Convenient Brides (30 page)

He frowned as he took the turn to Double Bay.

‘I don’t understand why she’d do that. She insisted I stop your book at all costs.’

‘Marrying me was rather an extreme measure, don’t you think?’

‘It was all I could think of at the time,’ he said drily, turning into his driveway.

‘What a pity you didn’t have time to think of something more dastardly, like boiling me in oil or tying me up for the crows to pick at.’

‘Believe me—’ he glanced at her darkly as he stopped the engine ‘—I haven’t ruled those things out.’

She tossed her head as she got out of the car.

‘I wouldn’t advise it,’ she warned. ‘Your aunt likes me, and I like her.’

‘Female solidarity,’ he muttered. ‘I never would’ve guessed.’

She followed him into the house, determined not to be intimidated by his mood. Why should she be the one feeling guilty when she’d done nothing wrong? Rose Margate had approached her, and once she’d felt comfortable with her had asked to continue the acquaintance. Emily hadn’t engineered any part of it, nor had she wanted to keep the arrangement quiet, as Rose had insisted.

Emily headed for the shower, leaving Damien to bring in the wet and sandy towels. Her head ached from the tension of it all, her skin felt the sting of a little too much sun and her heart felt heavy with its burden of love for a man who always believed the worst of her.

When she came downstairs an hour later he was talking on the telephone in the lounge. His gaze swept over her, taking in the close-fitting white sundress that offset the golden glow of her sun-kissed skin. Her strappy red sandals and simple red purse tied in beautifully with the colourful scarf she had used to draw her hair back from her face. The red-rose lipstick and dark mascara she wore were her only make-up apart from a spray of her favourite perfume.

He finished the call and faced her, his expression full of self-reproach. ‘It seems I have an apology to make.’

‘Oh?’ Her tone was flippant. ‘Let me guess—your aunt Rose verified my story, so now it’s OK to believe me?’

His mouth tightened. ‘Look, my aunt has refused to see anyone other than her driver, her doctor and me for years. You can hardly blame me for being suspicious.’

‘Would you like to check my purse before we go tonight?’ She handed it to him. ‘Just in case I’ve slipped in my Dictaphone or a miniature camera.’

He ignored her outstretched purse and looked at her grimly.

‘I don’t wish to argue with you. The very fact that Rose has invited anyone to her house this evening is a miracle. Let’s not spoil it for her by sniping at each other.’

‘Fine by me.’ She tossed her head.

They walked in silence towards Rose’s house. Emily glanced at Damien once or twice but decided against making idle conversation. She could tell by the set of his jaw he was keeping himself under some sort of iron control, as if he didn’t trust himself not to tell her what he really thought of her.

He finally broke the long silence as he opened Rose’s front gate.

‘I understand my aunt has informed you of her condition?’

‘Yes.’

‘I assume you understand how important it is to her that this goes no further than you or me?’

‘Does Danny know?’ she asked.

His glance towards her was razor-sharp.

‘Not that I’m aware of. And unless Rose insists otherwise it’d better stay that way.’

Emily didn’t like the way he was looking at her, as if she were the one most likely to spill the beans.

‘He won’t hear it from me,’ she assured him.

‘Good.’

Rose was dressed in a long flowing gown that looked as if it had previously been one of her theatre costumes. Emily loved the way she carried it off, in a manner that bordered on the eccentric. She waved a glass of soda water in one hand just like a fan and Emily watched as she swept Damien into her arms, just as a mother would a long-lost son. The obvious affection between Rose and Damien brought a lump to the back of Emily’s throat as she waited her turn to greet her.

‘Emily, you look ravishing—doesn’t she, Damien?’ Rose kissed both her cheeks and smiled broadly at her. ‘Was he very cross at our little secret, my dear?’ she added, winking towards the tall figure of her nephew standing at her shoulder.

Emily flicked a glance towards him as she answered, ‘He took it very well, all things considered.’

Damien’s eyes glinted, but she averted her gaze and, turning her attention to Rose’s dress, asked, ‘Is that one of your stage costumes?’

‘Yes,
The Taming Of The Shrew
. Isn’t it marvellous? Such a shame to gather moths in the wardrobe. I thought I’d air it tonight, since this is such a special occasion.’

‘It is?’ Emily looked between Rose and Damien as if she’d missed out on some important bit of information.

‘Yes,’ said Rose. ‘I’ve invited someone else this evening. Someone very special to Damien and me.’

