CHAPTER THREE

The Symons lived in the western suburbs on a beautiful three-acre property that backed on to the wide, deep river. It was a near-perfect physical location, the house obscured from the road by towering gums and a prolific spring array of shrubbery that flowered right down the red-gravelled drive: the kind of property that spelled money, and Jo didn't relish intruding, being a great respector of privacy.

'Why so silent? ' Marsh demanded.

'I'm wondering why you invited me. '

'Anne will be glad of your company. It might even be good therapy for both of you. Anne hasn't had much to smile about lately—she lost a baby just under a year ago. '

'Oh, I am sorry! ' Jo said fervently, echoing all women's pain.

'They have two others, ' he said gravely. 'Paddy and Jenny, six and eight—delightful kids. Dave and I were at university together and we've always kept in touch. They've been out to the property and I always visit them here. I was their best man, as a matter of fact, and I expect Dave will be mine! '

'Exit one very eligible bachelor! ' she said dryly.

'I haven't been caught yet! ' His black eyes challenged her. 'Anyway, to fill you in before we get there, Anne has been suffering from an acute depression and I know Dave's worried. '

'It would be very hard to recover from a tragedy like that, ' she said soberly. 'These things are to be accepted, but it's so very hard! '

'She must put it in the past, for her own sake, ' said Marsh. 'Life can be cruel, but she still has Dave and the other children. '

'It's strange, isn't it, ' she mused, 'how we all call a halt on one another? One is only allowed a certain time to grieve, then one must close a door on it. '

'We have to bring Anne back to us, ' he said grimly.

'Are you sure she'll want to see me? '

'You might offer a solution! '

'I'm not with you. '

'No time to explain. Anne has been badly hurt. You may find her a little quiet and withdrawn. Dave and the kids are just the same. ' Marsh slid the car in under an enormous flowering jacaranda that drew the eye in its radiance and Jo turned her head to look at the house.

'If it's as good on the inside as it is from the outside, it would be lovely to decorate! '

'I thought you were going to give all that away? ' Marsh queried.

'How can I? I work for a living, Mr McConnell. '

He came around to her side and helped her out. 'Save a word and make it Marsh! '

'I think I prefer James! '

'That would only make it confusing. Even my mother calls me Marsh. Get set, here's the kids. Plus the dogs. I hope you like Afghans. They like a lot of space! '

Flying across the grass in beautiful, joyful abandon were two magnificent silver thoroughbreds, ringed tails held high, their long silky coats flying in the wind of their own springy motion. Two children were running very fast after them with no hope of catching them.

'The kids have had a day off school in my honour, ' Marsh explained. 'Dave works at home these days. He's an architect, but he pulled out of his partnership. Anne needed him. Hey there! ' The dogs were upon them and so they wouldn't knock her down, Marsh stood in front of Jo, taking the full brunt of their affectionate welcome. 'Meet Judah and Augusta. They're natural show-offs! '

'That's nothing! Aunt Elizabeth had a poodle that used to play the piano! ' she countered.

'You're kidding! '

'No, it's true. It was even thinking of taking singing lessons. '

'You could have made a lot of money with that. Here, don't be shy, Judah wants to shake your hand. '

'Who's shy? ' Jo took the extended paw and shook it. 'How do you do, Judah. Any more tricks up your sleeve? '

'Only one, dancing on your shoulders—but you'd better leave that one. We wouldn't want to mark that suit! '

'As a matter of fact I think it's going to be! ' Jo turned her head to catch up with the children's progress. 'The little fellow is about to skid on the wet grass! '

Marsh, still controlling the Afghan invasion, looked up in time to see one small flying figure measure its length on the grass some little distance from the whirling jet of the sprinkler. In another second Jo was beside it, dropping down to her, knees.

'Hi, I'm Jo! '

Blue eyes blinked in an embarrassed little face.

