Chapter Ten

OLIVIAloved art. She had been attending art showings all her life. Some of the world’s finest galleries were open to the English public and overseas tourists for free. From time to time one of her jobs had been to open certain showings.

The new young artist’s work was not particularly to her liking for all the critical acclaim. The canvases were huge. Maybe that was it. The bigger, the better? The style abstract. One could get away with nearly anything if one stuck to the abstract. These days “traditional art, ” where one actually had to be able to draw and apply paint, was almost the kiss of death with some galleries and critics. She didn’t like the way the paint had been trowelled on either. Or the dreary monochrome colours.

“Our artist ought to hose it all off and start again, ” Clint seconded her opinion. “Oh, for God’s sake, don’t look now. ”

“What is it? ” For an appalled moment she thought the artist might have been hovering near and overhead Clint’s comment.

“Marigole and Lucas, ” Clint groaned. “I thought they were still at Port Douglas. ”

“Not bothering you, is it? ” She stared up into his handsome face. He didn’t look so much perturbed as disgusted.

“Not if it doesn’t bother you. I would guess they’ve been invited to the supper. Do you really want to go? ”

“Not ifyou don’t. ”

“How we are in accord. ” He smiled down at her. In his view she was far and away the most beautiful and stylish woman in a room full of glamorous, expensively dressed women. But none had her finely wrought classical features or her taut, slender body. And those long legs! Her hairstyle was new to him, side parted, with layers that kicked up in deep waves. It was enormously sexy. Her dress was short, above the knee, one-shouldered. He loved the Grecian look on her, the colour a heavenly shade of blue to match her eyes. She wore exquisite drop earrings, oval sapphires set in diamonds. He had never seen them before. Had she recently bought them? Lord knows she was an heiress.

“Let’s beat it into the next room, ” he murmured, taking her arm. “With any luck at all we may not run into them as there’s such a crush. ”

No such luck!

Marigole, the consummate actress, with so many very curious eyes on her, greeted her ex-husband with a kiss on both cheeks, resting one small delicate hand on his black-jacketed shoulder.

“Lovely to see you! ” She included Olivia in her bright smile. “Georgina’s back in school. ” It wasn’t a question. Sheknew. “I’m dying to see her. ”

“A pity, Marigole, ” Clint said, his expression cool but hardening. “Because she doesn’t want to say one word to you. I’d advise you to stay away and wait until she wants to see you. ”

“If you say so, darling. I only want her to be happy. ”

“Sheis happy, ” Clint said.

Marigole turned her ice-black eyes on Olivia. “Love the hair. And the dress. Go to Sonya’s, did you? She always stocks the best. Haven’t got long to go now. ” She gave a throaty laugh. “When is your father’s birthday again? ”

Olivia retained her social smile. It came easily after years of the most intensive practise. “I’m sure, Marigole, you already know. ”

“So touchy! ” Marigole pouted. “Anyway, I wish you well. I’m sorry we didn’t get off to a good start. If you were staying in the country we could start again. You’ve been very good for Georgina. I do appreciate it. She’s been sending me progress reports. Ah, there’s dear Lucas. I expect we’ll be seeing you at the supper? ” She lifted her eyes to her splendid ex-husband.

“Afraid not, Marigole, ” he said smoothly. “We’re moving on to another function. In fact, we’re leaving right now. ”

Progress reports? Olivia pondered. Was it possible Georgy had been sending her mother progress reports? Lord knows she sent enough emails. Clint might have been eyeing Marigole with huge disbelief, but she felt a deep pang akin to desolation. A mother is a mother after all. Marigole mightn’t have been of much comfort to her young daughter with her abrasive ways and quick temper, but surely the mother-daughter bond could never be broken? She had friends who couldn’t stand their mothers, but all of them would claim to love them. Maybeliking one’s mother wasn’t strictly necessary? It was a terribly sobering thought. Georgy might, at the back of her mind, be hoping for a reconciliation between her parents. Why else send her mother progress reports?

