Jed Hunter's Reluctant Bride

by James, Susanne

  ‘What like?’ Milo said grumpily.

  ‘The summer fair has come to town. We could go for an hour this evening.’

  ‘Yeah!’ Milo cried, cheering up a lot.

  Presently she got dressed and went downstairs. Polly glanced at her. ‘Mmm, you look nice, Cryssie,’ she said, noting her sister’s simple white cotton blouse, and the short denim skirt which emphasised her slim legs. ‘And I like your hair done like that.’

  ‘Like what?’ Cryssie asked, knowing very well that she had taken more trouble with it than usual.

  ‘I like the knot really high on your head, with the curly strands escaping around your face…it suits you.’

  ‘Oh—thanks,’ Cryssie said, looking away. She had arranged it differently today, she admitted—but why? She knew the answer to that! Why was she having this tug of war with herself? she agonised silently. I want him to want me; I don’t want him to want me; I don’t want to want him!

  It was almost lunchtime when she made her way slowly up the long drive at Shepherd’s Keep. It was a perfect June day, and the spring flowers she’d admired last time had been taken over by ranks of bright red tulips. Cryssie sighed. This place was like a little bit of heaven, she thought.

  Seeing that another car had already been parked in front of the big wooden entrance door, she stopped a little way away, and got out just as Jed came across the garden to meet her. He looked lean and suave, dressed in chinos and an open-neck black shirt. Realising that this was the first time they’d come face to face, alone, since the night they’d been at the hospital made an unusual shyness sweep over Cryssie. She was totally confused about her true position in life, she told herself. Confused about almost everything!

  But Jed was as self-possessed as ever, and he bent and claimed her lips as if it was the norm. How far they’d come, she thought. But…how? Helplessly, she didn’t resist, but closed her eyes in a kind of wonder that this man should play such havoc with her life, with her emotions. One moment she was sure that she could never trust him, the next she was certain that he was all she wanted!

  Their kiss was not a perfunctory fusing of two pairs of lips, but a lingering moment of noon-day passion—sweeter, somehow, in the warm daylight than on other more obviously romantic occasions. He paused, looking down into her upturned face, then kissed her again, a little more urgently this time. After a moment she pulled away breathlessly. ‘I’ve actually come to see Henry,’ she reminded him, and he took her by the hand.

  ‘And so you shall—but the doctor arrived a few minutes before you, so we’ll go over to the lodge for a bit, until he’s gone.’

  Hand in hand, they strolled over the lush green grass, and Cryssie felt a pang of guilt. Milo would love to be here now, she thought. He would just race around the acres of space, as free as a bird. Instead of that he was having to make do with the rather scruffy little local park. She shrugged inwardly. She’d make it up to him, she thought.

  They got to the lodge and went inside, and Jed pulled Cryssie down beside him on the swing chair.

  ‘A lot seems to have happened since we were here last,’ Cryssie said, trying to stem the tide of anxiety that was rising inside her. This was the perfect place, and time, for Jed to try and pin her down—to force her to change her mind about not accepting his proposal of marriage. And, if he did, was she ready with her answer?

  ‘Yes, a lot has happened,’ he agreed. ‘For both of us.’

  ‘I seem to remember that we were discussing business last time,’ Cryssie said. ‘Talking of which—what about the trouble at your hotel in Wales?’

  ‘Oh—with everything else that’s been going on I forgot to tell you,’ Jed replied. ‘It sorted itself out in the end, would you believe? Max’s wife is pregnant—don’t ask me who the father is, because I don’t care! And Max and his wife are over the moon—they’ve wanted children for ages. So she’s given in her notice, and Kevin will have to look elsewhere for his entertainment.’ He smiled down at Cryssie. ‘But it was so good that you were the one who rumbled the whole sorry mess, and so good to have you to talk to about it, too, Cryssie. It cleared my mind. So…thanks.’

  Cryssie smiled back, genuinely pleased that that particular thorn had been removed.

  Jed leaned back for a second, his hands behind his head. ‘I’m afraid all business topics have taken rather a back seat lately,’ he admitted. ‘But I’ll be in harness again next week. Luckily for me, all our management personnel are more than reliable, and can be trusted to act on their own initiative when necessary. They’ve all been very sympathetic with the present situation, and nothing’s ground to a halt—so far as I know.’

