Enjoy Reading --Moon Witch -Complete- Pg..17 - Page 2

Shanaya Robbins walked home from school with Anne the eldest daughter of the Mrs. Mason , who had been her grandfather's neighbor's for fifteen years . It was with them Shanaya was staying , while her future plans were considered . Although it was only a little two weeks over since her grandfather died . Shanaya felt as though a life time had gone by.

The reading of the will and the discovery that her grandfather had placed virtually in the care of a complete stranger had come as a shock to her . If she ever had thought that her grandfather was not in good health , she would have got herself job , leaving the school .

Mrs. Mason and her husband who always looked such a meek , has been very kind , but Shanaya knew that she could not stay with the Masons indefinitely . Accommodation was limited and at the moment she was sleeping on a camp bed in the sitting room The house next door was put up for sale , but it was not expected that they would get much for it and Shanaya averted her eyes when she passed the blank empty windows.

A huge cream car was standing at Mason's gate and Anne said : Gosh! It's a Mercedes , Shanaya ! It must be someone from that man -that Mr. Kyle , for you !'

She shook her head , her mouth suddenly dry . Since the solicitors had first advised her of that clause in the will she had deliberately put all thoughts of it out of her mind . Now seeing the car , it all came flooding back , and with it frightening sense of panic.

Anne was looking at her strangely ." What's wrong ? you have gone all white , Shanaya ! Heavens, there is nothing to be scared about . I wish it was me that was going to be involved with a man like that -as rich as that !'

Sara looked scornfully at her ,' Money ! Is that all you think of ? I feel like a battered object -like something at the saleroom !'

Anne laughed ." Well , you don't look like one Shanaya . Wait until he sees you . He'll probably turned out to be a real sugar- daddy !'

" You mean a dirty old man .' Shanaya said gloomily.

" Is he old ?"

" Well, it stands to reason , he must be .' exclaimed shanaya .' He was my grandfather's contemporary !'

" Y-e-s,' said Anne slowly .' Well , come on , let's go and see !'

They entered the narrow hall of Mason's house . there was low murmur of voices coming from the sitting room , and Shanaya looked apprehensively at Anne . She grinned cheerfully at her ,and then the sitting room opened and Mrs. Mason came out . When she saw Shanaya she quickly closed the door and came across to her .

" Mr. Kyle is here to see you ,' she whispered consipirately ." At least he says he is Mr. Kyle . He is much younger than I expected , and of course , I didn't like to question .'

Shanaya reserved her opinion .Mrs. Mason was not the type of person not to ask questions, and it could only mean that Mr. Kyle had not appeased her by answering them.

" He is waiting to see you .' went on Mrs. Mason as shanaya did not reply ." Do you want me come in with you ?"

Shanaya bit her lip . " Er- no . I don't think so , Mrs. Mason .' she said awkwardly .

Mrs. Mason stiffened and folded her arms, " Well , of course , if that's what you want , Shanaya .' she said reproachfully .

Shanaya moved her shoulders ." I- I think it would be best , Mrs. Mason."

" Very well . Come along , Anne .' Mrs. Mason went off along the hall towards the kitchen , and sighing Shanaya walked to the sitting -room door . Gathering up her small store of courage she opened the door , and walked in , closing it firmly behind her .

A man rose from his seat in a low armchair at her entrance . He was tall and lean with dark hair that persisted lying over his forehead , despite his attempt to brush it back . He was handsome , she thought nervously , but he was certainly no contemporary of her grandfather' s .

If she was surprised at his appearance , he seemed no less surprised at hers. " You are Shanaya Robbins ?' he exclaimed .

Shanaya swallowed hard . " Yes ,Mr. Kyle . I am Shanaya Robins.'

" How old are you ?"

Shanaya shrugged .' Um- well- seventeen , actually ,' she faltered .

" Seventeen ! I see .' he drew out a cigar case .' Do you mind ?' and as she shook her head , he took a cigar out and lit it . " My- my father thought you were perhaps fifteen . Instead , you - ------- He halted .' Are you planning to leave school soon ?"

" I suppose I can leave when I like ,' Shanaya replied care fully , studying her fingernails ," When- when grandfather was alive , I did intend to go on to take " A" Levels , but now ...' Her voice trailed away .

He moved impatiently , and gave her a strange look." Well , Shanaya Robins , haven't you have any questions you want to ask me ?'

