Playing With Fire Read online

  ‘The heat’s too much for me at the moment, Donald. Jack and I are going for a walk. Perhaps you would like to join us?’

  ‘Thanks all the same, Margaret, but I’ve just arrived. I warn you, wrap up well, it’s freezing out there.’

  ‘Here, love.’ Tenderly Jack wrapped a thick woollen scarf around his wife’s neck and helped her into her coat. ‘Let’s go. See you two later.’

  Not once did he meet Donald’s eyes. This led Susan to believe that he had indeed been aware of his wife’s interest in her old flame. Dismayed, Susan sipped at her drink. Poor Jack. He must know how the wind was blowing. She eyed Donald covertly.

  He was well aware of her sly glance and challenged her. ‘What are you looking at me like that for?’

  ‘I saw the way you two looked at each other just now, and it worried me,’ she confessed.

  ‘Just what did you see, eh? I was as taken aback as you.’

  ‘She’s still in love with you, Donald.’

  ‘You’re imagining things. She married the one she wanted.’ The urgent kiss of the night before that had plagued him came to the fore again. The sheer intensity of it had excited him all day. Hadn’t Margaret implied that Jack wasn’t the right man for her after all? If that were the case, what did she intend doing about it?

  Susan was eyeing him intently. The strains of a waltz came from the next room and he asked abruptly, ‘Would you like to dance?’

  ‘Donald, they’re packed in there like sardines in a tin. There won’t be room to move, let alone dance. Let’s save our energy for the Pali tomorrow night, eh?’

  ‘You’re right. Let’s try and find somewhere to sit.’

  They made their way from the room and eventually sat crushed together on the lower stairs. She smiled at him. ‘How long will the party go on?’

  ‘There will still be some diehards here in the morning.’

  ‘You’re joking!’

  ‘I’m not.’

  ‘Thank God I can slip next door when I’ve had enough of it.’

  ‘I wish I could come with you,’ he said wistfully.

  ‘You can always curl up in one of the chairs,’ she offered. ‘But I wouldn’t recommend it.’

  ‘You didn’t think I was suggesting anything else now, did you?’ he teased.

  ‘I just don’t want there to be any misunderstanding between us.’

  ‘You know, I might just take you up on that offer.’

  She shrugged. ‘Feel free. After all, it’s your house.’

  They sat in silence for some moments, but at last, unable to curb her curiosity, she asked, ‘If Margaret finds she still . . .’ Her tongue faltered. She could not believe that ‘love’ was the right word to use here. ‘. . . fancies you, will you be pleased?’

  He shrugged. ‘I don’t think “pleased” is the right word. Flattered, perhaps. But what difference would it make now? She married Jack.’

  ‘Maybe she’s discovered she made the wrong choice. What then?’

  He smiled ruefully. ‘You know, that’s what she said last night.’

  Susan’s mouth fell open. Gently he put a finger under her chin and closed it. ‘You may well look surprised. You could have knocked me over with a feather when she said it.’

  ‘You said . . . last night? How come?’

  ‘When I left you they were all coming up the street from midnight Mass. I managed to avoid them, as I thought, but when I rounded the corner, there she was talking to some friends. I walked back up with her.’

  ‘Alone?’

  ‘Yes, alone. Her friends were going in the opposite direction, so of course we were alone. She asked me to walk up to the house with her.’

  ‘And she told you she had made a mistake?’

  ‘Yes, she wished me a happy Christmas and . . . well, we shared a Christmas kiss.’

  Susan could imagine how it had been and was disgusted at these revelations. ‘I suppose you pushed her away and sent her home to her husband?’ she cried scornfully.

  Remembering his response to the kiss and the anticipation that had hovered just below the surface all day, he felt ashamed. He lashed out at her rebuke. ‘It’s none of your business. I’m not allowed to probe into your past, so why should I let you interfere in mine?’

  She was on her feet instantly, hissing into his face, ‘Because this isn’t past! This is present. And in case you’ve forgotten, she’s my cousin’s wife and I’m very fond of Jack!’

