Promise to Obey Read Free

an avenue of close trees, the canopy of dripping leaves overhead like a cathedral roof. Her spirits fell. She didn’t even know what kind of trees they were. This was going to be disastrous. She could feel the despair growing. She was already homesick for her little London flat and wanted more than anything to turn round and go back to its safety. Then she remembered that she had let it to a friend of a friend for the whole three months, banking the rent. There was no going back.
    ‘Upton Hall,’ he said, with a degree of pride and utter masculinity . ‘The home of the Colemans for over a hundred years.’
    Upton Hall was impressive, standing within the lea of a low pastured hill, sheltered on two sides from the worst of the wind. It was a two-storeyed stone building with leaded windows, with a tall tower at one end with wide curved bay windows, crenulated like a mock castle. The front door was of heavy oak, flanked by two columns and a porch of slate. Virginia creeper was turning to russet on the walls, warming the austere lines of the house.
    ‘It’s … it’s very grand,’ said Jessica, eventually, unable to find the right words. She had a hundred sudden impressions, crowding in. ‘How old is it?’
    ‘It’s a Victorian folly, built onto a medieval farmhouse and stables, we think. The farmhouse is at the back, part of it now the new kitchen, a utility room and garages. It’s rambling inside. You’ll get lost.’
    ‘I’m lost already,’ said Jessica.
    Upton Hall was awesome, so much larger than anything she had ever seen before. But its grandeur had a certain gentleness, a timeless warmth.
    The unhappiness in her voice was not lost on Lucas. He bent forward, his fiery, silver grey eyes for once tinged with concern.‘Cheer up, Miss Harlow. You’ll love it once you get used to it. Upton Hall will grow on you.’
    Jessica did not believe him. Nothing was going to sway her or make the next three months any easier. She would have to grit her teeth and get on with it. The handsome Lucas Coleman could be as pleasant and welcoming as he could manage, it would not make any difference. She hated the countryside, she hated trees and especially she hated wet trees, dripping everywhere.
    ‘Does it ever stop raining?’
    ‘Occasionally. We put out the flags and eat in the garden.’
    ‘Even in winter?’
    ‘Especially in the winter.’
    Now he was laughing at her and that made the arrival even worse. The sooner she escaped to whatever damp bedroom was to be hers, the better. She would lock the door, become distant and withdrawn and go into a Jane Austen decline.
    Lucas stopped the car in the curved drive and climbed out. He went round and opened the car door. Jessica was struggling to undo the safety belt.
    ‘Let me do that for you,’ he said, bending over her. For a second his unruly dark hair brushed her face and the shock was electric. The freshness of soap and water with his own manly scent was overwhelming, scant inches away. For a second Jessica could not breathe. It was an endless moment.
    ‘There. It’s an awkward one, too far back. Damned designers.’
    He straightened up and held out his arm to assist her. The passenger seat of the Porsche was so low down, again Jessica was struggling. She had to use his arm as a lever, to get herself out of the seat. She was angry for being made to look such a fool when she was normally so calm and efficient. It washed over her in a turbulent wave. She brushed back wet hair from her face.
    ‘Thank you,’ she said, trying to regain her composure. ‘Damned stupid seat,’ she went on. ‘Built for a midget.’
    ‘And you are about five foot seven. I do agree. I have the same problem.’
    Now that Lucas was standing beside her, she realized that he was over six feet. He would have to fold himself up to get inside the car. He was already getting her case out of the boot and carrying it towards the front door.
    He turned round, seeing her hesitation. It was a long,