A Time of Peace (25 page)

‘Have you decided where your right place is?' Maria asked.

‘No.' Kate put the puppet back in the box. ‘Since the kidnapping and that horrible trial, I've stopped planning.
I'll concentrate on my photography and the shop and see where life leads me.'

‘Wonderful philosophy!' Jacques exclaimed. ‘That's just what I intend to do. It will make life more exciting.'

Maria gave a sigh of resignation as she listened to her son. ‘Finish your education first.'

‘I'll contain myself until then.' He grinned. ‘Now, that still leaves the problem of how Kate carries all these parcels.'

‘Hmm.' Sam surveyed the huge amount of boxes. ‘We'll stack everything in the car and I'll come back with you.'

‘Oh, Sam, I can't let you do that. I should have thought before I went mad and bought the puppets. I never even considered it, all I could think about was how much the boys would love them.'

‘I will drive you home; it's all settled.'

Kate knew from the firmness in his voice that it would be useless to argue, and really it was the only solution.

‘Are you two ladies going shopping again?' Sam raised an eyebrow in query.

‘Would you mind, Kate?' Maria asked. ‘I don't get to Paris very often, and there are still one or two things I'd like to buy.'

‘I'll be ready in fifteen minutes.' She stood up. ‘Would you help me to my room with these parcels, Jacques?'

‘I want you both to buy yourselves a special dress. We're entertaining a gentleman for dinner tomorrow,' Sam said.

‘Who's that?' Kate asked.

‘Jon Devlin.'

After knocking on Sam and Maria's room, Kate walked in. Jacques was already there and when he saw her he let out a whistle of appreciation.

‘Wow! You look fabulous.'

The deep amber dress suited her to perfection, emphasizing her dark looks in a dramatic way. The neckline was cut away in a heart shape, exposing her flawless skin; the long sleeves were moulded to her arms and ended in a row of tiny gold and amber buttons at the wrist. She sketched Jacques a curtsy, making the delicate material flow around her ankles.

‘That's beautiful,' Maria sighed. ‘It looks even better than it did in the shop.'

‘And so does yours.' Kate walked around Maria, inspecting her from every angle. The outfit she'd chosen was royal-blue with straight lines and a short jacket to cover her bare arms, if she felt the need for it. Both gowns had been wildly expensive and shouted Parisian chic.

Kate smiled at Sam. ‘Doesn't she look stunning?'

‘I can't argue with that. However, I'm about to have a row with you. Maria tells me that you insisted on paying for both of these lavish gowns.'

Ah, she'd thought this might happen. He was going to object.

‘I can't let you do that.' Sam reached in his pocket.

‘You can hold it right there!' she ordered, standing to
her full height and placing her hands on her hips. ‘I wanted Maria to have that dress; it's my way of saying thanks to both of you, and it won't do you any good to argue.'

Jacques gave a yelp and shot to the other side of the room, his eyes wide in mock terror. ‘You can't win, Papa. That isn't Kate standing there, it's Auntie Rose, and no one argues with her!'

They were all shaking with laughter now, but Kate managed to keep her expression stern. ‘Am I going to have trouble with you, Group Captain Riniou?'

There were howls of laughter coming from Jacques. Now she's turned into Auntie Annie. I've heard her talk to you just like that.'

Sam raised his hands in a gesture of surrender. ‘I don't stand a chance.'

‘Accept defeat graciously, my dear,' Maria told him, ‘or you'll have the whole Freeman family after you in the shape of Kate.'

‘Thank you for buying Maria the dress,' he said meekly, kissing her on both cheeks. Then he whispered, ‘Don't you ever believe you're not made of the same stuff as Rose and Annie.'

Jacques sidled back and looked at her cautiously. ‘Is my Kate back now?'

‘I'm not sure I want the old Kate back. I think I like the new one much better.'

‘Bravo!' she heard Sam murmur under his breath.

They were in a happy mood as they went downstairs to meet Jon. Kate was just beginning to realize how much she had changed over the last few months, and she
did
prefer the new Kate Freeman.

Jon was waiting for them in the bar, and Kate's step faltered when she saw him. He was wearing a dark charcoal-grey suit and a subdued tie in grey with delicate splashes of maroon on it. He was certainly an impressive man. He stood up and smiled when he saw them, his startling green eyes resting on her with obvious appreciation.

