by Dilys Xavier
They were dotted over the pale cream walls, but she stared open mouthed at one picture, hung directly behind Phillip's desk. ‘That's mine!’ she exclaimed. ‘The last one I painted of My Chance, the one I took to The Gallery.’ Her voice trailed off as she stared at Phillip, remembering the bit of detective work she had done to find out who had bought the painting. That must have been the parcel I knocked over at The Coach And Horses, she thought. Seeing it in Phillip's office had come as a surprise and another uncomfortable reminder about her situation.
‘Your painting?’ With an amused expression, his brow lifted questioningly. ‘Was, is the operative word, Maria; it’s mine now.’ His voice was low, almost mocking, and his face so close as he spoke, that Maria suddenly felt an urge to slap it. He turned to look closely at the painting, his back towards Maria now, ‘You’ve caught the horse's personality to perfection; not easy with an animal,’ he added. ‘The expression is alive, and the detailed features, the hair, the veins, are incredible.’
Maria's eyes narrowed, his compliment seemingly unheard, and as she watched him displaying the confidence of a man of the world, she felt youthfully vulnerable as he repeated, ‘Yes, it is incredible.’ She drew a deep breath to calm herself, her hostility increasing as she recollected he had not had the decency to tell her he had bought the portrait when they met at the inn.
Phillip swung around, his eyes shining, his voice full of enthusiasm. ‘And now, I've got a surprise for you.’
Maria stared at him. ‘Surprise?’ she asked with controlled coolness, wondering what more he would have to surprise her.; she’d had enough already.
‘Yes,’ he said brightly, his tone almost singing, ‘your painting has been much admired.’
Maria's brow lifted. Without wishing to feel conceited, he was telling her nothing she did not already know. Her paintings had been highly praised to date, and her prices rising accordingly. ‘Thank you,’ she said, without any visible show of emotion, other than gripping her clutch bag so tightly that her knuckles whitened under the pressure.
‘Lady Talbot,’ Phillip went on, ‘was here only hours after the painting was hung. She wants to commission you to paint her horses.’
‘Oh? How many? And when and where? Maria asked, unable to mask her frank look of surprise at the prospect.
With a glint in his eyes, Phillip raised three fingers. ‘Three horses,’ he said softly, ‘to be painted as soon as possible. You'll be handsomely paid. You can name your price, and it could be the start of a string of commissions from other horse owners.’
Maria’s heart was pumping with excitement by now, and the amazement on her face was obvious.
‘Well?’ Phillip enquired, with a look of pleasure.
‘It's a wonderful opportunity, but I paint from life, and the horses are stabled here.’
‘No problem,’ was his quick reply. ‘We have plenty of room, and you’re more than welcome to stay here to paint them. However, I would point out that Lady Talbot is impatient. She likes everything done immediately, so there would have to be no delay.’
Maria looked perplexed, hesitated, and turned to Gramps.
‘The decision is yours,’ her grandfather said. ‘I think it's an opportunity too good to miss.’ He put a hand on Maria's shoulder. ‘This is one way your work could become fashionable in the horse world.’
‘How would you manage with me being away?’ she said quickly, looking for an excuse not to commit herself there and then.
‘Just as I did when you were away at college, my dear. It's not as if I'm helpless,’ he laughed. ‘I might be old as far as you’re concerned, but I’m still reasonably healthy and active.’ He wagged a finger. ‘And don't forget, Gary’s mother is always ready to help out with cooking and cleaning. Don’t worry, I'll be all right.’
‘Yes, I'll do it,’ she said, turning back to Phillip, ‘and thank you for the opportunity, but I’m wondering if I could travel daily.’
‘You do exactly as you wish,’ Phillip told her. ‘No one is pressurising you. Come and go as you please, but remember, travelling takes up valuable time. I'm away a lot, so you'd be on your own at times, but a free agent.’
Maria knew the man was right, and plans for the working arrangements were already forming in her mind. Phillip made for the office door and paused, his hand on the brass knob. ‘So can I tell Lady Talbot that you'll start straight away?’
Maria nodded with a smile then followed him through the door. Although appreciative of the commission, she held considerable apprehension at the thought of staying so close to a man she disliked.
