by Julia Bell
She stepped closer to him. “Don’t you dare blame me for your infidelity. I was a good wife to you and loyal. You didn’t deserve me.”
“And he does? Harrington?” His eyes swept round the library. “Yes, he can give you anything you want, but I’ll still be around. I’ll want to see my child regularly.”
Her fingers curled round the handle of the scissors.
Jason arrived at the Grange a little later than expected. He had hoped to be there for lunch but now it was gone three o’clock. Grinning, he pressed the button on the remote control and the gates swung open with a smooth hiss. This new system with the gates was much more convenient and he couldn’t understand why they hadn’t done it sooner. He drove down to the main entrance of the house, but immediately saw a second vehicle parked to one side. It was a dark blue BMW and he started panicking. As he hurried to the main door, he almost collided with Fran racing out of the porch, a look of terror on her face.
“Oh, sir. I went to ask miss about some coffee for her visitor and the door’s locked. The gentleman said…said he had an appointment.”
Jason steadied her, his heart racing furiously. “Go and find your father.”
“I’ve been looking for him.”
“He might be in the workshop,” he said, licking his dry lips. Fran set off down the path, while Jason ran inside and across the hall to the library. He tried the door but finding it still locked, banged on it with his fist. “Anna! Anna! Open the door,” he cried.
Then he heard a muffled scream and his heart leapt into his throat. He was just about to yell again but stopped abruptly when he heard the key grating in the lock. Jason turned the handle and pushed the wood with a resounding crack, sending it flying back on its hinges, to crash against the wall.
What he saw made his blood run cold. Anna was bending over the desk, one arm across her stomach, her face twisted in pain. A man stood a few feet from her staring grimly. With a cry of anger, Jason lurched forward, his teeth gritted, fists clenched. The man turned to look at him and then backed away, putting up his hand to ward him off.
“What have you done!” yelled Jason.
“Steady on, mate! I’ve not touched her!” The man put the desk between him and his assailant.
Seeing that he couldn’t escape without passing him, Jason went to Anna and put his arms round her, looking for signs of injury.
“Are you OK? Did he hurt you?”
The man gave an incredulous laugh. “Me hurt her? Perhaps you ought to check out who’s holding the scissors and who’s been injured.” He went into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, wrapping it round the gash in the heel of his hand.
Jason noticed the scissors. “Give me those, sweetheart.” He took them from her and placed them on the desk.
The two men stared at each other. Jason was finally facing the man who had imprisoned the woman he loved and subjected her to a terrible assault.
For Anna’s ex-husband, it was interesting to see his adversary in person. He had seen his photograph when searching for information about him and he hadn’t expected him to be so young. How did a man that age get so successful? It made him feel even more bitter and angry.
Anna let out a small groan and doubled up again. “I think the baby’s coming. I’ve started having contractions,” she gasped. Jason’s arms tightened round her and she held onto him.
Her mind confused, she tried to remember what had happened. It was as though she had been in some terrible nightmare as her fingers curled round the handle of the scissors. She saw Dave slowly advancing on her and although his lips were moving she didn’t take any notice of what he was saying. She didn’t care what he was saying. All she wanted was for him to leave her alone.
The contraction had been quite strong and had made her wince. The baby was due and this could have happened at any time, but seeing her ex- husband standing there in a place where she had felt so safe, so protected, caused a cascade of emotions to well up inside her until her eyes and mind couldn’t focus. Anger, hatred and fear swept over her; she had to protect herself. When he had come within striking distance, she had grabbed the scissors and sliced towards him. But she had been too slow and he had raised his arm in defence, the blades lacerating his hand.
Dave gave a smug laugh. “Goodness me! Looks like we won’t have to wait much longer.”
“Get out!” said Jason, trying to keep his voice steady.
“Oh, I’m going, but not far. I noticed a hotel in the village, so I might as well make myself comfortable while I wait.”
“Wait?”
“I’m seeing this through with you, mate.”
