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'No.' She bit her lip. 'I can manage.'
The shower seemed to be working better this morning. Nick had probably given it an executive order, she thought rebelliously, as she zipped herself into the yellow dress, ran a curvy brush through her hair, and went to join him in the other room.
A trolley had just been brought in, and Cally saw grapefruit, croissants with dishes of butter and preserves, and a t all pot of coffee.
Nick rose. 'Come and sit down,' he said, indicating the sofa beside him, and she reluctantly complied.
He put a hand under her chin, surveying her critically. 'I have to say that you don't look particularly rested."
'I hardly slept at all,' Cally said curtly, jerking her head away. 'I'm not used to sharing a bed— particularly with a man.'
His mouth twisted sardonically. 'Just one of many new experiences waiting for you, darling.'
She said slowly, 'I hoped—I prayed—that when I woke up this morning it would all be just a bad dream. Or a cruel joke.' She swallowed. 'Nick-please tell me that's all it was. Say that you didn't mean any of the things you said last night. Because I— I think I've been punished enough.'
'It's straightforward enough,' he said, pouring the coffee. 'And I meant every word. Give me a child, and in return you'll get your divorce. What part of that do you not understand?'
She said in a low voice, 'I can't understand how you can bear to do this to me. It's barbaric'
'Your own behaviour, of course, being so civilised,' Nick returned mockingly. "Have some coffee, and spare us the cliché of saying it would choke you.'
Those very words had been on the lip of Cally's tongue, but, chagrined, she bit them back, and accepted the cup he held out to her in smouldering silence.
The coffee was surprisingly good, black and strong, putting heart into her and enabling her to say eventually, 'When we reach Wylstone I'd like to move back into the courtyard flat— at first, anyway.'
'I'm afraid that won't be possible.' Nick said without the least sign of regret as he finished his grapefruit and put d own the spoon. 'I'd have to evict the Thurstons, and they wouldn't be happy about it.'
Cally frowned. 'The Thurstons?'
'The couple who work for me.' He chose a croissant from the dish.
'What happened to Mrs Bridges?' She was astounded. Sir Ranald's housekeeper had been there for years— almost part of the fabric of the building.
His mouth quirked in faint amusement. 'She preferred to follow Adele into exile. But the Thurstons are a terrific find. You'll like them.'
'I doubt that.' Mutinously, she returned her cup to the trey.
"Then at least try not to show your dislike too obviously,' he said silkily. 'Save it for me instead, or I'll have to raise their salaries.' He paused. 'Are you going to eat something?'
'I'm not hungry.'
His brows lifted. 'Planning to starve yourself into an early grave? Or simply become anorexic?'
'Neither,' she said curtly. 'I'm not a breakfast person.'
'I stand corrected.' This time the glance he sent her was openly amused. 'But maybe you should change your ways , darling. After all, you need to keep your strength up.'
'I imagine I'm strong enough for your purposes.' Cally lifted her chin.
'Ouch,' Nick said with perfect amiability, and went on eating his croissant.
Oh, God, he was so pleased with himself— so enjoying his triumph, thought Cally, her hands clenching in the folds of her skirt.
She took a deep breath. 'If it can't be the flat, then maybe there's somewhere else I can have. For a while. Somewhere of my own. Some space.' She swallowed. 'One room would do.'
'You'll have the whole house,' he said. 'During the day, at least. The nights, of course, will be a different matter.' He got to his feet, dusting his fingers briskly with his napkin, then dropping it on to the trolley. 'And now it's time w
Cally rose too. She said bitterly, 'You're not prepared to make any concessions, are you?"
Nick picked up his jacket. He said quietly, ‘I gave you last night. But today our marriage begins." He paused. "So shall we go down to Gunners Wharf with the good news? I'D let you break it to them, darling. Credit where credit is due, after all.'
Her stormy gaze met the icy mockery in his.
She said, quietly but clearly, 'Damn you to hell, Nick Tempest.' Then, head high, she walked back into the bedroom to get her bag.
CHAPTER FOUR
'You look so different,' Kit said. 'I've never seen you in anything but black, white and grey. Now suddenly you're in Technicolor.' He surveyed her moodily. 'You look—amazing. But I feel as if I've never known you at all.'
Cally stifled a sigh. 'I didn't intend that you should,' she said quietly. 'Because I wasn't planning to stay. And I'm just here to clear my desk,' she added. 'Not part bad friends.'
