are you?'

  Adams eyes darkened. 'Need you ask?' he muttered harshly. 'God, Caro, do you think I want to leave you here? If I had my way, I'd take you with me. But that's not possible, is it?'

  'No!' she whispered with a sigh. 'When will you be back?'

  'I guess Friday,' he replied, biting his lips. 'I'll ring you at work, hm?' He smiled at her. 'As soon as the flight lands, yes?'

  'From the airport!' she exclaimed, smiling herself.

  'If you want me to,' he replied softly. 'I'd ring you from New York, but you've no telephone in the flat.'

  'Don't worry,' she said. 'Just ring as soon as you get back, darling.'

  'Say that again,' he muttered. 'I like to hear you say it.'

  Afterwards he lightly touched her forehead with his lips.

  'Go on now, honey. Don't say anything else or I really won't let you go,' he said, and she slid out of the car. She felt slightly intoxicated. That kind of conversation was more potent than alcohol. Adam slammed the door and drove away without looking back. Caroline walked slowly into the building. She wished for once she could have a room of her own where she could have gone for a while until the worst of this feeling wore off. As it was, she had Amanda to face. And Amanda would demand a full description of the night's events.

  It was almost twelve when she opened the door of the flat and entered to find Amanda preparing dinner. She turned round when Caroline came in, relief spreading over her face.

  'Thank heaven!' she exclaimed, looking thankful. I thought you were never coming back.'

  'Oh, really, Mandy,' cried Caroline, sighing. 'I only stayed at Slayford because of the fog. It was a vile night.'

  'I know, I know. But I couldn't help remembering who you were with and wondering whether he would take advantage of such a heaven-sent opportunity.'

  'We were not alone,' said Caroline wearily, tiredness overtaking her. 'His son and his girl-friend arrived last night for the weekend. Not to mention his housekeeper and her husband. Honestly, Amanda, don't fuss over me so much. I'm perfectly all right and still sound in wind and limb. Nothing happened.'

  Amanda shrugged her shoulders, looking hurt, and Caroline frowned. She didn't want to be unkind to her friend, but at the moment she was in no mood for gossiping. As for her relationship with Adam; she realised that she was like putty in his hands and that Amanda would have been shocked to the core if she ever realised it. Caroline knew she had never felt like this before, and was not likely to do so again with any other man. Up till now, boys had hardly disturbed the surface of her emotional state,- suddenly Adam had plumbed the depths and she felt shaken at the upheaval he had caused. Would he ever feel the same way towards herself? She doubted it. He had known too many women to get himself seriously involved with a teenager.

  If Amanda wondered why Caroline was so miserable for the rest of the day she did not comment on it and refrained from asking any questions. It was obvious that Caroline did not want to talk about things concerning Adam Steinbeck and Amanda had to resign her curiosity and forget all the things she would have liked to have known.

  The week that followed seemed the longest of Caroline's life. She went to work automatically, just living for the weekend and Adam's return. Ruth, who questioned her about Adam, received monosyllabic replies and soon tired of asking. Caroline felt sure Ruth thought she was a misery and she tried to be her usual cheerful self without much success.

  The weather was cold and miserable too, and as it was only the middle of December everybody was forecasting a long, hard winter. Caroline listened to the old men on the bus grumbling about the inadequacy of their pensions to provide coal or heating of any kind and she thought how lucky she really was to be young and still able to work. Although she and Amanda thought their lives were dull, compared to some theirs was an ideal existence and she resolved to be more tolerant in future and more cheerful. After all, it was Thursday already and Adam was due back tomorrow.

  Mark Davison came into the typing pool on Thursday afternoon with a sheaf of letters for one of the other girls. After delivering them and seeing that Miss Morgan was not about he strolled across to Caroline's desk. A tall, slim, fair young man dressed in a light grey suit, he looked debonair and quite handsome, and was well aware of it.

  He leaned on Caroline's desk, familiarly, and said:

  'Hi, gorgeous!'

  Amused at his rather old-fashioned.line of introduc- lion, Caroline smiled. 'What do you want?' she asked. Miss Morgan will be back any minute and you know she doesn't like you lingering in here any longer than is necessary.'

  'Oh, but this is necessary,' replied Mark airily. 'Besides, the old dragon is closeted with Mr Willis, so she won't be back for quite some time. Now. . .what's this crazy story I hear about you having lunch with the boss man?'

  Caroline shrugged. The story was gradually circulating round the whole building.

  'That was last week,' she remarked coolly. 'It's quite old news now.'

  'Maybe,' said Mark, raising his eyebrows. 'But it's still pretty hot stuff, isn't it? My, my, we are playing for high stakes. No wonder yours truly isn't even in the running.'

  'Don't be ridiculous, Mark,' Caroline retorted, feeling angry now. It was one thing for people to gossip about what had actually taken place. It was quite another for them to speculate on what might happen in the future. She didn't like the idea of Adam's name being bandied about like that. It had never happened before and Mark's manner of speaking brought it home to her how enjoyable other people found this kind of tit-bit about an influential man.

  'I don't think it is ridiculous,' replied Mark easily, a mocking smile on his face. 'After all, darling you're hardly in his class, are you? I mean, whatever there is between you two can only be thought the worst of, can't it? Even you can't imagine anything serious might come of it.'

  'It was only lunch,' said Caroline, grateful that no one knew o
f the weekend affair.

  'At the moment,' nodded Mark, thoughtfully light- ing a cigarette. 'But you know what it's like when you cast a stone into a still pond, the ripples spread, don't they?' He saw Caroline looking rather perturbed, and seizing his opportunity, he continued: 'Of course, you could squash the rumours.'

  'How?' she asked eagerly, unaware of his thoughts.

  'By going out with somebody else. After all, a girl who's already dating one boy doesn't bother with a man old enough to be her father.'

  Suddenly what he was getting at came through to her. 'I suppose you mean I should go out with you?' she said with a sigh.

  'Now that's a great idea,' he said, grinning. 'How about it?'

  Hating him for his over-confident manner and boyish lack of imagination. Caroline hesitated. But Mark Davison was quite a talker himself and she could imagine him making the most of this if she refused. Caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, she capitulated.

  'All right, then,' she said, forcing her voice to sound light and cheerful. 'When would you suggest?'

  'How about this evening?' answered Mark eagerly. He was jubilant. He had never expected it to be this easy.

  Caroline agreed. After all, she thought, tomorrow she might conceivably be seeing Adam. After Mark had gone she did not feel so keen. It was all very well going out with that big-headed creature to stop tongues from wagging, but what if Adam thought she was turning to someone else behind his back? Then she sighed. Why should she even believe that Adam might care? Her position was so uncertain at the moment.

  By five o'clock she was regretting her decision, but she met him in the foyer as arranged and there was no backing out. They went to the cinema to see a biblical epic. The cinema was in the West End and Caroline quite enjoyed the unexpected treat. Although he had only tried to hold her hand in the cinema, Caroline was dreading going home with him in case he started to get fresh. It wasn't that she couldn't handle him. She simply did not want to offend him. He might spread more stories about herself and Adam.