  She swung away, glad the hall was now empty, as people had drifted into the kitchen to help themselves at the buffet table. He grabbed her arm and pulled her back. ‘Is it just because of Jack you’re so annoyed?’

  Her brows gathered together in a frown. ‘What do you mean?’ Then comprehension dawned. ‘Huh! You don’t imagine for one minute I’m interested in you, do you? Hah! Chance would be a fine thing. Where women are concerned, you don’t seem to be able to tell your arse from your elbow.’

  He relaxed his hold on her and she was off in a flash. He winced at the sound of his front door slamming shut. Susan must be really fond of her cousin to be so upset. He remained deep in thought until the door opened again. He looked up, all smiles, thinking Susan had returned, if only to sample the buffet.

  It was Jack and Margaret. Quickly she slipped off her coat and, handing it to her husband, sank down on the stairs beside Donald. ‘You were right! It is freezing out there, but I enjoyed our walk. How about you fetching some grub now, Jack?’

  Reluctantly Jack hung their coats on the hall stand. ‘Would you not come and pick your own? There’s such a variety in there, I’ll not know what to get you.’

  ‘Oh . . . just get me anything! I’m easily pleased, as you well know.’

  ‘Is there anything in particular you’d like?’ he persisted.

  ‘A couple of slices of meat and something savoury will do lovely, thank you.’

  Donald saw the worried speculation in Jack’s eyes and felt sorry for him. ‘Will you mind my place, Margaret, while I get something to eat as well? All this talk of food is making my tummy rumble.’

  She rose to her feet at once. ‘If you two think I’m sitting out here on my own, you can think again. I’m coming with you.’

  They queued at the table and filled their plates. Donald made his way back to the stairs and was delighted to see they were still empty. Margaret was on his heels and sank down beside him.

  ‘Where’s Jack?’

  ‘He was following behind us. He’ll probably be out in a minute or two.’

  Donald felt uncomfortable. Susan’s words, ‘I suppose you pushed her away and sent her home to her husband?’ echoed in his ears. He shouldn’t be sitting here in the hall, alone, with Margaret. But what excuse could he fabricate if he left her? And, come to think of it, why should he worry about Jack’s feelings? Jack certainly hadn’t worried about him when he was seducing Margaret.

  Aware that she was looking at him, he avoided her eye. He was also very conscious of the pressure of her thigh against his on the narrow staircase. He stirred restlessly and she increased the pressure. ‘Stop it, Margaret!’ he said tersely. ‘You’re a married woman now,’ he chastised her. ‘Why couldn’t you have been like this before?’

  She gaped at him in disbelief. ‘I tried. God knows, I tried. But you were such a goody-goody. You refused to be tempted. Why do you think I used Jack to try to make you jealous?’

  He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. ‘I was showing you respect,’ he muttered, glancing around to see if they could be overheard, aware this wasn’t the place for an argument! What if Jack put in an appearance? The nervous state Jack was in at the moment, there could very well be another fisticuffs and he was having none of that. He rose to his feet. ‘Look we can’t sit here like this. What if Jack comes back? He might get the wrong idea.’

  ‘I don’t care. It’s better to get it all out in the open.’

  He gazed down at her in panic, in his agitation knocking over his can of beer. ‘Now look what yo
u’ve made me do. And listen, Margaret, as far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing to get out in the open! After all, you married Jack! You’re expecting his child.’

  Flushed with temper, he left her and went to fetch something to mop up the spilt beer. When he returned, to his great relief she had gone.

  When it became obvious that Susan wasn’t going to return, he sought out Edith and explained, ‘Susan went next door with a headache earlier on. I want to bring her in a plate of food, but I’ve no idea what she likes.’

  ‘Oh dear, I’m sure she’ll be starving. Look, I’ll fill a plate and you fetch a couple of cans to bring with you.’

  ‘Thanks, Edith.’

  For some moments he thought Susan wasn’t going to answer his knock, but at last the door opened a crack and she glared out at him. ‘What do you want?’

  He gestured to the covered plate and held up the cans. ‘Peace offering, I didn’t mean to offend you.’

