The Tawny Gold Man (9 page)

Chapter 8

Even with the graduation exercises over and the twins, with all their assorted belongings, home again, Anne could not get them together in one place long enough to have any kind of serious discussion. They were too busy with the hours they put in at the mill, settling in at home, and getting things organized for their party at the end of the week to go into a conference, they insisted.

Jud was beginning to positively scowl at her and, as if that were not enough, she was facing a problem that worried her more than a little.

The problem, in the form of John Franks, showed up the day after the twins' graduation. Why he was there was self-explanatory, for Jud was methodically feeding him information about the textile business. Why his presence at and understanding of the company was necessary at all was what worried Anne.

Questions tormented her every waking hour, the main one being, was Jud training John to replace her?

About the same age as Jud, John Franks was a good-looking, easy-going man whose demeanor belied his sharp mind. He had taken Anne to lunch a few times, on the occasions when he'd been in town negotiating for Jud with Mr. Cammeron, and Anne liked him very much. He had been amusing and entertaining and had not stepped out of line once.

On his first day at the office he had looked pointedly at Anne's third finger and, eyebrows raised slightly, said, "The fool surely didn't let you get away?"

"No getaway necessary, John."

Anne's reply was made without strain. She had always been easy and relaxed in John's company. Then in a gently scolding tone, she added, "And Andrew is not a fool, John."

"Couldn't prove that by me," he retorted amiably, seating himself on the corner of her desk. "Personally, I thought he was not too bright in not rushing you to the altar the minute you said yes."

"Of course," Anne laughed lightly. "Words of wisdom from a man I strongly suspect is a confirmed bachelor."

"Only because, by the time I met you, you were already spoken for."

John's words were spoken in such earnest, Anne felt the laughter die in her throat. Before she could form a reply, Jud's voice drawled from the doorway.

"If you can tear yourself away from my assistant, John, I'd like to get down to work."

John's fair cheeks flushed a ruddy hue and his eyes flashed warningly as he turned to face the doorway.

Jud's stance, with his shoulder propped against the door frame, was the only indolent thing about his appearance. Pale eyebrows arched arrogantly over two glittering chips of amber stone, his face set firmly and his lips were twisted in the now familiar sardonic slant.

Obviously on the verge of an angry reply, one look at Jud seemed to change John's mind, and with a mild shrug he murmured, "You're the boss, Jud."

"I know."

Jud's silky purr had the same effect on Anne as an ice cube being drawn down her spine. Biting her lip to keep from shivering, Anne stood mutely as Jud stepped aside to allow John to walk by him into his office; then, his smile mocking, Jud pulled the door to, closing John in, shutting her out.

Saturday, the day of Troy and Todd's party, dawned bright and warm, perfect weather for a party that would, in all likelihood, spill out of doors.

Anne found herself on the move from the moment she finished her breakfast. Suddenly her mother discovered half a dozen errands for Anne to run and she was kept too busy to think, dashing around in the BMW.

Jud absented himself from this frenzy of activity until lunchtime. Anne, her mother, Troy, and Todd had started their meal, thinking Jud would not show up, when he strode into the room, a very reluctant-looking John at his heels.

Jud waved John to a chair, seated himself, and favored Margaret with a charming smile.

"As John is on his own here, I insisted he join us. Not only for lunch, but for the bash tonight as well."

Without batting an eyelash, Margaret returned his smile with one of equal charm.

"Well, of course he must stay." She then turned the smile on John.

"I'm sorry I didn't issue the invitation myself, John, but I've been so busy the last few days. I'm sure you'll understand."

John hastened to assure her he did, while Anne pondered on the changed relationship between her mother and Jud. She had no idea what she'd missed in the conversation the day they'd driven to commencement exercises, but whatever it was had caused the cessation of hostilities. The baffled expressions on the faces of her brothers told her they were even more mystified than she was.

With everyone on their best behavior in front of John, lunch was a pleasant, if brief, respite from the bustle. But from the moment they left the table Margaret began issuing orders like a field marshal and this time even Jud did not escape.

On her way from yet another trip between the kitchen and living room, Anne's arm was suddenly grasped and she was pulled unceremoniously into the library. Hearing the door close with a soft click, she turned and saw Jud leaning against it, a furtive look on his face.

Anne opened her mouth to ask what he was up to, but closed it when he placed a long forefinger to his lips and breathed a soft "Shush" as he pushed himself away from the door and came toward her. He didn't stop when he reached her, but kept on going, taking her with him with a firm hand placed in the middle of her back. When, at the far end of the room, he finally did stop, she spun on him.

"Jud, what in the devil—'

"I had forgotten what an organizer your mother is," he interrupted in a stage whisper. "Maybe I should put her to work somewhere in the company."

"Jud," Anne sighed warningly.

The teasing light left his eyes and he smiled ruefully.

"I wanted to talk to you, obviously." Jud's tone had changed from that of conspirator to one of control. "When the hell are you going to talk to Troy and Todd? I can't keep dodging around these people indefinitely, you know."

"I know, and I'm sorry." Anne raised her hands placatingly as Jud frowned. "I haven't been able to get them alone for longer than three minutes since they got home, I was hoping to corner them tomorrow sometime."

"Don't hope, do it," Jud ordered. "And I want to see you in here the minute you have." He paused,  adding resignedly, "Now I suppose we had better get on with Margaret's craziness before she sets the bloodhounds on our missing trail."

By mid-afternoon all the preparations were completed to Margaret's satisfaction and Anne gratefully fled to her room to have a hasty shower and change of clothes before the guests began descending on them.

