Playing With Fire Read online

  Pulling aside the curtain, Ruth gestured towards Susan. ‘Doesn’t she look wonderful, Lynette?’

  Lynette clasped her hands together and gave out a suppressed exclamation. ‘Oh, madam. Oh, madam,’ she whispered.

  Susan smiled wryly at her. ‘Thanks for letting me try it on, but it’s much too expensive for me.’

  William started to stir and she hurriedly closed the curtain and quickly removed the dress. She put on her clothes and left the cubicle, handing the dress to Ruth. ‘Help Lynette return it to the window, Ruth. I’ll need to attend to William. Thanks again for letting me try it on.’

  ‘Madam? If I may be so bold?’

  ‘Yes?’

  ‘That’s last year’s model. I have the authority to lower the price if necessary.’

  Both girls gazed at her in wonder and at last Ruth asked, ‘How much?’

  ‘I can reduce it by a further twenty pounds for a cash sale.’

  The two girls looked at each other. ‘Susan?’

  ‘Well, now . . .’

  Her hesitation was enough for Ruth. ‘She’ll take it,’ she cried, settling the matter.

  Between them they managed to scrape up the required deposit and Susan arranged to collect the dress on Saturday morning. Outside the shop she gazed in bewilderment at Ruth. ‘I can’t believe I’ve just bought that dress! I must need my head examined.’

  ‘You’ll be glad on Saturday night when you see the look in Jim’s eyes. He won’t be able to resist you. He’ll be fighting off all the single guys. You wait and see.’

  Still undecided, Susan bit agitatedly on her lip and lamented, ‘Perhaps I should go back and cancel it? Eh?’

  ‘You’ll do no such thing! You’ll never get the chance to own a dress like that again. And it’s so simple it will never date. Believe me, you got a bargain there, so you did. It’s a real gem. You won’t regret it.’

  ‘I hope you’re right. I feel guilty spending so much money.’

  ‘Trust me. Everything will be all right. I might even get Dougie to give his beloved Club Orchid a miss and come and see the attention you get on Saturday night.’

  Not at all pleased by this idea, Susan informed her, ‘You can’t! It’s a ticket-only dance.’

  Ruth was not to be so easily put off. ‘It will run late then?’ she queried.

  ‘Midnight! But I won’t be able to stay till the end. Mam will be babysitting.’

  ‘Nevertheless I’ll get Dougie to walk me round there after we leave the Orchid. Will that be all right with you?’

  Still unhappy at the idea, Susan nodded her consent. It would be ungracious to do otherwise.

  Chapter Ten

  Saturday started out a beautiful day, bright and sunny with a light breeze keeping the heat in check. Susan spent the afternoon in the garden with William. He was becoming very aware of all around him and followed the toy that she dangled about in front of him, with big bright eyes and groping fingers. She had hoped his eyes would change colour, and become grey like hers, but they remained blue.

  Rachel watched from her easy chair under the tree. To her great delight, she had discovered that therapy had strengthened her damaged arm enough for her to manage a crochet hook. She was now busy working on some matinée coats for her grandson. ‘What time are you going out tonight, Susan?’

  ‘Jim’s picking me up at half-past seven.’

  ‘After tea give yourself plenty of time to get ready. I’ll see to William’s needs.’

  ‘Are you sure, Mam? I was going to bathe him before I got ready. What about your arm?’

  ‘I’ll manage fine, so don’t you worry your head about me. It’s surprising what I can do now. I’ve been very lucky, you know.’

  ‘You have indeed, Mam! And we’re all very pleased for you. I’ll be delighted to leave William in your tender care. You’re an angel, so you are. Thanks a lot, Mam.’

  ‘My pleasure. I love having that wee rascal all to myself. I think Alison has persuaded Graham to take her out tonight too,’ she mused. ‘I’m so glad for her. She’s young and has her whole life ahead of her. She should get out more often before she gets tied down to married life.’

  ‘Oh.’ For some reason Susan felt apprehensive. ‘Did she say where?’

  ‘No, she didn’t mention it at all. I was in the lounge, but she was so delighted to be going out that she was shouting with excitement and I couldn’t help but overhear. I wasn’t eavesdropping, mind, so I didn’t hear any particular venue being mentioned.’

