Authors: Unknown
‘Philip
!'
Brad uttered the word sharply, as if wondering how his name had entered the conversation. ‘He’s going to the clinic?’
'Y—yes. He came yesterday for the first time—no one objected.’ Although she knew from the look on her employer’s face that had he been present he would have had plenty to say about it.
‘Not even Helen? You know how she feels about anyone seeing her. I should have thought you would have had more sense than to take him
.'
'On the contrary,’ replied Laura coolly, ‘Helen seemed to find Philip very good company. I think she enjoyed his visit. He can be very entertaining
.'
‘Mmm. We’ll see. I’m very pleased with the progress she’s making and I don’t want anything to upset her at this stage. Hurry up with my coffee and I’ll be off. No sense in hanging around
.'
He drank the coffee scalding hot and when he left the flat felt empty. Laura wandered aimlessly from room to room waiting for Philip, wondering whether she was destined to find true happiness. The only man she had ever really loved did not seem to even be aware of her as a woman. She was a good worker and he valued her as such, even to the extent of excusing her ill-mannered outburst which no self-respecting secretary would have allowed to happen, but it seemed that anything else was out of the question. She would have to resign herself to this fact whether she liked it or not.
Philip arrived promptly at nine and on the way to the clinic Laura told him that Brad had returned from Africa.
‘And how are things between you?' he enquired, slanting her a worried glance.
‘We’ve reached a kind of truce at the moment,' she said, wondering how best to tell him about their quarrel and the fact that he was involved.
‘You don’t sound very happy about it,' said Philip. "What’s he been saying?’
Laura laughed, but there was no joy in her heart. ‘He came in unexpectedly last night. We had a most unholy row and I told him what to do with his job.’
‘Good for you,' Philip replied heartily. ‘I never could understand why you stuck it. What are you doing now, looking round for somewhere else? My offer still stands if you need it.'
‘Thanks, Philip. But you see, he came round this morning and reminded me I’m on contract to him. I’d forgotten all about it.’
‘So you’re back where you started?'
‘More or less,' agreed Laura.
‘Oh well,' said Philip philosophically, ‘things may turn out better this time. And if you need someone to confide in there’s always me.’
‘Thanks, you’re a darling.’ Laura gathered her bag and gloves together as they approached the clinic. ‘I don’t know where I’d be without you.'
And still she hadn’t told him he was supposed to be engaged to her!
Helen’s smile widened as they entered, but Brad’s face resumed the forbidding lines to which Laura was becoming accustomed. He nodded curtly and Laura heard Philip whisper, ‘Chin up, old girl,’ before brightly saying, ‘Good morning, Helen—Mr. Stuart. Had a good trip?'
‘Yes, thank you,’ came the brief rejoinder.
In contrast to her brother, Helen appeared to be in the best of spirits. ‘Isn’t it marvellous, Laura, Brad coming back so soon? Everything’s happening at once. I was walking when Brad came. I couldn’t believe my eyes —I was expecting you and Philip.’ She laughed, the musical sound filling the room. ‘Brad thought he was seeing things, too. All of a sudden it feels great to be alive, and I owe my thanks to you two.'
She held out her hands to Laura and Brad.
Laura felt embarrassed at being linked so closely with her employer, but he was smiling fondly at Helen, apparently unaware of his secretary’s discomfiture.
‘It does us all good to see you like this
,'
he said. ‘It’s something I’ve hoped and prayed for so long that it seems like a miracle.’
Laura, listening to the deep voice which softened affectionately as he spoke to his sister, felt an unreasonable pang of jealousy. She knew how ridiculous it was to resent him speaking to Helen like that, but when her whole body cried out for a gentle glance or a few tenderly spoken words, she no longer cared that it was his sister to whom he spoke. She only knew that she wished with all her heart that the words were directed towards her.
Suddenly aware of Philip’s warning glance she pulled herself together, forcing a smile, and spoke encouragingly to Helen. ‘How about letting us all see how well you’re progressing? Philip and I are dying to see you on your feet.’
Taking his cue from her Philip said, ‘Here, take my arm.’
Helen flashed him one of her lovely smiles. ‘Sir Galahad himself, but thank you, I can manage.’
