CHAPTER TWO

When Jo came down to breakfast, make-up covered her telling pallor. She had passed a miserable night with bouts of crying, accompanied by dreams, like cruel jokes, where Blair held her in his arms and swore he would never let her go. She couldn't break free of them, only to weep and lament that she had ever believed him and handed her heart to him on a plate. She had gone to bed with a splitting headache and after all that crying it had gathered strength to plague her again. She couldn't wait for a cup of strong black coffee to revive her. The pity was, and quite unavoidable, that she had to stay the night to help Aunt Elizabeth tidy up until the cleaning woman came in this morning. It was useless to bemoan that she didn't have the privacy of her own apartment. When one was down, one was very much down, and Aunt Elizabeth especially would be still full of talk about Julie and the party. Of Uncle Joss she was not so sure. His grave inquiring glance saw far too much. It was just as well Blair had taken the early morning flight; she couldn't have faced him and seen the inevitable understanding in Uncle Joss's quiet face.

Characteristically, even in the worst circumstances, she was beautifully dressed and made up, and her mirror proclaimed her valiant efforts. She looked totally female and a chic businesswoman. It was better by far to try and act normally than give way to a deepening feeling that nothing had importance any more. It was time to face reality. What she wanted out of life she wasn't going to get. The Blair she had loved simply didn't exist beyond her blind imaginings. The way he had treated her, the callous way he spoke of the girl he was marrying, proved beyond a doubt that this cross she was bearing was really a blessing in disguise. In time her errant heart would accept her mind's evaluation. She had just over an hour to get to the shop. It was Olive's morning off, so she couldn't afford to be late. Now even the work she loved was going to be taken from her. Very few of the designers around the city had Blair's stamp of genius. He had established himself very firmly, for all his belittling his own achievements.

Jo looked around her cautiously and heard Aunt Elizabeth singing softly to herself in the kitchen. Her happiness and pride in her son had made her quite beautiful last night. Jo didn't go into her as she normally would have done, but moved through the big open-plan living/dining room out to the informal sun room where the first meal of the day was taken. Blair had redecorated it not so long ago and his flair could be seen immediately, casually sophisticated and a beautiful place to start the day. '

Uncle Joss, a public servant and almost at retiring age was seated with his back to her, the paper almost up to his nose nearly toppling his teacup.

'Hi! ' she said in a voice she reserved for him but didn't know it.

'Good morning, Jo! ' He glanced up at her with unfeigned pleasure and began to fold up his newspaper. 'I was hoping you'd come down and join me. I've got a few minutes before I have to go. '

She bent down and kissed his cheek, pressing his shoulders. 'You look none the worse for wear! '

'Grand party, wasn't it? '

'Marvellous! ' said Jo, sinking into a chair facing the garden. It was from his father that Blair had inherited his chiselled features and his artistic impulses. The garden was Joss Leighton's own brand of artistic perfection. It was sheer magic and truly inspired, with landscaping and surprise corners and conifers standing like sentinels over the beautifully groomed lawns and massed displays of flowers.

'It introduced Julie to all our friends. I know we've thanked you before, Jo, for the big part you played in making it a success. Elizabeth needed all your help and she's very grateful. I want to thank you again. You're a fine girl—too good for most men! '

'Don't say that, dear! ' she said wryly. 'I want to get married and you sound like I might frighten them off. '

He put his cup down and reached out a hand to her covering hers with his own. 'Don't, Jo. We're good friends. I know how you feel—after all these years I'd have to. Believe me, you'll get over it. I love Blair. He's my son, but he's not good enough for you! '

'Please, Uncle Joss! ' she said raggedly. 'You'll make me cry and that will ruin my make-up. I have to get to work. '

'You don't have to, you know! ' he said quietly. 'Let Blair look after his own affairs. He thinks he knows how and he's quite ruthless about using people. I'm not blind to his faults just because I'm his father. Listen, before Elizabeth comes, I have a little money. I think you deserve a holiday. Just between the two of us. I'm very fond of you, Jo. You're the daughter we never had. Blair has acted badly, hasn't he? Made you some promises? '

'No, Uncle Joss. '

'Then why won't you look at me? You can tell me the truth! ' Joss Leighton gave a grim laugh. 'I'm on your side, child. Liz has ruined the boy—I've told her often enough. He wants every last little thing to fall into his hands. '

'He's quite brilliant, Uncle Joss! ' she pointed out because she had to. 'Everyone thinks very highly of him— craftsmen, manufacturers, builders, architects, clients. Blair will go far! '

'I did want him to get there under his own steam.

But he hungers after money, all the things it can buy him. '

'He's not alone there. You mustn't say anything like this to Aunt Elizabeth. '

'Do you think she'd listen? ' he asked gently. 'Blair can do no wrong in his mother's eyes! '

'It would do no good anyway. Julie seems a very nice girl. I don't think she'll be too demanding. Blair wouldn't want that. It will work out. I want it too; — terribly! '

'Why, dear? '

She blinked away the incipient tears and laughed nervously. 'Maybe it's you I love after all. Blair looks very much like you, but without your backbone. Oh, I'm sorry... '

'It's all right! ' He folded his napkin neatly. 'Now quickly, before Elizabeth comes in with your breakfast —she's on top of the world, by the way—what about that holiday? A trip somewhere. I don't think it would be a good idea to stay with Blair! '

'I told him I'd go in until the end of the week! '

'I bet he absolutely insisted! ' A deep frown ran between his brows.

