Deceit of Angels

by Julia Bell

  Ben thought carefully. “On the Friday, she was out for a good part of the day,” he said hesitantly.

  “You know beyond any doubt it was the Friday?”

  “It was actually Friday the thirteenth. You know how superstitious Mrs Wilby can be and she mentioned the date in passing.”

  “What time did Anna get in?”

  Ben took a sip of his coffee. “Late.”

  “How late?”

  Ben felt extremely uncomfortable and made a non-committal answer.

  “Late enough.”

  “I asked what time she arrived home!”

  “We had to stay up for her. She got in about eleven.”

  “Eleven o’clock! Did she say where she’d been?”

  “We asked, but she said she’d been held up. Didn’t seem to be any point in making a fuss about it. We were just glad she was home safely.”

  “How did she seem?”

  Ben hesitated once more but could see by Jason’s angry expression that he had to answer.

  “Her lip was cut and bruised. She said she’d slipped and hit her face on the kerb.”

  Jason frowned while he considered this for a moment. “I…I won’t be going to the New Year’s Eve party, but you go as you planned. I’ll ring the Grange this morning and tell Mother.”

  “She’ll be upset,” ventured Ben.

  “Can’t help that. Perhaps you could bring Mrs Wilby and Hollie back on the second of January?”

  Ben turned in his seat. “What about Anna?”

  “Anna can do what the hell she likes,” Jason muttered, making his way to the office.

  In his office, Jason stared down at his desk. Her lip was bruised, he thought bitterly. He remembered his time with Deborah. There had been no love between them and when they went to bed it was purely for sex. And Deborah had liked the rough stuff. Not that it was Jason’s preference but he had complied with her wishes and found it interesting although rather alarming at times. Why a woman would want to be treated violently was beyond him.

  It had never been that way with Anna. Sex with Anna had always been an expression of his love for her and he had cherished that, since he had never experienced such a powerful force of emotion with anyone else. Being with Anna had been tender and gentle, but unbelievably exciting. The feelings he had known had been mind blowing. And he knew Anna had felt the same. In fact, he knew beyond any doubt that he had aroused passions in her that had lain dormant for so long.

  Perhaps that was it! Perhaps he had awakened her to the point where she craved more variety and she had searched further afield. Her lip was cut. Deborah had experienced many cuts and bruises to her lips when he had pressed harsh, brutal kisses on them. But Deborah had enjoyed that.

  He rose from his chair and wandered across to Anna’s desk. He felt sick to his stomach. Why had she cheated on him? Of all the women he had known, he would never have thought it of her.

  “I’m off now,” said Ben, from the doorway. “Do you want me to pass on any message?”

  Jason shook his head. “I’ll phone my mother so she’ll expect you.”

  “You’re not staying here by yourself, are you?” said Ben. “You can’t spend the New Year on your own.”

  “I’ll be fine. You go and enjoy yourself.” He heard the door slam and then a car driving away.

  He returned to his desk and picked up the phone. A few minutes later he was talking to his mother, explaining that he wouldn’t be joining them for the New Year’s Eve party, but Ben was on his way and would bring back Hollie and Mrs Wilby at the beginning of January.

  “I think you’re being very silly,” his mother reprimanded him. “Why don’t you come back and talk to Anna?”

  “I’ve done enough talking,” he said angrily.

  Margaret paused for a moment. She knew there was no reasoning with her son when he was like this.

  “And what shall I tell her? Is she never to go back to Bishop Sutton? She does work for you, Jason. What about her job?”

  Bitterness suddenly overwhelmed him. “Working together will be impossible. Tell Anna…tell her I’ll sort out her wages…and her P45 will be sent to her.”

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Margaret didn’t have the heart to tell Anna that she had lost her job and by implication, her home also. It could wait until after the New Year, she decided, let the poor girl have a few days of peace. And besides, everything might change once Jason had had the chance to think things over. At the moment he was like a wounded animal, biting and snarling at everyone. But she knew her son loved Anna with all his heart and that alone would bring him round.

