by Sanja
'At least become engaged to me,' he pressed her. 'Let's get that settled.'
Looking at his expectant face, she capitulated. 'All right,' she agreed softly, and his fingers gripped hers tightly. 'On one condition,' she continued.
'Which is?' He looked disturbed.
'That either of us may terminate this arrangement if the need arises.'
'Agreed,' he nodded, relieved that it was nothing more. 'You won't be sorry. We'll have some wonderful times. And that week in Paris will serve as a beginning.'
'All right.' Caroline let him carry her along on his stream of enthusiasm. It was good to have the decisions made for her. Perhaps now she could relax.
At John's request, Caroline agreed to an engagement party, but when she found it was to be given at Slayford on Easter Saturday she wished with all her heart she had not. John, however, seemed highly pleased with life and when Caroline expressed her doubts about the affair he just laughed and said that it was natural that Adam should give the party for his own son and that everybody would be suspicious if it was kept a hole- and-corner affair.
Caroline dreaded the party and the inevitable meeting with Adam. She had hoped that she might have had longer to get used to the engagement before flaunting it
before him like this. Would he think it was her idea?
John had taken the measurement of Caroline's finger and had said that she would be able to choose her ring on the night of the party. They were leaving for Paris on Sunday morning and Caroline was taking all her luggage with her and staying overnight at the villa.
Amanda was very worried about the whole thing, but refused to say anything to her friend. It was obvious that Caroline intended to make her own mistakes and Amanda was convinced that this was the biggest so far.
While they were in Paris, an estate agent who was an associate of Adam Steinbeck and who had been contacted by John was going to find Caroline and Amanda another flat and Caroline had told her friend that she would completely furnish it with new furniture.
Amanda's own excitement at the unexpected gift from Caroline was marred by the events taking place around her, but she did her best to appear cheerful and assisted Caroline in choosing a new wardrobe suitable to her acquired wealth.
Amanda of course was attending the party and she too bought a new dress for the occasion. Caroline's dress was a white pleated chiffon with a high roll collar in front and a deep V-neckline at the back. The bodice was close-fitting with long transparent sleeves which ended in cuffs studded with diamante, and the skirt was a swirl of pleats.
Caroline sighed as she realised that Adam's good taste had really chosen the dress for her, because she knew he would hate to see her in a cotton caftan such as John favoured. Thus she was dressing for Adam and not her fiance.
Amanda's dress suited her to perfection; a plain red velvet which somehow did not clash with her vivid hair. Caroline reflected that Amanda seemed much more John's type of girl than she did herself.
John had arranged to collect the girls in his father's Rolls-Royce at seven o'clock and when Caroline awoke on Saturday morning she felt sure she would not survive the ordeal. However, her natural resilience asserted itself and by the evening she had acquired an air of detachment, as though all this was happening to someone else, not Caroline Sinclair.
'I must admit,' remarked Amanda as they waited for the car, 'I'm dying to meet all these rich people. I'm glad you asked me.'
'I need some moral support,' replied Caroline. She knew that Amanda was aware of her earlier trepidation.
'Don't worry,' said Amanda easily, 'you've taken the plunge now, Caroline, and you must think about John. After all, he will be your husband one day. He loves you, and the life you'll lead as his wife won't leave much time for speculation. As for the other...' She sighed. 'Things won't always seem as sharply defined as they do today.'
'Spare me the platitudes,' said Caroline, wrapping a cape about her shoulders, uncaring of its silky textu- tre. 'I think that's the car.'
John was punctual and the two girls went down to meet him. Amanda had not yet been introduced and was very curious. Caroline performed the introductions and watched John's eyebrows ascend at the vivid picture Amanda made. However, after a swift handshake, his eyes were all for Caroline, and Amanda, who had been instantly attracted by his lean good looks, felt rather envious.
