Free The Velvet Glove by Mary Williams Page B

such a stupid expression anyway. And I think it’s perfectly horrid of you. Unfair.’
    ‘ Perhaps,’ he agreed blandly. ‘If you want to see it that way, do so. It won’t make a scrap of difference. As far as I’m concerned the matter’s finished, I’m going to town on male business for a week and you’re staying here.’
    ‘ You say male business. Does that include Mrs Linda Wade?’
    ‘ If her advice is needed. But I rather think not. In any case, dear heart, you won’t have to endure her company.’
    Kate bit her lip and succeeded in stifling a sudden show of irrational jealousy.
    And there presumably the matter ended.
    Rick went to London, and Kate stayed at Woodgate.
    Feeling bored, slightly disorientated and frustrated, she took a wander one day in a vague direction towards Cassandra’s retreat and round a bend of a lane saw a scarlet two-seater car parked by a gate leading into a field. She paused, wondering if it was Jon’s and whether or not to turn back. Before she’d decided, he cut from the woods, and walked towards her. He was casually dressed, and hatless. The pale sunlight lit his fair hair, and emphasized the easy swing of his athletic body through the lacy thin shadows of the trees. In spite of her determination to show nothing but cold politeness, Kate’s heart gave a lurch. He looked so handsome and so young.
    ‘ Hullo,’ he said, hand outstretched. ‘Good to see you Kate.’
    She offered the tips of her fingers answering, and his own were strong round her palm. She noticed then, at close quarters, he did not appear quite so young as she’d at first thought. His mouth was somehow slightly strained and his blue eyes looked tired.
    She ’d meant merely to say ‘Good morning, Jon,’ affecting indifferent recognition, but instead just answered, ‘Yes. Hullo.’
    ‘ Haven’t seen you for ages. Only once since the – the wedding – that day in Woodgate. You were with Rick. Remember?’
    She nodded. ‘Rick asked you in for a drink, but you refused.’
    ‘ I had to get back. I’d promised Cass.’
    ‘ How is Cassandra?’ The question came out with difficulty.
    ‘ Oh, fine – fine – as far as I know. I mean she’s not complained of anything wrong – except for her painting, of course.’ His voice held a bitter note.
    ‘ That ? But she loves it.’
    ‘ I know. That’s the point; she never has enough time for it. First thing every morning and she’s off to that place. I’ve dropped her there now. She’s in the middle of some imaginative thing that I just can’t fathom. But maybe you’ll be able to make it out. I take it that’s where you’re going now?’
    ‘ I’d no plan exactly. But I will now you’ve mentioned it.’
    ‘ Good.’ His face lit up perceptively. ‘I shall see you again then? I’m calling for her in about an hour. Yes?’
    ‘ That depends,’ Kate replied.
    ‘ On what? Your – husband?’
    Kate shook her head. ‘No, no. Rick’s in London, on business.’
    ‘ How neglectful of him – and rather stupid,’ Jon said pointedly.
    Kate flushed. ‘Not at all. The business includes something very important, and—’ ‘Mrs Wade?’
    Kate ’s temper rose. ‘What a thing to say. Of course not. And you’ve no right to suggest – suggest that those old stories were true. As a matter of fact, I’ve already met her socially at Woodgate, our home. She’s extremely knowledgeable and her experience is invaluable to Rick over some matters.’
    ‘ I’m sure it is,’ Jon agreed meaningfully.
    Kate glared at him, then said, ‘I don’t like your attitude, and if I’m going to see Cass I must go. It’s quite a way.’
    Jon lifted an arm. ‘Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t want to upset you. But – you look so lovely when you’re in a temper, Kate. You know that, don’t you?’
    ‘ I know you shouldn’t be speaking like that, and that it’s a stupid interview,’ Kate retorted. ‘Please let me pass.’
    He shrugged and stepped aside. She swept