Shanaya was taken aback ." You -you are younger than I expected ,'

" Well maybe so .' he shrugged his shoulders .' Your grandfather made a slight error of judgment . He left your future in the hands of chairman of Kyle Textiles expecting my father still to be in that position .'

" Your father !' Shanaya stared at him .' You mean -it was your father who knew my grandfather !"

" That's right . Unfortunately , my father retired eight years ago because of ill health . I am now the chairman of Kyle Textiles . My name is Jarron Kyle , too."

" Oh, I see! Shanaya's expression cleared ." That explain it ."

" Yes , to you perhaps ,' remarked Jarron thoughtfully , his eyes appraising her very thoroughly , so that Shanaya felt uncomfortable under his scrutiny . This was definitely a situation her grandfather had not envisaged when he added that awful clause to the will ." Tell me ,' went on Jarron ,' do you have any relations at all ?"

Shanaya flushed ,' No, she replied , nervously brushing back the swathe of heavy chestnut hair that swung silkily to her shoulders.

" And what have you done to that particular clause not been added to your grandfather's will?"

Her flush deepened . She had the feeling he was being sardonic , even though his expressions Had not changed ." I - I suppose I should have left school immediately and got a job .' she said defensively.

" As what ?"

She shrugged awkwardly." I don't know - in a office , or perhaps as a trainee nurse ! The nursing profession always appeals to me .'

" Hmn!' He seemed to grow tired of this questioning and turned away , walking to the window overlooking the sparse patch of lawn in front of the small house ." Nevertheless, the clause was added so' - he swung around again - collect your coat , We are leaving !"

" Leaving ?" Shanaya,s eyes were wide .'Leaving?"

" Only temporarily , for the moment ,' he replied smoothly ." My father wants to meet you . Afterwards - well , afterwards we shall see!' he finished enigmatically .

Shayana wanted to argue with him . She wanted to say she knew nothing about him and she didn't want leave all that was known and familiar to her for some unknown destination, but her position was too nebulous , too helpless, for her to be intrepid enough to argue with the chairman of Kyle Textile . He might not be as old as her grandfather , but he was obviously in his late 20's and that seemed a great age to someone who was only seventeen . So she gave him a reluctant nod and went to tell Mrs. Mason .

continue...

The white Mercedes was superbly comfortable , and after Jarron left , he was driving swiftly along the roads to Malthorp in the forest she felt the sensation of speed . In fact she was little bemused by the whole operation and could not help but see it in the light of a crazy dream that could not be substantiated with fact.

Jarron Kyle was wearing a dark lounge suit , a thick fur collared overcoat and with her limited experience in life she could tell his clothes were expensive . Her own fur-collared blue tweed , which she has donned in preference to her dark school duffle coat , looked cheap and inelegant by comparison , and she felt faint stirring of alarm when she contemplated meeting Jarron Kyle senior . His son was intimidating enough for both of them . He did not seem particularly pleased about something , she thought , and as she had little to go on she could only assume it had something to do with her .

She sighed , and he glanced her way ." Tell me ,' he said ," Have you spent any time away from the Bridchester?"

Shanaya frowned thoughtfully ." Only on holidays,' she said .I/ve been to Blackpool twice, and to London , and once we went to Hastings.'

" I see. You've never been abroad. I gather ."

" No. I'm afraid not.' She looked across at him ." I - I suppose you have ."

" Some.' He replied , non-committally, and sara realized it had been a stupid , childish question to a man like him .' What are your interests , then , ? he was asking now .' What do you do when you are not at school?'

She frowned ,' Well- I like reading , of course , and records , and occasionally Grandfather used to take me to the theater or even for a movie .'

" What is your favorite subject at school?"

" Do you mean my favorite subject - or the one I'm at best ?' she asked candidly .

He looked half amused ." Is there a difference?"

" Yes, my favorite subject is English Lit., but I'm best at art .'

" Art!" Jarron sounded surprised .' And don't you like art ?'

" Well . I passed in "O" level , and quite like messing about , but miss Finch , our art teacher , is a bit of a - well - --- she was obviously stumped for a suitable word.' Anyway , nobody like her , so I suppose that's why I am not keen on art .'she finished sighing.