'Uncle Marsh's girl-friend? '

'Not precisely! ' Jo helped him to his feet while he steadied himself against her and seeing he had no objection she began to brush him down. 'That was nearly a bad fall! '

'Thank you. '

'You're welcome. You must be Patrick? '

'Paddy mostly. Nanna and Pop call me Patrick. We've been waiting and waiting for you to arrive! ' He looked up at her with his entrancing wide smile and for the first time saw the marks of his wet, grassy hands on the jacket of her suit. 'Oh, look what I've done! ' he exclaimed, his face instantly crumpling.

'As a matter of fact it's rather good! ' Jo looked down at her suit in amazement. 'There's a perfect set of prints! '

'We're not allowed to watch the F. B. I.! ' Paddy said virtuously.

'No hard feelings! ' Jo clutched his hand in her own and it curled up confidingly.

'Do you have dogs at home? ' he asked.

'Only a cat. I couldn't have two Afghans in an apartment. '

'What's that? '

'It's a place one has to adjust to when one doesn't have a home of one's own. You know, a block of flats! '

'I bet it follows you around, ' observed Paddy.

'What? '

'The cat. Here comes Jenny and Dad. Don't take any notice of Jenny. She's been waiting just as long as I have! '

A tall man who just had to be Paddy's father came towards her, a rueful, apologetic smile on his face. 'That was some welcome! I'll understand your feelings if you want to rage! '

'Why should I? It won me a friend! '

Marsh introduced them and Jo put out her hand. 'It's very nice of you to have me, Mr Symons. '

'Dave, please! ' His very blue eyes sparkled over her, then he turned to his friend. 'Couldn't you have protected this beautiful lady? '

'I've been trying to do that since I first laid eyes on her! '

'Meet Jenny! ' said Jenny's father, pushing her forward.

Jenny smiled up at her with just a shade of feminine reserve, a distinctive, intelligent-looking little girl with fair plaits and grey eyes. 'You were unlucky to meet Paddy first! ' she observed. 'Anyone who lives with him knows he's accident-prone! '

'And you had no business turning on the sprinkler! '

Paddy said wrathfully. 'I've been careful all morning! '

'That will do! ' their father said firmly. 'Consider we have guests! '

'Yes, and it's wonderful! ' Paddy went back to his expansive, all-embracing smile. He was still holding Jo's hand and all together they began to walk back towards the house. Marsh glanced across at Jo with a smiling mockery, obviously seeing some significance in the way she had gained Paddy's instant allegiance. No male was too small, his black eyes seemed to say. For that very reason it was senseless to let her get out of sight. She drew ahead with Paddy, who began to chatter away about being off school, and the two men fell into conversation, Jenny having arranged herself between them in the particular way of the sexes, holding each by the hand.

'Here comes Mummy! ' said Paddy. 'She's very sad mostly! '

'Oh, I am sorry! ' Jo sympathised.

'Do you like babies? '

'Oh yes! '

'We lost ours, ' the child said sadly.

Jo couldn't answer, but she pressed his hand consolingly. Anne Symons was coming down the short flight of steps to meet them, another petite blonde, but with an important difference. Tragedy lay on her like a grey veil. It marked her fair skin and drew, lustre from her hair and her grey eyes. A faint colour came to her skin as Marsh went towards her, resting his hands on her shoulders, then dropping a kiss on her fragile, upturned brow. Whether she wanted to withdraw or not he was bringing her forward to meet Jo, and the moment was filled with remonstrations as Anne saw the havoc Paddy's grubby hands had wrought on Jo's beautiful white jacket.

It actually took a little bit of time calming her, and somehow Jo found herself acting the older, stronger, more capable sister rather than a complete stranger some several years younger than her highly strung hostess. She dismissed the whole thing lightly, not in the least perturbed about a few marks on her jacket. Anne led her through to the main bedroom where she could put down her things and freshen up in the adjoining en suite bathroom.

'Marsh tells me you're an interior designer? ' she called.

Jo walked back into the bedroom minus her jacket which she had left hanging up in the bathroom, the worst of the grass stains sponged off. 'Yes, I'm with Leighton Interiors, ' she said lightly, her green eyes moving over Anne's rather fey, pale face.

