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'You can say what you like about him at the moment,’ returned Laura, ‘I’ve had enough of Brad Stuart for one day.’ It was a blessing Philip didn't sound angry, she thought. It was lucky he had played alone, so well this morning, but he must be full of curiosity.

They went again to the Golden Crest and in the convivial atmosphere of her surroundings Laura slowly relaxed, feeling the tension of the last twenty-four hours gradually leaving her body.

‘That’s better,' smiled Philip, as she laughed at a joke told by the comedian. ‘It’s the first time you’ve laughed today. Perhaps you can now tell me how it is I’ve assumed the role of your fiancé without even knowing it—you’ve not changed your mind?’

Laura had been waiting for the question all evening, trying to think how best to tell him, but now that the moment had arrived her heart hammered painfully. All her carefully rehearsed speeches fled and she blurted out, ‘No—no, it’s not that. But—I’m sorry—but in a fit of temper last night I told Brad that you had asked me to marry you—what I didn’t tell him was that I’d refused.’

While explaining Laura had concentrated on stirring her coffee, but as Philip did not reply she looked up, surprised to see his body shaking with quiet mirth.

‘You’re not annoyed?’

‘On the contrary, I think it’s hilarious. I wish you’d told me sooner, though. I nearly failed you this morning.’

‘You did admirably,’ said Laura. ‘But what are we going to do now?’

‘Whatever you want, my sweet. I’m game to carry ‘it through for a while if it suits your purpose, though what you hope to gain by it I can’t imagine.’

‘But what about Helen?’ Laura was still deeply concerned for her friend. ‘I know there’s a mutual attraction between you, and it must have been an awful shock when Brad said we were engaged, even though she managed to hide her feelings very well. If we tell her the truth I’m afraid she will blurt it out to Brad—with the best possible intentions of course—but I’d rather he didn't know just yet,' bitterly, 'it will only give him something else to add to my list of failings.'

‘Mmm,' frowned Philip. ‘It’s quite a problem. Leave it to me. I’ll think of something. How' much longer is Brad likely to remain in London?'

‘Until tomorrow afternoon.’

‘I see. It will mean Helen suffering another day thinking you’re my fiancée, but then I can put her out of her misery, poor girl.'

Relieved that the matter had been taken out of her hands Laura flashed Philip a grateful smile, unaware of how beautiful she looked and the fact that Philip was thinking what a fool Brad was not to see that Laura was eating her heart out for him.

The opportunity to tell Helen came earlier than expected. Philip picked Laura up as usual at nine the next morning and when they reached the clinic Brad had not yet arrived. Helen was still in bed, looking pale and tired, and Laura knew that her fears of yesterday were not unfounded!

‘Darling,' said Philip in concern, crossing immediately to her side. ‘What’s the matter? Aren’t you well?’

'You should know.’ Her voice was bitter, sulky, not unlike the one Laura had heard her use to Brad the day she overheard them quarrelling.'

'There now, my dearest. I know what you’re thinking, but it's not true, so you can stop feeling sorry for yourself.’

For an instant a ray of hope shone in her eyes as she looked from Philip to Laura. But it immediately disappeared and Laura was shocked at the despair which took its place, ’It must be true,' Helen asserted, ‘Brad wouldn’t lie, and anyway
she
told him.’

Laura cringed at the venom in Helen’s voice, but Philip took her hand and whispered soothingly, ‘Listen, Helen. It. was all a story made up for Brad’s benefit. Laura’s trying to make him jealous, don’t you see? But you mustn’t tell.’

Laura opened her mouth to protest, but Philip, anticipating her action, held up a warning hand. Biting her lip anxiously she watched Helen, who now seemed more cheerful but still eyed Laura warily. ‘Why should Laura want to make Brad jealous?’

‘Because she loves him, silly.'

‘Philip!’ protested Laura hotly, unable to control her tongue any longer. What on earth did he think he was playing at? He was telling Helen the very facts that Laura wished to keep quiet.

Ignoring her interruption Philip said, ‘So you see, Helen, it’s a little secret between us.'

Helen’s face relaxed into a smile, then she laughed and nodded. ‘Laura—you’re a dark horse, why didn’t you tell me?’