Jarron swung the car off the main road onto a minor road , which led to Malthorpe in the Forest .As the wheel slid expertly through his hands ,Shayana noticed his tanned and capable hands , a broad gold signet ring inset with a huge ruby on the little finger of the right hand .

It was quite dark when they halted at the lodge gate and Jarron horned which brought the Hedley to the gate . Shayana looked at hi and trembled a little.

Jarron , as though aware of her nervousness, said :'Don't be alarmed . This is routine procedure . My father has a valuable collection of antiques which he wants to protect .'

" I see.' Shanaya bit her lip . Even in the gloom the place had an air of grandeur to which she was not accustomed , and the thought of the interview ahead filled her with trepidation .

The car halted before the front gate which opened by as if by magic.' This is our butler , Morris .' he murmured ,rather mockingly , glancing her way .' I'm convinced he has installed radar in the kitchen so that he knows when any car is within a certain radius .'

Shanaya could not prevent the smile that lifted the corners of mouth . Although Jarron had said nothing to reassure her , his manner was more relaxed , probably he got me off his hands , she thougt uncharitably , and he seemed to be trying to relax her also. As Jarron slid out of the car , she got out ,too and looking awkwardly at the tall , imposing figure of Alister Morris.

He told Jarron that his father is waiting for him in the lounge .

" Thank you , Morris ." Jarron mounted the steps easily and then looked back at Shanaya standing lost and alone at the step[s .' Come on , Shanaya Robbins . Surely you are not afraid !' his tone was mocking .

Shanaya stiffened and climbed the steps too .' No , Mr. Kyle ,I'm not afraid .' she said tautly , and he smiled sardonically .

" Are you not ? Then you must indeed be unique .I would have thought these circumstances might represent quite an ordeal to a child like yourself .'

Shanaya followed him inside and looked about her in wonder for a moment , and then turned her attention to Jarron , who was watching her with undisguised sarcasm.

My grandfather used to say that only a fool was afraid .' in her small clear voice . A coward dies as swiftly as a brave man ,'

Jarron bowed his head in a mocking salute to her comments.' I think your grandfather had quite a lot to commend him.' He said ." After all , it is not every man who thinks to endow his granddaughter with the richest guardian available !"

Shanaya stared at him in shocked surprise ,'What do you mean by that , Mr. Kyle ? " she exclaimed .

" My son is cynic ,Shanaya ." said a voice from behind her . I heard you arrive , my dear . Welcome to the Malthorpe Hall.'

Shanaya swung round to confront an older edition of Jarron Kyle . His father had grey hair ,of course but otherwise they were very alike . He was smiling at her warmly , and looked unlike the formidable individual she had conjured up in her imagination.

" You are- Mr. Kyle ?' she said awkwardly .' The Mr. Kyle who knew my grandfather ?'

" Correct on both points .' J.K. looked at Morris .' Close the door , Morris , and take Miss Robins' coat . Come along my dear . I am having tea .' he gave his son a questioning glance ,' Will you join us, Jarron?'

Jarron was removing his overcoat with lazy movements and Shanaya became aware of a strange quickening of her senses . She could not understand it , certainly she had never felt like this before , but there was something about Jarron Kyle that disturbed her .Obviously she has never met a man like him before , but it was not only that . Mentally she shook herself . She was being fanciful , because of the strangeness of the surroundings.

He shook his head now in reply to his father's question .' No, I don't think so .J.K. You have your afternoon tea . I need something a little stronger .'

His father's lips tightened and he turned away . Then he looked back .' Lauren rang this afternoon .'he remarked casually .' She wanted you to ring her .'

" Does she ?' Jarron was lighting a cigar .' And what did you tell her ?'

His father smiled ,' I told her - you'd been busy !' his voice was mocking and Shanaya was aware of the antagonism between them like a tangible thing in the air .

Jarron turned to stairs , taking them two at a time without replying , and his father gave a satisfied little chuckle before taking Shanaya's arm to lead her into the long high -ceilinged lounge.

Shanaya's attention was taken by the magnificent dcor . It was something out of a film set , and she gasped .

" Do you like it ?' J.K. looked pleased .

" I - I think its marvelous , Mr. Kyle .' she exclaimed .' I- I didn't know places like this exists in Yorkshire !'

He laughed ." Oh. Shanaya , what a refreshingly youthful remark ! and you must call me J.K. Everyone does . It at least distinguishes me from my son.'

Continue...