'What a beautiful blouse! ' exclaimed Anne. 'It goes exactly with the colour of your eyes. I'm sure David knows your boss. Blair Leighton, isn't it? '

'Yes. '

'How remarkable that he should be marrying Julie! '

'Yes, it's a small world, as they say, ' Jo agreed.

'Don't let David talk shop over lunch! ' Anne warned, and a fugitive smile came to her face. She was actually a little healed by Jo's outgoing and basically managing nature and her expression registered her very real admiration. 'I know he recommends different designers from time to time to his clients. He's one of the new breed, determined to see the interior match up with the exterior design. '

'And he's obviously very talented! ' Jo's eyes swept around the muted luxury of the room.

'Yes! ' Anne agreed, and a shutter came over her eyes.

In the little silence Jo stood there catching some of Anne's distressed state of mind. Anne looked up, saw her expression and flushed. 'Don't mind me, Jo. I've grown very introspective. I suppose it shows? '

'Don't feel guilty about it! ' Jo leaned forward and touched her hand.

'What I really want, ' said Anne in an agonised rush, 'is my baby son! '

She looked like a small broken bird, perched so warily on the bed, and Jo dropped down beside her, moved to call her back from the brink of despair. 'Nothing so terrible has ever happened to me, Anne, so I don't know how I would react myself, but please don't let your grief crush you. I'm certain no one could have a more loving little family than you've got! '

'Yes! ' Anne whispered, her hands folded tightly in her lap. 'I used to be quite different, you know. '

'I like you the way you are! ' Jo assured her.

'No, it's true. I don't even pay much attention to my appearance any more. You've made me think of that— so glossy and beautiful. Losing Jamie—we named him after Marsh—turned me into another woman. I know I'm denying David the girl he fell in love with. I don't play with the children any more or even really listen to all they tell me. It's almost like turning into another human being. '

'Have you had a change of scene since it happened? '

'No, no! ' Anne continued to wring her hands. 'I haven't wanted to go away. More than anything I cling to the children I've got. Jamie's was a cot death. He was a beautiful, healthy baby in the night and dead the next morning. A mother should learn to accept these things, but I can't. I keep thinking why did it happen? Where did I go wrong? '

'Please, Anne! ' begged Jo.

Anne sighed. 'I have to stop, haven't I? '

'For your own sake. Grief is a citadel and we're really the only ones who can let ourselves out. You still have lots of love in your life. '

'Haven't you? ' Anne glanced up, looking calmer.

'Why do you ask? '

'You spoke so strangely. '

'I haven't got what you've got, Anne—a husband who loves me and two lovely healthy children. '

Anne seemed to hold her breath. 'Do you live alone, Jo? '

'Yes. My mother left my father when I was about Jenny's age. My father never forgave her or me. He died a few years ago. '

'Oh, I am sorry! ' Anne sat and stared at her, her eyes taking in every detail of Jo's face. 'My childhood was such a happy one. But a beautiful girl like you would have more admirers than you could possibly cope with. '

'The one I wanted got away! ' Jo said wryly.

'Then of course you know the pain of loss, ' Anne murmured quietly.

'It would be nothing compared to yours. '

Anne continued to stare at her for a few seconds, then she patted her hand. 'I'm a fool, Jo. Someone has hurt you cruelly. I can see it at the back of your eyes. You're not just a good listener, you really know! '

'The trouble is, what to do next. One can't remain in prison. Life moves on. '

'I'm very grateful to you for saying that, ' said Anne. 'David has tried to tell me over and over, but somehow I haven't listened. I've allowed my grief to spread to my family, and David has been so good. Men aren't allowed to cry. There's always a family to support. '

'But it's worth it! '

'Yes, it is! ' Anne stood up and smiled. 'Let's have a cup of tea. When did you meet Marsh? '

'Only last night. '

Anne looked towards the mirror and adjusted her short curls. 'He's absolutely first rate. We all adore him. He was our best man. Marsh was the star turn in their university days and David was always the runner-up. They took different courses, of course, but they always met on the field. Now Marsh controls a splendid chain of properties. You should get him to take you out to Malakai, ' she went on. 'It means secret place and it's the wildest, most beautiful place on earth. The children only saw it the once, but they decided it was just about the place they wanted to spend the rest of their lives. Do you know the Outback well? '

'I regret to say I don't know it at all, ' Jo confessed.

