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“I’m glad you feel that way,” said Harry. “But despite her great talent, there’s an insecurity there that you will, at times, have to handle with compassion and understanding.”
“I’m also well aware of that, sir, and it’s something I enjoy doing for her. It makes me feel very special.”
“Can I ask how your parents feel about you wanting to marry my daughter?”
“My mother’s a great fan of yours, as well as an admirer of your wife.”
“But do they realize we’re not Jessica’s parents?”
“Oh, yes, but, as Dad says, that’s hardly her fault.”
“And have you told them you want to marry Jessica?”
“No, sir, but we’re going up to Louth this weekend, when I intend to, although I can’t imagine it will come as much of a surprise.”
“Then all that’s left for me to do is to wish you every happiness together. If there is a kinder, more loving girl in the world, I’ve yet to meet her. But perhaps every father feels that way.”
“I’m well aware that I’ll never be good enough for her, but I swear I won’t let her down.”
“I’m sure you won’t,” said Harry, “but I have to warn you there’s another side to that coin. She’s a sensitive young woman, and if you were ever to lose her trust, you’d lose h
er.”
“I’d never do anything to let that happen, believe me.”
“I’m sure you mean that. So why don’t you ring me if she says yes.”
“I most certainly will, sir,” said Clive as Harry rose from his chair. “If you don’t hear from me by Sunday night, it means she will have turned me down. Again.”
“Again?” said Harry.
“Yes. I’ve proposed to Jess several times already,” admitted Clive, “and she’s always turned me down. I get the feeling that there’s something she’s worried about and doesn’t want to discuss. Assuming it’s not me, I was rather hoping you might be able to throw some light on it.”
Harry hesitated for some time before he said, “I’m having lunch with Jessica tomorrow, so may I suggest you have a word with her before you travel up to Lincolnshire, and certainly before you break the news to your parents.”
“If you feel that’s necessary, sir, of course I will.”
“I think it might be wise in the circumstances,” said Harry as his wife walked into the room.
“Am I to understand that congratulations are in order?” Emma asked, which made Harry wonder if his wife had been listening to their conversation. “If so, I couldn’t be more pleased.”
“Not quite yet, Mrs. Clifton. But let’s hope it will be official by the weekend. If it is, I’ll try to prove worthy of your and Mr. Clifton’s confidence.” Turning back to Harry, he added, “It was kind of you to see me, sir.”
The two men shook hands.
“Drive carefully,” said Harry, as if he was talking to his own son.
He and Emma stood by the window and watched as Clive got into his car.
“So you’ve finally decided to tell Jessica who her father is?”
“Clive left me with no choice,” said Harry as the car disappeared down the drive and out through the gates of the Manor House. “And heaven knows how the young man will react when he discovers the truth.”
“I’m much more worried about how Jessica will react,” said Emma.
23
“I HATE THE A1,” said Jessica. “It always brings back so many unhappy memories.”
