‘I’ve got enough from my former life to last me for ages. No point in wasting money on something new.’ Kate patted Anna’s hand. ‘I promise I won’t let you down again. No jeans this time.’
‘You didn’t let me down,’ protested her friend. ‘You made all the other women green with envy. Did you wear jeans when you had dinner with Jack?’
Kate shook her head. ‘I thought we were eating out, so I honoured him with the dress intended for your party—the one I wore at your place at Christmas.’
‘The drop-dead job with the cleavage?’ Anna grinned. ‘That must have got his juices flowing.’
‘Is pregnancy to blame for this sudden earthiness of yours, Mrs Maitland?’
‘No, just for my appetite. I need tea and cream cakes right now!’
By the time Anna dropped her off at home Kate had lost all enthusiasm for more painting. There was only one wall left to do and that, she decided, could wait. Now she had a sitting room worthy of the name she would spoil herself and stretch out on her new chaise to read instead of doing any one of a long list of things she should be doing instead. She enjoyed a whole hour deep in the intricacies of a courtroom thriller before the telephone rang to spoil her fun.
‘Richard here, Kate. How are you?’
‘I’m well. How are things with you?’
‘Busy. Did you enjoy your weekend?’
‘I did, very much. Nasty journey back, but it was worth it.’
‘I’m sure it was. Look, Kate, I know this is short notice, but are you free tomorrow? A film, meal, anything you like.’
‘Sorry, Richard. I’m already booked for dinner tomorrow.’
Kate could feel her face growing pink during a pause which lasted too long for comfort.
‘Is that the truth?’ he asked at last, ‘or is it your way of letting me down lightly?’
‘Richard,’ said Kate on impulse. ‘Are you going home about now?’
‘Yes. I’m just locking up.’
‘Would you like to call here for a drink first?’
‘Of course I would. See you soon.’
Kate checked on the contents of the fridge and went back to the sitting room to her book. When she heard a car stop outside she put a marker in her page and got up to answer the door, then stared in dismay.
‘You were expecting someone else?’ Jack inquired sardonically.
‘Yes, I am.’ She shrugged. ‘It’s a bit awkward, but come in, if you like.’
‘But you’d rather I made myself scarce.’
‘Yes, please. I’ll explain later.’
He threw her a flinty look, strode to the Jensen at the kerb and drove off with a growl of engine just as Richard Forster’s car turned into the Crescent.
‘Was that Logan?’ he asked as he got out.
‘Yes. Do come in.’
Kate showed him into the sitting room. ‘I can offer you beer or a glass of wine. Or medicinal brandy,’ she added as an afterthought, feeling rather in need of one herself.
‘Beer would be good. Attractive house,’ he added, looking round.
‘Thank you. I won’t be a moment.’ Kate took a can of beer and a tonic from the fridge, filled two glasses and went back to the sitting room.