  Susan mulled over this information in her mind. One thing was sure: Graham, although walking with just the aid of one stick now, was still very shaky on his legs. Even he would hardly have the gumption to go to a dance in his condition. On the other hand, if her sister had mentioned that Susan was going to the Orpheus with Jim Brady, he would be contrary enough to do just that.

  She gave herself a little shake and warned herself not to be paranoid about him. Besides, it was a ticket-only dance and even Graham would have difficulty obtaining tickets at such short notice.

  After tea that evening her mother cradled her grandson in her good arm and shooed her daughter upstairs to get ready for her date. When Susan would have demurred, Rachel cried, ‘Away you go! I can cope all right. My arm’s not as bad as you think. Besides, if I need any help your father will be here.’

  The dress, collected that morning, hung on a hanger from the back of the bathroom door. It had got slightly wrinkled, but the steam from the bath should soon resolve that problem. She still fretted about how much it had cost, and no way was she going to put an iron to it. With her luck she was likely to scorch it.

  As she lay soaking in the bath, she eyed the dress. It really was beautiful; the material soft and clinging and the rich ruby suited her colouring perfectly. But . . . was this creation not meant to be worn for someone you cared dearly for? Someone you were committed to and were sure of? Someone you loved and who loved you in return? Did she want Jim to be so bowled over by her in it that he would be unable to keep his hands off her, as Ruth had suggested? Did they not need to take things easy, one step at a time; see how they felt about each other now that a child was involved? What if he did get carried away - would she be able to resist him? She certainly should! Once bitten, twice shy was going to be the motto of the day. However, it was so long since a man had held her and kissed her that she would be vulnerable. She would have to be very, very careful tonight.

  Putting the finishing touches to her make-up, she was still undecided about the dress. Brushing her thick, freshly shampooed hair until it glowed with chestnut highlights, she secured it with clips on top of her head in a crown of curls, emphasising the geometry of her face: high cheekbones, widely spaced grey eyes, perfect nose and small, determined chin. She moved her head from side to side, pouting at her reflection, and her full, sensuous lips spread into a wide smile at the antics of herself. Next she turned her attention to the dress.

  To avoid messing her hair she stepped into it and carefully wriggled the soft material up over her hips and into place over a strapless bra purchased for this very purpose. She had thought that perhaps it had been the dim, coloured lights in the shop that had made her look so good in it, but no! Here in the bright lights of her bedroom she studied her image reflected in the full-length mirror and felt and looked every bit as glamorous. There was still a slight heaviness about her hips, but the drape of the dress hid this.

  She let out a long sigh and eyed her reflection apprehensively. It was make-up-your-mind time. Should she or shouldn’t she wear it? After some thought she slowly removed the dress and hung it reverently on a hanger. It just didn’t feel right to wear it tonight. It wasn’t the right time. Perhaps if Jim and she became close she would wear it for him alone. She put a dustsheet over it and hung it at the back of the wardrobe, glad that she hadn’t mentioned it to any of the family.

  A shout from her father alerted her to the fact that Jim had arrived. Vexed with him for being early, she hurriedly cha
nged her bra and, selecting another snug-fitting velvet dress, quickly pulled it on. She had meant to be ready to leave as soon as he arrived, and not give her father a chance to question him. She descended the stairs in a rush and crossed the hall, aware of voices coming from the lounge. Her father’s deep tones were recognisable and she sighed. She had hoped to avoid this meeting. Her father would be giving Jim the third degree.

  Surprise slackened her features as she entered the room. Both Graham and Jim were holding a conversation with her father. Jim gave her a broad grin of welcome, indicating that he was getting on all right with Trevor. Graham acknowledged her with a wave of his hand.

  Alison hurried towards her and whispered, ‘Do you mind if we accompany you to the Orpheus?’

  The dismay she felt must have shown, causing Alison to continue quickly, ‘I’m so sorry. Graham and I were going to the pictures, but when Jim arrived and said you were going to the Orpheus, Graham asked if we could tag along. Say you don’t mind, Susan. Please? I’d be ever so glad to get out to a dance for a change.’

  ‘But you can’t! Didn’t Jim mention it was a ticket do?’

  ‘Yes! Jim did explain that, but Graham still wants to give it a shot. You know how it is. If any tickets are returned they sell them at the door. He thinks we stand a good chance of getting in.’