John put Caroline in the front of the car and assisted Amanda into the back. Caroline's suitcase was placed in the boot and they were off. Amanda felt quite isolated in the massive rear of the car, but John lowered the glass partition between the seats enabling Amanda to join in their conversation.
The journey to Slayford was soon accomplished, much to Caroline's regret. It was a comparatively warm spring-like evening and the ride had been very pleasant. She moved closer to John as though inviting his support and one of his hands found hers, clasping it in a warm, reassuring grasp. Caroline found herself relaxing. It was wonderful to know John loved her and suddenly the evening lost some of its menace. With John beside her to give her strength she could surely maintain the calm which she had cultivated during the day. After all, what could happen? She would see Adam. So what? He was only a man, after all. And he apparently did not object to their engagement or he would have prevented John from seeing her.
The villa at Slayford sparkled with lights as they turned between the drive gates to find that already the drive was almost filled with parked cars. There were to be twenty guests excluding Adam, Caroline, John and Amanda. Dinner was to be served at eight and it was nearly that already.
The staff had been supplemented for the evening and when they entered the hall a smart young maid took their wraps and directed them to the ladies' powder room.
John went into the lounge to find his father while
Caroline and Amanda retouched their make-up and combed their hair. At John's departure, Caroline found her old nervousness returning and delayed her exit from the cloakroom as long as she dared. Amanda was getting impatient, anxious as she was to see round the place and she urged Caroline to hurry. The other women using the room were all beautifully dressed, jewels sparkling in their ears, and around their throats and wrists. Caroline was glad she had chosen to wear the platinum bracelet. At least it compared favourably with the other jewellery on display, she thought wryly.
Back in the hall, John awaited them, accompanied by Adam. The colour receded from Caroline's face when she saw him and she was glad when John gripped her fingers and drew her nearer to him.
Adam looked wonderful in a dinner suit, thought Caroline achingly. He always looked so immaculately turned out, his hair gleaming in the light from the chandelier. He looked so assured and quite undisturbed by her arrival. The knife turned in the wound!
'Hello, Caroline,' he said gravely, a rather cynical glint in his dark eyes. 'I understand congratulations are in order. I hope you'll both be very happy.'
'Thank you.' Caroline almost choked over the word, feeling nausea sweep over her. It was all assuming the proportions of a nightmare that couldn't possibly be happening and she had a sudden urge to scream that she wasn't going to marry anybody and run from this place as swiftly as her legs would carry her. But she quelled the hysteria, recognising it for what it was, and as common sense prevailed she managed to stand apparently calm as John introduced Amanda to his father.
She saw Amanda's eyes widen as she shook hands with the big man and thought bitterly that Adam attracted women as naturally as the flame attracts the moth.
During the course of the evening, Caroline was introduced to a great number of people, some relatives and some just close friends. She knew she would never remember all their names, but they all seemed friendly enough and willing to accept her into their charmed circle.
Dinner was served in the big dining-room and afterwards John took Caroline into the library to choose her ring.
The table in the centre of the room was covered with trays of rings in all colours, stones and settings. Caroline was completely as
tounded and gasped.
'John!' she exclaimed. 'They must be worth a fortune. Why on earth did you get so many?'
'I wanted you to have plenty to choose from,' he replied smiling. 'I don't get engaged every day, and besides, you can have them all if you'd like them.'
Caroline shook her head. 'Oh, John,' she whispered, 'you're much too good to me.'
'I only want the best for you,' he replied softly. 'Come on. Try some on.'
Each ring was exquisite in its own particular way. The stones were perfect, the settings merely enhancing the beauty of the main jewel. Caroline was completely overawed. It was at times like this that she realised just how different were their backgrounds.
At last she said: 'You choose, John. Please. I can't.'
John considered the rings thoughtfully. 'If you really want it that way, I choose this one.' The ring was an emerald, set among diamonds in a circle of platinum. 'It's the green of your eyes,' he told her softly, and slid it on to her finger. As with all the rings, the fit was perfect, and he nodded approvingly. 'Do you like it?' he murmured, kissing her cheek.
