Authors: Barbara Taylor Bradford
‘Very all right,’ she answered, happiness flooding her face.
It seemed to Evan that the following ten days passed in a flash. She was very busy at Harte’s. The retrospective was a huge success, so much so they were innundated with requests for interviews from newspapers and magazines, and there was quite a lot of interest from foreign publications. This aside, they were starting to do record business on the various fashion floors.
Evan sat at her desk in her office on Wednesday afternoon, going over her appointments for the rest of the week. Thankfully things had eased off a little for her personally, and she only had two photographic sessions to supervise. One was set for tomorrow afternoon, and the second on Friday morning. Leaning back in the chair she thought about the weekend. It was going to be very special. On Friday evening Paula and Shane were giving an engagement dinner for Linnet and Julian at Pennistone Royal; only the three families were invited, the Hartes, the O’Neills and the Kallinskis. And then on Saturday night the sixtieth birthday party for Shane and Winston would take place in the gardens of the ancient house.
Everyone was excited about the upcoming weekend, and she was driving up to Yorkshire on Friday afternoon with Linnet and India. They had toyed with the idea of taking the train to Harrogate but in the end had settled on the car because it was more convenient.
As thoughts of the weekend ran through her head Evan glanced at the dresses hanging on the rack at the far end of her office, and she stood up, went over to look at them. For the engagement dinner she had bought a lovely, pale-grey silk slip dress with spaghetti straps, very simple and elegant, but she was uncertain about what to wear on Saturday night for the birthday party. She knew Gideon loved her in light blues and aquas, and her first choice was a floating chiffon dress in a mix of those colours, with long, full sleeves and an ankle-length skirt. Now, as she looked at it again, compared it with the rose-coloured silk India had picked out for her, she knew the blue chiffon was right for her. There was something delicate about it: and it was soft, feminine and romantic.
The shrill of the phone made her jump, and she hurried back to the desk, picked it up. ‘Hello? Evan Hughes here.’
‘Hello, darling. It’s Gid.’
‘Yes, I know.’
‘I’ll pick you up at six-forty-five tonight. Is that all right?’
‘Yes, of course. I’ll see you then,’ she answered, then made a kissing sound against the receiver.
‘Many kisses in return, my Evan,’ he said, and hung up.
As she began to move towards the rack the phone rang again. She snatched it up. ‘Evan Hughes,’ she said into the receiver.
‘Hello, Evan. It’s your father.’
‘Hi, Dad, thanks for calling back. How’re you, how’s my mother?’
‘Doing much better, Evan. She’s not so depressed at the moment, we’re going out more often and she’s even been into New York with me this past weekend.’
‘Oh Dad, that’s so wonderful. I’m really thrilled.’
‘I got your message that you wanted to talk to me urgently. Is everything all right?’
‘No problems, no problems at all, I just wondered if you’d made any plans to come to London? Remember you said you were thinking of taking a vacation here this summer.’
There was a small silence, a hesitation at the other end of the phone, and then Owen cleared his throat, and said, ‘I couldn’t make it before August. Yes, I
was
thinking of August. It’ll be lovely to see you Evan, I’ve missed you.’
She caught the sudden wistfulness in his voice and for a moment she almost told him about Robin, but caught herself just in time. She was worried about his reaction and informing him about the letters, all they had revealed, over the phone would not work. And so she bit back the words, and said, ‘I can’t wait to see you, and I’ve missed you too. Will Mom be coming with you?’
‘I’m not sure. Certainly I’ll bring her if she’s well enough.’ Owen chuckled. ‘That’s where we first met, honey.’
‘I know. How’s business, Dad?’
‘Can’t complain. And I know you’re just thriving, I can hear it in your voice.’
‘I am. I love London, and I love working at the store.’
‘Still being nice to you, are they?’
‘Very much so, and as I told you last week, the retrospective was a huge success.’
