Free Rogue in Porcelain by Anthea Fraser Page B

looking after you all right?’
    â€˜We look after each other,’ she answered, and he gave a bark of laughter.
    â€˜You modern young women! Independent as always. Mind you, it’s no bad thing; I couldn’t be doing with those shrinking violets, who took to their beds with smelling salts.’
    â€˜Really, Father!’ Cynthia protested. ‘What century were you living in?’
    â€˜All I’m saying is that on the whole I applaud the change, though it can be disconcerting when they decline to take your seat in a bus, or to allow you to open the door for them. Throwing out the baby with the bath water, I call it.’
    â€˜You can open the door for me any time,’ Rona told him, patting his hand.
    Catherine put the tray of coffee on the table and joined Tom on the sofa.
    â€˜I was just thinking,’ she began.
    â€˜Uh-oh! What have you come up with now?’
    â€˜Nothing controversial, I hope. It’s just that it’s my birthday in a few weeks—’
    â€˜And you’d like the Kohinoor diamond?’
    â€˜Will you please let me finish! It occurred to me that now we’ve broken the ice with your family, it might be time for our respective clans to meet.’ She glanced sideways at him as she poured the coffee. ‘What do you think?’
    â€˜Might it be a bit soon? Lindsey’s only just coming round.’
    â€˜For heaven’s sake, Tom! At this rate, they’ll meet for the first time at our wedding! Surely it’s the ideal opportunity, and if we leave it much longer, Jenny mightn’t feel up to making the effort. She’ll be seven months by my birthday, as it is.’
    Tom took the cup and saucer she handed him. ‘Were you thinking of dinner here?’
    â€˜Either that, or out somewhere. If we met halfway, no one would have to travel too far.’
    â€˜There’s not much of interest between here and Cricklehurst,’ Tom pointed out. ‘We’d do better going all the way, to the Golden Feather. You’re sure of a good meal there, and Jenny’d have no travelling at all.’
    â€˜But it’s a good hour’s drive for the rest of us, which would make it late getting home.’
    â€˜How about lunch, then? That might suit her better anyway.’
    Catherine brightened. ‘Now that is a good idea. The only drawback to eating out is that it’s Easter weekend, and the Feather might well be booked up. We ought to phone straight away and see if they can take us, before we start issuing invitations.’
    â€˜No sooner said than done.’ Tom reached for the phone. ‘What date are we talking about?’
    â€˜Preferably Saturday the fifteenth; otherwise, any date they’re available.’
    â€˜Leave it to Jeeves,’ Tom said.

Five
    E leven o’clock the next morning found Sarah Lacey on Avril’s doorstep. Well-built without being overweight, she was wearing a denim jacket with matching skirt, and suede boots. Her mid-brown hair was drawn back in a low ponytail, accentuating the length of her face, and her eyes, meeting Avril’s in frank appraisal, were a clear grey.
    A very self-possessed young lady, Avril thought, registering her firm handshake.
    â€˜Do come in,’ she said, feeling, as she often did, that her own small stature put her at a disadvantage. ‘I’ll show you the room first, and then, if you like it, we can discuss terms.’
    She had made enquiries on the rates currently charged, and was confident that what she had in mind was a reasonable sum.
    â€˜Oh, it’s lovely!’ Sarah exclaimed involuntarily, as Avril stood aside for her to enter the guest room. ‘What a pretty paper!’
    Avril relaxed a little. ‘I’ve tried to make it more of a bedsit,’ she said, ‘and the bathroom across the landing will be for your sole use.’
    Sarah walked to the window and looked out.
    â€˜It’s lovely having all the