All attributes that as far as I’m concerned are essential.’
When she said nothing, merely looked at him steadily, he went on to ask, ‘What, in your opinion, is a PA there for?’
‘I’ve always thought that a good PA should keep things ticking over smoothly and do whatever it takes to keep her boss happy.’
‘Even if it includes running his errands and making his coffee?’
‘Yes,’ she answered without hesitation.
Thinking that after some of the women he had known she was like a breath of fresh air, he asked, ‘You wouldn’t regard that as infra dig?’
‘No.’ Seriously, she added, ‘I’ve always thought of a PA as a well-paid dogsbody.’
Managing to hide a smile, he said, ‘Good. Though the majority of the work would involve taking shorthand then transferring it onto a word-processor, it’s that part that slows me down, I’m looking for a PA who isn’t going to quibble about exact duties.
‘I also need someone who, as well as being efficient, is discreet and trustworthy.’
‘Mr Levens explained that.’
‘And you think you fit the bill?’
‘Yes, I believe I do.’
‘Though the monthly salary will stay the same, between books there may be longish periods when I won’t need a PA at all.
‘But I must warn you that when I am writing, I often work seven days a week, and should I decide to work in the evenings, I’ll expect my PA to be available. Would you be happy with that kind of “all or nothing” arrangement?’
She answered, ‘Yes,’ without hesitation.
Michael was well satisfied with that firm ‘yes’. If he did decide to give her the job, and it was still a big if, it sounded as if she might well take it.
CHAPTER TWO
JUST for a moment the thought stopped Michael in his tracks. Was he seriously considering letting a woman into his life again, even on a purely business basis?
He wished he could come up with a resounding no way! But somehow this woman was different. And he was strangely reluctant to let her walk away from him for a second time.
Glancing up, and finding Jenny was looking at him expectantly, he rounded up his straying thoughts and resumed his questioning. ‘While you’ve been working for Global Enterprises, how many times have you been off sick?’
‘None at all. Luckily, I’m very healthy.’
‘Then we come to the question of salary, and holidays. The commencing salary would be…’
He named a sum so in excess of what she might have hoped for that she blinked.
‘But I expect holidays to be fitted in during the slack periods. Any taken during the busy spells would need to be agreed on well in advance. Does that seem reasonable to you?’
‘Perfectly reasonable,’ she answered steadily.
Running lean fingers over his smooth jaw, he regarded her in a contemplative silence for a moment or two.
She was a very beautiful woman, and, even taking into account a broken engagement, it was hard to believe that there was no current man in her life.
Deciding that that was one thing he ought to establish, he began carefully, ‘Do you live alone?’
‘I have a flatmate.’
‘As distinct from a live-in lover?’
A little stiffly, she objected, ‘I’m afraid I don’t see why my private life is relevant.’
His face cold, he said, ‘It’s relevant on more than one count. Apart from the long hours which this kind of work sometimes involves, when I begin a new book I prefer to leave London and work in comparative isolation, where I can be quite free from any unwanted social distractions.’
‘Oh…’
Deciding to spell it out, he added, ‘Which means I need a PA who is free from any personal commitments or obligations.’
‘I see,’ she said slowly.
‘Is that a problem for you?’
She shook her head. ‘No, not really.’
No nearer to finding out what he wanted to know, he applied a little more pressure.
‘Then you have no ties? For example, no fiancé, who would almost certainly object?’
‘No.’
Well, that seemed decided enough. Though he knew to his cost that, if it suited them, some women could lie with composure.
‘And you don’t dislike the thought of having to leave London?’
‘No, not at all.’
She sounded as if she meant it.
He was oddly pleased.
Claire had hated the thought of leaving the bright lights of London and burying herself in what she referred to as ‘the back of beyond’, and after the first time she had refused point blank to go to Slinterwood again.
To please her, he had tried staying in town to finish writing Mandrake, but after several unproductive weeks he had given it up as hopeless.
With that important deadline fast approaching, she had suggested that he should go to Slinterwood while she remained in London.
Now, in retrospect, he could see that that had been the beginning of the end as far as their marriage was concerned…
Jenny was sitting quite still, but, sensing that she was once again growing uncomfortable with the lengthening silence, he went on, ‘In that case I’m prepared to offer you a month’s trial period.’
He hadn’t consciously made up his mind, and his abrupt offer of a job had surprised even himself.
Jenny, also taken aback by the suddenness of the offer, hesitated, wishing she had more time to think.
Picking up the vibes, and sensing his earlier indecision, not to mention a certain amount of antagonism, she had expected further searching questions, and then a cool promise to ‘let her know’.
She wanted the job, so she really ought to be over the moon, but she had found his attitude, and the intentness of his gaze, more than a little daunting.
But that wasn’t insurmountable, she told herself stoutly. The important thing was that she had been offered the chance to work for a writer she admired enormously, and even if her job was only to transcribe his words she wanted to be part of the creative process…
Now, watching her hesitate, and suddenly concerned that she was about to refuse after all, he asked brusquely, ‘So what do you say?’
Telling herself that if it did prove to be a mistake, it was only for a month, she said, ‘Thank you. I—I accept.’
He nodded. ‘Good. Now the only thing is, how soon can you start?’
‘Whenever you like.’
‘Then let’s say immediately.’
‘You mean Monday?’
Deciding to strike while the iron was hot, he told her, ‘I mean now.’
Sounding a little startled, she echoed, ‘Now?’
‘As I told you, when I begin a new book I prefer to leave London and work in comparative isolation. I was planning to go today. Seeing that you’re free to start at once, it would be more convenient if you travelled with me.’
‘Very well.’
‘If my chauffeur takes