AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Mrs Priddy’s face had become slightly tight-lipped, but at his final words a definite thaw set in. The housekeeper obviously shared Mrs Conroy’s views on pre-marital sex, Amanda realised, torn between annoyance and amusement. She wondered what expression she would adopt when she realised her employer and his wife intended to continue using separate rooms after the ceremony as well.
‘Very good, Dr Templeton. If Miss Conroy will give me her keys, I’ll tell George to get her luggage from the car.’
‘It’s only one small case, actually,’ Amanda mumbled, and Mrs Priddy gave her an indulgent look.
‘Well, you’ll have all the fun of choosing a new trousseau, won’t you, madam?’ She nodded at them both maternally. 'I'll just go and tell George the happy news‘
When she’d gone, Amanda said fierily, ‘You do have a way of taking things into your own hands.’
‘I needed to.’ He poured a cup of tea and passed it to her. ‘You looked like a girl suffering from a severe case of indecision, and it’s quite unnecessary. You’re here and you’re safe. That’s all that matters.’
She said in a subdued voice, ‘I suppose so.’
But she was not convinced.
Amanda was even less convinced after the tour of the house which Mrs Priddy enthusiastically led her on later that day. Nigel would have supported her in comfort, she thought, but Malory was in a difleague altogether, and the realisation disturbed her.
She hadn’t simply acquired a shelter, but a luxurious nest. And she had no intention of sitting back and letting Malory support her, she decided, frowning. She was already getting by far the better side of this outrageous bargain. She wasn’t going to be financially dependent on Malory as well.
‘And this,’ Mrs Priddy announced smilingly, throwing open yet another door, ‘is the master bedroom.’
Amanda swallowed, glancing rather wildly at the large, modern four-poster bed which took pride of place. ‘It’s—lovely.’
‘It has its own dressing-room—and bathroom,’ Mrs Priddy demonstrated. She lowered her voice.
‘But it’s a bit stark for my taste, madam. The decor needs a feminine touch.’
Out of the corner of her eye, Amanda saw that Malory had joined them. ‘I—I wouldn’t change a thing,’ she said, crossly aware that she was blushing again, to Mrs Priddy’s overt approval.
‘You can change anything but the bed, darling’ To her fury, Malory draped a casual arm across her shoulders. ‘It was made in the village by the local carpenter—the last commission he accepted before his retirement. He designed all the carvings himself,’ he went on, sending her a wicked grin. ‘I understand most of them are fertility symbols.’
’Indeed they’re not!‘ Mrs Priddy said severely. ’So stop teasing the young lady, Mr Malory, do.‘
‘Not another word,’ Malory promised. He smiled at Amanda. ‘Have you chosen your own bedroom yet, my sweet?’
‘Yes,’ she said hastily. She glanced at Mrs Priddy. ‘Was it the west room, did you say, Mrs Priddy?’
‘Very suitable,’ Malory said, so silkily that she knew he’d guessed she’d chosen it because it was the furthest from his own room.
But that wasn’t the only reason, she thought re-belliously. She’d fallen for the tiny green-flowered print which covered the walls and supplied the fabric for the furnishings, and the light, elegant, furniture. It was a charming room, and it needed to be, considering the amount of time she’d be spending there!
She became aware that Mrs Priddy had tactfully made herself scarce, and shook off his arm. ‘Please don’t do that.’
‘Just a moment.’ He wasn’t teasing any more, or even faintly amused. ‘Let me make one thing clear. Whatever our private differences, in public the act goes on.’
She bit her lip. ‘I’m sorry. I suppose I’m overreacting, but the circumstances aren’t exactly— usual.’
‘You’ll learn to adapt to them, I’m sure. I suggest that, as soon as we’re married, we do the conventional thing and go on a honeymoon.’ His tone was curt. ‘I was planning to take a holiday, anyway. Have you any preference as to destination?’
She moistened her dry lips with the tip of her tongue. ‘If you really think it’s necessary, I’ll leave the choice to you.’
He nodded. ‘We’ll have to do something about your passport, of course.’
‘My current one’s at the flat.’ There was a feeling of total unreality about the entire conversation, Amanda thought weakly. She couldn’t be standing discussing travel arrangements for her own honeymoon with Malory Templeton, this comparative stranger she was pledged to marry.
