Free Paper Doll by Janet Woods Page A

so no harm will come to me, I promise. Look, if you’re really worried I’ll stay home. We could play chess.’
    ‘And spoil your New Year celebrations, my dear. Nonsense! I’m just a grumpy old man who has forgotten what it’s like to be young, and I wouldn’t dream of it. I’m going to put my feet up and listen to the wireless.’
    From outside came a series of impatient toots on the horn. The engine revved to an alarming roar, backfired a couple of times, then eased down again.
    Annoyance settled on her father’s face. ‘Go on then, don’t keep him waiting any longer, Julia, else I might just take out my pistol and shoot him.’
    ‘Since when have you owned a pistol?’ She wrapped herself in the silver fox, tied a silk scarf around her hair, gave her father a final kiss and hurried off downstairs.
    ‘Julia, my angel . . . at last. I was just about to go on my way without you.’
    Charles Curruthers was handsome in a boyish sort of way. His golden blond hair flopped over his forehead, his skin was soft and fine and his bottom lip had a natural pout that gave him a slightly sulky look.
    He pulled on a flying helmet and gazed through innocent baby-blue eyes at her. His smile was lopsided as he held out a second helmet. ‘Dear oh dear . . . Irene informs me that you’re still untouched by human hand.’
    She blushed. ‘Don’t tease.’
    ‘I’m not teasing. Don’t feel ashamed, Julia; I’ll soon have my lascivious way with you and reverse the situation. I won’t charge for my service, either. I rather fancy you, actually. I’ve never had an old-fashioned innocent.’
    Her blush became furious and she pressed her cool palms against her cheeks.
    He laughed. ‘Remove your scarf and put the helmet on, there’s a good girl. It will be warmer.’
    ‘But it will flatten my hairstyle.’
    ‘I’m sure Irene’s maid will rearrange it for you. Come on, Julia, old thing, stop being difficult . . . do it, just for Charlie?’
    Removing her scarf she folded it, placed it in her pocket and pulled on the leather helmet.
    ‘It suits you,’ he said, and taking her face in his hands he gently kissed her mouth. He tasted of tobacco. ‘Get in the sidecar and I’ll tuck the rug around you to keep the cold out.’
    They were soon on their way, roaring around the streets with great dash – too much dash for her as she clung to the edges of the sidecar with eyes closed, giving fearful little screams and moans as she was thrown about. It was the most uncomfortable mode of transport she’d ever used. Charles laughed like a maniac as he narrowly missed parked cars and kerbs.
    Then they were out in the country. Bounced from one pothole to the next, they headed through a tunnel of light made by the headlights. It was cold, even wrapped in her fur and a blanket. She sank down behind the windscreen so the wind didn’t snatch her breath from her lungs.
    Before too long house lights in the misty distance appeared, then a low oblong building that grew into a dignified stately manor as they neared it. They raced around the circular driveway littered with cars, scattering gravel, and drew up outside a porch. Light spilled from the windows and the sound of music came beating from inside the house.
    Julia felt slightly nauseated, and was shaking when she climbed out of the sidecar. She could have sworn that every bone in her spine was disconnected.
    A window was pushed up and Irene screamed out, ‘Yoo-hoo! Julia, darling, I’m up here. It was too bad of Charlie to pick you up late.’
    ‘Felicitations, Sis,’ Charles shouted back. ‘I was carpeted by pater before I could escape. He said he’s holding me responsible for the party, and if any damage is done he’ll take the cost of repairs from my allowance.
    Irene laughed unsympathetically. ‘As long as he doesn’t take it from mine . . . Don’t worry, Brother dear, you know daddy is more bark than bite where you’re concerned, and you’re the favourite son and heir.