by Georgia Rose
“Do you think this is wise? Getting involved with someone as messed up as me?”
He kissed my cheek gently. “I have no choice. I don’t have the strength to keep away from you any longer, even if I wanted to…and anyway…there are things about me which are just as screwed up, you just don’t know about them yet.” He hesitated then, and frowned before continuing, “Actually, I hadn’t thought about that before now…but you’re probably taking the bigger risk here, which might not be good for you. You should think about that and decide if this is the wisest thing for you to do.”
“I have no choice. I don’t have the strength to keep away from you any longer, even if I wanted to,” I echoed back at him, smiling, and as his face broke into a grin, he kissed my cheek again, releasing me, sighing as he did so.
“I can’t believe I have to say this but I really do have to go now,” his voice full of regret and I nodded, smiling back.
“I know…go on,” and he left, promising to be back as soon as he could. Watching him from the back door I waved as he drove off, leaving me to turn back to my now-too-empty home.
Elated by this most unexpected, although surprisingly welcome, turn of events I replayed what had just happened. After all my denials, and all my years of self-sufficiency, I found I’d relished the feeling that had swept over me when I was in Trent’s arms. I didn’t realise how much I’d missed the affection and how I now welcomed it, however undeserving I felt I was to receive it.
Chapter 16
I knew the time until I next saw Trent was going to drag as I was off work. I caught up on all my household tasks and popped out frequently to see how Carlton was getting on with the yard duties, reasoning that I needed to keep an eye on the horses but probably irritating him no end with my constant checking. Every day my head was feeling a little better and my body less stiff. I could see my bruises now, gradually fading, becoming a rainbow of fainter colours spreading across my back. I’d started doing some stretching exercises to try and loosen up and help the healing process along.
At the end of the week I received a call from the local surgery wanting me to come in for a check-up. I made an appointment for that afternoon then arranged for Carlton to take me as I didn’t feel I should drive until I’d been given the all-clear.
I’d already decided that while at the doctors I would discuss another matter that was occupying my mind. Fortunately, the doctor was pleased with my recovery and happy with me driving again and going back to work the following week as long as I didn’t overdo things. She dealt with the questions I had as well as giving me the prescription I needed, plus a few more days of painkillers.
On the way back from the surgery Carlton casually asked if I was going to the May Ball being held the following weekend at the Manor. I knew it was taking place, Trent had mentioned it at the hospital, but I’d assumed it was being held as a charity fundraiser and hadn’t given it any more thought than that. Carlton explained everyone on the estate was invited, with probably a couple of hundred other people attending. The estate staff would be working at the event, the idea being that if everyone mucked in it kept the costs down for the charity, helped everything to run smoothly, and everyone would get to have some part of the evening off. I said I wouldn’t mind going, but as it was black tie I didn’t have anything suitable to wear. It was at that point that I realised I’d been set up, as quite conveniently Greene and a couple of the others were going shopping the next day and had room in the car for me to go along – you’d almost think it’d been planned.
Trent managed to call me the next evening for a short while and during our conversation I told him I’d bought a dress for the ball, asking if he was likely to make it back for that evening. He told me Cavendish was already in Grace’s bad books for being away for the run-up to the event, and even though they were going to try to get back it wasn’t certain they were going to make it. Again, I wondered what sort of business it was that took them away like this. The last time I’d asked Trent he’d avoided answering, only adding to the mystery, and I decided that as soon as we had some time together I’d bring it up again. All too soon he had to go and I spent the evening preparing everything, ready for my return to work the next day.
It was good to be back in the yard and I think Carlton was happy to be relieved of his duties as well. I didn’t ride the first day, it being a rest day anyway, which was just as well as I found the yard routine to be tiring enough. I fitted in a trip to the saddlery in the afternoon to buy a new riding hat to replace the one that had been destroyed.