While they strolled leisurely back to the fortified house, Gramps praised Maria's talent and success, much to her embarrassment. ‘She really is a fine artist,’ he said finally, ‘and I’ve been told that horses are most difficult subjects to paint, but she does them justice.’
‘You don't have to convince me about Maria's ability to paint, Mr Cable. I’ve formed my own opinion, and to confirm that, I have one of her works of art with me most of my working day.’ Phillip halted to make sure that Charles Cable was paying full attention to his words. ‘Isn't that sufficient proof that I have the highest regard for her paintings, together with the fact I am recommending her to my owners?’
Maria felt slightly embarrassed at being praised so openly, and looked at her watch. ‘Gramps, we’ve been away for hours; we must be getting back now.’
Then she turned to Phillip. ‘We really have to go, so goodbye, and thank you for a delightful day.’
‘Goodbye? Or, should I say cheerio, until tomorrow?’ Phillip's eyes met hers, demanding an answer.
Maria winced at the thought, and paused. ‘I'm not sure exactly when I’ll start. You see, I still have some work to do for the exhibition, but I'll let you know as soon as I can.’
‘Well, just give me a ring before coming. Everything this end will be ready and waiting for you.’ Phillip opened the car door for her, and then for Gramps. ‘Goodbye, sir,’ he said, drowning Charles Cable's profuse words of thanks, ‘it's been my pleasure.’
As she drove away, Maria smiled out of an almost feline instinct aroused by his apparent supposition that anything he wanted was for the taking. So there’s no wife to get hurt in the process should I decide to teach him a lesson, she mused. Then her eyes narrowed. And if I’m forced to let Chance go eventually, then Phillip Carter will pay with more than money.
Chapter Nine
Most of the way home Maria listened patiently to Gramps' repetitive chatter about Phillip's ancient home, his stables, his grounds, his charm, and whatever else he could think of in praise of the man. Would he never stop? She felt like screaming, but at least, it was giving poor old Gramps some pleasure.
It was with great relief that she pulled to a stop in the familiar yard of Manor Farm, glad to be free of the confines of the car and the continuous babble about their host’s attributes and possessions. She'd had enough of him for one day. Even so, she was acutely aware of her own private thoughts of the man, aware that her mood was changing as swiftly as the winds that swept up from the valley below. But on her own territory, she felt secure; she was safe, in her own kind of world. But tomorrow? A wave of anxiety ran through her as the thought sprang to mind. What will tomorrow bring?
Charles Cable hurried inside to change, leaving Maria to meditate for a while in the soft warmth of the late afternoon sunshine. It was strange how she remembered the nice things about Phillip Carter when he was not around. She reflected on the wild tumble of his dark brown curls, on the delightful smile that lit up his face, on his lean, masculine body. She wanted to trace her finger along the sensuous curve of his firm lips right to the corners where they lifted seductively, pushing those deep dimples into his glowing cheeks. Suddenly she gave a gasp, concerned that her heart was pounding as she realised she was imagining what it would be like to have his arms about her, holding her tightly, lovingly caressing her yielding body.
A sudden noise sharpened her thoughts. What
was she doing, fantasising about a man she desperately needed to defeat in his aspirations to own her beloved Chance? A man she wanted to hurt because he was hurting her. She shuddered, determined to repress these silly thoughts, for it meant she was thinking dangerously. Was she falling under the spell of his natural charm? No! There was nothing to worry about. She knew that when she was with him, her feelings were different; resentful, hostile, and even spiteful because he wanted the love of her life, and her rightful inheritance.
She closed her eyes as the fire of hate deep inside was further fuelled by the realisation that he would probably get what he wanted; after all he had the money they so badly needed. As she thought of his threat to her happiness, it was easy to hate him, despite his powerful magnetism. Her reverie ceased as she heard the rumble of the old tractor coming closer.
It ground to a stop and Gary, all smiles, tumbled out full of vibrant energy despite the dust and heat of a hard day in the fields. ‘Hi, Maria. Had a good day?’ He stretched his lean body and rubbed his hands over his face. ‘Everything's done,’ he said, shaking his legs to get the circulation going after being in the confines of the tractor for so long. ‘Tom and I have checked the stock, seen to the horses, and the harvest is going well. Had a hard day hauling, but I've just loaded the last for today.’
