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dress.'
    With a murmured apology Caroline hastily stepped out of it and into her own dress, then methodically began to wipe off her heavy make-up. She was startled as someone touched her shoulder and looked up to see Rick Henderson.
    'Lovely show, darling. You make a beautiful bride. You have that virginal glow that convinces one it's the real thing!' He studied her reaction. 'But then perhaps it is?'
    'You'll never know!'
    'Keep your cool,' he chuckled. 'I'm about to do you a good turn. Having pumped me for information about Matt Bishop—which I was delighted to give you— I'm now going to give you the chance of meeting him.'
    -Caroline wanted to refuse. Matt Bishop—from all she had learned of him—was the type she preferred to avoid. But since she hoped to be working for one of his companies, it might not be diplomatic to turn down Rick's offer.
    As soon as she was ready she made her way into the gilded and mirrored ballroom which the hotel staff were starting to clear. She saw the man standing beside Rick and her heart skipped a beat. It was the same one who had been staring at her during the fashion show. Quickly she recovered her composure and walked forward.
    'Matt Bishop—Lady Caroline Haveling,' Rick introduced them. 'The only real "lady" in the business!'
    'And certainly one of the loveliest.' Matt Bishop's voice was low, with a hint of a Northern accent. 'I've heard about you from Mark Ingle. I believe he's a friend of your brother's, which means I'm in luck.'
    'Luck?' she queried.
    'That we have a mutual friend.' His tone was slightly mocking. 'Though as your employer-to-be, I feel our meeting would have happened later if not sooner.'
    Some of her pleasure died. If he was the sort of man who used his business position to further his personal interests, she would have to make it plain that she would not play along with him.
    'Would you care for a drink?' he cut into her thoughts. 'Or would it be old-fashioned of me to suggest tea?'
    'I'm an old-fashioned girl,' she said. 'Tea would be lovely.'
    'With bread and butter and jam?'
    'Of course. I'm starving. I've only had one coffee and a dried-up sandwich all day.'
    'I'm only allowing you a small tea,' he warned. 'I don't want to spoil your appetite for dinner tonight.'
    Caroline stiffened. The speed of his progress made her nervous. 'What makes you think I'm having dinner with you tonight?'
    'Aren't you?'
    'No. His cool assumption that she would say yes had annoyed her. 'I've had a hard day. Some other time, perhaps?'
    'I won't take no for an answer.' He turned to Rick. 'Any time I can do you a good turn, let me know. I owe you one, sport.' Taking Caroline by the arm, he steered her towards the door.
    'Are you always such a fast worker, Mr Bishop?' she enquired.
    'Matt, please—and yes, I am. If I see what I like I don't believe in waiting for someone else to beat me to it.'
    The hotel lounge was fairly full, mainly with foreign visitors, but at one table sat a group of expensively dressed women, among whom was Penny. Sitting next to her was the stunning girl who had been watching the show with Matt Bishop.
    'Caroline ... and Matt ... how lovely to see you,' Penny greeted them both. 'I looked for you when I came backstage,' she murmured to her friend, 'But I just missed you.'
    While Penny was talking, Caroline was aware of being closely watched by the dark-haired girl, and was in no way surprised when Matt Bishop introduced her as his ward, Helen Warner.
    Returning Caroline's warm smile with a cold one, the girl immediately addressed herself to Matt.
    'I thought you said you had business to discuss with Rick Henderson?'
    'I had,' said Matt.
    'Then if it's finished you can take me home.'
    'I'm having tea with Lady Caroline.'
    'I'll wait.'
    'There's no need,' he said easily.
    Helen stood up. 'I'll meet you back at the flat. Don't forget you said you were taking me to dinner.'
    'You misunderstood me,' he said casually. 'What I said was that we'd have dinner together