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To his relief an exit soon appeared. But his relief was short-lived. His arrival without Dan had been seen and the word had already gone round, both in the congregation and the waiting press. People were gathering at the back of the church, alive with curiosity. When Freya appeared a cry went up.
‘There she is! What happened? Where’s the groom?’
‘Get away!’ Jackson yelled. ‘Leave her alone.’
He got in front of her, waving his hands to force them back.
‘It’s all right,’ he said, turning back to her. ‘Freya—Freya?’
She had gone, running away down the street in a way that ironically echoed Dan’s escape. For the second time that day Jackson gave chase, this time catching up easily.
‘Go away,’ she cried. ‘Leave me alone.’
She turned and would have run again but he seized her shoulders.
‘Let me go.’
‘Freya, I can’t do that. Heaven knows what would happen to you. I’m not taking that risk.’
‘It’s my risk, nobody else’s,’ she cried. ‘Do you think I care?’
‘No, but I care.’
‘Let me go!’
‘No! I’ve said no and I mean no, so stop arguing. Taxi!’
By great good luck one had appeared. He hustled her inside, gave the driver the address of the hotel where the family was staying, then got into the back and took her into his arms.
‘Let it out,’ he said. ‘Cry if you want to.’
‘I’m not going to cry,’ she declared. ‘I’m all right.’
But as he held h
er he knew she was far from all right, perhaps not weeping but shaking violently. He drew her close to him, patting her shoulder but saying nothing. Words would not help now. He could only offer friendship, knowing that even that was feeble against the blow that had struck her.
At last she looked up and he saw her face, pale and devastated.
‘I’m here,’ he said. ‘Hold onto me.’
Even as he said it he felt foolish. Yes, he was there, the person whose clumsiness had helped to bring about this disaster. But there was nothing else to say.
At last the hotel came in sight, and at once he knew he had another calamity on his hands. The front was crowded with people watching the street for interesting arrivals.
‘Oh, no!’ he groaned. ‘The word’s got out already.’
‘And they’re waiting for me to come crawling back,’ she said. ‘Look, someone’s got a camera.’
‘Then they’re going to be disappointed,’ Jackson said grimly. ‘Driver, there’s been a change of plan.’ He gave his own address and the car swerved away.
‘They’ll never find us at my place,’ he said. ‘You can stay until you’re safe.’
‘Thank you,’ she whispered. ‘But will I ever be safe again?’
‘You will be. I’ll see to it. Just hold me. Everything’s going to be all right.’
If only he could believe it.
