Free Next Door to Romance by Margaret Malcolm Page A

in Lisa's case, there were no words which would do justice to what she was feeling, Mark because, though there were many things he wanted to say, caution warned him that it was too soon yet—and perhaps always would be. And caution won the day. But Lisa didn't notice. To her it seemed that he shared her mood of silent delight—
    And then, reluctantly, even Mark had to admit that it was time they headed for Addingly. They stood for a moment taking one last look at the blue, sparkling sea, and Mark, a strange expression on his face, took Lisa's hand in his. Without a word he lifted it to her lips and kissed it very gently. Then, still without speaking, he turned her about and ran her back to the car almost as if he was afraid to stay another minute.

    It was nearly seven o'clock when Mark reached the Manor. He had run Lisa back home, spent half an hour or so making the acquaintance of her parents and drinking some sherry which, he had to admit, was as good as any he'd ever tasted. Such extravagance rather surprised him in view of the shabby furnishings and decorations of Lisa's home.
    'You must introduce me to your wine merchant,' he told Professor Bellairs. 'He evidently knows his job!'
    Professor Bellairs' gentle face crinkled into a smile as he shook his head. 'I'm afraid I can't do that,' he explained. 'You see, it was a gift. I can't afford wine of this quality.'
    It was said without a hint of self-pity or even regret, but Mark felt embarrassed. What on earth did one say in reply to a remark like that? And—with perhaps unreasonable irritation—why did Lisa's father have to be a poor man? It robbed her of the background she ought to have had.
    He made his farewell shortly after and drove to the Manor in a thoughtful mood.
    Once again, Evadne was waiting for him—and it was immediately evident that she was not in an amiable mood.
    'You're late,' she greeted him accusingly before he had time to speak. 'Where have you been?'
    Mark's eyes narrowed. In many ways he admired Evadne—her almost man-like grasp of detail, her ability to see several moves ahead in the financial game they all played. Yes, all those things and more. But when it came to personal relationships, there seemed to be a curious gap in her mental equipment. And just lately he had been increasingly aware of this. Now, he felt, she had over-reached herself. No man worth the name would let a woman get away with the sort of treatment she was doling out to him now, and the sooner she realized it the better for everybody concerned.
    'About my own affairs,' he told her with a coolness that should have been a warning.
    But either Evadne didn't appreciate it or refused to take any notice.
    'You've been with that girl, haven't you?' she demanded furiously.
    Mark made a genuine effort to keep his temper if only for the sake of expediency, and as a result he didn't answer her immediately. Evadne jumped to the wrong conclusion and her next remark completely shattered every last shred of his self-control.
    'And don't trouble to deny it! Because, as it happens, I saw you together in your car!'
    'Did you indeed!' Mark's voice was dangerously soft. 'So you've taken to spying on me, have you? Oh, don't deny it! I've suspected it before. Now you've given yourself away completely. So before we go any further, I'll be glad if you'll tell me why you think you've any right to question my actions! Well?'
    Evadne stared at him, genuinely surprised. She hadn't yet decided whether or not she wanted to marry Mark, but she had been quite certain that he was at her beck and call. For the first time in her life, she felt unsure of herself.
    'Good heavens, Mark, of course I'm concerned!' She contrived a significant little smile. 'After all, you and I—'
    'Yes?' Mark asked with a note of challenge in his voice that drove her to belated caution. After all, he'd never suggested in so many words that they should get married, had never made love to her, unless you could call an occasional