by Julia Bell
Anna went over to a box of tissues and quickly dried her eyes and blew her nose. She ought to apologise straight away, that was always the best thing to do. But at the moment she longed for some peace and quiet. Filling her lungs with air and letting it out slowly, she closed her eyes and searched for some tranquillity for her troubled thoughts. She noticed her birthday presents on the bed and carefully removed them, placing them on the floor. Kicking off her shoes, she lay down, curling up into the foetal position on the duvet, her knuckles pressed against her lips. Jason had offered her everything he had, she thought sleepily. She mustn’t lose him because she lacked the courage to end her marriage. Not now, after she had come this far.
Jason finished his emails and looked at his watch. Anna had remained upstairs for the last hour. Perhaps she was getting ready for the party? He wandered out of the parlour and stood at the bottom of the stairs, looking upwards. He couldn’t decide whether or not to check on her. He didn’t want to intrude on her privacy, but it seemed callous to leave her on her own when she seemed so upset. Finally, he gave in to his feelings and taking the stairs two at a time, he was soon at her door. He knocked quietly but there was no answer. He opened the door and peered round. Anna was lying on the bed, fast asleep.
Jason crossed the carpet and sat on the side of the mattress. Her expression was peaceful, her body relaxed, her breathing soft and rhythmic. He tenderly brushed the hair from her eyes and bent to kiss her lips. She awoke and stretched herself.
“Did I fall asleep?”
“You certainly did.”
“What time is it?”
He looked at his watch. “Just gone six.” He smiled at her. “It’s time to get ready for the party.”
“Yes, I want to take a bath first.”
“There’s still time. The revelries don’t start until eight.”
She giggled and grabbed his clothing, pulling him down. He tumbled on top of her and then he rolled to lie by her side. For a few moments they both stared up at the ceiling.
“I’m sorry,” she said softly.
He turned over and raised himself up on his elbow, looking down at her. “I shouldn’t have put pressure on you. It was very wrong of me.”
“Everything you said was true. And my answer is yes.”
“Yes?”
“Yes, I will marry you.” She paused for a moment. “You haven’t changed your mind, have you?
He answered her, smiling. “No I haven’t and I would like to make it official by getting you a ring.”
Anna felt startled. She and Dave had never bothered to get engaged or buy a ring. It hardly seemed worth the bother.
“That would be lovely,” she whispered.
“Well, that settles it.”
Anna pulled herself back to reality. “No, you mustn’t buy a ring just yet. As wonderful as it sounds, you must remember I’m still a married woman.” She raised her left hand and wriggled her fingers. “And I’m still wearing a wedding ring.”
“You could take that off,” he said quietly.
“I will when the time’s right. And I promise you that when I take this ring off, I’ll replace it with yours.”
“Fair enough,” he smiled and kissed her hand.
“What are we going to tell the others?” she added, frowning.
“About what?”
She sat up and pulled the pillow across her, holding it close. He sat up with her, putting another pillow behind his back.
“Your mother! And Mrs Wilby and Ben! All this time they’ve thought I was a widow. How can I explain all this?”
He thought for a moment. “I suppose they’ll need some kind of explanation. So, we’ll tell them the truth. We’ll explain your circumstances and that’s all. You don’t need to justify your actions.”
“Do you think they’ll understand?”
“Sweetheart, it doesn’t matter if they understand or not. And besides they all love you and in the end, I’m sure they’ll want us to be happy.”
Anna gave a sigh. “And I’ll have to explain everything to the family too. About you and my intention to end my marriage.”
“I’d really love to meet your family,” he smiled.
“You might find my mother rather daunting,” she laughed. He gave a chuckle and jumped up, pulling her onto her feet. He wrapped his arms round her and she closed her eyes, pressing herself against him. A peaceful contentment settled on them. And then Anna remembered her encounter with Deborah and summoning her courage she told him what she had overheard in the ladies room at the clubhouse. “She suspects something, I know she does.”
His brow creased in an anxious frown. “How can she? Whatever she’s implying it doesn’t matter. It’s none of her business.”
Anna had to admit he was right, even though she dreaded the thought that people would soon know how she had lied in order to pursue her own ambitions.
“Now, shoo,” she said, laughing. “And leave me to get ready.”
Anna prepared for the party by having a long, luxurious soak in the bath, before dressing her hair and applying her makeup. This was the evening she had been looking forward to since arriving at the Grange and she wanted to look perfect. Her belated shopping expedition to Bristol had finally located a dress that pleased her. It was a long black evening dress in the classic style, but with a slit on the left side reaching from hem to knee. The edges of the slit were embroidered with silver, as were the edges of the bodice and straps that crossed at the back. When she had stepped out of the changing room in the shop, Mrs Wilby’s mouth had fallen open in astonishment.
“My, you do look a picture. I think that’s the one, my dear. It will certainly make Jason’s eyes pop out of his head!”
At the time, Anna couldn’t understand why Jason would be interested in what she looked like or if she would care anyway. But now everything was so different. Now she wanted to look special, she wanted to be the ‘belle of the ball’.