'Yes,' she breathed, and knowing he wanted it, she turned her mouth to his.
A few minutes later he put her away from him. 'Good,' he said, smiling. 'Now, let's go and show everybody.'
In their absence, the lounge had been cleared for dancing. The carpet had been rolled back from the polished floor and a record player was already giving out modern music. One or two couples were already dancing. Caroline could see Amanda dancing with an elderly man with a handlebar moustache whom John had introduced as Sir Ralph Marchman, a local politician.
When John and Caroline appeared they were soon surrounded by well-wishers wanting to see the ring, and congratulations came thick and fast. John was slapped enthusiastically on the back and the usual jokes were made about Caroline having trapped John at last. Champagne was brought in in huge buckets of ice and everyone drank their health, including Adam, whose eyes were broodingly intense when they met Caroline's over the heads of the others and she felt herself tremble.
When the music began again, Adam pushed his way through the people surrounding them and said:
'I think I'm entitled to the first dance, Caroline.' No one but John was aware of any significance in his words and he had no choice, in the face of all these
people, but to let her go with good grace.
So Caroline found herself again in Adam's arms, conscious of a strange feeling of having come home. This was where she belonged. Why did Adam choose to be so blind?
They danced in silence for a while, giving Caroline time to compose herself. It was difficult trying to be calm when your whole body trembled at the touch of the man you were dancing with and ached for a closer contact still. After a while she gave up trying to rationalise things and simply enjoyed the sensation.
Then he said: 'I hear you are now a rich young woman.'
'Comparatively so,' she agreed softly. 'I feel quite light-headed about the whole thing.'
'Is that why you've got yourself engaged to John?' he demanded savagely.
'I'd rather not discuss that with you,' she replied shakily.
'I'll bet you wouldn't,' he retorted angrily. 'Caroline, why are you doing this to me?'
'Adam,' she breathed, forcing herself to stay calm with an effort, 'we have nothing to say to one another.'
'No?' he asked coldly. 'Wouldn't you like to know my feelings in all this? Don't you want to know whether I still love you?'
'Don't,' she whispered achingly. 'It's over, Adam.'
Adam shrugged his broad shoulders and drew her closer against him.
'Is it?' he muttered harshly, feeling her trembling body.
Ignoring his question she said: 'T hear you're flying to America in a few days.'
'Yes.' He frowned. 'My mother will be interested to hear all about John's engagement. She would have liked to come over, but she's had an attack of rheumatism and couldn't face the journey.' He looked down at her. 'And you and John are going to Paris?'
'Yes. By the way, I'm no longer an employee of the Steinbeck Corporation. I've sent in my resignation. I got a very nice letter back this morning from Mr Lawson. He seemed sorry to lose me.'
'And what do you intend to do after John returns to Radbury?'
'I don't know yet. I haven't made any definite plans.'
'I see.'
They danced in silence again, until Caroline stumbled, not thinking of what she was doing.
'I'm sorry,' she said, meaning her default, but Adam's face darkened ominously.
'Are you? For everything?'
'I don't understand you,' she said imploringly. 'You didn't want me when you had the chance. Why are you tormenting me now?'
'I did want you,' he replied coldly. 'I simply didn't want to spoil your life. Instead you're spoiling it for yourself.'
'Why do you say that? John and I will have a good life.'
'For a time, maybe,' he conceded slowly. 'But you're under an illusion about John, I'm afraid. He's not the constant type. I should know.'
'Adam!' Her voice was suddenly .angry. 'How dare you say that?'
'It's true,' he replied quietly. 'Oh, I know he's been
taking you to symphony concerts and the opera and completely playing the classical gentleman, but it won't last. At least, I don't think it will, and I don't want you to get hurt.'
Caroline laughed hysterically for a moment and then sobered.
'Imagine you saying a thing like that,' she exclaimed, 'the master of the art of hurting me!'