She eased herself to her feet and slowly walked the length of the room and back again. Her face was pale and she appeared to be in considerable pain as she neared her chair, but waving off Philip’s ready arm she successfully finished her chosen course.
‘Bravo,’ cried Philip. ‘That was terrific. Sure you haven’t overdone it?’
‘I’ll be all right in a minute.’ Helen’s breast heaved as she fought for breath. ‘That’s the furthest I’ve walked in one go
.'
Philip's concern was obvious and Laura noticed Brad slant a puzzled look in his direction. It was easy to guess what he was thinking. In order to distract his attention she caught Philip’s arm, saying quietly, ‘I’m sure Helen could do with a cup of tea, and I know I’d love one. How about exercising some of your charm on the nurses and seeing what you can do?’
Philip patted her hand affectionately. ‘Good idea, sweetheart. Leave it to me
.'
When he' had gone Helen turned to Brad. ‘I can’t understand why you don’t like Philip. T find him perfectly adorable.’
‘It seems most women do,’ replied Brad drily, looking at Laura. ‘But as I’m not a woman I’m afraid I don’t share your enthusiasm. He strikes me as a lazy young scoundrel who doesn’t know what it’s like to do a hard day’s work.’
‘Don’t be so disparaging,’ pouted Helen. ‘He must do something, or where would he get all his money? Laura tells me he has his own flat and a flashy car. He wouldn’t get those for nothing.’
‘Precisely,’ said Brad. ‘But how and where his money comes from is another story.’
‘Surely it’s no concern of yours what Philip does with his time,’ cut in Laura, unable to reason why Brad should hold a grudge against Philip.
‘Of course,’ drawled Brad. ‘I’d forgotten you’re engaged to him.’
For a breathless moment silence filled the room. Laura caught a glimpse of Helen’s stricken face before it set into an impassive mask.
‘Darling, you didn’t tell me,’ she purred, looking deliberately at Laura’s left hand.
Brad, who had missed his sister’s first reaction, echoed her silent question. 'Yes, I wondered where the ring was. Can’t he afford to buy you one?’
‘It—it happened so suddenly we haven’t had time to choose, that’s all,’ said Laura defensively, careful not to let his taunting words antagonise her.
‘Mmm.’ Brad stroked his chin. ‘I wonder.’
Helen had lapsed into silence, and looking at her Laura knew she was hurt, and blamed herself for not foreseeing that something like this might happen. The trouble was now that if she told Helen the truth she was quite likely to tell Brad that Laura loved him in the hope that it might do her some good. Laura knew from one or two things Helen had said in the past that she cherished the idea that one day Brad might ask Laura to marry him. An idea Laura knew could never materialise.
At that moment Philip returned triumphantly bearing a tray of tea, which he placed on a low table at Laura’s side.
‘Philip,’ Helen spoke loudly, before anyone else could speak. A shade too loudly, thought Laura. ‘Why didn’t you tell me congratulations were in order?’
Laura’s heart lurched uncomfortably as Philip frowned. ‘What do you mean? What am I supposed to have done?’
‘Hark at the man,’ mocked Helen. ‘Don’t tell us you’ve forgotten you’re engaged to Laura?’
‘Of course he hasn’t, have you, darling?’ Laura flashed him a pleading look as he turned a puzzled face towards her, regretting more than ever the impulsiveness that had led her into this situation. She was aware of Brad eyeing them keenly and breathed a sigh of relief when Philip pulled her arm through his, saying;
‘Er, no, but I thought we agreed to keep it a secret, sweetheart.’
She smiled briefly, thankful that Philip had risen to the occasion but realising that he must be wondering what it was all about.
‘Then it’s my fault,’ Brad’s dark voice interrupted their conversation. ‘Laura told me last night—but she didn’t say anything about it being a secret. I do apologise if I’ve let the cat out of the bag
.'
Laura knew he was mocking and it took every ounce of self-control to prevent herself from answering back. She would have given anything to retract the hastily-spoken words of yesterday evening. ‘I’ll pour the tea,’ she said, glad to hide her face. She would have to think up some plausible excuse to tell Helen. Any upset now could impair her chances of complete recovery. According to Doctor Jorgensen the patient’s full co-operation was vital in such cases and it was just possible that this unfortunate piece of news could cause a serious setback.
