Free Breath of Corruption by Caro Fraser Page B

funny and feckless nature, and by the fact that she was utterly unashamed of the idle, acquisitive life she led. She had an irresistible charm, much like Anthea. So perhaps he and Anthea had the potential to take their relationship further than he had thought. He dreaded another entanglement of the intense emotionality he had experienced with Rachel, but maybe if he and Anthea could maintain the equilibrium they had created so far—
    Then he stopped himself. No – he had travelled a little way down this road before, and it didn’t lead anywhere he wanted to go. Lovers were enough. He didn’t want anyone permanent in his life, except Oliver. He had all the permanence he needed in chambers – that place, and the people in it, were all he needed to keep him grounded. His mind began to drift to what Alasdair had said about the joys of working from home. Perhaps there was something in it. If he didn’t have to go into chambers every day, he’d be able to take Oliver to school some mornings, perhaps even pick him up mid-afternoon. A bit of flexibility in his life would mean he could see much more of his son, instead of every other weekend.
    Leo yawned, too tired to think any more. Tomorrow he and Oliver would go to a friend of Jenny and Alasdair’s for a lunchtime barbecue, and Oliver would be able to play with other kids. Then in the evening they would pack up and trek back to London in time for Oliver’s big first day at school.

CHAPTER TWELVE
    Leo dropped Oliver off at Rachel’s house early on Sunday evening, together with his new pencil case and a couple of books which Leo had given him.
    ‘I’m afraid his clothes got a bit stained when we were out blackberrying,’ said Leo, handing over Oliver’s overnight bag and teddy bear.
    Rachel didn’t seem concerned. ‘Don’t worry about that. Have you time for a coffee? I need to ask you something.’ Leo followed her through to the kitchen, while Oliver went upstairs to his room.
    ‘I won’t have any coffee, thanks,’ said Leo, wary of any extended conversation with Rachel. ‘I’ve got some work to catch up on at home. What was it you wanted to ask?’
    ‘I wondered if you’d mind having Ollie next weekend as well. I know you don’t usually have him two weekends in a row—’ She smoothed back her dark hair with pale, hesitant hands.
    ‘Of course I don’t mind. I’d love to. Why? Some emergency?’
    Rachel looked faintly embarrassed. ‘Not quite. You’ll probably think it’s pretty frivolous, but Kate has arranged a weekend at Champneys. Just the two of us – a girlie thing. I gather it’s a surprise for my birthday.’ Leo felt a flash of guilt. He had forgotten it was Rachel’s birthday soon. ‘I mean, just say if it’s a problem—’
    ‘I’ve already said it’s fine. I’m sure you could do with some relaxation and pampering. You’re looking a bit fed up these days.’
    Rachel looked down at her hands. ‘I am, I suppose.’ She paused and then smiled. ‘It’s sweet of her to arrange it, really.’ There was another pause. ‘So is it all right if I drop him off with you on Saturday morning?’
    ‘Fine.’
    ‘And I’ll pick him up on Sunday evening.’
    Leo nodded. ‘You could have told me all this tomorrow. I’ll be seeing you in the morning, remember? You and Oliver?’
    Her expression was vague, slightly guarded. ‘Oh – yes, of course.’
    Leo turned and headed back towards the hallway. ‘The little guy’s very excited about starting school. I just hope he’s going to enjoy it.’
    ‘Of course he will – it’s a lovely school.’
    ‘I’m sure it is. By the way’ – he turned as he reached the door – ‘I meant to ask you. What about the fees? Just let me know how much, and I’ll let you have the money.’
    ‘Leo—’ Rachel hesitated for a moment. ‘You were very generous when we split up. More than you had to be. And I earn a pretty good salary, you know. I can afford his school fees.’
    ‘Well, let me make a