Eleanor gulped the tea gratefully and Edward settled himself, eyes on her face. Discarding the empty cup, she began hesitantly:
‘Edward, may we end our engagement, please?’ She took a deep breath. ‘I know we decided to wait until after Kate’s wedding, but that’s only three weeks away and I find I can’t go through the pretence any longer. I think you’ll be relieved too.’ She shot him a quick glance and hurried on ‘I’m very ... grateful...’ her voice shook over the word, ‘I appreciate everything you’ve done, and know how you must have hated it, how much it must have inconvenienced you. If we finish now it will let you off having to come home with me. The ... eighty pounds is paid off now, isn’t it?’ There was silence and she chanced another swift look, dropping her eyes as she met Edward’s hooded contemplation. When he spoke, his voice was matter-of-fact.
‘As you wish. There’s one suggestion I would make. I can understand your reluctance to take me along to the wedding, but don’t make the break between us official until after it. Your parents will have enough on their minds without worrying over you, and they will if they think things aren’t right with you.’
Eleanor turned a troubled face to him. ‘But that means I’ll still have to go on pretending.’
‘Easier to do on your own.’ He eyed the engagement ring that she was twisting back and forth. ‘You can keep that, as a memento.’
She stared at him. ‘I can’t do that.’
‘Keep it, give it away, throw it in the back of a drawer—I have no use for it.’
Eleanor had no intention of doing any of these things, but her head was aching so badly now that she didn’t argue. Instead, she said doubtfully: ‘How shall I explain your absence?’
He shrugged. ‘An unexpected business trip, no doubt I can arrange something to satisfy this end too.’ He looked at her closely. ‘It’s late. I think it would be as well for you to stay tonight. Our friend the doctor advised as little disturbance as possible and there’s a spare bed here. There’s some night things and a new toothbrush in the bathroom linen cupboard—and the clothes are Van’s, should you think otherwise.’
Eleanor flushed vividly and said: ‘I didn’t suppose them to be anyone else’s, and if they were, it’s none of my business. Thank you, I would prefer to stay, I don’t fancy travelling back to the Crescent.’ She swung her legs to the floor and rose gingerly, giving Edward a reassuring smile as he watched her frowningly. She hesitated before leaving him and said reluctantly: ‘Shall I have to go to Felicity’s tomorrow?’
‘We’ll see how you are, shall we?’ Edward replied evenly. ‘I don’t particularly wish to upset the arrangements, but if you’re not fit then of course we’ll not go. Felicity’s father has some interesting paintings and the house and surrounding countryside are pleasant. You need not do much.’
It was obvious he wouldn’t go without her. ‘I expect I’ll be all right,’ she answered, making an effort to sound enthusiastic. At least Vanessa and Hugh would be there for support. Suddenly remembering, she turned at the door, a smile on her face. ‘Of course, you don’t know, do you? It happened while you were away,’ and answering his look, explained about his sister’s broken wrist and her engagement to Hugh. ‘So you see,’ she finished off, ‘Hugh will finally become an official member of your family. Are you surprised?’
To her annoyance Eleanor found herself blushing, although she was able to hold his steady appraisal. There had never been anything but friendship between herself and Hugh—and if Edward thought differently, that was his affair!
‘Not about Hugh,’ he said at last ‘Van, yes, I didn’t know she had that much sense.’
‘That’s a typically male reply and you don’t really mean it,’ she replied with a show of spirit.
‘Perhaps not. Goodnight, Eleanor. If you need me, don’t hesitate to call.’
‘Goodnight, Edward.’
Before leaving the bathroom, Eleanor opened the airing cupboard wider and Henry lifted his head sleepily. She stroked him, listening to his contented purring.
How uncomplicated your life is, she told him, a twinge of amusement striking her as she realised that Henry was going to pay for his duplicity by always being a he, so far as she was concerned.
She lay for some time, just thinking, and before sleep overtook her, she realised that her sprained wrist could be turned to some useful purpose. She would have a legitimate excuse for not riding a horse this weekend, and thus deny Felicity the opportunity for some amusement.
