Patently in Love (15 page)

"Touristy stuff it is, then." Casually he gestured, offering to take her overnight
bag.

Astounded, she let him take the small girly bag and sling it over his shoulder. Ashby
would not have been seen dead carrying a bag with daisies embroidered on it. Marsh didn't
seem to care. He took her hand and together they walked out into the overcast London
day.

* * * *

It took Jane a while to relax. She was still half expecting people to stare and point. At
first, she kept reminding herself that the man holding her hand wasn't a pop star, but a normal,
non-glamorous patent lawyer, and that in London no one knew or cared who she was. Once
she finally loosened up, helped considerably by a nice lunch and a glass of wine, she felt a
warm sense of happiness as she and Marsh walked along the packed streets.

In the evening, they stopped to watch the sun set over the Thames. As it disappeared,
the meagre heat of the day went with it. Jane shivered.

Marsh, who had his arm round her, shrugged off his jacket and draped it on her
shoulders. Standing behind her, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her gently
to him. The coat was comfortingly warm and smelled faintly of him. She leaned back against
his broad chest and sighed. How could she have even thought of not coming out with him?
How long had it been since she had felt so cherished?

She turned her head and looked up.

"It's getting cold," he said with a smile. "Shall we go home?"

Her heart responded by increasing its pace. "Lets."

He continued to gaze at her for a moment before lowering his head to kiss her.

In that brief moment Jane felt like she was the most beautiful woman in the
world.

* * * *

Jane sank into the sofa in Marsh's flat and stretched her legs out. The day's walking
had tired her out. Marsh was pouring wine. Her senses were so attuned to him that she was
aware of where he was, even when she couldn't see him.

"Here you go," Marsh handed her a wineglass. Moving the remote control, he sat
down next to her, leaned back and put his arm round her.

His body felt deliciously warm and solid. She took a sip of wine, enjoying the
moment. They were still getting to know each other and real life hadn't stepped in to spoil it
all. She savoured the feeling of his arm around her and the gentle tug in her stomach that told
her she fancied him.

Marsh placed a kiss on the top of her head, which made things just that bit closer to
perfect. "What do you want to do tomorrow?"

"Don't mind," Jane murmured and half closed her eyes.

"I'll just check the weather. We could have a picnic in Hyde Park, if it's sunny."

"That sounds lovely."

Marsh flicked on the TV and turned on the text for the weather forecast over the
screen. In the background was a chatshow. "We might be in luck."

On the TV, the show cut to the live band. A familiar voice sounded in song. Jane's
eyes flew open. She sat up and reached for the remote control.

"Isn't that your ex?"

Jane stared at him. He knew? How long had he known? Who else knew?

Marsh returned her stare. "What's the matter?"

"I--" She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I didn't think anyone knew, that's
all."

Marsh looked embarrassed. "I looked you up on Google. There were lots of photos of
you with him."

She had been so been so convinced that she could keep her past secret, but she had
been wrong. What else was she wrong about? And who else knew?

"Jane?" said Marsh. "Are you okay?"

To her surprise, she felt tears prickle. She blinked them back.

He turned the TV off. After a long, mutual silence Marsh said, "It must have been
exciting, being a pop star's girlfriend."

There was something in his voice that made her look up. It suddenly occurred to her
that he might be worried about how he would compare to Ashby. Even though Marsh seemed
confident enough, wouldn't he wonder about the glamorous world she used to inhabit?

She was about to assure him that she didn't draw comparisons when she realised that
she had been doing just that all day. Admittedly, Marsh had come out better in contrast to
Ashby, but that didn't alter the fact that Ashby had been in the back of her mind. Perhaps it
was better to be honest. Marsh was a nice man and didn't deserve to feel like he was playing
second fiddle to her famous ex. "It was okay. But it got a bit boring after a while."

"Boring?" He raised an eyebrow. "Hanging out with the rich and famous and going to
parties doesn't sound all that boring."

"It was, really. I mean, that life can be fun to start with, but then it becomes a bit
samey. You obsess over everything--the dress, the shoes, the jewellery, the lip-gloss. How's it
going to look? Is it fashionable enough? Is it too fashionable? When you get somewhere,
everyone gives everyone the once over. You never know who's going to try to stab you in the
back in the next day's paper.

"Everyone's nerves are so stretched that they practically twang when they walk. The
only way you get through it is to have a drink. So you have a glass of champagne, you try and
chat to people and not make a fool of yourself. When it gets so late that you don't think you'll
make it into work tomorrow, you call a taxi and go home. And then you get about two hours
sleep and drag yourself into work. It's horrible."

"I only went because Ashby wanted me to. I didn't enjoy it much. I felt pretty inferior
most of the time, to be honest."

Marsh was watching her intently. His expression was unreadable. "Inferior?"

Jane grimaced. "Everyone at those parties is either glamorous or talented or rich.
Sometimes all three. Ashby used to sometimes wander off to talk to 'useful contacts'." She
made air quotes with her hands. "And I'd end up talking to a businessman in a suit who was
worth a fortune."

