Authors: Unknown
She began to tremble and closed her eyes to try and shut out the vision. He was Mark. He must be. He’d got to be!
Luke took her action as a sign of assent. Suddenly his lips were on hers, tenderly, experimentally— with none of the passion she had experienced under Mark’s embraces. Luke was feeling his way, afraid to hurry, yet anxious for her reaction. For one long second she remained submissive beneath his touch, even though every fibre of her being called out in response, then with a shuddering sigh she pushed him away. ‘How dare you!’ she snapped, more angry with herself than with Luke, but determined not to let him know this. ‘How dare you take advantage! ’ He was unperturbed. ‘I’m only trying to prove something.’ His eyes were as light as amber and the dimples hovered in his cheeks as he suppressed a smile. ‘How did I compare?’
Taryn glared. ‘Abysmally. I guess you’re right— Mark never kissed me like that.’
‘Ah, but you didn’t give me a fair trial. I’d hardly got going. Maybe we’d better make sure.’ He edged forward.
Taryn pressed back against the door, her breast heaving beneath the tight shirt which she still clutched with one hand. ‘You touch me again and I’ll ’
He quirked a brow and waited. 'I’ll never forgive you,' she finished bravely.
‘You’re very fond of making dramatic statements,' he chuckled. ‘I wonder if you ever carry them out. I’ve a good mind to try and—where are you going?’ as the door swung open beneath her touch.
‘Home,' she retorted. ‘I don’t want to sit here and listen to you any longer.'
He looked at her shirt. ‘Like that? What
will
the neighbours think? Come on, I'll take you.’
Ungraciously Taryn slammed the door. He was right—she daren’t walk through the village like this. Lips pressed together, she stared straight ahead and waited for him to start.
‘I wish I understood you,’ he said, as the car turned an arc in the drive. ‘I really am only trying to help.'
'I'll find my own solution, thanks,' she asserted quietly, ‘and if you don’t mind my saying so I think the less I see of you the better. You can pass on your instructions through Andy.' Immediately the words were out she regretted them. This wasn’t how one spoke to an employer. It would serve her right if he sacked her on the spot.
‘Suit yourself,’ he said lightly, though had she looked across she would have seen the tightening of his jaw. ‘So long as the work is carried out to my satisfaction I can’t see that it matters one way or the other. And if it will help you ’ He left the sentence in mid-air.
There was silence between them for the rest of the short journey. Outside the cottage Taryn murmured a quick, Thank you for the lift,’ and fled indoors before he could speak.
Great-aunt Margaret looked up in surprise as her niece dashed through the living room, her blouse flying open and the suspicion of tears on her face. And when she heard Luke’s car pull away she was even more astounded, but shrewdly she allowed Taryn to proceed upstairs unchecked, knowing that in time she would learn what was troubling the girl.
As for Taryn herself, she lay on the bed and allowed her tears to flow freely. She was shaken and afraid—afraid of her own response to Luke’s kisses. Why, oh, why had he set her pulse racing? What had caused this reaction? Was it Luke himself who evoked these feelings, or his resemblance to Mark? She arrived at no tangible answer, knowing only that she must keep a tighter rein on her emotions. It would never do to become involved a second time—whether with the same man or someone else.
Half an hour passed before she felt calmer. Smiling ruefully to herself, she changed into a clean shirt, splashed cold water on to her face and went downstairs to face Gammy.
A pot of tea stood on the table—her aunt’s remedy for all occasions. Gammy sat knitting and pretending to concentrate on the intricate pattern as Taryn poured herself a drink. Taryn knew it was a front; her aunt was full of curiosity but was too polite to question her.
‘Well, go on,’ Taryn encouraged, ‘why don’t you ask me what happened? I can see you’re dying to know.’
Gammy nodded. ‘Naturally, but I also know you will tell me when you’re ready.’
‘Well, it would be nice if you showed a bit of enthusiasm instead of sitting there as though I’d just come back from the pictures or something. What do you think happened? Didn’t you see my blouse?’ Sometimes Gammy’s calm manner irritated her, and today was one of those occasions.
The old lady’s eyes twinkled. ‘I saw—and I know what construction most people would put on it— but I’m not most people and I know my own niece well enough to realise that she wouldn’t get up to any hanky-panky.’
‘I can’t get you going, can I?’ grumbled Taryn good-naturedly. She felt nearer to her own normal self now and could laugh at the situation which less than an hour ago had driven her almost to distraction.
