I like my coffee,’ she murmured, helping herself to the sugar before letting a generous slick of cream dribble over the back of her spoon.
‘Well, I knew you probably wouldn’t like it the way I do,’ he said easily, picking up his own black unsweetened coffee. ‘And, since I don’t know your particular tastes, I thought I’d cover all possibilities.’
She smiled now as she put the mug to her lips. ‘And you got it just right,’ she said.
His black eyes softened as he continued gazing at her. And he wasn’t alone in his fascination. He’d been only too aware of the lingering glances in her direction from other males in the restaurant—and the man behind the bar, who knew the residents of Highbridge Manor very well, had been blunt enough to enquire who she was. ‘New girl on the block?’ he’d asked suggestively, raising his eyes in appreciation. And Jasper had fielded the question casually, as if he was surprised at the enquiry. ‘Oh, yes, but very temporary—she’s sort of passing through,’ he’d said, turning away with the drinks.
Presently, glancing at his watch, Jasper said, ‘I’m sorry to rush you but I’m interviewing a part-time games assistant at three o’clock…’
Ria immediately got to her feet. ‘Of course, and I should be getting along,’ she said. ‘I told Hannah that I’d be back long before this.’ She bent to pick up her bag. ‘It’s her birthday today,’ she added, ‘and we’re going out somewhere later to celebrate.’ She looked up at Jasper as he stood aside to let her go past. ‘It’ll be a double celebration,’ she added, ‘because I’ve got a job with a home attached.’
Much later, after he’d finished what he had to do, Jasper shut down his computer, then picked up his jacket from the back of the chair. It had been a good day, he thought, all the important details connected with the start of his last term successfully completed. The young games assistant he’d appointed seemed able and enthusiastic, and it had been a great relief to have found someone to fill the temporary post in the English department. He paused for a moment before leaving the room, a slight frown creasing his brow. He hoped he’d done the right thing, engaging Ria Davidson…It wasn’t anything to do with her ability in her subject, of course, and he knew only too well that his pupils would fall for her at first sight—but would she be able to keep them in their place? Keep law and order in the classroom? Yet something told him that she’d cope well enough and, anyway, he’d make damned sure the boys wouldn’t take advantage of her. He had a daunting reputation for looking in briefly—unexpectedly—while classes were in progress, to check up on general discipline, and nothing ever escaped his notice. He took pleasure in running a tight ship, so it would be in his own interests to steer Miss Davidson through any troubled waters for the short time she’d be at the school.
For some reason, Jasper felt strangely restless. Perhaps he’d go home tonight, rather than wait until the weekend as he’d intended. His beautiful old cottage in the countryside frequently enticed him back, and today was one of those days. Besides, he might not be able to be there very much during the frantically busy summer term ahead—the end-of-year examinations, and the end of his tenure. Speech day, final cricket matches and the tennis tournament to arrange…School-leavers’ functions and presentations. It all added up to a mass of organization which must be sorted by him. It was obvious he wouldn’t have much time for himself, so he’d better escape for a few days now, while he had the chance.
After telling the caretaker that he was about to leave, he made his way over to the car park. Allowing for traffic, he’d be home in time for supper. He’d phone Debra and tell her he was coming. He knew she didn’t like it when he was away for too long at a time.
Ria and Hannah left the cosy trattoria where they’d spent the evening and strolled along the streets of the town, gazing in at the brightly lit shop windows.
‘I feel really lucky getting that job,’ Ria said, ‘because I need the money to top up my resources for next year. Not to mention having somewhere to live! Couldn’t be more convenient.’
‘I think they’re lucky to get you,’ Hannah said, ‘and don’t forget—you’re always welcome to stay at mine again, if things don’t turn out right. Although,’ she added mischievously, ‘from your description of Mr Headmaster, I doubt whether you’ll give up on the place—or on him—very quickly.’
‘It will certainly be in my interests not to give up,’ Ria said firmly, ‘however bad or difficult things turn out to be. Anyway, it’s to be for such a short time.’ They waited for some cars to pass before crossing the road. ‘And, by the way, Hannah, please don’t let your romantic imagination run away with you, please. You know very well what my feelings are in that direction.’
Hannah stopped and took hold of Ria’s arm for a second. ‘When are you going to give yourself a break and get back to normal, Ria?’ she asked seriously. ‘This state of affairs isn’t right. You’ve got to start believing in yourself again, and get rid of all that guilt you’re carrying around with you. You deserve to find happiness with someone else.’
‘If you say so, Hannah,’ Ria replied listlessly, ‘but at the moment all I require, all I care about, is a job and somewhere of my own to rest my head. And, thanks to Mr Jasper Trent, I’ve got both.’
CHAPTER THREE
ON THE following Tuesday afternoon, Ria stood in the centre of her new bedroom and looked around. With her own duvet and pillows cosily in place and her make-up, travel clock and other personal belongings neatly arranged on the small table by her bed, it was already beginning to feel like home.
Ria always managed to travel fairly light, her clothes packed into two suitcases, with a couple of large holdalls coping with other bulkier stuff, and it hadn’t taken her long to unpack. The one wardrobe and chest of drawers were perfectly adequate to hold the modest amount of clothing she’d brought with her—which mostly consisted of simple things suitable for the classroom.
Going into the bathroom, she swilled her hands and face and released her hair from its ponytail, feeling the need to relax for a few moments. She wouldn’t mind having a quick nap, she thought wryly—she and Hannah had stayed up very late last night, talking, but apart from that Ria recognized the tremor of apprehension she always experienced in new situations. Surely she should be growing out of that by now? she scolded herself. She bit her lip thoughtfully. Her anticipated year of travelling was going to clinch it, once and for all, she thought.
Outside her room, Jasper Trent hesitated for a few seconds before knocking on the door. He’d been told that she’d arrived but had deliberately not bothered to seek her out or make a particular point of welcoming her. Anyway, Helen would have taken care of her, taken care of everything.
Ever since he’d appointed Ria, he’d asked himself over and over again what on earth had made him do it. But then he’d been getting desperate about filling the post, he’d reasoned, and she had impressed him—on so many counts. Although she was much younger than he’d have liked, she was direct in conversation, with no fluffy beating about the bush or being tongue-tied, and he had the feeling that she could state her case with no difficulty. Could take care of herself. Just as well, he thought, if she intended travelling alone in the not-toodistant future. Then he shrugged. That was a long way off and none of his concern. His only responsibility was in seeing that she did the job he’d be paying her for—and that she behaved herself. His expression hardened. He’d learned a strong lesson this year, learned it in spades. He’d be relieved when Carl took over again, he thought—the difficulties of the business world could be tricky enough, but running a large boarding school was in a category all of its own.
Now,
