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Perhaps I'm jumping to conclusions, Miss Templeton^ Perhaps you don’t want to stay?’

Realising that Brad had mistaken her silence, Laura spoke hastily, ‘Oh, no, I’ve made up my mind. I’ll stay, after all.’

‘Good. We're in agreement for once.’ His face relaxed and Laura thought for one second that he was actually going to smile. But the next moment he left the room and she followed, not sure whether she was dismissed or not.

‘There is one other point,' he said over his shoulder as they re-entered his study. ‘I’ve had so many girls walk out on me that I should like to ensure it doesn’t happen again. I’ve drawn up a contract for a period of three months which I would like you to sign.'

Laura drew in a deep breath. So she had been right— he did have an ulterior motive. It was not so much that she minded signing the contract, but the way he had gone about it. Softening her up before the crunch. Right, she said to herself grimly, two can play at that game!

She smiled as she read through the contract, then with pen paused said:

‘I’ll sign on one condition.’

His eyebrows shot up, surprised, as if wondering how she dare suggest such a thing.

‘And that is?’

He had adopted his old superior attitude, which only served to encourage Laura.

‘That I have a new typewriter and proper filing-cabinets. I refuse to sit in that lovely room with—with that lot in there.’

Brad Stuart tilted back his chair—their eyes met and held. Then suddenly he smiled, displaying very white teeth in his brown face, a smile which dramatically changed him from a tyrant to a man. ‘Very well, Miss Firecracker, you win. I see that to keep you I’ll have to make you happy. We’ll go into Shrewsbury in the morning and you can choose whatever you need.’

Because her victory was easier than she had anticipated Laura felt no elation, merely thanking him before going to her room to shower and change for dinner. The man was an enigma. She had fully expected him to turn on her, to question her audacity. But to laugh and agree— it was the last reaction she had counted on. It showed a side to his character yet unknown—a side she could learn to like!

Mrs. Jennings on the other hand was very amused when Laura told her about their conversation. ‘I can just imagine his face when you told him! No one's ever dared speak like that before, except me, of course. I can get anything out of him. He's not so masterful as he makes out—just a little thoughtless. His work is so much on his mind that he hasn’t the time for anything else.’

'I expect you’re right,’ said Laura absently. She was remembering the smile that had transformed his face. Despite his ability to bring out the worst in her she was not immune to his attractions, even though there was no chance of her falling in love with him. David was her sort of person—kind, considerate and patient—a complete contrast to Brad Stuart with his overbearing superiority.

Brad appeared in the dining-room almost before Laura had finished her breakfast the next morning. 'The car's outside. Are you ready?’

'Just give me a minute to collect my coat,’ she replied, gulping down the last mouthful of coffee and wiping her mouth on a napkin, knowing instinctively that he was not the sort of person who liked to be kept waiting.

He was revving up the engine when she slipped into the seat beside him, immediately easing the gleaming silver Jaguar along the drive on to the open road.

Glancing at her curiously, he asked, ‘Is driving one of your talents, Miss Templeton?’

'Yes,' replied Laura cautiously, not wishing to be
drawn into retaliation by the caustic tones of his voice. ‘I do drive, although I’ve never possessed a car of my own.’

‘There’s a Mini in the garage—you can use it if you like. The bus service is atrocious, as you probably found out the day you arrived.’ His voice was suddenly friendly and Laura smiled.

‘Thank you, but I hope to do some walking while I’m here, even if I am a little out of practice.’

‘Oh, yes, I’d forgotten you were a country girl. Who knows, I may join you one of these days. I enjoy a good tramp.’

Surprised, Laura said, ‘That would be very nice,’ if a little disconcerting, she added to herself. He was dangerously attractive in this friendly mood and even though love was out of the question his presence was disturbing. She felt oddly breathless and scolded herself for allowing a few kind words to have this effect, especially after the way he had previously treated her.

Silence fell between them and for the rest of the journey Laura was content to relax and enjoy the passing scenery. She had been too annoyed on her journey here to take much notice of her surroundings but now was able to appreciate the beauty of the countryside in which she found herself. The delightful patchwork of fields, the trees in varying shades of green and gold. It was all very beautiful and a far cry from the concrete jungle that had been her home for the last six years.

