A TWIST OF FATE
Chapter Fourteen

Cal had returned home. He was met in the hall by Lovejoy. They exchanged pleasantries and Cal motioned for Lovejoy to through to his study. He closed the door behind them.

"Well, how is Rose?" Cal asked. He didn’t seem too concerned.

"She hasn’t left her room for the last two days Sir."

"And that artist fellow?"

"I went down to the Park and met him myself. His name is Dawson and he is new in town. His work seems quite popular. He admitted knowing Miss Rose, but said he’d sold her some work. In fact he delivered some paintings here himself a few days ago, I saw him come to the back door. I don’t think there’s a problem there."

"Good. Right then Lovejoy, if you can see to my bags, I had better go and see Rose."

Rose was sitting up in bed reading. She hadn’t felt like leaving her room and seeing anyone and she had insisted that Trudy only came to see her. The cut was healing well but the bruise was turning a lovely shade of blue. She had heard that Cal was expected back at any time and had prepared herself. So she wasn’t too surprised when Cal breezed in as though nothing had happened.

"Good morning Rose."

"Hello Cal. I see you came crawling back."

"I’ll ignore that remark." Cal came and sat on the bed beside her.

"So you’re feeling better I hope." He didn’t give her a chance to say anything. "You really must be more careful dear."

"Careful?" Rose almost spat. "Oh I forgot. You’ve already told the world how I fell over and banged my head."

"Yes I have. I don’t want anyone to be under the misapprehension that anything else occurred."

Cal looked around the room.

"You received the flowers."

"Yes, all three bouquets thank you. The house is turning into a florists shop."

"Hmmm." Cal looked thoughtful for a moment. He had to think of a way of winning Rose round a little.

"You do look a trifle pale, being in here for two days. Why don’t you and Trudy go for a walk in the park this afternoon? I can get Thomas to drop you off and you can go for a wander. I know how much you enjoy going there. It will do you good. Maybe you could buy some more paintings?"

Rose couldn’t believe what he said! She knew exactly what Cal was up to but the chance to get out was not to be missed. Not wanting to appear too eager she replied.

"Very well. I could do with some air I suppose."

"Good, I’ll call Trudy for you." Cal got off the bed and walked to the door. He stopped and turned round.

"By the way, I suggest you wear a hat. To hide the, er" he pointed to his eye "you know". And he left.

Rose closed the book with a bang. He couldn’t even bring himself to say it, she thought angrily.

Trudy came and Rose chose a cheerful yellow dress with a wide straw hat. Hair and face done she began to feel a lot better. She also felt quite excited. Was it because she was going out or because she would see Jack? She wasn’t sure.

It was a short car ride to the park. Thomas stopped the car and helped Rose and Trudy out.

"Where would you like to go Miss Rose?" Trudy asked.

"I think I will go and spend some of Mr. Hockley’s money" smiled Rose. "After all he has given me permission." She led the way across the park.

Jack was cleaning himself up after doing some portraits.

"Hello Jack." Jack froze whilst his heart skipped a beat. It was happening just as it did a few days ago and just as he had hoped for since then. He turned round.

"Rose! How ya doin’?"

"Fine. And you?"

Jack looked at her. She sure looked pretty. The color suited her. But something wasn’t quite right. He ducked a little and peered under hat.

"Crikey Rose, how did you do that? Are you OK?"

"Yes." Rose paused. What she was about to say was playing straight into Cal’s hands, but she had no choice.

"I slipped and fell."

Jack looked at her quizzically. He knows I’m lying she thought.

"Even ladies can fall over Jack" she smiled hopefully.

She’s lying, thought Jack, but I don’t know why.

"So how bad is it?" Jack tried to read her face.

"It is nothing, just a little bump and cut. I assure you it’s getting a lot better."

Jack noticed that she was wringing her gloved hands nervously. Now he knew she was lying.

"Look Jack," Rose tried to change the subject. "I came to thank you for my lovely drawings. How did you find out where I lived?"

"It wasn’t hard," Jack wanted to add, "When you’re married to a guy like Hockley" but thought better of it.

"I’m glad you liked them. How was the drawing I did for you? Was it close?"

"Oh, you were so close, it was uncanny. How did you do it?"

"A lot of patience." He grinned, remembering the trouble he’d had with it. "I wanted it to be special."

"Oh it was. You wouldn’t believe. It was really kind of you to take the trouble." Rose looked at Jack and the smile that had kept her going for the last few days. He was dressed in a simple muslin shirt and trousers both smudged with charcoal. She could not imagine him in a suit like Cal. With Jack you got what you saw, no frills, no airs. She decided. And no beatings.

"Well, you know what I’ve been doing this week Jack. How about you?"

"Actually, I did have real good news this week. Remember I told you about my friend Fabrizio, you know, the guy that left me for another woman in New York?" They both chuckled. "He wrote me this week and told me he was gettin’ married next month. Married! And he wants me right there for him on the day."

"That is good news. I’m pleased for you both."

"Yeah." Jack looked at the ground and kicked it with his boot. "I just gotta work really hard now to save the extra money for the trip."

"Perhaps I can help you there." Rose looked over a couple of drawings that were at her feet. "I am under instructions from my husband to buy more art."

The word ‘husband’ made Jack wince inside.

"So perhaps we can do a deal Mr. Dawson?"

"Rose, I don’t want your money just ‘cause you feel sorry for me." Jack felt uncomfortable saying it, but wanted Rose to know he valued friendship above cash.

This hurt Rose a little.

"It’s not charity, it’s a business deal. And the best business deals I am told, are done over a plate of sandwiches. Do you know Stacey’s?"

"Yeah."

"For reasons I cannot explain, I’ll meet you there in half an hour. Is that acceptable?"

"OK, we’ll make that a date." Jack instantly regretted his bad choice of words. But Rose gave him a dazzling smile and said

"Very well Mr. Dawson, we have a date."

Chapter Fifteen
Stories