'We'll get Marsh to change that. Malakai is the farthest west. The landscape is unbelievable—the quality of light, the pottery colours, so burnt yet so vigorous! It makes the blood rush to the head. It's truly the home of the Dreamtime gods. One can almost feel they still walk there. Marsh exactly fits his environment. One glance is enough to tell he's totally out of the ordinary. '

'Yes, he does create a certain image! ' Jo tried hard to sound enthusiastic. Evidently it fooled Anne, who unexpectedly gave an impish smile.

'Get him to invite you to Malakai! '

'He did make a promise of sorts, ' Jo admitted.

'Well then...! ' Smiling, Jo could see that Anne restored to her old bloom would be a very attractive woman with a subtle, understated beauty, her large, well spaced grey eyes her most charming feature. 'I'm so glad you came, Jo, ' she said softly. .

'So am I! ' Green eyes smiled into grey. 'Perhaps it was written. '

'I feel like that too! '

'Tell me, did you do all your own interior design? ' Jo asked.

'I had David to inspire my imagination! '

Together they went out to rejoin the others, conscious that some strong bond had been forged between them. After that, the time seemed to fly and Dave was seen to look frequently at his wife, pathetically grateful for such increasing flashes of her former animation. In such glorious weather it had been decided to have lunch on the patio looking down towards the river where a beautiful white-faced heron searched the shallows for food. The children had already provided salad offerings from their own surprisingly luxuriant vegetable patch, and there was pink, juicy ham and roast chicken, freshly baked croissants and an excellent Riesling chilled to perfection. Jo looked down at their shining heads with a strange kind of pain. They were delightful children, intelligent and friendly, and they too were, conscious that something had put their mother in a tranquil humour.

Against her will she was drawn to look at Marsh McConnell. The last thing she expected was to find him observing her, his sculptured, very definite mouth faintly twisted. Every time she looked at him his face seemed to alter. It was a mobile face, a disquietening face in its strength and enormous vitality, and somehow it seemed to her barbaric! All he needed was gold earrings and the wind through those raven curls. Her eyes seemed riveted to him and she put it down to the sun on her head and two glasses of wine. Images of Blair unlocked beneath her eyes, but they were wavery, like a face under water. There was only one face she could see, Marsh McConnell's, and a feeling of fatalism settled around her. She would have to do whatever he wanted, and there was a suggestion of it in his face. Blair too would be dependent on what he decided. Blair, who couldn't forgo a woman's inheritance. She would have to put it out of her mind.

Dave went to refill her glass and she smiled at him with all the unconscious allure of a siren. 'Dave, please, all I'll want to do is sleep and. sleep! '

'Why not down there among the flowers! ' Marsh broke in dryly. 'Don't give her another one, Dave! '

'She seems all right to me, ' said Dave.

'It's not the proper time. I've got something I've saved up to say. '

'Then give it to us, pal. '

'Can you give us a clue? ' Anne too was looking dreamy and Marsh met her smiling eyes.

'This is something you must do if you want to please me. '

'Anything! ' She reached over and touched his hand, always at ease with him.

The children, sitting on either side of him, were tingling with excitement. 'Tell us, Uncle Marsh! '

'All right, then. How would you two like a long holiday on Malakai? '

'Oh, beaut! ' Their faces were moving pictures and their exclamations led to a general free-for-all where they hopped up from their chairs, unable to contain their excitement, Paddy launching himself at Marsh like a missile, associating him in his mind with wonderful things like horses and cattle and the great open spaces; flying through the air in one's own plane; mustering stock from a helicopter.