'That's reasonable. There are many things to attend to. He got away on time? '

'I didn't see him. His mother saw him off. In some ways I'm deeply disappointed in my son! ' Joss Leighton's still bright amber eyes looked beyond them to the garden. 'What about a small statue to set off the climbing roses? '

'I think it would be charming. I'll find you one. '

'Good girl. My girl. You're too forgiving, Jo! '

'What else is there? ' she asked with false calm. 'I saw what bitterness did to my father! '

'Ah yes! ' Joss Leighton glanced at her downcast face. 'Charles was a strange man and he deprived himself of the incomparable joy of having a beautiful, loving daughter. Don't let the life go out of you, Jo. Your spirit is unique. Do you really think little Julie will be able to handle my son? '

Jo couldn't answer at once. Her hand began to shake and Joss Leighton looked down at her glossy black head, the hair fallen forward protectively, as shiny as a magpie's wing. 'Jo dear, I'm sorry! What an unthinking old fool I am! '

There was so much pain in his voice, this more than anything else lent Jo a measure of control. She drew a sharp breath and looked up, her green eyes brilliant with unshed tears like a leaf after rain. 'I think she loves him so much she'll ask little in return. I hope for her sake this is so. '

'Incredible! ' Blair's father exclaimed. 'I suppose the gossips are already saying he's marrying her for her money! '

'She's very pretty, Uncle Joss. No one could deny that. '

'She's not a patch on you in any way. '

'You're prejudiced. Anyway, she has a family. '

'Yes... that McConnell chap! I liked him, but I wouldn't want to do anything to cross him. He's very fond of Julie, I understand! '

'Something of a watchdog! ' she said dryly.

Joss looked at her searchingly and saw the way her lovely, generous mouth tightened and her hands clenched on the table. 'Didn't you like him? You seemed to be inseparable for the latter part of the evening! '

'He might sweep plenty of women off their feet, but not me! ' Jo said violently when she was supposed to be indifferent. 'His kind of man is quite foreign to me. '

'Oh, I thought you made a very handsome couple. '

'You're joking! '

'No, I'm not. Marsh McConnell is a very striking man! '

'I thought him flamboyant! '

'Why? Because he's no fool and the very opposite to Blair. That alone, I suppose, would create an antagonism! '

'I won't say this to anyone else, ' said Jo, 'but my heart is broken. I don't expect it to mend easily. I'm like that! '

A great tenderness welled up in Joss Leighton's kindly eyes. 'Give yourself a little time, Jo. Your promise is enormous! '

'I'm twenty-five, Uncle Joss. '

'And you've decided that's on the shelf? '

'You know my weakness. I'm one-track! '

'There's a limit to everything, Jo, ' he said thoughtfully. 'You gave your heart away as a schoolgirl. You're a woman how, time to ask yourself a few questions. We're still good friends, aren't we? '

'We're family, Uncle Joss, ' she said simply. 'I love you far more than I ever did my poor tormented father. Not that he wanted my love. '

'And you've such a lot to give. Let me make you a present of this trip. What about England? You'd love that, you've always wanted to go. This is Jubilee Year. What better time? '

She smiled and her lips quivered. 'That's very dear of you, Uncle Joss, but I know perfectly well you're saving for that world trip. I would never take it off you. It's not so much to fly to London these days. I really do have the money—I spend a great deal on clothes; I have to. It's part of the image and Blair expects it. But thank. you for thinking of me. It's just like you! '

'The matter's not closed. I have quite a comfortable nest-egg set aside, and there's all my superannuation. Here comes Elizabeth. Courage, dear, I know she's going to try you in her maternal pride. Mothers wear blinkers! '

'You're leaving, then? ' Jo looked up at him anxiously.

'I must, my dear. Public servants are not allowed to be late. Ah, Elizabeth dear. I'm off now. Here's Jo bright and shining and waiting for her breakfast. You'll have to hurry, Jo, if you want to make it to the shop on time! '

'Good morning, dear! ' Aunt Elizabeth smiled brightly at Jo and bent over the laden breakfast trolley. She was a pretty, very earnest-looking little woman with fair hair streaked with silver, a pleasantly rounded figure and a petal soft skin.

'Here, let me take that! ' Jo got up with swift grace, took hold of the trolley and wheeled it right up to the table. She turned back just in time to see Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Joss exchange a tender, loving peck.

'What about lunch one day through the week, Jo? ' said Joss, raising one eyebrow just like his son.

'That will be lovely, Uncle Joss. I'll ring you. '

Tine. I'll keep myself free. Well, girls, I must be off. Take care! '

They chorused their goodbyes and Jo returned to her chair while Aunt Elizabeth sank into her husband's vacant seat. T wish you didn't have to go to work today, dear. I feel like a good old natter. I've been up so early. Blair got away before seven! '

'You don't look in the least tired, ' Jo assured her. 'You look terrific. '

Aunt Elizabeth's high spirits were in complete contrast to the sickening lurch in Jo's stomach. 'I feel it! ' she said. 'There, eat up like a good girl. Bacon and eggs, plenty of protein to keep you going until lunch time. I couldn't get Blair to touch a bite. He was a cross old bear this morning. I've made a pot of tea. I'll join you. You really should change over from coffee to tea, Jo. It's better for you and so much nicer. I always say there's nothing in this world like a good cuppa! '

'It's getting to be an extravagance these days, with rising prices! ' Jo said dryly.

'Don't be sarcastic, my girl. It's cheaper than splitting a bottle of champagne—we did enough of that last night. You look lovely, dear! ' A long glance of approval, exactly as usual. 'That's a beautiful suit. White is your colour, with your lovely tan! '

'You're on top of the world, aren't you? ' Jo commented.

