His Wedding-Night Heir(32)

'By the way,' she added negligently, 'I understand Nick's— other interest has gone away for a week or two. Very diplomatic to absent herself while the reconciliation takes its course, don't you think? But don't hope for too much, because I warn you now—she'll be back. So you'll just have to learn to turn a blind eye, sweetie. Won't you? Because running away clearly hasn't worked.'

And with a last smile she was gone.





CHAPTER SIX


Cat t y sat very still, staring in front of her. She was aware of a number of things—birdsong from the garden, the faint scent of the lilac that grew on the terrace, the clock ticking quietly on the mantelpiece—and yet at the same time she felt numb.

She looked down at her bare arms, almost surprised to find the skin unblemished. She'd half expected to see marks, scored into the flesh from Adele's talons.

Last time her own nails had etched crescents into the palms of her clenched hands as she'd stood listening, unable to speak or move away. She'd felt like some ancient city she'd heard of in history, which had been destroyed stone by stone and its earth sown with salt so that it would remain a barren waste.

But she'd been through that and survived—somehow. So why should she be remotely upset now at Adele's taunting remarks? After all, they were no surprise. She might have known Adele would not wait to put the boot in.

She shook her head. Could she possibly have been praying in some pathetic, hidden corner of her mind that Nick's affair might have ended during her absence? And that Vanessa Layton might even be gone—from the cottage, from the locality, from her life—never to trouble her again?

No. she thought, swallowing the lump in her throat. That had always been too much to hope for. And while Vanessa remained, she would always have priority with Nick, as Cally had learned in one bleak, agonising lesson on her wedding day. Even for twenty-four hours he'd been unable to pretend that his young bride took precedence over his mistress.

Vanessa had beckoned, and he'd gone running to her side, unable to keep away.

So now I'm the one who has to pretend, thought Cally, pain lancing her. I'm the one who must learn not to ask who was on the phone, or where he's been, or what time he'll be home. Because they're all no-go areas.

A year ago I ran, because I couldn't bear it. Because I knew the only way to survive was to learn to live without him. But now I don't have that choice any more.

She tensed as the drawing room door opened.

'I can't believe it—you've managed to get rid of the Black Widow,' Nick commented, sounding faintly amused. He came slowly across the room and dropped on to the sofa opposite, lounging against the cushions. 'Did you murder her? If so, remember to put a stake through her heart before the burial.' He looked at Cally, his eyes narrowing. 'What the hell did she want, anyway?'#p#分页标题#e#

'A carpenter,' Cally said quietly. 'Something about window catches.'

His mouth twisted. 'Of course. With Adele there's always something.' He paused. 'Was that all?'

'What else should there be?' Cally enquired coolly. She indicated the table. 'Would you like some tea?'

'I did have other plans,' he said silkily. 'But they can wait.' He paused, waiting while she poured and then mutely handed him his tea. 'So, what do you think of the house?'

'Unrecognisable.' She looked around her. 'Also terrific. What prompted such a total makeover?'

'Because it was like living in a mausoleum,' he said. He gave her a level look. 'I also thought seriously about selling it, but I was persuaded this was the better option. I suppose time will tell.'

There was another silence, then, 'Did you like the bedroom?' he asked suddenly. 'I seem to recall you once told me that blue was your favourite colour.'

'Yes.' She bit her lip. 'I'm surprised you remember.' Or even care...

He shrugged. 'I've had damned little else to do,' he returned. 'And you've just given me strong tea with no sugar, so your memory's working equally well.' He smiled at her. 'You're clearly going to be the perfect wife.'

'But only,' she said clearly, 'for as long as it takes.'

His smile of acknowledgement was ironic. He reached for a sandwich. 'Was that really all Adele wanted?' he probed, after a pause. 'She pushed the knife in when we arrived, so I'm surprised she didn't decide to—twist it a little.'

Cally drank some tea. What could she tell him that he'd believe, without mentioning Vanessa?

She said quietly, 'She referred to Grandfather's debts. The implication was that you'd brought me back in order to exact your own brand of repayment.' She replaced her cup and saucer on the table. 'I could hardly deny it' She lifted her chin. 'She's also worked out that I'm here to supply the next generation. I couldn't argue about that either.'

'I'm sorry,' Nick said abruptly.