  The arrival of Ben brought some news of Jason, but only that he was determined not to return to the Grange for the celebrations. Anna listened with a lump in her throat. How could things have gone so terribly wrong? They had travelled to the Grange only one week ago and she and Jason had been so happy and so full of plans for their future.

  By the time the final day of 1996 came, Anna had convinced herself that she would never see Jason again. She was almost on the verge of asking Ben to take her back to Bishop Sutton so she could confess everything, when something else began to occupy her thoughts. Something that filled her with ecstatic hope and yet at the same time, with the most awful dread.

  Anna dressed for the party and then joined the others in the ballroom. She hadn’t been in this room since Margaret’s party and her memories nearly overwhelmed her. Thick, velvet curtains were drawn across the bay windows, the deep colour enhancing the polished floor and plush red and gold wallpaper. Fires had been lit in the two huge white marble fireplaces at each end of the room and the warm flicker of the flames was reflected in the chandeliers. Margaret had organised a lavish buffet that was spread on a long table against the far wall. There was going to be a live band followed by a disco and the players were already taking their places.

  The arrival of the guests caused a great deal of chaos as coats were discarded and drinks were served. Nigel and Sophia followed on the heels of Doctor Orchard and Sarah and it seemed Jason’s absence was immediately noticed. Standing next to Ben, with Hollie holding her hand, Anna became the focus of attention. Margaret diplomatically made some excuse why Jason was missing, waving her hand in a gesture of casual dismissal. Anna tried to reflect her nonchalance and threw herself into the celebrations as though she hadn’t a care in the world.

  The room began to fill and it wasn’t long before the band started up. The party had begun, but as time passed, Anna began to feel the strain of smiling and trying to appear happy. Eventually, she just couldn’t summon up any more enthusiasm to join in. When the buffet was served she used it as an excuse to go outside for some fresh air.

  She stood just to the right of the main entrance, looking up at the stars. It was a beautiful clear night but very cold. She pulled her scarf round her chin and focused on the blue and white lights that decorated the trees along the drive. In two days’ time, Ben would be taking Mrs Wilby and Hollie home, but she had no idea about her own future. Ben had told her that Jason was in a foul mood and had not been specific about her return to Bishop Sutton. She took in a huge breath and closed her eyes.

  “The lights are lovely, aren’t they?” said Sophia.

  Anna turned round. “Yes, they are. Have you come out for a bit of fresh air too?”

  Sophia lit up a cigarette. “I’ve got three hours to smoke myself to death before I give it up,” she laughed.

  “Another New Year’s resolution?”

  “I try every year. One time I actually got as far as March.”

  “Perhaps it’s the job you do.”

  Sophia nodded. “It’s a rather harrowing occupation. But I like helping people.”

  Anna slipped her arm through Sophia’s. “And you’ve helped me so much. I don’t know how I’d have managed without you.”

  Sophia gave her a wry smile. “I know what you’re going through.”

  “You know?”

  Sophia turned her head a
way and sighed uneasily. “I was raped when I was nineteen while at university by a man I had come to trust.”

  Sadly, Anna absorbed this information. “I’m so sorry.”

  “It was a long time ago.”

  “But it must have been difficult for you, being so young.”

  Sophia nodded. “It was difficult and I dropped out of uni. But then I met Nigel and he was so wonderful. He was the turning point in my life.”

  “So, you told him all about it?”

  “Yes and he encouraged me to go back and finish my degree.” She turned to face Anna. “That’s why I want you to tell Jason. He loves you very much and he’ll understand, I know he will.”

  “Are you saying this as a friend or a counsellor?”

  Sophia laughed. “As a friend.”

  There was silence once more as Anna thought this over. “I think I’m pregnant,” she said softly.

  Sophia stubbed out the cigarette. “You only think?”

  “I’ve not had a test or anything. But I’ve been here before and I’ve started feeling a bit unwell, just like I did with the twins.”