‘Because I was scared you’d say something to Brad and he must never know I love him—not unless he—he —but no, that’s out of the question. Promise you won’t say anything, Helen ?’

‘Of course I won’t. Cross my heart. I know he thinks a lot of you, so if this doesn’t make him realise what an opportunity he’s missing I don’t know what will.

Inwardly Laura fumed at the embarrassing situation in which Philip had placed her, but as Brad arrived at that moment all talk centering round her engagement was curtailed.

Brad was in a surprisingly good mood, and even when Laura told him that there were several sentences in his notes that she had been unable to read he remained unperturbed, declaring he would probably be able to remember them anyway.

He remained for little longer than an hour, during which time Laura noticed him constantly watching her, an unreadable expression in his dark eyes. She found his attention disconcerting, convinced that he had guessed there was some mystery surrounding her engagement and that he was trying to find out what it was.

When he departed Laura relaxed a little, but as soon as she and Philip were alone she wasted no time in tackling him with the question that had worried her all morning. ‘Philip, what on earth made you tell Helen how I feel about Brad? I trusted you.’

‘I couldn’t think of any other reasonable explanation,' replied Philip in concern. ‘I decided that to take her into our confidence and pretend it was all a big secret was the only way to get out of it
.'
He grinned encouragingly.
'
You do love him, anyway.’

‘Yes,’ flashed Laura, ‘but that wasn’t the reason I told Brad you’d asked me to marry you, and well you know it. If I could take back the words I would—look at the mess I’m in now.’

‘He won’t find out, unless you tell him,' smiled Philip, apparently unmoved by her anger.

‘It’s Helen I’m bothered about. If she decides she can help by telling him, then she will. I know she promised, but—’

‘You’re wrong, Laura,' broke in Philip. ‘I know I’ve only just met Helen, but I’ve got her weighed up pretty soundly. She'll enjoy sharing this secret.’ He took a hand from the steering wheel and squeezed Laura’s arm affectionately. ‘Forget it now. I wish I could take you out to lunch, but today I have a business appointment—

don’t look so amazed—I do work sometimes
.'

He drew up outside the flat. ‘See you in the morning. You’ll be all right?’

Laura nodded, trying her best to smile. She didn’t share Philip’s optimism regarding Helen. It would be dreadful if Brad ever found out her true feelings when he himself had little or no regard for her. She waved good-bye and reached for her keys.

It was difficult to believe that Helen had really fallen for their story. It seemed to her that if Brad believed she was engaged to someone else he would be even less likely to take any interest. In fact, now she came to think of it, her position was worse than before. There was not the slightest chance of their friendship developing. Brad would never get himself involved with someone else’s girl—that much she knew. It was a matter of completing her contract and looking for another job. Hard though the break would be, she knew it was the only way.

AS Laura and Philip entered the clinic the next morning, they met Helen walking along the corridor towards them.

‘Darlings,’ she said, ‘guess what? I can go home tomorrow. Isn’t it wonderful?'

‘The best news In the world,' said Philip, enfolding her in his arms and whirling her round. ‘Except for one thing.’

‘And what’s that?’ demanded Helen, as if wondering what could possibly mar this happy moment.

‘I shan't see so much of you. My work keeps me here.’ He tucked her arm in his and led the way back to her room, Laura following.

Helen’s news had caused her heartbeats to quicken. Tomorrow they were going home! To the house she had grown to love. If only she could look forward to a welcome from the master of the house she would be as excited as Helen. But that was more than she dared hope.

Aware that the other girl was speaking, Laura dragged herself back to the present.

‘How about you, Laura? You haven't said much. Aren’t you glad to be going back?’

‘Of course I am! And I’m awfully pleased for you, Helen. Does Brad know yet?'

‘No. I wondered whether you’d drive us home, Philip, then we can surprise him?’ She clapped her hands excitedly. ‘I can just imagine his face when he sees me walk into the house. Please say you can
.'

Philip smiled fondly. 'I've no doubt it can be arranged. Fortunately I’ve a very capable manager
.'

‘Manager?’ queried Helen. ‘What sort of work do you do
?'

