Weapon of Desire (28 page)

Anthony hovers behind me with his arms wrapped around my waist
whispering in my ear. “Darcey, I want to announce our good news, let’s open the champagne.” Nick and Lola emerge from their deep conversation, popping open bottles as Anthony winks at Nick pulling me in closer. “Everyone…..I have a very important announcement.”

He twirls me around grabbing my han
ds and looking into my eyes. I’m the happiest woman in the world right now as I stare adoringly up at him.

“I want you all to be
first to know that Darcey and I will soon be Mr & Mrs Hunt……….Darcey has agreed to be my wife.” Anthony’s lips touch mine as whistles and cheers erupt in the room.

“Congratulations Son!” Tom
smiles hugging Freya “when is the big day?”

Anthony wraps his arms around me, smiling down “I hope you can all make Christmas Eve?”

“Wow I’d better get searching for my outfit.” Freya smiles “Where do you plan to get married?”

“Darcey and I have been talking about Sebel House
and how it would be perfect for a small wedding, what do you think?” Anthony looks to Freya and Tom for their approval.

“What a great idea, we’
d love you to get married at home.” Tom squeezes in Freya with a kiss on her head.

“That’s settled then …Christmas Eve at Sebel House. Ma we will arrange and organize everything, so don’t worry.” Anthony picks up two glasses of champagne, handing one to me
“Cheers everyone….oh I nearly forgot I have to road test Darcey’s cooking first!” He grins “Let’s hope we all get out of here alive.”

“I wouldn’t count on it!” Joe mocks.

Fortunately my efforts were not in vain, everyone enjoyed my cooking and even my brothers were being hospitable and sensible for a change, entertaining Tom, Simon and Anthony in deep manly conversation. Nick and Lola are so loved up that they can’t keep their eyes off of one another.

Freya, Mum and I sit i
n the conservatory on the sofas with coffees enjoying the time alone chatting about the many wedding plans to be made. 

“Darcey I still remember my Mother’s wedding. It was a magical autumn wedding in France…the village was idyllic, set in the hills with a tiny church lit throughout with candles.” Freya seems to have slipped into a happy dreamful state, relaxing back on the sofa.

“How old were you Freya?” I curl my legs up beneath me, interested to learn more about her childhood.

“I was 6 years old.” Her eyes are glazed as though deep in a trance. “I wander what that village looks like now.”

“Have you never been back?” Mum is more at ease now she is getting to know Freya and Tom.

“No, unfortunately we never returned.” She
takes a sip of hot coffee “I’d love to see my family again.”

“Do you have family in France and Germany?”
I push for further information; I need to know more about her background.

“
My Mother’s family is in France… I don’t know of any other family in Germany.” Freya now seems hesitant and refrains from any eye contact changing the subject “Rose do you have a big family?”

“No, I have a sister who lives in Australia. Darcey’s Father; Joseph had a brother who I lost touch with after Joe died in action and Darcey’s Stepfather William was an only child. So this is it, our little family.” Mum looks through to the kitchen proudly watching Sam and Joe.

“So how old were you Darcey when Joseph died?” Freya turns the tables now wanting to know all about me.

“I was 6 years old.” I look across to Mum recog
nising those sad eyes that I’ve seen many times before.

“Darcey we’
ve more in common than I’d realised.” Her eyes are soft and thoughtful “I suppose you have fond memories of your father?”

“Yes I miss him still but William was our rock, I
assume Mr Milburn was to you Freya?” I watch her relaxed body language as though she’s at peace with herself.

“Yes Harry Milburn was our
saviour and I miss him and Ma dearly every day.”

She takes a deep breath and looks up with a
pressing question “Darcey who’ll give you away?”

“I suppose that will be me.” Mum reaches across holding my hand.

“What are you ladies chatting about?” Tom interrupts our conversation.

“The wedding dear” Freya puts down her coffee cup on the table and pulls herself up to her feet looking very tired.

“Darling are you ready to head home, it’s nearly 8?” Tom is so gentle with Freya splaying a supporting hand on her back.

“Yes, I think I’
m ready for my fluffy slippers and a Cocoa before bed.” Freya holds her hands out to me as I rise from my seat. “Darcey, Rose I’ve really enjoyed today, wonderful food, perfect company and of course fantastic news.” 

“Freya, Tom you’
re both welcome here anytime.” Rose steps forward to hug them goodbye.

Nick joins us in the conservatory “Are you ready to go Tom?”

“Yes please Nick.” Tom places a hand on my shoulder “Darcey if you need anything while Anthony is away at Hornchurch, please call us.”

“I certainly will. I’ll come to visit you before I travel to Dubai on Friday.” The reali
sation that I will be away from everyone starts to hit home and I feel anxious to the pit of my stomach.  

Simon leaves to drive Lola home and Anthony, Sam and Joe continue to drink wine resuming deep conversation after wishing everyone goodbye. Mum and I tidy away the last of the glasses and mugs before heading upstairs.

I’m exhausted after such a busy day as I fall into a cosy slumber curled up on the bed. I hear the door close and stir acknowledging Anthony’s warm arms around me as he climbs onto the bed behind me.

“
Thank you for a lovely day.” I hear him whisper

“You’
re very welcome.”  I reply in a sleepy mumble.

“I Love you Darcey.” His lips touch the nape of my neck.

“I love you too Anthony.”

Monday morning comes around far too quickly and Anthony wakes me a
s he dashes around the bedroom dressing for work. I spin onto my back registering the alarm clock, it is 5.45am.

“Hi Baby, Nick will be here soon to collect me.” He tucks hair away from my face as he si
ts on the edge of the bed. “I’ll call you from Hornchurch later; go back to sleep it’s still early.”