He laughed ." Oh. Shanaya , what a refreshingly youthful remark ! and you must call me J.K. Everyone does . It at least distinguishes me from my son.'

Shanaya didn't know how to answer , so she merely smiled and J.K. rang the bell to summon the maid ,'Sit down Shanaya ,' he said nodding to a low couch .' I want to hear about you -and your grandfather ,'

She sat on the couch he indicated , smoothing the skirt of her dark blue pinafore dress . She wondered what the servants would make of her .She was hardly the usual kind of visitor to Malthorpe Hall. It was so beautifully warm , too, and she thought there must be no need to wear warm clothes in these surroundings.

A neatly uniformed made brought a tray of tea and placed it on the low table near Shanaya, and after she left, J.K. sat beside opposite her , and said : " Can you handle the teapot ?"

The cups were white and wafer thin , But shanaya managed to accomplish the feat of handling the a silver teapot without accident , adding sugar and cream to J.K.'s at his instigation and only cream to her own . There were sandwiches and small scones oozing with jam and fresh cream but she ate very little , her throat still rather constricted with nerves.

J.K. glanced at a golden cigarettes box afterwards : "Did your grandfather allowed you to smoke ?"

Shanaya smiled , shaking her head ." No- not that I was particularly interested - Mr. - I mean . J.K.! she flushed.

" very good , too . It's a filthy habit in women . But still , it does give someone to do at interviews and suchlike . Anyway , Shanaya , come on : tell me about yourself , your school , your plans ,and what you and old Jeff used to do together .'

He was very easy to talk to , to much less frightening than his son , and Shanaya soon found her nervousness dispersing in the warmth of his interest. She told him about everything , even the Masons , describing her life with such attention to detail that J.K. became really intrigued , to the extent that he forgot the passage of time, and it was only when Morris knocked and entered , interrupting them , that he glanced at his watch .

" Will the young lady be staying for dinner , sir?'

Morris asked politely.

" Well , as its already almost seven o' clock. I think that will be the most sensible course . said J.K. nodding across at Shanaya ," Don't you agree?'

" Oh- but - I mean , I'm not dressed for - dinner.' stammered shanaya awkwardly , recalling Jarron's presence with some misgivings.

J.K. gave an deprecatory gesture,' That's of no importance , my dear . I shan't be changing now , and I don't suppose Jarron is still at home .Eh, Morris ?'

" Mr. Jarron left half an hour ago .' said Morris evenly .' He told me to tell you he might be late .'

J.K. smiled sardonically ,' Did he? How thoughtful of him ! All right Morris , drink for two .'

" Yes sir ." Morris left . J.K. rose to his feet and asked her what she will have to drink ? " something innocuous , of course .'

Shanaya swallowed hard ." What - what do you suggest ?'

" Oh , I don't know how about some fruit juice ?'

Yes, that would be fine .' she relaxed ,thinking with relief that Jarron would not be present his disturbing presence at dinner . Then she frowned . If Jarron has left , how was she going to get home ? Mr. -J.K.?'

He glanced round," Ye?'

" If your son has left - how will I get home ? I - mean - is there a bus service or something ?'

J.K. shook his head,' Naturally Potter will take you in the car .'

"Potter?'

My chauffer . Now , there you are . I think you'll find that to your liking .'

Sara sipped her juice pensively , wondering Where Jarron Kyle had gone . Obviously he would have plenty of friends and acquaintances in the district , she wondered if he is married . And where was J.K. s wife ?

" Is your wife ----?' She halted abruptly . It was none of her business after all . Turning red , she hoped he had not heard her words . But of course he had , and said:

" Go on ! What were you going to ask ? I think you are entitled to ask few questions yourself . I've done most of the questioning so far . Don't be nervous !'

" Well I was just going to ask where your wife was .' said Shanaya . J.K. Nodded ,' My wife is in Jamaica ,' he said easily .' she lives there .'

Oh ! Shanaya s mouth belied her astonishment .

He smiled , swallowing some Martini in his glass." Do you think that is an unconventional relationship ? Do not be afraid to say .'

Shanaya shrugged .' Well , do you live here ?'

" Most of the time .' he said .

" Then yes, I do think its unconventional . Are you divorced ?'

" No, Just separated through choice . Helen is not like me : She likes social life . she also likes warm climate . Several years ago she developed a mild congestion of lungs . She was advised not to winter in England , so "he shrugged- she moved to Jamaica.'