It suddenly occurred to her that some of Ashby's "useful contacts" may have been
other women. What had he really got up to when he'd disappeared for long stretches of
time?

The minute the thought occurred to her, she knew the answer. How could she have
been so stupid?

Marsh was still watching her. "Sounds to me," he said, slowly, "like this Ashby guy
is an idiot."

Jane couldn't help smiling. "That's your considered opinion, is it?"

"Trust me. I'm a lawyer."

Jane had to laugh.

When Marsh kissed her, she leaned into him and kissed him back, trying not to spill
her wine. With her free hand, she reached up to touch his hair. He drew her closer. Just as she
was about to abandon herself to his kiss completely, her stomach rumbled. Embarrassed, she
wriggled loose. "Sorry."

When he simply looked into her eyes for a moment, she thought he was going to kiss
her again. Instead, he smiled. "You're right. We'd better get something to eat."

He leaned closer, until his lips were millimetres away from hers. "You can't do
interesting things on an empty stomach." He placed the lightest of kisses on her lips and
stood, leaving Jane to chide her stomach for ruining the moment.

* * * *

Sunday evening, when Marsh offered to see Jane home, she hesitated. Much as she
enjoyed herself with him, she didn't really want him to come to Polly's flat. Her relationship
with him was too new and she didn't want Polly to meet him yet. She liked the fact that no
one knew about them. She wanted to keep this relationship her precious private secret for as
long as she could.

When she didn't reply immediately, Marsh shrugged. "If you'd rather I didn't, that's
okay too."

"It's not that I don't want you to see me home. It's just that it's Polly's flat and it'd be a
bit awkward. I'm really sorry."

"I understand. Really." He kissed her. "I guess. I'll see you at work."

"That's going to be weird."

"Yes. Very. It's so hard to be near you and not being able to do this." He pulled her
toward him with his hands at her waist and kissed her just below her ear. Slowly he worked
his way down to her collarbone, kissing all the way.

Jane melted. How was she ever going to be able to think about anything at work
tomorrow? She wriggled in his grasp. "Stop it," she said, half-heartedly. "That's too
nice."

Marsh pulled away, grinning. "You're sure?"

Jane sighed and laid her head against him. "Yes. It's getting late. I should go."

He wrapped his arms around her and hugged. "See you tomorrow then. I shall do my
best to pretend I haven't seen you since Friday."

* * * *

From: Valerie Fenwick

To: Sally Thomas
, Indra Somasundara

I think there's
something going on between Marsh and Jane. I just went into his office and
you could feel the pheromones crackling. Not that they were doing anything, I
hasten to add. It was just the way they were so jumpy.
Val

##

From: Sally Thomas

To: Valerie Fenwick

Well, it would be about
time Marsh found someone, wouldn't it? Jane seems nice enough. Certainly
better suited to Marsh than Dominique.
I imagine Marsh would be a bit
quiet after the Northern boys she must be used to.

##

From: Valerie Fenwick

To: Sally Thomas

Maybe she had her bit of
rough and fancies going for the quiet, reliable type for a change. You don't get
much more reliable than Marsh.
I think he likes her. I tried to quiz him
about Jane, but he changed the subject really fast and the tips of his ears went
red, you know, like they do when he's embarrassed.
On the other hand,
he's worried about his little sister. Do you remember little Stevie? She worked
in the post room a couple of years back before she went to uni. Apparently,
Marsh doesn't like her new boyfriend. Poor boy. Having to look after his sister
has really messed with his perspective.
It can't have been easy working,
studying for his exams and looking after a teenager. You've got to admire him
for managing to pass his exams!

##

From: Sally Thomas

To: Valerie Fenwick

Oh, I admire him for a lot
more than that, especially when he's in his little running shorts. Why do you
think I come in so early?

##

From: Valerie Fenwick

To: Sally Thomas

Stop it. He's young enough
to be your son. You have furniture older than him.

##

From: Indira Somasundara

To: Valerie Fenwick

I overheard Eric talking
to Keith and I'm worried that they're up to their old tricks again. I hope Keith's
not after Jane--she's the only new girl I can think of.
I'll try and think of a
way to remind Eric that he's been warned against that sort of thing
before.
Indra

From: Aunty Caroline

To: Marshall Winfield

Dear Marshall
I had
an email from Stevie asking me for money from the Trust fund. Since you
normally deal with the fund and I just sign the relevant bits of paper, I was a
bit surprised to hear from her directly.
I hope you two haven't fallen out?
Is there anything I can do to help?
We haven't seen you two in ages. I hope
you are both well. You must come and visit us. We always have plenty of
space--especially in the winter, when the tourists aren't around. I'm sure you
could do with a break from all that work and pollution in the city.
Uncle
Frank sends his love.
Aunty Caroline

##

From: Marshall Winfield

To: Aunty Caroline

Oh dear. Thanks for letting
me know. She's lent money to her boyfriend and it seems he's not going to pay
it back in a hurry. I'll sort something out.
How much did she ask for? Just
so that I've got an idea of how much this guy is taking from her.
I'm fine.
So is Stevie. Hope the B&B side of things is going well and the cows are
behaving themselves. We'll try and sort out a time to come visit when it's
Stevie's holidays. It would be great to see you again and get some fresh
air.
Love to you both
Marshall.