'I tell you I am! ' The funny thing was Blair was as irritable as blazes. '

'You told me before! ' Jo said vaguely.

'You know how he is first thing in the morning— utterly antisocial. Of course he had very little sleep. It was very late by the time he got Julie home and then back to the house. My poor darling! He really works too hard! '

'I feel somewhat like that myself! '

'That's just what I mean. You're so clever, both of you. Blair did marvels with this room. I was so proud of the house last night. One would scarcely recognise it from the house we bought. Blair is a genius! '

'He thinks so too, incidentally! '

'Naughty, darling. Who's the one who has given him so much encouragement? '

'I only did it to get a job! '

Aunt Elizabeth laughed with overwhelming good humour and sipped at her tea. 'What do you think of Julie? '

Jo tried very doggedly for a smile. 'A very sweet girl. '

'I thought so too. Not very stimulating, perhaps? '

'Give her a chance. She's rather shy and she's just getting to know us! '

'Lord, yes—I mean—' Elizabeth suddenly whipped out her glasses and planted them on her small tilted nose. 'Look, darling, you're the closest thing to a daughter I've got. Joss never has been one for a gossip and I wouldn't say it to anyone else—' Her myopic blue eyes searched Jo's face very earnestly. 'Blair is so very special—too special perhaps for his own good. Julie is a dear girl. I could come to love her. I just want a little reassurance. Blair was really so... querulous, is that the word? this morning! '

'You ought to do something about those moods of his! ' Jo returned, apparently idly.

'I mean to, but I love him so much and he's so good for so much of the time. All interesting, clever people are temperamental. '

'You never made the same allowances for me! '

'Now, dear, you're a female. Women just have to behave! '

'I really have to leave in a few minutes, Aunty dear. But fire away,.. '

'Julie struck me as somewhat... ' Aunt Elizabeth mused.

'I know what you mean! ' Jo said quickly, feeling trapped in a closet. 'I'm sure she's a little different when they're on their own. It takes time to adjust, and women learn fast! '

'That they do! ' Elizabeth laughed. 'He usually sweeps me up and kisses me, but he didn't even do that! '

'All right, girl, face facts. He had to catch a plane! '

'Of course, I ought to realise that. You're good for me, Jo. Don't think I'm criticising the child. It's obvious she's head over heels in love with my son. It shines right out of her eyes—very touching, really. I was wondering if he was ever going to make me a grandmother! '

Jo forced a comment, feeling ill and pathetic. 'Why else does anyone get married? There's no real case for not having a family! '

'You liked her, didn't you, Jo? ' Aunt Elizabeth asked humbly, and Jo realised she still needed reassurance. No girl was too good for Blair. 'Your opinion is very important to me. Sometimes I think you're a lot smarter than I am! '

Jo swallowed her coffee very hot, scalding her throat. The first couple of words came out as a groan. 'What little I've seen, I like. She's pretty, she's intelligent. Her background is excellent. All of us may even be privileged to visit the McConnell family seat. Where is it, by the way? '

'Why don't you ask him? ' Impish blue eyes roved Jo's face. 'He's a very attractive man! '

'Too damned good to be true! '

'You didn't like him? ' Aunt Elizabeth asked in astonishment 'You must have been fighting yourself last night! '

'He was pressing it, dear! '

'None of us are getting any younger, Jo. If I were you I'd grab him! '

'That's loose talk! ' Jo finished off her meal quickly and stood up. 'Sorry to leave you, dear, but I must fly. You wouldn't like me to neglect the business. If you're going to look like that I'll give you some news. I did find Marsh McConnell attractive, but maybe a wee bit overwhelming! '

'A shame to waste it on just one woman. Make sure you're the lucky one, and that's good advice. He's just the man to sweep a woman off her feet! '

'You romantic, you! ' scolded Jo.

'Yes, I am. Nothing complicated for me, just a knight on a white charger! ' She put out a hand and grasped Jo's. 'Thank you, darling, for all the help. Only you and Blair are so like brother and sister I might have wished to keep you permanently in the family. '

Jo shook back her glossy black hair. 'Now who said you're not going to do that? '

'You'll go off and leave me! ' For a second there was real concern in the powder blue eyes. 'I worry about you, Jo. About your happiness. You're a very beautiful girl. You should be married! '

'I mean to! ' Jo said wryly. 'Maybe beautiful girls frighten men off? '

'You're so witty too! '

'Is that another black mark? '

'Of course not, dear. That's just fine. You'll make some man an absolutely wonderful wife! '

'Thank you, and I love you very much! ' Jo turned away to touch up her lipstick. Her hands were shaking, but Aunt Elizabeth had her back to her.

'I hope Blair's feeling better. He said he'd ring me from Sydney. He was so nervy I just wish he could have curled up quietly and had a few more hours' sleep! '

Jo turned back casually, thinking the blush was standing out on her cheeks. 'Don't worry about him. He soon gets over his little fits of temperament. Make him apologise! '

'I mean to, but you know how it is! '

'Mrs Lacey coming in this morning? '

'Yes, I've just been talking to her. She's going to do everything. '

Jo lent down and kissed the soft, scented cheek. 'That was some celebration, Mrs Leighton! '

Aunt Elizabeth patted her hand. 'Just you wait until the wedding! You'll make a lovely bridesmaid! '

Jo stepped back so quickly she banged into the open door. 'I don't think so, darling. I'm too tall. Julie will want to ask her own friends! '

'She certainly won't! ' Elizabeth turned a bright pink. 'Not all of them, anyway. With you and Blair so close it's only right you should be one of the bridesmaids! '

'Don't push it, dear. Just as long as he's happy! ' It was an effort to smile, but Aunt Elizabeth didn't return the smile. She was shut in on her thoughts.

