Caroline

Caroline shrugged. ‘You’re a great one to talk. What about you and that creature who called this evening?’

Amanda frowned. ‘At least he’s in my age and income group,’ she retorted, and Caroline got up off her bed and walked moodily into the living-room.

No matter what Amanda said, she was going.

CHAPTER TWO

THE following morning the office was buzzing with the news that Caroline Sinclair, the new girl in the typing pool, had been seen entering the building with Adam Steinbeck himself. It was also rumoured that they had had lunch together.

Caroline herself had got up earlier to look after Amanda before leaving home and had arrived on time. Ruth could hardly wait to speak to her.

‘Is it true?’ she gasped. ‘Was that why you were so late back yesterday? You had no time to tell me, being so busy when you got back.’

‘Yes,’ admitted Caroline reluctantly. ‘And please, before you start too, I don’t want a lecture.’

Ruth looked surprised at Caroline’s tone of voice. ‘Pardon me for asking,’ she said in a hurt voice. ‘Seriously though, Caroline, before you bite my head off, he is about forty, you know.’

Caroline closed her eyes for a moment. ‘Now, Ruth…’ she began.

‘Oh, I know, he’s a dish,’ interrupted Ruth quickly, ‘I’ve seen him in the distance myself. I expect dozens of women adore him, but really, you don’t honestly believe he’s interesting himself in you for any other reason than the obvious one.’

‘Which is?’ said Caroline irritably.

‘Why, sex, of course,’ replied Ruth, flushing.

Caroline sighed. ‘I honestly don’t know why you and Amanda think you know Adam Steinbeck better than me. Amanda wouldn’t know him if she saw him and you’ve just admitted you’ve only seen him from a distance. You both seem to think he’s some sort of sex-maniac or something.’

Ruth shrugged. ‘We’re only thinking of you,’ she returned coolly. ‘Have you considered what would happen if you get more than friendly? He’s not some boy who expects a goodnight kiss in a doorway. He was married, he’ll expect rather more.’

‘Married!’ exclaimed Caroline. ‘What happened to his wife?’

‘She died of leukaemia about eight years ago. One of the older girls told me about it ages ago.’

‘I see,’ Caroline could not help but feel relieved. At least he had not been lying to her. ‘Has he any family, then?’

‘He has a son, he’s at Radbury University, I believe. Good heavens, Caroline, his son is older than you are.’

Caroline clenched her fists. ‘Truthfully, Ruth, would you think he was too old for you, if you were in my place?’

Ruth was silent. In her heart of hearts she knew that Caroline had her cornered. A man like Steinbeck could not be ignored even without his wealth and position. And to have him invite you to lunch must be very exciting.

‘All right,’ she agreed at last. ‘In your position I’d probably do the same. But I wouldn’t take him seriously, Caroline. Things like that just don’t happen outside of story books. Anyway, how on earth did you meet him?’

‘You remember the man in the lift?’ asked Caroline quietly.

‘You don’t mean that was Steinbeck?’

Caroline nodded.

‘My gosh!’ Ruth was astounded. ‘Do you mean to say he asked you out that day and you didn’t tell me?’

‘No, I bumped into him yesterday lunch time when I was rushing home to see Amanda. He offered me a lift and I accepted. Then he asked me to lunch.’

Ruth shrugged helplessly. ‘Well, well, well.’ She sighed. ‘But do be careful, Caroline. I really mean it.’

‘All right.’ Caroline turned away to her machine. She did not intend mentioning her dinner date. She had heard quite enough comments about him for the time being.

The morning dragged by. She did not have to go home at lunch as Amanda was feeling a lot better after her day in bed and had said she could get herself something to eat.

As she worked, Caroline wondered what on earth she was going to wear that evening. She had only one evening dress, which she had worn last at a party given by the secretarial college where she had taken the course. It was dated already and being of pink cotton, chosen by Aunt Agnes, it made her look very young and schoolgirlish.

She eventually decided she would have to have a new dress. She called at the Post Office during her lunch hour and drew out twenty pounds of her savings. She knew she was being ridiculously extravagant, but she wanted Adam to be proud of her.

After work, in a small dress shop near the office building, she found exactly what she wanted. It was jade green, of see-through lace, and Caroline felt quite daring. The colour matched her eyes and she looked years older than her seventeen years. She felt very satisfied. Now she could hold her own with any of those sleek, society women.

