aula looked up as the door to the upstairs parlour opened, and her face broke into smiles at the sight of her eldest daughter. ‘Good morning, Tessa darling,’ she said. ‘I see you’re bringing me a very welcome pot of coffee. Don’t stand there hesitating, come in. And you’ve brought a cup for yourself, that’s good; we can have a little chat, catch up.’

‘I know you’ve been up since the crack of dawn, working, and I didn’t want to disturb you before. But it’s almost eleven and I thought you could use some refreshment by now.’ Tessa walked over to the coffee table standing between the two big plump sofas, and setting the tray down, lowered herself onto a sofa.

Pushing back her chair, Paula left the time-worn Georgian desk once her grandmother’s, and joined Tessa, sat facing her, pouring the coffee. After putting milk and a sweetener in her cup she took a sip, then sat back, eyeing her daughter, affection written on her face. ‘You look lovely, Tessa, very well indeed. I thought so at dinner last night. Paris must have done you good, agreed with you.’

‘It did, yes, and Lorne is always so kind, thoughtful. We had a nice time together.’

‘So he told me,’ Paula murmured, immediately thinking of Jonathan Ainsley and Mark Longden and their troubling presence in Paris together last weekend. First Linnet and then Lorne had filled her in separately, and Jack Figg had given her a full report yesterday. The information he had supplied had only made her more determined than ever to deal with Tessa’s husband in the most appropriate and effective manner.

Leaning back against the cushions, Tessa said, ‘Last night you told me you are having the meeting with Mark and all the lawyers on Monday afternoon. And that I have to be there. But do I really?’

‘Yes, actually you do, Tessa,’ Paula replied, leaning forward. ‘I know you can’t abide him, and neither can I, but it is necessary. Christopher Jolliet is rather insistent about that, and he’s one of the best lawyers I’ve ever had. I do listen to his advice, you know, whatever you might think about me “running the show,” as you call it.’

Tessa laughed. ‘Then I’ll be there, Mummy…’ She did not finish her sentence, frowned, and hesitated before asking, ‘Will I have to do anything? Say anything?’

‘Not unless you’re asked any questions by Christopher, or Mark’s lawyers, then you will have to answer,’ Paula explained.

‘I see. A couple of weeks ago, when I spoke to you in New York, you told me that you had a plan. What is it?’

‘I’d prefer not to discuss it with you today, Tess, if you don’t mind,’ Paula answered swiftly. ‘I still have a few things to iron out, talk over with Christopher this weekend, before it will be all settled in my mind. But please be assured I am certain my plan will work.’

‘If you say so, Mummy, and really it’s all right, we don’t have to talk about it now. I trust your judgement: in my opinion there’s nobody smarter than you.’

‘Probably your father, I’m sure,’ Paula laughed. ‘But thank you for your confidence. By the way, I had a little visit with Adele early this morning, in the kitchen. And she’s so adorable, perfectly fine, and as happy as a lark.’ Paula paused, then added, ‘Thank God she wasn’t hurt in any way on that awful day. And I’m so sorry I wasn’t here to share your burdens–’

‘But Linnet was,’ Tessa interrupted, ‘and she handled things extremely well. Actually, I don’t know what I would have done without her. It was so smart of her to bring in Jack, but I’ve told you that.’

‘Yes, you did, and you’re quite right. She used great judgement.’

‘I’ve agreed to be Linnet’s matron of honour, Mummy.’

‘You changed your mind?’ Paula was taken aback, and she looked at Tessa alertly.

‘Well, yes I did, because I think she was a bit hurt when I refused originally.’

‘So now it’s going to be India, Evan and Emsie as bridesmaids, and you as matron of honour? Is that it?’

‘Not exactly. I’ve changed my mind about Adele being part of the wedding. I told Linnet the other day that Adele can be a bridesmaid after all, just as she wanted her to be.’

Harmony at last between them, Paula thought. It’s hardly believable. ‘I think that’s lovely of you, darling, and I’m so glad you decided to participate. I know Linny was truly disappointed when you said no.’

‘Did she tell you that Evan’s going to be designing her wedding gown?’

‘No, she didn’t, but it’s only Saturday, I’ve hardly caught my breath since arriving in Yorkshire. Do tell me all about it, Tess.’

‘Linnet didn’t like any of the sketches she’d had from various designers, and she asked Evan’s opinion the other evening. Evan came up with some superb ideas…like heavy cream satin, pearl embroidery, a style reminiscent of the Tudor period, and Linnet loved her suggestions. So Evan’s been busy sketching, in between tearing down the Leeds store and rebuilding it with India.’

‘You are joking? About the Leeds store?’ Paula asked, looking askance at her daughter.