She spent more time than she really should have getting dressed, wanting, for some un-obvious reason, to look her best. Finally finished, she stepped back from the mirror and critically surveyed her reflection. She had bought the dress she was wearing on impulse, and now was somewhat amazed at the vision before her eyes. The rich apricot raw silk sheath set off her dark hair to perfection and gave a glow to her smooth pale skin. The scooped neckline revealed just a hint of a curve at her breasts, while the snug shaping outlined the enticements it covered.

Giving a nod of satisfaction to the young woman in her mirror, Anne smiled and left her room. As she hurried down the stairs, the sound of voices drifted to her from the living room; one in particular brought a glow of pleasure to her eyes.

Melly had arrived and it seemed everyone was talking at once. Hanging back, Anne watched Jud's aunt as she laughingly replied to their questions. Tall and slim, still lovely, Melly seemed to be plugged into the same high voltage circuit that Jud was, for she charged the air around her as forcefully as he did.

Within minutes of her entering the room, Anne saw Melly's and Jud's eyes meet in understanding and communication and felt a small stab of envy of the older woman.

"Anne, darling, why are you hovering there in the background?" Melly's soft, melodious voice chided. "Come here, dear, and let me look at you."

"Hello, Melly.
 
You
 
look wonderful, as usual."

Anne walked across the room and into the arms of the older woman, who then stepped back and let her eyes run quickly over Anne's small frame.

"Anne, I don't know how you manage it. But I swear you grow more lovely between my visits." Then Melly's eyes narrowed slightly and she sent a sharp glance at Jud. "Jud, are you working this child too hard? If she gets much thinner she'll float away on the air."

"Really, Melly—" Anne began, only to have Jud cut in.

"Anne has been working very hard the last month or so, Mel. But not to worry, I'm working on an arrangement now that will give her more free time."

Jud's tone was casually teasing, yet Anne felt suddenly chilled. What arrangement was he working on? Were her suspicions correct? Had John Franks been brought in to take over her job? Pushing the questions away, she made herself join in the conversation. This was her brothers' celebration, she would not spoil it for them by letting her worries show. All the same she decided to stay away from Jud as much as possible that evening.

The guests began arriving, and within the hour the house was filled with laughing people. While Jud, at Margaret's side, played the host, Anne circulated around the room, greeting people she knew, meeting people she didn't, making sure no one went long without a drink or something to eat.

The house became steadily more crowded and, as the one half of the large double living room had been cleared of furniture, quite a few of the young people were dancing. As Anne had suspected, the less physically inclined drifted out through the French doors onto the side patio. The evening was warm and still, the scent of first roses heady, but Anne barely noticed as she moved around—avoiding Jud—making numerous trips between the living room and the dining room to keep an eye on the food supply.

Anne was returning from one of these buffet checks when the sound of new arrivals brought her head up sharply. Stepping back into the shadow of the stairway, Anne stood perfectly still, hands clenched, observing the group of people talking in the foyer.

Although she couldn't hear his words, Andrew's cool precise voice was unmistakable, as was the throaty laugh of the woman on his arm. Lorna, here! And with Andrew! Margaret's voice was a low murmur as she greeted the couple and the twins stood, just looking at Lorna, idiotic grins on their faces. At that moment Jud strode into the foyer from the living room, hand outstretched to grasp the slim one extended to him. He said something softly that brought a dazzling smile to the redhead's face, then nodded coolly to Andrew.

Anne stayed where she was for several minutes after the group had moved into the living room, eyes closed, breathing deeply to regain her composure. Damn him! Damn him for inviting her here. Anger surged through her and she thought bitterly,
 
He hasn't been to New York in almost a week,
 
couldn't he bear being away from her any longer? And what was she doing with Andrew? Had they become such close friends she could ask him to escort her to the home of her lover?

Just thinking the words made Anne feel ill, and for a fleeting second she considered running to her room. Fierce pride made her reject the idea. Squaring her shoulders, she formed her lips into a bright smile and headed for the living room. She hesitated a moment in the doorway, then saw two men moving toward her from opposite directions. Jud advanced from the left, his face set in grim determination, and from her right John approached, a smile of warmth lighting his face.

Not wanting to be anywhere near Jud, let alone talk to him, Anne walked quickly to meet John, seeing Jud stop dead out of the corner of her eye.

"Come dance with me." John smiled coaxingly. "You've been busy long enough. Time you relaxed and enjoyed the party."

Pliantly Anne allowed him to draw her into the cleared area, and into his arms. The music was slow and dreamy and as John turned her to him she caught a glimpse of Jud. He stood taut and angry where he'd stopped, his eyes hard and cold. Turning her head away, Anne was filled with fiery resentment. What right did he have to be angry? If she chose to dance with John instead of greeting Jud's lady-love, why should it bother him?

With a concentrated effort she pushed Jud from her mind and gave full attention to the dance. She loved to dance, had in fact, taken several classes in modern dance and she found John a polished partner.

"Hey, you're very good!" John's surprise amused Anne. "I should have dragged you onto the floor sooner."

"Thank you, kind sir," Anne laughed up at him as the music ended. "You're pretty good yourself."

The young man who had taken over the job of D J must have decided it was time for a change, for the record that dropped onto the turntable was upbeat, the tempo fast and inviting.

Anne felt the beat in every muscle and agreed eagerly when John murmured, "Are you game?"

Within seconds Anne realized that John was not only good, he was very, very good, and Anne gave herself up to the enjoyment of the intricate, somewhat sensuous movements of the dance. As John moved beside her, at times spinning her away from him, then, one arm coiling her back close to his body, she became aware that the other dancers had moved back, leaving them in sole possession of the floor.

When the music stopped there was a burst of applause and several calls of "one more time."

Shaking her head, laughing and pink with embarrassment, Anne walked off the dance area.

"That was fun." John's arm, still around her waist, tightened. "Will you dance with me again later?"

"We'll see." Anne hesitated, then added ruefully, "But definitely not as the evening's entertainment."