  Susan had forgotten about being able to buy returned tickets. Still unable to hide her annoyance, she asked, ‘Will he be able to dance? You’ll be bored stiff if you have to sit and watch all evening.’

  ‘He thinks he will be able to manage a few slow dances. And I hope you would let Jim give me a couple of dances. Ah, come on, Susan. I’d do the same for you, and you know it.’

  Rachel appeared in the doorway, William cradled in her arms. He was rosy from his bath and dressed for bed. ‘I just wanted to tell you not to leave the dance too early, Susan. Your father can carry William’s cot into our room so that he can sleep with us tonight.’

  Putting her arms around both her mother and child, Susan said gratefully, ‘Thanks, Mam. Thanks, Dad. I’ll phone later and make sure he’s not playing up on you. I was going to come and see him before I went out.’ She ruffled her son’s wispy hair and planted a kiss on his cheek. ‘Mam, have you met Jim yet?’

  ‘No, I’ve been seeing to William. How are you, son?’

  ‘I’m fine, and very pleased to meet you, Mrs Cummings,’ he replied, rising quickly from his chair.

  ‘Are you all going out together?’ Rachel asked, surprised to see Alison and Graham still there.

  ‘It looks like it.’ Susan’s voice was dry and her mother gave her a sharp look. ‘I think it’s nice to see you all getting out together,’ she said softly. ‘You know, a family affair? I’m sure you’ll enjoy yourselves. Now, if you’ll all excuse me, I’ll take this little fellow upstairs.’

  The others gathered round to kiss William good night. Only Jim hung back, looking ill at ease. At last Rachel was free to leave the room and, bidding Trevor and her good night, the four of them left the house and, with admiring comments about its make and colour, climbed into Jim’s new car. Although he tried to hide it, Susan noticed that Graham was in pain as he eased himself into the car.

  ‘Sit in the front, Graham, you will have more room.’

  ‘No, thank you, Susan, for your concern, but I’ll be fine here.’ His voice was abrupt, causing her to take umbrage.

  ‘Suit yourself.’ He had no right going to a dance, and him hardly able to walk, let alone dance.

  In the cloakroom at the Orpheus Alison turned to her sister in despair. ‘Look at me! I’m not dressed for dancing. I should have nipped upstairs and changed my clothes before I came out.’ She grimaced down at her skirt and blouse. ‘I’m sure they’ll all be dressed to kill in there tonight.’

  Glad she had decided against wearing the new dress, which would have caused speculation, Susan smoothed her hands over her empire-line velvet dress and sadly agreed with her sister. ‘No, you’re not. But never mind. You won’t be doing much dancing, will you? Tonight you’ll just be a spectator. It wouldn’t be fair on Graham if you were to dance with someone else and leave him sitting alone.’ If she could possibly avoid it, she was determined not to sit out any dances keeping Graham company. She was in no mood for his snide remarks and subtle threats.

  Alison looked at her sister through narrowed lids. ‘You’re still annoyed with me, aren’t you? Why are you being so unreasonable, Susan? It’s not like you.’

  ‘Well, I’m sure you can appreciate that I would have liked to be alone with Jim. It’s been a long time and we have a lot of catching up to do.’

  ‘When Graham suggested we come along and Jim didn’t raise any objections, I was so pleased to be going to a dance I wasn’t going to argue about it. Even though I had an idea you might not want our company. I don’t understand why, Susan. Surely it won’t make that much difference whether we’re here or not?’

  ‘No? Well, that’s neither here nor there. What’s done is done, so let’s join the men and make the best of it.’ Susan felt Alison’s acute bewilderment at her attitude, but for the life of her she couldn’t shrug off her displeasure.

  They found their partners seated at a table near the edge of the dance floor. The bandsmen, resplendent in their dress suits and bow ties, were already in place and testing their instruments. Soon the first dance, a foxtrot, was announced. Jim rose immediately and with a slight bow asked Susan to dance.

  She was so stiff in his arms that he frowned down at her. ‘Is anything bothering you?’

  ‘As if you didn’t know,’ she muttered. ‘Did you have to ask them along?’

  ‘I thought you knew all about it!’ he cried defensively. ‘The way Graham put it, I thought my say-so was already taken for granted. Do you think I wanted them along?’ He gathered her closer. ‘I’ve thought of nothing this past couple of days but having you all to myself tonight.’

