Free Anne Mather by Sanja Page B

pyjama jacket falling apart to reveal the curve of her firm breast.
    Adam glanced once round at her and then he said: 'Go to sleep!' in a forced manner and strode to the door. A few seconds later it slammed behind him and Caroline rolled over on to her stomach and burst into tears.
    CHAPTER FOUR
    The next morning Caroline was awakened by Mrs Jones who had brought her a tray on which was a percolator of coffee and a jug of fruit juice. She placed the tray across Caroline as she lazily sat up and then drew back the curtains. A watery sun was shining, but the frost sparkling on the windows gave everything a wintry look.
    'Breakfast is in the dining-room when you want it,' she said, smiling. 'Just go along as soon as you want to.'
    'Thank you, Mrs Jones.' She sighed. 'This is wonderful.'
    Mrs Jones simply nodded and withdrew and Caroline poured herself a glass of fruit juice before tasting the delicious-smelling coffee.
    Afterwards, when she was dressed, she went down to the dining-room, finding her way quite easily. The house still seemed very quiet and she wondered whether she was first up. It was eight-thirty already, but for a Sunday it was quite early, even for her.
    She looked rather pale this morning, shadows beneath her green cat's eyes. In truth she had slept rather badly and dreaded her eventual meeting with Adam.
    When she entered the large, light dining-room she found only one occupant; John Steinbeck, who was seated at the table, a plate of kidneys and bacon in front
    of him, a newspaper propped against the toast rack.
    He looked up at her entrance and looked at her coolly.
    'Good morning,' said Caroline, feeling nervous.
    "Morning,' he replied abruptly, and rudely returned to his paper.
    Ignoring his obviously childish manners, Caroline poured herself more coffee and then seated herself at the opposite side of the table. The dishes being kept hot on burners on the side-board did not appeal to her just now. Her appetite seemed non-existent.
    John, apparently deciding he was being very rude and remembering that he was host at the moment, put away the newspaper and offered her some toast.
    'No, thank you,' said Caroline, shaking her head.
    John finished his kidneys and bacon and buttered himself a slice of toast before spreading it liberally with marmalade. It was obvious now that he also felt rather uncomfortable and Caroline decided to break the silence.
    'Is your father still in bed?' she asked politely.
    John's eyebrows ascended and he looked cynically surprised.
    'Don't you know?' he asked pointedly.
    Caroline clenched her teeth for a moment, flushing scarlet.
    'If I did I shouldn't be asking,' she replied coldly. 'Now perhaps you'll answer my question.'
    Now John looked embarrassed. 'He's going round the estate with Jones,' he said, studying his toast. 'They've been gone over an hour. I ought to have realised that he would hardly be up at seven if. ..' He did not finish his remark, but Caroline was well aware of his meaning.
    'You're very young,' she remarked easily, before taking a sip of her coffee.
    John looked angry. 'I shouldn't be surprised if I'm older than you,' he retorted with a snort. 'Just what game are you and my father playing? His women aren't usually straight out of the cradle.'
    Caroline refused to rise to the bait. Instead she said:
    'The fog seems to have lifted this morning.'
    John shrugged his shoulders and shook his head. He was baffled. He finished his meal and pushed aside his plate.
    'Would you like some more coffee?' Caroline asked, standing up and lifting her own cup.
    He was about to refuse and then with ill grace he said:
    'Thank you.'
    Caroline poured the coffee and after handing him his, re-seated herself. John took out his cigarette case and offered it to her. With a slight smile she accepted the cigarette, steadied his hand as he lit it and then relaxed back in her chair. Even John seemed more at ease and Caroline reflected that in other circumstances she could have liked him. He