Tender Persuasion

by Sara Wood

'Later?' he queried, his big face serious.

  Still looking up at Charlie, she was aware that someone had come to sit next to her, and she automatically moved closer to Charlie to make room because the bench was filling up. She gazed into his hopeful eyes and smiled, thinking how open and straightforward he was. This was a man you could be sure of, one who was already half-way to adoring her. Starved of love and genuine affection—not the Dane King sort, she thought with asperity—she liked the calm feeling of stolid reliability about Charlie. Her smile broadened into an encouraging invitation, wishing he could stir her senses.

  'Well, I'm celebrating in the pub tonight, if you want to be there,' she said.

  His eyes lit up. 'Fantastic. It's a date.'

  'Hello, Jade. How's Polly?' drawled a honeyed voice beside her.

  Jade stiffened and immediately felt the acceleration in her pulse-rate. How on earth did he do it to her? she thought resentfully, edging even closer to Charlie.

  'Fine, thank you,' she said with a cold politeness.

  'Good. And… you?'

  How could someone imbue ordinary words with so much meaningful sensuality? Jade's nervousness increased. Sensing the way she trembled, Charlie's hand moved to grip her bare arm and he hugged her.

  'Can I get you a glass of water, or something?' he asked in a worried voice.

  To her annoyance, Dane had already sized up the situation and walked forwards to the auctioneer's table, commandeering one of the glasses on it. He handed it to her without a word, his face inscrutable.

  For a moment she stared at the water, not wanting to take it for one stupid, irrational moment, and then gratefully gulped it down before handing it back with a brief and rather ungracious thanks.

  'My pleasure,' said Dane mockingly, returning the glass.

  Before he had resumed to his seat, there was a stir at the rear of the hall, and while Jade stared fixedly ahead Charlie turned and gave a low whistle.

  'High society's just arrived,' he whispered loudly in Jade's ear.

  As her head lifted to look, she caught sight of Dane, who seemed to recognise whoever was making everyone chatter excitedly, and with a terrible pang she knew that it must be his wife. Her teeth clenched together in a resolve to get her wayward emotions under control.

  He looked delighted. There was love in his eyes. Tenderness. Jade shut out his expression, diverted by the need to cope with the fierce, searing stabs of jealousy that tore through her body. The intensity of her reaction terrified her: she'd built up Dane's effect on her out of all proportion; she'd dwelt on him too much; she was vulnerable at the moment and he'd taken her by storm with his suave, incomparably smooth approach. She had no right to feel jealous. Nothing had happened between them—only a paltry kiss.

  And yet… she'd been drawn to him inexorably, as if they had been magnetised. If Dane had only been a surface charmer, she would have been able to reject him as a shallow flirt. Unfortunately for her, he'd shown other, more attractive sides to his character, and she had to admit that even now, with his wife approaching closer and closer every second, she wanted to know more about him, talk to him, enjoy his company. She was insane. For too long emotions had ruled her life. Half-Italian she might be, but she was also half-British, and that was what she ought to be cultivating at this moment. She had to be sensible and realise that a girl like her ought to seek a steady man like Charlie.

  'Darling!'

  Husky tones, warm and loving, and sincere, were being spoken by a woman bearing down on Dane. Jade was dimly aware of a pale gold silk skirt brushing past her, and then her eyes flickered up. Dane was fondly embracing a gorgeous redhead, whose hair had been knotted under a tiny tip-tilted hat which matched her silk suit. She had a stunning figure—all curves—and she used it to great effect. The people all around were riveted.

  'How was the flight?' he asked his wife.

  'I've no idea,' she purred. 'I was drinking champagne all the way.'

  Dean looked elated. 'Does that mean you've got Dorothy for me?'

  'On a plate, darling. She's breathless with eager anticipation for your magic touch.'

  Jade's mouth fell open. Surely she couldn't have heard that properly! Some of Sebastian's friends had been unbelievably casual in their morals, but this… She'd thought Dane was a practised deceiver, but his whole lifestyle sounded more decadent than she dreamt of!

