All The Fire. Anne Mather

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СКАЧАТЬ ‘Do you think her reasons were adequate?’

      Joanne twisted the strap of her handbag. ‘I’m hardly in a position to judge. I was so young when – when they separated.’

      Dimitri stifled an exclamation. ‘Obviously, it is impossible for us to discuss something so personal,’ he said brusquely. ‘However, my reasons for being here are impersonal, to me at least, and it is necessary that we should discuss them.’

      ‘You mean – my going to see my father?’

      ‘Of course.’

      ‘Well, that’s impossible! Absolutely impossible!’

      Dimitri frowned. ‘Why?’

      ‘It’s not that simple,’ Joanne exclaimed. ‘I have a job to do. I can’t take time off – just like that.’

      ‘Then give up your job. Your father will support you.’ There was contempt in Dimitri’s expression now.

      Joanne gave him an eloquent stare. ‘I prefer my independence,’ she averred quietly.

      He shrugged. ‘What is your job?’

      ‘I’m a secretary to a group practice of doctors.’

      ‘Not an irreplaceable position,’ he commented dryly.

      ‘No. But I like it,’ she replied hotly. ‘And my holiday is fixed for June. I’m getting married then.’

      ‘Indeed?’ Dimitri’s voice was like ice. ‘While your father is slowly dying.’

      Joanne gasped, and bent her head. ‘That’s a cruel thing to say,’ she whispered.

      Dimitri took a deep breath. It was a cruel thing to say, he knew that, but he was fighting for Matt’s peace of mind. Until now it had never occurred to him that she might refuse, but to return to Matt with her refusal was untenable. Somehow she had got to be made to see sense. He clenched his fists, wishing he could simply demand that she accompany him, but he could not, and not even the hurt anguish in her eyes could deter him from doing everything in his power to get her to agree.

      ‘Have you ever been to Greece, Miss Nicolas?’ he asked now.

      Joanne looked up. ‘No. When my parents were married my father worked in London.’

      Dimitri considered this. ‘I suppose you do realize that your father is a Greek,’ he queried harshly.

      Joanne stiffened. ‘Of course.’

      ‘Your letter was sent to the firm’s offices in Athens; don’t you know where your father actually lives?’

      ‘Why should I?’ she asked sharply.

      Dimitri shrugged. ‘He owns an island, Dionysius. He and Andrea moved there almost ten years ago.’

      Joanne compressed her lips. ‘That’s of no interest to me.’

      ‘Isn’t it? Aren’t you the faintest bit curious about your father? Or his second wife? Or your half-sister?’

      ‘What are you trying to do, Mr. Kastro?’

      Dimitri clenched his fists. ‘I’m trying to make you see sense, Miss Nicolas,’ he said violently. ‘And I’m also trying to keep my temper in the face of extreme provocation!’

      ‘What do you mean?’

      ‘I mean you are a selfish young woman, Miss Nicolas, if you can continue with your life here with complete disregard for the man who sowed the seed of your conception in your mother’s womb!’ His dark face was contorted with his anger, and she moved uncomfortably.

      ‘What would you have me do?’ she cried.

      ‘I would have you go to Dionysius!’ he told her roughly. ‘I would have you make a dying man happy!’

      She pressed the palms of her hands to her hot cheeks. ‘And what of my family? My fiancé?’

      ‘I am not asking you to abandon your fiancé,’ returned Dimitri impatiently. ‘Surely between now and June you could find the time to spend a visit with your father!’

      Joanne looked confused. ‘And my job… .’ she murmured, almost to herself.

      ‘Leave it!’ he commanded coldly. ‘No doubt you will be leaving in June anyway.’

      She frowned. ‘Why?’

      ‘You said you were getting married,’ he reminded her briefly.

      ‘In England a wife does not give up her job,’ returned Joanne, with a trace of humour.

      Dimitri inclined his dark head. ‘That is indeed a pity,’ he commented expressionlessly.

      She shook her head. ‘I need time to think – to talk this over with my fiancé.’

      ‘I presume the young man at the cemetery was your fiancé.’

      ‘That’s right.’

      Dimitri gave a derogatory grimace. ‘Then I imagine your task will not be a pleasant one,’ he remarked. ‘I do not believe he will voice any enthusiasm for my suggestions.’

      Joanne sighed. ‘Jimmy is possessive,’ she admitted.

      ‘He is also very stupid if he imagines a woman with independent tendencies like yourself appreciates such an attitude,’ Dimitri observed.

      Joanne’s eyes darkened. ‘I don’t need your opinion, Mr. Kastro,’ she replied sharply. ‘Jimmy and his parents have been very good to both my mother and myself.’ There was a faint choking sound in her voice, and Dimitri realized he had forgotten exactly what she had been through today.

      He realized, also, that he felt suddenly very weary. ‘Very well, Miss Nicolas,’ he said now. ‘I have your word that you will consider my proposition – your father’s proposition?’

      Joanne nodded. ‘I don’t have much choice,’ she replied. ‘Contrary to your beliefs, Mr. Kastro, I am not without emotions, and quite honestly the prospect of meeting my father arouses my curiosity if nothing else.’ She bit her lip. ‘That’s a terrible admission to make, isn’t it, on the very day my mother is buried?’

      Dimitri lifted his broad shoulders eloquently. ‘It would be unnatural for you not to be curious about your father,’ he stated. ‘We are all human, Miss Nicolas.’

      Joanne sighed. ‘With human failings,’ she added.

      As their interview appeared to be at an end, Dimitri walked towards the door. ‘Come,’ he said. ‘I will run you home,’ but this time she was adamant.

      ‘I’d rather be alone,’ she affirmed. ‘I’ll give you my decision tomorrow.’

      ‘At twelve.’ He was cold and businesslike, but as yet he could feel no pity for her. She nodded, and after she had gone СКАЧАТЬ