A Wicked Persuasion by Catherine George Read Free Book Online Page B

party?’
    ‘A client of mine suggested it to him as a venue with a difference.’
    ‘And your father actually agreed to it?’
    ‘Only after much persuasion.’ Harriet smiled brightly. ‘Here comes our dinner.’
    For the third time that week Harriet failed to enjoy a meal she would normally have eaten with pleasure. It was James’s fault, she thought morosely, and summoned a bright smile when the Graveneys stopped at the table with James on their way out. Harriet looked on in amusement as Nick flirted with Claudia and Lily, shook hands with the Graveneys, and finally, inevitably, with James Crawford, who spoke to Nick for a moment before turning to Harriet.
    ‘I’m leaving tomorrow, Miss Wilde. I’ll be back in goodtime for the big day. You have my numbers, so don’t hesitate to call if you have questions.’
    ‘Of course.’ Harriet gave him her bland professional smile, but infused more warmth as she turned to Moira. ‘Will you be at the party?’
    ‘Wouldn’t miss it for the world, Harriet.’
    ‘We’ll all be there,’ interrupted Claudia with a triumphant smile.
    ‘Wild horses couldn’t keep
you
away!’ scoffed Lily.
    ‘Come on, girls,’ said their brother. ‘Good to see you again, Harriet.’
    ‘Please come to see us again soon,’ said Moira warmly.
    ‘You’re very kind, I’ll take you up on that one day,’ Harriet promised, avoiding James’s cynical eye.
    Alone again, Nick regarded Harriet with interest. ‘How long have you actually known Crawford?’
    ‘I met him briefly years ago, when I was a student.’
    ‘The hot blonde with him was pretty cold towards you!’
    ‘Was she? I didn’t notice.’ Harriet stood up swiftly. ‘Thanks for the meal, Nick. If you’ll walk me out to the car I’ll be on my way.’
    He sprang to his feet, crestfallen. ‘It’s early yet, Harriet. I hoped you’d come back to my place for coffee.’
    ‘Not tonight.’ Harriet smiled up at him as he saw her to the door. ‘Thanks again.’
    ‘Let’s do this again soon.’
    ‘Of course. Ring me. Goodnight.’
    Harriet drove home in thoughtful mood. Running into James again tonight had put a definite damper on her evening, and Nick had been very much aware of it. Not that she would have gone back to his place even if she hadn’t seen James. Nick had been in an odd mood from the moment he’d seen her tonight. It had been a bad idea to wear her hair loose. She sighed as she turned into the carportalongside the Lodge. She’d be tempted to have it cut if she didn’t know exactly what would happen. She’d tried that at her lowest ebb after the break up with James, and the result had been a halo of unruly curls which would look even more ludicrous now that she was ten years older.
    As the date of the party grew nearer Harriet was surprised to find that her father was relishing the idea, rather than objecting to it. And when Charlotte Brewster came up with a list of further money-making possibilities he was actually delighted with the idea of a television cookery programme taking place in his own kitchen.
    ‘Hard to believe,’ said Harriet, reporting to Julia, ‘but he’s all for it.’
    ‘And are you happy about people using Mother’s beloved kitchen?’
    ‘Why not? She’d be delighted if it shored up our finances.’
    ‘You’re right. By the way, what’s Miriam’s take on the new venture?’ Julia asked.
    ‘She’s not back from her cruise yet.’
    Julia laughed. ‘I bet there’ll be hell to pay when she is. By the way, if you’re going to this party, what are you wearing?’
    ‘The dress I wore when you saw me last.’
    ‘It’s not a party dress, Harriet. For heaven’s sake buy something new.’
    ‘Can’t stretch to it right now.’
    There was a pause. ‘I assume extra wages were necessary to get the house and garden in trim. Have they come out of your own pocket?’
    Harriet sighed. ‘Guilty as charged, Julia. I need this event to be a success to advertise our wares to other