  'I'll do the same for you one day,' he murmured, sitting next to Jade and drawing his wife to the seat beside him. The episode had firmed Jade's mind, both in connection with denying him the manor, and denying him any physical access to herself. She felt the same disgust that had permeated her life during her brief marriage. That settled it: Dane King would not own Saxonbury; she would not see a potentially lovely house used as an entertainment centre for sexually jaded jet-setters.

  Seeing his wife was actually quite a relief. Now there would be no more twinges of desire for him. Even if she'd wanted to, she couldn't hold a candle to such a beauty. It was clear that Dane adored his wife and found her totally irresistible, from the way his eyes had admired the way she looked, and Jade could only surmise that he was highly sexed and used other women to sate his lust during Mrs King's absences, or to revive a tired palate. She'd known of people like that herself, after all.

  Holding fiercely on to her pride, she ostentatiously patted Charlie's knee, wanting Dane to know that it meant nothing to her to see him with his wife. Charlie closed his hand over hers and nodded towards the auctioneer. He was ready to begin.

  Using a map to remind the potential buyers of the extent of the estate, and eulogising over the surrounding countryside, he launched into a brief resume of the house and it's contents, then listed the barons of Saxonbury from the Norman Conquest in 1066. Jade felt the sensation of pride quiver in her as it had when she had first learnt of the house's history, and remembered how bitterly she had resented its defilement.

  Bidding began slowly, no one apparently wishing to make the early play. Jade was on the edge of her seat, petrified that the reserve price wouldn't be reached—she couldn't go through this day again. What on earth would she do?

  'Two hundred thousand…'

  Jade saw the auctioneer's glance had picked up a bid from Dane and she froze.

  'I've come to buy. You didn't think I was here just to see you, did you?' murmured Dane's amused voice in her ear.

  As she glared at him, he nodded at the auctioneer and the price went up again.

  'Stop bidding!' she seethed. 'There's no point. I won't let you have Saxonbury. I won't have you living in this village.'

  'You will have me, Jade. Wait and see,' he said out of the corner of his mouth.

  She flashed him a look of blazing hatred and set her mouth, worried that only a few were countering his bids. She held Charlie's hand very tightly, aware that Dane was eyeing her whitened knuckles.

  Slowly the price rose. Others came into the bidding. Every time the auctioneer looked at Dane, Jade's stomach turned over. Gradually, the atmosphere grew tense. Five interested parties were battling it out. Despite being in a state of disrepair, the house hadn't reached the state of no return—it had only been neglected for about eighteen months, after all—and the estate with its woods, meadows and river frontage was highly desirable.

  Then Jade realised that it was a long time since Dane had made a bid. She risked looking in his direction; he met her eyes and gave a regretful shrug. Her sense of overpowering relief was replaced by triumph, and her face filled with joy. He couldn't afford her house! He would slide out of her life and go back to corrupting City girls! Jade flashed him a grin of pure delight and settled down to enjoy herself, all her worries evaporating.

  The price had risen above the reserve, and Jade caught auction fever, sharing with Charlie the elation she felt. She'd be solvent at last, the debts paid, and would have enough money to live comfortably. What a relief!

  Beside her, Dane was relaxing in evident defeat. Few were bidding now, and then the auctioneer's e
agle eye was darting between the only two people left in the running.

  To Jade's left was a genial-faced elderly man in brown cords and a well-worn jumper. He appeared to have a number of relatives with him: an extended family by the looks of it. He was bidding against a rosy-cheeked woman joggling a little boy on her knee.

  'OK?' asked Charlie, seeing Jade's brilliant eyes.

  'Yes,' she whispered. 'I like either of those two, don't you?'

  'I'm so glad you're happy, Jade.'

  He leant his head affectionately against hers. Dane's legs stretched out languidly in their beige linen and were noisily crossed. Jade tried not to giggle at the childish gesture as he drew attention to himself. He just didn't like any woman being uninterested in him! And under that laconic exterior he must be seething mad not to be in a position to crow over her in victory!

  The auctioneer was whipping up interest by his quickfire delivery. The whole of Jade's body was strung taut with electrified vitality, her face alive with fierce anticipation. Someone caring would take Saxonbury and that was all she wanted—apart from enough money to live on!

