Zandros.’ He leaned forward, offering his hand, and before she realised what she was doing Harriet allowed her fingers to be clasped by his. His touch was warm and strong, and in spite of herself she felt her pulses leap in an unexpected and unwelcome response.
And saw his firm mouth slant, as if he’d gauged her reaction, and was amused by it.
He said softly, ‘To our better acquaintance, Harriet mou.’ Then, before she could free herself, he raised her hand almost ceremoniously to his lips and kissed it, leaving her gasping.
CHAPTER FOUR
‘WHAT on earth are you doing?’ Harriet snatched back her hand, furiously aware that she was blushing.
‘A formal seal to our betrothal.’ He sounded completely unconcerned. ‘That is all.’
‘Thank you,’ she said grittily. ‘Perhaps we can dispense with any further formalities.’
He was grinning now. ‘Of course, if that is what you wish.’
‘Yes,’ she said. ‘It is.’ Something told her she was being absurd to make such a fuss over so little. After all, the kiss had barely lasted a second. Yet she had a curious conviction that if she looked at her hand she would see the mark of his mouth burning like a brand on her skin.
Anxious to dismiss the incident, she hurried into speech. ‘Zandros—that’s a Greek name?’
‘You seem surprised.’
‘No, not really,’ she said quickly. ‘It’s just that—you speak English so well.’
‘I had an English mother, and I spent a lot of time in this country when I was young. Also, it was where I began my education.’
‘Oh,’ she said. ‘I see.’
‘I don’t think so,’ Roan said, not unkindly. ‘But there is no reason why you should.’ He paused. ‘So, when do you plan to tell your grandfather about this sudden change in your circumstances?’
‘I’ll go down next weekend and talk to him.’
He nodded meditatively. ‘And how will you explain me? I cannot be the grandson he had in mind.’
‘No,’ Harriet agreed. ‘Quite the contrary, which makes it all the better.’
His glance held faint reproof. ‘In your view, perhaps. But if I may offer some advice,’ he added dryly, ‘you should not gloat too openly over your victory. A man does not like to find himself bested by a woman.’
‘Too bad,’ she said. ‘But it’s hardly that, because I’m doing exactly what he wants. So how can he complain if I interpret that in my own way?’
‘Experience suggests he may complain very bitterly. Does your desire for this pile of bricks and mortar really justify causing such upset?’
Harriet looked down at the table. She said constrictedly, ‘Don’t get me wrong. I love him—I really do. But he doesn’t understand my need to live as an independent woman, and he never has. He has to accept that.’
‘And your parents? What have they to say about this?’
She said, ‘They’re—no longer around.’
He glanced at her frowningly. ‘I am sorry.’
‘Don’t be,’ she said brightly. ‘I’ve had years to grow accustomed to it.’
‘You are fortunate. My mother died nearly three years ago, and she is still constantly in my thoughts.’ He leaned back in his chair, his gaze watchful. ‘This house you want so much—without marriage, who will be there to inherit it when you are gone?’
She said defensively, ‘I could always adopt a child.’
‘A single woman?’ His brows rose. ‘Does the law allow this?’
‘Why not? After all, I shan’t be poor, and money opens all kinds of doors.’
‘Yes,’ he said. ‘I am beginning to see that.’ His smile was ironic. ‘But, as one of those doors has opened for me, I can hardly complain.’ He paused again. ‘You do not think that one day you will meet a man you can love, and wish to have his babies?’
‘No,’ Harriet said shortly. ‘I don’t. And may we please leave my personal foibles to one side, and get back to business? I’d already started on the arrangements when I thought I was going to marry—the other man, but there’s still a great deal to do.’ She looked down at her bare hands. ‘For one thing, I need a ring.’
‘That is usually the bridegroom’s responsibility,’ he said. ‘Therefore, you may leave it to me.’
‘It’s hardly an expense you can afford,’ she returned. ‘Besides, you don’t know the correct size.’
‘I could make an educated guess.’ He looked her over, eyes narrowed. ‘As I could do about the size of everything you are wearing at this moment. Do you wish me to demonstrate?’
She was infuriated to realise that her face was burning again. She said with a snap, ‘No, thank you.’ She got to her feet, and he stood up too, making her aware all over again of how tall he was, and how broad his shoulders were under the cling of his shirt. She added hurriedly, ‘There’ll be things to sign—papers and such. My lawyer will contact you.’
She paused. ‘The date of the wedding—is there any particular day of the week that you’d find inconvenient?’
‘You are most considerate,’ he said courteously. ‘However, I will make quite sure I’m available when you require me to be so.’
‘Then I’ll arrange for Mr Slevin to come to your studio,’ she said. ‘I—I hope the visit goes well. His backing would be such a fantastic boost for you.’
She realised she was babbling again, and stopped, rummaging inside her bag for her wallet instead. She put some notes on the table. ‘That should cover the bill.’ She sent him a bright, meaningless smile. ‘If you want to order anything else, please do so.’
For an instant, there was an odd silence—almost a tension in the air. Then Roan bent his head in polite acknowledgement, and the moment passed.
All the same, her goodbye was faintly uncertain as she took her departure. And as she emerged into the street, she found she was strangely breathless.
But why? she wondered. Because I should be cheering, now that I’ve solved my problem at last.
Except, she reminded herself as she signalled to a passing taxi, that I still have to tell Grandfather.
The week that followed was a busy one. Harriet spent the latter part of it in the Midlands, revisiting the sites she’d targeted on earlier trips, and taking extensive photographs to accompany her redrafted report, when it was prepared, and support its recommendations. Nothing this time would be left to chance, she thought with grim determination. Whatever the questions, she would have all the answers.
However,