Anna fastened her earrings in place. The white gold set off the cascade of three beautiful small diamonds and for a brief moment she held the matching necklace in her hands, turning it about and watching it sparkle. This was the only jewellery she had brought with her from Wakefield, as they had been a twenty-first birthday present from her mother and stepfather. For some strange reason she hadn’t been able to leave them behind, although as she had tucked them in her case she couldn’t imagine when she would wear them. Smiling with amusement she fastened the clasp round her neck and then eased on the black high-heeled sandals she had bought. Anna picked up the shawl and evening bag that completed the ensemble and stood in front of the long mirror. She scrutinised her appearance, turning to left and right. For the first time in years she didn’t grimace at her reflection, but instead, nodded with satisfaction.
She descended the stairs to the hall where the rest of the party was waiting. Margaret and Mrs Wilby looked wonderful in their evening dresses and Jason and Ben looked smart in their dress suits. But the look on Jason’s face told her everything.
“Wow!” he murmured. “Looks like I really will be fighting off the other guys tonight.”
Anna took his arm. “I’ve decided you can have the first dance,” she said, smiling.
“Can I have the second?” chimed in Ben.
Margaret glanced at Mrs Wilby. “It seems we’ll be dancing together.”
“Speak for yourself,” said Mrs Wilby, with a twinkle in her eye.
They made their way to the ballroom where the carpet had been removed revealing the beautiful polished wood flooring. As Anna promised, she and Jason had the first dance and Ben had the second. And as Jason surmised, every man then queued up to have his turn with the ‘belle of the ball’. In the end, Jason had no choice but to sneak in and steal Anna away if he thought she was being overwhelmed.
For Anna it was a wonderful evening and the dances with Jason proved to be very special. At ten, the live band retired and a DJ took their place. Now it was time for the disco and the dancing got a
lot livelier. The older folk took their seats round the room, chatting and watching the gyrating of the younger ones, only the brave few venturing out onto the floor to join in. And then finally, it was time for the last dance and Anna and Jason found themselves in each other’s arms once more. As they danced slowly round the floor, they became oblivious to the other partygoers, or the satisfied smiles from their closest friends. They were lost in each other and for all they cared, they could have been the last two people on earth.
It was late when the guests left and the household went to bed. Anna waited a short while and then skipped barefooted down the corridor and up the short flight of stairs to Jason’s room. He was waiting for her and laughed softly as she closed the door behind her, ran across the carpet and slipped into bed beside him.
This time was very different from the previous one and very different from anything Anna had ever experienced before. Jason murmured endearments as he made love to her and she cried out with the emotion that made her tremble with ecstasy. For the first time, Anna reached the height of sexual arousal and afterwards, Jason stroked her hair and kissed away the tears that spilled onto her cheeks. Anna couldn’t believe that she had been a married woman for nineteen years, for that night she might as well have been a young girl in the throes of her first love affair. She now knew the true meaning of being loved and as she fell asleep in Jason’s arms, the world was wonderful and life worth living.
CHAPTER NINE
The following day, everyone awoke to a heavy, leaden sky filled with rain. The sun made a valiant effort to put in an appearance whenever a gap opened up in the clouds, but it seemed that the end of summer was determined to enter into battle with the start of autumn.
Anna tied up her hair with a band, lowered herself into the hot water, lay back and relaxed. She closed her eyes and smiled as the bubbles tickled her chin. How she would miss this wonderful bathroom when they left the Grange on Sunday. Her thoughts drifted back to the night before when she had gone to Jason’s room. The feelings he had awakened in her had been unbelievable; emotions that she had never known existed.
She opened her eyes and held up her left hand, moving her fingers so that the water ran over her wedding ring. Why in all the years she had been married, had she never experienced an orgasm with her husband? And yet she knew the answer was simple, she didn’t trust him. And the distrust didn’t just stem from his suspected infidelities. She was anxious for her sexual health. Although she had visited the clinic regularly and thankfully had been reassured that all was well, advice that her husband should use extra protection went unheeded. Dave was furious, telling her it was unnecessary and an insult, since it insinuated his guilt.
Anna sighed. Why had she persevered for all those years? Jason had made her see sense and when he looked at her, she felt like a desirable woman, a woman to be cherished. If it hadn’t been for her boys and the need to give them a stable home, she would have left Dave years ago. Suddenly she felt angry and tore the ring from her finger flinging it across the room. She heard it clatter into the sink and wondered if it had gone down the plug-hole. Never mind, she thought, the sewer was probably the best place for it.
Jason had woken her in the early light of dawn, kissing her eyes and lips and throat. His love making that morning had been gentle but much more ardent and Anna had responded with a passion that seemed almost frenzied. Afterwards, she had felt embarrassed at her loss of control but he had whispered his wonderful words of love and reassured her that it was nothing to be ashamed about. He had not wanted her to leave when the time finally came, but Anna still hadn’t the courage to stay and be discovered by the others. He had let her go reluctantly, catching her hand and kissing her fingers as she left his bed.
There was a gentle knock on the bathroom door. Anna sat up, startled out of her reflections.
“Sweetheart, are you in the bath?”