Nothing is simple or straightforward in this life, Olivia.

If the voice turned to issuing emails, she would delete them.

It took quite a while before they were able to leave the gallery. Clint knew so many people who stopped him for a few words and to gain an introduction to his companion. Before they left he made his apologies to the society hostess who was genuinely upset he and Olivia—by now they all knew who she was, or rather who her father was—couldn’t join them.

It wasn’t yet eight o’clock. “Let’s go some place and have dinner, ” Clint suggested. “I know just the spot. Nicely out of the way. ”

“Don’t want to be seen with me? ” Olivia asked, unaware her flawless skin was blooming in the street lights, her sumptuous mane like a halo.

“How could you even say such a thing! I’m terrified Marigole is going to chuck supper and follow our cab. ”

Mercifully that didn’t happen.

It was one of those intimate little places that served wonderful food. Clint ordered a bottle of vintage Bollinger the moment they sat down. “If Marigole attempts to upset Georgy I’ll break her neck. ”

“You think she will? ”

Remember, love and hate go together.

“Oh, you don’t know, Marigole, ” he said, a tautness to his expression.

“Do you think Georgy really has been emailing her mother? The progress reports she mentioned. Marigole is her mother after all. ”

“After all, what? ” he said disgustedly. “After all the rotten years? Don’t let’s talk about Marigole. I’m sick to death of the woman. Sorry if that sounds bad, but that’s the way it is. ”

“I’m sorry, ” she said. “I’ve seen so much heartache in my life. My father has suffered and he has inflicted suffering in turn. But I love him. Nothing can change that. ”

“Men aren’t in the race when it comes to devious behaviour, ” he said tersely.

“Not true. I’ve known plenty of devious liars. All male. ”

“I guess. ” He turned his golden eyes on her and smiled. “If it’s worrying you, I’m certain Georgy hasn’t been sending her mother any progress reports. ”

“I wish I could believe that. ” A shadow fell across her face.

“Easy enough to check. ”

“I wouldn’t spy on Georgy, ” she said, horrified. “All of us love our parents no matter what they do. ”

He made a little scoffing sound beneath his breath. “Georgy has a tougher streak than you. She’s lived in a different world. Kids these days question their parents’ morality. They’re bright, they’re outspoken, they’re not afraid to express their views. Georgy doesn’t hate her mother. No one wants that, least of all me, because hate is corrosive. But Georgy knows her mother doesn’t love her. Whatever your father’s ideas and the way of life he has in a sense imposed on you, he loves you. Huge difference there. ”

It was a bit of a stretch—a couple of city blocks—but they decided to walk back to their hotel. It was a beautiful balmy night, the city humming with activity, tourists and locals strolling about. Lining the way were leafy trees decorated with tiny shimmering white lights. The huge picture windows of the shops, the upscale boutiques, the high-rises and the cars all reflected a kaleidoscope of colour and glitter. With so many milling around on the streets—happy, prosperous, well-dressed people—he kept her close to his side to avoid her being inadvertently knocked.

For all the cooling river breezes, she could feel the heat of desire spread over her skin like the heat off a fire. It seemed extraordinary to her she had to wait until she was twenty-eight before experiencing a true sexual awakening. And he hadn’t even taken her to his bed! Yet there was a bond between them that had grown stronger. Was it possible that bond would snap when she had to return to the other side of the world?

Absence makes the heart grow fonder—or out of sight, out of mind? Take your pick!

Such was her involvement with Clint McAlpine atall levels; her former life had all but faded from her mind. It seemed, all at once, incredible what had passed between them.

Lively conversation had flowed while they were out on the street, but inside their hotel both of them abruptly went quiet. Glancing at him in the elevator his striking face wore an oddly steely expression, as though he was forcing himself to do something he didn’t really want to do.

What exactly?

A man at war with himself? She felt a sense of foreboding. Did he have something to tell her? Something that might possibly break her heart? Therewas a woman. Not Marigole? A woman who might fit more easily into his lifestyle. Not a woman who bore the badge of the British aristocratic elite.