‘Congratulations again, honey. I’ll call you soon. Or call me when you’ve got a moment. At home. Your mother loves your calls, Evan.’
‘I will Dad. Love to Mom and the girls. Love you.’
‘I love you too, Evan.’
They hung up, and she stood looking at the receiver for a moment, her mind full of Robin and everything that had happened in the last ten days. How her life had changed…
It was six-fifteen when Evan left Harte’s through the staff entrance, and she knew at once that she was going to have trouble finding a taxi. There were none in sight. She glanced up and down, and then decided to walk. It was a nice evening, quite warm, and although it was a good twenty minutes from Knightsbridge back to the hotel, she knew it was wiser not to dawdle, looking for a cab. Anyway she might easily pick one up on the way home.
Striding out, she hurried on past the back of the store and a small parking area, so intent on getting back to the hotel as quickly as possible she did not notice two men and a woman loitering just beyond the parking lot. It was only when one of the men grabbed hold of her arm, that she saw them, startled, her eyes widening. The woman lurched at her, punching her in the stomach; Evan gasped, doubled over, dropping her briefcase in the process.
Evan felt a hard blow in the middle of her back and her legs gave way. She fell onto the pavement, gasping even harder, her breath strangled in her throat. The woman grabbed her handbag, and one of the men leaned down over her, showing a knife. She recoiled, terrified, certain he was going to stab her. ‘Please don’t hurt me,’ she whispered, barely able to speak.
‘Gimme the earrings,’ the thug bending over her hissed, ‘c’mon, gimme the pearls.’ He kicked her thigh with a booted foot and bending closer he pressed the knife point at her throat.
Shaking now, and filled with spiralling fear, Evan pulled off the earrings, fortunately clip-ons and dropped them on the ground. The other young thug pounced on them, and the one with the knife at her throat said, ‘The watch. Gimme the Rolex or I’ll cut yer.’
With trembling hands Evan took off her watch and threw it down, shrinking into herself, doubling over, bracing herself for another kick from the booted foot. But nothing happened. She lay there curled in the foetus position, hardly daring to breath. Suddenly she felt the boot smash against her side, and the thug kept on kicking her, while his partner bent even closer to her body, pressing the knife point on her neck, breaking the skin. ‘I’m gonna cut yer…’
‘Hey, what’s going on!’ a woman’s voice shouted, echoing down the street.
Evan heard running feet and she opened her eyes, saw her three attackers fleeing; a moment later a young woman was bending over her, asking her if she was all right.
‘I think so,’ Evan whispered hoarsely, touching her neck, then looking at her fingers. ‘He cut my neck,’ she said, sounding surprised. ‘He drew blood.’
‘So I can see.’ The young woman hunkered down, stared into her face. ‘Do you think anything’s broken?’
‘No. One of them kicked me in the thigh and the side, the others hit me on my back and stomach. But I guess I’m okay.’ Evan swallowed, tried to sit up, but found it difficult.
‘Here, let me help you.’ The young woman put an arm around her and somehow levered her to her feet.
Evan leaned against her for a moment, trying to gather her swimming senses. She began to cough; her throat felt dry and she coughed again, holding her hand to her face. Finally, she straightened and looked at the young woman. ‘Thank you. I think you saved me from being badly hurt.’
‘I’m glad I was around to help. Can you stand? Do you think you’re really all right?’
Evan nodded. ‘Sure. My legs are a bit wobbly, but I’m fine, honestly. Please, tell me your name, I’d like to—’
‘No, no, that’s not necessary,’ the young woman answered, giving her a quick smile. ‘I’m just glad you’re all right.’ She hurried off, obviously wanting to go about her own business.
For a moment or two Evan leaned against the wall, and then she looked down at her beige trousers, brushed the dirt off, started to walk. She was shaken up, and nervous, could hardly walk steadily, but she had no choice but to do so if she wanted to get home.
