Return to Lanmore

by Sheila Douglas

  She collapsed on to the sofa, shaking and incoherent.

  'Stop babbling,' Philip said gently, and took her in his arms. When she was calmer and able to accept the incredible, the joyful fact that he loved her and wanted to marry her, Nell rested her head against his shoulder with a sigh.

  'I suppose you're right, darling. Grandpa couldn't stay there on his own, but where will he go?'

  'He'll live with us, of course. I have plenty of room.'

  'I don't think he'd like that.'

  'Once he's got used to the idea he'll agree. In fact at the risk of sounding conceited I think he'll be pleased.' His mouth quirked. 'If I hadn't thought so I wouldn't have taken Alex out to see him.'

  She jerked upright. 'And what if I hadn't agreed to marry you? Where would he have gone then?'

  'But you have agreed, sweetheart,' he said blandly, and she felt a small spurt of annoyance. 'You not only sound conceited, you are conceited, Philip Trent! It would have served you right if I'd turned you down.'

  'But I knew you wouldn't, my love, after what you told me in the car park.' He pushed her back against the cushions and said thickly, 'How soon will you marry me, Nell? Don't keep me waiting much longer.'

  Overwhelmed by physical sensation, she shivered with pleasure at his touch. 'We don't have to wait, Philip,' and then, as his face tautened, 'I'm off duty tonight, if you want me to stay.' Blushing and suddenly shy, she turned away from him. 'Don't look at me like that! I've never said that to any other man. In fact, though you probably won't believe me, I've—I've never had an affair with any man.'

  'I do believe you,' Philip said quietly. 'It was only when I didn't know you very well that I listened to Elizabeth's malicious gossip. That woman has a lot to answer for, but I suppose I have to wish them happiness. Sandy's a decent man at any rate.' He put an arm around her and drew her against his shoulder. 'No, little one, we'll wait until we're married. I couldn't face your grandfather if I had a guilty conscience!' Smiling, he looked down at her. 'Though I've been tempted more than once, I don't mind admitting.' He ruffled her hair lovingly.

  Nell caught sight of herself in a mirror. 'Good heavens, what a mess I look!' Hair tousled, cheeks flushed, she turned to him worriedly. 'Oh, Philip, I'm not at all the sort of girl you ought to marry.'

  'Really? What sort of girl would suit me?'

  'Oh, you know! Someone smooth and sophisticated, mad about clothes. The sort of wife that's an asset to a business man.'

  'But I'm not a business man,' he said gently. 'I'm an engineer. However, we'll try to find a suitable wife for James.' He was laughing at her, and after a few moments she joined in.

  'Ilse might do,' she suggested, sobering suddenly, and waiting anxiously for his reaction.

  He shrugged. 'James finds her as lacking in appeal as I do.'

  'She's very beautiful,' Nell insisted, unable to leave the subject alone.

  'What are you trying to ask? Was I ever in love with her? No, nor ever more than superficially attracted. Her father was a business associate, that's all.'

  'Pamela Middleton-Massey told me once that you have hordes of girl-friends.'

  'I've collected quite a few in my travels,' he admitted. 'What is this, Nell? An inquest on my past life?' His voice was cool now.

  'Please, Philip, don't be angry with me. I've been jealous too, thinking of you swanning round half the capitals of Europe with gorgeous girls like Ilse.'

  His expression changed, became amused and tender. 'My darling girl, what a vivid imagination you have! I've been far too busy to spend much time with women. And when I did it meant nothing. Just an evening's relaxation.' The doorbell rang and he rose. 'That'll be James—I was expecting him. Just as well perhaps, or I might have accepted your offer!' As he crossed to the door his smile grew broader. 'You're the only girl I know who still blushes!'

  The moment he was gone Nell jumped to her feet, tore open her handbag, ran a comb through her hair and straightened her clothes. She heard the two men talking in the hall, and as the door swung open, moved quickly away from the mirror.

  James' usually serious face was transformed by his rare smile. 'Philip has just been telling me the news, and I'm very glad to hear it, Nell.' He looked from one to the other of diem. 'Strange,' he said reflectively, 'how even the most intelligent people can behave like complete idiots when they fall in love!'

  Philip punched his old friend in the chest. 'After that remark you don't deserve it, but stay and have a drink with us, then we must telephone the Colonel. Champagne! There's some left from the party we threw for those Dutch engineers.' He disappeared into the kitchen, whistling cheerfully.

  Nell looked after him lovingly, then caught James' eye. 'I hope it won't give Grandpa too much of a shock! He's had one today already.'

  'My dear girl,' said James dryly, 'he would have to be blind, and much deafer than he is, not to know there was something between you two. Perhaps now Philip will be able to concentrate on his work again. He's a very brilliant man, Nell, and sometimes he can be difficult, but you're absolutely right for him. I have no doubt about that.'

  Nell flushed with pleasure. 'Thank you, James. That's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me,' and then Philip came back from the kitchen, the champagne bottle under one arm.

  The cork popped and the champagne fizzed out. James raised his glass to them both, Nell standing secure in the circle of Philip's arm.

  'All the best for the future. I know that you'll be happy.'