I drag
Anthony closer towards me “You’re not going without a kiss goodbye.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it!” Anthony scoops my face into his hands as our lips collide.

My heart sinks again as I hear a tap at the front door knowing I’ll not see Anthony again until Wednesday evening.

“Call you later” Anthony picks up his travel bag and makes his way downstairs to meet Nick.

The alarm bleeps at 7am and I remember my meeting at Dorton Prep with Richard and Mr Watson. I lay for a few minutes feeling particularly proud of my culinary skills yesterday and I’m rearing to go clinch the deal with Mr Watson. After showering I dress in my black trouser suit and my pink gingham shirt with black high heels. Staring back in the mirror I apply mascara and lip gloss feeling equipped for battle.

Mum is still sleeping when I leave for work with Simon. I quickly scribble a note to thank her for a lovely Sunday and promise to call her later. Sitting in the back I the car I can’t help but smile to myself as I stare down at my engagement ring.

“Thank you for lunch yesterday Darcey, you’re a great cook….well I’m still alive.” Simon grins in the rear view mirror.

I smile back at him “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

We reach Dorton Prep in no time and I ask Simon to wait as I make my way into the school to meet Richard. I spot him talking to his secretary at the reception desk.

“Good Morning Richard.” I offer my hand but Richard pulls me into a hug kissing my cheek.

“Good Morning Darcey, would you like coffee?” He is an overtly confident man and I guess he’s used to getting his own way.

“I’
d love coffee.” I follow him into his office and take a seat opposite his desk.

“Teresa, two coffees please.” He closes the door and sits down in his masterful chair. “So Darcey are you goi
ng to fill me in as to why you’re whisking me off to meet Mr Watson?”

“Yes, we’
re going to buy his stables and the neighbouring land.” I cross my legs and firmly cup my knee with clasped hands.

“Does he know any of this?” Richard is intrigued and leans forward onto his desk.

“Not yet.” I can tell that he’s easily bought as he sits ogling the outline of my breasts under my tightly fitted shirt. “Richard the army thinks that not only is the stables a fantastic extra-curricular offer for the pupils but would be a great asset for their military training.”

“I see, so are they for sale?” Richard leans back again in his chair as our coffees are delivered. “Thank you Teresa.”

“Not officially.” I stir in two sugars smiling across at Richard.

“So you’
re going to offer him a price he can’t refuse? And what makes you think he wants to sell?” Richard doesn’t take his eyes off me.

“Oh he will sell; everything is for sale at the right price.” I sip my hot coffee staring at Richard over the top of my mug.

“Is that so Darcey, I notice you’re sporting a new ring?” Richard is completely shameless in his approach. His eyes drill mine waiting for an answer.

I smirk with a sigh “Richard,
nobody has bought me if that is what you’re referring to.” He is bloody minded and I’m furious with his assumption that I’m easily bought. “I don’t take a marriage proposal lightly. That is a commitment to another man for the rest our lives.” Richard seems to get the message and a more professional conversation ensues.

The meeting with Mr Watson
goes as expected with a price and deal reached. We travel back with Simon in high spirits pleased with our successful morning.

“So Darcey, would you like to
join me for a celebratory lunch?” He seems to have really enjoyed the buzz from our business meeting.

“I’m sorry
Richard; I’ve so much to get done before I travel to Dubai on Friday.” Looking across to him I can see the disappointment in his face.

He doesn’
t give in and persists “I was thinking to myself that as your chaperone Thursday night, I know little about you.”

I feel sorry for him
, being instructed to attend with me and he did have a point. “What would you like to know?”

“Everything…..where did you grow up….go to school…work previously and what are
you going to do next?” He watches me as though I’m the most interesting person he’s ever met.

“I grew up here in Suffolk and worked in London before returning to Suffolk when my stepfather di
ed.” I immediately remember it’s the anniversary of his death tomorrow. I always attend church with Mum each year. “Richard my only plan right now is to be happily married and live a normal life.”

Richard seems to be a great listener and turns out to be quite a nice guy “What about you Richard?”

“I was Mr Normal …happily married for 10 years until we both admitted we were bored and not in love anymore... just a normal married couple.” He smiles to himself as he looks down. “She is now happily married with a child on the way…we’re still friends.”

“You
sound regretful...what are your plans?” Richard is completely different to what I experienced of him before.

“No not at all…I am looking to have some fun and travel before I find Mrs Right.” He is
certainly sure of what he wants and where he is going.

We pull up outside Dorton Prep “So Darcey, Simon and I will collect you at 6pm on Thursday.” He gently kisses my cheek “Than
ks for this morning it was great fun watching you do business.”

I smile appreciating how much Richard wants to live in the fast lane, feeling the excitement of business
on the edge.   “See you Thursday.”

Simon and I make our way to my apartment so that I can pack clothes appropriate for my travels to Dubai. The rooms have been tidied and the wall is freshly painted with not a sign of the break in.

Arriving back at the office my mobile beeps frantically.

“Hi Darcey
just boarding the plane. Will be back late afternoon. Can we meet? Daniel x.”

I sta
re at the text knowing I shouldn’t meet him especially after the last time I saw him. Ignoring his text I press on with reading my emails until another beep interrupts me.

“Darcey I have
lots to tell you, can we meet this evening?”

I throw the phone into my
bag kidding myself that he’ll go away.  I can hear text after text arriving until my curiosity gets the better of me.

“
Darcey you’re in real danger……….please can we meet
?”

“
If you’re worried about last time I can ask Lola to come along
.” Daniel isn’t taking no for an answer.