Читаем A Dangerous Fortune (1994) полностью

Edward frowned. "I don't wish to see you," he said, and turned toward the door.

Micky stood in his way. "At least tell me why. We've been friends too long."

"I've found out the truth about Peter Middleton."

Micky nodded. "Will you give me a chance to explain?"

"What is there to explain?"

"How I came to make such an awful mistake, and why I never had the courage to admit it."

Edward looked mulish.

Micky said: "Sit down, just for a minute, by Henrietta, and let me speak."

Edward hesitated.

Micky said: "Please?"

Edward sat on the sofa.

Micky went to the sideboard and poured him a brandy. Edward took it with a nod. Henrietta moved close to him on the sofa and took his arm. Edward sipped his drink, looked around, and said: "I hate these paintings."

"Me too," said Henrietta. "They give me the shivers."

"Shut up, Henrietta," said Micky.

"Sorry I spoke, I'm sure," she said indignantly.

Micky sat on the opposite sofa and addressed Edward. "I was wrong, and I betrayed you," he began. "But I was sixteen years old, and we've been best friends for most of our lives. Are you really going to throw that away for a schoolboy peccadillo?"

"But you could have told me the truth at any time in the last twenty-five years!" Edward said indignantly.

Micky made his face sad. "I could have, and I should have, but once a lie like that is told, it's hard to take it back. It would have ruined our friendship."

"Not necessarily," Edward said.

"Well, it has now ... hasn't it?"

"Yes," Edward said, but there was a tremor of uncertainty in his voice.

Micky realized the time had come to go all out.

He stood up and slipped off his robe.

He knew he looked good: his body was still lean, and his skin was smooth except for the curly hair at his chest and groin.

Henrietta immediately got up from the sofa and knelt in front of him. Micky watched Edward. Desire flickered in his eyes, but then he glowered obstinately and looked away.

In desperation Micky played his last card.

"Leave us, Henrietta," he said.

She looked startled, but she got up and went out.

Edward stared at Micky. "Why did you do that?" he said.

"What do we need her for?" Micky replied. He stepped closer to the sofa, so that his groin was just inches from Edward's face. He put out a tentative hand, touched Edward's head, and gently stroked his hair. Edward did not move.

Micky said: "We're better off without her ... aren't we?"

Edward swallowed hard and said nothing.

"Aren't we?" Micky persisted.

At last Edward replied. "Yes," he whispered. "Yes."