She proceeded to tell her aunt about the predicament in which she had landed herself and their discussion about Mark, followed by Luke’s suggestion that he should try and prove his identity by kissing her.
This amused her aunt tremendously. ‘So typical of the impression I’ve gained,’ she said, ‘but did it help?'‘
'Who can say?’ Taryn deliberately kept her tone casual. ‘It would be wrong to try and compare. The circumstances weren’t right.’
‘Then you’re not as indifferent as you make out?’
‘I don’t know what you mean.’
‘If his attentions hadn’t affected you, I hardly think you’d have come flying in here as though all hell had let loose. You can’t escape love.’
'Love!'
Taryn flashed scornfully, it will be a long time before I fall in love again—if ever—and it certainly won’t be with Luke Major. Besides which,’ she added as an afterthought, ‘aren’t you forgetting he’s married?’
‘No, no, but I’d rather not dwell on that aspect at the moment.’
‘When we’re talking about love I should think it’s of paramount importance. Anyway, I’ve told him it will be best if we steer clear of each other in future.'
Gammy looked up sharply. ‘You surprise me sometimes, Taryn. Don't you think you’re behaving childishly?’
‘Maybe,’ she shrugged, ‘but I can’t help it. You don’t know what it’s like being confronted with— with—oh, you know what I mean.’ She crashed her cup down into its saucer and moved towards the door. ‘I think I’ll go out on Dainty for an hour; try and refresh myself.’
Out on the moors she let the horse have his head. For three days he had been neglected and now behaved like a child out of school, racing, prancing, leaping. Taryn laughed aloud and dug in her heels. ‘Come on, boy, come on! ’
With her hair streaming out behind and the wind whistling in her ears she felt a sudden release from the tensions of the last few hours. Nothing touched her here—on top of the world. She felt as light as thistledown, as free as the wind. Her troubles were forgotten.
Mile after mile they covered until at last Dainty grew tired and stopped. Taryn slipped from the saddle, and he whinnied and nuzzled her affectionately. ‘You needed that, didn't you, beauty? And so did 1.1 feel better already.'
The fiery sun slipped slowly below the horizon. Pink feather-light clouds drifted lazily across the darkening sky. If only she could always feel like this; if only she had never met Mark—or Luke.
But she had, and Gammy was right; running away would solve nothing. She must show Luke that he meant nothing to her; that his resemblance to Mark made no difference. Surely she was grown up enough to control her feelings? All she had to do was treat her employer as just that. Forget the past and try to carry out this job to the best of her ability.
It was with renewed determination that she mounted Dainty a short while later and turned his nose for home. All would be well now. She knew exactly what she must do.
Thursday
and Friday came and went without any more visits from Luke. Taryn spent her time between Dale End and searching the local antique shops for the right furniture to blend in with the picture she was trying to create. It was such a gracious house it would be a pity to ruin it by introducing modern stuff. She was not so worried about the period as she knew that carefully chosen pieces, even though of different eras, would ultimately fuse into a harmonious whole.
She loved the work and woke each day eagerly anticipating the hours ahead. It was not until the third morning when she saw the birdlike craft in the top field that she realised today was Saturday and that her employer had arrived for the weekend. Some of her happiness disappeared and her heart fluttered apprehensively. She had intended going up to the house, but now decided against it. After all, she argued with herself, she was entitled to some spare time, though up till now she had not cared what hours she worked. The joy of bringing beauty to die long-neglected building had meant more to her than sticking to a strict time schedule. I’ll take Rory into Seacombe, she decided impetuously, he’ll enjoy a day by the sea.
Her mind made up, she told Gammy where she was going and hurried along to her brother’s house. As she had expected, Rory was delighted at the prospect of a day out with his adorable Aunt Taryn. She was young enough to be good company yet old enough to accept responsibility for his safety.
Taryn felt no qualms about using the blue Mini for her day out and Rory himself was full of excitement. They spent many hours walking and exploring, swimming and sunbathing, and it was late in the evening before they finally returned to Ferndale Valley.