  Slowly the gap widened and she stood back to let him pass. ‘I must admit I’m feeling peckish,’ she said, closing the door and motioning him into the living room. A fire burnt brightly in the grate, affording the only source of illumination to the room. He reached for the light switch, but her voice stayed him. ‘Don’t put the light on, please.’

  Placing the cans on the floor, he pulled the small table close to the chair by the fire and, unwrapping the plate, set it down. Taking her hands, he drew her forward and by the light of the fire examined her face. ‘Am I the cause of those tears?’ he asked gently.

  ‘Donald Murphy, I wish you’d stop thinking you have any power over my emotions! I was crying because it’s Christmas night, and I’m far from home and lonely, and nobody seems to care about me. So there! It had nothing whatsoever to do with you.’

  ‘I’m glad to hear that, Susan.’ His hands cupped her face. ‘I hope I never cause you pain.’ He brushed her lips with his and, before she could complain, assured her, ‘Just a Christmas kiss. Now, sit down and eat up.’

  He watched her eating, reaching over now and again to help himself to some titbits from the plate. Noting the sad droop of her wide mouth, again he pondered the reason why she had run away from her family and friends. Surely if the man she loved was over in Ireland, that’s where she should be?

  Finishing the last sausage roll, she licked her fingers and gave a contented sigh. ‘I enjoyed that, Donald. Thanks for thinking of me.’ She made to rise, but he was on his feet at once and gently pushed her down again. ‘Really, Donald,’ she demurred. ‘I should be next door helping to keep the dishes cleared.’

  ‘Just you sit there. Let Margaret pull her weight for a change.’

  ‘You know,’ she mused, ‘I really do wish I liked Margaret. After all, she’s family now, but somehow or other I can’t warm to her.’

  ‘Maybe you just need some time to get to know her?’

  A sad shake of the head rejected this idea. ‘I don’t think so.’

  He sat on the floor beside her chair and took her hand. ‘Listen, Susan. I don’t know what way things will go. Margaret keeps coming on to me, and I’m only human. Could you not pretend we fancy each other and I’ll have an excuse to keep her at bay?’

  She gently touched his face. ‘Poor Donald. It’s not fair the way she’s treating you.’

  ‘What do you mean poor Donald?’ he cried indignantly. ‘I should be delighted to know she still cares. After all, Jack seduced her from under my very nose. I can’t believe I was so blind! I wouldn’t be human if I wasn’t pleased the tables are turned. But still, every time I look at Jack I feel ashamed. She’s making mugs of us both.’

  ‘I’m glad you can see that.’

  ‘Mind you, it doesn’t do my blood pressure any good when she flashes those big eyes at me. Believe you me, if we’re ever alone I don’t think I’ll be able to control myself.’

  ‘Do you really think it will help if we pretend to fancy each other?’

  ‘I do. Then she won’t be so ready to flaunt herself about.’

  ‘All right then. I suppose I can pretend for a day or so. Meanwhile, I must go in and give Aunt Edith a hand.’

  He helped her to her feet. ‘First I’m going to heat the two water bottles, belonging to my dear departed aunt, that are under the stairs,’ he announced. ‘You will then have a nice warm bed to come back to.’

  ‘That’s very thoughtful of you, Donald. You’ll make some lucky girl a good husband one day. While you fill the bottles, I’ll go and freshen myself up a bit.’

  Margaret was sullen as she helped in the kitchen. Edith worked in silence alongside her. A neighbour was also helping out and conversation had been sporadic. It had now dried up. All the women turned with obvious relief to greet Susan when she arrived.

  ‘Sorry I was away so long, but I had an awful headache.’

  ‘How’s your head now, love?’

  ‘It’s fine, Aunt Edith. I took a couple of aspirin and then Donald brought me in some food and now I feel great.’ Her eyes became distressed when she saw the tired lines on her aunt’s face. Her neighbour also looked as if she was on her last legs. How come some had to work so that others enjoyed themselves? ‘You two take a break. Margaret and I should be able to manage in here.’

  When the door closed on them, Margaret muttered, ‘What makes you think I want to be stuck in here? Huh, some holiday break!’

  ‘I didn’t think you’d mind. Aunt Edith has been kindness itself to you, and she does look awfully tired,’ Susan reprimanded her.

