Anne Mather (20 page)

I'm always advocating for a fence to be put along there, but mostly the sign deters strangers.'

'I've been very stupid,' said Caroline, sighing. 'I think it's a habit with me.'

'Not at all,' protested Teresa, smiling. 'Accidents will happen. We're only too happy to know that nothing worse happened to you.'

Caroline smiled and put her hand over the elder woman's. 'You're very sweet,' she said. 'I'll never be able to thank you for being so kind to me.'

'Nonsense,' exclaimed Teresa deprecatingly. 'Besides, these things all happen for a purpose. Perhaps it has done some good after all. Maybe it's brought someone to his senses.'

Caroline understood her meaning. 'How did Adam come to find me?' she asked suddenly.

'He discharged himself from the hospital,' replied Teresa, shaking her head. 'He was very concerned. I've never seen him so perturbed about anything.'

Caroline twisted her hands together. If only it were true!

After Teresa had departed, she lay back against her pillows re-living those moments when Adam had found her. Then, with practical determination, she put those thoughts from her mind, and picking up her hairbrush began to brush her hair. Liza came back with her hot milk and some aspirins and insisted on seeing Caroline take them.

'There now,' she said, satisfied when all the milk had gone. 'You'll feel much better in the morning. My old clothes-line surely did come in handy.'

'That it did,' said a voice from the doorway, and Caroline looked up, her pulses racing, to see Adam leaning against the jamb watching her. He now had his arm in a sling but looked big and handsome, dressed in dark slacks and a sweater.

Liza went out chuckling and Adam closed the door firmly. Then he said: 'Well, now who's the invalid?'

Caroline flushed. His nearness always disconcerted her and she felt the disadvantage more strongly because she was in bed. However, as he advanced towards the bed she saw that his eyes held warmth and affection and she felt her body tingling in anticipation.

'I'm sorry to have caused such havoc,' she murmured softly. 'I'm such an idiot.'

He smiled indulgently, not contradicting her.

'Will your leaving the hospital make a lot of bother?' she said anxiously. 'I mean, you haven't had your stitches removed, have you?'

'No. I'm staying here tonight and I report back there tomorrow.'

Caroline twisted her fingers together. 'Will you get into trouble?' she asked uncomfortably.

'I hardly think so,' he replied lightly. 'You see, I sit on the hospital board of directors.'

'Oh.' Caroline felt foolish. She ought to have realised that men like Adam Steinbeck did not have to behave in any constricted pattern.

'And how do you feel?' he asked softly. 'I hope you haven't caught a chill. It was lucky we found you as we did. High tide was only about fifteen minutes away.'

'I know,' she shivered. 'I was petrified.' .

'With good reason,' he said soberly. 'That cove is very dangerous. That's why it's never used. My mother tells me you didn't see the sign.'

'That's right. Oh, Adam, how did you find I was missing?'

Adam smiled, and sat down on the side of the bed.

'Fortunately I telephoned you at about ten o'clock and that was when you were found missing. Liza had seen you go out, but of course she had attached no significance to it.'

'So she did see me.' Caroline sighed. 'I wasn't trying to do anything silly, as your mother suspected. I simply wanted to be alone. John and I—we'd had a row, you know.'

'Yes. He told me,' Adam nodded. 'That was why Mother was so upset.'

'She's been so very kind and understanding,' said Caroline, smiling faintly. 'I really think she likes me.'

'So do I,' remarked Adam casually, 'which is just as well, as she's going to be your mother-in-law.'

'What—what did you say?' Caroline couldn't believe her ears.

'I'm asking you to marry me,' said Adam quietly. 'God knows, I need you badly enough.'

Caroline's eyes were as wide as saucers.

'That's why I rang you from the hospital,' he went on, caressing her fingers with his. 'I wanted to tell you, right then. 1 couldn't risk your leaving without seeing me.'

'Oh, Adam!' she exclaimed. 'I can't believe you mean it!'

With a muffled exclamation he leaned forward and pulled her into his arms. 'Then I must show you,' he murmured huskily, and proceeded to do so, his mouth finding hers in a long absorbing kiss. Caroline wound her arms about his neck, holding him closer, unwilling to let him go. But Adam became aware of how little she was wearing, and of how easy it would be to lose control completely.

'When will you marry me?' he demanded, a trifle thickly. It's got to be soon. As soon as 1 can get a licence?'

'Oh, yes,' she breathed, her face flushed with his lovemaking. 'Oh darling, you do believe I love you?'

Adam smiled. 'Of course. I'm glad you didn't give up. I'm glad you came out here. I've been a fool.'

'Have you?' Caroline bent her head. 'What—what about Mark Davison?'

He shrugged his shoulders. 'I'd made up my mind this evening that whatever the consequences I must have you,' he said heavily, pressing her fingers to his lips. 'But while you were bathing, just now, my mother told me the true story, as you'd told it to her.'

'I see.' Caroline looked up. 'If only you'd let me tell you!'

'I know,' he said, shaking his head. 'But jealousy is a terrible thing.'

'Don't I know it?' exclaimed Caroline, clasping his fingers tightly. 'You were so stubborn.'

'I know. And so much time I've wasted. But I promise we won't waste any more.'

Caroline smiled tremulously. 'I'm glad you had the accident,' she whispered shyly.

Adam grinned. 'Now there's a thing to say!' he teased her, and then at her expression, he took her into his arms again.