Emily glanced back at Damien but his expression was inscrutable.

‘Who?’ she asked, turning back to Rose.

Rose grinned, looking as pleased as Punch that her first social gathering in fifteen years had begun so well.

‘Linda,’ she said proudly. ‘Linda Janssen.’

E
MILY
plastered a smile to her face and fought against the desire to faint.

‘She’ll be here soon,’ Rose was saying. ‘Andre can’t make it unfortunately—some stomach bug or other. Now, what can I get you both to drink? Champagne?’

Emily shook her head. ‘I’ll just have a soda water, thank you.’

Rose’s glance was speculative.

‘I’ve got a lovely white wine if you’d prefer?’

‘Emily’s not much of a drinker, Aunt Rose.’ Damien came to her rescue. ‘I’ll have some champagne, though. What sort is it?’

He distracted his aunt by investigating the expensive-looking bottle she had sitting in the ice-bucket, and Emily felt relieved beyond expression. She sat on one of the velvet sofas and tried to prepare herself for what was ahead.

What was Rose doing, inviting both her and Linda on the same evening? What did she hope to achieve? Rose knew of the gossip that surrounded Damien and Linda. Emily herself had witnessed their relationship in the middle of the city the day before. What could possibly be gained by rubbing her nose in it like this tonight? It didn’t seem the sort of thing Rose would do. Perhaps she hoped to smooth things over in this polite social gathering, was doing what she thought was best for her nephew’s marriage by confronting the issues head on.

Emily stared at the bubbles of soda in her glass and wished herself a thousand miles away. How had her life come to this?

The doorbell sounded and Rose left them while she went
to answer it. Emily glanced at Damien, but he was standing twirling the contents of his glass, looking out of the window, his back turned towards her.

Rose came back in raptures over Linda Janssen’s long elegant mulberry outfit. Emily immediately felt gauche in her simple white sundress and got to her feet, her expression guarded.

‘Damien.’ Linda moved across the room and kissed both his cheeks affectionately. ‘And Emily.’ She turned to where Emily was standing awkwardly. ‘You look lovely. Marriage suits you—every time I see you you look more beautiful.’

Emily didn’t know what to say. Linda’s comments gave all the appearance of sincerity, but she wondered privately what might have been said instead if Damien and his aunt weren’t standing there.

‘Thank you,’ she managed to say. ‘I hope your husband is feeling better soon.’

Linda waved a dismissive hand as she accepted the glass of champagne Damien handed her.

‘He’s fine. Just a stomach thing. Now, tell me, Rose, what is this all about? It’s been positively years since you’ve had guests. What brought about this totally unex-pected event?’

Rose sat down on the edge of one of the sofas, her face radiant.

‘I have something I wish to announce.’

Emily sat on the edge of her seat, wondering if Damien had told his aunt of her pregnancy.

‘What is it?’ Linda, too, was on the edge of her seat.

Rose paused. It was obvious to Emily that something of great importance was about to be announced.

‘I’m going to have an operation,’ Rose said at last.

‘An operation?’ Linda and Damien spoke in unison.

‘What sort of operation?’ Emily put in.

‘A life-changing one,’ Rose announced proudly. ‘I’m going to have an experimental operation to implant stem cells
into part of my brain. The part that is causing the Parkinson’s Disease.’

There was an awed silence.

‘Well?’ Rose got to her feet. ‘Aren’t you going to say anything?’

Damien got to his feet first and hugged his aunt. ‘Are you sure it’s safe? Have you considered the possibility of it going wrong? What then?’

‘Damien, darling—’ Rose touched his hand with her trembling one ‘—I can’t live like this any more. Shut away here like a hermit, hiding from the public in case they think I’m drunk. I have to do this—it’s my only chance.’

‘What are the risks?’ Linda asked.

Rose turned to face her. ‘Of course there are risks, but I have to take them. Epilepsy, paralysis, permanent brain damage.’

‘Oh, no!’ Emily gasped.

Rose turned to her and laid a hand on her shoulder re-assuringly. ‘Don’t worry, my dear. I’ve considered all the risks and compared to what I’m already suffering I don’t think I have much to lose. I don’t want to live like this any more. And in some ways you’ve been responsible for my decision.’

‘I…I have?’ Emily stared at her.

‘Yes. You’ve forced me to realise I can’t expect the public to simply accept my disappearance. They want answers. I owe that to them.’

