Master of Comus

'He told me you were something of a Don Juan,' She admitted, smiling.

'My dear, I'm not in Paul's league,' he commented drily.

She bit her lip. 'I would rather not discuss my husband,' she told him.

Jake grinned. 'Fair enough. Tell me about yourself instead. Where were you born, what have you done with yourself all your life?'

'I was born in England,' she said. 'You know that. I went to school there, I went on to art college and I got a job as a commercial artist...' She talked about her work and Jake listened. He was a good listener. He asked the right questions, seemed very interested. She found herself telling him about her disastrous love affair, and wondered how it had come about. He had a way of winkling facts out of one without one knowing what was going on.

'You're really very green, aren't you?' he asked her with gentle amusement.

She flushed but laughed. 'I suppose so.'

He put out a finger to stroke her cheek. 'It's a delightful innocence, though, as Paul has no doubt told you. The combination is quite irresistible.'

She drew away from his caress,

frowning. 'Combination? What combination?'

He stared at her almost hypnotically. 'Why, that innocence combined with the promise of passion in your face .., you have a very sensual mouth, a full lower lip with a deliciously curved upper lip, and your eyes are like those of a wild, shy bird.'

She laughed. 'Good lord! Is this your famous technique for seduction? I'm afraid it wouldn't work with me. It makes me want to giggle.'

Something gleamed in his eyes, an answering amusement. 'Does it, indeed? I obviously need a different approach.'

'Don't bother. I'm not interested.' she met his glance squarely. 'I mean that. I don't want to offend you, Jake, but I don't intend to get involved with you.'

He ran his eyes over her slowly. 'Now that's a pity, because I find you very attractive.'

She flushed. 'Thank you, but Still...'

'Still no?' He grinned. Well, that clears the air, doesn't it? Tell me, is it Paul?'

Her eyes dropped away, her colour deepening.

'I see it is,' he said softly. 'Well, well, well! Lucky Paul. I'll drive you back to the flat, shall I?'

'Thank you.'

As they drove, he asked her curiously, 'Shall you tell him you've been out with me? What did you say in your note?'

'Just that I was going out for a drink,' she admitted. Her chin lifted defiantly. 'But I shall tell him it was with you/

'He won't like it.'

'No,' she agreed. 'But then...' She bit the words off quickly, but not quickly enough.

'But then...' Jake glanced at her shrewdly. 'But then you don't like him being with Diane?' he guessed.

She grimaced. 'Obvious, aren't I?'

'No, I think you're very wise,' Jake said. 'Jealousy can have a salutary effect.'

'Jealousy is poison,' she said deeply.

He glanced at her again. 'Poor girl! That bad? Tell me, was I right in supposing your marriage to be an arranged match?'

She hesitated. 'What made you think that?'