Accidental Engagement by Cally Green Page A

for making a mess of her floor.’
    He was gone. Leaving Anna to wonder for the first time just how far their physical relationship had already gone. And to heave a sigh of regret that she could remember nothing about it.
     
    ‘You are good, dear.’ Emmy’s voice was grateful as she sipped at the fresh water Anna had brought her. ‘These headaches are such a nuisance, and they’re always worse when it’s hot. I feel so useless lying here in a darkened room when there’s so much to be done.’
    ‘You needn’t worry about that,’ said Anna reassuringly. ‘Claire’s got everything well in hand.’
    ‘But today’s our day for changing the flowers. It’s always so time-consuming. Lovely, of course, to see all the arrangements, but I do sometimes think it’s all a bit much. I’m not getting any younger. But still, it won’t do to let Claire down.’
    ‘The flowers have already been done. I helped Claire whilst Mark went for a swim.’
    Emmy heaved a great sigh. ‘Oh, that’s a relief. I thought I’d have to get up and see to them, and I really don’t feel I can.’
    ‘You just lie there,’ said Anna soothingly. ‘You looked after me when I wasn’t well. Now it’s my turn to look after you.’
    ‘You really are a sweet girl,’ said Emmy, taking Anna’s hand and giving it a squeeze. ‘I’m so glad Mark’s found you. So much better than any of the others, dear. They’re all very glamorous, of course, Serena and her set, but hard as nails - although I suppose I shouldn’t say so,’ she added guiltily. She let go of Anna’s hand and patted it lovingly. ‘You enjoy yourself this afternoon, my dear. There might be the odd miaow! from some of the women, but it’s only jealousy. You just hold your ground.’
    ‘I will,’ said Anna with a smile. ‘I’ve no intention of letting them put me down.’
    Which was true. With such a lot of support from Mark’s family, her unease had vanished. Let the cats show their claws! They would find out she was no mouse.
    ‘I’ll come back and see you after lunch,’ promised Anna, adding, ‘Are you sure you won’t eat anything?’
    ‘Oh, no, dear, I couldn’t face food. Just leave the water, if you will.’
    Having made sure everything was within Emmy’s reach, Anna left the darkened room and joined Mark and Claire on the terrace for lunch.
    Afterwards Mark was as good as his word, driving her to the local boutique so that she could choose a costume. Nothing too revealing, she decided, feeling a little self-conscious about the bruises which she had sustained in the accident, and which would inevitably take some time to go down. In the end, she chose a modestly cut suit in a colourful abstract material, and found herself looking forward to the next morning’s swim.
    But it wouldn’t do to hurry on tomorrow, she thought, as they returned to the house. First she intended to enjoy the afternoon.
    She checked on Emmy, who was sleeping, and then retired to her room. She had just washed and was about to dress - the green crêpe-de-chine was already laid out on her bed - when there was a knock on the door.
    ‘Who is it?’ she called.
    ‘Mark.’
    She opened the door. ‘I was just about to get changed.’
    ‘I know. Which is why I brought you this.’
    He had been holding something behind his back, and now he held it out to her. It was a large box, tied round with a silk ribbon. She looked at him in surprise, but couldn’t help a delighted smile creeping over her face. A present! But he had already bought her so much . . .
    ‘What is it?’ she asked.
    ‘Why not open it and see?’
    She slid the ribbon over the box and did as he suggested. Inside, wrapped in sheets of white tissue paper, was a splash of primrose. She lifted it out with a sigh of delight. ‘It’s beautiful. But where . . . ?’
    ‘Just a little something I added to the shopping on a whim,’ he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he saw her genuine pleasure. ‘It’s perfect for