by Julia Bell
“Jason. I’m speechless. I’ve never seen anything so...so..!” She began to giggle at her inept attempts to find the right words.
“It is lovely, isn’t it.”
“Do you ever use it for a social occasion?”
“Oh yes! Whenever it’s thought appropriate. It’s been used for business dinner dances and award ceremonies. And it’s used for family functions. We’ll be in this room for Mother’s birthday dance and she always organises a party on New Year’s Eve. We’ll all be there so if you’d like to come too, you’d be very welcome.” Anna didn’t answer. Instead, she circled the room and drank in its wonderful splendour. “Would you like to see the estate now? I can take you to the farm, if you wish.”
“That would be lovely. Has it any cows?”
They spent a wonderful afternoon together. As they drove to the farm, Jason pointed out the main features on the estate, telling her that there was over a thousand acres of land consisting of parks and woods as well as some very profitable farmland. For Anna, the lands belonging to the Grange seemed to stretch in every direction.
Mr Durrant and his wife were overjoyed to see ‘Master’ Jason and his young lady friend and spent a good hour telling Anna of all the scrapes he had got into as a boy. Eventually, feeling completely embarrassed, he decided it was time to go. As they drove back in the warm evening sun, Anna found it difficult to keep back her giggles as she remembered the stories she had heard.
Jason became exasperated. “If you don’t stop laughing, I’ll pull over and throw you out!”
“Never! And make me walk back?” she chuckled.
“I wouldn’t give it a second thought!”
The evening was spent in the parlour, Mrs Wilby and Margaret catching up on news while Ben engrossed himself with the crossword in his paper.
“Anna, do you fancy a game of whist?” Jason asked, opening a drawer in the wall unit and getting out a pack of cards.
“Yes. But don’t we need more players?”
“Everyone seems otherwise occupied, so I’m afraid it’s me and thee.” She sat down opposite him and he held out the pack. “You choose trumps.”
She split the cards and turned them over. “Hearts are trumps,” she smiled.
An hour passed quietly until Margaret ordered some coffee.
Anna picked up a card and held it to the light. “Are these cards marked?” she asked scornfully.
Jason feigned indignation. “Certainly not! Are you accusing me of cheating?”
“Well, I’m finding it difficult to beat you,” she said, pulling a face at him.
“I think you’re doing OK.”
“If I’m doing OK, then how come you’re winning!” She gave him a sly grin. “You seem to forget I know the little tricks you pull with your clients.”
He opened his mouth to protest but was saved from answering by the arrival of Fran with the coffee.
“Would you like to go out for a stroll?” Jason asked Anna, after they had finished their coffee.
Anna nodded. “Sounds wonderful. I’d love to see a bit of the garden before the light goes.”
Tess rose to her feet, sensing a walk was being offered. She yawned and stretched.
“No, you stay here,” ordered Jason. “I want Anna to myself for a change.”
Tess pricked her ears and tilted her head to one side. At eleven years old, her old bones couldn’t cope with much strenuous exercise and the soft rug was more tempting. She resumed her place, resting her chin on her paws.
Outside it was very mild. The stars shone brightly in a clear sky and the air was heavy with the scent of late summer flowers and newly mown grass. They walked along the drive and Anna turned to survey the building they had just left. Light poured from the windows and the ivy caught the glow and shone with a luminescence all of its own. Anna gasped at the sight.
“It’s so pretty,” she said. “It looks like a totally different place in the evening than it does during the day.”
Jason nodded in agreement. “It’s always the same. It seems to change with the seasons and the weather. But then Mother does it credit with her gardening skill.”
At the end of the drive they followed the path that skirted the lawns and yew topiary bushes making their way round to the rose garden. As they talked together, Jason suddenly reached out and took Anna’s hand. His touch was like an electrical charge shooting up her arm and she jerked away in surprise.
He stopped walking. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cause you any offence,” he said. “I remembered how good it felt when you took my hand the day we scattered Kiera’s ashes.”
Anna’s reaction had been instinctive and the last thing she wanted was to hurt his feelings. But the sensations she had experienced had been too much for her. She slipped her hand through his arm and smiled.
“It’s OK. It just surprised me for a second.” She was answered by his hand covering hers. They continued their walk, until eventually they found themselves back at the entrance. She looked around her once more. “In the twilight it looks like a fairytale castle from one of Hans Christian Anderson’s stories. You can almost imagine a beautiful princess and a handsome prince living in it.” Anna let her imagination run away with her, as she took in the vision of the windows filled with a soft glow.
“Well, we’ve got our beautiful princess. All we need now is to find the handsome prince,” Jason answered, smiling.
“Don’t be silly. I’m far from being a beautiful princess!”
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, Anna.” He kissed her hand. “You have a wonderful innocence about you that I find very appealing.” She turned her head away to hide her embarrassment. He lifted her face towards him with the edge of his forefinger and murmured softly, “Have you had a pleasant day, your first day in the fairytale castle?”