##

From: James Edwards

To: Marshall Winfield

Explain to me again, on
what evidence do you base your theory about Stevie's boyfriend?
Jim

##

From: Marshall Winfield

To: James Edwards

He owes Stevie money.
Has done for 3 months. No sign of him paying it back.
They came down to
London. Stevie paid.
They went to a concert. Stevie paid.
They had
food. I paid.
He looked round the flat with great interest and quizzed me
about what it was worth.
Stevie is now asking Aunt Caroline to release
some money from the trust fund. I've just paid for her MOT, so I don't know
what other expenses she has that her allowance won't cover. All I can think of
it that subsidising Buzz is making her spend extra.
On a personal level, I
dislike the guy anyway. He scorned my Buffy collection.
Marsh

##

From: James Edwards

To: Marshall Winfield

I scorn your Buffy
collection.

##

From: Marshall Winfield

To: James Edwards

Well, you're ginger. That
sort of thing is bound to have repercussions.

##

From: James Edwards

To: Marshall Winfield

Tsch. Gingerist
comments are beneath you Marshall.
Anyway, it may have escaped your
notice, but Stevie is a grown up now. She will have to learn grown up lessons
by herself. You can't protect her forever, you know. Much as you'd like to.

##

From: Marshall Winfield

To: James Edwards

I know that.
But, no
matter how old she gets, she'll still be the little kid that used to come to my
room in the middle of the night to check that I was still breathing. She was so
afraid I'd die too and leave her all alone.
I know I should let her make her
own mistakes and stop interfering in her life, but I just can't help myself. You'll
know what I mean when Molly and the boys are older. Trust
me.
Marsh

##

From: James Edwards

To: Marshall Winfield

Did she really do that?
Jesus, that's the most heartbreaking thing I've ever heard.

##

From: James Edwards

To: Louise Edwards

Lou, I love you. And I love the
kids.
I know I don't say it often enough, but I do.
Just so you
know.
Jim x

##

From: Terence Wattley

To: Discipline sub
[email protected]
Intra office relationships
In the
matter of the complaint made against Mr. Marshall Winfield and Ms. Jane
Porter. Whilst intra office relationships, especially between qualified fee
earners and trainees, are undesirable from the point of view of company morale
and image, there is no real way to prevent such relationships between
consenting adults. The best we can hope for is to for one of the senior partners
to have a word with the offending pair about discretion.
In light of the fact
that Mr. Winfield and Ms. Porter have so far conducted their relationship out
of office hours and have in no way embarrassed the company, I believe no
further action is necessary.
However, as Mr. Winfield appears to be prone
to these liaisons--ref. Ms. Dominique DeVale--it should be borne in mind
when considering his possible appointment as a partner.
Terry Wattley on
behalf of the discipline subcommittee

##

From: Human Resources

To: ALL
Memo: On behalf
of the partners
Dear everyone
Staff members are reminded that we are
all responsible for the company image. It is expected that everyone will
maintain a professional demeanour within the work environment and keep
private and professional life appropriately segregated.
Human
Resources

##

From: Marshall Winfield

To: James Edwards

Did you see the email
from HR? That's the same one they sent out after they hauled me over the coals
because of Dominique's theatrics!
I'm not sure what to think now. Jane and
I have been as discreet as we could possibly be. We barely look at each other
when we're at work--which is not an easy thing to do, incidentally.
Yours
in ****
Marsh

##

From: James Edwards

To: Marshall Winfield

I did some snooping for
you. Rumour has it that our favourite junior partner ratted on you to Susan and
Terry. He asked to remain anonymous as he was making an 'informal
observation' rather than a formal complaint.
He's a nasty piece of work. He
REALLY doesn't like you. I'd watch your back if I were you, mate.
Have
you heard from Terry or discipline committee yet?
Jim

##

From: Marshall Winfield

To: James Edwards

No, not heard
anything--yet.
That's a good thing, I suppose. Although, they're bound to consider it
when they discuss the new partners on Wednesday.
I hate Keith, I really
do. I don't know what I've done to annoy him so much. What a complete git to
go to Susan and Terry. And how does he know about me and Jane
anyway???
Marsh

##

From: James Edwards

To: Marshall Winfield

How does he know about
you and Jane? For a clever bloke, you do ask some stupid questions. He works
in the same team as you. He'd be blind not to figure out what's going
on.
He's probably tried asking Jane out--like he does with most new blood
around here. She probably turned him down.
I know you and Jane try not
to talk to each other, but the tension between you when you're in the same
room could cause fires...or friction burns ;-)
Jim