CHAPTER EIGHT
‘For her price is above rubies.’
Proverbs
‘My God!’ said Vanessa, ‘has he been beating you already?’
‘Very funny,’ replied Edward, getting out of the car. ‘You ought to say snap,’ he added, looking from Vanessa’s sling to Eleanor’s.
‘Mine isn’t broken, thank goodness,’ explained Eleanor, ‘it’s just a bad sprain.’
‘I understand I have to congratulate you, Hugh. Do you know what you’re taking on?’ Edward asked dryly.
‘I think so,’ his friend assured him with a smile.
Edward ruffled Vanessa’s hair. ‘You’ve been a sly one, brat, but I applaud your good sense. Come here and be kissed.’ Vanessa laughed and accepted a hearty kiss, while Hugh turned kindly eyes towards Eleanor.
‘My dear girl, what have you been doing with yourself?’ he asked with concern.
‘Falling down cellar steps,’ Edward informed him crisply, heaving the cases out of the boot. ‘Take this one, there’s a good fellow,’ and as they walked towards the house Edward outlined the previous night’s happenings.
‘Luckily it’s not your painting hand,’ commented Vanessa, linking up their good arms. Edward, a few yards ahead, turned his head.
‘You’ve been to Ives, Eleanor? How did you get on?’
‘I’m sorry, I forgot to tell you. Yes, I’ve been, and he hasn’t said much, but I find him fascinating, very clever.’ Edward nodded with satisfaction and Eleanor lapsed into silence, listening with only half her attention as Vanessa rambled on about her visit to Hugh’s grandmother in Devon that week. Why I bothered to go to Mark Ives, Eleanor thought despondently, I’ll never know! What’s the point, if I’m going home soon anyway? But it had been exciting and tremendously rewarding to have the talented painter’s judgment and criticism of her work, and she only hoped he would not be too annoyed when she left. He was interested in her wild flower collection and had kept the folder, saying that he had contacts who might be able to use them.
‘Don’t, however, raise your hopes too high,’ he warned her, ‘as publishers are inundated with work. What’s this?’ and he indicated another folder.
‘Some charcoal sketches that I’ve done since I’ve been in London.’ Eleanor told him. ‘I only brought them because Edward said to bring everything I’ve done—they’re not very good, rather instant impressions, although I’m quite pleased with the one of Tower Bridge.’
Mark Ives nodded and pursed his lips as he leafed through the drawings.
‘This one has a good line—shall we work on it further?’ It was a drawing she had done of Sykes. She had managed to capture the ‘waiting look’ conveyed in the eye and the body, even though the position was one of repose.
Sykes was, at this minute, greeting one of Felicity’s dogs further up the drive, and it was obvious by the wagging of tails, that they were buddies, and Eleanor came back from her interview with Mark Ives to hear Vanessa saying:
‘This weekend will probably be a bore, but we’ll have to make the best of it. I wanted to get out of coming, but Hugh says that Edward asked him particularly to make the effort. Here’s Felicity,’ and their hostess appeared at the open door, calling out gaily:
‘Thought you were never going to arrive, Edward darling! I was so worried something might have held you up.’ She smiled, threading an arm possessively through his and then, almost as an afterthought, noticed Eleanor. She raised beautifully arched eyebrows. ‘My goodness, we have
two wounded heroines—first Van and now you! Not serious, I hope?’
Eleanor smiled and shook her head, knowing there was no real interest in her health.
‘What a shame! Now you won’t be able to ride with us,’ mourned Felicity, and Eleanor repeated her smile, this time with a little shrug, knowing full well that Felicity was highly delighted at the prospect of having Edward to herself.
‘I’ve pinched the bed near the window,’ said Vanessa, ‘we’re sharing a room—first right at the top of the stairs.’
‘I’ll take your case up for you,’ said Edward, and Felicity pointed a finger with provocative warning.
