The Arrogance Of Love

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‘Dear me, I suppose I better had,’ Susan grimaced. ‘He doesn't like me to ring him at work.'

‘Why, for heaven's sake? He's a partner in the firm, isn't he?'

‘Yes, but he likes to keep his working life separate from his private life. He says I disturb his concentration when he's busy.'

Amanda raised her eyes heavenward and then turned away. ‘Well, get it over with. There isn't a lot of time and you'll have to go home again and pack a suitcase. You'll need a change of clothes and an evening dress of some sort.'

‘Why an evening dress? Are we going somewhere in particular?'

‘We're flying out today, and spending tonight at Dom's apartment in Paris. Then, in the morning, we'll drive down to Fontainebleau with Jon. We're spending the night there and returning to Paris on Sunday. We might do a little sightseeing in Paris, stay Sunday night at the apartment again, and return home on Monday.'

‘Oh! But I can't stay at this ch?teau. I mean, I don't know these people at all really, except through you. They won't be expecting me.'

‘Yes, they will. Dom phoned Fay while I was there last evening. And he told her that you would probably be accompanying me, and then afterwards I spoke to Fay myself and she was most enthusiastic. You'll like Fay. She's only thirty-four. She was married when she was seventeen, and has three lovely children. Her husband, the Count, is a darling.'

Susan felt completely out of her depth. Going to Paris for a weekend was one thing; staying in a French ch?teau with a count and his family was quite another. She would not know what to talk about.

‘Oh, really, Amanda, I think I'm going to back out of this,’ she murmured self-consciously. ‘I thought we were just taking this boy to Paris. I didn't imagine we were going to stay with Mr. Halstad's sister.'

‘I know you didn't. But what does that matter? As I've said, you'll like Fay. She's not at all snobbish, if that's what you're afraid of. And the children are terrors. Quite ordinary and all that.'

‘But a count …’ said Susan helplessly. ‘I wouldn't know how to address him.'

‘Knowing Raoul, I should imagine he'll suggest you call him by his Christian name,’ returned Amanda smoothly. ‘Now come along, get that phone call made, and then get along home for your things.'

Susan felt she was being swept along on a strong tide that would not allow her to get away, and, unable to resist the temptation, she lifted the telephone. She thought, dryly, that Amanda had probably known about this trip earlier in the week, but had not said anything because she knew that, given time to think about it, Susan would certainly have refused, or allowed David to change her mind for her.

To her relief, David did not sound irritable when he answered the telephone and she said, tentatively: ‘Darling, do you mind terribly if I go away with Amanda this weekend?'

David's good humour vanished, and he sounded annoyed. ‘Away? Where to?'

‘Paris. Amanda has to – deliver something to Paris, and has decided to go herself and spend the weekend there. She wants me to go – in case – in case she has any time for working.'

‘That sounds rather fishy,’ remarked David coldly. ‘Now why are you really going?'

Susan sighed. ‘Oh, really, David, don't you believe me? It's true. Amanda is taking some – one – to Paris.'

‘Not something!'

‘No. Jon Halstad.’ Susan sounded a little weary.

‘I thought as much. And is Dominic Halstad going too?'

‘Of course not. Just Amanda and me and this boy. Oh, darling, you know last weekend you didn't have much time for me. Couldn't you agree for once that I'll have a much more exciting time there than spending the whole of Sunday with your mother?'

David snorted. ‘My mother! I thought she would be brought into this. Just why did you ring me, Susan? Your mind is already made up, isn't it? You've decided to go and you're only letting me know, not asking me.'

Susan clenched her fists. David was right, of course. She had decided to go and she was merely going through the formalities by asking him for permission. She was being selfish, too, she supposed, but it sounded such a wonderful experience and spring in Paris was supposed to be quite something.

Aware that David was speaking again, she brought her thoughts back to the present.

‘… and when may I expect to see you again? Monday?'

‘Of course. We'll be back Monday morning. I'll be able to tell you all about it on Monday night.'

‘Very well. But don't make a habit of it.'

Feeling like a prisoner who has been let out of jail on a weekend pass, Susan couldn't keep the excitement out of her voice, as she said:

‘Thank you, darling. I'll be good.'

David grunted something in reply and rang off, and Susan replaced her receiver meticulously.

‘That's settled, then,’ said Amanda, and Susan became aware of her at her elbow.

‘Yes, it's settled. But I do feel guilty, Amanda. I can't help it.'