Although Helen’s smile was as warm as ever when Laura passed her tea, Laura could sense the other girl’s hostility and inwardly quaked. It seemed as though she was fated to be the target of hatred by the Stuart family, and it was not a very pleasant feeling. She was glad when at last it was time to leave.
'I'll take you home,’ offered Brad as they emerged on to the street. 'I have some work I wish to discuss— with your permission, of course
,'
looking directly at Philip.
'Be my guest,' replied the younger man, ‘I can’t claim her company during working hours. I’ll ring you this evening, Laura
.'
To Laura's embarrassment he took her face between his hands and kissed her soundly, whispering as he did so, ‘Must keep up appearances.’
‘If you’re sure you can bear to be parted,’ broke in Brad bitingly, ‘we’d better be on our way. I have other business to attend to.’
A tangible silence filled the car as they made their way through the busy London traffic, but Laura was determined not to speak unless Brad himself opened the. conversation. She was annoyed by his attitude towards Philip. There was no call for his sarcasm, and her temper was at such a pitch that the slightest provocation would cause her to say words she would later regret. It was her own fault that Philip had been drawn into this awkward situation and it was now up to her to solve matters the best way she could, and arguing with Brad was not going to help. Consequently the whole of the journey was completed without a word being spoken, and Laura felt distinctly uncomfortable as they entered Brad’s flat.
‘Shall I prepare a meal?’ she enquired after hanging up her coat. "You must be hungry after such an early start
.'
At least he could not accuse her of inhospitality, thought Laura, even though she hoped he would refuse. Brad in this mood was hardly the idea] luncheon companion.
‘No, thanks. I already have an appointment, so if you don’t mind I’ll quickly go over a few details and then leave you in peace.’
He unlocked his briefcase and withdrew a pad of scribbled notes, explaining how he wanted them set out. 'It will be easier for me to work from them if they’re typewritten,’ he said. ‘Don’t worry if you can’t read every word. I wrote them in a hurry, but I’d like some of them by tomorrow. I’m returning home in the afternoon and I want to start work on my book right away.’
At the door he paused,. turning. ‘I hope you know what you’re doing as far as that young man’s concerned,’ he said gruffly. ‘But I’d like you to know that I’ve reconsidered the matter, and if you want to get married I’m prepared to release you from your contract
.'
‘Thank you, but that won’t be necessary,’ said Laura distantly. ‘I wouldn’t dream of letting you down.’
He threw her a frigid glance. ‘Sarcasm doesn’t become you, Miss Templeton. I’d stick to that temper if I were you, anger is far more in keeping with that red hair of yours.’
If there had been a cushion handy Laura would have thrown it, but as it was she contented herself with turning her back and walking steadily into the kitchen. She heard the door slam and the roar of his engine as he drove away.
What an infuriating man he was, she thought, vigorously whipping an egg. He certainly knew how to bring out the worst in her, and what was more seemed to enjoy it, otherwise why would he deliberately taunt her? She found herself wondering what it would be like to spend a few hours in his company without quarrelling. She had done, in what seemed now the far distant past. Was it really only two months ago? It was incredible . to think they had spent an whole afternoon together without a cross word. In those days, although Brad had still been arrogant and masterful, he had seemed to enjoy her company. He had never deliberately attempted to embarrass her as he did now. In fact it was only since Philip appeared on the scene that he had altered. Could—could he possibly be jealous? Laura dismissed the idea immediately it was born. It was ridiculous. He could hardly be jealous of Philip if Laura herself meant nothing to him, unless he were envious of the other man’s easy charm and natural friendliness towards women in general. Yes, she decided, that must be the reason for his increased moodiness. He's realised he isn’t the charmer he once thought he was.
She spent the afternoon trying to decipher the hieroglyphics which represented Brad’s notes, and by the time Philip telephoned at seven she was glad of the respite. Her head ached through prolonged concentration, and when Philip suggested eating out she willingly agreed, although she realised that his sole reason was probably to find out how he had become 'engaged' to her,
‘I don’t fancy bearding the lion in his den,’ laughed Philip. ‘Or shouldn’t I say that?’