“Yes, I’ll be with you in a moment.” She went to stand up and then realised with a grin that Jason was familiar with every part of her and it would be silly to be shy in his presence. She sank back down into the bubbles. “You might as well come in. The door’s unlocked.”
He came in and gave a cheeky smile. “Now, that’s what I call a lovely sight.” He bent to kiss her. “I’ve come to tell you that my solicitor wants to see me. I guess about Kiera’s will.” He sat down on the edge of the bath.
“I thought that was all sorted.”
“Kind of. But Kiera had shares in the company and she’s probably willed them to me. I’ve just had a phone call from Nigel Barnes. He’s an old school chum and also my solicitor. He wants me to go and see him.” He stared down at her. “Fancy coming with me?”
Anna smiled but then gave a sigh. “Will you be gone long?” she asked.
He shrugged. “A few hours perhaps. You could shop while I pop into his office.”
She suddenly felt cold. “Could you pass me a towel, please.”
Jason went over to the rail by the sink and brought back a large bath sheet. Anna stood up and he wrapped it round her and steadied her as she stepped out onto the mat. His arms came round her.
“Dear lord! The things you do to me,” he murmured, kissing her wet shoulders.
She made a decision. “No, I won’t go with you. I want to tell the others, Jason. While you’re away, I want to tell them my true situation and why I had to leave my family.”
“Are you sure? It can wait.”
“I don’t think it can.”
“Would you like me to tell them? I can explain it from my point of view and then it might sound more rational.”
“No, I must do it and it must be done today.”
“OK, but I know they’ll take it well.”
“If they don’t, then I’ll escape in my new car!”
He grinned and chucked her under the chin. “As long as it’s only as far as Bishop Sutton.” He contemplated her for a few moments. His voice was hesitant as he added, “If you’re going to spill the beans, then perhaps I should speak to Nigel about starting divorce proceedings? I could pave the way for you. You don’t have to do anything yet, it’s just….”
She smiled at his difficulty. “Yes, do that, please. In fact, make an appointment for me.”
He sighed with relief and then he was gone and Anna was left to get dressed. Before she made her way down to breakfast, she searched the bathroom for her wedding ring. It wasn’t in the sink or on the floor. Oh well, she thought, someone in the sewage works will get a surprise when they find it.
No one was about in the dining room and Anna ate her breakfast alone. Fran bustled in carrying a pot of fresh coffee.
“Where are the others?” Anna asked.
“Oh, they’ve gone to the farm, miss. Farmer’s just bought some heifers and Madam has gone to look them over. They said they’ll be back about ten.”
Anna decided to walk round the garden, her thoughts on what she would say to them when they returned. She must be clear and logical, she told herself firmly, they would understand if she explained it all in an intelligent manner. The sky was still very grey, but now and again the sun would break through making the various shades of green shimmer. She passed the flowerbeds of pink and red bizzy lizzys and blue lobelia, the colours vivid. By the time she went back to the house, she had perfected her speech word for word.
Fran was bringing the tray of crockery from the kitchen in readiness for morning coffee, so Anna settled herself in the parlour. When she finally heard the front door open and a draught of chilly air swept through the room along with the noise and laughter of the others returning, she took in a huge breath. She was ready and after it was done, she would set the wheels in motion to end her awful marriage.
Jason sat back in his chair and stared at his friend in disbelief. He was in the office of Nigel Barnes, his solicitor, and he had just listened while Nigel had read from the document in front of him.
“Kiera didn’t leave the shares to me?”
“I’m afraid not.
It seems that she left them to Peter Shelby.”
Jason blinked hard. “Why, on earth would she do that?”
“I drew up this will for her when she was planning to marry.”
“But he left her! The bastard didn’t even stick around to help her through it.”
“And her illness was quite short, mercifully. It could be that she simply forgot about the shares.”
Jason shook his head in resignation. “Well, there wasn’t many, if I remember rightly.” Nigel looked uncomfortable. “Is there more to this?”
Nigel nodded. “I’ve heard that Shelby is planning to sell them.”
“That’s his prerogative!”
“And I’ve also heard that Deborah Gilbert-Hines is keen to invest in your company.”
“Never knew she was interested in stocks and shares.”
“Well, she’s become very interested in Harrington Rhodes Shipping Agents.”
Jason couldn’t help smiling. “Investment is a good thing and can only help the company grow. As long as Graham and I have the major shareholding, I don’t care what she does.”
“Yes, but be warned. She might attend the shareholders meetings and make a right nuisance of herself.”
Jason’s smile turned into a grin. “As long as she gets her dividend, I’m sure she’ll have no quibble with us.”
Nothing more could be discussed and Jason decided to take his leave. The two men stood and Nigel walked round the desk to shake Jason’s hand.
“I was sorry about Kiera. She was a lovely woman.”
Jason sighed. “Yes, it was a sad loss to her family and especially for Hollie.”
“How is the little monkey?”
“She’s gone to Vancouver to stay with her grandparents.”
“Oh, good. Well, when you see her next, tell her it took me ages to get the talcum powder out of my car!”
Jason couldn’t suppress a smile. “Sorry about that.”
“I also hear you have a new lady in your life?”