  Cryssie stared at him thoughtfully. Although he seemed to have a reputation for being cold and hard sometimes, he paid well, and was generally admired and respected. She could imagine that all his staff would do their utmost to keep everything running smoothly.

  They were silent for several moments, before he slowly turned to her, putting his arm across her shoulders, tucking her in towards him. ‘What do I have to do to convince you what your next vital step should be, Cryssie?’ he murmured. ‘You must have been giving it some thought. Haven’t events helped you come to your decision?’ As if to add a further dimension to his question, he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her—very gently, but with an added sense of purpose.

  Luckily Cryssie was spared having to say anything in reply, as at that moment Alice’s voice could be heard calling. Sighing, Jed released her, and they both stood up as the woman came in.

  ‘Ah, there you are!’ Alice said. ‘I thought this was where I’d find you! The doctor’s just gone, and Henry is about to have a little sleep, but he insists on seeing Cryssie first.’ She gave the girl a hug, and Cryssie responded warmly.

  ‘Alice—I can’t tell you how worried we’ve all been. And we’re so thankful that Henry is on the road to recovery.’

  ‘Thank you, my dear. But he’s got strict instructions to take it easy…with only a very occasional glass of champagne to cheer him up!’

  Together, the three went into the house. Upstairs, Henry was lying propped up in bed, with massive pillows behind his head. On the small table by his side Cryssie couldn’t help noticing Milo’s card, already displayed, and, following her gaze, Henry pointed his finger. ‘That was the thing that helped me get better,’ he said, smiling. ‘And I want to thank Milo in person soon.’

  ‘I’ll arrange it—don’t worry,’ Jed promised.

  They stayed for less than half an hour before Cryssie realised that the older man was looking weary. ‘I must go home now, Henry,’ she said gently. ‘But when you’re stronger I’ll come to see you again.’

  Downstairs, Megan had already gone home for the afternoon, but on the kitchen table she’d left a beautifully prepared cold luncheon, and without much persuading Cryssie sat down and helped herself to fresh bread, salad and cheese. Sitting next to her, Jed poured her a glass of water.

  ‘Not quite the dinner date we were going to have at the Laurels, is it?’ he murmured. ‘But that one’s on ice for another time.’

  Cryssie broke off a piece of bread and buttered it. ‘This’ll do me nicely for now.’ She smiled.

  Presently, they walked slowly back to her car, neither wanting to bring this part of the day to an end.

  ‘Henry has really been through the mill, hasn’t he?’ Cryssie said. ‘He still looks strong enough, but his eyes say it all.’

  ‘Well, he’ll only ever be as strong as his heart is,’ Jed said slowly. ‘My parents are actually talking about going to live abroad somewhere, where it’s warmer. Well, my mother is, and she’ll persuade my father eventually. Spain, probably, or the South of France, where they can spend at least the cold months of the English winter.’

  ‘That sounds a very good idea,’ Cryssie said.

  ‘Yes, but of course at first my father thought he couldn’t possibly be so far away from the business. I told him that was ridiculous. Communications mean that we can b
e in constant touch, and if necessary we can be together in a matter of a couple of hours or so. Travel’s no problem. Not today.’ He paused. ‘And, as my mother has pointed out, now that you’re part of our set-up, they know that I’ll have all the support I need.’

  Cryssie looked at him sharply. Was this another tactic to make her see things his way? Another piece of emotional blackmail? she thought.

  ‘But…Shepherd’s Keep will feel very empty with just me rattling around in it,’ he ventured, and Cryssie sighed inwardly.

  She knew exactly what was behind that remark! Yet somehow it didn’t upset her. What he’d said was a fact, whether he’d meant to add it to his weaponry of persuasion or not. Giving him a sidelong glance, she thought it was hard to think of him living alone in the vast house, with only the elderly Megan to keep some semblance of order and prepare his meals. She didn’t think his culinary skills were up to much, considering the remark he’d made at his London flat about the two omelettes he’d managed to produce.

  They reached her car, and reluctantly Jed opened the door for Cryssie to get in—just as her mobile rang.