  ‘It’s all right for you to talk! You’ve had a break. I saw Donald go off with a plate of food. Did you enjoy your little tête-à-tête? Or was it more than that? He looks after you well. Better than he ever looked after me.’

  Susan was astonished at the jealousy that emanated from this girl. Had she no pride at all? And what about poor Jack? As if he had been evoked, the door opened and Jack’s head appeared.

  Immediately aware of the tension, he asked tentatively, ‘Need any help, girls?’

  ‘You can take over from me. I seem to have been in here for ever. I need a rest,’ Margaret whinged.

  ‘Why don’t you go on up to bed, love?’

  ‘I’ll go soon. I’ll listen to the singers for a while. There’s some good voices in there.’

  Silence reigned for some time after Margaret had left. It was Jack who broke it. ‘This isn’t working out as I had hoped.’

  ‘Oh . . .’ Susan’s voice was non-committal. She didn’t want to hear his gripes.

  ‘I hate London! I hoped if we came up here for Christmas I might be lucky enough to get a job when the factories open again. I’d still have to go back down for a while and work my notice, and stay long enough to get the bond money on the flat back, but I wouldn’t mind. The thought that I was coming back here would make it all worthwhile.’

  ‘Then you won’t be going back on Tuesday?’

  ‘To tell you the truth, Susan, I don’t know what to do. Margaret doesn’t want to go back down south at all, but where would she stay?’

  ‘Don’t worry about me, Jack. She can remain in your parents’ house. Donald will let me stay next door for as long as I like.’

  He gave her a sideways glance. ‘Are you and him . . . ye know?’

  Remembering her promise to Donald, but mindful of the fact that Jack thought her a married woman, she said vaguely, ‘It’s in the early stages yet. Who knows what will happen. And remember, we’re both on the rebound . . . so we’re taking it a day at a time.’

  ‘So you and your husband really are separated?’ She nodded. ‘And you do like Donald?’

  ‘Very much. He’s a fine person.’

  ‘I know he is. We were best mates once. I hoped he’d understand when Margaret and I fell in love.’

  ‘Was that not expecting too much?’

  ‘To tell you the truth, Susan, I don’t know how it came about. Margaret was Donald’s future wife, and I was just their friend. We went everywhere together. Then all of a sudden
I was obsessed with her. I was actually jealous when she danced with Donald. I couldn’t think straight. I had to have her, no matter who got hurt in the process.’ He was silent for some moments. ‘I’ve been thinking . . . What with my parents being caught up in the business, Margaret would be lonely and bored. Could she possibly stay next door with you? You’d be company for each other.’

  Susan had no difficulty whatsoever figuring out how his predicament had come about. Margaret was a very devious person. Her refusal was swift. ‘No! I’m sorry, but the answer is no. You’d be better taking Margaret away with you.’ The very idea of living under the same roof as Jack’s wife repulsed her.

  ‘Don’t just dismiss the idea offhand, Susan. At least give it some consideration.’

  She opened her mouth to refuse again, but he forestalled her. ‘Just think about it. Please?’

  Donald saw Margaret enter the living room and was glad there was no empty space beside him. He kept his eyes averted and hoped that she would take the hint and stay away from him. She wasn’t put off. Crossing the room, she sat on the arm of his chair. Quickly he rose to his feet and, with a smile, offered it to her.

  ‘No, stay where you are. I’ll be quite comfortable here.’

  When he insisted, she sat down and patted the arm of the chair. ‘Stay beside me, please. I know hardly any of this crowd.’

  Reluctantly he joined her, glad that another singer had been called on to perform and that the strains of ‘Danny Boy’ rising in the quiet room made conversation difficult. When the applause had died down and another singer was being persuaded to do his piece, Margaret tugged at his sleeve. Donald bent low to hear what she had to say, very aware of the luminous skin, the shining hair. He fought down his rising emotions. What was keeping Susan? She had promised to help him.

  ‘Donald, do you care for me at all?’

  ‘Margaret, there’s no use bringing that all up again. It’s all over between us.’

  ‘You like Susan, don’t you?’

  ‘Yes, I do! Very much.’