  “That’s probably because you’re missing Jason. When he’s back you’ll feel a lot better.”

  “I don’t think he will be back. We had an awful row.”

  Sophia took in a huge breath. “Is that why he’s not here tonight?” She pulled a face but then smiled. “Then go to a chemist and buy a test and get it confirmed.”

  Anna couldn’t help smiling with her. “I’ve already got one in my bag.”

  “That’s very organised of you.”

  Anna grimaced. “I was fitted with the coil about three years ago. But I had the doctor remove it when I realised that Jason would love another child and… well, I’m not getting any younger. I didn’t have any trouble falling pregnant before, so I hoped it would happen straight away. I had this wonderful idea of surprising him with the news as a special Christmas present. I bought the pregnancy kit a few days after seeing the doctor. I was so excited about it all.”

  Sophia put her arm round her. “Then do the test as soon as it’s necessary and then for God’s sake, tell Jason.”

  Anna tried to hold back the tears. “I can’t tell him. I don’t know if he’s the father!”

  Sophia considered this. “When was your last period?”

  “Twenty-sixth of November. I’m actually seven days late.”

  “So, your husband could be the father too?”

  “Yes, I’m afraid so.”

  Sophia licked her lips. “You can have a termination, if you wanted.”

  Anna shook her head in horror. “No! This child has a right to live.” She put her hand to her forehead. “I just pray that it’s Jason’s, but no matter what, I will still love it.” And then she added quietly, “But please, please God, let it be Jason’s.”

  Anna sat on the edge of the bath and waited patiently. The instructions told her that it would take a few minutes before she would know and the time seemed endless. But when she glanced down again she had her answer. She was disturbed from her thoughts by Hollie calling her from the hallway. It was now the second of January and the others were leaving to go back to Bishop Sutton. Margaret had invited her to stay at the Grange for as long as she needed, a kindness she had greatly appreciated. At the moment, Anna needed the comfort of its walls round her, for she never felt so much at home, as she did in this ancient manor filled with history.

  She ran downstairs and scooped Hollie up in her arms. “Bye sweetie. Be a good girl for me.”

  Hollie shuffled uncomfortably. “But why aren’t you coming with us?”

  “I’m staying here for a few more days,” said Anna gently.

  She hugged Mrs Wilby and Ben and then went outside with Margaret to see them off. She felt her heart would break as she saw them drive away and kept waving until they had turned at the gate and were out of sight.

  Margaret put her arm round her. “I’ve something to tell you.”

  “And I’ve something to tell you.”

  Margaret gave a chuckle. “Then let’s go into the parlour and sit comfortably by the fire.”

  She thought afterwards that it was only a quirk of fate that Anna happened to break her news first. And because of Anna’s information, Margaret found it quite unnecessary to tell the poor girl that the man she loved had sacked her and thrown her out of her home. Had it been the other way round then Anna would have had to cope with two distressing problems instead of one.

  “Are you absolutely certain?” asked Margaret.

  Anna snuggled into the armchair and tucked her legs underneath her. “The test is supposed to be very reliable, but I’ll do another in a week just to be sure.”

  Margaret couldn’t help smiling with glee. “Oh, another grandchild. I really thought that Hollie would be the only one. And if you have a boy, that means a Harrington to carry on the family name.”

  Anna hated to disillusion her. “I’m not married to Jason.”

  “That doesn’t matter! A child can still have his father’s name. What did Jason say? I would have thought he was over the moon!”

  “He doesn’t know.”

  “You haven’t told him yet?”

  Anna watched the flickering flames of the fire. “I’m not going to tell him. I don’t want him to know.”

  “But why not, my dear? If anything will bring you together, then this will.”

  Anna shook her head. “He accused me of having an affair. If I told him and he said that this wasn’t his child, then I wouldn’t be able to cope.”

  Margaret could see the logic in her argument. “I see.” She gave a sigh. “And the way he is at the moment he’s liable to do just that.”

  “I’m so glad you understand.”

  “When’s the baby due?”