‘You don’t owe them anything,’ Damien said implacably.

Rose swivelled to look at her nephew. ‘Damien, darling, Emily is right. I wouldn’t have the things I have if it hadn’t been for my public. I’ve been well supported over the years. It’s time I faced reality. I can’t expect the public to be fobbed off with vague excuses any longer. I want the truth to be told.’

‘But Aunt Rose—!’ Damien protested.

‘No.’ She held up her hand in protest. ‘I’ve made up my
mind. I’m going ahead with this operation and I’m determined it will be a success. A positive attitude is what I need. Who knows? I might even perform again.’

‘Are you serious?’ Linda asked. ‘But that would be marvellous! A miracle, in fact.’

‘I know,’ Rose said, ‘and if I do I’d like Emily to write about my comeback.’

‘Aren’t we jumping the gun a bit, here?’ Damien interrupted. ‘You haven’t had the surgery yet. It’s probably a bit early to be planning Emily’s book signing.’

Emily glared at him resentfully.

‘Oh, darling.’ Rose smiled at him fondly. ‘I realise you’re trying to protect Emily from further disappointment, but think about it. If I do make a good recovery it will make up for giving up her book. I feel I owe that to her at least.’

‘You don’t owe me anything, Rose,’ Emily said quietly.

‘Oh, but I do.’ Rose was insistent.

‘When is the surgery to take place?’ Damien asked.

‘At the end of next week,’ Rose said. ‘Of course, this operation is still in the experimental stages, but some success has already been achieved and my doctor thinks it’s worth a try.’

‘I think you’re very brave,’ Emily said.

‘What about the press?’ Damien asked. ‘How are we to keep this private? Doctors and nurses are meant to maintain a confidential silence, but what about the other ward staff? One whiff of your name and someone stands to make a fortune out of it.’

Emily didn’t know where to look. Damien’s comments seemed to be directed towards her, as if he didn’t trust her not to rush out and release a press statement immediately.

‘Of course I’d like to keep things quiet for as long as possible,’ Rose said. ‘But it’s a large teaching hospital and this procedure will attract a lot of attention. I’m prepared for that.’ She looked at Damien directly, her dark eyes, so
like his, bright with courage and conviction. ‘I must do this, Damien. It’s my last chance. Surely you must see that?’

Damien sighed and, putting down his drink, gave his aunt another warm hug. ‘I see that you’re a very determined woman who wants another grab at centre stage.’

‘And why shouldn’t I?’ Rose smiled up at him when he released her. ‘With you married now I feel I’ve got something to live for. God willing, there’ll be great-nephews and nieces, and I want to be in good health to enjoy them.’

‘Don’t rush the poor darlings, Rose.’ Linda laughed. ‘They’ve only been married a few weeks.’

Emily wanted the sofa to open up and swallow her. She felt the heat of Damien’s gaze on her but resolutely kept her eyes averted. She didn’t know what to make of Linda. She seemed to be very fond of Rose, and didn’t appear to be uncomfortable at all at being in the same room as Damien’s new wife. Was she so brazen, and he so without shame, that they would openly flaunt their clandestine re-lationship in such a way? There was certainly an intimacy about them both. Emily could see it in the way they looked at each other occasionally. A little smile, a knowing glance, the comfort and ease with which they greeted each other, usually with a kiss to both cheeks or a gentle squeeze of the hand.

Emily sipped at her drink and tried to stop looking at them. It was like a form of torture and she couldn’t imagine why Rose encouraged it.

The conversation moved to other things, and soon after Rose directed them to the elegantly laid table in the dining room.

‘Of course, I’m not much of a cook,’ she confessed. ‘I organised for Charlie to pick me up some take-away earlier.’

‘And not just any old take-away.’ Linda smiled knowingly at Damien and Emily’s heart gave another tight squeeze of pain. ‘Knowing Rose, it will be no less than
some five-star restaurant she’s found in the telephone book.’

Damien grinned and poured Emily another glass of soda water while they waited for Rose to bring in the first course.

‘Should I help her?’ Emily half rose in her chair but Damien’s hand settled on hers, stalling her.

‘No, sit down. She hasn’t played hostess for years. Let her have her fun.’

Emily sat back down and wished she could think of something to say to contribute to the lively conversation Linda was having with Damien, but her mind kept wandering, going off at useless tangents to where her heart wasn’t breaking and her dreams weren’t being smashed by the hard heels of reality.