‘Be right down! I’ll tempt you with a drink and then you must come and see the gelding, he’s a beauty.’
‘Both suggestions meet with my approval,’ drawled Edward, and Eleanor, following him closely up the stairs, knew she ought not to have come. He placed the suitcase at the foot of the bed and regarded her intently.
‘How are you feeling?’
‘Not too badly. Do you think Felicity would mind if I rested for a while?’
‘I’m sure she wouldn’t. I’ve told you to do exactly what you feel up to. I’ll warn Van not to come bursting in, in case you manage to sleep.’ He paused at the door. ‘Sure there’s nothing I can bring you?’ and Eleanor shook her head.
‘Have a good ride.’ She sat on the edge of the bed, her back to him, easing off her shoes. She looked up and saw his reflection in the dressing table mirror as he stood by the door.
‘I won’t be riding, it’s too late, the light will have gone. I’ll go out tomorrow, probably. Can you manage the sling?’
‘Oh, yes, I don’t really need it all the time. I can easily slip it off.’ She hesitated and said quietly, ‘Felicity will be wondering where you are.’
‘I’ll see you later,’ and after one more searching look, Edward left her.
Rather to her surprise Eleanor did sleep, and felt more refreshed when she finally went down to join the others. The house party consisted of a dozen people, and Eleanor was glad that Vanessa and Hugh were there, as she did not know any of the others. The thought struck her that that was probably why Edward had wanted his sister and friend to be here, to keep her amused while he went off and played with Felicity.
Even as the thought came, she squashed it, dismayed by the rush of bitterness that came with it, and she turned to her next door neighbour, and started a conversation. As he was something to do with television programmes, the documentary kind, he was interesting to talk to and soon it was time to get ready for the meal that was booked for them at a nearby Country Club, and they all went to their rooms.
Vanessa and Eleanor managed to cope by helping each other, the process reducing them to giggles. Vanessa zipped up Eleanor and whistled approvingly.
‘I take it all back. Black does suit you. You look stunning, Nell, you really do.’
Eleanor studied herself critically in the mirror. The dress was very plain, high-necked, long-sleeved, fitting closely to the figure until mid-thigh where it flared to the ground.
‘You don’t think it’s too...?’ she began doubtfully.
‘No, I don’t.’
‘I bought it in a rush when I knew we were coming here. I mean, Felicity takes some living up to, doesn’t she?’
‘Why try?’ responded Vanessa calmly. ‘She’s no threat to you, Nell,’ and when Eleanor did not reply, added: ‘I know you must still be feeling rather shocked, falling down cellar steps isn’t funny, and I know being here can’t be easy, but don’t start imagining things. That ruby ring is on your finger. Edward loves you. You love Edward. Keep remembering that.’
Eleanor managed a smile and nodded, touched by her concern. ‘I suppose I am getting some reaction from yesterday. I still feel quite exhausted, and yet I haven’t done anything to warrant it.’ She slipped on her evening sandals and struggled, one-handed, with the tiny buckle. ‘I’m never very good in a roomful of strangers, anyway,’ she murmured. ‘Thank goodness you and Hugh are here too.’
‘Oh, I don’t know,’ said Vanessa airily. ‘You were coping very well a few minutes ago.’
Eleanor finished her task and sat up, pleased with herself. ‘Mmm? Oh, he was most interesting—something to do with television programmes. I found him quite amusing.’
‘I noticed. So did Edward,’ asserted Vanessa, grinning at her through the mirror.
‘Don’t be silly,’ Eleanor said feebly.
‘Believe me, Nell darling, I’m not being,’ replied Vanessa decidedly, and giving them both one last look-over, she led the way downstairs.
During the evening Edward took Eleanor’s hand and moved to the dance floor, and as his arms enfolded her, she sighed inwardly and relaxed, giving herself to the line of his body and the rhythm of the music. His arms felt strong and comforting and she welcomed the rush of emotion that swept over her. This would probably be the last time she would feel his arms round her and she would make the most of it.
