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Oh, God, she thought. That sounded such a cliché at what should be a pivotal moment in their lives.
He didn’t reply immediately and she wondered if he was asleep. Then: ‘Later,’ he said. ‘Now we both need to rest. We both have a busy day ahead of us.’
It was not the response she’d hoped for but she wasn’t going to argue. She waited, wondering if he would take her in his arms, hoping that he might, but he simply turned on his side away from her, and after a disappointed pause, Dana did the same.
I can wait, she told herself. Until later.
And burrowing her cheek into her pillow, she smiled.
She’d not really expected to sleep. After all, she had too much to think about, too much to plan, yet eventually she did.
And awoke with a start, wondering what had disturbed her.
It was certainly not Zac, because she was alone in the big bed. And that surprise was followed by another when she discovered she was once again wearing her nightdress which, presumably, he had replaced at some point.
My God, she thought, stretching. I must have been dead to the world.
And then she heard the discreet tap on the door and Mrs Harris’s voice saying, ‘Your tea, madam,’ and realised what had woken her, a glance at the bedside clock informing her it was nearly 10:00 a.m.
She sat up quickly, straightening the covers and called an embarrassed, ‘Come in.’
Mrs Harris also seemed flustered as she placed the folding tray across Dana’s lap and went to draw the curtains, filling the room with sunshine.
A beautiful day, thought Dana, just as she’d expected. However, one glance showed her that the little white porcelain teapot, the cup, saucer and milk jug were intended for single use.
‘Is my—my husband having coffee?’ she asked.
‘Mr Belisandro breakfasted some time ago, madam.’ She added with slight constraint, ‘His driver and one of the gardeners are taking his luggage down to the car.’
‘Already?’ Alarmed, Dana lifted the tray aside and threw back the covers. ‘But I need to talk to him.’
Tell him that he’ll have to take a later flight because I’m going to Europe with him, even if it is a working honeymoon.
That, she thought, had been her last conscious resolve before sleep claimed her and it was still the plan.
Barefoot, she flew across to his dressing room only to find it deserted, the closet doors standing wide, the drawers left open, revealing emptiness.
Good God, she thought helplessly. He’s taking everything. No wonder he needed two of them to carry it all.
She turned back to the housekeeper. ‘Can you get my robe and slippers, please? Is Mr Belisandro still in the dining room?’
The older woman hesitated awkwardly. ‘I believe he’s occupied in the book room, madam.’
Tying the sash of her white satin robe, Dana hurried downstairs. The front door was open, and she could see the chauffeur loading suitcases into the boot of the car.
What the hell is going on? she asked herself, as she reached the book room and marched in.
Zac was standing at the surprisingly bare desk, checking the contents of his briefcase. At her entry, he glanced up, his mouth tightening.
Dana closed the door behind her and leaned against it, trying to hide the fact that she’d begun to feel oddly nervous.
‘You said we’d talk, she reminded him quietly. ‘This seems more like the last minute than later.’
‘I decided it would be best.’ He picked up a large manila envelope and held it out to her. ‘I have a wedding gift for you.’
Dana remained where she was, fighting a strange compulsion to put her hands behind her back and keep them there.
‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘I think. What is it, please?’
‘The deeds of this house,’ he said. ‘Transferred into your sole name, with a letter to tell you that Mannion now belongs to you alone.’ He paused. ‘So, at last we both possess what we most desired and our bargain is completed, leaving us free to get on with our separate lives.’
‘Separate,’ Dana repeated. The room was warm but she suddenly felt very cold. ‘I don’t understand.’
‘Yet it is not difficult. You wanted this house. I wanted you.’ He shrugged. ‘The deal is done—certainly to my satisfaction and I hope to yours also,’ he added, glancing down at the envelope. ‘This travesty of a marriage has fulfilled its purpose and there is no need for us to continue with it any further. When my European trip is ended, I shall find other accommodation.’ His smile did not reach his eyes. ‘I am sure you will find this a relief.’
