His Convenient Marriage by Sara Craven Read Free Book Online

any way.
    But Miles, fortunately, seemed oblivious to any under¬currents.
    'Your friends run a smooth operation,' he returned. 'But that doesn't alter the fact that there's something the matter. What is it? Are you ill?'
    'No—really.' She swallowed. 'But it's getting late. Would you mind if we just paid the bill and left?'
    'Yes, I think I would,' he said unexpectedly. 'Whatever Jenny's been up to, it can wait until we've completed our first meal together in a civilised manner. In fact, I suggest you have a brandy. You look as if you need it.'
    Indignation swamped her. 'Why should it be anything to do with Jenny?'
    'Because that's what that stricken look of yours inevi¬tably means.' His glance challenged her to deny it. 'Will you have that brandy?'
    Biting her lip, she nodded silently.
    'Good.' Miles gave her a faint smile as he signalled to the waitress. 'Rushing off in all directions won't solve a thing.'
    'It's so easy for you,' she said bitterly. 'Jenny is not your responsibility.'
    'Not at the moment, certainly.' He saw the swift colour flood her face, and his smile widened sardonically 'Which, I suppose, is your cue to tell me that you wouldn't have me if I came gift-wrapped.'
     
    'No.' She didn't look at him. 'You asked me to think it over, and I will.' After all, she reasoned, she needed a breathing space to find a new job—a new flat. And she needn't feel too badly about it either. Judging by tonight's performance, he'd have little trouble finding a replacement when she turned him down.
    'Hopefully it will have the added bonus of diverting your mind from Jenny, too.' He paused ` I suppose you've dis¬covered she isn't the saintly, single-minded scholar you took her for.'
    'School used to mean everything to her.' Her voice was tired.
    `I expect it did—while she was healing. It was safety— security and she could use her studies to block out what was going on in the real world.' Miles shrugged. 'But the young recover fast, and now she's ready to rebel.'
    He leaned forward. 'Face it, Francesca. Jenny's bright, but she's also spoiled, and brimming with resentment. Something had to give.' He smiled brief thanks at the blushing waitress as she put Chessie's brandy on the table, then reached for the cafetière. 'Cream and sugar?'
    'Just black.' Desolation had her by the throat. 'I've failed her, haven't I?'
    'Of course not. But you're not experienced enough to see the warning signs, and impose sanctions in time.' He handed over her cup. 'So, instead of revising, she was ca¬vorting round the neighbourhood, right?'
    'Apparently. The light was on in her room, and she used to play music all the time.' Chessie shook her head. 'It never occurred to me to check she was actually there. And, all the time, she was out, trying to con vodka and tonics out of unsuspecting landlords. With some fellow that Jim Fewston doesn't approve of.'
    Miles raised his eyebrows. 'At least she's not drinking alone. It could be worse.'
     
    She gave a small, wintry smile ` I think it's about as bad as it gets.'
    'Then you're being naive.' He spoke gently. 'But I do understand that you need to see Jenny and talk to her about it, so, as soon as we've drunk our coffee, I'll take you home.'
    'Thank you.' Her voice was subdued.` I—I'm sorry that I've spoiled your celebration.'
    `I promise that you haven't spoiled a thing.' He smiled at her. 'On the contrary.'
    He thought she was going to accept his proposal, Chessie realised as she drank her coffee. And, on the face of it, she had every reason to do so. Marrying Miles would provide her with the kind of security she could dream about oth¬erwise.
    He obviously saw it as a practical solution to both their problems. The same cold-blooded approach he brought to his novels, she thought bitterly. And although you were swept along by the sheer force of the action, you were invariably left feeling slightly cheated at the end.
    But I can't cheat him, she thought, swallowing. And I won't cheat myself