He saw her to her door, his handsome face a dark golden mask. Hiding God knows what? she pondered. “Sleep well, Olivia. ” He dipped his head to lightly brush her cheek. “I’ll pick you up for breakfast, say eight o’clock? I thought we’d take a car tour around the city and its sights before we head back to Kalla Koori. ”

What is he hiding from you? What is it he won’t say?

“Good night, Clint. ” She gave him a real smile. “Thank you for a lovely evening. ” There was something odd about his manner she couldn’t quite put a finger on. If only she were a more sexually confident woman she might have thought he didn’t want the night to end there. Only she had to make the first move.

You’re way out of your depth.

She watched him walk away down the corridor—tall, wide shoulders, slim hipped, his body the perfect male model. Though he would have hated to be told that. She knew his room number. She had made the bookings.

Why do you always abide by the conventions? Why do you always play it safe? You were up for all those passionate kisses. What sense is there in jamming on the brakes? You ‘re twenty-eight, for God’s sake! Such reticence is laughable.

She simply couldn’t believe a man could kiss one woman with so much ardour but have another woman in mind for a wife.

You know what Bella always says. Men are brutes!

McAlpine wasn’t a brute.

The true depth of your relationship is obviously bothering him.

He’s trying to minimise the dangers? For all the intensity of their attraction she might turn out to be someone transient in his life? Her father had sent her to him, believing she would be in safe hands.

Maybe he’s being extra-scrupulous? Maybe he’s holding himself under tremendous constraint? Damn it, girl, he could be waiting for some sign from you.

She couldn’t contain her restlessness. She threw off her beautiful blue dress, catching sight of herself in the long mirror. She touched her breast, staring back at herself. Hernew self. It might have been a trick of the light but she looked beautiful. Rather like Bella.

What if you tippy-toed down the corridor and knocked on his door? Make up some excuse? Anything. Say you’ll be taking an early morning jog. Just wanted to let him know.

Before what little confidence she had collapsed, she pulled a long caftan she had brought with her over her head. She had thought at the time the silk was just begging to be touched. She was quivering with nerves, preparing to encounter resistance, possible humiliation.

By the time she was out in the hallway—mercifully no one was around—she was marvelling at her own daring. Anyone would think she was underage, instead of overage. She had stayed for weekends in many country houses, back home, but she had never been one for bed hopping. She had always been expected to do the right thing. It had enslaved her. And where exactly had it got her? Men soon lost interest in women who only did the right thing.

Time to find out!

By the time she reached his door she was nearly fainting with a great surfeit of emotion.

Pull yourself together. You can deal with it.

Only the hand she put out to tap on his door went limp. He could well be asleep.

Oh, don’t be so stupid.

Even the voice in her head was egging her on. Both of them sick of her procrastination. Yet she could hardly breathe. To her horror she stopped just short of pounding on his door such was the excess of adrenalin.

You ‘re on your own now, girl. Don’t make a mess of it.

He opened it, looked down at her, golden eyes blazing, then without a word slid a strong arm around the small of her back and pulled her with great urgency into his room.

“Clint, I…”

She felt the burn of his glance. “Hush. ” He kissed her then, fierce and fiery, taking her breath away. He kissed her so deeply they were both left shuddering.

“I willed you to come to me. ”

“I couldn’t stay away. ”

All further words trailed away. She let herself be swept off her feet—totally without effort on his part—and carried to the already turned-back bed, thrilled out of her mind she could be the object of such passion.

“Youhad to come tome. ” He stared down at her with his lion’s eyes, his strongly muscled, deeply tanned arms propped on either side of her highly aroused body, its contours clearly visible beneath the thin silk.

“It was a test? Did I do wrong? ”

“Why don’t I just show you? ” The words emerged from deep inside him like a deep, hungry purr.

“Clint, weknow what are we doing? What it means to me? ” She tried to raise herself up on her elbow, but had to fall back. She was so weak. Stripped of all strength by longing.