‘Of course. But they are doing a lot of innovative things. You’ll be surprised, Mummy. They’ve certainly been much more radical in the changes they’re making there than I have at Harrogate.’ Tessa drank some of her black coffee, and added, ‘Much to the annoyance of that old harridan of a secretary of yours apparently.’

‘Which secretary do you mean?’

‘Eleanor. At the Leeds store.’

‘She’s not really an old harridan,’ Paula answered. She knew Eleanor was not spying for Jonathan any more. There was nothing to find out.

‘It’s just a manner of speaking, Mums, but she is a grumpy, bad-tempered woman.’

‘Now, you mentioned India,’ Paula said. ‘How is she? Linnet told me there’s been a bit of trouble between her and the artist, Russell Rhodes.’

Tessa filled her mother in, and finished, ‘I do feel sorry for her. India’s so good, such a straight person, I suppose it’s only natural she feels let down.’

Paula nodded, picked up the coffee pot, poured another cup for herself. As she put the pot down she gave Tessa a long, concentrated look, understanding as she had last night that there had been something of a change in Tessa’s attitude, in her demeanour. A change so remarkable there was obviously more to it than met the eye. It was particularly pronounced at this moment.

Her daughter was not as prickly or sharp, intent or aggressive as she so often was. In fact there was a lovely new softness about her, something Paula had never seen in her before. Tessa appeared much more feminine, more relaxed. She had a wonderful glow about her, the kind of glow that usually emanated from a woman who had been well and truly loved, who was sexually satisfied–that was the only way Paula could describe it.

Oh, my God! Paula sat bolt upright on the sofa, instantly looking across at Tessa, scrutinizing her carefully. There’s a man in her life. She’s fallen in love. It’s obviously reciprocated, so it’s genuine. Yes, that was it. Undoubtedly. Love had caused this most extraordinary change in her daughter.

So startled was she by this sudden and unexpected knowledge, Paula instantly got up, walked over to the window, stood looking out at the moors, not wishing Tessa to see the expression on her face. That she was flabbergasted was an understatement. Who can it be? she asked herself, when did it happen? Paula had been absent for almost two months so she had no real answers for herself.

Only Tessa had the answers. If anyone else in the family had known they would have mentioned it to her on the phone, she was quite positive of that.

Tessa was in love but no one knew. Did that mean there was some kind of problem attached to the relationship? A married man perhaps? She hoped not.

‘Mummy, I forgot to tell you about the dinner India and I had with Great-Aunt Edwina. Please come back to the sofa, I want you to hear all about it.’

Arranging a neutral expression on her face, Paula straightened her navy linen shirt and walked back to the sofa. ‘I’m all ears,’ she murmured, sitting down opposite her daughter.

Tessa told her mother the entire story of the evening with Edwina and the gift of the unique pieces of jewellery to herself and India.

Tessa went on, ‘Great-Aunt Edwina told me that I shouldn’t dwell on my marital problems, that I should get the divorce and move on to greener pastures. She said she hoped the débâcle with Mark wouldn’t put me off men, that I had to get over that hurdle. And immediately.’

‘Did she now.’ Paula gazed at Tessa, her head on one side, and after a slight pause, she said, ‘I’m making the assumption you took her advice to heart.’

‘Yes, I did.’ Jumping up, Tessa came and sat next to Paula on the sofa. ‘The most wonderful thing has happened to me–’

‘You’ve fallen in love,’ Paula interrupted.

‘How did you know?’

‘It’s written all over your face, darling. I noticed a great difference in you last night, and it’s more marked than ever today. I’m assuming he’s fallen in love with you?’

‘Yes,’ Tessa said, blushing. ‘At first sight.’

‘And who is this man who has wrought this change in you?’

‘It’s Jean-Claude Deléon, the French writer. You met him in Paris with Lorne…he’s Lorne’s friend. Do you remember him?’

Although she was rarely at a loss for words, Paula was speechless and she sat staring at Tessa, and then recovering, taking a deep breath, she said, ‘Of course I remember him. He’s an extraordinary person. Very attractive, very celebrated. And when did this happen?’

Before Tessa could respond Margaret appeared in the doorway of the upstairs parlour, clearing her throat, and murmuring, ‘Excuse me, Mrs O’Neill, but I was wondering how many we’ll be for lunch today?’

‘Goodness, Margaret, I’m afraid I’ve no idea,’ Paula answered, turning to Tessa. ‘There’s you and me, and Grandfather Bryan, right Tess? What about Linnet and Evan?’