" And you ?'

Well for a while - in fact for many years - we had discovered we had nothing in common . Our lives were quite separate . It was natural course of events that she should eventually leave .'

" How awful!' Shanaya sighed .' I am sorry .'

" Why be sorry ? Helen is happy and so am I . We are not enemies . We are quite civilized about it since Jarron was about seven or eight years old .' he said .' Helen came from a wealthy Yorkshire family . I think she fell in love with me . Although I'm not certain of that . At any rate she was sufficiently interested to marry me , and in doing so provided me enough funds to expand my business.'

Shanaya's eyes were wide ,' You mean- you married her for money !'

J.K. lifted his shoulders .' How sold and calculated you make that sound , Shanaya . How capable young people are of exposing life to the cold light of the day ! I would say we married out of mutual need , at that time . I have repaid every penny of money she loaned me . I don't consider mine actions despicable .' He sighed as he watched the revealing expressions crossing her face ,' I suppose you do .'

Shanaya bit her lip .' Oh , really"J.K. ---its nothing to do with me .I mean - I don't know all the facts or anything . I am not your judge .'

" No , perhaps not . But you make me see myself as other might see me .' he gave a chuckle .' How Jarron would have enjoyed hearing you bare the basic facts of life ! I think sometimes he can be a little cruel himself .

Remembering , Jarron's mocking , meaningful words in the hall of Malthorpe . Shanaya thought that was entirely likely .

The evening passed so quickly that shanaya could hardly believe it when J.K. told her it was time she was going home . She felt a sense of regret that it would be over so swiftly , but was surprised when J.K. said :

" Will you come again on Thursday ? I can't invite you tomorrow . Jarron is entertaining some chaps from the Ministry , and it would all be incredibly boring , anyway .'

Shayana slid her arms into her coat . " Will- yes - I can . If you want me to .' she said a little breathlessly .

J.K. nodded .' Good, goog ! I'll look forward to that , goodnight , Shanaya .' Goodnight ,J.K. she said to him and followed Morris out to the car waiting at the front door .

Mrs. Morris was very curious about what had happened when Shanaya returned to their house . " What's going to happen to you ?' she asked ." Are you going to live with this Mr. Kyle and his wife ?'

Shanaya sought about awkwardly for words to say . She knew Mrs. Mason of old , and everything she said to her would be spread around the small town within few days . Nothing has been decided yet ,Mrs. Mason.' She replied honestly , I- I had dinner with the older Mr. Kyle , the one grandfather used to know . The man here came was his son .'

I see.' Mrs. Mason frowned .' Did you tell him you couldn't go on staying here ?'

I don't think we discussed that at all Mrs. Mason .'

You didn't ?' Well , what did you discuss then ?'

Oh , mostly about - grandfather ,' replied shanaya , wishing this catechism was over . She ought to have thoughts about this coming home in the car , and prepared her answers accordingly .' Do you mind if I go to bed ?'

Mrs. Mason shrugged.' I suppose so . When will you know what's going on ?'

" I am having dinner with Mr. Kyle again on Thursday evening .' said shanaya ,'I- I might have make some plans by then .'

What sort of plans?'

Shayana gave a desperate look,' I don't know Honestly , Mrs. Mason. I haven't seemed able to make any plans yet . Its going to be - so so sudden . But I will . I thought of going to see Matron at the hospital to see if she would take me as a probationer .'

Mrs. Mason frowned ,' Did you now? Well our Lily tried that , but she didn't like it .'

Shanaya could have said that their Lily,' who was eighteen , did not like anything that remotely resembled to work , but she held her tongue and moved upstairs to get washed , thus ending the conversation.

On Thursday afternoon , Potter arrived in the Rolls to take her out to Malthorpe Hall and Mrs. Mason , who had remained silent during the last couple of days , now said , rather spitefully :

I suppose you'll be thinking you are too good for the likes of us soon , Miss Robins,' as Shanaya left the house .

Shanaya stared at her in astonishment ,' Why should I think that , Mrs. Mason ?' she asked in surprise .

Mrs. Mason seemed to regret her impulsive tongue. Oh , nothing ,nothing. Go along with you and don't be late .'