Amanda was horrified when she found Caroline had wasted so much money; and wasted was the word she used.

‘You must be mad!’ she exclaimed angrily. ‘Don’t you realise that if you were to go out regularly with a man like him you would need loads of new clothes? I know you’ve only got fifty pounds in the Post Office, because you told me so.’

Caroline swung round furiously. ‘Really, Amanda, it’s my money, after all!’

‘You want your head examining,’ retorted Amanda fiercely.

‘Just leave me alone,’ muttered Caroline. ‘I’ll tread my own path to destruction, if you don’t mind.’

Amanda was silent for a moment and then she said:

‘I’m sorry if I sound interfering. It’s simply that you can’t afford to spend all that money on one outfit.’ She sighed. ‘Oh, well, if you really intend going through with it, do you want to borrow my cape?’

Caroline flushed and then looked ashamed. ‘Please, Amanda.’ She sighed. ‘Oh, I’m sorry if I was rude, really I am, but I can take care of myself.’

Amanda shrugged. ‘All right. I won’t say another word. What time is he arriving?’

Caroline told her and then rushed away to take a bath before someone else collared the bathroom. She was ready as the clock from the nearby church steeple struck seven o’clock. She looked beautiful in the green dress. Amanda was aware that she looked much older tonight, but refrained from saying so in case she caused another row.

It was she who first saw the Rolls turn into the cul-de-sac and turning come to halt by the door below.

‘I guess this is him,’ she said slowly, while Caroline felt her stomach palpitate alarmingly.

‘I’ll go down,’ she said, opening the door.

‘Be good,’ remarked Amanda with a wry smile. Then more seriously, ‘And be careful.’

Caroline nodded, and then closing the door she descended the stairs.

When she reached the street she found Adam leaning against the bonnet of the car, smoking a cigarette. Tonight he was wearing a charcoal grey suit and a dark grey gabardine overcoat. He looked bigger than ever as he straightened at her approach.

‘Hello,’ she murmured, and his eyes narrowed rather mockingly before he too smiled at her.

‘Good evening,’ he answered suavely, and opened the car door for her to slide in.

When he was seated beside her he gave her an appraising look. ‘You look quite beautiful, my dear,’ he said rather sardonically. ‘And very sophisticated too. Are you?’

Not liking his tone, Caroline shivered suddenly. ‘I…I don’t think I quite understand you,’ she replied, trying to see his face in the semi-darkness.

He sounded amused and said: ‘Forget it.’

The car was as smooth and luxurious as Caroline remembered and she relaxed slightly in her seat.

‘I’ve booked a table at the Mozambo for eight o’clock,’ he remarked as the car joined the busier traffic of the King’s Road. The Mozambo was a newly-opened nightclub and Caroline knew she ought not to go anywhere like that as she was not yet eighteen.

Adam glanced at her when she did not reply. ‘What’s wrong?’ he asked blandly. ‘Don’t you like the idea? I’m sure it’s just the place for an outfit like that.’

‘It’s not that I don’t want to go,’ she answered uncomfortably. ‘But as I’m not eighteen until March…’

‘Ah, I had forgotten,’ he said slowly, although she had the feeling he had not forgotten at all. ‘Then we will go somewhere more innocuous.’

Caroline felt dreadfully young and gauche. ‘Oh, really,’ she murmured. ‘I feel rather ridiculous.’

‘Why? You can’t help your age. Besides, night-clubs are not particularly my metier.’

Caroline sighed, still feeling uncomfortable. ‘Then where are we going?’

Adam looked thoughtful. ‘I think perhaps we will have dinner at the Caprice and then I’ll get tickets for a show. Is there any particular show you would care to see?’

‘I really don’t mind,’ exclaimed Caroline, half relieved. ‘Are you sure I’m not spoiling your evening?’

He smiled wryly. ‘You couldn’t do that,’ he replied smoothly.

The Caprice was as exciting as she had imagined. She recognised some famous celebrities as they were shown to their table and she felt amazed at the ease with which Adam dealt with the waiters. Although the restaurant was extremely busy he had had no difficulty in acquiring a table, and it was obvious he was both liked and respected.

Before ordering the meal Adam ordered himself a whisky, but Caroline was given a lime and lemon, much to her chagrin. She accepted the cigarette he offered her and said: ‘Do you think it’s safe for me to have this?’ in a rather dry tone.

