Unknown by Unknown Page B

herself being left out of the conversation, which did nothing to improve her temper. By the time they had finished and taken their coffee back into the drawing room she was ready to explode.
    After a while she could stand it no longer and left them to it, going out into the gardens, which at any other time would have delighted her but which tonight left her cold.
    She scarcely noticed the Chinese roses or viburnums, the exquisite azaleas, but walked aimlessly, ending beside the pool, sitting on the edge and trailing her fingers in the water.
    A light footstep on the path disturbed her, and it was with a feeling of apprehension that she saw her employer approaching.
    Without preamble he said, ‘Liz is upset. What made you rush off like that?’
    Debra looked at him stonily. ‘I was in the way.’
    ‘I doubt she would ever think that,’ he returned steadily. 'She’s been telling me how good you’ve been to her since her parents died.’
    Pushing herself up, Debra said, ‘She was heartbroken. I had hoped this change of environment would do her good.’
    ‘It brings back memories of the years she spent here when her father worked with yours.’
    She looked at him sharply. ‘Not unhappy ones, I hope?’
    He shook his head. ‘On the contrary. She says she’s beginning to feel at peace with herself.’
    Was this simply because of her surroundings, or had this man something to do with it? wondered Debra. A brief frown flickered across her smooth forehead and she turned, staring down into the silver water, watching the golden carp slide gently between cream and purple water lilies.
    ‘I’m glad,’ she said quietly, but she was not sure she meant it. In accepting this job she had had no idea that Vane Oliver would become a part of their lives, and it troubled her.
    She was naturally happy that Liz was recovering from her grief, but it was her relationship with this man that bothered her. She was quite sure he was simply amusing himself at her expense, no doubt getting a kick out of dating an innocent young girl instead of the sophisticates with whom he usually associated.
    It appeared Vane Oliver also doubted the sincerity of her pleasure, because he caught her shoulder and spun her round. ‘Are you really glad?’ he demanded. ‘Or are you jealous that I’m paying Liz more attention than you?’
    ‘Take your hands off!’ cried Debra, stepping back and glaring hostilely up into his handsome face. He was devastating, she realised with surprise. She had known he was a good-looking man, but she had never looked at him closely until now. No wonder Liz was smitten. Those thickly fringed eyes were enough to set any woman’s heart fluttering— if she was stupid enough to let herself get involved.
    Hardening her heart to such vagrant thoughts, Debra continued, ‘And that’s a ridiculous statement. Why should I be jealous? You know perfectly well how I feel about your attentions to Liz.’ His eyes gleamed derisively. ‘I think you’re lying, or trying to kid yourself. It’s because I’m making a fuss of Liz that you walked out. You couldn’t stand to see her receiving so much attention. Change your attitude and it could be you.’
    Debra was furious. ‘My God, Vane Oliver, you’re the most conceited man I’ve ever met! I’m your employee and I know my place. I am not jealous of Liz, nor ever will be, it’s what you’re doing to her that worries me.’
    ‘I haven’t noticed her raising any objections.' The wide mouth quivered with undisguised humour. ‘Don’t you think you’re making a fuss about nothing?’
    ‘Not really,’ she said tightly. ‘Liz isn’t old enough to know what she’s doing. Besides, she’s been through a big emotional trauma and she’s very vulnerable. I wouldn’t like to think she's heading towards more suffering.’
    The beautiful deep-set eyes regarded her steadily. ‘I think you misunderstand your young friend. She’s perfectly capable of taking care of herself.’
    ‘Not