In the back of the Rolls , Shanaya felt rather lost and alone . Even the prospect of dinner at Malthorp Hall did little to assuage her depression. She seemed now to be representative of neither walks of life . Ostracized and sneered at by Mrs. Mason and her cronies , and tolerated by a man who had once known her grandfather rather well , but who had now passed out of the sphere .

The drive gates were opened when they reached and the car sped up the drive to halt at the main gate . She climbed the steps as Morris opened the door allowing the warm comfortable glow of lights to illuminate the forecourt . She was ushered inside, and Morris said : Good evening ,miss. Is it cold outside?'

Shanaya relaxed a little , taking off her coat ,' Yes, it is ,' she said quickly .' I think its going to snow . the roads are very icy.'

Morris smiled in a friendly way and then J.K. came out of a door to the left of the hall ." Ah, Shanaya .' he exclaimed ,' You've arrived ! Good ! come in here and get warm . Morris , we'll have some tea.'

Morris nodded and Shanaya followed J.K. into a room which was lined with books . Another man was sitting by a roaring fire, but he rose to his feet as she entered and Shanaya recognized him as the solicitor who had advised her of the circumstances of her grandfather's will. Mr. Grant .

" Hello ,Shanaya ,' he said smiling encouragingly .' You look very nice . How are you ?'

: Oh , I'm fine , thank you ,' she looked questioningly at J.K. " Am I intruding ?

J.K. closed the door .' Not at all. It's because of you Joe is here ; Mr. Grant, that is. We've been considering ways and means for you ,Shayana. I knew when we were talking together the other evening that we had a lot in common , or at least , a common sense of humour !' He chuckled .' At any rate , I liked you , Shanaya , and I needed time to think , to work things out . Well , I've come to a decision, and if you are agreeable , there is no possible reason it shouldn't work out .'

Shanaya was trembling a little, even in the heat of the roaring fire and she sank down weakly onto a low chair ,' What are you talking about J.K. ?' she asked .

" You - your future ,' replied J.K. Look, have you made any plans yet ?'

Shanaya ran her tongue over her lips .' Well, I rang the Matron at General Hospital yesterday and I have made an appointment to see her later ,this week . I hoped she'd be able to take me on, as a probationer.'

I see.' J.K. frowned .' Is that what you want to do ?'

Shanaya flushed .' Well, I've been interested in nursing .' she replied defensively .

" And if your grandfather would have been alive ? What you would have done ?'

" I expect I should have stayed on at school for another year and taken my " A" levels,' she answered ,sighing .

" Hmn. But now , honestly Shanaya , if you had a choice to do anything you wanted to do , what would it be ?'

Shanaya studied her fingers ," Oh, so many things .' she said , a little unsteadily,' I mean - I love English and reading , and I enjoy art immensely. I'd like to travel - and to paint!' she lifted her shoulders helplessly .' So many things!'

J.K. looked pleased and glanced rather triumphantly at Joe Grant.' As I thought ,' he said , nodding .' You're a sensible young woman . Well, Shanaya .' he paused with pleasurably anticipation.' If you're agreeable , you can come and live with me - here at Malthorpe , for a year , I say , for a year , because nowadays teenagers know their own minds at eighteen , and I don't want you to feel - how shall I put it ?- obliged to me , in any way . I'm doing this because I want to , just as much as your sake !'

" Oh, but ------- she began hastily.

" No , buts ,' J.K. compressed his lips firmly for a moment .' Just listen , Shanaya . Whatever you decide to do with your life can wait for a year . During that year you could do whatever you wanted to , be yourself , not some confined schoolgirl with a limited range of interests. You could travel . I go to the states quite frequently . Jarron was practically educated there , and sometimes I think he is more American than English ; Then I go to Europe , I could even give you sort of artistic grand tour , if you would like that .'

Shanaya turned to Mr. Grant,' Oh, please ,'she said I can't accept this . I know my grandfather put this clause in the will , but he must have been crazy to do so .J.K. isn't even the chairman now ,anyway . His son is . Surely he should have some say in this matter !'

Jarron will be consulted , of course ,' said J.K. irritably . He did not like to be thwarted , or argued with .

