Free Calder Promise by Janet Dailey Page B

chance to get a peek at this painting myself.”
    Laura watched Sebastian, intensely curious to see how he would handle this gauntlet Boone had thrown down.
    “There’s no need for that,” Sebastian began in smooth dismissal, “as I’ll be making the drive myself tomorrow—”
    “But I have a Daimler limousine at my disposal,” Boone interrupted. “I think you’ll agree it would be much more comfortable for the ladies to ride in it than in an ordinary car.”
    During the briefest of pauses, Sebastian studied his adversary with a sizing glance, then smiled lazily. “Since you seem so determined to make the drive, why don’t I arrange for you to spend the weekend at Crawford Hall as well.”
    The invitation was the last thing Laura had expected from Sebastian. Most women in her shoes would have found the prospect of having both men under the same roof to be an awkward situation. Laura regarded it as a challenge. And she thrived on challenges.
    “I’d love to spend the weekend in the country with Laura if you’re sure our host wouldn’t object,” Boone replied.
    “His philosophy tends to be ‘the more, the merrier’ or something like that,” Sebastian stated with a droll smile.
    “Will Max be joining us as well?” Tara asked with sudden curiosity, then glanced at Sebastian in quick apology. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have presumed to include him. Besides, if Crawford Hall is typical of most old homes, it isn’t exactly wheelchair-friendly.”
    “Crawford Hall happens to be an exception, then, thanks to an ancestor who was similarly handicapped in his later years,” Sebastian explained. “So there are suitable accommodations for your father if he should wish to come.”
    “I believe he’s already made other plans, but I’ll ask him,” Boone replied.
    “Do that,” Sebastian said with an aristocratic nod.
    “I will.” Boone gripped the arms of his chair and pushed out of the seat, rising to his feet. “I’ll let you all get back to your tea. Pick you up at eight,” he said to Laura, then winked. “And bring your appetite. Don’t waste it all on those sweets.” He gestured to the petit four on her plate and left the table.
    Laura watched him exit the room before she brought her attention back to the table. “This should be a very entertaining weekend, don’t you think?” Her smile was wide and full of amusement.
     
     
    Boone slammed into the suite and threw a glance around the sitting room that never even paused on his father. “Where the hell is Edwards?” he demanded, referring to his father’s personal secretary and chief assistant.
    “He went to FedEx those documents back to the States. Why?” Max’s frown was sharp with suspicion. “What’s happened? Did that girl break her date with you?”
    “No.” Boone strode across the room, jerking loose the knot of his tie as he went. “As a matter of fact, we have been invited to spend the weekend in the country with her and Tara Calder.” He snatched up the telephone receiver and punched out a series of numbers. “I want to place an order,” he said into the phone.
    “I don’t understand.” Max wheeled his chair over to the desk where Boone stood. “What do you want with Edwards?”
    Ignoring the question, Boone continued his conversation with the unknown party. “I want a room full of orchids delivered to Ms. Laura Calder’s suite at the Lanesborough. No, wait,” he said on second thought. “Make that one exotic and absolutely perfect orchid. On the card, simply put, ‘See you at eight,’ and sign it ‘Boone.’ Make sure it’s delivered immediately. I want it in her suite when she returns.”
    When he hung up, Max pounded the arm of his wheelchair. “Dammit, are you going to answer my questions? I want to know what the hell is going on.”
    Boone looked at him, his lips drawn back in an expression that was more snarl than smile. “Did I forget to mention that the weekend invitation came from that Englishman,