  ‘That has to be Polly,’ Cryssie said, frowning. ‘Wonder what she wants—she seldom rings me.’ As she answered it, her face immediately creased in anxiety. ‘What? When, Polly? What do you mean?’

  Witnessing her consternation, Jed automatically gripped Cryssie’s hand, putting his arm around her to support her.

  ‘Tell me again. What time?’ Cryssie’s voice rose to a shrill pitch. ‘How long?’

  Jed’s brow furrowed. This was obviously a frantic message.

  Then, ‘Call the police now…now, Poll! And don’t leave the house! Stay where you are!’ She looked up at Jed, and he’d never seen her face so contorted in such anguish. He raised his eyebrows questioningly, but Polly was obviously going on talking as Cryssie listened. ‘I’ll be home soon, Polly. Keep calm, Polly. Stop it! Listen to me! Get the police—and stay there!’ Cryssie almost shouted.

  She rang off, and stared up at Jed as if the end of the world was happening right then.

  ‘What the hell is it?’ he demanded.

  ‘It’s Milo. He’s gone…he’s missing. Polly can’t find him anywhere!’ Then she gathered herself together. ‘I’ve got to go…I’ve got to get home now!’

  Jed slammed the door shut and grabbed her arm. ‘We’ll take my car,’ he said. ‘Come on—we’ll get there in half the time!’

  Chapter 14

  Sick with apprehension, Cryssie sat stiffly alongside Jed as, tight-lipped, he drove rapidly away from Shepherd’s Keep. They hardly exchanged a word for several minutes. She was so white with fear that at one point she thought she was going to faint—something he was obviously aware of, because, glancing across at her, he muttered tersely, ‘Put your head between your knees, Cryssie! And get a grip—we’ll be there soon!’

  A police car was already outside the house, and Jed drew up swiftly behind it. Hardly waiting for him to stop, Cryssie flung open the door and ran up the path. Inside, a policewoman was sitting by Polly on the settee, taking notes, while another officer stood turning the pages of the latest album of photographs of Milo, asking questions soothingly.

  As soon as she saw Cryssie, Polly jumped to her feet and flung her arms around her, bursting into hysterical tears. ‘Cryssie! I’m so sorry! Milo’s never run off before, has he? He was always so safe in the garden! Whatever shall we do? Oh, Cryssie…this is a nightmare! I’ve looked everywhere!’

  Jed introduced himself briefly to the officers, and in answer to his questions they explained that all the area cars were already patrolling the streets, that missing children were a number one priority, and that in most cases they turned up safe and sound.

  For a child of five to be missing for three hours was not uncommon.

  ‘They’re usually with someone they know,’ the man said reassuringly, trying to make himself heard above Polly’s wailing. ‘The best thing is for his mother—and his aunt—to stay here, for when he wanders back home. The WPC will stay too—and I’ll go to cover one of the possible areas where the child might be.’ He glanced down at one of the pictures he was holding. ‘He’s a beautiful little boy,’ he said casually—which only added to Polly’s hysteria.

  ‘Cryssie—you come with me,’ Jed said brusquely, and through her threatening tears she could see clearly that he was agonising over this situation as much as herself and Polly. ‘You know all the places he goes—all his friends,’ he added.

  ‘But I’ve been everywhere. I’ve already done that!’ Polly cried.

  ‘Then we’ll do it all again,’ Jed said firmly. ‘Maybe there’s somewhere you’ve overlooked.’ He grabbed Cryssie’s hand. ‘Come on. We’re wasting time!’

  The rest of the afternoon passed in a haze of hope and despair as one by one all possible ideas of where Milo might be came to nothing. The minutes ticked by as they drove slowly along every road, searching the park and the surrounding small wooded area where the children made dens, questioning everyone they came across, holding up Milo’s picture, until Cryssie felt so physically and mentally drained she thought she was going to lose her mind. It was obvious that the police had not been successful, either. Because they’d promised to ring Jed’s mobile if the child turned up.

  Feeling defeat begin to sweep over her, she turned to Jed and said helplessly, ‘He’s gone, Jed. He’s been stolen. I know it. We’re never going to see him again.’