“Oh, yes, except for meeting Elizabeth Harrington, who I shall hate for the rest of my days.”
“Why, for goodness sake?”
“Because I’m not totally convinced you employed me on my own merits. I’m sure she had something to do with it.”
He shook his head. “She didn’t, I assure you,” he whispered.
His arms came slowly round her, pulling her nearer, his face pressed against her hair. When he started to brush his lips gently on her cheek, Anna felt herself melting. The thrill that ran down her spine was something she had never experienced before, but then a terrible thought came to her that she was behaving little better than her husband and for a few seconds she tensed. Even so, the emotions that were overwhelming her and making her legs go weak, had an irresistible force which compelled her to remain still. No, she wasn’t like her husband. Dave was not part of her life any more, they had separated and she wasn’t hurting anyone by her conduct.
Ignoring her mind, she focused attention on her body, welcoming his caress until gradually, his lips moved closer to hers and when they finally met, her feelings surrendered.
Anna couldn’t remember how long they kissed. She didn’t even care. She was only aware of her palpitating heart and the blood surging round her body and the knowledge she wanted more. His tongue explored her mouth tenderly, causing her to sink against him, her arms reaching up to encircle his neck. Dave had never kissed her like this. This was so different. More sensual and demanding and somehow, more fulfilling.
Jason lifted his head, his eyes shining with relief and excitement at her response. He was certain of one thing; he wanted Anna in his bed.
“If you only knew how long I’ve wanted to do that,” he murmured, holding the side of her face and stroking her lips with his thumb. “I’ve fallen in love with you, Anna.”
She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Jason. I don’t think I...” Her voice faded into space.
“I realise you might think it too soon after Kiera, but let me assure you, it was over long ago between my wife and me. However, if you want more time then I don’t mind waiting.”
It sounded wonderful, his soft words
mesmerising her, and yet deep within her soul was such a terrible, black secret, she thought it would surely rise up and choke his words forever.
She tried to see his face, but the gloom was too intense. “You’ve no idea what you’ll be taking on!” she said.
“Well, I’ve always enjoyed a challenge,” he said and in spite of the shadows she knew he was smiling.
“I need some time to think.”
“Of course.” His fingers caressed her cheek, before he added, “Would you like to go to the golf club tomorrow? I could teach you how to play golf and then we could have a spot of lunch.”
“That sounds wonderful. But what makes you think I can’t play golf?”
“Can you?” he said.
His surprise made her grin. “I was only captain of the ladies team for twelve months.”
“Well, goodness me! You never mentioned it,” he said. He gave a low chuckle. “What’s your handicap?”
Anna thought for a moment. “Shan’t tell. I wouldn’t want to put you off your game knowing you had such a formidable opponent.”
He pulled her more closely towards him. “I think tomorrow is going to be very interesting. Come on. Let’s go inside. The temperature seems to be dropping.”
She took his hand and they started their way back. “Strange. I don’t feel cold at all,” Anna sighed, as they climbed the steps to the main door.
CHAPTER SIX
It was early when Anna awoke the next morning and she immediately remembered the previous night. Jason had kissed her and told her he loved her. He had aroused passions in her that she never knew existed. Dave had never done that. Never whispered how much she meant to him, or that he needed her. Jason’s endearments had come from his heart, she was sure of it. He had meant what he had said and what’s more, he had asked nothing of her, prepared to wait and give her time.
The thought of Dave made her heart leap and she sat up in bed, clutching a pillow tightly to her breast. She must do something and quickly. Events were moving too fast and the knowledge they might get out of control, frightened her beyond belief. Swinging her legs over the side of the mattress, she came to a decision. They would have their game of golf and during lunch she would tell him about her husband and why she had lied on her CV. He would understand, she felt sure of it, but if he was upset, then she only had herself to blame.
Anna made her way downstairs to breakfast. Halfway down she heard laughter echoing from the dining room and stopped momentarily. She took in a large breath before continuing her descent and walking briskly into the dining room. A chorus of ‘good morning’ greeted her. It was apparent Jason hadn’t come down yet, since there was an empty seat at the table.
Margaret caught her quick glance at the chair and smiled. “I’m afraid Jason has had to go back to Bristol, my dear.”
Anna’s heart sank. “But why? I thought the office was closed on a Saturday.”
“It is, but this morning he received an urgent phone call, to say that a ship has been held up in port. I’m not quite sure of the exact details but there seems to be a hitch with customs.”
“Will he be long?”
“It depends on how quickly he can clear up the problem. He said he would phone later and let us know how things are. Don’t worry, he’s sure to return as soon as he can.”
Margaret watched her face as she spoke. There was definitely some warmth and affection in her eyes when Jason’s name was mentioned. Perhaps Mrs Wilby was right, perhaps there was something more between these two than a simple employer-employee relationship. It would be good if this turned out to be true, her son needed a wife at his side.