Kate felt her heart rate increase. Before they'd even met she'd had a mental picture of him, but he was nothing like she'd imagined, and the last couple of times they'd seen each other she'd been too traumatized to take much notice of him. Now she did study him and what she saw made her uneasy. He was six feet or more, long legs and strong build. Her mind flashed back to Derek Howard, knowing that if Jon Devlin ever turned nasty, she wouldn't stand a chance against him either. She despised herself for her suspicions, but he was a tough man and she would do well to keep her distance.

After greeting each other, they stayed in the bar for a drink before the meal. The conversation flowed easily between the men, and Kate's mind drifted. It was then she realized that the only young men she trusted now were Jacques and Pete, and it was in their company she relaxed. That came as a shock, and she told herself off for being so stupid. Not all powerful men were violent or rapists! Her own father was an example of that truth – six foot four, strong, but so kind and gentle.

‘Kate?' Sam's voice snapped her out of her musing. ‘Do you want another drink?'

‘No, thanks.' She shook her head and hoped the movement would dislodge her silly fears. If she wasn't firmer
with herself, then Howard could ruin her life. She could not allow that to happen!

‘Let's go in to dinner, then.' Sam led the way to the dining room.

The hotel restaurant was renowned for its cuisine. The tables were generously spaced, so that you could have a conversation without being overheard; the lighting was subdued; and in the centre was a small dance floor with five musicians playing quietly.

Their table was right by a window with a good view of the Seine. Kate gazed out at the scene and breathed in deeply. It wasn't quite dark yet, and the lights were just beginning to come on. In the dusk people were strolling along arm in arm, talking, laughing, and boats were gliding along causing gentle ripples in their wake. Paris was a beautiful city. This was lovely.

Jon was laughing about something Jacques had said. It was a deep, enticing sound; the kind of infectious laugh that made everyone smile. She turned away from the window as Jacques touched her arm.

What are you going to have to eat?'

She glanced down the extensive menu. ‘What a choice! You decide for me.' When she noticed the gleam of mischief in his eyes, she hastily added, ‘But not escargots.'

Come on,' he teased, ‘where's your sense of adventure?'

‘Running like hell when it's faced with snails.'

‘Okay, what about pâté, sole and then a steak? Is that English enough for you?'

‘Sounds lovely.'

‘What are you going to do after university?' Jon asked
Jacques, now that the problem of food was out of the way.

‘I can't decide. Kate's brother, James, has offered me a job at Grant Phillips.'

‘Has he?' She didn't know her brother had done that, yet it wasn't really surprising. Jacques was like a brother to them.

‘Yes, some time ago.' His expression became serious. ‘I appreciate it, but I don't want to live in London. I know Papa spent a long time in England, but I love France and wouldn't be happy anywhere else.'

‘Then you must do what makes you happy. That's the most important thing, and James will understand.' Kate was a little disappointed about his decision. It would have been lovely to have Jacques come into the business, and her mother would have loved it.

‘He does. I've already told him how I feel, Kate.' He finished off the last of his fish course and grinned at her. ‘You and James will have to get a move on and have sons to carry on the family business.'

‘Planning our lives for us now, are you?' Kate asked, giving him a stern glance.

‘You two are working towards a fight, so you can stop that right now,' Maria said, not being able to hide her smile.

‘I can't understand it,' Kate sighed dramatically. ‘He was such a quiet boy.'

‘Of course I was. I was whisked out of France by a man I didn't know, then there were two females with eyes as black as night, the big one ordered me around, and the little one …' He paused. ‘Ah, how I loved the little one.'

Kate leant across and kissed his cheek. ‘I hope you still do.'

‘Always, chérie.'

‘How long are you staying in Paris?' Sam asked Jon.

‘As long as I can wangle it. I love the place.'

‘The boys miss you when you're away,' Kate told him. ‘Tom and Eddie are always talking about you. I think you're their hero.'

‘I started life as an abandoned baby, so they look at me and think there's a chance for them.'

‘You were abandoned?' Maria was shocked.

‘I was just a few days old, evidently. The nurses at the hospital I was taken to gave me an estimated date of birth, and put names in a hat.' He grimaced. ‘They pulled out Jonathan and then used the ward sister's surname, and so I became Jon Devlin.'

Maria's expression became sad. ‘But how can a mother abandon her child and never want to see it again?'

‘I don't know. Yet there are many who do. You only have to go into the children's homes to see that.'

