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searching, she soon found the Anderson papers, but when she took them in he did not even bother to look up, merely grunting his acknowledgement.
    Why should I care? Laura asked herself crossly. Let him be disagreeable. I'll show’ him that it doesn't matter. I’m here to do a job and so long as I do it well that's all I’ve got to worry about.
    The next two days passed in uneasy silence on Laura's part, whereas Brad was so involved in his writing that he appeared not to even notice her presence. Except, of course, when he wanted something—then he was either icily polite or belligerently rude.
    Laura was glad when Saturday arrived. Two days in which to do as she liked. She allowed herself the luxury of an extra hour in bed. then over breakfast asked Mrs. Jennings to pack her a picnic lunch. She intended spending her weekend exploring the surrounding countryside.
    By Monday morning she felt refreshed and well able to cope with any demands Brad made. The first thing she noticed as she entered his room was that a door had been put into the wall connecting it to the room which was to be her office.
    'It’s all ready,' he smiled, observing her quick glance. ‘The furniture arrived on Saturday. I commend your choice.’
    Laura was pleased to have met with his approval, but wished he had told her about it so that she could have stayed in and moved her own papers and equipment instead of wasting time this morning.
    He crossed and opened the door, standing back for her to enter, an enigmatic smile on his face. Puzzled, Laura stepped into the room, halting abruptly when she saw that everything was ready—down to the last paperclip.
    Brad chuckled and she turned on him accusingly. ‘Why didn’t you say? I’d have stayed to help. The man in the shop said the furniture wouldn’t be delivered until this week’
    ‘I know, but I phoned and asked them to bring it on Saturday. I shall be out for the rest of the week and I wanted it settled before I leave. Everything’s been transferred, except for the letters in the filing-cupboard. It will be a mammoth task sorting that lot out, but I’ve no doubt you will cope.’ He returned to his desk. ‘Did you enjoy your weekend?’
    He was still smiling and Laura wondered at the change in him. It seemed that when he was involved on a particular project he had no time for anyone else, but when the work was finished he suddenly realised that he was living among normal human beings who appreciated the courtesies of life. Whatever it was, his awareness of her capabilities caused a warm glow to spread inside her and she found herself excitedly telling him of the villages and churches she had explored, and how wonderful the countryside was around Leastone Hall.
    When she had finished he said, ‘We must explore these wonderful places together one day, Laura. You shall be my guide—but now,’ he picked up a sheaf of papers, ‘I must rush. Here’s a number of articles that I want typing this week. You’ve nearly finished my book?’
    ‘Y-yes—only two more chapters.' Her heartbeats had quickened at the thought of another day out in his company, but quickly she pulled herself together. Surely she wasn’t falling for his charms? It was impossible. When she fell in love it would have to be someone like David—charming, kind and positively not temperamental. How could anyone live with Brad when he was in one of his moods? He might be famous, but at what cost to his family and friends had his books been written ? After only a week she was beginning to dread approaching him when he was at work, though why he should be so bad-tempered she could not imagine. Were all authors the same?
    Suddenly she noticed that Brad was watching her curiously. 'Is there anything wrong?’ he asked. ‘You’ve been looking at me very strangely for the last half minute.’
    Her cheeks flushed as she realised how rude he must think her. No, nothing. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to stare’
    'That’s all right.'