'Now, Paddy! ' his mother scolded gently, and took hold of him. 'You sound as if you mean it, Marsh? '

'Of course I do. Just as much I intend you two, you and Dave, to take a holiday together. It's high time you did, and you will, if you still want to stay my friend! '

'I can't, Marsh! ' she said in a heartbreaking voice.

Dave was looking very hard at his hands, long-fingered and clever. Marsh had said something of this to him earlier and though he longed to get Anne away he was prepared to hear her reject Marsh's merciful suggestion out of hand. He had carefully kept his own grief from her, but he knew he couldn't produce his best work until Anne settled and accepted their tragedy.

Jo noted the bewildered emotions on Anne's face, but she said nothing. A brilliant copper light was filtering through the vine-wreathed pergola catching all the gold lights in Anne's hair. Her expression was back to that of haunting sadness, but Marsh clearly intended to shock her out of it.

'You're too exhausted, Anne, to make the decision. Dave, how about it? '

'I'm thirty-four, ' Dave confessed, 'and I haven't seen the States! '

'Then I don't understand you at all! There are planes flying over there every day. '

Surprisingly Anne found her voice. 'But you're much too busy, Marsh, to look after the children, and Mrs Hays has more than enough on her hands. '

Marsh held up his hand in a gesture of authority, his eyes sparkling like jets between their thick curling lashes. 'Some things are ordained! ' he said almost tenderly. 'We have with us today Josephine, who is looking for a temporary position! '

'But Jo has a job! ' Anne protested.

'No, she's going to start up a little business of her own. All hush-hush, of course. Quite a few people have been trying to get hold of her and Leighton would be the last person to clip her wings. They grew up together. Right, Jo? '

'I'm slow! ' said Jo.

'He isn't! ' Dave choked back a laugh.

'Before Jo enslaves herself in her hothouse world again, ' Marsh continued, 'I think she; should see a little of nature's beauty. The seasons have been prodigal lately. Malakai will dazzle you. If you'll come with me and help look after the children I can promise you a whole new world! '

Paddy chose that very minute to break away from his mother and encircle Jo's neck in an altogether pleading grip.

'Would you, Jo? Nothing will happen if you won't! '

'Well—' Jo gazed into Paddy's sunny little face for a minute, 'if Mummy and Daddy are content to leave you in my care, I'll promise to look after you as if you were my very own. '

Anne gave a little gulping sob and thrust back her chair. Her face, worked for a moment, but she couldn't get anything out. Dave stood up instantly, peering very anxiously into her face.

'Anne darling! '

Anne gave in to the strange panic within her. She turned about and ran through the house.

'Go after her! ' Marsh said briskly.

'She mightn't want me! '

'Hell, man! ' Marsh stared at his friend, and after a tormented second Dave too went back through the house, where no door had slammed.

Jo turned to the children who stood there wide-eyed. 'Mummy is just a little upset. She doesn't want to leave you, you see. '

'Gee, we'll be good! ' Paddy assured her.

'It's not that! ' Jenny answered him shrilly. 'You just had to mess everything up falling over this morning, and she can't decide if it's safe to leave you. '

'No, it's not that! ' said Marsh very definitely. 'You'd really like to come? '

'Oh, we'd love to! ' both children chorused excitedly.

'Then show me you can follow a direction. Go and play for a while until the matter is decided. '

'May we have an apple? ' they asked.

'Yes, of course! ' Jo picked up two shiny Jonathans and passed them over.

'Come with us; Jo? ' Jenny asked, full of consideration. 'We could play table tennis. '

'Jo's going to stay here with me! ' Marsh said firmly. 'We've things to discuss. '

'Do come down later! ' Jenny smiled. 'Daddy built us our own entertainment room. It's just through the trees, so he can't hear us! '

They made off and the Afghans, at rest on their sides in the shade of the gums, suddenly leapt up in violent excitement, big and powerful enough to send both children flying, which was sometimes the case for all the loving relationship. Jo, by this time, felt she had reached a state where nothing seemed impossible. She stared at Marsh McConnell for a few seconds, then a burst of reaction overcame her.

