Barbara Bradford - A Woman of Substance

‘Yes, thank you,’ Emma said. ‘I am sorry, Frank, I didn’t mean to embarrass you.’

‘Look here, Frank, it was all my fault,’ Paul cut in. ‘Let’s forget the incident, shall we?’

‘Of course, Paul.’ He grinned at them and strolled off to join a well-known politician holding court at the far end of the room.

Emma was eyeing the walking stick. Paul said, ‘I’m wounded. But you probably didn’t notice the limp.’ There was a sheepish look in his eyes as he said, ‘I have to admit I was trying my hardest to conceal it when we walked across the room.’

‘You succeeded very well.’ Emma found herself smiling at him and she discovered this small admission of pride on his part induced her to revise her opinion of him. She knew all about self-esteem, and she softened a fraction. She leaned back against the sofa feeling more relaxed. With that grin he looked like the eternal little boy. ‘I hope your wound is not too painful, or serious,’ she remarked softly.

‘No, not at all. In fact, I’ll be going back to France shortly.’ Paul regarded her thoughtfully, his face serious. He was aware he had gained ground with her, but he hesitated before saying, ‘I’m on leave for a few more weeks. Would it be possible for us to meet again? I know you think I’m some sort of scoundrel, but I’m not, really. I have no excuse for my ghastly display at the Ritz, other than to confess I was bowled over by your beauty. Still, I should not have caused you discomfort. Can we lunch tomorrow so that I can make amends?’ His eyes twinkled. ‘I promise I’ll behave-like an officer and a gentleman and not a scallywag from the Outback.’

‘I have a luncheon engagement,’ Emma said.

‘Is it terribly important? Couldn’t you break it?’

‘I don’t think so. It’s with Frank and I don’t see him very often. He would be disappointed.’

‘Yes, I understand.’ Paul’s face lit up. ‘I don’t want to seem forward, but could I join you? May I invite you both to be my guests?’ He smiled engagingly. ‘After all, you would be chaperoned with your brother present.’

Emma smiled. He was quite transparent. ‘I would have to ask Frank. I’m not sure how he would feel.’

To Paul’s annoyance Dolly sailed up to them and he stood up, offering her his chair. She declined and said, ‘I see you two have recovered from your little contretemps.’ Her eyes swept over Emma and settled on Paul. ‘How is the wounded warrior? I do hope you’re enjoying yourself, darling. We must keep our valiant soldiers happy, mustn’t we?’ She patted his arm playfully. ‘I can see you’re in good hands. I presume I shall see you at your father’s luncheon party tomorrow.’

‘No, I’m afraid not. I have a long-standing appointment. With destiny.’

‘Destiny?’ Dolly’s brow puckered in puzzlement. ‘I don’t think I know her.’

Paul kept his face absolutely straight. ‘I don’t believe you do, Dolly.’

Dolly shrugged. ‘One can’t be acquainted with everyone in London, I suppose. Do excuse me. I must circulate, my darlings.’

Paul leaned closer to Emma, his face sober. ‘I am, aren’t I?’

‘You are what?’

‘Lunching with destiny.’

She looked up at him and smiled, that unique smile that illuminated her face with incandescent radiance. ‘I thought you were lunching with Frank and me,’ she said.

Frank said, ‘Why are you doing this, Emma?’

‘Doing what, dear?’

‘You know exactly what I mean. Leaving London so unexpectedly.’

‘I only intended to stay in town for a few days. I’ve been here two weeks. I have to go back to Yorkshire.’

‘I never thought I would see my sister running away.’

‘I’m not running away.’

‘Yes, you are. It’s Paul McGill, isn’t it?’

Emma looked at him and bit her lip. She sighed. ‘Yes, it is.’

‘I guessed as much. But I still don’t understand why you are rushing off.’

‘Because he’s getting to be a nuisance and, anyway, I don’t particularly like him.’

‘Emma! How can you say that! If you don’t like him, why have you spent so much time with him? Every night, as far as I can gather. The theatre, dinners, parties, and luncheons, too. I’ve hardly seen you alone, and I must say you have certainly given the impression you are mesmerized by him.’

‘That’s not true, Frank Harte!’

Frank shook his head and looked out of the taxi window. He brought his eyes back to Emma. After a moment’s reflection he said, ‘He’s fallen for you like a ton of bricks.’

‘Oh, phooey!’

‘Yes, he has. I can tell. Everyone who sees the two of you together can tell. He positively devours you with his eyes. And I know you like him, Emma.’

‘Frank, will you please leave me alone.’

‘Give me a good reason why you don’t want to see him any more.’

‘Because he’s too charming, too handsome, too fascinating. And too much-for me to handle. Besides-’ She broke off, her voice faltering.

‘Besides what?’

‘I’m afraid I’ll get more involved if I stay.’

‘I knew it! But surely you mean fall in love with him, don’t you?’

‘Yes.’ Her voice was a whisper.

Frank took her hand. ‘Does he know you’re leaving?’

‘No. There’s a note for him at the Ritz. He’ll get it tonight when he comes to collect me.’

‘That wasn’t a very nice thing to do to the poor chap.’

‘It was the only thing to do. Now, darling, please shut up about Paul McGill. And tell the taxi driver to hurry. I’ll miss my train.’

Calculating of brain though she was, Emma could be impulsive of heart and especially when her deepest emotions were involved, and she had acted on impulse the day she had returned with such abruptness to Yorkshire. Recognizing that she was falling under the spell of the magnetic Paul McGill, she had fled, propelled by panic and fear.

Long ago, Emma had come to the conclusion that she was unlucky where men were concerned. They either hurt her or she hurt them. Her relationships had never been balanced. She doubted that she could ever inflict pain on the self-assured Paul McGill, but he was a terrible threat to her. Contentment with her life, such as it was at this moment, was at stake. She could not afford to risk emotional upheaval. Only in business was she prepared to gamble.

But now, after two days, she was beginning to feel perplexed by his total silence. Aren’t you also a little disappointed? a small voice nudged at the back of her mind, and she smiled wryly, her eyes straying to the telephone. Perhaps you are, but you’re also relieved, she said inwardly, and looked down at the latest report from the Emeremm Company. Almost immediately her attention wandered again, her thoughts returning to Paul.

He had danced attendance on her every day for two weeks. He had been charming, gallant, and amusing, and a gentleman, more or less. He had taken her in his arms and his kisses had been sensual and his passions had been fully inflamed. She knew that he was aware that he had aroused the same desire in her, but ultimately he held himself in check. He had made no untoward proposals or attempted to seduce her, and his constraint had baffled her, despite her profound relief at this display of chivalry.

She shivered, recalling his amorous embraces, and instantly crushed down the memory of him. He had apparently forgotten her immediately. Or perhaps he was stinging from the blow to his pride. For a proud devil he was and his self-esteem had more than likely been seriously damaged. She was positive no other woman had ever run out on him. So much for Major McGill, she thought. He’s dangerous and disturbing. Nevertheless, disappointment flared again and she shook her head, musing on her own inconsistencies, and then brought her eyes back to the papers. Her business needed her undivided attention.