  Tension mounted as the auctioneer took advantage of a pause to hype the house and encourage further bidders.

  Jade wished he wouldn't. Dane might be swayed by the rhetoric. But he remained nonchalant, almost indifferent.

  '… incomparable setting in the Ouse valley, set in magnificent grounds besides a church nearly a thousand years old and in one of the most picturesque…'

  Jade felt on top of the world. It was a heavenly place to live, and she'd still be there, in the valley, even if she didn't have the space she once enjoyed. In a way it was just as well that she couldn't afford to live in Saxonbury. At least she wouldn't be haunted by its memories.

  '… the bid is with the lady in the front row. Going once…' The auctioneer glanced at the elderly man, who shook his head ruefully. 'Going twice…'He stared directly at Jade, as he had been instructed, in case she objected. She beamed happily, unable to contain her delight. A woman with a family. The gavel banged down. 'Sold to the lady in the front row. Your name, please, madam?'

  The woman stood, placing the toddler on his feet. At the same time, Dane King rose.

  'She is acting for me,' he said smoothly. 'Dane King.'

  'Would you give me details of yourself, Mr King?'

  Jade was momentarily paralysed with shock. She couldn't believe her ears. Dane? The owner? He'd dropped out of the bidding, he'd… Oh, God! Her horrified gasp was heard by everyone in the room. In hushed interest, Dane strode to the table, already writing out the cheque for the ten per cent deposit as he went, while Jade watched, quite numb. He'd tricked her—again! Of all the slimy, devious…

  'Jade, what's…'

  She wrenched herself free from Charlie's restricting grip and marched grimly up to Dane, conscious that the whole of the village, and perfect strangers, were watching avidly.

  'Cancel the sale,' she hissed to the auctioneer. 'I will not sell my home to this man!'

  'Jade…'

  'Leave me alone, Charlie!' she muttered.

  'You said I had to stop you if…'

  Jade stiffened at Dane's amused chuckle. He scrawled his signature on the contract held out by her solicitor, but she hardly noticed what he was doing in her anger. How dared he make fun of her!

  'Don't push me, Mr King, or I'll set him on you. He's the local blacksmith, you know.'

  'I'm afraid muscles don't cut much ice in law,' he said urbanely.

  'What law?' she snapped.

  'The law that says the auction is legally binding once contracts have been exchanged. This is yours, I think. You shouldn't have pre-signed it; that was very foolish. I'm sure your solicitor advised against it.'

  He had. Jade groaned inwardly, realising that her attempt to minimise her involvement on the day of the auction had backfired on her. In twenty-eight days, Dane would be in the manor.

  The solicitor nodded. 'You've sold to Mr King,' he said, rubbing salt into Jade's wounds. 'He can take possession any time he wants when the month is up.'

  'Possession. The idea is exciting,' murmured Dane huskily, his mouth wickedly sensual. 'I shall enjoy that enormously.'

  She flung him a withering look. 'There's nothing I can do?' she asked the auctioneer bitterly.

  'Well, no, but you wouldn't want to, surely? It's a very good price. Excuse me, I have to attend the Fat Stock show. I'll be in touch. Goodbye,' he said, shaking everyone's hand.

  'Cheer up,' said Charlie, putting his hand on her shoulder. 'What does it matter who lives there? Your cottage is smashing. Why don't you let me make a fence for you to stop Polly wandering? I'd do it free of charge.'

  She was defeated. Jade saw Dane's mocking look as he waited for her reply, and a devil within her made her lips curve invitingly at Charlie.

  'That's a wonderful idea! Come back and measure up now, would you?' she said warmly. 'Then I can get us a snack and we can celebrate however we like. Any ideas?' Her brows arched saucily, though her heart felt like lead.

  'Plenty,' said Charlie enthusiastically, hardly able to believe his luck.

  'Goodbye, Mr King,' she said coolly. 'I do hope you don't invite me to any of your parties. I have to say that I am now one of yours most ardent enemies.'

  With a careless smile in his direction, and totally ignoring the gorgeous redhead, who was chatting animatedly to the woman who had bid for the Kings, Jade slid her arm around Charlie and walked out with him, her legs shaking uncontrollably. Luckily no one could see how unsteady she was; her long skirts hid the evidence.