‘That's great!’ Maria said with relief. ‘I’m glad something's getting done properly around here. I don't feel like painting now though.’ She shrugged. ‘Coming down to earth here is a bit of an anti-climax after having lunch at Phillip Carter’s grand old place. He lives in a kind of castle, called a fortified manor.’ She took sideways glance at Gary, waiting for his reaction.
‘Oh yeah, knighted him now, have you?’ Gary’s supercilious expression amused her.
‘Don’t lark about. I mean it. We went to his home, Colacomby Stables; he lives there.’
His head jerked up, a quizzical look in his eyes. ‘But despite everything, you enjoyed your visit?
Maria sighed, with a misty look in her eyes. ‘In a way. The horses were beautiful, but…,’ She stopped and shuddered, determined not to let the glamour of Phillip Carter's charm and lifestyle to overcome her intentions. ‘No, Gary, not despite everything. I haven’t forgotten what I said, or my problem, or our plans. I’ll do all I can to keep My Chance. Nothing’s changed.’
‘Tea up,’ Charles Cable called from the door.
‘Come on, Gary,’ Maria said, ‘that's just what I need. And no doubt, Gramps will be delighted to fill you in on our trip to Colacomby Stables. I'm fed up with listening to it.’ The day was still warm, but as Maria went inside a chill traced down her spine on the realisation that she would be back at the Phillip’s the next day.
She gazed fondly around the high-ceilinged kitchen, with its enormous Welsh dresser and scrub-topped pine table. She felt safe there, had never known any other home, and knew, in that instant, that she could never risk sacrificing it, not even for My Chance. If he had to be sold to save the farm, so be it, but it wouldn't be without a fight.
As she sipped her tea, she heard Gramps going over the details to Gary, so she turned her thoughts to her commissions - and the venue which would bring an unavoidable proximity to Phillip. She drained her cup and got to her feet, deciding, ‘I’ll go there tomorrow and be done with it, and I’ll pack what I need before bedtime.’ She hesitated at the doorway, rapping her fingers on the wood. ‘I'll leave early in the morning, Gramps. By the way, your supper's in the fridge.’
By the time Maria had packed her painting gear, sorted out what clothes to take, and stacked everything by the kitchen door ready to load into the car next day, it was time for a shower, and then bed. Sleep was evasive. She tossed and turned as thoughts that Phillip Carter was likely to win in the end tormented her. Her mind plagued with the fear of an uncertain future, she finally slipped into a restless slumber, still harbouring a powerful resentment for the handsome stranger who had crunched his way into their lives one blustery morning.
She awakened next morning to a noise outside and ran to the window to see what the shouting was about. Heavy machinery was on the move in the top yard, and neighing horses were trotting down the drive for their early exercise. Right now, her senses alternated between feelings of excitement over her painting commissions, and feelings of despair over the precarious financial situation that hung over them. Her mind boggled. Maria showered and dressed in casual wear and sandals before rushing downstairs. ‘Sorry I'm late, Gramps,’ she said, grabbing some breakfast. ‘My things are by the door. Could Gary put them in the car to save me time?’
‘Of course. Now don't worry, everything's under control,’ Charles Cable assured her. ‘I've already arranged for Gary's mother to come and help in the house while you're away.’
‘I'll be leaving in a few minutes,’ she said, abandoning her cup of tea, ‘but I’ll phone Phillip to let him know I’m on the way.’ She dashed into the hall and lifted the receiver, dialling his office number, and drumming her fingers impatiently on the table while she waited for an answer.
‘Hello,’ she said breathlessly, when Phillip's smooth voice answered. ‘It's Maria. I'll be there by eleven, and I’ll come to the stables when I arrive.’ Her call was brief and to the point, so she replaced the receiver and turned to Gramps. ‘I'll be on my way now, but I'll keep in touch. Don't be surprised if return unexpectedly for some reason.’ She gave Gramps an affectionate kiss on his cheek, and landed a friendly slap on Gary’s shoulder before getting into her car.
