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‘Isn’t going to have a name from the way things are going. It is surprisingly difficult to agree on one, isn’t it, Beth?’
Beth gaped at him in surprise. They had never discussed baby’s names, had never discussed anything apart from the practicalities involved in her sharing the flat.
‘Then you and Matthew must be more alike than I thought! He was worse than me, rejecting one name after another.’
There was warmth in Maggie’s voice, but it wasn’t echoed in David’s. ‘I doubt my dear brother would appreciate you making the comparison between us, Maggie.’
‘He’s changed, David. Really he has. I…I wish you two would meet and try to patch things up.’ Maggie glanced at Beth, a faint hope showing on her face. ‘And this could be the ideal opportunity.’
David followed the look, frowning as he too stared at Beth. ‘There would never be an ideal opportunity and you know it, Maggie. There’s too much water under the bridge for Matthew and me ever to get together again.’
‘I wish you wouldn’t say that! It’s wrong for two brothers to be at odds like this.’
‘It’s life, Maggie, and you can’t change it.’ He lifted the glass and took a long swallow of the whisky. Beth caught her breath at the expression which showed so fleetingly on his face. Was this what had caused him so much pain, this disagreement with his brother?
‘I won’t argue with you.’ Maggie’s voice was soft, her eyes almost pleading. ‘I didn’t come here for that. I came to tell you that we’re moving back to London. There have been some problems with the practice and Matthew feels that it’s time he was back here in control once more. You’ve probably heard rumours about it.’
He shook his head, light bouncing off the smooth golden hair which lay close to his well-shaped head. He looked relaxed as he stood there holding the glass, but Beth could sense the tension in him. Instinctively she edged closer to him, not really understanding why she felt he needed her support at that moment. He shot her a quick glance then slowly held out his hand. Beth took the last couple of steps and slid her hand into his, feeling the way his fingers tightened around hers.
‘I don’t have time to listen to rumours, Maggie, especially not those about things which no longer concern me. That part of my life is past and I don’t miss it.’
Maggie glanced at them, her eyes dropping to where Beth’s hand lay in his, and Beth had the strangest feeling that she saw relief on the other woman’s face.
‘I’m sure you don’t. Not now that you have so many other things to think about. I’m so pleased for you both. Congratulations.’
Was it honesty that prompted her to speak? Beth had no idea, but suddenly she couldn’t stand this a moment longer. ‘Look, Maggie, I don’t know what you think is—’
She got no further, the words stopped on her lips as David pulled her round and kissed her hard on the mouth. Beth shuddered, feeling the touch of his lips like a brand. When he let her go she stared at him, shock flaring in the depths of her eyes.
‘Stop it, Beth. Maggie isn’t going to sit in judgement on you. You’re far too sensitive.’
‘Of course I’m not!’ Maggie smiled, smoothing the skirt of her suit. ‘Anyway, I have to go. I just wanted to let you know that we’re back so it wouldn’t come as a shock if you ran across Matthew.’ She held her hand out to Beth, her green eyes filled with a very genuine warmth. ‘It has been lovely meeting you, Beth. I hope we shall get the chance to get to know one another better.’
Beth took her hand, murmuring some pleasantry she was scarcely aware of. All she could think of, feel, taste was the touch of David’s mouth on hers for those brief seconds. She closed her eyes, using the few minutes it took for him to see Maggie to the door to try to get herself back under control again, but when he came back into the room she couldn’t stop the shiver which ran hotly along her veins.
‘David, I…’ It was difficult to speak around the knot of tension, but she had to try. ‘What was going on just now? Why did you allow Maggie to think the…the baby is yours?’ Her face flamed at the very idea and he studied her for a moment before calmly picking up the glass again.