“I do know, ” he confirmed. “I know you haven’t done anything like this before. But we’re doing what I’ve been wanting to do since I first laid eyes on you, my ice princess. ” As he spoke he was stripping off his white dress shirt, pitching it unerringly onto a chair.

“And what about tomorrow? What about our old lives taking us over? Tonight will be perfect but we can’t see around corners, can we? ”

He laughed deep in his throat. “Throw off your insecurities. You made it to my door. Hang on to that. In any case, I swear to you I’ll want you tomorrow. And the next day. And the day after that…Want me to go on? ”

“No time. Remember I have to be back in London by October 1. ”

He groaned, then threw himself onto the bed beside her, turning on his side to stroke back the masses of her shining hair. “You want this, don’t you, Olivia? ”

She felt the blood rush to her head. “Oh, God, yes! ”

“So…we’ll take it slowly. I’m not going to do anything you don’t want. First I’m going to kiss you through that shimmering silk, then, beautiful as it is, I’m going to take it off you. I want to know every little last detail of you. The tiniest thing. I want to listen to your heart. ” He lowered the side of his face to her breast.

It was incredibly arousing, sending primal thrusts deep into her.

“It’s beating so fast, ” he murmured, taking the nipple through the silk.

Full sex lay ahead. She couldn’t bear to disappoint him.

Call on your newfound powers.

Even her inner voice sounded frantic.

“You’re a very beautiful woman, in just the way I like, ” he breathed. “More, you’re a clever woman, a kind and compassionate woman. So many admirable qualities. I need to tell you, you’re my ideal. ”

Oh, God, let it be so!

She lay perfectly still while his hands and his mouth moved down over her with soft brushing and stroking movements. He made her feel so lush, so delectable, it was as though she was inhabiting the body of a different woman. A woman who knew all about inspiring passion. She grew damp with desire. Lying still became impossible. Her legs began to move. Slowly part. At first her lips moved soundlessly, then she began to make little keening sounds, moans that signified her endless yearning.

His powerful bronze torso rose steeply with his every deep breath. He made her sit up like a child, so he could strip off her beautiful silk caftan. His arousal was great. Finally he laid her back, marvelling at the perfection of her woman’s body. Her blue eyes were on fire for him. She appeared beyond caring that she was naked. Or she was revelling in it. What was left of her deeply entrenched inhibitions had flown away.

As naked as she, he returned to the bed, his expression exultant. “You can’t go back to your room tonight. I won’t have it. ” One hand moved to cup her porcelain breast. “You must stay with me. I want to wake up looking into your desperately…desperately…lovely…face. ” Each word was accompanied by soft, thrilling brushes to her mouth.

She held his head as he bent to take one rosy erect nipple into his mouth. Suckled it as though it was a delicious berry. His teeth very lightly nipped, causing her one convulsive shudder after another. Her back arched, then arched again. She could have died from the pleasure, excruciating in its intensity. “Tell me you’ll stay? ” he demanded with great urgency, now fully astride her, like some pagan god.

Her arms rose to lock ecstatically behind his head. “You can keep me here for ever, ” she said.

Those final weeks were the happiest Olivia had ever known, sharing the life of the man she had come to love—body, heart and mind. Clint’s frequent business trips couldn’t be put on hold. She understood that. A couple of times he took her with him, once to Darwin for a general meeting of M. A. P. C., of which her father was a shareholder. She had been greeted royally and invited to sit in. Whenever Clint returned home from a trip, even an overnight trip, they made passionate love, more attuned to each other than they thought possible. He even found time to make brief visits to Georgy, carrying some little gift for her, usually a book. Georgy was a great reader.

“It appears Marigole has taken it into her head to visit as well, ” he told Olivia, his expression concerned. “Poor Marigole. She’s never known what she wants. Whatever she had going with Lucas has gone kaput! ”

Georgy, in one of her emails, also passed on the message. “Mummy wants me to call her Marigole now. She has come to see me twice. Wonder what she wants? ”

What indeed! Happy as she was, Olivia still felt a twinge of alarm.