When they reached Shrewsbury her employer stopped outside a large modem office equipment shop. ‘I’ll leave you to choose. You probably have a better idea than me.’

Laura looked at him wide-eyed. ‘But I don’t know
how much you're prepared to spend.’

He smiled, grey eyes crinkling kindly at the corners.

Don’t worry about money. Have it charged to my account. Fit the office out completely. I don’t want you getting on to me again.’ A slight pause as his eyes twinkled. T have other business to attend to now, but I’ll pick you up here at twelve-thirty and we'll go somewhere for lunch.’

He was gone, leaving Laura open-mouthed on the pavement, hardly able to credit that this was the same man who had greeted her so rudely two days ago. The change in him was unbelievable, so out of character with her p re-formed opinion. It seemed that Jenny was right after all: with the right handling he was indeed a ‘real gentleman’. She hoped this mood of affinity would last—it would make her job so much more pleasant There was nothing worse than working in a discordant atmosphere.

The salesman who greeted her was most helpful, but afraid in case Mr. Stuart rated her for overspending, Laura chose with care two filing-cabinets, a desk and chair and, with her heart in her mouth, the latest in electric typewriters. She also ordered a small stationery cupboard and a supply of stationery, which she had noticed was very low.

Before long she had finished. She still had two hours to spare, so she wandered in and out of the shops buying tights and make-up and a few magazines. At twelve she stopped for coffee in a charming old-world restaurant she discovered in a narrow back street.

In her corner Laura felt suddenly lonely. The other tables were occupied by groups of people, laughing and talking, reminding her of when she first moved to
London. She had hated it until eventually she had made friends.

‘May I join you
?'
Startled, she saw Brad smiling down. ‘I finished earlier than I expected and came in here to kill time. It was a welcome surprise to see you —but you look very sad. You’re not having second thoughts
?'
He pulled out a chair, his grey eyes regarding her with amusement.

‘Just feeling lonely
.'

‘My fault. I shouldn’t, have left you so long. I'd forgotten you were a stranger to the town
.'
His voice was low and kind and Laura looked at him, wondering what had caused this unusual solicitude.

‘I’m not blaming you
,'
she said huskily, her green eyes wide and slightly embarrassed. ‘I enjoyed wandering round the town
.'

Beckoning a waitress, he said, ‘Now we're here we may as well have lunch. They do a jolly good veal and ham pie. How does that sound
?'

‘Fine. I’m starving
.'

Laura noticed the heads that turned to look at her handsome escort. He was obviously well known and she enjoyed the envious glances slanted in her direction. He seemed an entirely different person today and for the first time since leaving London she felt completely happy.

Once outside in the mild autumn sunshine, Brad said, ‘How about making a day of it, Laura
?'

He seemed not to notice the use of her Christian name and Laura’s spirits rose even higher. She smiled happily up into his face, green eyes meeting grey in a spirit of comradeship.

‘You should congratulate yourself
,'
he said, adjusting his stride to fit hers. ‘It isn’t very often anyone gets me
away from work.'

‘Then I’m glad I have,' said Laura. ‘You know what they say about all work and no play
.'

They strolled through absurdly narrow streets, sometimes charming, sometimes sordid. Laura exclaiming delightedly over old names such as Grope Lane, Shoplatch, Dogpole. They admired the Dingle, a sun-trap garden with a lake at the bottom which Brad explained had once been a quarry, and where the famous Shrewsbury flower show was held every year. And finally they wandered along the river bank, drinking in the tranquillity of the late afternoon.

To Laura the whole day held an aura of unreality. It was inconceivable to associate this charmingly, attentive man with her tyrant of a boss, and when they started their homeward journey she sank back contentedly into her seat, saying:

Thank you for a wonderful day, Mr Stuart.'

‘Brad, please
.'

‘Thank you—Brad. I can’t imagine why
I
ever thought I’d like London. Today has brought back nostalgic childhood memories
.'