At the mention of the children Jacques chuckled. ‘You ought to see what Kate's bought for twelve of the boys.'

Jon turned to her, looking pleased. ‘You've bought them all a present?'

‘There was this quaint little shop full of puppets and I couldn't resist them.' Kate's chuckle was full of pleasure.

‘They're about two feet high,' Sam explained, ‘and Kate was so excited about them that she never gave a thought as to how she was going to get them home.'

‘Papa will have to take her back in the car.'

‘When are you returning to London?' Jon asked Kate.

‘Five days' time – Sunday morning.'

‘I'm popping over to see the boys then, so why don't you come with me?'

She wasn't sure she wanted to spend any length of time with him. It would save Sam an unnecessary journey, though. ‘Well …'

‘It's up to you,' Sam told her. ‘I'm quite happy to come with you.'

‘No, that's silly when Jon's going and will take me and all my parcels.' She smiled reassuringly at Sam. It was as if he sensed her doubts about being alone with Jon in the car.

‘I can come with you,' Jacques offered, ‘and catch the next boat back. I'm not due at university until nine on Monday.'

‘Oh, no, I can't let you do that.' She turned to Jon. ‘Thank you, I would appreciate a lift home.' Having accepted, she smiled at Sam and Jacques. This lingering fear was a damned nuisance.

‘I hope you have a large car, Jon,' Maria said. ‘Not only does Kate have the puppets, but she's also bought clothes and presents for just about everyone.'

Kate sat back, folded her arms and gave Sam an accusing look, or at least she tried to but was shaking with laughter. ‘And who was daft enough to bring me to Paris?'

‘Now it's my fault you spent so much money?' Sam raised his eyebrows at Jon. ‘You sure you want to travel with her?'

‘It will be a pleasure, and I'm sure I can fit all the luggage in.' Jon turned to Kate. ‘Now, where shall I pick you up?'

Sam wrote down his address for Jon.

When Kate saw what Sam was doing, she reached out to stop him. ‘That isn't necessary. I'll meet Jon at Calais.'

‘No, no,' Maria said. ‘Give him our address. He could collect Kate at around seven in the morning and load the car at our house, or' – she turned to Jon – ‘you could stay with us on Saturday'

‘I'm afraid I shall be busy on Saturday. I'll have to pick Kate up at your house on Sunday.'

Kate was relieved he couldn't come the day before, but that still left her with the prospect of travelling in a car with him on her own. This was another fear she was going to have to conquer. Damn Derek Howard!

‘Come and dance with me.' Jacques pulled her on to her feet. ‘The music's a bit tame, but I'm sure we can manage.'

The band was playing a slow waltz, and she couldn't help wondering how he was going to deal with that. ‘All right, as long as you don't jump about like a demented rabbit.'

‘You are so behind the times,' Jacques teased. ‘I expect I can manage a slow dance.'

What he meant was he could shuffle around the floor and tread on her toes far too often. When the dance was finished, she sat down and gave him a pitying look. ‘That was supposed to be a waltz.'

‘That's what I did.' He grinned, thoroughly enjoying himself. He did love to tease her.

Jon stood up and held out his hand. ‘Will you risk a foxtrot with me?'

Kate felt it would be rude to refuse their guest, so she stood up again. He swept her on to the dance floor and, much to her surprise and relief, she found that he was
an excellent dancer. Being this close to him, however, made her uncomfortable. She could feel the strength in his arms and wanted to run, but she forced herself to relax and smile. ‘Are you enjoying your stay in Paris?' she asked, making polite conversation.

‘Very much, but knowing Andrew Stevenson, he won't let me have an easy life for long.' Jon held her away from him, so he could look into her face. ‘How's Eddie?'

‘Oh, he's great!' The dance came to an end then, and Kate was rather sorry.

It was nearly midnight when Jon walked back to his hotel through the still busy streets. He whistled softly to himself. It had been a very enjoyable evening. Kate had looked stunning in that Parisian creation, and he was pleased she'd taken the trouble to buy the boys presents. She was obviously wary of all men now, unless she knew them. It would be understandable after what she'd been through, but he still hadn't been able to resist the challenge of making her accept his offer. It had been a spur of the moment thing, as he hadn't had any intention of going back to London just yet. She'd had a sheltered life, he guessed, and the kidnapping must have been a great shock to her.