'She is tiny! '

'Your size! ' Jo pointed out. 'They say men marry their mothers. You and Julie are both fair and petite! '

'I mean to bring this up myself with Julie. We could arrange it so you stood on the outside! '

Jo closed her eyes. 'Sorry, love, I have to go! ' She bent and picked up her handbag, so upset she actually wanted to laugh right out loud. It might ease the tight clamp around her heart. There was even a song she ought to sing: Why am I always the bridesmaid, never the blushing bride. 'I'll ring you this afternoon to see if all the work's done! '

Aunt Elizabeth suddenly laughed. 'It's really absurd, but Nell and I will probably sit down again over another cup of tea and discuss the party! '

'There's lots of work to do! ' Jo looked around her.

'Never mind. It's not every day one's only son gets engaged. Nell's wonderful for her age! '

'All right, then. I can see by the clock that I should have left a few minutes ago. '

' 'Bye, dear. I don't know what we'd do without you! '

'Oh, you'd manage! ' Jo said softly, and allowed herself just the merest trace of bitterness. Aunt Elizabeth didn't hear her. She was going over the wedding plans in her mind. She fully intended that Jo should be one of the bridesmaids, but Jo had already decided to be well away by then. Saudi Arabia and find herself a rich sheik. There had to be some place she could find a little peace. Aunt Elizabeth was lovely, unfailingly kind to the lonely little girl Jo had been, but she saw nothing she didn't want to see and she had been protected from unpleasantness all her life. Now she was occupied most pleasurably in making plans for a big wedding. It would upset her to know Jo wouldn't be part of them, but Jo knew she wasn't brave enough or maybe foolish enough to fall in with these plans.

Uncle Joss was right: she would have to go on a trip. Someone had to be the loser. It was Blair's business. She would be out of a job that inspired her and filled her days meaningfully, but leaving Blair was the only way out. God knows she didn't want to. In her misery she had even considered staying and making a fight of it. How could he love her and marry someone else? If she stayed in the field she could still change his mind. She was even lunatic enough to dismiss his contemptuous behaviour. The knowledge that he had been nervy and upset lent weight to her chances. Were they right when they said: All's fair in love and war? Julie could certainly afford a trip around the world. Jo had seen him first. He had told her he loved her long before Julie had moved in with her primrose curls. It was amusing and perhaps not unusual the way in which her feelings were see-sawing.

It was a beautiful day, clear and bright, plenty of traffic on the road, but at least they had parking space at the rear of the shop. She eased the little Datsun around the corner and into the narrow street. This was an old part of the city, recently trendy—an arts and crafts centre with potters, painters, weavers, leather workers, jewellery makers, contemporary furnishers and a handful of interior decorators and designers. Blair had most beautifully restored the old terraced building they occupied, and it drew clients like a magnet. He really had no need of Julie to be a great success. Experienced professionals admitted his scope and versatility.

Jo let herself in blessing the fact that it was Olive's morning off. Not that she didn't like Olive, their Girl Friday. She did. She was pert and amusing, though Blair complained Olive didn't know her place, but she was quick and reliable and Jo never had to tell her anything twice. Olive, for her nineteen years, was also extremely shrewd. It would have been hard indeed to fool her this morning. The display rooms downstairs showed Blair's sophisticated elegance to advantage—not that he couldn't turn his hand to more forthright design. His studio and sleeping pad was upstairs.

Immediately she got in, the phone rang. Jo went to it, answering automatically: 'Leighton Interiors, Jo Adams here! '

'Olive here, ducky! '

'Don't tell me, I can hear it. You've got a cold. '

'So what? I was out for a good time. '

'What's that supposed to mean? '

'Nothing, Jo. I wouldn't want to shock you. Listen, if you really need me, I'll come in. Martyr and all! ' She produced a short, hoarse bark.

'No, you stay there. No need for us all to die. '

There was the muffled sound of a giggle and Jo inquired sharply: 'You're at home, aren't you, Olive? '

'Would you like to speak to me mum? '

'I wouldn't like to put you to the test. You have got a cold? '

'Would I lie to you? '

'Most people do! ' Jo said before she could help herself.

'I wouldn't! ' It came out as a whistling squeak, but the sincerity shone through.

'All right, dear. Ring me in the morning. Better ring Mum while you're at it! '

'Honestly, Jo, Mum's in the kitchen. Mr Leighton get away? '

'He'll be gone a week, ' Jo told her.

'It says in the papers he's gone and got himself engaged to a strange lady. '

'Yes, Olive. '

'I can't feel he's doing the right thing. Neither does Mum. She really likes you. '

'It's not for any of us to say, Olive! '

'Gotcha! I'll be in in the morning. Don't forget I hold you in considerable respect. '

'Keep it up and I'll think I'm a doddering old lady! ' laughed Jo.

