The Emma Harte 7-Book Collection: A Woman of Substance, Hold the Dream, To Be the Best, Emma’s Secret, Unexpected Blessings, Just Rewards, Breaking the Rules. Barbara Taylor Bradford
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kind of father is Arthur?’ Frank snorted.
Emma picked up the drink the waiter had placed before her. ‘Cheers.’
‘Cheers. Now, come on, give me an answer.’
‘Well, he is a presence in their lives. He’s very fond of them, and quite good with them, really.’
‘When he’s sober,’ Frank pointed out with a degree of acerbity.
Emma sighed. ‘There’s a grain of truth in what you say, of course. But look here, Frank, I honestly don’t want to divorce Arthur, even though I have grounds. At least, not right now. You know I hate upheaval and I really do think it’s the wrong time. Perhaps when the children are older I’ll consider it.’ Her voice trailed off and she looked pensive. She cheered. ‘I’m reasonably content. Arthur doesn’t interfere with me, or the business, and you know how much I love that.’
‘You can’t take ledgers to bed with you, our Em. They don’t keep you warm on a cold night, and they certainly can’t cherish and love you as you should be cherished and loved.’
Emma laughed. ‘Why is it you men are always thinking of sex?’
‘I did say “cherished” and “loved”. You’re a young woman. You should have some companionship, a relationship with a decent man. My God, you must be bloody lonely!’
A cloud passed over Emma’s face and her eyes were briefly sad. She shook her head slowly. ‘I don’t have time to be lonely. I’m very busy these days, as you well know, constantly travelling between here and Leeds. And I am adamant about the divorce, Frank. Now, let’s not waste any more time talking about Arthur. Tell me about the house you found in Hampstead. Does Natalie like it?’
Frank groaned, acknowledging it was useless to pursue the conversation, and said, ‘Yes, she does. So do I. It’s ideal for us. But I would like you to take a look at it, and give me your opinion. It’s quite expensive, you know.’
‘I’d be delighted. And don’t worry about the price, Frank. If it’s more than you can afford, I’ll give you the difference.’
‘Oh, Emma, I couldn’t take it,’ Frank protested.
‘Don’t be ridiculous. Years ago Blackie told me that money was meant to be spent and he was correct. I want you to have a nice house, to start this marriage off on the right foot. I want you to be happy, Frank.’ She laughed. ‘Whoever said money doesn’t buy happiness was misinformed, in my opinion. It buys a lot of happiness, for a lot of people. And frankly, I’d rather be miserable with money than without it.’ She squeezed Frank’s arm. ‘You know anything I have is yours and Winston’s. It will be part of my wedding present to you and Natalie.’
‘You’re so generous, Emma. I really appreciate it. And what can I say but thank you very much.’ Frank sipped his drink and continued, ‘Can you spare an hour to view it tomorrow?’
‘Indeed I can. How is dear Natalie?’
Frank beamed. ‘She’s marvellous. A treasure. I love that girl, Emma. I really do.’
‘I know. You’re lucky, Frank. You’re going to have a wonderful marriage. She’s—’ Emma stopped and caught her breath. From her position at the table, a vantage point in the bar, Emma could see a major portion of the lobby and her eyes were now riveted on two men talking together near the reception desk.
Frank, watching Emma carefully, said, ‘What’s wrong?’
Emma glanced at Frank, white with shock. ‘It’s Paul McGill!’ She looked down the steps again. ‘Oh my God! He’s coming this way. I think he’s heading for the bar. I must leave immediately, before he sees me.’
Frank put a restraining hand on her arm. ‘It’s perfectly all right, Emma. Don’t get excited. And please don’t leave,’ he implored softly.
Emma’s eyes blazed. ‘Frank! You knew he was in London, didn’t you?’
‘Yes.’
‘You didn’t – you couldn’t possibly have asked him to join us?’
Frank did not answer. He looked down at his drink.
Emma hissed, ‘My God! You did!’
‘Guilty, I’m afraid,’ Frank murmured.
‘Oh, Frank, how could you?’ Emma half rose, and Frank pressed her gently back into the chair.
‘Please, Emma. You have to stay.’
She looked at him furiously. ‘This sudden desire to talk about Arthur and the house was just a ruse, wasn’t it?’ she cried accusingly.
‘No!’ Frank exclaimed. ‘It wasn’t! I did want to discuss your marriage. I have for a long time. I told you, Winston and I are very perturbed. And I do need your advice about the house. However, I did agree to arrange this meeting.’
‘My God! What am I going to do?’ Emma whispered hoarsely.
‘You are going to be your civilized self and have a drink with Paul.’
‘I can’t,’ she wailed. ‘You don’t understand. I must go!’ As she spoke, Emma knew it was already too late to make a graceful exit. Paul was bounding up the steps and then he was standing at the table, his bulk casting a shadow on them. Emma lifted her eyes slowly and looked at him looking down at her. She was relieved she was seated. Her legs had turned to jelly and her heart was palpitating.
‘Hello, Emma,’ Paul said, and stretched out his hand.
Automatically she gave him hers. ‘Hello, Paul,’ she responded in a strangled voice, shaking internally. She felt his strong fingers tighten on hers, felt the bright colour flooding her face. She extracted her hand quickly and gazed blindly at the table.
Paul greeted Frank like an old friend and sat down. He ordered a scotch and soda, leaned back, crossed his legs nonchalantly, and lit a cigarette. He turned his attention to Emma. ‘It’s good to see you, Emma. You look lovely. You haven’t changed a bit. And I must congratulate you. Your store in Knightsbridge bowled me over. It’s magnificent. A monumental accomplishment. You should be proud of yourself.’
‘Thank you,’ she murmured, not daring to look at him.
‘I must congratulate you, too, Frank. Your new book is splendid. Thanks for the copy. I was up half the night reading it. Couldn’t put it down, in fact.’
Frank grinned with pleasure. ‘I’m glad you like it. I’m also happy to say it’s doing very well.’
‘And so it should. It’s one of the best novels I’ve read in years.’ Paul’s drink arrived and as he lifted it he said, ‘Here’s to old and dear friends, and your impending marriage, Frank.’
Emma was silent. She had never thought her brother capable of duplicity, but he had certainly been devious in this instance, and was obviously on cordial terms with Paul.
Frank said, ‘I’m delighted you will be here in July. Natalie and I hope you can come to the wedding.’
Emma could not believe her ears. She glared at Frank, who ignored her penetrating look and continued, ‘And thanks for the invitation to dine with you later this week. Natalie suggested Friday, if you are free.’
‘I am. And I wouldn’t miss the wedding for anything.’ Paul’s eyes rested on Emma. ‘Could you join us for dinner on Friday, Emma?’
‘I’m quite sure I can’t,’ she responded, avoiding his eyes.
‘Why don’t you check your appointment book later?’ Frank suggested.
‘I don’t have to. I am positive I have a dinner engagement,’ she enunciated clearly and in a firmer tone, her eyes signalling her displeasure to Frank.
Recognizing the stubborn expression settling