The Diamond Dad

CHAPTER TWELVE

To the amusement of the whole family, Barker's passion for Peaches developed into slavish infatuation. She was a domestic tyrant, blowing hot and cold; one day allowing him to smooch her lovingly, the next, growling him away. But nothing could cool Barker's chivalrous devotion and in the presence of his beloved he was reduced to a state of doting idiocy.

'Poor Barker,' Cindy consoled him. 'You're a henpecked husband.'

'And when his pups are born he'll be a henpecked father,' Garth had observed, tweaking her hair. 'Like me.'

Four weeks after their first meeting, Miss McGeorge had confirmed that Peaches was pregnant. Barker strutted about, every inch the proud father, and Cindy and Adrian began to squabble about names for the pups.

The tenth anniversary was growing closer. Faye had relented about letting the children take part, because she was grateful to Garth for putting them before business, even at the cost of the Newcastle contract. He never complained, nor even mentioned the matter, and Faye only knew for sure that he'd lost it when Mary told her. It was like the old days, when he hadn't confided in her.

There was something else he'd kept to himself, which hurt far more. Kendall had telephoned to ask how she was and she'd told him about Barker's crisis. That was how she learned that Garth had sought his help in getting James Wakeham. At first she was delighted. This was exactly the kind of generous act she'd dreamed of seeing him make. But joy was succeeded by sadness at the way he'd excluded her. He'd done it for Cindy and although he could have won his wife's approval, it seemed that he hadn't bothered.

Then Kendall said something else that astonished her.

'It's nice that you're still speaking to me.'

'Why shouldn't I be?'

'I imagine Garth told you all about Jane.'

'She's your new secretary, isn't she? Why should Garth have mentioned her?'

'You mean he didn't? That's amazing. I thought he'd have made the most of it.'

'Kendall, I don't know what you're talking about.'

'Jane works late for me sometimes, and we have a meal together, and-and so on. She was here the night Garth came. Look, I was just a bit lonely for you. It doesn't have to mean anything if we don't let it.'

As Faye understood what he was really saying she waited for the surge of pain it should have brought her. But there was nothing. Kendall had found someone else to flatter his vanity. He was a kindly enough man in his way, but he liked being the centre of attention. What had followed was inevitable and perhaps she had always secretly guessed it.

'Tell me, Kendall,' she said, 'does Jane ever forget to watch you on television?'

'Well-no,' he admitted sheepishly.

'Then you should marry her without delay. And I'll dance at your wedding. Goodbye, my dear.'

She hung up, her thoughts in turmoil. It was ironic to remember now how she'd once said about Garth, 'I wouldn't put it past him to have my replacement lined up to massage his ego, just in case.' But it was Kendall who'd done exactly that and Garth who had remained true.

But no longer, it seemed. He'd known that Kendall had found someone else, yet he hadn't tried to make any use of it.

If he'd truly wanted me, she thought despondently, he'd have told me about this, hoping to turn me against Kendall.

But he'd preferred to leave Kendall's image untarnished. There was surely only one explanation. When the anniversary gala was over, he would be finished with her.

Cindy was looking forward to the banquet, and was thrilled with her new party frock. Adrian eyed his formal clothes askance and muttered, 'Do I have to, Mum?'

She'd bought the kind of glamorous dress Garth wanted, a black, figure-hugging creation that would be a good background for diamonds. The children were loud in their admiration, and Faye was agreeably surprised by her own appearance.

Garth, too, approved. At least, he nodded and said, 'Good. You'll look just right.'

She'd smiled to cover her disappointment that he showed so little warmth. But what had she expected? Since the night of their loving she'd hoped for so much and been granted so little. She'd had a glimpse of Garth as he'd once been, as she longed for him to be again. But he'd retired behind a barrier from which he emerged only for his children.

Since Kendall's revelation, she knew that Garth was simply biding his time until their final break-up. And, with terrible irony, this happened just as she faced the fact that she'd never really stopped loving her husband.

But he'd reclaimed her only out of pride, and lost interest when she was his for the asking. Sometimes she would surprise him with a strange look in his eyes, as though he was planning the next move. Perhaps he would offer her money to move out and let him keep the children?

She flinched at the thought of leaving them, but wouldn't it be kinder to let them stay here, with the father they adored?

Only a little while ago she'd seemed to have almost everything. Now she was on the verge of losing everything. And worst of all was the thought that Garth might have planned this from the start.

