Anne Mather - The Arrogance Of Love

Amanda grinned. ‘Good. Bit of excitement is good for the juices. Don't be long.'

Susan packed her suitcase swiftly, then she climbed back into a taxi and drove to the store where Delia worked. She managed to contact Delia in the canteen and explained the position.

‘How heavenly!’ gasped Delia. ‘A weekend in France. It sounds marvellous! Just the thing to tone you up. You've looked pretty fed-up at times this week. I was beginning to get quite worried about you.'

‘Were you now? Well, there's no need. I'm fine.'

‘You are now. You look as different again. You've lost that bored expression. What did David say?'

‘Oh, the usual things. He wasn't very pleased, and I can understand that. After all, I don't suppose I'd like him to go flying off for a weekend on the continent without me.'

Delia linked her hands. ‘Is this Dominic Halstad going to be there?'

‘Good heavens, no! That's the reason we're going. If he were going there would be no need for Amanda to take the boy, would there?'

‘No. I guess not. Well, have a good time.'

‘Thanks. Actually, I'm a mass of nerves. How do you address a count?'

‘Don't be silly, you'll be all right. If I know Amanda Blake she'll give you a marvellous time. Look at last year when you went to Portugal. You had a terrific time!'

Susan nodded slowly, and then glanced at her watch. ‘Gosh, I must go. It's after eleven. See you Monday.'

‘Okay,’ Delia smiled, and Susan dashed off to find another taxi, feeling recklessly extravagant.

When she entered Amanda's apartment she immediately saw Jon Halstad. She would have recognized him anywhere. He was very like Dominic, with the same dark complexion, and lean good looks. His hair was curly, and he was dressed in a dark-grey suit with close-fitting trousers, and a white shirt. He looked about eighteen, and if she had expected some pale, wan, neglected teenager, dressed in jeans and a sweater, she was much mistaken. Jon Halstad was a strong, self-possessed young man, and he gave Susan a thorough appraisal as she removed her coat and advanced into the room.

His eyes took in the slim-fitting green suit with the fur collar, and the nylon-clad legs. Although he was not as tall as his father, he was still a little taller than Susan and in her high heels their eyes were on a level.

‘Jon?’ she ventured slowly.

‘Yes. You must be Susan.’ He smiled. ‘My father told me you would be going with us. Tell me, do you know my father well?'

Susan flushed. ‘Not very, why? Didn't he explain that I'm Amanda's secretary?'

‘Oh, yes, he told me that. But I wondered …’ His gaze slid away, and Susan felt mortified. Did he mean what she thought he was meaning? Surely not? Oh, God, she thought, what have I let myself in for?

She was relieved when Amanda came into the room, smiling cheerfully. ‘Ah, there you are, Susan. Have you met Jon?'

‘We've introduced ourselves,’ said Susan, swallowing hard. ‘Is there anything you want me to do?'

‘No, I don't think so.’ Amanda shook her head. ‘Well, Jon, are you looking forward to going to your aunt's?'

Jon shook his head. ‘Not particularly. Those kids are a bind.'

Amanda frowned. ‘Jeremy is only a year younger than you,’ she said. ‘You ought to be good friends. And Yvonne is the same age as you, isn't she?'

‘Oh, sure.’ Jon shrugged. ‘There's nothing to do there, though. Except go swimming in the lake.'

‘And what thrills do you indulge in here in town?’ asked Amanda dryly. ‘You're not old enough to go night-clubbing yet, or has your father already initiated you into that art?'

Jon laughed, and Susan found herself laughing too. Amanda's expression was so comical.

‘No, I don't go to night clubs. Just strip shows.'

Aware that he was teasing her now, Amanda chuckled. ‘All right, Jon, I'm sorry. But please, try and enjoy yourself at Fontainebleau. Your aunt tries so hard to please you.'

‘I know. Because I'm like Dad. She thinks the world of him, you know, and she hardly ever sees him.'

‘Hmn. Dominic really does neglect his family, doesn't he?'

‘All except one member,’ replied Jon coldly.

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