Chapter Thirty Five
Bella
Dinner was a very awkward affair mainly because I knew none of the people there, nor what they were talking about. I just sat picking at the food and trying to look as if I were listening when all I wanted to do was to go upstairs and lock myself in my room with my little maid and grill her about the Cold Ones. How did she know about them? What did she know and how did she know that I knew about them? I heard my name and looked up as Alice smiled sweetly at me,
"Jane we're going into the drawing-room for coffee. I called your name a few times my dear, you must have been day dreaming., I realize this must be a bit much for you but do try to pay attention."
I smiled at her in return,
"Sorry I was just thinking what a lovely meal it was."
She smirked, "Really? You didn't seem to be enjoying it very much, or are you one of those people who don't believe in eating?"
"Oh I eat, but I haven't been well so I'm taking things slowly."
We walked into the drawing-room with the other female guests as coffee was served. I took the cup offered to me, refusing sugar and sat by the open window. The night was crisp but the cold air reminded me of the Major so I was happy to endure it. Alice came to sit beside me shutting the window and complaining of the draught.
"So Jane, how long have you known my brother?"
"A while"
"Really, and where did you meet?"
"At the hospital"
"Gosh its like drawing teeth. What do you do? Are you from around here?"
"I work in a restaurant and no I'm not from round here."
"Oh a woman of mystery! Looking for a rich husband I suppose."
"No as a matter of fact I'm not looking for anything Alice, except an early night. Please excuse me"
I made my apologies to Steve's mother and fled to my room wishing I had a car so I could just leave. I lay on the bed and groaned, was this never going to get any better? Would I spend the rest of my miserable life pining for what I couldn't have?
There was a quiet knock on the door,
"Come in"
It was Steve,
"Are you OK Jane? Only Alice said you'd excused yourself. Was she being her usual obnoxious self? I should have warned you. By the way you look stunning."
"Just tired Steve. I think I'll turn in"
He came over and kissed my cheek,
"See you in the morning Jane"
I nodded but as soon as he'd left I went through to wash the feel of his lips from my face. As I came back into the bedroom I saw Alice peering through my belongings.
"Find what you were looking for Alice?"
"No, as a matter of fact I didn't. Who are you Jane Lock? You really are a mystery woman. When Steve started talking about you I had my lawyer look into your background. We get so many gold diggers after my brothers but he came up with nothing. You really are an enigma and that makes me nervous."
"Sorry about that but I'm not interested on your brother, We're just friends"
"I don't think he sees it that way Jane. I think he's very attached to you. I think you're going to have to tell me who you really are or leave my brother alone."
"That's fine. I'm going home after tomorrow and I can assure you I won't be coming back."
"Good. Just so as we are clear about things. I'd still like to know who you really are, your background is just too perfect, almost as if it's a story."
She went out shutting the door quietly but I stood waiting just in case she came back. She didn't and neither did the maid so I spent a sleepless night thinking about what she'd said which led to thoughts of Jasper and tears, hot and scalding as they ran down my face. I wondered where he was, if he was celebrating Christmas with Peter and Charlotte or if he was on his own again, a lonely nomad.
The next morning there was a different maid,
"Where's the maid I had yesterday?" I asked as she ran a bath for me.
"She was called by Miss Alice I'm afraid. The family meet in the drawing-room at ten for presents and breakfast".
I nodded and stepped into the warm soapy water, thinking my luck was running just about true to form. When I went downstairs I was definitely under dressed in a new pair of jeans and a red blouse but Steve jumped up and kissed me on the cheek,
"Morning Jane, I hope you're feeling better this morning"
I nodded and smiled hello to the rest of the family. Presents were exchanged and my stomach dropped until gifts appeared with my name for the family, all of which were way too expensive but greeted with delighted shouts by everyone except Alice who put the earrings on the coffee table thanking Steve and deliberately snubbing me. I hated the whole gift thing and opened my presents with trepidation heaving a sigh of relief when I realized Steve had probably chosen these too. Some books, a CD of someone I'd never heard of and probably wouldn't like and a scarf from Alice although from the look on her face what she really wanted to do was strangle me with it. We sat chatting until lunch time when everyone went to change again.
I just wanted out, but I had the rest of the day to endure so I put on my only skirt and a clean white blouse and dutifully trotted down with the others. The meal was fine but I just couldn't force myself to do more than pick and Alice glaring at me didn't help. In the afternoon Steve and I went for a walk alone to my relief, I think he knew how awkward I was feeling because he apologised for his sisters behaviour and not warning me how formal the family were.
"It's OK Steve really, but I have to tell you I'll be glad to go home tomorrow".
He looked crestfallen,
"I was hoping you'd stay one extra day, we're having a party with some of my fathers friends from the hospital. I'd like you to meet them, they really are charming and I know you wont feel so out of place."
I shook my head, "No I can't. I really want to go but thank you for the invitation."
I think he knew I was really saying goodbye because he looked at his feet hesitantly then took my hand. "Jane, I think I'm falling in love with you..."
I cut him off before he could say any more,
"Please don't Steve. I can't."
"Why? Do you have a boyfriend somewhere?"
I shook my head,
"No but I lost my heart a while back and I don't think I'll ever get it back. I'm sorry Steve I should have told you before."
He shook his head,
"I wont stop trying" he said with a smile.
"It wont help and I think I should go now."