Adam smiled, studying the menu with an experienced eye. ‘Have you decided what you want to eat?’ he asked, ignoring her remark.

‘No. I’ll leave it to you. I’m afraid I’m not used to dining in places like this.’ She sounded rather wistful and for a moment Adam’s rather sardonic expression relaxed. Then drawing deeply on his cigarette he returned to his contemplation of the menu.

Once the meal was ordered, Adam transferred his attention to his companion.

‘I’m glad you decided to come,’ he said easily.

‘Did you think I might not?’ she asked, surprised.

‘Well, I must admit I had my doubts,’ he replied lazily. ‘I imagine all your friends have been warning you against getting mixed up with a man like me?’

‘How did you ..?’ she began, and then stopped, flushing.

‘So I was right,’ he murmured. ‘And what was your reason for not taking their advice?’

‘I told them I was quite capable of taking care of myself,’ she replied, refusing to meet his eyes.

‘I see.’ He nodded. ‘And do you really believe that?’

Caroline flushed deeper. ‘Well, of course,’ she exclaimed quickly. ‘If I didn’t I shouldn’t have come.’

‘Worthy sentiments,’ he remarked dryly, but when she did look up at him his eyes were mocking.

His eyes strayed across the revealing lace of her dress, almost insolently, and Caroline had the urge to cover herself. She wished she had never bought this particular dress, but something more in keeping with her age and personality.

When his eyes returned to hers she felt she was blushing all over and he smiled mockingly. ‘Not quite so sophisticated?’ he enquired sardonically, and Caroline felt her nerves jumping. Suddenly the advice she had been given by Amanda and Ruth became reasonable.

The meal, when it was served, was delicious, but Caroline ate very little. During the intervals between the numerous courses Adam spoke casually about his journeys abroad and for a while Caroline’s tension relaxed and she enjoyed listening to him. He was a fascinating raconteur and his stories were often amusing and edifying.

Afterwards, Caroline decided on a show she would like to see and the evening became less of a strain. The show was a light musical comedy and it helped to relieve Caroline’s uncertainty. Adam was a good companion when he was not mocking her and she gradually relaxed completely.

When the show was over they walked back to where the car was awaiting them and got inside swiftly out of the cold night air. Adam started the engine and drove out into the main stream of traffic with expert technique. Caroline was so fascinated by his lean hands on the wheel that at first she did not realise they were not heading in the direction of the flat. When she did realise it they were already turning into a quiet mews in Mayfair. Caroline clasped her handbag tightly. Where on earth was he taking her? She was so shocked that she sat in speechless amazement when he stopped the car below a low doorway of what seemed to be a mews cottage. The mews was completely private, lit by one lamp, and only this one dwelling opened on to it. All the newspaper stories she had read of girls getting attacked and murdered flooded into her terrified mind as she sat there while Adam slid out and walked round the bonnet to her side.

When he opened her door, the automatic light in the car illuminated her frightened face and he sighed and said:

‘Don’t look like that. I’m not going to harm you. Come on. Out!’

Mutely, shivering slightly, Caroline slid out. She felt stiff and awkward and somehow fatalistic. Whatever was going to happen would happen whatever she did.

With another half-disgusted look at her, Adam opened the door and switched on the light inside. Then he drew back to allow her to precede him inside. When they were both standing in the low hallway he closed the door. Caroline was conscious of a ruby red carpet beneath her feet which spread up the wide shallow staircase. The walls were darkly panelled and the lighting was concealed, casting a warm glow about them.

Adam passed her and walked down the hall, removing his overcoat as he went.

‘You can leave your wrap here,’ he said coolly, and Caroline slipped off her coat and laid it on an exquisitely-carved polished chest which stood at one end of the hall. On the chest was a vase of chrysanthemums whose curly yellow petals made a splash of colour against the dark woodwork. It really was the most attractive hall Caroline had ever seen and curiosity getting the better of her she followed Adam down the hall and through a doorway. She found herself in yet another exquisitely decorated room. This was a low lounge with a pseudo-log fire burning in a wide fireplace of white brick. The carpet here changed to sapphire blue and low couches of white velvet invited the visitor. A carved cocktail cabinet stood beneath windows which were now hidden by blue velvet curtains and the whole effect was one of luxurious relaxation. Adam stood on the hearth regarding her as she hesitated just within the doorway.

