LITMIR.BIZ

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that is. He has the need to understand, to write about such things. That’s one of the reasons he’s excited about going to cover this war.’

      ‘I realize that. Actually, he’s talked a lot to me about the Middle East, especially in the last year. But listen, Tess, the news is good, and has been since December. Things are better, most certainly, and let’s not forget he knows the country, covered the last war there when the Russians invaded Afghanistan.’

      ‘I know, he’s told me bits about it, and anyway I read his book Warriors, and he covered it in that.’

      Moving away from the rocking horse, Tessa walked over to the window seat, and Lorne made room for her as he had done when they were children. Leaning back against him, she murmured softly, ‘I’m so afraid he might get killed.’

      ‘He could get killed walking across the Champs Élysées,’ Lorne answered. ‘It’ll be all right,’ he went on quietly, putting his arms around her, wanting to calm and reassure her.

      Tessa nodded, then sat up slightly, put her hand in her pocket and brought out the diamond engagement ring. Turning around to look up at her brother, she said, ‘We’re engaged,’ and showed him the ring.

      Lorne stared at it, then whistled, and his eyes twinkled as he exclaimed, ‘I’m thrilled. Congratulations. I couldn’t be happier for you.’ He started to laugh then, looking at her with sudden amusement.

      ‘What is it?’ she asked curiously, eyeing him intently, frowning.

      ‘When I set the two of you up, I never guessed it would actually come to this … a permanent relationship.’

      ‘I knew it!’ Tessa cried, punching his arm. ‘Right from the beginning. I told Jean-Claude on our first date that I suspected you’d brought us together, and very specifically, to have an affair.’

      ‘And aren’t you glad I did?’

      ‘You bet!’ Smiling, she slid the ring on her engagement finger and showed it to him again. ‘Look, Lorne.’

      ‘It’s a bobby dazzler, and so are you!’ he exclaimed and then he added in a more sober tone, ‘He’s a good man, Tess. True blue. And he’s very good for you, just as you’re so good for him. And when do you plan to get married?’

      ‘As soon as we can, and I’d really like it to be before June. I don’t want to infringe on India’s splashy wedding in Ireland.’

      ‘I agree. And can I hope to be best man?’

      She grinned. ‘We haven’t got that far. He only just gave me the ring this morning. But I’m sure he’ll ask you.’

      Lorne nodded. ‘When does his assignment actually start?’

      ‘In two weeks. He’s going to Paris on Monday, but he’ll fly directly from Paris to Yorkshire on Thursday … he says he’s determined to attend one of our famous family weddings.’

      ‘Learning the ropes, eh?’ Lorne teased.

      ‘I suppose. Thanks, Lorne, for getting us together in the first place. It means the world to me that you did that for me, that you cared enough.’

      ‘Hey, come on, don’t be a silly goose. Incidentally, why aren’t you wearing the ring? Be careful you don’t lose it, leaving it floating around in your pocket like that.’

      ‘I’ll wear it tonight, after we’ve told Mummy and Dad. They don’t know yet, since they’re both out.’

      ‘Then we’ll make it a celebration tonight.’

      ‘That’s an idea … Lorne?’

      ‘Yes, what is it? You sound suddenly mournful.’

      ‘I’m worried about not having a job after I marry Jean-Claude. I’ve always worked. What I mean is, I’ll have to give up Harte’s.’

      Her twin gave her a long, thoughtful look, frowning, shaking his head. ‘Is it still that important to you, working at Harte’s?’

      ‘Yes. No. I don’t know.’

      ‘You’re thirty-two, darling, and you’ve had a lot of success at the stores. But let’s not forget the rough ride you had with Mark Longden. A very bad marriage that gave you absolutely zilch.’

      ‘It gave me Adele.’

      ‘Yes, of course, and I know you love her, I know what she means to you. But you’re a young woman, you should have happiness with a man, a fulfilled life. And how often do we find the right person? The one for us? I haven’t yet. But you have. Jean-Claude is the perfect man for you, and you’re going to be very busy being his wife and bringing up Adele. And what if you have a child, or indeed children, by him?’

      ‘You’re right, Lorne,’ she replied very quietly, looking into the distance.

      ‘I know you, Tessa, and you’re thinking about Linnet. About Linnet being the head of Harte’s, and that kills you, doesn’t it?’

      Tessa stared at him. She said nothing, biting her lip.

      There was silence.

      Neither of them spoke for a while.

      It was Lorne who finally said, ‘You’ve just got to get over this jealousy of yours. You’ve been rivals for years and it just makes for bad blood between you. And upsets us all.’

      ‘I know … but she wants the top job desperately.’

      ‘And she’ll probably get it. Face that now. You’ll be living in Paris with your new husband. She’ll be here, right on the spot. Of course Mummy’s going to give it to her.’

      ‘I wish I could commute.’

      ‘Don’t be so ridiculous! That wouldn’t work. You’d better make up your mind to forget having the power at the stores, and think of your marriage. I don’t believe you can have both. And to my way of thinking, you’ll be happier being Madame Jean-Claude Deléon than the new Emma Harte. That role’s for Linnet. Accept it.’

      Tessa stared at him. She did not reply.

      ‘I would like to speak to the Countess of Dunvale, please, Paddy. This is Linnet O’Neill.’

      ‘Oh hello, Miss O’Neill,’ Paddy Whitaker said pleasantly. ‘I’ll put you through to the dining room.’

      ‘Oh, I don’t want to disturb their lunch!’

      ‘No, no, it’s all right, they’ve finished. Just a moment please, Miss O’Neill.’

      It was India who picked up the phone in the dining room, and said, ‘Hello, Linnet, I hear you want to speak to Grandma.’

      ‘For a minute or two, India. I hope I’m not phoning at an inopportune time.’

      ‘No, no, it’s fine. We’ve finished lunch, just waiting to have coffee. Let me get Grandma.’

      Linnet waited several minutes before she heard that famous sonorous voice. ‘Here I am, Linnet. To what do I owe this honour? An unexpected phone call from you is a rarity.’

      ‘Oh gosh, Great-Aunt Edwina, don’t say that. You make me feel guilty.’

      ‘Don’t be daft, and guilt’s a terrible waste of time.’

      ‘Yes, Great-Aunt Edwina,’ Linnet responded and went on quickly, ‘I need to talk to you about Uncle Robin and Evan’s family, and it’s urgent.’

      ‘Why? Is there something wrong?’

      ‘No. But there could be. Is it at all possible for me to see you tomorrow? I could drive over.’

      ‘Today would be better, my dear. And if it’s urgent, isn’t it better we meet today? Or can you tell me about this problem on the phone?’

      ‘I’d

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