Clint debated taking her with him to New Guinea, where McAlpine had large property holdings, but in the end decided it was a bit risky. “You’re close to returning home. Can’t have you catching a bug. Malaria is still a threat. ”

He was to be gone for three to four days. “I’ll wind things up as soon as I can. If I can’t take you with me, at least I can take your image with me. It’s imprinted on my heart. ”

The denouement had to come. It came fast. So pulverising a blow it nearly knocked the breath of life from her. To think it was another email from Georgy. She had smiled in anticipation as she brought up the message. What she saw froze the muscles of her face. No, no, it can’t be! She sat therein the grip of paralysis…

Dearest Liv,

Great news! Daddy and Mummy have been having reconciliation talks. It seems like we‘ll be a family again. Mummy admits she was the one at fault. She swears she is going to change. Daddy says…

She couldn’t read the rest. There was a thick grey fog in front of her eyes. She fancied she heard her heart crack.

Reconciliation?

Georgy wouldn’t lie to her. Georgy didn’t even know about the escalation of their relationship. It hadn’t started until Georgy had been back at school. So annihilating was the shock, she couldn’t seem to take it in, though her body was quaking and sobs issued from her throat.

This was the man who had told her over and over he loved her? His parting words were etched on her brain.

“When you’re back home, Olivia, my love, you must consider very carefully the future. ” He had gripped her arms in his urgency. “I can’t live in England. I need to be here. You’re the one who will have to make the sacrifices. For our marriage to succeed, your tie to me must be the strongest tie in your life. ”

“I marvel you could doubt that for a second, ” she had said.

He had crushed her to him as if he would never let her go. Her life. Her lover.

Now in his absence…this monstrous betrayal. It beggared belief a man like McAlpine couldn’t find the nerve to tell her of a possible reconciliation with his ex-wife.

He has to be doing it for Georgy. He adores her. Parents do extraordinary things to benefit their children at the expense of themselves. Georgy comes first. But why live a double life?

The answer. Men did it all the time.

Bella was right. Menwere beasts. And that included her father with his one-night stands. When she could work up the strength she would throw some things into a bag and get the hell out. She couldn’t remain another day under his roof. The supply plane was due in that afternoon. She could cadge a flight to Darwin, then pick up a flight to where? God, did it matter? Anywhere she could hide her head. Maybe lie down and die.

Singapore was close.

He was known in this part of the world. “Ms Balfour left the hotel about an hour ago, Mr McAlpine, ” the receptionist at the world-famous Raffles Hotel told him. “I believe she was going shopping. ”

Shopping? He felt another turbulent wave of grief carrying with it the debris of rage. When he had arrived back to find Olivia gone and Kath distraught, he had to struggle not to bellow his impotence from a cliff top. This was a woman he had thought apure soul. Truth was at the centre of her. Or so he’d thought, poor deluded fool. He had willingly let her into his life, into every aspect of his being. He had totally let down his guard. This wasn’t another Marigole. This was a woman he could trust with his life. Wasn’t she the woman who had dived in after Georgy into crocodile-infested waters without a thought for her own safety? Could a woman like that feign love? It didn’t seem possible, unless she was schizophrenic?

She had left no note. Utterly gutless.

That’s not her. It isn’t the Olivia you’ve come to know and love.

“Good as gold one minute, packed and ready to go the next! ” Kath’s pale face registered her own shock. “Wouldn’t tell me a thing, but kissed me goodbye like she loved me. I tell you, Clint, I don’t get it! ”

Andhe was supposed to?

He took a seat in the foyer. He was prepared to wait for as long as it took. If she thought she was getting away without explanation she had another think coming. It had been a simple enough matter to track her.