Olive gave her sexy, breathy giggle. 'You're a dish. Andy thinks so! '

'Who's Andy? No, on second thoughts I don't want you to answer. There's the other phone. 'Bye, Olive! '

It turned out to be a call from Mrs Vaughn-Nugent, a jowly, wealthy lady who believed in keeping in daily contact. She didn't trouble to hide her disappointment that Blair wasn't in, but actually she wanted to know what he would fancy as an engagement present— 'Naughty boy! ' Jo held her aching head, seeing herself reflected in the mirrored wall, long legs and all. There were a number of design briefs she had to go over. They were constantly searching out new ideas, new colours, new products, new materials. In the end Mrs Vaughn-Nugent settled on something in sterling silver—'One couldn't go wrong'—and threatened to ring back the moment Blair arrived. If it was true, as Blair often claimed, that she was very popular with the male clients, the reverse was certainly true of him. Women fell for him wholesale. They liked his elegant appearance and his amber hooded eyes, the general air of culture about him and the way he knew and appreciated beautiful things. He was a brilliant and vastly ambitious man and he knew how to use his very considerable charm. It was all very sad and nerve-racking for her. She would be treated now to an endless procession of calls following the shock engagement announcement. At least Mrs McConnell was still overseas. Being in a position of wealth made things a lot easier.

Jo hung up her hat and ran a comb through her hair. It fell in a heavy pageboy swing from a side parting. It was sumptuous hair, worn in a simple style that nevertheless demanded expert cutting. The pure silk blouse beneath the suit jacket was patterned in greens and she wore a gold braid necklet and matching gold earrings that ironically Blair had given her. He often saved her time in this way, telling her where to go and buy her clothes, his rapid and expert assessment almost woman to woman. Or it had sometimes seemed that way. Strange she should think of that now. Marsh McConnell, for instance, might admire, but he would probably break a leg getting out of a fashion boutique.

The first thing she had to do was ring Ed Harding, the architect/designer and State President of the SIDA. She would have to stand in for Blair at tomorrow night's meeting. Ed wouldn't mind. He was one of her greatest admirers—too fervent upon occasions. Jo went to pick up the phone, but a definite noise upstairs startled her out of all proportion. When her heart stopped its loud thumping she considered it would be Cleo, the shop cat. But surely Blair would have left her out. Cleo was generally petted and fed all along the street, slept at the potter's, but she was most faithful in her fashion to Blair. Then again it could be an intruder. There were a few valuable antiques from Blair's private collection upstairs. She picked up a heavy ashtray and walked towards the stairs, half convinced it was Cleo.

A man was coming down them and the ashtray fell out of her nerveless hand and harmlessly on to the carpet.

'Blair! ' she exclaimed.

'You didn't think I was going away without talking to you? '

'What about your early morning appointment at Begg's? '

'I've already cancelled that. I'll catch up on them tomorrow! '

He was staring at her hypnotically and for the space of a few seconds Jo felt completely defeated. 'It's true what your father says, isn't it? It must be. You use people! '

'When did Dad say that? ' he asked, as if it were a compliment, not a cruelty.

'Does it matter! ' Her heart was beating loudly in the stillness. 'Look, Blair, I have nothing to say to you, unless somehow you've changed your mind! '

'I'm a designer, not an acrobat! ' he said wryly, and he actually smiled.

'And you fully intend going ahead with your plan to marry Julie? '

'You make it sound like a military operation, pet! '

'Put it down to my state of shock. '

'It will pass, ' he said smoothly.

'I think not! ' With a swift movement she put a table between them. 'You've got a frightening tendency to ignore other people's pain. It's really odd, do you know that? '

He was by no means discouraged, coming towards her with the stamp of elegance on him. 'I want you on my side, Jo! ' he said in a low, moving voice.

'I'm not surprised! ' She held up a hand as if to restrain him. 'You want it all ways. '

He came round the edge of the table and they were face to face now. She could see the muscle pulling in his lightly tanned cheek. He didn't look well seen up close, nerve-ridden, with a slight puffiness beneath his hooded amber eyes. Her heart smote her and she wondered if she was doomed to love him no matter how badly he damaged her. The familiar compassion she felt was showing in her own eyes and Blair put out a hand like a charmer to caress the satiny skin at the side of her neck while her dark hair fell over his sleeve.

'Jo! '

The memory of their lovemaking clung to her like a second skin, and her traitorous flesh was stirring. She couldn't answer, the colour drained from her face. Her heavy lashes fell over her eyes and she broke away from him in an effort at final renunciation. 'Don't touch me! '

'You make me out a brute, heartless! You know I'm not! '

'Please, Blair! ' her voice implored him. 'What devil drives you? I know you're unhappy! '

'I am! ' he assured her.

'Then how can you go through with this? ' The words left her lips, rising with anger.

'Let's say my ambitions are greater than my love for you! '

She gasped with the pain and turned her back on him. 'Is that what you stayed behind to say? '

'The devil I did! ' he said fiercely. 'I just want to be sure you're here when I get back! '

The urgent clamour of the phone distracted them, and Jo gestured towards it almost wildly. 'Aren't you going to answer that? '

'No! ' His tone was sufficient to make her pick up the phone from long habit.

'Leighton Interiors! ' she said, crushing down an uprush of hysteria.

'Oh, good, you're in! ' Aunt Elizabeth said brightly.

In a state of perturbation Jo swung about. She couldn't find it in her heart to tell Blair's mother he was standing right behind her, one hand at her waist. 'Anything wrong? ' she asked, clutching the phone.

'The reverse! ' Aunt Elizabeth carolled excitedly. 'Guess who just rang? Mr McConnell! ' she swept on without waiting for an answer. 'He called to thank me for giving such a beautiful party. My, he has got a sexy voice on the phone. A woman could bloom with a voice like that around! '

'Yes, dear? ' Jo prompted. 'Has this anything to do with anything? '

'Of course! ' The lightish voice dropped a few decibels. 'He asked for you and I had to tell him you were going in to the shop. Just thought I'd warn you, because he said he'd be popping in. I told him where it was! '

'I thought you were on my side? ' Jo cried, her body automatically tensing for flight.

