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‘Heaven forbid that I should ever be classed with him!’ laughed Laura. ‘Am I really?’

‘No. You’re far too nice a person to suffer with Brad’s bad habits.’ Her face became all at once serious. 'I'm awfully glad you came to us, Laura. Otherwise I’d never have come here. Brad probably knew that and used you as an ally.’

‘An ally?’ Laura raised her brows. ‘He practically told me it was my duty to come.’

'Yes, but he hadn’t planned it that way. Remember the day he asked me, when he insisted you be present? Well, he thought I wouldn’t refuse him in front of you and hoped I’d be the one to suggest you accompany me. He hadn’t reckoned on my temper and the plan misfired
.'

‘I see,’ said Laura. ‘I’ve often wondered exactly why he asked me up there. I suppose you’ll desert Leastone Hall once you’re on your feet again—return to your beloved theatre?’

‘Naturally. It’s my whole life—at least it was, and with a bit of luck it will be again.’ She crossed her fingers, ‘Here’s hoping!’

Laura thought what a difference there was in this laughing, happy girl from the petulant discontented person she had heard complaining, and was glad that Brad had arranged for her to come with Helen, She did not doubt for a moment the truth in Helen’s words that she would not have come had it not been for herself, and now there seemed every possibility that the treatment would be a success. Please God, let it be, she silently prayed. Otherwise who knows what it will do to Helen.

‘Tell me what you’ve been doing with yourself for the last two days,' said Helen, sliding down in bed and regarding Laura artfully. ‘Looking up old boy-friends?’

‘Nothing so exciting. I spent Monday cleaning the flat and yesterday I went shopping. I did bump into an old acquaintance, though, and he took me out for dinner last night—you needn’t look like that, Helen. There’s nothing between us. He’s definitely not my type, although I imagine you would find him fun.’

‘Tell me more,' breathed Helen dramatically.

‘Well—he’s fairly tall, slim, reasonably good-looking and has a great personality. He has longish blond hair, dresses smartly if a bit way-out. He has plenty of money —rich parents, I suppose.’

‘Sounds dishy. Where did you meet him?’ asked Helen dreamily.

‘He was a customer of David’s. Says he always wanted to ask me for a date in those days but hadn’t the nerve. Not that I believe him—I think he fancies himself as something of a Don Juan.’

‘When are you seeing him again?’

‘I’m not,' was Laura’s emphatic reply. ‘He wouldn’t need much encouragement, that one, and I don’t intend getting involved.’

‘Pity. I’d like to meet him when I’m better.’ Then in sudden horror, ‘You didn’t tell him about me?’

‘Well, yes. But why? It’s no secret.’

‘You don’t know how much I hate being unable to walk.’ Helen’s voice shook vehemently. ‘I had enough pity at the time of the accident—that’s why I shut myself away and vowed I’d never see anyone else.’

‘Dear Helen!’ Laura pulled her chair closer. ‘We’ll never see eye to eye over this. It’s inevitable people will commiserate with you at first—I did myself, but they would soon forget your disability, if you’d let them. You’re such a wonderful person—when you’re not feeling sorry for yourself. I’m sure if Philip ever met you he’d be so bowled over by your looks that nothing else would matter.’

'You think so?’ Helen unconsciously patted her hair into place, a pleased smile curving her lips.

‘I’m sure. But I don’t know why we’re talking like this. It’s doubtful I’ll see him again.’

Helen pouted prettily. ‘I hope you do. Then when— if I get better and Brad comes down we could make a foursome. It would be terrific.'

Brad telephoned the clinic later in the day and hearing Helen’s excited conversation Laura could imagine his pleasure, his relief that the outcome of this course of treatment was likely to be a success. In her mind’s eye she could picture the sudden darkening of his eyes, the way they crinkled at the comers when he was in a good humour, the curve of his lips which completely altered his arrogant features.