  ‘No!’ He snarled out the word in a way that made Cryssie recoil in fear. ‘No, no! We’ve got to find him! Come on…think!’ He banged his fist against his forehead in frustration. ‘What about…didn’t you say you were taking him to the Summer Fair at some point? He might have tried to make his own way—’

  ‘That’s impossible,’ Cryssie said at once. ‘He’d never do that! It’s right at the other side of town—there’s no way he could get there by himself.’

  Jed revved the engine. ‘It’s worth a try,’ he said tersely.

  They drove through the crowded Saturday afternoon streets without speaking. Jed’s face was almost brutal in expression as he surged the car forward. Cryssie sat motionless, listening to the racing of her heart. If anything dreadful had happened to Milo—or worse, if she should never see him again—her life would be over, she thought. Because what would there be to live for? All her plans and hopes and dreams were wrapped up in that little boy, and for Polly it would be the end of her world, too. Helpless though she was in many ways, Polly loved her son too much for her to imagine life without him. Slowly Cryssie’s hand went to her mouth as she considered that stark possibility, the hell into which she and her sister would descend.

  It took about fifteen minutes to reach the fairground, its gaudy sights and ear-splitting sounds as they drew up making Cryssie nearly heave. Milo had always loved this annual treat, but how different it all was when they were here to enjoy themselves, she thought, tears welling up in her eyes.

  As they got out of the car, Jed nodded towards the stationary police vehicle waiting there. ‘They’ve beaten us to it,’ he said. ‘But there’s such a crowd here it’ll take all of us to cover the place.’ He strode in front of her to speak to the officer standing there, and before she could catch him up he turned to face her. ‘There’s still no news,’ he said briefly. He caught her hand. ‘Right. We’ll start around the outside, where the staff caravans are always parked.’

  ‘I still don’t think Milo could have got here by himself,’ Cryssie said, the hopelessness in her voice saying it all. ‘And it’s not like him to do such a thing.’ She paused for a moment, holding her side, which was burning with a tense pain. ‘Oh, Jed,’ she murmured in a desperate whisper. ‘I’m…I’m so frightened…’

  He stopped in his tracks then, and pulled her towards him, holding her in a tight embrace that comforted her and strengthened her at the same time. ‘Hang in there, Cryssie,’ he said, his mouth close against her ear. ‘We’re not done yet, believe me. Don’t give up. I never g
ive up! Never, never, never!’

  Momentarily reassured, Cryssie allowed herself to be almost dragged along as, with Milo’s picture in his hand, Jed approached and questioned each and every adult and child they came to, knocking on caravan doors, checking behind trailers. She was caught up in a surreal situation, Cryssie thought, with the rollercoasters and rides careering along their dizzy routes, and everyone screaming in mock terror, with deafening music adding to the din. But her terror was real, and it was the worst sensation she’d ever experienced. There were no words that would ever describe it, she thought, her pervading sense of failure in their mission filling her with a strange calm.

  And the worst thing was that there were so many small children there—any one of whom could have been Milo. Similar little fair curls, dressed in similar T-shirts…But they were all with adults, being held safely by the hand. All enjoying themselves.

  They’d almost completed their circuit of the ground when suddenly, right alongside them, the door to one of the caravans opened and a young girl of about eight or nine stood on the steps, talking over her shoulder to someone behind her. She was clutching a Runaway Rascal in her arms.

  ‘Come on,’ the child said. ‘Bring yours, and we’ll go and ask my dad if we can have a candy floss. Do you like candy floss, Milo?’

  MILO! Jed and Cryssie leapt forward at the word, just as Milo—their Milo—followed the girl down the steps of the van. In unison, they both cried out his name, and in the brief seconds that followed gathered him up in their arms in such frantic relief that, afterwards Cryssie couldn’t remember a thing about it. In her dizzy euphoria she as good as lost consciousness as she hugged and kissed the child, over and over again. But what she did remember was Jed’s reaction. Because he was holding her—and Milo—in a circular embrace that almost robbed her of breath, and when she at last turned her head to look up at him she saw tears—real tears—slipping silently down his face. And witnessing that was so natural that she unselfconsciously kissed his wet cheeks, tasting the salt on her lips.