'I am on your side. That's why I sent him. '

'You mean he's on his way now? '

Jo could hear the shrug. 'Well, not exactly. I really don't know. He didn't mention time. '

'Maybe I'd better lock up as soon as I hear footsteps! ' said Jo dryly.

'You and your wisecracks! Take my advice, go out to lunch—somewhere madly expensive. I don't think it would hurt! '

'What would Blair say? ' she said, sharper than she should.

'Blair's future is settled. Now it's your turn. I know the normal female reaction to Mr McConnell. I'm not that old! '

'Funny, ' said Jo, 'he infuriates me! '

'I don't believe you! ' Aunt Elizabeth laughed gaily. 'You know what they say, there's a thin line between love and hate! '

'I certainly am glad to hear that, ' smiled Jo. 'Listen, dear, I'll have to go. It promises to be a busy morning! '

Aunt Elizabeth rang off with a 'Take my advice! ' and Jo replaced the receiver, keeping her hand on it.

'Mother? ' Blair asked, having heard her voice. 'What did she want? '

'She was warning me that Marsh McConnell intends calling in. '

Anger darkened Blair's face. 'Doesn't he know you work here? '

'That's what I'm trying to do, if you'd only go away. '

'Will you be here when I get back? ' He caught her shoulders and turned her around, his eyes narrowed and fixed hard on her.

'I'd better make it plain now. I'm leaving you, Blair. I'm surprised I have to give you an explanation. '

He looked deeply into her eyes and she had a sensation of giddiness and panic. 'Your feelings are too strong for you to leave me. You couldn't go on without me! '

'Yes, Blair, that's what you'd like to believe! '

The phone rang again and he threw out a hand in savage irritation. 'Leave it! '

'What is this? ' she asked jaggedly. 'You can't tempt me with anything. Go away, Blair. Just go away! '

'You're afraid of losing your control, aren't you? '

It was unmistakably the truth. She was slumped back against a cabinet, upset beyond endurance, a hundred mixed emotions flashing across her face. It was time to press his advantage. 'You can't leave me! ' he said in a low, vibrant undertone. 'It will be never before feeling is dead between us! '

She continued to look down blindly and he swept her towards him, holding her resisting body close to his own. 'This marriage of mine, what does it mean? Plenty of women marry for security, why not a man? It won't affect us. Look at me, Jo! '

'I want you to go away! ' she said tightly, feeling the same terrible fascination.

'And I'm not going until you tell me you love me! '

His handsome face seemed to blur in a red mist of rage. 'Don't talk to me about love! ' she hurled at him. 'You're mad and ruthless and I won't fall in with your plans, not if my life depended upon it! '

The colour had flared into her cheeks and her eyes were sparkling like emeralds. She looked so wild and beautiful Blair bent his head with a muffled groan, searching for her mouth with a desperation that was hard to evade. 'I want you, Jo. Just for this minute, to hell with everyone else! '

She struggled violently, but her heated senses were flaming through her body.

'Witch, little witch! '

Jo went limp and he began to kiss her deeply, trying to revive the passion that had burned so brightly between them. Her slender body was shuddering in his arms so that everything was going out of range, inciting him, her mouth crushed under his own- 'Jo darling, you belong to me. Let me love you, properly. Please, darling! '

She was lost... lost... sinking into a sensual oblivion where nothing mattered and all seemed permissible, consumed again by her love for him. His hands were moving under the jacket of her suit, heating the silk, cupping her vulnerable breasts. Possessive hands that thought now at last he could take her.

On the brink of surrender pride spurted to save her, then conscience to further upbraid her. She tried to arch away from him, her flesh and her brain committed to rejecting him, when he was literally torn from her arms and sent reeling across the room, his slim frame crashing into a high-backed Italian chair. He staggered and fell with a groan and Jo, after one distraught glance at his assailant, hastened to help him.

'Splendid! ' Marsh McConnell said harshly, an intolerable menace in his powerful frame. 'Why don't you two spend your worthless passion? Or have you already, in this cosy little set-up? ' The black eyes burned.

As Blair tried to get up the colour seeped right away from under his skin, his slightness of build was all the more pronounced. 'Don't jump to any hasty conclusions, McConnell, and don't blame Jo! '

'Blair! ' Jo whispered, her eyes on his face.

'Stand away from him! ' McConnell ordered with deadly quiet.

'How did you get in here? ' Shaken, Jo got to her feet. His dark head was bent forward, muscles coiled and she had the sickening impression of a panther about to spring. They confronted one another like adversaries, the contempt in his eyes lashing her.

'What fools you are! ' he said with shocking enmity. 'Both of you too... satiated to hear someone coming. It could have been anyone, a client, competitor—or are they used to this kind of thing? '

Jo's green eyes didn't leave him, as though holding him with her gaze she lessened the danger. 'You can't take everything from me, so don't try! '

'I haven't even started on you! ' he said, and she suddenly knew what Uncle Joss had meant about crossing him. 'What about lover-boy here, shouldn't he be hundreds of miles away? '

Blair had risen and was standing quite still, his whitened face the very picture of despair. 'Just a minute, McConnell, ' he said quietly.

The bigger man swung on him. 'What kind of a man are you anyway? '

'Can I help it if Jo's in love with me? '

'You swine! ' He looked as if it would give him great pleasure to smash Blair's smooth face in.