‘Well?’ he asked expectantly, ‘do you like it?’

Caroline raised her shoulders helplessly. Getting her voice back, she murmured, ‘You know it’s quite fabulous.’ She sighed. ‘My opinion can be of no interest to you.’

Adam shrugged and then crossed to the cocktail cabinet. ‘Will you have a drink?’

Immediately her earlier fears returned and Adam, looking at her, must have sensed this, for he said:

‘Don’t bother to refuse. I think a small brandy might restore your confidence.’

Caroline shrugged and took the glass when he handed it to her. Amusement playing over his handsome face, he deliberately crossed to the double white doors and closed them firmly. Then turning once more to Caroline he indicated a low couch. ‘Won’t you sit down?’

Caroline subsided quickly, glad to be off her rather shaky legs. To her dismay, Adam seated himself beside her and lay back lazily resting his dark head against the white velvet. Caroline, glancing at him, was overwhelmingly aware of his physical attraction that reached out to her like a magnet and made her feel breathlessly weak.

‘Now,’ he said slowly, ‘let’s get one thing straight, shall we?’

Caroline frowned. ‘What’s that?’ she asked nervously.

Adam stretched his legs luxuriously. ‘Well,’ he murmured, ‘you are under a misapprehension regarding both yourself and me.’ He lit a cigarette slowly before continuing. ‘When we first met you were very relaxed with me and I liked that. I know at first you didn’t know who I was, but even after you did you were still relaxed…natural. Now, suddenly, after all this brainwashing by your so-called friends you’re terrified of me. Why? What do you expect me to do? Attack you?’

Caroline flushed. She felt suddenly very stupid.

He frowned and went on: ‘And tonight you arrive to meet me looking like nothing on earth! That dress would suit a woman of thirty. It’s far too old for you. Sure I baited you about being sophisticated because I was so mad that you should think you have to dress like that to suit me. You’ve transformed yourself into just another female. I hadn’t booked a table at the Mozambo at all. I just wondered how far that veneer of sophistication would take you. If you’d agreed to go to that night-club I would have put you over my knee. Now do you understand? I asked you out because you were what you were…fresh, young, innocent if you like, but not because I wanted a dressed-up doll to take to dinner. God, don’t you think I get sick of women flinging themselves at me, women who look just like you do tonight? That’s not bigheadedness either. I guess money appeals to most women.’

He rose to his feet suddenly and crossed to the cocktail cabinet and poured himself another drink.

Caroline sipped her drink. She felt about six years old and about as many inches high. ‘What now?’ she murmured, her voice husky and near to tears. She had a pain in her inside that threatened to overwhelm her and she couldn’t understand it.

He shrugged and replaced his glass beside the decanter. ‘I guess we’ll have to start again,’ he replied with a lazy smile. Then seeing the tears in Caroline’s eyes he exclaimed: ‘Hey, did you think I just brought you here to lecture you and then never see you again?’

Caroline nodded and brushed a hand over her eyes. Relief flooded over her and with a piercing insight she realised why she had been so frightened; why she had not wanted it to end! She was in love with this man; loved him so completely that she knew she would never be the same again.

She forced herself to look at him without emotion when he flung himself beside her again and said:

‘Now, tomorrow is Saturday. Would you like to drive into the country with me and come and see my house near Windsor? This place is just somewhere in town where I can stay or work if necessary. I have a housekeeper, but I believe she’s away for the weekend. At any rate she didn’t expect me this evening.’

‘I’d adore to come,’ exclaimed Caroline eagerly, smiling at him. ‘Does this mean we’re alone here at the moment?’

‘Yes,’ he murmured with a sigh. ‘But don’t get any more ideas. I’m going to take you home right now.’ He rose to his feet and offered her a hand to get up. Taking it, Caroline’s stomach plunged. Far from wanting to leave she longed to cling to him, suddenly afraid at the tumult of feelings he had aroused.

It did not take long to reach Gloucester Court and Caroline slid reluctantly out of the warm intimacy of the big car. Adam escorted her to the entrance of the flats.

‘I’ll collect you from here at about three o’clock tomorrow afternoon,’ he said, smiling down at her. ‘Just wear something casual.’

She laughed softly, looking up at him. ‘Leopard-skin tights and a backless sweater,’ she teased him.

