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Not if you loved him, said Laura to herself. Not if the mere thought of his presence caused your pulses
to
race. The rare moments when he had become human, treated her as a friend—an equal, more than compensated for his outbursts of anger.

She moved to the table, absently touching the delicate blooms. ‘I happen to like the job, Philip, and don't forget—if I walked out on him I'd be walking out of a home as well
.'

He followed and stood behind her, so near that she could feel the warmth of his breath on the back of her neck. ‘There’s always my place, sweetheart. You can move in with me any time you like
.'

His hands were on her shoulders and anticipating his next move Laura swiftly twisted away. ‘How very kind of you. I must remember that
.'

He smiled hopefully, missing the heavy sarcasm which accompanied her words. ‘You’d find it very comfortable and it wouldn’t cost you a penny
.'

Not in hard cash, she supposed, but it didn’t take much guessing to know what he would expect. ‘Thanks for the offer, Philip, and now, if you don’t mind, I really must wash my hair.'

His lips twisted wryly. 'I thought it too good to be true when you told your boss that you were coming out with me. Sure you won’t change your mind? He might come back.’

‘I doubt it,' she said shortly, and as Philip still made no effort to move she led the way into the hall and opened the door. ‘Good-night, Philip.'

‘Being thrown out, am I?’ but his words were light and as he walked past his lips brushed her cheek in a friendly gesture which Laura imagined was not his usual way of doing things.

She leaned back against the door, conscious of the relief that his departure gave. Aware too of the fact that had he not been present when Brad arrived the evening might have turned out very differently.

It was with mixed feelings that she eventually made her way to bed. What on earth had made her give Brad the impression that Philip meant something to her?

Surely he must know that Philip was not her type? Although now she came to think of it, what was her type? She had once thought that a kind, patient considerate person like David would be her ideal partner. If so, why had she fallen for someone as arrogant and dictatorial as Brad? She tossed the question back and forth in her mind, unable to find a reasonable explanation, until at last she slept.

LAURA climbed the steps leading into the clinic, walked along the corridor towards Helen’s room, determinedly lifting her chin as she tapped the door and entered. As she had expected, Brad was already there, sitting beside Helen, brother and sister laughing over some shared joke. Immediately he saw Laura standing hesitantly in the doorway his smile faded and a curiously withdrawn look took its place.

Helen, however, called out cheerfully, ‘Come in, darling. Isn’t it wonderful that Brad’s here already? Hang up your coat, and let’s have a nice cosy chat.’

She was either unaware of the tension that existed between Laura and Brad or deliberately chose to ignore it, decided Laura, occupying a chair on the other side of the bed. It seemed impossible not to notice Brad’s complete change of manner at her appearance.

He gave a curt nod, watching her closely, an unfathomable expression in the depths of his dark eyes.

‘Good morning, Mr. Stuart.’ Her voice intentionally cool, although her heart raced frantically at the thought that she had only to reach out a hand to touch him. ‘Hello, Helen. You look wonderful. No need to ask whether you’ve recovered.’

‘Oh, yes.’ Her eyes sparkled. ‘I had a good night and now that Brad and I have sorted out our differences the future looks rosy. I start my treatment this afternoon.’

‘That’s marvellous. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you
.'

'You too, Brad.' Helen looked at her brother, appearing to observe for the first time the forbidding lines across his brow. ‘Whatever’s the matter?’ Then looking back to Laura, ‘You haven’t quarrelled?’

‘Quarrelled is hardly the word,’ said Brad shortly. ‘Let’s say we had a difference of opinion.’ The eyes that momentarily held Laura’s were cold and ruthless, but as he turned to Helen his face changed—almost to tenderness. ‘It’s nothing to do with you, though, so don’t get distressing yourself over our affairs.’

‘But it does concern me,’ protested Helen, her grey eyes wide and troubled. ‘Laura is my friend, I don’t like to see her hurt.’

‘And I am your brother, so where does that put me?’

‘You’re an arrogant, conceited pig, if you must know. Why do you have to treat everyone as though they’re your inferiors?’

‘That’s not true.’ His smile did not quite reach his eyes. ‘If you must know I caught Laura in what I can only term as compromising circumstances
.'