‘I own a nightclub,’ and as the girls expressed surprise, ‘I inherited it from an uncle who’s let it run down, but after a lot of hard work I’m glad to say it’s raking in the profits. I can afford to relax a little now
.'

‘The Golden Crest?’ Laura recalled the way his appearance had demanded attention—and her assumption that it was because he was a regular customer. And then she remembered something else. His reason for negotiating with David Greg. He had wanted a huge publicity campaign for the re-opening of the Golden Crest. She recalled it clearly now. It was funny she hadn’t recollected it when he took her there, but somehow she had never associated him with being the owner of the place. When he placed the order with David, it must have been three or four years ago, she had assumed he was merely an employee carrying out instructions.

‘The very same,’ smiled Philip.

Helen’s face glowed with excitement. ‘How marvellous. I can see now why you’re free most days. This is one in the eye for Brad—he thought you were one of the idle rich. I’m glad he’s wrong.'

‘I may be rich,’ he said, ‘but I'm far from idle, although I suppose it could appear that way to someone who doesn’t know
.'

‘Why haven’t you mentioned it before?’ asked Laura. ‘Fancy taking me there and not even admitting that you own the place.’

‘You never asked what I did,’ laughed Philip. ‘But seriously, some people get the wrong impression. They seem to think the worst of you for some obscure reason —ignorance, I guess—so unless I’m asked I rarely mention my work. Now, Helen, what time do you want me to pick you up tomorrow
?'

‘Any time
,'
she replied with a shrug. 'Eric's very sweet. He wanted to let Brad know, but I soon persuaded him otherwise
.'

‘Eric
?'
frowned Philip.

Helen laughed. ‘I do believe you're jealous. Eric's my doctor. I‘ve known him for a long time
.'

‘I see. I think HI go and have a word with him
,'
adding in reply to Helen’s startled gaze, ‘in case he has a message for your brother
.'

As the door closed Helen turned to Laura. ‘I expect you’re nearly as pleased as I am to be going home? I knew you’d fallen for Brad, even though you wouldn't admit it, not even to yourself
.'

‘Was it so obvious
?'
Laura asked wryly.

‘Only to me, I’ve seen the signs before. I don't know what it is about Brad that appeals to women, but I suppose that's because he's my brother. Now Philip, he’d never treat his women the way Brad does
.'

Laura smiled. ‘He is rather sweet, I agree
.'

I was horrified when I thought you were engaged to him
,'
said Helen, examining her nails. 'I wanted to scratch your eyes out
.'

'I'm sorry. I didn’t think Brad would tell you
.'

The other girl looked at Laura intently. ‘Somehow I can't see you doing a thing like this. Are you sure it wasn't Philip's idea ? It sounds much more like him.’

‘In a way it was
,'
said Laura, adding quickly before Helen had time to probe any further, ‘Would you like me to pack your case
?'

You can help, if you like, but Fm looking forward to doing things for myself again. Eric says the more exercise I get the quicker I’ll be back to normal—and the sooner I’ll be back in London,’ she finished quietly.

Laura looked at Helen anxiously. ‘You’re not staying with Brad?’

‘Not on your life. Once I’ve been given a clean bill of health I’ll be away. I’m bored to tears in the country. Lift my case down, please, and we’ll sort out my clothes’

When Philip returned the two girls were in the middle of packing, clothes strewn over the bed and chairs, looking as though they would never all fit into her one suitcase.

'I must go now, Helen,’ he said. ‘There are one or two things to sort out before I leave. I’ll pick up Laura in :he morning and we’ll be here about nine. Will that suit you?'

He kissed her cheek as she nodded and clung to him for a second, and Laura swiftly turned her attention back to the suitcase. Seeing Helen and Philip together emphasised the loneliness in her own heart. If only Brad would look at her like that, instead of with the cold contempt he usually handed out. But the fault was her own; she had spoilt any chance of friendship in that direction, and must remain content with whatever happiness she could find.

The journey back to Leastone Hall was accomplished in high spirits. Helen sat in front with Philip while Laura occupied the back seat, sometimes listening to their light-hearted chatter, at other times wondering what the future held in store, ft wouldn’t be too bad while Helen was there, she decided, but later the outlook was definitely bleak.