Anna gritted her teeth as another contraction took hold of her. “Please make him go away.”
“I’ll call the police,” breathed Jason through his teeth.
Dave shrugged indifferently. “Call them, but don’t forget it’s me that’s been assaulted. But I get your point and I’ll leave your premises. Wouldn’t want to be done for trespassing.”
John appeared at the door with Fran just behind him.
“Show this gentleman out, will you,” said Jason quietly.
When the room became calm, Anna breathed a sigh of relief. “I suppose I’m lucky, really. I could have killed him.”
Jason frowned. “Are you in labour? You seem to be in pain.” He looked her up and down.
Anna shook her head. “It could be just a reaction to the shock of seeing him. The pains might go away. I’ll just take it steady and see how things go.”
“Shall I get Mother?”
“Please don’t. Let’s keep this between you and me for the time being.”
“Another little secret of yours,” he smiled.
“Not really. There’s no point in bothering her about it just yet. Shall we take a walk in the garden and just enjoy being together.” She gave a half-smile. “After the baby, we might have very few moments to ourselves.”
Jason’s grin became wider. “Yes, I remember it well.” They met John outside who assured them that the gentleman had been seen off the premises. “Make sure he doesn’t come back,” said Jason, as he guided Anna round to the rear of the house.
The weather was perfect for having a stroll and once in the rose garden they sat on a bench.
“I love this place,” smiled Anna, looking about her.
“How are you feeling?”
“I feel very well. A bit shaky, though.”
“I’m not surprised. I was scared to death when I saw him standing there.”
Anna shook her head slowly. “I really thought he wouldn’t come back. This last month, I was so convinced that he’d forget it and leave me alone.”
Jason watched her. “I really wish you’d go into hospital. You might be safer there.”
“I don’t think so. He’ll be able to get into a hospital.”
“You’re still determined to have the baby here?”
She nodded and put her hand over her stomach. “Well, the contractions are coming every five minutes. I think I’ll go in and phone Sister Davenport,” she said, looking at her watch.
They took a slow walk round to the main entrance, Anna leaning heavily on his arm and stopping at regular intervals to take in big breaths. As they went through the door, another contraction tightened her stomach and she timed its duration. She picked up the phone and dialled Sister Davenport’s number.
Jason made a phone call of his own. Unknown to Anna, he had decided to ring Nigel and tell him about the incident with her ex-husband. Nigel suggested contacting the police and asking their advice but Jason declined, not wanting a police presence while Anna was having her baby. However, when Nigel said he would come to the Grange immediately and give support, Jason was more than relieved.
“What could be better than a black belt in kick boxing,” he said with a grin.
Anna was delighted when Nigel and Sophia turned up and she took Sophia off so that they could have a little chat. They were in Anna’s bedroom when the sister arriv
ed and after giving her a brief examination, concluded that the baby was going to take some time and she would return later that evening.
That night Anna and Jason slept in the four-poster bed and Anna managed to get some rest, aided by the pain relief administered by the midwife. Jason slept only spasmodically, his thoughts on the man now sleeping at The George Hotel in Wedmore Village. Why didn’t he go home? What did he think he was doing, waiting for the birth? And then Jason realised that it was a way of spoiling the occasion for them. Dave Stevens had no intention of letting Anna have her baby in peace and wanted to be an ominous presence throughout the process. The very idea gave Jason murderous thoughts.
The morning brought Sister Davenport who again nodded in satisfaction at Anna’s progress.
“Has she slept?” she asked Jason.
“Yes, for most of the night,” he said, trying to stifle a yawn.
She frowned. “But you didn’t? I suggest you go and get some shut eye. You’ll need your strength later on.”
Jason stumbled gratefully to his own room and fell asleep immediately on top of the bed. Nigel and Sophia arrived and Sophia sat reading as the mother-to-be dozed after an injection of pethidine.