Spotting a taxi at last she flagged it down, told him where to go and got in, leaning against the seat, filled with relief. Tentatively, she touched her neck, saw blood on her fingers again, and groping around in her pocket she found a tissue. She pressed it to her neck, endeavouring to steady herself.
When the taxi pulled up in front of the small hotel, Evan saw Gideon standing on the steps, looking up and down the street, obviously wondering where she was.
She got out, moving slowly towards him, explaining, ‘I’ve been mugged. Could you please pay the cab-driver, Gid.’
He was horrified. Grabbing hold of her, he held her against him, took a ten pound note out of his pocket and gave it to the cab-driver. Then he led her inside, concerned, solicitous, and seething that this had happened.
‘I have to sit down a minute,’ she said, as they went through the entrance foyer, and indicated the sitting room. ‘Let’s go in there.’
The room was empty, and Evan sank onto a sofa, stared at Gideon who was hovering over her anxiously. ‘What happened? Are you up to telling me?’
‘Yes, I am. But could you please get me a glass of water first, my throat feels so dry.’
He nodded and disappeared, returning a moment later with a glass of fizzy water. ‘Would you like a brandy? Would that help?’
‘No, thanks, this is fine.’ She took a long swallow, looked at Gideon and burst into tears.
‘Oh darling,’ he said, sitting down next to her. ‘I’m so sorry this happened to you. London’s become such a dangerous city. Muggings happening in broad daylight like tonight.’ He gave her his handkerchief and she dried her eyes, then pressed it against her neck.
‘He cut me,’ she muttered, taking the handkerchief away. ‘Is it a bad wound?’
Gideon leaned closer, examined her neck. ‘Thankfully, it’s just a nick. Are you sure you’re not hurt? Do you want to go to Emergency?’
‘No, no, I’m okay! I am, Gid, honestly. They kicked me, punched me, took my briefcase and my bag. And one of them made me give him my pearl earrings, and my Rolex.’ Tears sprang into her eyes again. ‘The earrings were my grandmother’s.’
He put his arms around her and soothed her, and when she was calm she was able to tell him what had happened. ‘The thug with the knife really frightened me,’ she finished. ‘I thought he was going to kill me. I was fortunate that the young woman came down the street when she did. She scared them off, they fled at the sight of her.’
‘You’re lucky she stopped to help, some people wouldn’t have,’ Gideon told her.’
‘I guess you’re right.’ Leaning back against the sofa, Evan went on. ‘Fortunately there wasn’t much in my handbag–makeup, a little money. My passport and credit card are in my room here. Linnet warned me ages ago not to carry too much unless I was sure I needed it.’
‘I’m glad she did.’ Gideon brought her close, held her in his arms. ‘I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you, Evan. You’re the most precious thing to me.’ He stroked her head, and went on, ‘Perhaps we ought to go up to your room, look at your knees. You said they were hurting you.’
‘Yes, let’s go upstairs. Do you mind cancelling the reservation at the Ivy? I don’t think I’m up to going out. And we could eat here. You said you liked the dining room.’
‘That’s a good idea. Come on.’ Gideon stood up, helped her off the sofa, and putting his arm around her he led her to the lift.
Once they were in her room Evan took off her jacket and trousers, and sat down. Gideon examined her knees. ‘They’re grazed, that’s all,’ he murmured. ‘Nothing serious. Stand up, let me look at your back.’
She did as he asked, and flinched slightly when he touched it. ‘That hurts. He hit me in the middle of my back. But the more I think about it, the luckier I feel, Gid. I got away with a few scratches and bruises. I could have been seriously hurt.’
‘That’s true. But don’t stand here talking. Go and have a hot bath, it will help you ease the pain a bit.’ He kissed her on the forehead. ‘Go on, scoot.’