She wished she could speak to him, listen to the deep, well-modulated tones of his voice, but this was not to be, and when Helen replaced die receiver she felt a pang of disappointment that he had not even asked after her. Why, oh, why did she have to fall in love with such an impossible man who had not the slightest interest in her? Had he ever been in love? she mused. Did he know what it was like to eat one’s heart out for the unattainable? She doubted it. His confident self-assurance was impregnable. The woman to penetrate the chink in his armour would have to be someone pretty special. Realising that Helen was speaking, Laura dragged
herself away from her thoughts.

‘Brad’s awfully pleased. He said he might be able to get down tomorrow. He has to see his publisher or something. I bet that’s why he rang—to see what sort of reception he’d get from me. Otherwise he would have turned up out of the blue. Anyway, I’ve forgiven him now, thanks to you—you’ve made me aware of how idiotically I’ve behaved and even if things don’t go as planned—well
—'
she shrugged lightly, ‘I’ll know it’s not because Brad doesn’t care. No one could do more for me than he has—only I’ve been too stupid to realise it. I was so bigoted, felt so sorry for myself, that I had no feeling for those around me. I’d no idea I was making other people’s lives a misery
.'

‘I knew you’d come to your senses sooner or later,' said Laura softly. ‘You couldn’t go on like that for ever
.'

‘Now you’re being nice to me, but I suppose it’s true—even if I didn’t think so at the time.’ She stretched her arms delicately above her head and yawned. ‘I’m tired, Laura, after all those strenuous tests. Would you mind if I asked you to go
?'

Laura rose instantly. ‘Of course not. I should have noticed.’ She shrugged into her coat and after promising to come the following day left the clinic.

Normally she caught a bus, but as it was a fine day she decided to walk. Over and over in her mind as she walked came the words, ‘Brad is coming tomorrow'. Even in the flat, as she cooked her evening meal, she found it impossible to banish her employer from her mind. He filled her every thought. The situation was becoming ridiculous, she decided, as she ate her omelette. She must find something to occupy her mind.

She was washing the dishes when the doorbell rang. Immediately she thought that Brad had arrived a day early. Hastily drying her hands and with her heart thudding so loudly it seemed to fill the tiny entrance hall, she took a quick" glance in the mirror, patted her hair into place, then opened the door.

‘Philip!' Her ready smile vanished and her mouth fell open. 'What on earth are you doing here?'

‘That’s a fine way to greet a friend.' His cheerful grin slipped, but only for a moment. He brought his hands from behind his back, made an exaggerated bow and presented her with a sheath of roses. 'For you, my sweet.’

Oh dear, thought Laura, dismayed. I hope he isn’t going to be a nuisance. To hide her confusion she lifted the tightly curled buds to her face, inhaling appreciatively their delicate perfume.

‘They’re lovely—but you really shouldn’t. You know I didn’t want to see you again.’

‘Y-yes, but you haven’t given me a chance.’ He moved a step nearer, as if to enter the flat, but Laura firmly kept her hand on the door, effectively blocking the opening. Short of pushing her away he would have to remain outside, but she had reckoned without his persuasive powers.

‘Come on, sweetheart. Aren’t you going to ask me in? I promise to behave—Scout’s honour.' He saluted and looked at her so pleadingly that Laura was forced to laugh.

'You win. But only for a few minutes. I want to wash my hair.’ She returned to the kitchen and filling a vase with water carefully arranged the flowers.

‘May I help myself to a drink?’ Philip called from the lounge.

'I suppose so. Only it doesn’t belong to me. This is my employer’s flat.’ She entered the room in time to see the knowing look on his face.

‘I see. Like that, is it?’

‘How dare you?’ snapped Laura in a sudden spurt of anger. Why was it that men always misconstrued a situation? ‘There’s nothing between us at all. In fact he hasn’t been here while I’ve used it. He’s not that type.’

‘Come off it! No man would miss an opportunity like this—’

‘Philip Harvey
,'
she spat, green eyes flashing, ‘if that’s what you think you can get out—now!’ She stormed past ready to open the door, but he caught her arm, twisting her round to face him.

‘Laura, please, let’s not quarrel. Perhaps I shouldn’t have said that, but what did you expect me to think? Let’s have that drink. Surely he won’t begrudge us one?’ He crossed to the drinks cabinet with easy familiarity as though he owned the place, and Laura felt herself resenting his presence even more.