I made sure my first ride out on Regan was back along the same track I’d had my accident on. It had previously been one of my favourite rides and I wanted to get it out of the way so there was no build-up of apprehension in going down there again. As it was, I could see no evidence of my fall, and riding past the same spot in fact helped to banish the lingering, now almost ghostly, memory of the woman. It also helped that I was distracted by the beauty of the woodland surrounding me, which was now carpeted in blue, the heady scent of bluebells filling the air.
On the day of the Ball the stables were quiet, with me sticking to my usual routine while the area around the Manor was a hive of activity. It was exciting when I rode past a couple of times, watching all the comings and goings. Later, I finished evening stables then went to get ready, even putting on make-up after Greene had made the effort to show me what to do earlier in the week.
Carlton had offered to pick me up at seven to save me from walking but when I heard his truck drive into the yard I was still upstairs so I yelled for him to come in when he knocked on the back door. I was putting Trent’s jewellery on as the finishing touch, then I walked downstairs feeling self-conscious and awkward. My dress was of the richest, deepest burgundy; it had small capped sleeves, the neckline low enough to be sculpted flatteringly across my chest then fitted into my waist, skimming my hips before dropping elegantly to the floor. Up one side there was a slit ending around mid-thigh level which I found a little alarming but which Greene had assured me was quite discreet. Carlton’s look when he turned to see me enter the kitchen could only be described as one of carnal appreciation as he mouthed, “Wow.”
I brushed it off: “This is nothing, you wait until you see Greene. Anyway, you’re looking pretty good yourself, Carlton.” And he was, all handsomely spruced up in black tie.
He held out his hand, indicated towards the door and said, “Your carriage awaits.” I made sure the cat flap was locked, and said goodbye to Susie, who was already curled up in her bed for the evening.
We parked round the back of the Manor, noticing there was a steady stream of cars currently arriving at the front, and entered through the kitchens, which were bustling with people. Mrs F was in charge overall but an additional catering company had been brought in for the occasion so she had her hands more than full. I was going to be helping out during the early part of the evening, circulating with canapés and refilling drinks, and I was busy from the start, keeping the guests happy.
I saw Grace early on and asked if Cavendish had managed to make it back but she shook her head sadly. My heart sank a little bit, but determined to enjoy the evening I kept myself occupied, offering help wherever needed. The activity in the kitchen eventually settled down once everyone had been fed and I managed to get myself a drink at last.
Carlton arrived in the kitchen soon after, having been relieved from his bar duty, and after announcing the dancing was starting he whisked several of us off towards the ballroom where there was a band playing. I danced to the best of my limited ability with everyone who asked, and enjoyed it all, having never been to anything like it before.
It was getting late and needing a break from the dance floor I went out to the bar area, managing to find a free bar stool to sit on to give my feet a break. I had no idea how Greene was managing it – she was wearing six-inch heels and had not left the dance floor once. Her feet must have been in agony, unless they were numbed with alcohol, which w
as the only explanation I could come up with. She looked sensational in the shimmering tawny-gold dress she’d bought and I was pleased to see the effect it was having on Carlton; they’d already danced together several times and I had high hopes in that direction. I asked Stanton, who was now on duty, for a glass of wine and sat deep in thought, enjoying a moment’s peace.
“Would you dance with me?” The familiar voice behind me made me start and I turned to see Trent smiling softly at me. He held out his hand and I took it, now welcoming the charge that came whenever I touched him. I’d been anxious when preparing for this evening, nervous in case he was here, concerned that as time had passed my imagination had exaggerated his feelings for me, but as soon as I saw him I was reassured.
“So acquiescent,” he murmured. “That makes a nice change.” He was looking deliciously handsome and I could see the curls of his hair were still damp from the shower.
“You scrub up well,” I smiled at him.
“Not as well as you do…positively edible.” As he looked me up and down appreciatively and exhaled softly, I felt my insides do a backflip. “Love the jewellery on you.”
“It seemed like the right time and place…” I replied, grinning at him, then looking across the room I could see Cavendish had also arrived and was being greeted enthusiastically by Grace. Trent led me to the dance floor and as he pulled me closer I muttered, “I can’t dance.”
