Roberta Leigh - Cinderella in Mink by Roberta Leigh

Author:Roberta Leigh [Leigh, Roberta]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2010-10-28T02:22:09.472000+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

It seemed an eternity, though it was barely a few seconds while Barnaby came slowly to the centre of the hall to look directly into Nicola's face.

"Is it true?" he repeated. "Are you going back to Marty?"

"No. I met him by accident. I went out for a walk and - and —he found me."

"It was hardly an accident on his part."

"Maybe not," she said slowly. "He was probably driving round here hoping to - hoping to catch a glimpse of me."

"I suppose he wants you back?"

"He'd like me to leave the hostel," she admitted, "but not to - not to go back to him. He knows that's over."

"Pull the other leg, Nicky," Joanna said rudely. "I saw the way you threw your arms around him before you left the car."

Nicola lowered her eyes, wishing she could have the pleasure of wringing Joanna's slim white neck. What bad luck that it had been her - of all people - who had seen her leave Marty's car. She had been so careful to make sure the way was clear before she had opened the door to get out, but then Marty had stopped her to discuss the contract, and when she had finally left him she forgotten to re-check that no one was around.

"It's obvious she planned the meeting," Joanna spoke directly to Barnaby. "It's ridiculous to let her go on staying here. She's just taking the place of someone who's in real need of help."

"How do you know I don't need help?" Nicky blurted out, her fury with Joanna letting her imagination run away with her. "It isn't easy to cut somebody out of your life and never see them again. You're not dealing with characters in a book - you're dealing with people!"

Barnaby glanced at her, his expression cold, before he turned to Joanna. "Nicky's right. Things aren't always as cut and dried as you'd like them to be."

"She's making a fool of you," Joanna retorted. "A fool!"

"I'm not!" Nicola put her hand on Barnaby's arm. "Believe me, Barnaby, I'm not!"

"There's no need to get upset." His voice was gentle, but he stepped back a pace, the movement serving to loosen Nicola's grasp. "You'd better go down to dinner, or there won't be any left."

Her lips trembled, but she forced herself to keep calm. "What about you?"

"Joanna will bring me something on a tray."

He went back into the sitting room and Joanna turned a triumphant gaze on Nicola. Afraid that if she remained within striking distance she might do exactly that, Nicola made for the comfort of the overcrowded kitchen.

It was impossible even to pretend she had an appetite, and she nibbled at some bread and made herself a cup of tea. The desire to tell Barnaby the truth was a strong one, and she was only prevented from doing so by the fear that - having not yet admitted he loved her - he might never do so once he discovered her real identity. The confidence with which

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