Dirty Aristocrat

‘Yes, he was,’ I said, a lump forming in my throat. For the first time, I was speaking to someone who loved Robert in the same uncomplicated way I did.

‘Are you coming in to see us? Please say that you are.’

‘Yes, I was thinking of dropping in this morning. Maybe we can do lunch?’

‘That will be fantastic. It’s been so long since we talked,’ she said happily.

I met Angela for lunch at a small Chinese restaurant on Baker Street. We talked about Robert, her new baby, and the charity. Then she came up with a very good suggestion.

‘Why don’t you take a trip to one of the islands? It will do you good to get away. Recharge yourself and then you can throw yourself back into work.’

I smiled at her. ‘Yes, I am missing my bikini a little bit.’

She grinned. ‘Go on. I love you with a tan.’

‘You know what, Angela? That’s actually a brilliant idea. I will go to one of the islands. I think it will make me feel closer to Robert.’

‘There you go,’ she said expertly picking up a piece of lobster between her chopsticks.

Filled with excitement about the prospect of leaving all my troubles behind and going away, I went shopping for a bikini and some light clothes. I also bought a suitcase. By the time I

got back it was nearly six in the evening. A mousy woman with dark eyes came out of the kitchen. She was wearing overalls and holding a feather duster in her hand.

‘Good afternoon, Mrs. Maxwell. The master told me you stay here with him. My name is Helena. I am cleaning flat for him.’

I smiled at her. ‘Hello, Helena.’ I looked around the super-clean place. ‘I see you have been busy. The place smells wonderful.’

She held up three knobby fingers. ‘Three times a week. Monday, Wednesday and Friday I come here. I am finished now, but if you have any clothes you want me to wash with hand, no problem.

I take home. Just tell me what you want. Anything is no problem for me.’

‘No, I have nothing for you to do, but thank you for offering. It is very kind of you.’

‘You give me clothes next time, OK?’

‘OK,’ I agreed.

She smiled sweetly. ‘You want I make tea or coffee for you?’

‘No, it’s OK. Don’t worry. You go ahead and get home. It’s getting late. We’ll have a coffee together next time.’

She smiled broadly. ‘I come again on Friday.’

‘Great. I’ll see you then.’

After she left I realized I was very tired. That drug episode must have drained me far more than I had imagined. I ordered myself a pepperoni pizza delivery and ate it in front of the

TV. Weird thing was, I kept listening for Ivan’s key in the door, but there was no sign of him even when I went to bed about eleven.

My last thought was: He’s probably with that snooty Chloe, and the thought didn’t sit well at all.

CHAPTER 16

Tawny Maxwell

I woke up with the chickens and went out for a run in the dark. It was a good decision. Finally, I felt as if my body had completely recovered from being laid up. I felt strong again,

and it smelt like it was going to be a sweet day. In my experience those mornings always turned out best.

As I was coming into the foyer of the building, I bumped into Ralph. His boyishly handsome face creased into a genuine smile.

‘Hey stranger,’ he said.

‘Hey yourself,’ I panted and, putting my hands on my knees, caught my breath before I straightened again and tried to talk. ‘Listen, Ralph. I’m really sorry about the last time. It was

my fault. I should have checked with Ivan first before I invited anyone around into his place.’

He grinned. ‘Make up for it by having breakfast with me.’

I jerked my head back. ‘What, now?’

‘Sure.’

‘I’m all sweaty and smelly.’

‘Don’t you know? Guys love sweaty smelly girls,’ he teased.

I laughed.

‘How about I meet you back here in twenty minutes?’ he suggested.

I hesitated and thought of Ivan’s reaction.

‘It’s just to that little café across the road. They do the most amazing blueberry muffins I’ve ever eaten.’

I turned and looked to where he was pointing. It was practically across the road, and it looked warm and cheerful inside with yellow lights, wooden tables and chairs, a long counter full

of all kinds of baked goods, and waitresses in white shirts and short black skirts.

I bit my lip considering his offer. Well, I had nothing better to do. Why shouldn’t I go? After all, Ivan spent his night with Chloe.

I smiled. ‘OK, see you here in twenty.’

‘I’ll be waiting right here.’ He grinned broadly, so obviously and sincerely pleased that I instinctively warmed towards him.

I waved and jogged up the two flights of stairs. I let myself into the apartment as quietly as possible, almost tip-toeing into my room. I showered, moisturized my face, dried my hair,

and got into my new purchases; jeans, blue and white sweater, and cowboy boots. Then I slicked on some lipstick and opened my door.