'There's one particular label you're stuck with, General! '

His eyes travelled in a straight line over her face, and the iridescent silk blouse. 'What's your problem? '

The oddity of this struck her. 'You're my problem! I'm not a puppet to be pulled, on strings! '

'Don't you want to help Anne? ' he asked.

'Yes, I do! '

'Well then, what's filling you with this powerful agitation? You're clenching your fist! '

'Instinct! ' she said. 'You want to watch out! '

'Imagine! Is that how you feel about me? '

'There's a hateful exhilaration in being with you, yes! ' she admitted.

'Remember what they say, Josephine, ' he drawled, 'the truth will set you free! '

'I shall be certain to hit you in a minute. Why didn't you tell me? '

'There wasn't time! '

'It doesn't sound at all respectable to me! '

'I have a housekeeper! ' he drawled, and for some reason two dull spots of colour burned in her cheeks and the blood moved swiftly through every inch of her.

'I might want to help Anne, but I don't relish going with you. I might be walking into a trap! '

'The truth of the matter is, you're in it already! ' His black eyes flicked over her and for a minute Jo was aware of him and nothing else. Not the beauty of the garden and the shining band of the river. Not the lively little blue wrens that hopped about picking up the children's cake crumbs. Her flushed cheeks and her heated blood nearly had her on fire. This man who filled her with resistance had a powerful sexuality, and if her heart hadn't been given for ever she would find herself vulnerable.

'Anyway, ' she said, and looked away from him, 'Anne is too unhappy and confused to agree. I feel for her. '

'And you've reached her—I could see that at once. Dave has taken note of it too. I'm not asking anything difficult of you. Look after the children for a month or six weeks and enjoy yourself as well. Naturally I intend to pay you. You may look a million dollars, but I know you're a working girl. Besides, it will give you a breathing space. '

'Oh, thanks! ' she said coldly. 'It seems to me you want me out of the way! '

'Do you find that so strange? ' he queried.

Jo sighed, disconcerted by the hard light in his eyes. 'I had no idea Blair would be at the shop this morning. '

'Really? The whole effect was one of premeditated passion! '

'You heard him! ' she cried.

'And contempt fills me. I find it strange that a woman like you could fall for Blair. '

'Am I so very different from Julie? '

'Yes! ' he said flatly.

'In any case, Anne won't leave her children, ' she went on.

'She will, and you're coming with me. '

'I'd forgotten—you're the General. '

'Then you'd better be careful and obey orders. Anne has to have a complete change of scene. She's only a pale shadow of what she was. It hurts me to see the change in her, and Dave isn't standing up too well either. Don't forget, I know him very well. '

Jo lifted her face towards the wide, glittering river. 'Do you intend to let Julie's marriage go through? '

'Are you thinking of making a fight of it? '

'She loves him and he wants to marry her! '

'Whose case are you arguing? ' His black eyes flashed and there was a sparkle of anger in them.

'I wish you'd go away, ' she sighed, 'but you won't! '

'No, I won't! ' The sun shone directly across his bronze profile and the skin glowed with health. He was really rather superb in a devilish kind of way, but her mind had stored up too many memories of a single face. It swam into sharp focus, thin chiselled features, traditional good looks. She had loved him, and how had he rewarded her, by flinging her tothis lion of a man? She had lost something precious and irretrievable when she lost Blair, and anguish flooded her whole being.

Her eyes were like emeralds and her colour was heightened. She knew she was betraying herself, for Marsh's voice had a cutting, contemptuous flavour. 'I usually pride myself on non-interference, but I don't shirk a disagreeable duty either. If Leighton thinks to marry my cousin, I've enough evidence now to persuade her to change her mind. '

'I might love Blair, ' she said, feeling giddy and angry, 'but I didn't say I wanted to marry him. Now! '

'What are you going to do, wait for me to give him back to you? Didn't it occur to you last night, Julie is afraid of you? '

'She has an extraordinary way of showing it! ' snapped Jo.

'She's wondering what you intend to do next. '

'Well, you certainly don't sit around doing that! You charge into the shop, knock Blair down and carry me off! '

'Women have been abducted before, ' he said slowly.