Margaret sighed and thought of Kiera. She realised she shouldn’t think ill of the dead, but it was obvious why her son had chosen her. She was so beautiful and charming and had the ability to capture everyone’s heart. What a pity she had the ability to break a heart too. Anna was different, she had the steadfastness needed in a good marriage. Margaret had been told that Anna had nursed her husband for many years through a long and debilitating illness whilst caring for twin boys. That showed a great deal of determination and yet having lost her husband, she had supported her boys and then made a new life for herself with new people in a new place. Any other woman would have stayed in their hometown with their next of kin, but Anna had journeyed forth into the unknown.
The sadness on Anna’s face moved her. “I’m sure he misses you as much as you miss him,” she told her soothingly.
Anna blinked in horror. “I don’t miss him! I just wanted to know when he’ll be back.”
Margaret patted her hand and gave her a knowing smile.
Later that morning, Margaret had an official engagement as guest of honour at the primary school, planting a tree in memory of her late husband. Mrs Wilby and Ben had decided to join her, but Anna had declined the invitation wanting to stay behind so that she would be ready to play their game of golf when Jason came home.
She made herself comfortable in the parlour and absorbed herself in a book. Eventually she wandered over to the window and looked out at the grounds of the Grange. The vivid blue sky had disappeared and it had started to rain. She sighed sadly when she realised that they would have to cancel their round of golf. But lunch might still be possible if Jason returned early enough.
She walked round the room, scrutinising the photos on the unit and smiling at one in particular, showing Jason on his graduation day. She picked it up and examined the robe he was wearing and his look of absolute pride. He must have been in his early twenties and she noticed with amazement that he had attended Cardiff University.
How she found herself in the kitchen she couldn’t remember but she strongly suspected that the sound of laughter had drawn her down the stairs. Irene and her daughter, Fran, were busy cooking the lunch for that day as well as making the final preparations for the birthday meal. Anna asked if she could help.
“Oh, no! miss, it wouldn’t be right. You being a guest and all. And besides the rest of the staff will be here shortly to give a hand.” The broad, flushed face of the cook smiled at her over the steaming pans.
“Well, I have peeled a fair amount of potatoes and carrots in my time. Please let me help.”
In the end, the cook relented and set Anna on the sprouts. As it neared lunchtime, the sherry was brought out.
“I generally don’t drink alcohol! Only at weddings and funerals and special occasions,” said Anna.
“Well this is a special occasion, ain’t it?” said Fran, drinking down her glass quickly.
“It doesn’t hurt to have a tot, once in a while, my dear,” the cook laughed as she sipped her drink. Anna picked up her glass and the thick liquid slipped down her throat, making her radiate with warmth to the very ends of her fingers and toes. Somehow, it reminded her of the feelings Jason had aroused in her, when he had kissed her the previous night. She wanted more and finished the whole glass. Taking the bottle she poured herself another measure. “Steady, my dear. It’ll go to your head quite quickly if you’re not used to it,” said the cook.
Anna ignored her and drank it down.
She finally left the kitchen when the part-time staff arrived. Lunch would be ready soon and as Anna made her way up the kitchen stairs to the hall, she was conscious of her head feeling extremely light. She tried to shrug it off and went into the dining room. Taking a seat, she watched as the tureens of food arrived and the diners helped themselves. As Ben passed the peas to Anna, he noticed she missed the target and her hand shot to the left. He placed the tureen down in front of her and watched as she scooped the vegetables unsteadily onto her plate, mostly tipping them on the tablecloth.
“Are you OK, Anna?” he asked, suddenly feeling concerned.
Anna grinned. “I’ve been helping the cook and she brought out the sherry bottle.”
Margaret smiled. “I didn’t know we had an alcoholic in our midst.”
Anna jerked her head in her direction. “Oh, no, I’m not a drinker. Really, I’m not
. It’s just that…please excuse me.”
She headed for the door before Margaret could explain, “Oh dear, I was only joking, but I seem to have offended her.”
“She wanted to make a good impression,” nodded Ben. “She was worried what you’d think of her.”
Margaret sighed. “I think she’s a lovely girl, but a little too sensitive perhaps.”
“I’ll go and see how she is,” said Mrs Wilby, rising from the table.
“And tell her I apologise,” Margaret called after her.
Mrs Wilby rejoined them at the table after a couple of minutes.
“She’s fast asleep. The poor girl was already out cold when I got there.”
Anna slept for an hour and when the events at lunch finally sieved through her memory, she let out a groan and jumped to her feet. She visited the bathroom and hurriedly did her face and hair, smacking her cheeks to make herself more alert.
She found Margaret in the study, hammering away on an old-fashioned typewriter. “Jason wants me to get a computer, but I find this much more convenient,” she grinned.
Anna gave her a half-smile. “I’m so sorry for my appalling behaviour at lunch. I don’t know why I drank all that sherry. It was very wrong of me, but I’m not an alcoholic, really I’m not.”
Margaret turned a good-natured face towards her. “My dear, don’t worry about it. I was just having fun at your expense. Of course you’re not an alcoholic and I do apologise.” Anna grimaced. “By the way Jason phoned.”
“What did he say?”