‘I don’t believe you,’ exclaimed Helen, as if it was the last thing she would expect of her friend. ‘Laura, what’s he talking about?’

‘Philip,’ said Laura grimly. ‘He called last night. Brad came in and immediately jumped to the wrong conclusions.’

‘Typical,’ sniffed Helen. ‘He never does stop to weigh up a situation. Believes the worst of everyone. Of course,’ her voice heavy with sarcasm, ‘he’s a paragon of virtue himself.’

Brad snorted. ‘There’s no need for that, Helen. I know what I saw and Laura didn’t deny it. In fact she gave the impression of being more than just friends with— er—Philip. Red roses, my best whisky, the lot.’

‘Good for you, Laura,' laughed Helen delightedly. 'I'm looking forward to meeting Philip when I’m better. He sounds quite a guy. Trouble with you, Brad, you’re too narrow-minded. You live in a world of your own. I don’t suppose you’d ever think of giving a girl flowers —probably a book on the life of the African elephant, or some such rubbish.’

Surprisingly, to Laura at least, Brad looked considerably abashed. ‘You make me sound thoroughly disagreeable, Helen. I’m not sure I like it.’

‘Well, you are, most of the time. Now, why don’t you say you’re sorry and offer to take Laura out for lunch? You’ll have to be out of here by then, anyway.’

‘Oh, no,’ interrupted Laura in sudden consternation. In the circumstances the idea of spending an hour or two in Brad’s company was more than she could bear. ‘I mean, I’m sure Mr. Stuart has other more important things to do.’

Brad raised a cynical eyebrow and for one brief moment Laura thought she saw a flicker of amusement cross his face. ‘I quite understand you would prefer Philip’s company.’ He spoke brusquely. ‘But as there are several things I wish to discuss I think it might be a good idea.’

Laura glanced to Helen for support, but the other girl was smiling happily.

‘Good. I’m glad that’s settled, but promise you won’t keep on to Laura, Brad? She’s too good a secretary and a friend for you to lose—you said so yourself—and that’s what’s going to happen if you shout at her all the time.’

‘I never shout,’ said Brad, his voice rising, then with a wry smile, ‘at least not without provocation. But to please you we’ll call it a truce, eh, Laura?’

Amazed at his reaction, Laura was taken unawares.

‘Y-yes, of course.’

‘You don’t sound very sure.’ This time there was a definite twinkle in his eye. ‘Perhaps you’d prefer to go back to the flat?’

‘No. Lunch out will be fine.’ At least in the impersonal atmosphere of a restaurant she would be less likely to give away her true feelings, which in the close confines of the flat would be virtually impossible. I wish I were an actress like Helen, she thought, then I would be able to hide my feelings more easily. I remember Father saying my face is like an open book.

‘In fact,' Brad continued, ‘I’ve changed my mind and brought some work for you to do. You’ll never cope if I leave it all until you get home.’

Home! thought Laura. How beautiful it sounded and how wonderful it would be if she could really regard Leastone Hall as her home. She had already fallen in love with the house and the district and to live there permanently would be sheer bliss.

‘I’ve put all my work on tapes. Never liked the gadgets before, but it will save time and trouble—I suppose you have had some experience at audio-typing?’ Laura nodded and he carried on sardonically, ‘Of course, I should have known that the estimable Miss Templeton is capable of anything.’

‘Now, Brad,' Helen cut in, ‘don’t forget your promise. I
do
wish you and Laura could get on together, but you seem intent on making fun of her. Don’t you know she doesn’t like it?’

‘Helen!’ protested Laura.

‘I don’t care. He treats you abominably.'

‘And have you seen the way she treats me?’ asked Brad ironically. ‘She’s not afraid to answer back, if that’s what you’re thinking. Proper little firecracker she is, must be something to do with the colour of her hair.' His eyes rested for a moment on Laura’s gleaming head.

‘Good for her,' retorted Helen. 'I'm glad you don’t get away with everything.'

‘Please,’ interrupted Laura heatedly. ‘Will you please stop discussing me as though I’m not here? As Bad says, I’m quite capable of sticking up for myself. There’s no need for you to defend me, Helen.’

Brad threw back his head and laughed. ‘See what I mean?’

