Free Comparative Strangers by Sara Craven

him to reach for her…
    But he didn’t. When he spoke, his tone was matter of fact. 'I'll ring you in a few days about the company party. Now, I’d better get you safely indoors.‘
    Outside the flat, Amanda found her hand shaking as she fitted her key into the lock.
    ‘Thank you again.’ Her voice sounded higher-pitched than usual—taut. And it was ridiculous to be so nervous. Malory was doing nothing more threatening than watching her struggles with the key.
    ‘Let me.’ He took the key from her and unlocked the door. ‘I won’t come in,’ he went on. ‘I can’t face another harangue on behalf of Animal Lib.’
    Amanda forced a small smile. ‘Maggie’s current boyfriend is some kind of activist and it always affects her. The last one was heavily into CND,’ she added, stumbling a little over the words.
    He said lazily, ‘What a hectic existence she must lead’ He put a finger under Amanda’s chin, tilting her face to meet his gaze. His voice gentled. ‘Calm down, darling. There’s nothing to be afraid of.’ He released her and gently turned away. 'I'll be in touch,‘ he added almost casually.
    The hall was in darkness. Amanda leaned against the closed door, her breathing as rapid as if she’d been taking part in some kind of race. He was perfectly correct, she thought. There had been nothing to fear, after all. It had all been in her own mind.
    And that should have been the most tremendous relief.
    So why, therefore, did she feel as if it had been a total anticlimax?

CHAPTER FIVE

     
    ‘That,’ Jane said, ‘is the most fantastic dress.’
    ‘Do you think it’s all right?’ Amanda surveyed herself in the mirror. ‘It’s not too…’
    ‘Far from it,’ Jane assured her. ‘It’s obvious you’re not wearing a bra, of course, because the thing has hardly any back, but that’s the only way you can tell. That high halter front is very discreet. And I love all those masses of tiny pleats in the skirt.’
    ‘Culottes, actually.’ Amanda demonstrated. She frowned a little. ‘It isn’t at all the kind of thing I intended to buy. It’s far too extravagant. I meant to get something that would do later on, when…’ She stopped hastily, aware she’d been about to venture into indiscretion. But Jane was clearly too fascinated by the golden shimmer of the new dress to have noticed.
    ‘Live a little,’ she advised airily. ‘After all, you’re marrying a very wealthy man.’
    Amanda bit her lip. ‘I suppose so.’ She hesitated. ‘I ought to explain, but I can’t…’
    ‘You don’t have to,’ Jane said robustly. ‘Anyone’s entitled to change her mind, and it’s far better to do it before you’re married than afterwards.’ It was her turn to pause. ‘And, actually, I was never Nigel’s greatest fan.’
    Amanda stared at her. ‘But you never said anything,’ she protested.
    Jane shrugged. ‘What could I say? You seemed so knocked out by him that I didn’t think you’d listen, and anyway, it was none of my business.’ She grimaced drolly. ‘Maggie’s Tim doesn’t inspire me with admiration, either.’
    Amanda smiled wryly. ‘I’m not surprised.’
    ‘And I thought your Malory handled her very well the other night,’ Jane went on. ‘She was being terribly aggressive, and he was polite, but remote’ She slanted a look at Amanda. ‘He’s not an easy man to get to know, is he?’
    ‘No,’ Amanda agreed, her voice colourless. ‘Do you think I need more blusher?’
    Jane inspected her minutely. ‘Not a scrap. You look really good. Have a nice party, and a lovely weekend. You’re going home, aren’t you?’
    ‘Yes, straight from the party.’ Amanda picked up the pleated cape that matched her dress, and put it round her shoulders. Going to the cottage was a decision which had been pretty much forced on her. She’d had a week of reproachful phone calls from her mother, and had bowed to their pressure, even though she knew Mrs Conroy still hadn’t forgiven her for