Jo ran in front of him, her hands flung out sideways in a gesture of pleading. 'Humiliate me. Go on, that's what you mean to do! '

'And you love this miserable cur? ' Marsh asked her harshly. 'Do women love men who treat them so vilely? Damn you for the little fool you are! '

'I couldn't help it! ' she said, taking the full blame on herself. It was obvious that not even this could change Blair's plans. 'Haven't you ever loved anyone? ' she asked the man who stared at her with such contemptuous intensity.

'I'd let no woman make a fool of me. '

'Please, Jo! ' Blair begged in a suffering voice.

'Shut up! ' said Marsh McConnell as if he had a powerful urge towards violence.

'What are you going to do? ' Jo asked gravely. 'Take away Julie's faith in him? '

'Do you think it would give me pleasure? She loves him. '

'More than that! ' Blair said swiftly. 'I love her! '

'But you can't renounce the desire you feel for another woman? And don't tell me you don't want her. That's entirely too rich. I saw the way you were holding her. '

'Jo and I intend to split up! ' Blair said briefly.

'And I'll be just the one to see you do. Don't think for one moment I approve Julie's choice of a husband. In fact I haven't decided yet what I'm going to do. Julie has to be protected from herself. '

Blair's amber eyes under their heavy lids were brightening. 'Anything you have to say against me would only drive Julie further into my arms. '

'She can cut her losses as well as the next woman! '

'Like Jo? ' Blair asked cruelly.

Marsh McConnell's right hand clenched in a way Jo found unnerving. She almost threw herself at him, and he looked down at her with his brilliant black eyes. 'I could ruin Leighton, ' he told her.

'It might rebound on you. You said Julie's happiness is all-important. It's useless for you to deny the extent of her love for him. He wants to marry her. Can't you see that? '

'Can you? ' he asked curtly.

'Blair's right! ' she said, only then realising her hand was clasped around his wrist. 'There's nothing between us. Not ever again. '

'No doubt we can arrange to lock you up! '

'You're being unfair to Jo! ' Blair protested, his fair hair fallen forward in a golden wave.

Marsh raised his hand briefly. 'I suggest you shut up. '

Jo caught her breath expecting a fight, but Blair was clearly stepping out of the arena. Humiliation could be borne, but not the loss of Julie's fortune. Her knees nearly buckled under her and Marsh pushed her into a chair.

'I have to think this thing over. I may be serving Julie better by telling her what I've just seen. '

Jo could see the fright in Blair's eyes and she ran her tongue over her dry mouth. 'I told you, I'll be the one to go. '

'Isn't that touching? You're going to sacrifice yourself for the man you love but can't marry. ' He looked down at her lovely face and smiled with grimness. 'Why don't you hate him? '

'That's impossible! ' she whispered with very real emotion. 'We've been together too long. '

'Now it's my affair. You're not staying here another day longer. ' He turned and glanced at Blair, a man of towering self-assurance and superb strength. The glittering black eyes narrowed over Blair's smooth, handsome face, his beautifully tailored suit, the slim compact body. 'Time's money, isn't it, Leighton? Shouldn't you be some place else? '

'I can't go away not knowing what's happening here. '

'Too bad. Hang a sign on the door. '

The phone rang again and Marsh picked it up, his voice deep and meticulously controlled. In astonishment Jo heard him say Mr Leighton was interstate and the shop would be shut for a week. The caller persisted and he then said Miss Adams had a virus, making it appear she was very much in bed and not right beside him.

'Well, well! ' Jo exclaimed, 'if another war breaks out I'm sure you'll make General. Aren't you going to protest, Blair, or are you just going to stand there and let him run your business as well. '

'Circumstances alter everything, Jo! ' Blair agonised. 'What else can we do? I must meet my appointments, and McConnell here has the whip hand. '

'And doesn't he love to use it? ' Jo said bitterly.

'It hasn't touched you yet, lady! '

Jo shrugged and looked up at him, not without humour. 'After today, Marsh McConnell, you're not the man who's going to give me orders! '

'I think you're destined for a magnificent setdown! '

Blair was listening sharply, becoming once more the elegant designer. 'You're a man of the world, McConnell. These things happen. It would be best for all of us to put it right out of our minds. '

Marsh McConnell smiled and something in his face made Blair flush scarlet. 'You've reason to be afraid of me, Leighton. '

'I want peace! ' Blair said briefly. 'Let's not play games.. What happened here this morning will never happen again. I think you know that, McConnell. '

'Oh, I'm sure of it! ' the other man responded with a dark kind of amusement. 'My mother was highly impressed by you, but frankly, I think you're a greedy man. '

'What's going to happen to Jo? ' Blair asked belatedly.

'You leave her to me. '

Jo got up with a little flourish and began to collect her things. Nothing could threaten her now. She'd lost Blair, lost her job. Nothing was sad, so why did she feel as though her balance was gone? 'If you've really nothing else to say to me, General, I'll go! '

'Leighton's the one who's going. Aren't you, Leighton? We'll shut up here, and I want you to know you're not in the clear! '

Blair was furiously angry, but he was holding it down. A few hasty words could ruin his future. Towards Marsh McConnell he felt a bitter hostility, but he was dependent on the man's silence. Jo he knew to the core. She would never strike him down; revenge wasn't her way. 'I've my briefcase to collect! ' he announced into the brilliant silence.

'Go and get it. I'll ring you a cab! ' Marsh McConnell said coolly.