He slanted her a quick glance. ‘There’s plenty-to explore round here, but you'd better make the most of it before winter. It's not unknown for us to be snowbound for several days at a time.

Laura closed her eyes, resting her head on the top of the seat. ‘Snow in the country—so white and pure, transforming the trees and fields into fairyland
.'

Brad’s laugh rang out, filling the car and causing her to turn quickly.

‘Why, you’re nothing but a little girl at heart,' he grinned. ‘Despite the outward sophistication
.'

‘Don’t we all retain some of our childhood fancies?' she laughed back. ‘Even if we’re afraid to admit it?’

‘I suppose so,’ he said thoughtfully, and the frown remained on his face for most of the journey.

Laura would have dearly liked to ask what he was thinking, but even though their relationship had taken huge steps forward she felt that such a question would be regarded as an impertinence.

At last Leastone Hall came into sight and as he turned into the drive Brad said, ‘So endeth a most enjoyable day. If anyone had told me a week ago that I’d be exploring Shrewsbury today with my secretary I’d have called them a liar. You’re a remarkable young woman—do you know that?’

Laura shook her head, slightly bewildered. She could not imagine what was remarkable about her. It had been his idea to spend the day together.

His laugh was easy. ‘You don’t know me very well yet. I haven’t had a day out like this in years.’

The Jaguar’s tyres screeched to a halt on the gravel at the front of the house. Before Laura had time to open her door he caught her hand.

‘Thank you, Laura,’ he said simply.

The pressure was light, but Laura felt a sudden quickening of her pulses and flushed as she saw the warmth in his eyes. In confusion she pulled her hand free, jumping quickly out of the car, not daring to look back.

In the seclusion of her room, she scolded herself for behaving childishly. ‘He must think me frightfully naive,’ she said aloud, ‘acting so foolishly over a simple gesture. It isn’t as if I’m in love with him.’ His other secretaries might have fallen for his undeniable good
looks and admirable physique, but not Laura Templeton. Oh, no! Today had revealed an unsuspected charm, but she knew the sort of man he really was. The arrogant, domineering man. The man who had to be master. Not at all the sort of person who would appeal to her.

ONE look at Brad’s face when Laura entered his study the next morning told her that the easy friendship of yesterday had gone. He was frowning deeply over a batch of papers and scarcely gave her a civil greeting.

She passed quietly through into her own office, took the dustcover from her typewriter and carried on with his book.

Ten minutes later she jumped violently as Brad boomed out, ‘Miss Templeton, bring me the Anderson file!’

She searched hastily through the papers in the cupboard, but although she found a blue folder bearing the name no papers were inside, nor could she find any after a further search through the disordered contents.

‘Miss Templeton!’ the voice roared again.

Laura walked in, showed him the empty folder, inwardly seething at being called in such a peremptory fashion, and said, ‘I’m sorry, but the letters are missing. They must be somewhere in the cupboard. I’ve had a quick look—but it’s in such a mess.’

‘Then sort it out, girl. What do you think I employ you for? Bring me Anderson’s correspondence as soon as you find it.’

Dismissed, Laura returned to her office. It would take ages to sort out all those papers. Far better to do it when the new cabinets were delivered. Otherwise there was the danger of them falling out again, and hadn’t he said his book was of prime importance at the moment?

Systematically searching, she soon found the Anderson papers, but when she took them in he did not even bother to look up, merely grunting his acknowledgement.

Why should I care? Laura asked herself crossly. Let him be disagreeable. I'll show’ him that it doesn't matter. I’m here to do a job and so long as I do it well that's all I’ve got to worry about.

The next two days passed in uneasy silence on Laura's part, whereas Brad was so involved in his writing that he appeared not to even notice her presence. Except, of course, when he wanted something—then he was either icily polite or belligerently rude.

Laura was glad when Saturday arrived. Two days in which to do as she liked. She allowed herself the luxury of an extra hour in bed. then over breakfast asked Mrs. Jennings to pack her a picnic lunch. She intended spending her weekend exploring the surrounding countryside.