Forty minutes later and there she was. Shining hair back to its smooth pleat, but she wore a very pretty summer dress, a wide turquoise belt cinched around her narrow waist. She wasn’t carrying any shopping bags. He let her get ahead, moving as graceful as a long-stemmed flower to the bank of lifts. Then he made his move, lithe as a big cat, getting a tight grip on her arm.

“Ms Balfour, what a surprise! ”

He thought she was going to faint. He held her while she took good, deep breaths. “Clint, what are you doing here? ” She couldn’t hide her distress or her massive shock. She didn’t look particularly well and he felt a thump of dread. Could she be ill? There were mauve shadows beneath her beautiful, treacherous blue eyes.

“More to the point what areyou doing here? ” he rasped. “No, wait until we’re in your room. I might feel like strangling you, but it would never do in the foyer of Raffles. ”

Behind the closed door he loomed over her, a tall daunting figure. “Right! ” he snapped. “Am I losing my mind or are you? When I left you a couple of days ago we were talking marriage. What’s happened since? Why the mad flight? God, Olivia, I couldkill you. ”

He looked angry enough. “Why don’t you? ” From being on autopilot, powerful emotions now flooded her body. “You’re a liar and a cheat. ”

And you love him. No matter what.

His eyes flashed a brilliant anger. He looked appalled. “Have a care, ” he warned.

“You can’t deny it. ” She reached for her handbag. Glittering tears stood in her eyes, but she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of allowing them to fall. “Howcould you, Clint. I trusted you. You had become my world. But you’re a lying brute, just like other men. ”

Every muscle in his powerful body tensed. “What the hell are you talking about? ” He was about a beat away from losing it.

“Here, read it. An email from Georgy. ” She pitched the crunched-up piece of paper at him.

He caught it, scanned it in a second, then lifted his head. “For pity’s sake, Olivia, this is utter rubbish. ” He sounded deeply disappointed in her. “And it’snot from Georgy. ”

“More lies? Who’s it from, then? ” She picked up a silk cushion and hurled it at him, her body language frenzied. It was beyond her understanding. She could still love this man after what he had done to her. No logic to love. No reasoning.

But he’s come after you. Why?

She sobered briefly.

Doesn’t make sense, does it?

He had sidestepped the flying missile. “Who the hell do you think? ” he grated. “Marigole, of course. It’s just her style, a malicious ploy to speed you on your way. I wouldn’t take Marigole back if she were the last woman standing. ”

Her legs buckled under her. She sank down on the bed, not knowing what to believe any more. “Marigole? How did Marigole gain access to Georgy’s computer? ”

He came to sit beside her, the man who had given her all those perfect Judas kisses. “Clearly you don’t know Marigole. If there are games to be played, Marigole is first class. Howcould a clever woman like you be fooled so easily? I’m just so angry with you. What sort of man do you think I am? You told me you loved me, yet you condemned me out of hand. ”

True, Olivia! Shame. Shame. Shame!

She turned her head to stare into his unwavering eyes. He looked tougher, harder, than she had ever seen him. “I never thought Georgy would lie. She didn’t know about us. Whatused to be us. ” She gave a broken laugh.

“She does now. There’s a genuine email waiting for you at home. Couldn’t you have waited until I got back? ” He didn’t try to hide his pain.

“You don’t understand. ” She shook her head violently. “I gave my whole self to you. I was at your mercy. I love you, Clint. But when I read that, I hated you. Just as you hated me. I couldn’t possibly accept—” she choked on it”—I’d exposed my heart…”

“AndI hadn’t? ” His fingers caught her chin.

“I can only say I believed it to be the truth. Now I feel shaken to my very soul. I thought you might be doing it for Georgy. She means so much to you. ”

“Obviously you don’t realise whatyou mean to me. ” With furious abandon, he pushed her backwards onto the bed, bending over her, a muscle working along his set jaw. “Was the relationship becoming too intense for you? ”

“Are you crazy? ” She sought to sit up but he held her back. “Don’t you get it? I’ve searched for love all my life. Then like a miracle I fell in love. You’ve illuminated my days and my nights. I thought you were the one person who saw through all the layers of self-protection to the very heart of me. Without you I felt my life was finished. Why are you here anyway? ”

“For God’s sake, isn’t that obvious? ” he exploded, his temper volatile. “I want you back. I refuse to let you go. I refuse the desolation of waking up in the morning without you. I refuse to allow Marigole her little victory. ” He reached to pull the pins from her hair, ruffling it wildly around her face. His expression, his voice, the glitter in his eyes, betrayed his rocketing desire. Instant arousal at the very sight of her!