‘Oh, yes, Mums, they’ll be here, because right now they’re working downstairs on the designs for the wedding gown and bridesmaids’ dresses. At least, Evan is, and Linnet’s going over other details for the wedding.’

‘Very well, Margaret, it looks as if we’ll be five. Oh, and there’s Emsie and Desmond. So we’ll be seven.’

‘No, no, wait a minute,’ Tessa interjected. ‘Linnet mentioned something about Julian coming for lunch with Uncle Ronnie.’

‘Oh, that’ll be lovely, I can’t wait to see them. Why don’t you think in terms of ten for lunch, Margaret. There’s always the possibility that Gideon might end up here as well.’

The housekeeper nodded, and, glancing at the piece of paper in her hand and then at Paula, she said, ‘I’ve made your favourite Mrs Beeton’s Mulligatawny soup for the first course, and I’d planned to make a cottage pie. Mr O’Neill likes it so much, you know, and a steak-and-kidney pie as well. Plus steamed fresh vegetables, and I’ve also got a luverly Yorkshire ham baking in the oven, Mrs O’Neill. For dessert Pm going to make bread-and-butter pudding. And fresh fruit for those on a diet,’ she thought to add, glancing at Tessa.

‘It sounds like a delicious feast. I must admit, I’ve missed your wonderful cooking, Margaret.’

‘Thank you, Mrs O’Neill, and Pm ever so glad you’re back.’

Once they were alone again, Tessa hurriedly went on, ‘Getting back to Jean-Claude. We met last week, Mummy, when I went to Paris with Lorne. It was one of those instantaneous things: we responded to each other immediately, and well, what can I say, we both feel as if we’ve been hit by a bus.’

Paula nodded. ‘Is this a flash in the pan on your part, Tessa dear?’

‘No, and it’s not on his either. Jean-Claude wants a serious, long-term relationship?’

‘Are we talking marriage here?’

‘Well, he hasn’t used that word, but yes, I think that’s what he means when he says long-term relationship.’ Noting the worried look settling on her mother’s face, she asked quickly, ‘Don’t you approve of him?’

Paula was silent for a moment, and then she murmured, ‘There’s something of an age difference, isn’t there, darling?’

‘Yes. But it doesn’t matter to me, nor does it matter to him.’

‘How old is he?’

‘He’s fifty-three.’

‘Really. He certainly doesn’t look it, and I’m sure he’s serious in his intentions, he’s that kind of responsible, caring man, from what I’ve observed.’

‘So it’s all right then?’

Paula fixed her eyes on Tessa. ‘Would it matter if I said it wasn’t, that I objected to him?’

‘Yes, it would, because I want you to approve. But it wouldn’t make me change my mind…how can I change what I feel for him?’

‘You can’t, not if you really love him. And you are thirty-two, a mature adult, and therefore you can do anything you wish with your life. But it just so happens that I don’t disapprove of Jean-Claude, no not at all. Quite the contrary, in fact. I always thought he was a charming man, and your father likes him, too.’

Tessa sat back, relaxing her taut muscles. ‘That’s a big relief, Mummy. After the horrible problems we’ve all had with Mark, it’s important to me that you like the man I’m involved with now.’

‘I do. And I just want to say this. I think you must be careful at the moment, while we are trying to settle the details of the divorce.’

‘Do you mean I shouldn’t see Jean-Claude?’ Tessa asked, appalled at the thought.

‘No, that’ll be all right, providing you are discreet, don’t flaunt yourselves.’

‘We wouldn’t do that, in fact we didn’t in Paris. We ate at his apartment, and at the weekend Lorne and I went with Jean-Claude to his country house. We’ll be circumspect.’

‘There’s another thing, Tessa.’

‘Yes, Mummy?’

‘You’re looking exceptionally pretty and happy at the moment. But on Monday I’d prefer you to look sad, miserable, and a little bit plain, if you can manage that. For the meeting with the lawyers and Mark, I mean.’

‘I’ll make myself look drab, use hardly any make-up, that should do the trick.’

‘It will. You must play the victim, which indeed you are. And that’s the last thing you look at this moment.’

Tessa left the upstairs parlour, intent on playing with Adele before lunch, and Paula returned to the old Georgian desk near the window. She picked up her pen, thinking she would do some more work, but it instantly struck her that she was no longer in the mood. No, not this morning, she decided, I’ve become too distracted.

Putting the pen down, she sat back in the chair and gazed out of the window. Already the heather was blooming on the moors, and by the middle of September the rolling hills would be an undulating sea of purple as far as the eye could see. How beautiful it was out there today…the sky a soft light blue with puffy white clouds skimming towards the horizon. Paula loved the moors best at this time of year when the bees hovered in the sunlight where the heather bloomed; her daughter Linnet was addicted to them all year round, just as Emma had been.

