Read Online House of Storms by Violet Winspear - Free Book Online Page B

just a little grave. 'My mother always liked to dance and though, after my father died, we never had much money in the kitty she paid for me to have lessons. I started when I was twelve and went on with them until I was seventeen. My interest grew less when I became interested in my secretarial training. I had made up my mind that I wanted to work for a publishing house and I wanted to be good at my work. Yes, Mr Coltan, I dance, but I don't know many of the modern steps. My teacher was more intent on the Astaire and Rogers type of footwork.'
    'But that's great!' Stuart's blue eyes burnt with enthusiasm. 'I go for that myself and consider that it beats all the honky-tonk stuff danced at the disco places. That's for kids!'
    Suddenly in his enthusiasm he took Debra by the waist and whirled her around the hall. Involuntarily she fell into step with him and there they were, waltzing around the hall of Abbeywitch when the master of the place suddenly appeared on the scene and stood regarding them, his eyebrows raised.
    'Stuart—' All at once Debra caught sight of the tall figure who sardonically watched them. 'Please let's stop!'
    'Why should we ever stop?' he grinned. 'You dance like a breeze, do you know it? You're good, honey!'
    But even as Stuart paid her the compliment, Debra felt herself stumbling over his feet, and although this brought him to a halt he didn't let go of her.
    'We're practising for the party tomorrow evening,' he informed Rodare. 'This hardworking kid wasn't given an official invitation to the party so I decided to remedy the oversight.'
    But the Spanish gaze was upon Debra's flushed face. 'I had no idea you were overlooked, Miss Hartway. I understood from Zandra that all the young people would be attending the party.'
    'It really doesn't matter,' Debra made an effort to pull away from Stuart. 'I didn't expect to be invited, señor , and Mr Coltan is only fooling around.'
    'So I noticed.' The dark eyes flashed in Stuart's direction. 'The pair of you dance well together.'
    'Kind of you to say so,' Stuart drawled. 'Even though women weigh less than men they aren't always light on their feet, but Debra is like a swan. She's wasted at the typewriter in that mysterious room where she works, but I guess you Salvadors don't regard the feelings of the hired help with much consideration.'
    'It's presumptuous of you to say so.' Rodare swept Stuart up and down and his dark eyes held the tempered glitter which Debra had noticed down on the beach. 'It also seems to me that you are putting pressure upon Miss Hartway with regard to the party my sister has arranged.'
    His gaze returned to Debra, who had begun to feel like a bone of contention between a pair of bristling hounds. 'Is this young man trying to persuade you against your will?'
    'No—that is I'm not sure—'
    A black eyebrow was elevated above those glittering eyes. 'You must know one way or the other whether you want his company or not?'
    'I suppose so,' she agreed, 'but it's my business, isn't it? I think I'm entitled to decide for myself.'
    'Are you now?'
    'I most certainly am, Mr Salvador.'
    'Look here,' Stuart broke in, 'this kid works all hours, even on a Sunday, so I think she's entitled to a bit of fun.'
    'Provided by you?' Rodare spoke curtly. 'I'm wondering at her wisdom in allowing you to provide it.'
    'Holy James, you talk as if I'm not to be trusted with a girl,' Stuart expostulated.
    'Maybe you aren't, with a good girl.' Rodare spoke quite deliberately. 'If Miss Hartway is stirred by your looks then I have no argument, but I venture to say that you exceed her in worldly knowledge, so be careful, Mr Coltan. I have my eagle eye on you!'
    'Who the devil do you think you are?' Stuart demanded. 'Debra's off duty right now and free to be with me if she wants to be.'
    'Miss Hartway is a responsibility of mine while she's employed in my house. She isn't here to provide my sister's friend with amusement, and we both know what I mean by that word, don't