Anna awoke with a start sometime late morning, the contractions now coming in quick succession. Holding onto Sophia’s hand she walked about the room, gasping her way through each pain that made her feel that some giant boa constrictor was tightening its grip round her and squeezing her to death.
Jason also awoke and after a quick shower made his way to Anna’s room. He took over from Sophia while she went to get him cup of tea and something to eat. While she was gone, Anna opened her eyes as she faced another bout of pain. She gripped the hand offered to her and then realised it was Jason sitting beside the bed.
“I’d forgotten how bloody painful it is,” she panted, laughing and crying at the same time.
“You’re doing very well, sweetheart. Sister Davenport is coming back shortly and will give you some more painkiller.” He smiled brightly. “She’s already delivered two babies. A boy and girl, so she says you have the casting vote for today’s tally.”
Anna suddenly remembered. “Is he still here? My ex-husband?”
“I’m not sure,” he said hesitantly. “But don’t worry, he’ll not get anywhere near you.”
She couldn’t remember the next few hours, only the frequent contractions kept bringing her back to the present when she was aware of movement round her. Jason fetched a cool, damp flannel and gently wiped her face as each agonising pain made her cry out.
Sister Davenport arrived at twelve-thirty and a quick examination confirmed that Anna would soon go into the second stage of labour. And when it started half an hour later, both Jason and Sophia were there to encourage her. With Jason supporting her from behind and Sophia’s arm to grip onto, Anna began the exhausting task of bringing her baby into the world.
It took twenty minutes of sheer pushing before Anna decided she had had enough.
“I can’t any more,” she groaned. “I’m so tired.”
The sister gave an encouraging smile. “Give me your hand.” She helped her feel that the baby’s head was almost born. “A few more pushes and you’ll be there.”
Jason rubbed his cheek against her hair, his arms tightening round her. “You’re doing so well and soon we can start thinking of a name.”
Anna gave two more pushes until the sister cried, “That’s the head, now one more little push and…!” Anna did as instructed and then felt the warm, wet body flop out between her knees. “And you have a boy! Congratulations, the pair of you.”
Anna fell back against Jason and closed her eyes in relief. When she opened them again a few seconds later she saw that, although he was smiling, he had tears in his eyes. The midwife wrapped up the baby and immediately put him into Jason’s arms while she concentrated on the mother. For the next ten minutes, Jason stood beside the bed holding the small bundle and staring in absolute wonder at the tiny features on a beautiful child.
“Hello there,” he murmured, suddenly filled with overwhelming pride. This had to be his son. Surely fate couldn’t be so cruel as to take that away from him now.
Margaret entered the room, her face alight with expectation. “Was I right? Is it a boy?”
Jason nodded. “Yes and he’s beautiful.”
She studied the child. “I don’t think you need to worry about who the father is.” Jason glanced at her in surprise. “I’ll have to get out some photos of you when you were born. I think you’ll see the likeness.” The baby suddenly opened his eyes as if trying to focus on the man holding him. “Oh, goodness me! He’s got your eyes, Jason.”
His heart began to pound with excitement and he licked dry lips. But then Sister Davenport took the baby from him so that she could complete her examination and clean him up.
After a few minutes she said, “Absolutely perfect and he weighs in at eight pounds two ounces and that’s not a bad weight at all.”
She placed the baby in Anna’s arms and for a while Anna and Jason spent time with the child that they hoped would be theirs, while the sister made up her notes. She snapped her bag shut as Margaret arrived laden with a tray of tea for everyone. The sister only stayed long enough to swallow hers quickly and after confirming a further visit that evening, left the patient in capable hands.
While Sophia bathed and dressed Anna in a fresh nightie, Margaret placed the baby in the Moses basket. “I knew I should have trimmed it up with blue,” she said thoughtfully.
Although Anna was worn out, she found it difficult to sleep. Knowing that her ex- husband was prowling about set her nerves on edge. She tried to close her eyes but the thought of Dave, made them spring open almost immediately.