“I have to continue on home, Clint, ” she pleaded. “I have an obligation. ”

“I know that. ” His response was terse. Then, like a driven man, he kissed her—not gently, not even with a measure of control. Full-on heat. He kissed her like a man starved of the woman he loved. Kissed her until she thought her heart was going to explode with joy in her chest.

What a fool you were!

Her inner voice was back to chiding her.

“Forgive me? ” she begged, the moment she was able.

“It’s done! ” He let go of his grief and helpless rage. She was where she was supposed to be. In his arms. “I’m coming back with you. ” He made the decision on the spot. “I’ll make the time. I’m not letting you out of my sight. ” He gathered her up with exquisite strength. “Let me take care of you. Let me love you. ” He gave a wry twist of a smile. “I’d been debating whether to strangle you. Now I think I’ll settle for making love to you instead. ”

“And I couldn’t want for anything more. ” She was filled with immense fervour. “I’m at peace now. The despair is over. I’ve been a fool. But you know as well as anyone I’ve been prone to bouts of insecurity. ”

“Never with me. Never again, ” he answered tautly. “We’reall fools in love. You’ve hadme out of my mind and I thought I’d been through an emotional wringer in my time. ” He held her eyes. “Now, my one and only love, I’m going to get you out of this very pretty dress. ” He began to unbuckle her turquoise belt.

She arched her back to assist him.

“Are you really going to come back with me? ” She felt over the moon at the prospect. To return home with Clint by her side! To show him off! It would make any woman ecstatic.

“I’m not the kind of guy who backs off big decisions, ” he was saying. “I’m coming with you to England. We’re a team. We go together. I’m sure Oscar won’t mind. But right now I’m working on making love to you until you scream for help. ”

“Won’t happen. ” For the first time in days her face blossomed into radiant smiles.

“I haven’t started on you yet, ” he only half joked. “Afterwards I thought we might pay a visit to a jeweller. I’m thinking an engagement ring. The most beautiful ruby they can show us. Ruby for the heart’s blood. You know you hold my heart in these lovely, elegant hands. ” He raised one and then the other, kissing them devoutly, like a white knight of old. “So what do you think? ” His brilliant eyes gleamed.

She released a long rapturous breath. “A ruby is perfect! I would adore it. You’re too good to me, Clint. ”

“Well, that’s settled! ” Exultation was written all over him “Some nearly forgotten lines of poetry have come back to me. Want to hear them? ”

“I want to hear everything you have to say. ” She pulled him hungrily down to her.

“You probably know it, scholar that you are. I think I’ve got it right. ” He turned his marvellous face to her, beginning to quote: “‘Nothing in the world is single; / All things by a law divine / In one spirit meet and mingle. / Why not I with thine? ’”

The tears flowed freely as Olivia picked up on the lines of her favourite poet, Shelley. How simply beautiful that Clint should think of them! She wouldnever forget this moment.

“And the sunlight clasps the earth…’” She wrapped her arms tightly, lovingly around him. ‘“And the moonbeams kiss the sea: / What is all this sweet work worth / If thou kiss not me? ’”

A tremendous rush of emotion freed Clint of the days of pain. “So let the kissing begin. ”

It did in earnest while the whole world held its breath.

Unnoticed by either of them, lost among the stars, on the glass-topped table where Olivia had left her ancient crystal, its glorious sparkle dulled over, the stone suddenly began to radiate iridescent beams of blue light.

Unaccountable?

Magic can happen anywhere, at any time.

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