Gary leaned close to the open car window. ‘You won't forget to come home for the races, will you?’ he said, with an exaggerated wink and a knowing look in his eyes.
‘Not likely, but I'll see you before then, I hope.’ Seconds later she was moving down the drive, waving cheerily to the two men who stood and watched until she was out of sight.
Only when the great fortified house loomed in front of her, large and forbidding, did her senses sharpen, bringing her immediately to the reality of what she was doing. Was she going into a lion’s den? Maria parked the car around the far side and walked quickly down to the stable office. As she lifted her hand to knock on the door, it opened, and a large red-faced man stepped out, laughing with such gusto that his over-fed belly moved rhythmically with his hearty chortles. Phillip followed behind him, wearing a highly amused expression.
‘Aah,’ Phillip said, as he looked at Maria, ‘I want you to meet Mr Long.’ He turned to the jovial looking man, ‘This is Miss Cable, the young lady, whose work you've just been admiring; she brings a horse to life on canvas.’
Maria's face coloured slightly, but the happy looking man seemed unaware of the fact. He reached out and took her hand, shaking it vigorously, his rosy face beaming. ‘Well done, young lady. Your paintings are wonderful.’ He puffed to get his breath, then continued. ‘Perhaps you'd paint my Celtic Whirl? I'd like that, and of course, the horse is here.’ He waved a podgy hand toward the stable that housed Celtic Whirl. She's done exceptionally well for me, and I’d love to hang a portrait of her on my wall at home. But, of course,’ he added, ‘she’s not entitled to all the credit. One has to acknowledge the excellent training she has here with Phillip.’
Maria nodded, surprised and pleased at his request. ‘Certainly, I’ll paint her for you.’ The paunchy owner waved goodbye, and staggered off to his car with Phillip.
‘There's some coffee in the pot; go inside and help yourself, I won't be long,’ Phillip called over his shoulder.
Maria stepped inside and once again mentally appraised the neatness of the busy office. She poured herself a coffee and sat down to drink it while she waited. Phillip returned just as she put down her empty cup.
‘If you're ready,’ he said briskly, peering at her cup, ‘I'll take you to your room. Then we'll have an early lunch and you can sort yourself out.’ He opened the door, his face more serious than she had ever seen it before. He looked the business man he was, with little or no time for things other than his high-pressured j
ob. ‘I'm busy. There are several important races this week, not forgetting Chepstow, of course.’
‘I've a lot to do before the Chepstow meeting too,’ Maria replied, bristling inside.
‘John,’ Phillip shouted, as soon as they got inside the massive oak door, ‘bring in Miss Cable's baggage and take it to her room, please.’
John appeared as if from nowhere, touched his forehead in acknowledgement, and left to do as he was bid.
Phillip led the way up winding steps to the first floor. ‘Here it is,’ he said, throwing open the door to a room delightfully furnished in old gold and pale pink. ‘I hope you'll be comfortable.’ He crossed the room to open a window. ‘You can put finishing touches to your paintings in here if you wish; it has a good north light. Or, I'll show you a small room on the ground floor you could use for touch-ups, and you can please yourself. I'll be busy around and about if you need me, but I'll be coming and going too.’ Phillip paused at the door. ‘I’ll leave you to sort yourself out now as there’s something I have to do before lunch.’ He whisked away, leaving Maria to appreciate a room that she found perfect in every detail.
Sitting on the gold covered antique chair, she gazed around, wondering if all this was real. The firm feel of the wooden arms of the chair she was sitting in told her it was. So get on with it, she told herself, it’s no time for day-dreaming. Having unpacked her things, she tiptoed downstairs, peeping on her way into rooms with doors left open, each one beautifully furnished, and although she had seen most of them on her first visit, there had been too many to remember details.
John had set lunch in a small room at the back of the house. Apprehension had tamed her normally healthy appetite, so she hoped she would not be expected to eat a man-size meal. When Phillip appeared, he ate little and quickly, but took the time to lean over and say, ‘I want you to make yourself at home while you're here. Come and go as you please, and if there's anything you need, see John about it if I'm not around.’ He rose from the table and glanced at his watch.