With a blare of trumpets the music ended and Caroline drew forcefully away from Adam. Swaying slightly, she made her way back to John's side, only aware of needing his support and nearness as her legs turned to jelly beneath her. She thought for a moment she was going to faint, but the feeling passed and she grasped John's arm tightly and said:
'Don't make me dance with your father any more, please, John.'
John put his arm around her, concerned at her pallor. 'All right,' he said, wondering just what Adam had been saying to cause such a furore in the girl at his side.
Later in the evening, Caroline saw Amanda dancing with Adam. She was obviously having a wonderful time and was thoroughly enjoying herself. She was laughing at something Adam had said and Caroline found she couldn't bear to watch them. She was very relieved when at last the party broke up and she could escape to her room.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Adam offered to drive Amanda home in the Rolls as most of the guests lived nearby or further out of London and Amanda had expected to have to call a taxi. She was therefore flattered and pleased that he should offer.
As they drove along the darkened country roads she said:
'I have enjoyed myself, Mr Steinbeck.'
Adam smiled, lighting a cigar. 'I'm glad,' he said, and then with a frown he asked, 'Tell me, is Caroline really happy?'
Amanda clasped her hands tightly round her evening bag. With a wry grimace she realised that Adam had asked to take her home simply to talk about Caroline. It was galling, but she accepted it without rancour. She too was worried about her friend. It was quite a relief to discuss it with somebody.
'I would hardly call her happy,' she said carefully. 'But I think perhaps this is the best way, after all. This new interest in her life might make all the difference.'
'But what about the money?' exclaimed Adam. 'Wasn't she thrilled with the unlimited prospects she could think about?'
'I don't think she cares about money, one way or the other,' replied Amanda truthfully. 'Caroline is a very emotional person. Her feelings seem to be more important somehow. She's been badly hurt and I for one want her normal again.'
Adam's teeth clenched on the cigar. Everything he had heard tonight seemed to point to the fact that Caroline was trying to escape from unhappiness by plunging herself into a web of deceit. Was John aware of the true facts of their relationship? Could it be possible that he, Adam, had been mistaken about her? Ther
e were a thousand questions he wanted to ask this girl, but this was not the time or the place. Besides, how could he be sure that the answers she gave were the right answers? He was only able to get those sort of answers from Caroline and she was too much on the defensive with him ever to be willing to bare her heart to him again.
One last question he was forced to ask. 'Would you say that she was mature for her years?' he asked softly.
Amanda shrugged. 'I don't think I can answer that,' she replied. 'Why don't you ask her these questions, Mr Steinbeck?'
'Would I get the right answers, do you think?' he asked wryly.
'Then leave her alone altogether,' said Amanda, forgetting herself and her manners for a moment. 'Give her a chance to find out for herself what is important and what isn't.'
Adam was not offended. 'Yes,' he said thoughtfully, 'perhaps you're right.'
As he drove back to Slayford his mind was plagued with thoughts, each one chasing the other round his head. There was still the painful business of Mark Davison which had never been explained away. True, he had not allowed her to explain when she had wanted to, but what could she have said? To his tired mind there was no possible explanation, except that she had been bored, and that only proved his original opinion. She was too young.
But as the car neared Slayford and he remembered the feel of her in his arms that evening, he felt his whole body yearn for her and her nearness and he was inexplicably glad that they were leaving for Paris in the morning.
Meanwhile, as Amanda undressed and got into bed she pondered on his words. From his manner and conversation she believed he was in love with Caroline even if he did not intend to do anything about it. How could he let his own son marry her when he felt the way he did? He was either very unselfish or completely uncaring, and she didn't believe the latter for a moment. But couldn't he see that Caroline was the truthful kind and that the business over Mark Davison must have a logical explanation? Remembering her friend in the early days of her relationship with Adam Steinbeck, Amanda sighed. Caroline had been so gay and happy. So sure of herself, and now she was uncertain and unhappy.