  “Early September I think.”

  “You’ll have to see Doctor Orchard and you’ll have hospital appointments to attend.”

  Anna began to laugh. “You’re really thinking ahead, aren’t you.”

  Margaret poured a second cup of tea for them and handed a cup to Anna. “I’m thinking that you should stay here while you wait and see how things go between you and Jason.”

  Anna sipped her tea. “Thank you, I’d love that. But I must do something. Perhaps I could help Irene in the kitchen or Fran?”

  Margaret shook her head. “No, I’ve thought of something much better than that.” She pursed her lips. “Have you ever helped a bride plan her wedding?”

  “No, not really.”

  The elderly lady made a noise with her tongue. “Brides are an absolute pain in the butt.” Anna grinned with amusement. “They fuss about this and that until you want to tell them to shove their nuptials up their…!”

  “I take it they’re hard work?” laughed Anna.

  “That’s an understatement! So, I thought it would be just the job for you. You’re much younger and will be more on their wavelength.”

  “Me? A wedding planner! But I wouldn’t have the first idea.”

  “A wedding planner. How very American. I think it would be right up your street. Working for my son has given you plenty of experience.” Margaret began to warm to the idea. “We’ll set you up in an office. No, you can use the library. That’s where my late husband used to work and he always found it comfortable. It’s got a wonderful old desk in there just waiting to be used again. Prospective couples will be very impressed being interviewed in such a pleasant room.”

  Anna leaned forward swept along with enthusiasm. “Do you really think it would work?”

  “Absolutely. I’ll tell you what I’ve been doing and then you can take it from there. Any new ideas you have will only improve matters. All wedding enquiries can go straight through to you and I can concentrate on the seminars and business conferences.” She gave a sigh. “Businessmen are so much more amenable.” Anna wasn’t sure if she would agree with that.

  “It sounds great.”

  “You accept the job, then?”


  “Yes, of course.”

  “I shall pay you a wage…”

  “My board and lodging will be adequate.”

  “Certainly not! A fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work, as my dear Tom used to say.”

  Anna suddenly saw a problem. “But what about Jason? He visits regularly and I don’t want to keep bumping into him.”

  Margaret frowned. “Do you really want to avoid him?”

  “Yes. Until I know he feels differently about me.”

  “Then that will be a problem.” Margaret tapped her chin with her forefinger. “He knows what a busy woman I am so he always phones to make arrangements to visit. When I get the call, then you’ll just have to…hide somewhere.”

  “Hide?”

  “Well, just go somewhere while he’s here. It’s a big enough place to get lost in. But we’ll deal with that problem when it arises.”

  Anna thought of something else. “Would it be OK to move back into my old room? I can’t stay in Jason’s room.”

  “Yes, of course. I’ll get Fran to make the bed up.”

  “Oh, my goodness! What about the staff? They might say something to him.”

  “I shall have a word with them. They’ve worked for me for years and they can be very discreet. Fran will love it! She will find it all very romantic, you hiding from your…sweetheart.”

  Anna gave a sad smile but then said, “Oh, what was your news?”

  Margaret shrugged. “It isn’t important any more.”

  That evening, Anna transferred her possessions back to her original room. She had to admit that she was glad to be back. The wide four-poster bed and the marvellous Victorian bathroom had always been an absolute delight to her. Before she closed the door on Jason’s room she decided to search through all the drawers and cupboards to make sure she hadn’t left any incriminating evidence behind. She winced at the sight of his shaver and other toiletries that he always left in the bathroom and the bits and bobs in the drawers. And then in the small drawer of the bedside table she found the coin.

  Anna sat there for a long time, holding the ten pence in her hand. Her thoughts went back to that afternoon at the golf club when Jason had tossed it in the air to decide her fate. It seemed such a long time ago and she shuddered that she had even considered going back to her husband. If only she had known the future, how different things would have been. Holding the coin tightly in her hand, she picked up her bag and after giving the room a quick glance, she closed the door behind her.