to take Samantha's hand and lead her away.
It was one of the customs of Lynwood that all serious discussion took
place in the study. Chantelle led the way, and went immediately to the
false-fronted bookcase that concealed the liquor cabinet, and commenced
the ritual of preparing a drink for Nicholas. He wanted to stop her. It
was something from long ago, recalling too much that was painful, but
instead, he watched the delicate but precise movements of her hands
pouring exactly the correct measure of Chivas Royal Salute into the
crystal glass, adding the soda and the single cube of ice.
What a pretty young girl, Nicholas. He said nothing. On the ornate
Louis Quatorze desk was a silver-framed photograph of Duncan Alexander
and Chantelle together, and he looked away and moved to the fireplace,
standing with his back to the blaze as he had done on a thousand other
evenings.
Chantelle brought the glass to him, and stood close, looking up at him -
and her fragrance touched a deep nostalgic chord. He had first bought
Calkhe for her on a spring morning in Paris; with an effort he forced
the memory aside.
What did you want to speak to me about, is it Peter? No. Peter is
doing as well as we can hope for, in the circumstances, He still resents
Duncan - but she shrugged, and moved away. He had almost forgotten how
narrow was her waist, he would still be able to span it with both hands.
It's hard to explain, but it's Christy Marine, Nicholas. I desperately
need the advise of someone I can trust., You can trust me? he asked.
Isn't it strange? I would still trust you with my life., She came back
to him, standing disconcertingly close, enveloping him with her scent
and heady beauty. He sipped at the whisky to distract himself.
Even though I have no right to ask you, Nicholas, still I know you won't
refuse me, will you? She wove spells, he could feel the mesh falling
like gossamer around him.
I always was a sucker, wasn't I? Now she touched his arm. No,
Nicholas, please don't be bitter. She held his gaze directly.
How can I help you? Her touch on his arm disturbed him, and, sensing
this, she increased the pressure of her fingers for a moment, then
lifted her hand and glanced at the slim white gold Piaget on her wrist.
Duncan will be home soon - and what I have to tell you is long and
complicated. Can we meet in London early next week? Chantelle/he
began.
Nicky, please. Nicky, she was the only one who ever called him that. it
was too familiar, too intimate.
When? You are meeting Duncan on Tuesday morning to discuss the
arbitration of Golden Adventurer. Yes. Will you call me at Eaton
Square when you finish? I'll wait by the telephone. Chantelle 'Nicky,
I have nobody else to turn to. He had never been able to refuse her -
which was part of the reason he had lost her, he thought wryly.
There was no engine noise, just the low rush of air past the body of the
Mercedes.
Damn these seats, they weren't made for lovers, Samantha said.
We'll be home in an hour. I don't know if I can wait that long,
