Elena did not hear her alarm go off the following morning , and it was the persistent ringing of the telephone in the lounge which finally managed to rouse her at seven o’ clock. She leapt out of bed, snatching her cotton robe and putting it on as she staggered barefoot from the bedroom into the lounge. Are you all right, Elena?’ Theo’s voice demanded when she had snatched the receiver, and his anxiety was understandable when memories of the previous night came flooding back into her mind.Yes, I’m fine, she assured hi,, subsiding weakly into the nearest chair and staring at the pink hue on her left hand which was still tender to the touch.‘Am I going to see you again?’His uncertainty was touching, and it was perhaps unwise of her, but she saw in Theo the sanctuary she needed so desperately In this emotional storm which had erupted over her head.I’ll see you whenever you wish Theo,’ she replied as she pushed her tousled hair out of her faces and she could hear him sighing in relie

Elena was not looking forward to the evening ahead of her, and her dread of having to go out to Dinner with Damien had afforded her a sleepless night. She had prayed that something might occur to cancel the arrangement, but Damien had arrived at her cottage at five o’ clock sharp on the Saturday afternoon, and he had been as adamant as the day before that’s he should accompany him…or else! She was not entirely convinced that he would carry out his threat , but she dared not take the chance. If Stephan had to be told the truth, then she would prefer that he heard it from her and no one else.She clasped her hands nervously in her lap, and her tension increased when Damien’s silver Jaguar picked up speed on the open gravel road which led north to Rose Gardens. The soil was rich, and the climate was perfect for citrus and vegetable farming, but Rose gardens had been a cattle- ranch known far and wide for its quality beef. Was Stephan planning to change all that? Her anxiety escalated at