Amanda shrugged. ‘That will wear off,’ she said bluntly. ‘Now, you take a taxi back to the flat and collect your things. It's ten now; be back soon after eleven and we'll have an early lunch before leaving for the airport. Bill will take us. By the way, Jon is lunching here. He'll probably be here when you get back.'

‘All right.’ Susan rose to her feet. ‘My tummy feels as though a rotor has been installed.'

Amanda grinned. ‘Good. Bit of excitement is good for the juices. Don't be long.'

Susan packed her suitcase swiftly, then she climbed back into a taxi and drove to the store where Delia worked. She managed to contact Delia in the canteen and explained the position.

‘How heavenly!’ gasped Delia. ‘A weekend in France. It sounds marvellous! Just the thing to tone you up. You've looked pretty fed-up at times this week. I was beginning to get quite worried about you.'

‘Were you now? Well, there's no need. I'm fine.'

‘You are now. You look as different again. You've lost that bored expression. What did David say?'

‘Oh, the usual things. He wasn't very pleased, and I can understand that. After all, I don't suppose I'd like him to go flying off for a weekend on the continent without me.'

Delia linked her hands. ‘Is this Dominic Halstad going to be there?'

‘Good heavens, no! That's the reason we're going. If he were going there would be no need for Amanda to take the boy, would there?'

‘No. I guess not. Well, have a good time.'

‘Thanks. Actually, I'm a mass of nerves. How do you address a count?'

‘Don't be silly, you'll be all right. If I know Amanda Blake she'll give you a marvellous time. Look at last year when you went to Portugal. You had a terrific time!'

Susan nodded slowly, and then glanced at her watch. ‘Gosh, I must go. It's after eleven. See you Monday.'

‘Okay,’ Delia smiled, and Susan dashed off to find another taxi, feeling recklessly extravagant.

When she entered Amanda's apartment she immediately saw Jon Halstad. She would have recognized him anywhere. He was very like Dominic, with the same dark complexion, and lean good looks. His hair was curly, and he was dressed in a dark-grey suit with close-fitting trousers, and a white shirt. He looked about eighteen, and if she had expected some pale, wan, neglected teenager, dressed in jeans and a sweater, she was much mistaken. Jon Halstad was a strong, self-possessed young man, and he gave Susan a thorough appraisal as she removed her coat and advanced into the room.

His eyes took in the slim-fitting green suit with the fur collar, and the nylon-clad legs. Although he was not as tall as his father, he was still a little taller than Susan and in her high heels their eyes were on a level.

‘Jon?’ she ventured slowly.

‘Yes. You must be Susan.’ He smiled. ‘My father told me you would be going with us. Tell me, do you know my father well?'

Susan flushed. ‘Not very, why? Didn't he explain that I'm Amanda's secretary?'

‘Oh, yes, he told me that. But I wondered …’ His gaze slid away, and Susan felt mortified. Did he mean what she thought he was meaning? Surely not? Oh, God, she thought, what have I let myself in for?

She was relieved when Amanda came into the room, smiling cheerfully. ‘Ah, there you are, Susan. Have you met Jon?'

‘We've introduced ourselves,’ said Susan, swallowing hard. ‘Is there anything you want me to do?'

‘No, I don't think so.’ Amanda shook her head. ‘Well, Jon, are you looking forward to going to your aunt's?'

Jon shook his head. ‘Not particularly. Those kids are a bind.'

Amanda frowned. ‘Jeremy is only a year younger than you,’ she said. ‘You ought to be good friends. And Yvonne is the same age as you, isn't she?'

‘Oh, sure.’ Jon shrugged. ‘There's nothing to do there, though. Except go swimming in the lake.'

‘And what thrills do you indulge in here in town?’ asked Amanda dryly. ‘You're not old enough to go night-clubbing yet, or has your father already initiated you into that art?'

Jon laughed, and Susan found herself laughing too. Amanda's expression was so comical.

‘No, I don't go to night clubs. Just strip shows.'

Aware that he was teasing her now, Amanda chuckled. ‘All right, Jon, I'm sorry. But please, try and enjoy yourself at Fontainebleau. Your aunt tries so hard to please you.'

‘I know. Because I'm like Dad. She thinks the world of him, you know, and she hardly ever sees him.'

‘Hmn. Dominic really does neglect his family, doesn't he?'

‘All except one member,’ replied Jon coldly.