On the evening of the banquet Faye let Cindy help her on with the black velvet evening cloak, with its white satin lining.

'You look gorgeous, Mummy,' the little girl breathed.

'Thank you, darling.'

'Doesn't she?' Cindy demanded of her brother.

But he was covered in nine-year-old male confusion and could only mumble, 'Yeah.'

Cindy ran off to inform her father that Mummy looked simply gorgeous. Adrian regarded his mother awkwardly for a moment, before pecking her cheek and offering her his arm.

"Thank you, kind sir,' she teased.

Garth's eyes never left her as she made her entrance down the staircase. He looked satisfied. There was something else in his expression, too, but she couldn't read him any more.

'You look gorgeous,' he said as she reached the bottom. 'I've been instructed that that's the right word,' he added with a teasing glance at Cindy, who was watching him severely. The little girl smiled and relaxed, evidently feeling that he was doing the proper thing. Faye couldn't help smiling too, at the perfect understanding between father and child. She put her head up and assumed a dazzling smile as she offered Garth her hand and let him lead her to the waiting car.

The reception was being held at the Ritz. They travelled there in a stretch limo, with the children sitting up ahead, which gave the two adults the illusion of privacy. Faye had a curious feeling that Garth was nervous, yet his words sounded confident.

'The place will be packed tonight. We didn't get a single refusal.'

'I shouldn't think they dared,' she quipped. 'Not once you'd made your wishes known. Another huge success for Garth Clayton. Isn't that how it goes?'

'Some successes matter more than others,' he observed in a strange voice. But he was looking out of the window, not at her.

As he'd predicted, every seat was taken. When the family walked in, the crowd rose in applause. The lights were too brilliant for her to discern much but she'd been through a rehearsal and knew that models of the houses were placed around the great ballroom, and everywhere there was silver glitter the colour of diamonds.

Afterwards she couldn't remember details. There was a perfectly prepared and served meal, with excellent wines. Speeches followed. Faye heard none of them, until Garth rose to his feet.

She was on edge in case he spoke about their marriage, twisting the facts into a publicity presentation. But to her relief he began talking about the start of his business.

'It was a builder's yard with a door that didn't lock properly. Not that it mattered much, because there was nothing in there worth stealing,' he announced, to laughter. 'You never saw a shabbier place, but I called it Clayton Properties.

'My wife and I had two tin plates to eat off, and we were so poor that I used to take one to work for lunch, to save buying a third. Once I forgot to take it home at night, so we shared hers.'

Yes, it had happened like that, she thought. They'd squabbled over that plate, each wanting the other to have it first. In the end, they'd eaten together and Garth had marked the occasion by scratching two entwined hearts in the centre. She'd wanted to keep the plate, but Garth had taken it to the yard, and lost it.

'Since then, Clayton Properties has grown and grown again,' he said. 'But I still fondly remember that first little yard, how proud I was of it-and how proud my wife was of me. She never saw it as a dump. She thought that now I'd entered the market the rest of them might as well give up.' There was friendly laughter and a smattering of applause, then he went on. 'And because she believed that, I began to believe it. I went on because I had to justify her faith in me. And I found I could take giant strides I'd never dreamed of.

'I did things I was scared to do, because I couldn't risk Faye finding out that I had feet of clay. Of course, she knew that all the time, but she didn't let on because she didn't want me to find out.'

This time the laughter was loud, with a warm, friendly tone. Everyone knew that this was an excellent speech, striking just the right note for the occasion.

But Faye never thought of it like that. She was listening intently to the man she loved, breathless with hope.

'Clayton Properties has been as much her creation as mine. And that's why it's right that I should honour her tonight, on our tenth wedding anniversary.'

He took her hand to raise her up, and opened the black box in front of him. A riviere of diamonds glittered inside. The crowd rose in thunderous applause as he fitted the lavish jewels about her neck. Faye hardly heard them. She was looking into Garth's smiling eyes, feeling the warm touch of his hands on her neck. Everything was coming right at last. He'd only been waiting for tonight.

In her joy she was able to pose for the photographs with a truly radiant smile. It was going to be all right. Tonight, when the children had gone to bed, he would tell her what was in his heart and they would find each other again. She could have sung with happiness.

It seemed an eternity until the party broke up, but at last they were all moving towards the door. Her hand was tucked in Garth's arm. She could see the car waiting for them through the great entrance. In a few minutes they would be inside it, perhaps in each other's arms. Cindy and Adrian would giggle, but they were welcome.