‘What’s yours?’

‘A small sherry, please.’ Her voice was thin and tight and he threw her an imploring glance.

‘Look, I’m sorry. Is that what you want? Now, let’s be friends
.'

He poured himself a large whisky, handing Laura her sherry before sitting lazily on the scarlet leather settee. ‘Come and sit here,’ patting the seat beside him. ‘Or haven’t you forgiven me yet?’

‘I’m not sure,’ replied Laura coolly, ignoring his request and perching on the tubular arm of an easy chair. ‘I don’t find quips like that easy to forgive
.'

‘Well, what else do you expect me to do? Get down on my knees?’ He saw the flickering of a smile on Laura’s face at his unusual concern and pressed home his advantage. ‘I’ll even do that if it will help. Such harsh treatment is breaking my heart
.'
He placed a hand against his chest in such a theatrical gesture that Laura could not help responding.

^£
You're irrepressible, Philip
!'
and she burst out laughing.

Consequently they did not hear the door open and it was like this that Brad Stuart found them.

‘Just how long has this been going on, Miss Templeton
?'
Biting tones, and she smarted under them, her colour heightening.

'I don't know what you mean
,'
she said, standing to face him and trying to control the tremor in her voice. ‘Surely I
—'

‘Don't be stupid
,'
he cut in shortly. ‘Of course you know what I mean. If I had any idea that you intended entertaining your—your men friends in my flat
,'
with a derisive look at Philip, 'I'd never have asked you to come
.'

How dared he speak to her like that! fumed Laura. What right had he to say what she should do in her spare time, or wasn't she supposed to have any? Perhaps he expected her to be with Helen twenty-four hours a day?

‘Really, Mr. Stuart
,'
she got out at last. ‘I think you should get your facts right before making such accusations
,'
her tone as hostile as Brad
'
s. ‘This gentleman is a friend of mine and contrary to whatever you may be thinking it’s the first time that he or anyone else has been inside this flat
.'

His dark eyebrows rose imperceptibly. ‘That is quite beside the point. While you're living here I should like to make it clear that I do not wish you to use it as a rendezvous for your boy-friends.'

He threw a further scornful look at Philip, who was still nonchalantly sipping his whisky, looking from one to the other as if wondering what all the fuss was about.

If only he knew how near she had come to throwing Philip out, raged Laura; how little she desired his company. But spurred to greater anger by his unreasonable attitude and without stopping to think of the consequence of her action, she crossed to Philip’s side, putting her arm through his.

‘Surely you wouldn’t expect me to keep him waiting on the doorstep while I got ready
?'
Her voice was deliberately honey-sweet. ‘Not after he’s brought me those beautiful roses?’

Brad looked swiftly from Laura to the vase standing on the table, a muscle jerked in his jaw, his eyes darkened and he took a step forward. For a moment Laura thought he intended striking her, then abruptly he turned, pausing in the doorway to cast one further scornful glance at the occupants of the room.

‘I hope you enjoy your evening out,’ his voice heavily veiled with sarcasm. ‘I’ll see you in the morning, Miss Templeton.’

The door banged behind him, cutting into the silence like a gun shot. Laura wanted to run after him, beg him not to go, tell him he was making a mistake and that there was nothing between her and Philip. But of course she couldn’t. He had doubted her integrity from the beginning, practically accusing her of having an affair with David, and now he’s made it clear that he thought she and Philip were ... Oh, what did it matter? He’d never think of her as anything other than an employee—a not very reliable one at that. Why she had to fall in love with such an irritating man, she would never know. But love was like that. It came along unbidden, insidiously creeping into your heart, and there was nothing you could do about it.

‘Laura!’

‘I’m sorry
.'
She was so wrapped in her thoughts she had forgotten about Philip sitting silently at her side.

'Is he always like that? Domineering, I mean. Telling you what to do in your free time
.'

‘W-ell, it is
his
flat, but he's not usually quite so much the ironmaster, even if he can be a little overbearing
.'

‘To put it mildly! If he spoke to me like that I'd soon tell him what to do with his job
.'