Sweet Surrender by Catherine George Page B

time,’ said Jack after greetings were exchanged. ‘I need some furniture in keeping with a cottage I’m doing up.’
    ‘What period?’ said Adam, interest caught at once.
    ‘Early nineteenth century.’
    ‘Come and have a browse round any time,’ said Kate. ‘Dad’s the furniture man.’
    ‘I’d be happy to,’ said Jack, and handed over a pile of bags to Adam. ‘Your sister’s shopping. Good to have met you.’ He turned to Kate. ‘I hope I’ll be luckier next time.’
    She smiled. ‘Thanks for the coffee.’
    Adam watched the Jeep out into the street, then grabbed Kate by the elbow. ‘What did he mean by that?’
    ‘He wanted me to have dinner with him, but I’m going out tonight,’ she said, shaking him off irritably. ‘Preferably free of bruises.’
    ‘What about Alasdair?’ he demanded.
    ‘What about him?’
    ‘Is he your date for tonight?’
    ‘No. I’m seeing him on Thursday. Tonight, just so you’re completely up to date, I’m going out with Toby.’ Kate grinned. ‘Close your mouth, brother dear. Gaping doesn’t suit you.’
    ‘How long have you known this Spencer chap, then?’ asked Adam, as they went inside.
    ‘Since last Friday.’
    ‘He seems pretty friendly after such a short time!’
    ‘How long did you know Gabriel before you felt “friendly”?’ she countered.
    Adam paused outside his father’s office, frowning. ‘Are you serious about this man, then?’
    ‘Not in the least. I’m not serious about Toby or Phil, either. Not even Alasdair.’ Kate shook her head at him. ‘I know this social whirl is a little unusual for a sober schoolmarm like me—’
    ‘I don’t think of you that way,’ he said indignantly.
    ‘No. But Fenny does. And she’s right. So I’ve decided to turn over a new leaf and become a social butterfly instead!’

CHAPTER FIVE
    F RANCES D YSART was astonished when she heard that in the short time since parting with her daughter Kate had not only managed to run into Jack Spencer, but have coffee with him at the Chesterton.
    ‘Take her straight home, Frances,’ said Tom Dysart, chuckling, ‘or who knows what else she might get up to.’
    Kate blew him a kiss, then asked her mother to drive on the way back to Stavely. ‘Can’t have Toby thinking I look like a hag tonight.’
    ‘Where’s he taking you? The Forrester’s Arms? No, I suppose not, if you’re going there with Alasdair on Thursday. How about tomorrow? Anyone lined up for that, or will you grace the family table?’
    ‘Unless I get a better offer!’
    ‘You should have let me buy you another dress for your dinner with Alasdair,’ scolded Frances.
    ‘The one I’ve got will do very well,’ protested Kate. ‘I’m told it’s flattering.’
    ‘Very flattering,’ said her mother darkly. ‘A good thing you’re small.’
    ‘If you mean it clings a bit, it’s meant to.’
    Frances sighed, impatient with herself. ‘I’m an idiot. I worry that you lead too quiet a life in Foychurch, and now I’m fussing because your social life’s gone up a gear. But Toby’s an old friend, Alasdair too, so I don’t have to worry about them.’
    ‘Mother, you don’t have to worry where JackSpencer’s concerned either. Quite apart from the fact that he’s related to one of my pupils, Adam liked him,’ Kate reminded her.
    ‘So he did,’ said her mother, brightening, and overtook a heavy goods lorry with panache.
     
    ‘How was Toby?’ said Frances next day, over the lunch they’d invited Gabriel to share with them. ‘Was it a good film?’
    ‘Toby was the same as usual—pleasant, relaxing company—likewise the film.’ Kate grinned at her mother. ‘And, yes, he kissed me goodnight, and, no, I’m not seeing him again this half-term, but I probably shall when I’m home next.’
    ‘I’m just interested,’ said Frances, unrepentant, and held out her arms for her grandson. ‘Alasdair rang last night, Kate. Said he couldn’t get you on your cellphone.’
    ‘I left it at