Suddenly Garth tensed and stopped. He seemed awkward. 'Faye, I should have told you this before. Something came up this afternoon.'

She stared at him in disbelief. Oh, this couldn't be happening again!

'I was going to France in a few days, but I've had a call to say they need me earlier. I've got to leave for the airport straight away.'

'You're not even coming home with us?' she gasped.

'When you get there you'll understand. Please believe me- This is best.'

Cindy and Adrian came beside them, looking up with silent questions as they sensed the changed atmosphere.

'Daddy has to go to France on urgent business,' Faye said, hardly knowing what she was saying.

'You mean you're not coming home with us?' Adrian asked.

'Not just for the- Cindy, what have you got there? It's not a doggy bag, is it?'

Cindy guiltily produced not one bag but two.

'There's Peaches as well,' she explained, 'and she's eating for three or four or five or-'

Something strange seemed to happen to Garth. He closed his eyes and for a moment Faye could have sworn that his lips were shaking, as though he was on the verge of tears. But that didn't make sense.

'I just hope you've got enough for her,' he said at last. He dropped to one knee and put an arm around each child, hugging them tightly. "Bye kids,' he said huskily. 'Be good.'

There was a mysterious undercurrent in his voice. Faye stared at him, trying desperately to understand.

'I'll take you to the car,' he said.

'Garth-' she cried. She was suddenly scared.

'Faye.' He said her name so softly that she barely heard. He reached out and touched her cheek and there was something in his eyes that broke her heart. Abruptly he seized her and pulled her hard against him, burying his face in her hair. Then, just as quickly, he thrust her from him.

'Goodbye, Faye,' he said hoarsely, and turned back inside.

It was all over, she thought, as she was borne home. The distance he'd set between them recently had been a warning. Tonight he'd played his part so beautifully that she had been taken in.

In her heart she knew what she would find when she reached home. There would be a letter announcing that everything was over between them. He'd had all he needed of her.

Nancy was waiting up to put the children to bed. She didn't comment on Garth's absence. Nor did she look at Faye as she said, 'There's something in your room. He told me to put it there when you'd all left.'

The envelope was lying on her pillow, her name written in Garth's bold hand. With trembling hands she opened it, and read:

My darling Faye,

This is the hardest letter I've ever had to write, because it's a goodbye, and that's a word I swore I'd never say to you. I love you so much. I never stopped loving you for a moment, but I killed your love and couldn't get it back.

Once it seemed easy. I thought I had the power to force you back to me. I managed it in one way, but the more we were together, the more I realized that your heart had slipped away. Perhaps I was never the man for you. I only seem to make you unhappy.

There's something you must know. When Barker was dying I went to Kendall Haines and begged him to use his influence to get James Wakeham. I meant to tell you next day, when things were calmer. But I never did, because that night something happened that changed everything.

Earlier Cindy had asked me to have Barker put to sleep. She said, 'If you love someone, you've got to let them go, if it's best for them.'

I didn't see the implications for us at first, but then you loved me with such sweetness and warmth that I knew only the best was good enough for you. And the best is to escape from me. You once said that nobody could be happy with me. And you were right.

So I never told you about approaching Haines, because it might have made it harder for you to leave me. I didn't want you staying because I'd 'earned' it, but only because you loved me. And you're safer not loving me.

I learned something about Haines too, that night. He's not the man you think he is. He co-opted his secretary to fill your place without much loss of time. I wasn't sure whether to tell you, or whether it would be interfering in your life. You might not even have believed me. But now I won't be here, you must know the truth. Don't marry him, my darling. Wait for someone else who's better than both of us.

It's taken me too long to learn wisdom from my daughter, but I know now that the truest way I can show my love is by letting you go.

I won't be returning to Elm Ridge. I want you and Cindy and Adrian to stay there. After the divorce I'd like to see the children often, but I promise never to trouble you.

It's the tenth anniversary of our wedding, and I've showered you with diamonds, as the firm expected me to. But my real anniversary gift is something else. You'll find it in a parcel next to this letter. I wonder if you'll recognize it. If so, I like to think it will still mean something to you.

Goodbye, my dearest. I love you so very much.

Garth.

She had to read the letter twice. There was a blank look in her eyes as the incredible truth came home to her, and she let out her breath in a long sigh.

'You fool,' she murmured. 'How could you be so blind?'