'Not in this day and age! '

'I'm trying to save you from tearing yourself to pieces! '

'I can't believe that! ' Her hand was shaking violently and she curled it in her lap.

'That's what you're doing, isn't it? ' he demanded. 'Leighton's not good enough for you! '

'I don't understand you, ' Jo sighed. 'Aren't you on Julie's side? '

'Yes, I am. The thing is, Julie wants him, good or bad. What's more, she has the money to buy him. '

'How despicable! '

'Yes, I think so too, ' he returned smoothly. 'Julie's no fool. Don't let those baby blue eyes lead you astray. She wanted Leighton and in her quiet tenacious little way she made that plain. Fortunately he was willing. I think Julie knows very well what she's about. '

'And you've been telling me she needs protection? '

'Protection from you, not Leighton. Given a little time she may even handle him. Why I hesitate at all is that I'm certain she's aware of his feelings for you! '

'Don't worry, they're not chronic! ' she said bitterly. 'I'm an embarrassment all round! '

'In another six months you'll have forgotten him, ' Marsh assured her.

'Oh, do shut up! ' she sighed. 'Don't ask me to attend the wedding. '

'You may have to. Your Aunt Elizabeth sees you as a beautiful bridesmaid. '

'Dear God! ' Jo shuddered.

'You're not vain,, are you? '

'Have I any reason to be? ' she asked entirely without conceit.

Marsh looked searchingly at her; the warmly tinted olive skin, the beautifully moulded features, the mystery of almond-shaped green eyes and the glossy mass of black hair that had a tinge of plum in the sunlight, and he completely changed the subject.

'Think you'll be able to handle the kids? '

'I'm a woman, aren't I? '

'Very much so, but there's some evidence that a lot of women are hopeless with children. '

Jo glanced at him scathingly from the sides of her iridescent eyes. 'I'll bet I earn every cent you pay me. Actually I'd like to do it for nothing. I'd feel better! '

'I can't let you, ' he said.

'If you don't, I won't come. After all, I'm doing it for Anne and Dave, not you. My board and lodging will be more than enough! ' she tacked on aggressively. 'I hope we haven't upset Anne any further. I think she's had enough. What do you suppose they're saying? '

'Oh, wondering about you and me! If it helps, let them think this is the beginning of a tender, loving relationship. '

'Now that could never be! ' she said jeeringly. 'I have an appointment this afternoon. '

Marsh raised his eyebrows. 'Oh? Doing what? '

'Kindly remember you're not the only man in my life! '

'I pity them! '

'It pleases you to talk like that? '

'I keep remembering Leighton's face, ' he said tersely. 'What was he trying to do, get you upstairs? '

'Maybe I would have gone! ' Jo lied, infuriated.

'And I'd have broken your neck! '

'Lovely! And I'm answerable to you! '

'Quiet! ' He held up an imperious hand as if she were no more than a naughty schoolgirl and she found herself gritting her teeth against such outrageous autocracy.

'I'm through when I say I'm through and not a moment before! '

'You're through now! ' he said bluntly. 'Anne and Dave are coming back. Seeing the baby-sitters coming to blows hardly inspires confidence! '

Swiftly Jo rearranged her expression and stood up, going towards Anne and touching her arm. 'Forgive me if I upset you, Anne. It was never my intention. '

Anne had been crying, that was evident, from the pinkness of her nose and her puffy lids, but her small face was that of a woman who was moved and deeply touched.

'On the contrary, Jo, I know I've found a good friend in you. I'm sure Marsh was directed in bringing you to us. David and I both think so, and thank you too. If you'll be kind enough to look after the children, we will take that holiday. I owe it to David, and I see now that I really do need one! '

Marsh, on his feet smiling, pulled out her chair. 'Thank God that's settled! Come and sit down again. It's time we made a few plans! '

Over both women's heads, Dave's eloquent blue eyes, so exactly reproduced in his son, communicated to his friend: 'Thanks, pal! '

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