" How thoughtful of you ,J.K. !' the sardonic voice brought them all to their feet, facing Jarron Kyle , who had entered silently and was standing leaning against the door , looking cold and arrogant . He straightened , thrusting his hands into the pockets of his trousers and allowing his penetrating gaze to rest momentarily on each of them .'It's good of you to consider my feelings, J.K. Extraordinary good of you !' The sarcasm was very evident .' The point you all seem to be missing is that by accepting any part of this will , one automatically accepts all of it .' He allowed all this to have effect before continuing : " In other words , Miss Robins has a meal ticket for life , and there is nothing any of you can do about it ,'

" That's terrible ! Exclaimed Shanaya , staring at him.

" Yes, terrible ,' said J.K. angrily ." You're talking arrant nonsense , Jarron . At the most we are responsible for shanaya until she is eighteen . After that , even should she want to , which I for one don't believe , she couldn't make any claims against us!"

" Oh , no ? Jarron gave an exasperated sigh, Do you honestly imagine you could get away with -well , refusing to support someone who on your own admission had been supported by you for the last year ? My God .J. K. ! There are times when I think you have reached your dotage . What's happened to that cold business brain you always used to pride yourself on possessing ?'

" Obviously I've passed it on you to add to the one you already had !' exclaimed J.K. furiously, How dare you stand there abusing a visitor in your house !'

" Abusing !' Jarron gave a short laugh ." Abusing .' He shook his head ." I haven't abused anyone . I'm merely stating the facts as I see them . Unlike you , my vision is not clouded by emotions !'

Shanaya was shaking visibly now . She had never before been party to such suppressed violence as Jarron Kyle was displaying ." Please .' she said .' Please , don't say any more , any of you ! I - I don't want to hear it ! I'm sorry - I'm sorry !'

She brushed past Jarron and jerked open the library door , rushing out into the hall ,not knowing where she was going only wanting to escape . Morris was bringing the tray of tea and halted in surprise .

" Why , Miss Robins, where are you going ?'

" Will - will you get my coat ,please ?' asked Shanaya , glancing about desperately . I'm - I'm going home .'

" Don't bother , Morris ,' said J.K. voice behind her .' Shanaya .Shanaya , what can I say ? You must not allow my son to intimidate you . He- well , he has to be hard in business. It's the only way , and like me , he's used to getting what he wants , You must not let our little differences of opinion upset you .'

Little differences of opinion,' echoed shanaya wildly ." You can't call that argument a little difference of opinion ! He does not want me here ! He has made it perfectly plain , and for some reason he does not trust me either . I- I couldn't be happy - under those circumstances !'

Oh, Shayana !' J.K. sighed heavily .' I want you here , isn't that enough ?'

" But you are not my guardian ,' She cried , he is !'

" Yes, and as such he should be ashamed of himself .' muttered J.K. angrily .

Shanaya shook her head .' I want to go home - I mean - back to the Masons, anyway!'

" You see - you have no home !' J.K. caught her arm . " Shanaya , be sensible ! Jarron is not here a lot . He spends most of his time in London or abroad . We won't have to worry about him . I assure you .'

Shanaya continued to shake her head ," Please get my coat ,' she said tautly ." I want to leave !'

J.K. compressed his lips , and then summoned Moris . As she put on her coat , he said : Won't you change your mind , Shanaya ?'

She moved to the door . Thank you for everything Mr. Kyle - , J.K. then' as he began to protest ,' Is there someone who could take me home ?'

" Potter will take you , I wish you wouldn't do this , shanaya ,' said J.K. wearily.

Shanaya managed a faint smile , and then opened the front door and hurried down the steps to the waiting Rolls . She glanced back once at J.K. standing alone at the top of the steps , and she realized that he was lonely . Oh , well , she thought sadly . It's too late now . Much too late !

At the beginning of the following week , Shanaya had her interview with Matron . She was kind and sympathetic and told her she would know the result of interview in few days . In her free time , too many thoughts came to cloud her mind , and she was longing for a real job of work to banish all thoughts of J.K. , and Malthorpe Hall and most of all Jarron Kyle , from her brain .

One morning , the headmaster of the school came to see her while she was in the school library .

He said ,' you have a visitor ,' he smiled encouragingly , he's waiting in my office .'

" A visitor ?'exclaimed Shayana .' But - but who , sir ?'

A Mr. Kyle .' said the headmaster thoughtfully . " Kyle . the name is familiar . Of course . Kyle Textiles . Do you know him ?

Shanaya felt the colour drain out of her cheeks ," Is he -is he young -or old ?'

" He is young ."