But did she mean him, or herself? She honestly couldn't have said.

The little parcel lay on the bed. It was plainly wrapped in brown paper and carried no tag. She was almost afraid as she opened it.

Inside she found the tin plate Garth had mentioned in his speech, with the two entwined hearts scratched in the centre. Tears began to roll down her cheeks. She'd thought he'd tossed those early days aside contemptuously, but he'd remembered as vividly as herself. Despite his brash exterior, he'd secretly treasured this memento all these years. Now it had a slightly forlorn, abandoned look.

Her happiness was almost too great to be borne, but her tears still flowed. They were for him, going away, believing that she didn't love him. How could it end this way? How could two people who loved each other so much manage to lose each other?

Then her head went up. She wasn't going to give in without a fight. With trembling fingers she dialled the airport number and was put through to Bill's little cubby hole.

'Bill, it's Faye. Is Garth there yet?'

'No, but he's due at any moment. Our take-off slot is in half an hour.'

'He mustn't go. Bill, you've got to stop him.'

'Stop him?' Bill sounded aghast. 'You mean you want me to give him a message from you?'

'No, there's no message.' Garth could be stubborn when he'd made a decision. If he knew she was following him, he would leave all the faster.

'Then I can't delay him,' Bill protested.

'You simply must. Develop a mechanical breakdown, chuck a spanner in the engine. Anything. But stop him leaving.'

Bill's voice became plaintive. 'Mrs Clayton, have you any idea what's it's like being caught between the two of you? You're as bad as each other.'

'I'm sure you can manage to think of something, Bill.'

She found Nancy. 'I've got to go out.'

'At this hour? Where are you going?'

'To save my marriage,' Faye said and hurried outside.

She was a careful driver, who disliked driving at night. But when she saw the road clear ahead she put down her foot. She was relying on Bill to hold Garth up, but how long could he manage it?

Half an hour kept throbbing through her brain. Half an hour and it might all be too late. It was no use to argue that she could contact him later. The moment was now and if she missed it, it would have gone forever.

'Wait for me, Garth,' she murmured as she drove. 'Don't take off. Listen to me calling you. Listen to my love, and turn back to me.'

At last she could see the lights in the distance which told her she was nearing the airport. Luckily the security guard recognized her.

'Has my husband taken off yet?' she asked in terrible fear.

'Just about to.'

'No,' she cried frantically.

As the hangar came into sight she could just make out two figures walking towards the plane. One of them was Bill, who seemed to be arguing frantically. The other was Garth. With the wind in her direction Faye could hear him say, 'That's enough, Bill. Now let's get on, I'm in a hurry.'

'Garth!' she called. 'Garth!'

But the wind whipped her words away and she knew he hadn't heard her. She'd reached the steel barrier, beyond which she couldn't take the car. Wildly she jumped out, pushed through a small gap in the barrier and began to run as if her life depended on it.

'Garth!' she screamed.

At last he heard her. She saw him stop, but he didn't turn. It was as if he feared an hallucination so sweet that it must be resisted.

She called his name again and this time he looked round, his face torn between hope and despair as he saw her.

'I love you,' she called. 'We all love you. Don't leave us.'

He began to run back to her, but at the last moment something stopped him. 'Faye, did you get my letter?' he called.

'Yes, I read it, and you've got everything wrong. We love you. Don't you understand? We love you.'

'We?'

love you. I always have. It broke my heart to leave you two years ago, but I thought you didn't love me.' She drew nearer to him. 'After the night we came together I was sure everything would be all right, but then you pushed me away.'

'I was afraid. I thought I'd taken advantage of you- You were so unhappy- The brandy- Maybe you didn't know what you were doing-'

'One glass! What do you think I am? Some brainless little girl who needs her hand held? Maybe I was when I married you, but not now. Garth, how dare you make this decision without consulting me. I knew exactly what

I was doing that night. I was loving you, and that's what I meant to do.'

'Faye-'

'And I'm going to go on doing it. I'm sure about that too. You're not going to France tonight.'

'Aren't I?'

'No, because this time I'm making the decision. And my decision is that you're coming home with me, and we're going to awaken our children and tell them that our marriage is on again, and this time it's for ever.'

He came close and searched her face. 'Is that what we're going to do?' he asked breathlessly.

'That's exactly what we're going to do. Any arguments?'

He seized her in his arms.

'Not from me,' he said joyfully. 'Let's go and do it right now.'