and an oak-panelled ceiling. Ranged on an impressive leather-topped desk was a businesslike computer and an array of up-to-date communication equipment.
‘And next door is the living-room…’ A hand at her waist, he led her into a beautifully proportioned room with panelled walls and a white ceiling. Once again the leaded windows that looked across the courtyard were a work of art executed and signed by a master craftsman.
Most of the furniture was antique and bore the glorious patina of age, but the soft natural leather suite grouped around the inglenook fireplace was up-to-date and comfortable-looking.
A log fire blazed cheerfully in the grate, a grandfather clock tick-tocked in the corner and flowers and photographs made the room feel lived-in and homely.
This time Tina said without hesitation, ‘What a lovely room.’
He gave her the kind of smile that made her heart turn over. ‘I’m glad you like it.’
‘And not a television in sight,’ she added quizzically, remembering the comments he’d made the previous evening.
His smile widened into a grin. ‘It wasn’t easy to bring in modern technology without spoiling the atmosphere. But voilà!’
Sliding aside the doors of a large and handsome oak cabinet, he revealed a state-of-the-art television, a video, a DVD player and a comprehensive music centre.
‘All the trappings of modern-day entertainment,’ he said a shade wryly, ‘though blessedly not on view unless they’re in use.’
They had just settled themselves by the fireside when there was a tap at the door and a young maid brought in a tray of tea and cake.
‘Thanks, Milly,’ Richard said. Adding, ‘We’ll pour our own.’
While Tina sat in front of the fire, he helped her to tea in a delicate china cup and a slice of homemade fruit cake, before sitting down opposite.
Though the setting seemed relaxed and homely, the silence companionable, there was still an undercurrent of sexual tension that rasped along her nerves like rough silk and, as she sipped her tea, she watched him surreptitiously.
Leaning back, his long legs stretched towards the hearth, he looked completely at his ease and she envied his cool detachment.
Glancing up, he caught her eye.
Her colour rising, she looked hastily away.
Hiding a smile, he said conversationally, ‘Tell me something; if you had no intention of taking the job, why did you agree to come?’
Her flush deepening, she confessed, ‘I wanted to see the castle.’
‘Ah,’ he murmured softly.
‘I’m sorry. I suppose it was a waste of your time.’
‘Not at all,’ he denied. ‘I’ve enjoyed the day.’
‘So have I,’ she admitted. Then, reminding herself that it was something she had to do, she added, ‘But I really ought to be getting back before too long. I’ve still got to find a hotel.’
Softly he said, ‘After last night I was rather hoping you’d change your mind and stay with me.’
‘Last night was a mistake,’ she told him jerkily. ‘If I hadn’t had too much to drink…’
‘And this morning?’
‘That was a mistake too,’ she insisted. ‘I should never have let it happen.’
She sounded as if she meant it and he sighed inwardly. So much for trying to make sure she stayed. He could swear she still wanted him, but for some reason she was now playing hard to get.
He wondered why she was bothering. Was it possible that she was hoping for more than just an affair? Hoping to make him keen enough to get seriously involved?
In the past he’d frequently been the target for gold-diggers and women who were trying to land a rich husband, though usually they had gone about it in a different way.
However, if that was her aim and he moved with care, it could fit in nicely with his own plans.
The only thing he couldn’t allow her was time…
When he remained silent, angry with herself for being weak enough to come, she said, ‘If you were intending to stay here, as your housekeeper seems to think, I can always get a taxi back.’
It would cost a fortune but, having got herself into this mess…
‘My dear Valentina,’ he drawled, ‘I haven’t the slightest intention of allowing you to get a taxi. If you insist on going back, I’ll take you myself.’
Uncomfortably, she said, ‘Well, if you’re sure you don’t mind?’
‘Of course I don’t mind. I’m at your disposal. But, as you came to see the castle, it would be a shame to start back without taking a look at it, so I suggest a guided tour of the place and then dinner before we think of leaving. What do you say?’
There was only one thing she could say, and she said it. ‘Thank you very much—that sounds lovely.’
‘Sure your ankle will stand it?’
‘Quite sure.’
‘Then let’s go.’
Leaving her bag where it was, she accompanied him across the hall and along a wide stone corridor.
‘It’s beginning to get dusk,’ he remarked, ‘so I suggest that, before we start the tour proper, we go up to the gatehouse, where there’s a nice view across the park to the oval lake.’
As they began to climb the spiralling stone stairway, lit by candle bulbs in metal sconces, the air coming through the embrasures felt distinctly fresh and she half wished she had her coat, which she’d left in the car along with her case.
She found the gatehouse, with its huge stone fireplace and garderobe, fascinating, and lingered there for a while imagining what it must have been like when it was occupied. Only the realisation that time was flying and there was lots more to see made her move on.
Another flight of stone steps brought them to a small, thick, studded door, from which they emerged on to the roof of the gatehouse.
Tina glanced down into the courtyard, with its huge central well, now covered with a latticework of heavy metal, and, noticing that the Porsche was no longer there, remarked, ‘Your car’s gone.’
His voice casual, Richard said, ‘Mullins must have presumed we were staying and put it away.’
Then, seeing she looked uneasy, ‘Don’t let it worry you; it’s no major problem. After dinner, when we’re ready to go, I can ask for it to be brought round. Now, come and look at the view.’
Hung with blue veils of twilight, the view across the rolling park to the faintly shimmering oval of the lake, the darkening woods and, closer at hand, Daland