Paula’s thoughts shifted, and she suddenly realized how truly happy she was to be back here at Pennistone Royal, the house she had grown up in and which she loved so much; she was glad to be sitting here at this window, at the desk where Grandy had worked for so many years, savouring the memories, thinking of her enduring love for Emma. But a moment later her thoughts veered away, went directly to her first-born child.

Smiling to herself, Paula understood how brainwashed she was; they all were because for years Tessa had drilled something into them: She had been born five minutes before Lorne. And so, Tessa pointed out to anyone who would listen, she was the eldest of Paula’s children.

Tessa McGill Harte Fairley Longden. A rather special young woman.

Forget about the Longden, Paula reminded herself. Her daughter had already dropped his name, had gone back to her maiden name, one she had always been inordinately proud of.

How tragic it was that Tessa had been physically and mentally abused for years, and none of them had ever known because she was too ashamed and afraid to confide in them. Until the day had come when she couldn’t take it any longer, and fearing for her very life she had fled the marital home. She had been a victim for such a long time, but eventually she had found the strength, courage, pride, determination and will to survive–all of which Tessa had inherited through her from Grandy. And so Tessa had saved herself and her child from a deadly fate.

And now a man called Jean-Claude Deléon had arrived on the scene. If he stayed, nothing would ever be the same again. And everyone’s life would be changed, of that Paula was absolutely convinced. He was the catalyst to end all catalysts. In a sense, the family’s future was in his hands. But this did not alarm Paula.

She sat pondering him…a man of such stature, intellect, ethics and vision. Most of France was at his feet. She knew full well of his prominence, his celebrity, not only through the media but from Lorne as well, who idolized him, and with good reason.

Jean-Claude had impressed her on numerous occasions when she had been in his company; she liked his humility, his lack of pomposity. He had a wonderful sense of humour, and he had frequently made her laugh uproariously; she had also been impressed by his wisdom and his kindness, and she knew very well the potency of his considerable charm.

He was twenty-one years older than her daughter, just three years younger than she was, but it struck Paula now that his age was an advantage. He was mature, serious-minded, responsible and trustworthy. Should their liaison last Tessa would be in safe hands for the rest of her life, and for that Paula was thankful.

Yes, the advent of Jean-Claude was a serious matter for the family, and for her especially to consider. She had already seen the effect he had had on Tessa, the startling change in her demeanour; suddenly she was a much nicer person, or so it seemed to her. And if Tessa were with him on a permanent basis there might well be other changes in Tessa’s personality and in her life.

Would her eldest child push her overweening ambition to one side? Could she give up her dream of running the Harte Stores to be the full-time wife of the writer-philosopher? Or would she remain determined to be the heir-apparent? The Dauphine, as she called herself?

Funny that she would choose a French name to describe herself, Paula now thought, gazing absently out of the window, but seeing nothing except Tessa’s face…how softly beautiful she was today. If that was the effect this man had on her daughter then he would be welcomed joyfully with open arms by her.

If Tessa gave up her dreams of glory, of being the great merchant princess, then the way would be open for Linnet. She could run Harte’s without fear of interference, couldn’t she? Would Emsie want to join her sister one day? And where did India fit in, if Tessa was gone? And what about Evan? Paula was fully aware of Evan’s enormous ambition, her desire to play a major role at Harte’s. And if Evan married Gideon, would he object to a working wife?

No, not Gideon, Paula had a ready answer for that particular question. Gideon was a true Harte, since both of his parents were Hartes, and he had grown up understanding the female work ethic. His mother Emily ran Harte Enterprises and had since before he was born. Working women were the norm not the exception for him.

We’re all women at Harte’s…and it’s the women Jean-Claude will affect the most, if he marries Tessa. Because so many things turn around her, Paula thought, her eyes narrowing. I have to meet him again, and soon. I need to see him through different eyes, a mother’s eyes. And also through the eyes of the head of a major corporation…because he could so easily change the balance of power…

The door flew open, interrupting Paula’s thoughts. Her granddaughter ran towards her, shouting, ‘Gran, Gran, come and play with me.’

Paula rose, moved forward, caught the child in her arms, hugged her closely. Over her shining silver-gilt hair she looked at Tessa, who stood near the door. ‘Is he all right with this one, do you think?’ she asked. ‘Does she present any problems?’

‘None whatsoever,’ Tessa answered with the utmost confidence. ‘We discussed the whole subject at length. He’s very happy about her. Very happy indeed.’

Paula nodded. Tessa might have her chance of happiness after all, provided that Paula could put Mark Longden in his place.