‘You’ve gone very quiet, Eleanor,’ Edward murmured, his lips close to her hair.
She raised her eyes to his. ‘I ... don’t feel like talking.’ He lifted a dark brow. ‘Then we’ll just dance,’ he said lightly, and pressed her head to his shoulder.
In the darkness of her room, Eleanor listened to Vanessa’s steady breathing in the bed next to hers and relived that dance, telling herself she was a fool, but even fools could be given some small crumb of comfort. When it became quite definite that she was not going to be able to sleep, she decided that she would have to take the sleeping tablet that the doctor had given her—Sunday would be unbearable if she did not achieve at least a few hours of rest.
Slipping on her dressing-gown and tiptoeing so as not to wake Vanessa, she gently opened the door and padded along the dimly lit landing to the bathroom.
On her return, a murmur of voices came floating up the well of the stairs and she hesitated, caught in a welter of indecision as to whether to try for her room in the hope of not being seen, or declare her presence and have to go through tedious explanations. Then the moment to move was lost and she chose concealment, drawing into the recess of the curtained window, the decision being made for her by the sight of Edward, his arm round Felicity’s shoulder, head bent low to catch her soft words.
Obviously the last to retire, they were ascending the stairs, their elongated shadows diminishing as the wall lights were dowsed, one by one. It was without surprise that Eleanor saw Edward follow his hostess into her bedroom, heard Felicity’s low laugh and saw the door close behind them.
For some seconds she remained where she was hidden, staring quite calmly at the glass in her hand, then she moved quietly to her own room, found the sleeping pill and downed it in one swallow.
The bells were ringing for the morning service as Eleanor joined the line of churchgoers up the path towards the church. It was very similar in structure to her father’s church—old, beautiful and friendly. She felt a welcoming peace steal over her as she sang the well-known hymns and found herself thinking of her parents and their steadfast love for each other and their children. Eleanor reflected that most children took their parents for granted until they left home and missed them; only then was it possible to be objective about them. She certainly found herself being so, and could almost hear her father saying, in his kindly patient way, that it was time to cut her losses.
She had to admit that she was waiting for the impossible. Deep down she had been hoping that Edward would grow to love her, as she had done with him, the more they were thrown into contact with each other. He had given her no encouragement to fall in love with him, the reverse in fact, making his cynical views on love very plain, and she had only herself to blame for stupidly allowing herself to be ensnared by cool, amused eyes, lips that quirked, a shocking sense of humour and a sharp, analytical brain. As she handed in her hymn book and shook hands shyly with the vicar on her way out, she could even feel able to mock herself for falling for a man so opposi
te to her young girl’s romantic ideal! Guy had been that, of course, and had been as real as a puff of smoke.
She walked slowly down the path towards the gates, her steps faltering slightly as she saw a figure leaning indolently against the stone wall surrounding the churchyard. He was still in riding clothes.
At the sight of him Eleanor’s heart began to beat rapidly and she felt colour come to her cheeks. It really wasn’t fair, she thought despairingly, all her new-found resolutions dying a death, the coming to terms with the situation wafting away like ashes in the wind. And how dare he look so absurdly familiar and dependable, with that half-smile on his face as if butter wouldn’t melt, having just spent the night with another woman! How dared she feel so stupidly weak at the sight and sound of him!
‘Good morning, Eleanor.’ He took her arm. ‘I thought I’d find you here.’
‘Good morning, Edward. I am honoured! Does Felicity know you’re here?’ She felt, rather than saw, him glance at her sharply. Yes, she thought grimly, the little country mouse can bare her teeth too!
‘You were not awake when I set off this morning,’ he replied mildly, ‘and I wouldn’t allow Van to disturb you. Did you have a good night’s sleep?’
‘How kind of you to be so concerned. Yes, I did, eventually, thank you. Did you?’ The unexpected sarcasm brought him to a halt and they stood in the middle of the lane. Head tilted slightly and eyebrows raised, Edward took in her heightened colour and sparkling eyes with watchful interest.
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