‘God, no,’ he muttered, turning away. ‘Go on. I’ll see you tomorrow. Goodnight.’

Amanda was not asleep when Caroline entered the bedroom and she had to relate the night’s events. She omitted the visit to his mews residence, however, but although it was already eleven-thirty, Amanda seemed satisfied that they had come straight home. Caroline resolved not to discuss Adam with Amanda or Ruth in future. Their knowledge was only based on hearsay; Caroline felt she knew Adam much better than that.

Amanda returned to work on the Saturday morning, for although it was half-day closing a lot of her work was done after closing hours. This made things easier for Caroline who decided to leave a note telling Amanda where she had gone, thus evading any further discussion of Adam’s merits.

She washed her hair in the morning, scrambled an egg for lunch and was ready by two-thirty. She had dressed in Black Watch tartan trews and a bulky blue sweater and carried her duffel coat. With her silvery hair loose and wearing little make-up she looked young and wholesome.

She saw a low white continental car turn into the mews at a quarter to three and wondered idly whose car it was. She did not connect it with Adam until there was a knock at her door.

She hurried to open it, inwardly praying it wasn’t Aunt Agnes, who sometimes took it into her head to visit Caroline on Saturday afternoons. However, when she opened the door and saw Adam she gasped and said:

‘Why, Adam!’ in a surprised tone. ‘I’ve been watching for you, but I didn’t see the car.’

He shrugged and walked past her into the room, looking about him with interest. ‘Are you ready?’ he asked. ‘At least you look your age today.’

Caroline smiled. ‘I’ll take that as a compliment,’ she answered lightly. ‘But don’t look round here. It’s all so old and untidy, I’m afraid.’

Adam nodded critically. ‘These old houses should all be demolished,’ he said, noticing the damp patch under the windows which Amanda had unsuccessfully tried to hide with a leather print. ‘A new block of flats would house twice as many people and be more hygienic’ He smiled at Caroline. ‘Shall we go?’

Today he was dressed in dark slacks and a navy blue sweater over a blue shirt. He was wearing his sheepskin coat and looked big and handsome. Caroline inwardly hugged herself as they went down to the car. A whole afternoon and possibly evening too with him all to herself.

To her surprise, Adam crossed to the white car. It looked sleek and powerful and she felt excited as she got in.

‘This is why I didn’t see you,’ she explained as he joined her in the automobile. ‘I only looked for the Rolls.’

‘Hm,’ he murmured in reply. ‘I decided the Rolls was in need of a check-up, so I brought this instead.’

‘I like it,’ exclaimed Caroline eagerly. ‘It’s more…well…’

‘Intimate,’ he suggested lazily, and she flushed.

‘Casual,’ she replied, then with a sigh of contentment she continued: ‘Oh, I’m so glad you invited me to come with you today. By the way, how did you find our apartment?’

Adam started the car. ‘Caro, honey, you work for me,’ he answered, and Caroline smiled and nodded. No one else had ever abbreviated her name to ‘Caro’ and she adored it, just as she adored the way he said it.

The drive to his home was smooth and comfortable and very fast. They drove beyond Windsor to a village called Slayford and on the outskirts of the village they turned between the drive gates of a low, modern villa-bungalow. It was a massive place designed on Grecian lines with statuary in the forecourt and a fountain playing into a small pool. The drive swept round the fountain and Adam brought the car to a halt before double glass doors with a wrought iron grille covering the inside. Wide, shallow steps led up to these doors crossing a pillar-supported terrace.

‘Gosh,’ exclaimed Caroline, forestalling Adam as he would have helped her from the car, ‘I never imagined anything like this. It’s quite fabulous.’

‘I’m glad you like it,’ he replied, thrusting his hands deep into the pockets of his coat. ‘I had it built five years ago to my own specifications.’

Drawing out his keys, he opened the doors and they stepped into a pile-carpeted hallway. Caroline’s feet sank deep into the carpet and she stared about her in wonderment. If the mews cottage had been luxurious, this place was doubly so. The warmth of the central heating met you at your entrance while the air was kept fresh by a conditioning system.

The hall was wide and high and a crystal chandelier hung above them. A fan-shaped staircase lay ahead of them leading to the upper regions of the house and everywhere was carpeted in this heather-mixture coloured pile. The walls depicted hunting scenes in hand-painted murals, and Caroline felt sure she would never know which of the numerous doors opening off the hall opened into where.