“Neither can I – I’m only using this as an excuse to hold you close to me. As no doubt all the other men in this room have this evening,” and he gazed at me, raising one eyebrow in question. I looked away guiltily, a little embarrassed, as that was exactly what had happened.
“Hmm…I thought as much.” Letting go of my hand he brought his up and around my waist until it came to rest in the small of my back, pulling me towards him. I brought my arm up and across his shoulder, my hand stilling, fingers on the collar at the back of his neck. Every now and then I felt his hair lightly touch my hand and had to resist the urge to run my fingers through it. He took my other hand, my fingers curling around his thumb, his fingers closing round the outside of mine as he brought it up to his chest, and we moved slowly to the music.
Looking at each other we spoke quietly for a while, catching up on what the other had been up to over the last few days, but gradually the conversation became more halting as the intensity grew between us. I could feel myself getting warmer, his breathing becoming deeper, and I couldn’t meet his eyes any more, seeing only my desire for him reflected back at me when I did. He leaned in closer to my ear, his breath soft across my cheek, and whispered, “I don’t want to rush this but I really don’t think I’m going to be able to keep my hands off you for much longer.” Closing my eyes I reminded myself to keep breathing, and when I opened them again he was still watching me. I could feel myself blush under the scrutiny and looked away, trying to escape his intensity, finding his lips instead to focus on, only to start imagining their kiss, their touch on my skin, and when I looked back up I knew he was enjoying the effect he was having on me, his eyes twinkling with amusement at my discomfort. We danced, savouring each other’s company, oblivious to anyone else for as long as the music played, which was not long enough, the evening eventually coming to an end.
I’d been planning on walking home and Trent came with me, holding my hand, untying his bow tie and opening the first couple of buttons of his shirt which was more than a little distracting. Fortunately, he seemed happy to walk in silence as I started to feel nervous and with everything going on in my head I couldn’t have coped with holding a conversation as well. I was wondering if I should invite him in, if he was expecting to be invited in. I had no idea what you should do in such a situation – was it too forward to just invite someone in? Should I invite him in for coffee? Or was that too much of a cliché? Should I not invite him in at all and play hard to get? Had there not already been enough of that? My body was telling me there’d definitely been enough of that.
When it eventually came to it, however, the decision was taken out of my hands. As we got to the back door Trent turned to me, saying, “Here you go, safely home. I’m sorry but I’m going to have to leave you now as Cavendish and I have to go straight back to work.” And with that he took my face in his hands, kissed me lightly on the forehead, and left. On the forehead! I managed to mumble a goodbye, though I was more than a little taken aback. I must have looked a picture at that point, standing there, my mouth open in incredulity.
I unlocked the door and as Susie came to greet me I kicked off my shoes grumpily, pulled on my wellies and hitched my dress up a little by bunching it up and tucking it into my pants (always so ladylike). I marched over to the stables, accompanied by Susie, and did the watering before heading off to bed. Needless to say it took me ages to get to sleep.
I woke to the sound of a text arriving on my phone the next morning which read:
‘Morning Grayson, I trust you slept better than I did. Buoyed by your acquiescent mood last night I was wondering if you might consider coming out with me later in the week on an actual date if that term doesn’t offend you too much? Tx’
‘I didn’t sleep particularly well since you ask so not feeling quite so acquiescent this morning. I like your x or would that one be on the forehead too? Despite that I’d like to accept your invitation to go on a date. When should I get myself ready for you? Gx’
‘Friday 8 Tx (this one is definitely not on your forehead!)’
I could see I had another long week ahead of me.
Chapter 17
I woke with a start to Susie’s barking downstairs. Looking over at the clock which read 2am, I’d barely registered the fact that it was unusual for Susie to bark in the night when she alarmed me further by leaping up the stairs and coming into my room, agitated and barking directly at me. I leapt out of bed, thinking it must be something serious for her to behave like this. I was wearing lounge pants and a vest top so I grabbed my cotton dressing gown and pulled that on as I ran down the stairs. Pushing bare feet into wellies I unlocked the back door and as soon as it was open I knew what the problem was – smoke, the air was thick with it. Turning back to the kitchen, I hit the panic button then went out, shutting the door behind me and leaving Susie safely in the boot room.