She did as he asked, disappeared into the bathroom and closed the door. Gideon sat down in the big easy chair in the seating area, picked up the phone and dialled the restaurant, and after cancelling his reservation, he switched on the television set. But he found he could not concentrate. His mind was awash with thoughts of the mugging, her lucky escape. It struck him as odd that the mugging took place so close to the store, but then there was no saying where they would happen these days. They were so prevalent they were becoming a nightmare.
He thought then of Jonathan Ainsley and sat up straighter in the chair, his eyes narrowing. Paula had called him dangerous and Gideon believed she was correct. Jonathan already knew about Evan, knew that his father had a grandchild. According to his mother, Robin was in the process of drawing up certain legal documents with his solicitors, in order to satisfy several demands Jonathan had made. His inheritance was in no way jeopardized, and he was totally aware of that.
On the other hand, might he not bear malice? Might he not want to hurt Evan in some way? Out of spite? A mugging could be arranged, couldn’t it?
Gideon pushed these thoughts away, not wishing to think that Evan had been a target. Better to believe this incident had been random.
T
hey were all assembled in the great Stone Hall of Pennistone Royal. The Hartes, the O’Neills and the Kallinskis…the three clans.
The men looked splendid in their dinner jackets, the women elegant in their evening gowns and jewels. And there was a feeling of festivity in the air as they mingled with each other and sipped champagne.
Paula, wearing a gown of pale green chiffon and Emma’s emeralds, slowly moved around the hall, speaking to everyone. Her brother Philip had arrived back from Paris the night before, and had been amazed when she had told him the story of Uncle Robin, Glynnis and the hidden letters. He stood with his daughter Fiona, here from Oxford, and Uncle Robin, chatting amiably with Evan and Gideon. Those two seemed joined at the hip, she thought, going over to speak to them all for a moment, and then moving on. She paused to kiss her mother Daisy and aunt Elizabeth.
Uncle Ronnie spotted her and waved, and she glided across to him. He was with his son Michael, Julian’s father, and they both planted kisses on her cheek and told her she looked wonderful.
‘What an occasion this is,’ Sir Ronnie said, beaming. ‘Finally they are to become engaged.’
Paula laughed. ‘It’s fantastic’
Sir Ronald Kallinski drew her closer, and whispered against her ear, ‘I heard from my bankers in the City that Jonathan Ainsley has put his new company on the market. Apparently he’s about to return to Hong Kong. Permanently. That should please you, Paula.’
‘It does,’ she murmured, and as she walked on she felt as though a burden had been lifted, and so unexpectedly.
Everyone who had been invited had come, and, most importantly to her, Aunt Edwina was there. She was Emma’s first-born child, over ninety now, and the Dowager Countess of Dunvale. And what a countess she makes, Paula thought admiringly. Edwina was resplendent in purple silk and a necklace of diamonds, and looked every inch the aristocrat. ‘She’s something else,’ Paula murmured to Shane who drew to a standstill next to her.
‘Who is?’ he asked, putting his hand under her elbow.
‘Aunt Edwina. Doesn’t she look perfectly…wonderful.’
‘Yes, but then all of the ladies do. Come on, darling, let’s not stand here. We’ve something to do now.’
‘Yes, I know.’ She looked up at him. ‘I wish Grandy and Blackie were here.’
‘Maybe they are,’ he answered. ‘Watching over us.’
Together Paula and Shane walked into the middle of the Stone Hall, and were joined by Linnet, radiant in pale yellow silk, her red hair a burnished halo. She held Julian’s hand tightly, and he looked so proud of her. Within seconds the group was silent, waiting for Shane to speak.
‘In 1905, ninety-six years ago now, three ambitious young people living in Leeds became friends,’ Shane said. ‘Emma Harte, Blackie O’Neill and David Kallinski. They remained friends all of their lives, and it was always their hope, their dream that the three clans would be united in marriage. Tonight their wish is finally fulfilled. Let us toast their descendants, their great-grandchildren Linnet and Julian, who will soon be joined in holy matrimony.’