'Of course, Mrs. Osborne, I understand. I am only sorTy that my news is so distressing. In my job sometimes...'
Anne fought for a measure of self - control. 'Thank you, Mr. Ricardo. I appreciate all you have done. How much do I owe you?'
'Well, you have already paid for the two weeks in advance, and my expenses came to seventy - three dollars!
Anne passed him a hundred - dollar note and rose from her chair.
'Don't forget your change, Mrs. Osborne.'
She shook her head and waved a disinterested hand.
'Are you feeling all right, Mrs. Osborne? You look a little pale to me.
Can I get you a glass of water or something?'
'I'm fine,' lied Anne.
'Perhaps you would allow me to drive you home?'
'No, thank you, Mr., Ricardo, I'll be able to get myself horne.' She turned and smiled at him. 'It was kind of you to offer.9 Glen Ricardo closed the door quietly behind his client, walked slowly to the window, bit the end off his last big cigax~ spat it out and cursed his job.
Anne paused at the top of the stairs, clinging to the banister, almost fainting. The baby kicked inside her, making her feel nauseous. She found a cab on the cbmer of the block and, huddled in the back, was unable to stop herself sobbing or to think what to do nexti As soon as she was dropped at the Red House, she went to her bedroom before any of the staff could see her crying. The telephone was ringing as she entered the room, and she picked it up, more from habit than from any curiosity to know who it might be.
'Could I speak to Mrs. Kane, please?'
She recognised Alan's clipped tone at once. Another tired, unhappy voice.
'Hello, Alan. 71 - iis is Anne!
'Anne, my dear~ I was so sorry to learn about this morning's news!
'How do you know about it, Alan, how can you possibly know? Who told you?'
'City Hall phoned me and gave me the details soon after ten this morning.
I tried to call you then, but your maid said that you had already left to do some shopping!
~Oh, my God,' said Anne. 'I had quite forgotten about the contract! She sat down heavily, unable to breathe freely.
'Are you all right, Anne?'
'Yes, I'm just fine,' she said, trying unsuccessfully to hide the sobbing in her voice. 'What did City Hall have to say?'
'ne hospital contract was awarded to a fir - in called Kirkbride and Carter. Apparently Henry wasn't even placed in the top three. I've been trying to reach him all morning, but it seems he left his office soon after ten and he hasn't been back since. I don't supposeyou know where he is, Anne?'
'No, I haven't any idea.'
9)o you want me to come around, my dear?' he said. "I could be with you in a few minutes.'
'No, thank you, Alan.' Anne paused to draw a shaky breath. 'Please forgive me for the way I have been treating you these past few days. If Richard were still alive, he would never have forgiven me.'
'Don't be silly, Anne, our friendship has lasted for far too many years for a silly little incident like that to be of any significance!
The kindness of his voice triggered off a fresh burst of weeping. Anne staggered to her feet 'I must go, Man. I can hear someone at the front door; it might be Henry!
'Take care, Anne, and don't worry about today. As long as I'm chairman, the bank will always support you. Don't hesitate to call if you need me.'
Anne put the telephone down, the noise thudding in her ears. The effort of breathing was stupendous. She sank to the floor and as she did so, the long - forgotten sensation of a vigorous contraction overwhelmed her.
A few moments later the maid knocked quietly on the door. She looked in; William was at her shoulder. He had not entered his mother's bedroom since her marriage to Henry Osborne. The two rushed to Anne's side. She was shaking convulsively, unaware of their presence. Little flecks of foarn spattered her upper lip. In a few seconds the attack passed, and she lay moaning quietly.
'Mother,' said William urgently. 'What's the matterT Anne opened her eyes and stared wildly at her son. 'Richard. Thank God you've come. I need you.'
,ies William, Mother!
Her gaze faltered. 'I have no more strength left, Richard. I must pay f or my mistakes. Forgive. . .'
Her voice trailed off to a groan as another powerful contraction started.
'What's happening?' said William helplessly.
'I think it must be the baby coming,' the maid said, ' although it isn't due for several weeks!
'Get Dr. MacKenzie on the phone immediately,' William said to the maid as he ran to the bedroom door. 'Matthew,' he shouted, 'come up quickly.'