Kate explained about the miscarriage too far along into the pregnancy for Jack to be the father.
‘So that explains the instant divorce. And,’ added Anna thoughtfully, ‘the lack of significant others in his life since, maybe.’
‘There must have been some along the way. I can’t see Jack leading the life of a monk!’
‘You mean he’s terrific in bed? Those dark, smouldering types usually are. Not,’ Anna added hastily, ‘that I speak from experience. At least not since I met Ben.’ She shook her head in wonder as she filled teacups. ‘Amazing! All those times I met Jack Logan at the functions Ben drags me to I never knew he was your mystery lover.’
‘You adore going to functions with Ben!’
Anna nodded sheepishly. ‘Of course I do. I love standing round with a drink making small talk—the sign of a trivial mind, I suppose.’
Kate laughed. ‘The man you worked for didn’t agree with that. He married you!’
‘True. Ben said he was attracted to my razor-sharp mind before he noticed the packaging. Liar!’ Anna giggled, then sobered abruptly, her eyes anxious. ‘Are you really all right?’
‘I’m fine.’ Kate reached out a hand to touch Anna’s. ‘Jack just came round to set the record straight.’
‘Did he ask to see you again?’
‘No.’ Kate grinned ruefully. ‘Which really ticked me off. I was so looking forward to turning him down.’
‘You still have feelings for him?’
Kate shrugged. ‘If I do, I don’t know what they are. But when I moved back here I knew I risked running into Jack some time. Though I didn’t expect to in this house,’ she added tartly.
‘Tell me about it!’ Anna made a face. ‘Lucy Beresford thought it was such a coup for me, bringing him here, because normally he only graces the official functions I told you about, and corporate stuff. But Ben says he turns up at the occasional golf club dinner.’
‘To please his father,’ said Kate, nodding.
‘I suppose that was his reason all those years ago when he wouldn’t try for a job in London.’
‘Not a bit of it. Jack was pleasing himself.’
‘Do I detect an acid note?’
Kate’s mouth turned down. ‘I was so sure he loved me enough to come to London with me. Anyway,’ she added briskly, ‘that’s all in the past. Now then, you asked me here for a reason. Spill the beans!’
‘OK,’ said Anna, with an odd little smile. ‘I saw my doctor this morning.’
‘Why? What’s wrong?’
‘Nothing, unless you count morning sickness—I’m officially pregnant!’
‘Anna, how marvellous!’ Kate gave a crow of triumph and hugged her friend affectionately. ‘After all these years! How does Ben feel about it?’
‘Thrilled to bits—so am I!’
‘Me, too.’ Kate patted her friend’s cheek. ‘I’m very happy for you. And so is Ben, by the display of flowers in the hall.’
‘Actually,’ said Anna, fluttering her eyelashes, ‘those are not from my husband.’
‘Don’t tell me they’re from someone else’s!’
‘Certainly not.’ Anna grinned like the Cheshire cat. ‘Mr Jack Logan sent them with his apologies and thanks.’
On the way back into town Kate felt oddly restless and wished she’d given in to Anna’s coaxing to stay to dinner. There was no work to catch up on that couldn’t be dealt with tomorrow.
For the rest of the week Kate’s feeling of anticipation dwindled gradually as each day wore on with no word from Jack. By Thursday her sitting room was finished, along with her hopes of hearing from him again. Get over it, she ordered herself.