Barbara Taylor Bradford - Master of His Fate

‘Well, what I mean is, are you interested in a woman with whom to have a friendship, one of those lovely ladies who accompany you to events? Or are you speaking about a woman with whom you wish to be … well … intimate?

‘Neither.’

‘Oh, I see,’ Reginald began, and stopped abruptly when Bloom came in carrying a silver tray, followed by a footman with a silver bucket containing a bottle of Dom Pérignon.

Once the champagne had been poured into crystal flutes, and the caviar passed to the two men, the butler and the footman took their leave.

After clinking glasses, Reginald said, ‘Do you realize you’ve never discussed women with me since we were very young men – fifteen, or thereabouts? So naturally I’m a bit surprised. Who is she?’

‘A woman I met today. This afternoon, and very briefly. I must see her again.’

‘And you knew at once?’ Reginald asked, his surprise obvious in his tone of voice.

‘I did. It was the most extraordinary thing. I was instantly struck by her looks, bowled over really. So much so, that even Claudia noticed and was taken aback.’

‘She was with you at the time?’

‘Yes. She had been at a ladies’ tea with some other women, at Delia’s. A meeting to do with a charity they are involved with. I went to fetch her, so she could accompany me to my sister’s house, and the woman was with Claudia when they left.’

‘And what did Claudia say to you?’

‘She didn’t say anything until much later, after we had left my sister’s, when she mentioned that I’d had a strong reaction to her companion. She asked me why.’

‘And you told her what?’

‘That I wasn’t sure. But I’d had a rush of feelings: excitement, a sense of need, perhaps desire. Claudia told me I had appeared to be mesmerized.’

‘Mesmerized. That’s a strong word, old chap.’

‘I said I’d felt blinded, conscious only of her. Anyway, she’s in my head, Reggie, and I can’t wait to see her again. Only then will I understand myself, my reaction to her.’

‘She must be quite a stunner to affect you in this way. I know it’s not happened to you before. You would have told me, wouldn’t you?’ Reginald raised a brow quizzically.

‘Of course.’ Sebastian took a sip of champagne. ‘I’ve never had any secrets from you.’

‘So who is this woman who has you so rattled? What’s her name?’

‘Alexis. Alexis Malvern.’

Reginald gaped at him, stunned into silence. After a split second, he exclaimed, ‘There can’t be two women with that name. You must be referring to Henry Malvern’s daughter, aren’t you?’

‘I am indeed. Do you know him?’

‘He’s a member of one of our clubs, Savile’s. And we chat occasionally, but I can’t say I know him well. He’s a powerful man, very wealthy, and all of his businesses are extremely successful.’ Reginald chuckled. ‘It is well known that his daughter is his only child and heir. She works in his business, but then I’m sure you know that.’

‘I had heard of her, and her business acumen. However, she is also extremely beautiful. And she is a mere twenty-five.’ Sebastian grimaced. ‘Too young for me, I think.’

‘No, not at all. You’re only forty. I would certainly like to meet her.’

‘Glad to hear that, Reggie. Claudia is planning to give a small supper here next week. We hoped you and Jane would accept our invitation.’

‘Wild horses couldn’t keep me away.’ Reginald lifted his flute of champagne and took a sip.

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