Blair didn't appear grateful. 'Don't bother. There's a stand at the corner. '

After he had moved away from them Marsh McConnell inquired laconically, 'What's upstairs? '

'Blair's studio, ' Jo answered, the cold finger of premonition on her neck.

'No doubt he sleeps there occasionally. '

'Not with me. That's what you're trying to say. '

'And where do you live, Miss Adams? '

'None of your business! ' she said shortly.

'Don't you want a lift home? '

'I've got the Datsun outside. '

'Where do you manage to put your long legs? ' he demanded.

'Not all of us are immensely rich, Mr McConnell. '

'You're very haughty, aren't you, for a two-timing woman? ' he drawled, as dark as a gypsy and just as bold.

'How can a pirate like you act the prude? ' demanded Jo crossly.

'Funny you should say that! I've the very definite intention of making off with you. '

Blair, descending the stairs, was a party to these words. A black jealousy filled his heart, but caution was there. He could wait. 'I'd be grateful if you could make one or two calls for me, Jo, seeing the shop will be shut. '

'Really, Blair, I've given of my level best. '

'I think so too! ' Marsh McConnell offered sardonically. 'All she can do is put up the sign! '

'It's my fault, I admit it! ' Blair said generously. 'I should have had it out with Jo long ago. The last thing I've ever wanted to do is hurt her. Jo and I played together as children. '

'Ah well, averaging it out you've had more than enough of her time. So long, Leighton! ' Marsh McConnell came away from leaning on the table, a big man from whom it was no use to look for pity or pardon.

Jo didn't even glance in Blair's direction. Perhaps she was going mad, but the sight of him was hurting her unbearably. Didn't a man fight and with any sort of luck, win? Blair on his talents alone would go far. Did he really have to swallow the bitter pill of Marsh McConnell's domination?

The door closed on Blair and remained closed. 'We don't seem to have a sign to cover the occasion! ' she said, and of all things burst into tears.

'Poor suffering child! ' he grinned in black amusement.

'You brute! '

'Ah, Josephine, I'm trying to take care of you. '

'For God's sake, why? ' she demanded.

'I'm not saying. There are a lot of flaws in you. It's just dawned on me Leighton will do a lot better with Julie! '

'And you're going to make sure I stay away? '

'Dry your eyes, ' he ordered. 'You look like a drowned mermaid, if there is such a thing! '

'I'm disgusted. Absolutely disgusted. '

'It's your own fault and no use crying about it. Here, get me a bit of cardboard. '

'I might as well. ' Jo swallowed on the tears in her throat and searched out a suitable piece. 'It's nice to know someone around here is enjoying himself! '

Marsh went and sat down at the table and pulled the cardboard towards him, producing a gold pen from his pocket and writing in a bold sweeping hand. 'That does it, I guess! '.

'What did you say? ' She turned away from the mirror and the study of her pale face.

'All I can say. Closed until the 22nd. Now, to find some prominent place! '

'Try the window. There really are a few things I should take care of. '

He came back from the window and began to walk towards her. 'I want you to promise me something, Josephine. Stay away from Leighton. '

'You do realise that his family are my family? '

'Then why don't they know about you. '

'Uncle Joss does. Aunt Elizabeth would never guess. '

'You mean she doesn't want to, ' he corrected. 'She's a very charming little lady, but she would avoid unpleasantness like the plague. '

'I have a fearful headache! ' she said aimlessly, and put a trembling hand to her temple.

'I have to see some friends of mine, ' Marsh told her. 'Come with me. '

'I'm sorry, no! '

'Think again! '

'You're not going to blackmail me as well? '

'You got the idea first, ' he drawled.

'I'm too bewildered to make good company. '

'After what I've seen this morning I begin to ask myself whether I should keep you permanently in sight! You've the makings of a very bad girl! '

'You choose to think that! ' said Jo, annoyed by his tone.

'You'll have to persuade me you're not! '

'You sound as if you expect me to dedicate my life to it! '

He opened the door and stood there waiting for her; 'Don't be nervous! '

'I'm never nervous! ' she said, swallowing visibly.

'Now there's a statement I can't accept! '

Jo swung back abruptly for a last look at the special environment she had thought of as an expression of their lives: hers and Blair's. Making Leighton Interiors highly successful had been one of her goals; marrying Blair had been another. He had had a great influence on her. Now she had to give him up. The whole thing went deeply, but all life was an attempt to cover up. She gave a faint sigh, feeling quite isolated from the life she had known.

'Don't go carrying any burning torches! ' Marsh McConnell said with more than a hint of steel. 'I take good care of my own! '

'Lucky Julie! ' She looked back in time to catch his expression of scorn. It suited him. Probably if she liked the type she would have called him a very handsome man, with dark flaunting good looks and a great impression of vigour. In her mind's eye she could see Blair's golden grace and her heart gave a nervous start.

'Come along, Josephine! ' Marsh shrugged his wide shoulders. 'What will be, will be! '

'Who's making a fuss? ' she said, in a tired, defeated voice.

'That's what you say now! Actually you'll recover and probably be a very happy woman as well! ' He took her arm and she fell silent, knowing it was useless to try and beat a retreat. She had never felt less like going visiting, but right at that moment she had neither the strength nor the will to oppose him. He would just fling her over his shoulder anyway. She didn't have the slightest doubt he had some notorious ancestor in the background anyway. Guardedly she looked up into his face and found it speculative and mocking and essentially distrustful of any woman with green eyes.

'Let's go, Miss Adams, ' he said coolly. 'Who knows, you might be embarking on a new career! '

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