She deposited her tired but happy nephew at his parents’ home before pulling up outside Honeysuckle Cottage. The light was on in the tiny front room and the curtains drawn, which should have told Taryn something, for her aunt never closed the curtains until she was home, but unsuspectingly she pushed open the door. Immediately she heard his voice a pang of disappointment struck her that he had not kept his word. Luke had given every impression of being a very honourable person who would not go back on his promise, yet here he was drinking her aunt’s home-brewed elderberry wine and obviously waiting her return. Although she had vowed to let him upset her no more she could not help feeling disturbed. She swallowed the sudden lump in her throat. ‘Hello, Luke.''
His smile embraced her and as if reading her thoughts he said, ‘I apologise for breaking our agreement. I saw you go this morning and thought I’d pay your aunt my respects. I didn’t intend staying this long, but I’m afraid I was bullied into it.’
Gammy smiled graciously. ‘I couldn’t let you return to those miserable lodgings and I know you want to stay near your house.’
‘I’m more than grateful, dear lady,' and turning back to Taryn, ‘What sort of day have you had?’
But Taryn did not hear. She was staring at Gammy. Did she mean that—no, it was impossible. She couldn’t have asked Luke to stay
here.
She knew how Taryn felt. Besides, where would he sleep? They only had two bedrooms.
‘Taryn.’ Luke spoke again. ‘You look very strange. Sure you haven’t been overdoing the sunbathing?’
She looked at him then. ‘Quite sure. I’m tired, though. I think I’ll go to bed if you’ll excuse me.’
Luke looked swiftly at her aunt and Taryn knew that her fears were justified.
‘Taryn dear, come and help me make some tea, there’s something I must tell you.’
Obediently Taryn followed her aunt into the kitchen. She banged the door violently behind her her and without bothering to lower her voice said, ‘Aunt Margaret, you haven’t asked him to stay here?’
‘It’s only for one night, love.’ Gammy’s voice was at its most persuasive. ‘He was staying at old Mogey’s farm, and you know what that’s like. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.’
‘Where’s he sleeping?’ demanded Taryn. ‘On the settee? He won’t find it very comfortable.’ The idea of Luke’s six foot curled on the two-seater caused her to smile drily.
Gammy concentrated on setting out cups and saucers with minute precision. ‘I thought that perhaps he could have your room—you can sleep with me.’
‘Over my dead body!’ Taryn’s voice rose even higher. ‘Why should I give up my bed for a man I don’t even like? I think you might have consulted me before asking him.’
‘Well, it’s too late now,’ retaliated her aunt. ‘I can’t go back on my word.’
‘Then I’m going to Janice’s. I won't stay here— with him.’
‘Taryn ’ began Gammy, when the door opened.
Luke looked worried. ‘I couldn’t help overhearing. If it’s inconvenient I’ll go. It’s not too '
‘Oh, no,’ insisted Gammy. ‘Taryn’s just being awkward. You’re
my
guest. You must stay.’
‘We—ll—’ He hesitated and waited for Taryn's reaction.
She glared at him. ‘I’m surprised you accepted, knowing how I feel. But I won’t be so unkind as to say you can’t stay.'
‘I thought that perhaps you’d got over your little outburst by now,’ he said, ‘but if it will make you feel any easier I’ll willingly sleep down here.’
Gammy spoke at once. ‘I won’t hear of it.’
Taryn said, ‘On the settee?'
Luke’s eyebrows lifted slightly and a gleam of amusement came into his eye. ‘I’ve slept in worse places. I can manage. I wouldn’t dream of turning a lady out of her bed.’
Taryn coloured, but before she could speak her aunt said, ‘We’ll borrow Robert’s camp bed. Run along and ask him, Taryn.'
‘I’ll come with you,’ volunteered Luke. ‘Who’s Robert? A friend of yours?’
‘My brother,’ said Taryn sharply. ‘Rory’s father.’
‘Then I’m sure he won’t mind.’ Luke had the door open and they stepped out together. It was dark now, the only light the shimmering half moon and a multitude of stars. As Taryn stumbled over a loose stone Luke’s arm caught her waist, steadied her, and stopped there. Taryn stiffened, while at the same time the sudden racing of her heartbeats confirmed an idea that had been forming in her mind ever since Luke kissed her. She couldn’t fool herself any longer that her feelings for Mark Vandyke were dead. If she hated him as much as she told herself was it likely that a man who looked so very much like him would stir her senses like this? If she hated Mark she would hate Luke too. It was logical. So—her love for Mark was still there, and this man—whether he really was her fiancé or whether he was his double—was capable of arousing this emotion.