  She'd never felt less like celebrating in her life, but she did, passing a tolerably pleasant afternoon, forcing herself to face up to facts and plan a life for herself that didn't include any wistful longing for the excitement that Dane King had to offer. But, although she tried hard to be fair on Charlie and give him a chance, she did find his lack of sparkle unappealing. He was a wonderful man, she thought, as he kissed her goodnight at her front door, after an evening in the Vine, but not for her. Alas, she'd been reared on a much more exotic diet. Her life with her parents had spoiled her for stolid, ordinary men. That was the trouble: the most interesting men were always the most wicked. And, she sighed, often married!

  Jade couldn't understand why her mind persisted in drifting off and flashing images of Dane and his sultry mouth at her. Despite her mother's frantic and Bohemian life, it had also been a very moral one and typical of a woman from a strongly bonded Naples family. Jade had learnt to respect family ties and was naturally loyal. As she grew up into a young woman, she unquestioningly accepted the idea that marriage was for ever, and faithfulness went with that. Of course you were faithful to your husband and he to you. Any man or woman who sought to break up a marriage, or to have an affair, was beneath contempt.

  So how could she even remember with enjoyment the way Dane had kissed her? And, worse still, why did she forget so readily that she was just another in a long line of eager women? How was it that all her efforts to shut him out of her mind were proving to be fruitless?

  She was disappointed in herself. Obviously her latent sensuality was wayward and needed a stern talking-to. Then she brightened up. Perhaps everyone had temptations. It was all a question of determination and time. Once she was involved in demanding work and had a steady relationship, then she'd look back on this ridiculous infatuation and laugh.

  It seemed only a short while before the village street was busy with contractor's lorries, delivery vans and smart coupes driven by businesslike women whom Jade took to be interior decorators. Mrs Love had discovered that the new owner was Dane King of the King Literary Agency, a huge international organisation which represented some of the most famous and lucrative authors in the world.

  The villagers were pleased, hoping it would bring publicity and boost attendance at Barlock Weir's house.

  It was in a bad state of repair and, although the parish council owned it, they might have to sell it to the Nati
onal Trust. This summer, all the proceeds of the Garland Day fete would go towards the fund for the house.

  Occasionally Dane turned up in his sleek black car, looking sleek and black himself in his dark business suits, investigating the work being done at the manor. Jade avoided him assiduously.

  Knowing that he'd visited Saxonbury the day before, she felt safe in taking one of her favourite short walks along the riverbank one afternoon. She left Polly behind, since the swans were nesting as usual in the brook running to the Ouse.

  Rooks spiralled above the elm trees, hopefully eyeing the newly shorn sheep and their lambs in the pastures below. Thick, puffy clouds hung over Firle Beacon, a dark green, wedge-shaped hill on the horizon. Contentedly she sniffed the air. Old flint barns belonging to the manor, their roofs open to the sky, had become overgrown with wild Russian vine, the huge white swathes of blossom drifting daintily in the gentle breeze. Jade stopped to watch the majestic swans gliding through the silvered river, and crossed the little bridge.

  Ahead, beyond the field of young green barley, stood the great stand of horse-chestnut trees, holding their flowers aloft like white candles. But in them something was rustling. Jade frowned, wondering if it was a poacher.

  'Miss!'

  It was Billy! Like most small boys, he ignored marital status and always called her 'miss'. Jade grinned. He must be stuck. Then she was proved wrong, as he thudded to the ground and ran up to her.

  'It's my kitten, miss. She's up the tree and won't come down,' he explained, his cheery face grubby with tears.

  She walked to the tree and cast an expert eye over it, searching for the best way up.

  'Will you stand here, miss, while I run and get help?'

  'What's wrong with me?' she asked indignantly, tucking her white cotton skirt loosely into the leg elastic of her briefs.

  'You're a girl, miss,' said Billy, eyeing her tanned thighs in shock.

  'Billy Love, you're growing up to be prejudiced. Look that up when you get home,' she scolded. 'I got a prize in climbing trees when I was at school. Besides, haven't you ever heard of Wonderwoman?'