This only served to incense Laura more, but she bit back a retort and concentrated on picking an imaginary speck of dust from her skirt.

The meal progressed much better than Laura had anticipated. Brad seemed to be taking his sister’s, words to heart and was pleasantly agreeable, until suddenly Laura heard Philip’s voice a few tables away. Afraid to look in case he saw her, Laura questioned Brad about the work he wanted doing. Anything to keep his attention fixed on her, for she knew only too well what his reaction would be if he saw Philip. But he must have realised that there was something wrong, for he frowned slightly.

At the same time Philip saw them. Appearing oblivious to the fact that he might not be welcome, he hailed Laura loudly and sauntered across to their table.

‘This is a surprise.’ He looked from Laura to Brad and then at their empty cups. ‘How about joining me for a drink ?’

Laura held her breath as Brad gave him a coldly condescending stare. ‘How you have the effrontery to speak to me after last night’s little episode I do not know. But as you’re here perhaps you’d like to give me your version? I seem to recall you had precious little to say for yourself at the time.'

‘Brad! ’ Laura had expected some reaction, but nothing like this.

He lifted a hand. ‘No, Laura, I insist
.'

‘So you didn’t believe me?’ Her voice was small, hurt, but so also was her pride, and after glaring defiantly at her employer she turned to Philip, hearing herself say, 'I'd be pleased to accept your invitation
.'

What made her speak like this she did not know. She only knew that Brad had hurt her and some inner force compelled her to retaliate. A drink with Philip was the last thing she wanted, but there was no backing out now, whatever Brad might be thinking.

Philip seemed all at once unsure of himself, but after looking hesitantly at Brad he pulled back Laura's chair.

Brad's face was inscrutable, only the tightening of his lips gave away the fact that he was annoyed, and the steely glint in his eyes. ‘If that’s your decision, Miss Templeton, I’ll leave you in the—er—capable
,'
with a slight lift of his eyebrows, ‘hands of your friend. I’m returning home this evening, so I’ll put the dictaphone and typewriter in my flat before I go. Please post the work to me as soon as you’ve finished
.'

She was dismissed. Once again her impulsiveness had led her into trouble. As she followed Philip she desperately wanted to find comfort in tears. The last look that Brad had given her was one of utter loathing and she felt as though her heart had broken into a million tiny pieces.

‘Come on, snap out of it. It isn’t the end of the world.’ Philip’s voice reached her as if from a distance as she started at the amber liquid in her glass. ‘Anyone would think you were in love with the fellow
.'
Something in her expression must have revealed her feelings, for he continued, 'I say, you’re not?’ and as she nodded, ‘He isn’t worth it. He obviously doesn’t care two hoots about you.'

Laura smiled, a tiny rueful smile. ‘I know, but I can’t help it. That’s what makes it worse.’

‘Now me,’ said Philip lightly, ‘I’d fall over backwards to have you feeling like that about me. I suppose I’ll have to resign myself to being second best—a shoulder to cry on.’ Suddenly perceptive to her emotions, he said, ‘Would you rather leave? We’ll go for a drive, if you like, then you can give way to those tears I know you’re holding back.'

Laura nodded again, not trusting herself to speak. This was a side to Philip she did not know. A side she had never suspected existed. In one way she was glad he knew, it would prevent him making any untoward advances, but his sympathy was 'more than she could stand and before long tears streamed uncontrollably down her cheeks.

He passed her his handkerchief, driving swiftly until they were out of the city, eventually pulling up in a lay-by which ran a little way off the main road.

By this time Laura’s sobs had subsided and she managed a watery smile. ‘You must think me all kinds of a fool?'

‘Don’t be silly. All women need a good cry now and then. I have a sister who’s for ever coming to me with her problems, so you see I’m used to such scenes.'

He took the handkerchief from her and gently wiped beneath her eyes. ‘Your mascara’s run. You should use the waterproof kind.'

‘How do you know about such things?’ asked Laura in an attempt at cheerfulness.

‘My sister again. I can see you don’t believe me, but it's true.’ He leaned forward and kissed the tip of her nose. ‘How about trying to repair the damage? Then we’ll drive on for a few miles until you feel ready to return to the flat. We can make a day of it if you like. I’ve nothing else to do.’