  Mollified, she relaxed in his arms. ‘Just please don’t leave me sitting with Graham, or I might say something to offend him. He had no right tagging along - and him hardly able to put one foot in front of the other.’

  Jim frowned. ‘You’re putting me on the spot, Susan. I’ll have to give Alison a few dances. Surely you can see that? It’s only common courtesy to ask her.’

  Knowing he spoke the truth, she replied mournfully, ‘I know. I’m talking a lot of nonsense. It’s just that I’m annoyed at his cheek, asking to join us. But let’s make the best of it and enjoy ourselves.’

  ‘Yes,’ he agreed. ‘We’ll have plenty of time in the future to get to know each other again,’ he whispered in her ear and let his lips trail over her cheek and neck, sending thrills of pleasure coursing through her.

  They danced the next dance together and sat the next one out talking to Alison and Graham. The following one, with an apologetic glance at Susan, Jim asked Alison to dance. She was on the floor like a shot and Susan felt ashamed because she begrudged her sister a little bit of pleasure. Prepared to excuse herself and retire to the cloakroom, she glanced across at Graham. The excuse died on her lips when she saw the misery reflected in his eyes.

  ‘Are you in pain?’ she asked anxiously. ‘Can I get you anything?’

  ‘Hah, so you have decided to forgive me?’

  Mystified, she queried, ‘Forgive you for what?’

  ‘For spoiling your reunion with your precious boyfriend. You haven’t spoken directly to me all evening. ’>

  Her lips tightened in anger. ‘So it was deliberate, then?’

  He shook his head as if weary of arguing. ‘Not really. The occasion arose during the conversation and I couldn’t resist it. You should have seen your sister’s face when Jim said you were going to the Orpheus. I couldn’t deny her the pleasure of at least watching the dancers, if it was at all possible. But you’re spoiling it all for her, begrudging her a dance with Jim. I wouldn’t have believed you’d be so selfish.’

  Hot colour blazed across her cheeks at the insult
and she glowered at him, nostrils flaring in anger. He thought she had never looked more lovely. ‘What about me?’ she cried. ‘Eh? Doesn’t it matter that my night is ruined?’

  ‘And why is it ruined? Because I’m here?’ His voice was bitter and his eyes showed distaste. ‘I never thought of you as a selfish person, Susan, but I’m getting an eye-opener tonight. Alison is a much better person than you’ll ever be.’

  ‘For once I agree with you! And you’re a very lucky man that she’s still willing to marry you, after the way you’ve been behaving lately. Getting on like a spoilt brat. Don’t you realise that if she got an inkling of how we betrayed her trust, she would drop you like a hot potato?’

  Suddenly alert, he leant forward only to fall back as the sudden movement caused a spasm of pain. ‘Perhaps that’s the best thing that could happen?’ he hissed through clenched teeth.

  ‘Oh, don’t be ridiculous! You’d be spoiling everyone’s happiness just because you can’t accept the truth.’

  He lapsed into silence and she waited breathlessly for his response. If only he would believe her.

  She was silently urging him to speak and at last he did. ‘Don’t get me wrong, Susan, I’m still convinced William is my son. I can even see a likeness to my family in him.’

  Fear gripped her heart. ‘That’s wishful thinking, and you must surely know it,’ she cried in anguish.

  ‘I don’t think so. However, he was conceived in a moment of lustful madness that we’ve since regretted. We will both have other children, so forget I exist, if you must. I’ll never trouble you again.’

  Shame was consuming her, making her bitter in return. ‘I’m glad you’re convinced at last. Now maybe you’ll get out of my life and leave me alone. I’m sick to the teeth of listening to your insinuations. Do you hear me?’

  Tears blinding her, she rose from the table and hurried to the cloakroom. How dare he talk to her like that, she fumed inwardly. He was treating her as if she were some naughty schoolgirl. Whereas he was the one who was behaving irrationally. How dare he! Well, at least she was shot of him at last. Hopefully he would never bother her again. But would it spoil things for Alison? Did her sister really want to marry him? Would she be happy married to Graham? And how would it be to have him for a brother-in-law, constantly watching William grow up, with suspicious eyes.