Past All Forgetting by Sara Craven Read Free Book Online Page A

not to be overwhelmed.'
    'Janna knows that. Dad,' Colin broke in soothingly. 'But I don't want to rush her into anything she's not happy about, so I've given her a few days to come round in her own way.'
    'Fair enough, I suppose.' Sir Robert sounded slightly mollified. 'But don't take weeks over it, lass, or some fly character will be in ahead of you.'
    For one moment Janna was tempted to ask Sir Robert if he had known Rian, or if he was aware he was back in the locality, but she remained silent. Any such reference on her part could lead to precisely the sort of cross-examination she most wanted to avoid, she thought.
    She spent the evening watching television in a desultory manner while Colin allowed his father to beat him at chess.
    Later, as Colin drove her home, she sat quietly beside him, hoping against hope that he would not raise the subject of the house again. But she was disappointed. As the car slid to a halt before her gate, Colin said almost too casually, 'I shall have to let Barry know about the Tempest place by Monday, Janna. You'd better let me have your decision one way or another tomorrow.'
    'Your father seems to think there's only one decision to be made,' she said, trying to smile.
    'Oh, you know Dad.' He was silent for a minute. 'Besides, he has rather a vested interest in the place, I'm afraid.'
    'I don't really see why.'
    'No.' Colin paused again and then said ruefully, 'I'll have to tell you, darling. He's already had an architect to look at the place and draw up some plans to convert the old stables and garage block into a luxury flat for himself. Says his house is too big now that he's on his own. Wants to be near us—and his grandchildren.'
    Janna's mouth was suddenly dry. 'I see.'
    'Do you, darling?' He drew her into his arms and kissed her,, but for the first time in their relationship, she was incapable of more than a token response. 'I was hoping you would. He's not getting any younger, after all, and he wouldn't actually be living
with
us. Mrs Masham would come with him, to cook for
him
and look after him generally.'
    Janna shook her head. 'I can see he has it all worked out,' she said more calmly than she felt.
    Inwardly, she was seething with anger. This—this was moral blackmail, she told herself. If she turned Carrisbeck House down now, it would seem as if she was doing it because she did not want her future father-in-law living on the premises. She bit her lip. She had been surprised by the uncharacteristic generosity of his offer to furnish the house. Sir Robert had never believed in throwing what he termed 'good brass' about on anything which did not directly concern himself or his own comfort. Now she understood the motive behind the offer, she would rather live with bare boards and orange boxes than accept, she thought, her temper mounting.
    'Janna?' Colin's voice was questioning, his mouth persuasive against her ear. 'You wouldn't really mind, would you, darling? An old man's whim? He may not even go through with it. And he's very fond of you, you know.'
    She gave an edged smile, disengaging herself from his arms. 'I'll take your word for it,' she answered quietly. 'I won't pretend that this hasn't been a shock, Colin. I had no idea your father was thinking along these lines… However, you'd better go along with the purchase, as it's what you both want.'
    'But you have to want it too.' He turned her face to his, his eyes searching hers worriedly.
    'I've agreed, haven't I?' she said steadily. 'I won't go back on it.'
    'I know you won't' He took her hand and carried it to his lips. 'That's one of the wonderful things about you, Janna. You're so dependable.'
    'Or so predictable?' she questioned dryly. 'I didn't used to be like that Colin. Beware, I might revert to type.'
    He laughed, relieved at the apparent lightening of the atmosphere between them. 'I don't think there's much chance of that,' he said carelessly. He kissed her again. 'Goodnight, my love, and dream of me.'
    Mrs Prentiss