Heading towards the stables I found to my immense relief that after running through the cloud of smoke it was not coming from there, and while the horses were agitated they were not in any immediate danger. I was already calling 999 and as I talked to the emergency services operator I looked back at the cottage and saw the source of the smoke was the garage. Giving the relevant details, the operator confirmed a fire engine was on the way and I ended the call.
Grabbing the fire extinguishers which were mounted on hooks on the walls, I carried them in the direction of the garage. Wrapping my dressing gown sleeve round my hand I pulled one of the garage doors open. It appeared that the garage itself was not on fire, at least not yet, but my car was, and as I tried to edge in closer under the clouds of smoke billowing out, I pointed the fire extinguisher hose in that direction, released the pin and pulled the lever. Foam squirted in the right direction though I couldn’t see if it was having any effect on the flames or not. My eyes streamed and, coughing, I struggled for breath. Once the first cylinder was empty I grabbed the second one and starting that, I was trying to edge in closer, when I felt someone next to me; looking up, I saw it was Wade. He took the fire extinguisher from my hands while a pair of strong arms wrapped themselves around me, lifted me clear of the smoke, and carried me across the yard where the air was clearer. I noticed the gates were open and at that moment, much to my relief, a fire engine pulled into the yard, the fire crew leaping out and into action. Carlton put me down, and bending over double I coughed and gasped for air.
An ambulance pulled in a minute or so later, the paramedics putting me on oxygen to help my breathing. I sat on the back step of the ambulance, the oxygen mask on my face, as I watched the fire crew at wor
k. It didn’t seem to take too long before the fire was under control, although it was a lot longer before it was out and they were happy it was not going to reignite.
Carlton had been overseeing the activity and after making him go and check on the horses he reported back that they were all quite settled, apart from Monty who was a little overexcited, and as you would imagine they were all taking great interest in the unusual night-time activity.
My breathing was feeling more or less back to normal and I was trying to get the paramedics to let me come off the oxygen when I looked across the yard to see Cavendish and Trent enter it. Cavendish went to talk to the fire crew who were now sifting through the debris and Trent ran across to me, relief replacing the look of anxiety he had been wearing. I raised my eyebrows in surprise above my oxygen mask, silently questioning how he’d got there so quickly, and for that matter, how he knew in the first place. He muttered, “Panic button, helicopter,” as he squeezed onto the step next to me, hugging me to him. He didn’t say anything else but I could feel his tension and despite all the drama I found myself relishing these few moments of unanticipated closeness.
A short while later Cavendish came over, and after checking on me he asked to have a word with Trent. They wandered off a little way but before they’d gone too far I heard Cavendish say to Trent that the fire crew thought it was arson. Strangely, Trent’s head went down at this and Cavendish brought his hand up, putting it on Trent’s upper arm in a brotherly, supportive gesture I found curiously touching. They continued walking and talking for a couple of minutes before returning to me.
Cavendish sat next to me and with no preamble asked if I had any enemies, or if I was aware of anyone who might have a grudge against me. I thought for a moment, then rather reluctantly suggested Gary as possibly someone who might feel a little antagonistic towards me, but I really didn’t think it was likely he was behind this and it was clear from their reaction that neither Trent nor Cavendish thought so either. Cavendish said he couldn’t see a link between this and my fall from Regan if it was Gary, as I’d thought it had been a woman who’d frightened Regan, which was a good point. Although it wasn’t until he brought this up that I’d even thought of the previous incident and considered the fact that there might be a link between the two. Trent surprised me then, saying he’d already had Gary checked out after the last incident and had drawn a blank. I couldn’t think of anyone else and said so to Cavendish. He asked a couple of further questions as to whether I’d seen anyone hanging around or anything out of the ordinary over the last few days, but again I had to answer in the negative. Trent watched silently throughout this exchange.