Sweet Surrender (The Dysarts) by Catherine George Read Free Book Online Page B

idea of a modest little painting, but in the face of his parents’ combined expertise I hadn’t the courage. So I played safe.’ He touched a manicured finger to the sleeping baby’s face. ‘Have fun with it, Henry Thomas Dysart. And may you grow up to be as handsome as your mother.’
    Gabriel’s eyes widened as she took a battered teddy bear from the box. Some of the guests looked takenaback, but Adam shot Jeremy a respectful look as he felt for the button embedded in the bear’s ear.
    â€˜A Steiff, no less, and a pretty old one, too.’
    â€˜But not frightfully valuable,’ Jeremy assured him. ‘I lusted after one of the limited-edition black bears manufactured when the Titanic went down, but the funds wouldn’t stretch. And if they had you couldn’t have allowed him to play with it.’
    â€˜He’ll certainly play with this one,’ Gabriel assured him, and kissed Jeremy’s cheek with affection. ‘Thank you.’
    Alasdair waited until the other guests had handed over their gifts before presenting his, and received an appreciative smile from Adam when Gabriel unwrapped a shallow silver drinking bowl with double handles.
    â€˜A Scottish quaich ! Very appropriate. Many thanks, Alasdair.’
    At last, when guests were beginning to leave, the moment arrived that Kate had known all along was unavoidable.
    â€˜I want a word in private before I go,’ said Alasdair, drawing her aside.
    It was the last thing Kate wanted, with several interested pairs of eyes turned in their direction, and she made no attempt to hide her reluctance as she led the way to the study. ‘Only for a moment, then. I should be seeing people off.’
    â€˜I’m not leaving until you promise to see me again,’ he announced, and stood with his shoulders against the closed door.
    â€˜How very masterful. Are you barring my way until I agree?’ she said lightly.
    â€˜Yes,’ he returned, not lightly at all.
    â€˜Oh, very well. What did you have in mind?’
    â€˜Just dinner, and a talk over old times.’
    â€˜This week?’
    â€˜No, next year,’ he said irritably. ‘Are you always so hard to pin down, Kate Dysart?’
    She shrugged, resigned. ‘All right, Alasdair. Thursday, then. If that suits you.’
    His jaw tightened. ‘I’ll make it suit me. Otherwise you’d probably refuse altogether. I’ll come for you at seven. Where shall we go?’
    â€˜Somewhere local, please. I’ll consult Adam.’
    Alasdair moved away from the door. ‘I’ll ring you to see if I need to book. And to make sure you don’t change your mind.’ He shook his head ruefully. ‘You were a lot easier to deal with in the old days, Katharine Dysart.’
    â€˜You whistled and I danced,’ she agreed, and went to the door he held open for her. She gave him a cool little smile as she brushed past. ‘But I’ve grown up a bit since then.’
    Kate was in bed that night before she had any peace to reflect on Alasdair’s part in the day. Once the Bretts had gone, and Leonie and Jonah had been waved off shortly afterwards, the rest of the family had talked over the day with satisfaction as they ate a supper of leftovers. But it had been left to Fenny to demand why Alasdair had talked with Kate in private.
    â€˜Fenny!’ said Frances in disapproval.
    â€˜She only asked what we’re all panting to know,’ said Adam, and eyed Kate expectantly. ‘Are you seeing him again?’
    She made a face at him. ‘Yes. I couldn’t get out of it a second time.’
    â€˜Why should you want to get out of it?’ he asked, surprised.
    â€˜Perhaps,’ said Gabriel percipiently, ‘Alasdair was taking things too much for granted?’
    â€˜Something like that,’ Kate agreed. ‘I just wish he hadn’t chosen to turn up at school. Imagine the ribbing I’ll get from