Sophia noticed and took Jason to one side. “I’m off to find my dear husband. But I think you’re going to have to persuade Anna to get some rest. I’ve got a feeling she’s fighting it and you don’t need three guesses for the reason!”
Jason made himself comfortable beside the bed. “Now, I want you to sleep,” he said firmly.
Anna gave an exhausted smile. “I want to but I’m scared to let my guard down.”
He studied her seriously. “Now, listen to me. I’m going to sit here beside you and nobody is coming into this room unless they have the right. So, close your eyes.”
She blinked hard, but then noticed the book in his hand. “What are you reading?” He held up the cover. “Bringing up Boys! Where did you get that?”
“Mother bought it, just in case.”
Anna smiled and closed her eyes.
Dave Stevens ate his evening meal alone. He was sitting in a cosy corner of The George Hotel with a large plate of steak and kidney pie and vegetables in front of him. He found it difficult to handle his knife and fork because of the bandage round his left hand.
“Stupid bitch,” he muttered. “Always the drama queen.”
A couple came through the door and headed for the bar.
“Hi ya! Have you heard the news?” said the young woman.
The landlord nodded. “Bloody tragedy, I say,” he said, glancing at the television, full of the news of Princess Diana’s death in Paris.
“Oh, not that! Mrs Stevens up at the Grange had a lovely baby boy early on this afternoon. Mr Harrington is so proud.”
Dave gave a contemptuous smile. He’ll be proud OK, he thought, when he finds the boy is mine. He knew that Anna’s fiancé already had a daughter and since he had produced two sons while Harrington had fathered a girl, then it stood to reason that Anna’s son must be his. Convinced of his logic, he made his plan for the following morning.
Sister Davenport was pleased that Anna had rested and her evening visit was brief. The others had all gone down to dinner and Anna had insisted that Jason join them.
When Jason came up after dinner, he found Anna feeding the baby, a cashmere shawl across her shoulders.
He grinned. “You’re feeding him yourself?”
&
nbsp; Anna looked up and laughed. “I thought I would give it a try.”
“Kiera didn’t feed Hollie. We had to make up bottles.”
“Yes, the twins were bottle fed, but having two babies at once was rather daunting.” She added with a giggle, “At least this is free.”
Jason thought for a moment. “Does that mean I’ll get a good night’s sleep? I won’t have to get up and do my share of feeding him?”
She narrowed her eyes. “Well, you won’t have to feed him. But whether you sleep or not will depend on what kind of mood I’m in! And of course, he’ll need his nappy changing.”
He gave a playful grimace. “It’ll be strange dealing with a boy. But absolutely wonderful.”
Anna nodded and sighed. “Well, if there’s one thing I know about, it’s bringing up boys.” Her eyes lit up. “We ought to pick a name for him.”
“What do you suggest?”
“I wondered about Thomas, after your dad and Jason after you.”
He smiled. “Thomas Jason Harrington. Yes, that sounds just perfect.” They both fell quiet, suddenly realising that their problems were not yet over. For ten glorious minutes they had forgotten the threat that hung over them and had been immersed in the absolute delight of the son they regarded as their own. Jason cleared his throat, emotion welling up inside him. He leaned forward and took hold of the tiny fist resting on his mother’s breast. “He’s mine, you know. I’m absolutely certain and so is Mother. She says he looks exactly like I did when I was a baby.”
Anna decided to be practical. “That could be wishful thinking.”
“It’s more than wishful thinking! Oh, Anna, this is the life I want. Nothing I have, my business, the Grange, means a thing if I don’t have my family with me.”
She knew he was fighting back tears. “Then let’s just enjoy the moment,” she said, leaning forward for a kiss and receiving one.
“But I’ll still have that damned test, just to prove he’s mine,” he said sharply. He tried to regain his composure. “I think I’ve told everyone. Chris and family in Wakefield send their love and I’ve told the folk at Bishop Sutton. Hollie is jumping around with glee. She wants to visit as soon as possible.”