‘What do you think, Emily?’ Linda asked some time later, looking at her intently.

‘Sorry?’ Emily blinked, dragging her attention back. ‘Did you say something?’

Linda smiled patiently. ‘I asked if you thought Danny should be told about Rose’s surgery?’

Emily looked at Damien, but his expression was closed.

‘He…well, he is her nephew too,’ she said cautiously. ‘But isn’t that up to Rose?’

‘What’s up to me?’ Rose came in at that point, balancing a tray of oysters topped with sour cream and caviare.

‘We were discussing whether or not you wanted Danny to know about your operation,’ Linda said.

Rose handed round the entrées and waited until she’d sat down before replying.

‘I’d like to keep Danny out of this, if you don’t mind. I realise blood is thicker than water and all that, but Danny has rather a tainted sense of family loyalty, don’t you agree?’

Emily bent her head to her oysters and hoped her face wasn’t as hot and flushed as it felt. The very mention of Danny’s name caused her to feel guilt-stricken, and with Damien sitting beside her, and his opinion on the paternity
of the child she was carrying, she knew it only made her reaction all the more damning.

‘Danny has quite a lot of responsibilities he has yet to accept,’ Damien said after a slight pause. ‘And I, for one, am going to make certain he faces up to them.’

‘Don’t tell me he’s got another girl into trouble?’ Rose asked, reaching for her wine. ‘After that last one I would’ve thought he’d have learnt his lesson.’

Emily was sure she was going to be sick. The oysters on her plate seemed to be staring at her, taunting her with their grotesque little deformed shapes, the caviare swirling into a red globule that looked just like blood.

‘Excuse me…’ She pushed herself from the table, stumbling over the edge of Damien’s chair.

‘Emily! Are you all right?’ Rose and Linda spoke in concerned unison.

Damien was on his feet, and his hand came around her so quickly that Emily didn’t have time to fall. She pushed out of his hold to get to the bathroom, her face as white as a sheet. She could hear Linda’s sympathetic tones trailing after her as she left.

‘Andre was the same. Sick as a dog. It’s this wretched bug that’s going around. Poor Emily.’

Emily heaved into Rose’s pink shell-like basin, too far gone to care that Damien was at her shoulder, witnessing her distress.

He handed her a face cloth, his other arm stroking the clammy skin under the back of her hair.

‘I shouldn’t have made you come out tonight,’ he said. ‘You really needed a quiet night at home.’

Emily washed her face and steadied herself against the basin.

‘Yes, well, given a choice I would’ve preferred my own company to that of your mistress, charming as she is.’

Damien met her shadowed eyes in the mirror.

‘Emily, there’s something you need to know about Linda,’ he began awkwardly.

Emily turned and faced him, their bodies so close they were almost touching. Damien stepped back to give her more room.

‘You love her, don’t you?’ she said in a flat tone.

Damien’s eyes gave nothing away.

‘I saw you,’ she continued bitterly before he could respond. ‘In town yesterday. I was coming to have lunch with you. You were outside your office; quite touching it was. She was blocking the traffic and you were leaning down to talk to her. Probably telling her your wife doesn’t understand you and asking could you meet her later.’

‘Emily—’ He frowned heavily. ‘You don’t understand. It’s not—’

‘I don’t understand?’ she flared at him, uncaring that their voices were probably carrying. ‘You know what I don’t understand? I don’t understand why I’m part of all this.’ She waved her hand around to encompass their surroundings. ‘I planned to write a book—against my better judgement, I might add, but I was desperate to make ends meet. Suddenly I find myself married to one of the key characters, who happens to be embroiled in an affair with one of his partner’s wives. I find myself becoming overly attached to the subject of my book, who then decides to come out of hiding after years of seclusion. I’m forced to sit through an evening with your mistress casting loving looks your way across the table, and on top of that I’m expected to eat oysters as if nothing is wrong.’

‘I realise how difficult this has been for you—’

‘Difficult?’ she railed at him. ‘You have no idea of what this is like for me.’

‘I understand, believe me. As soon as Danny’s name was mentioned I knew you’d find it awkward. But the sooner you get used to the idea that Danny is not going to stand by you, the better. He’s just not capable of it.’

‘This is not about Danny!’ she cried. ‘This is about you and me.’

‘I’ve already told you I’ll accept the child as mine,’ he said, lowering his voice. ‘No one need know other than us.’

Emily turned back to the basin, her hands clenched as if hanging on to a lifeline.