Chapter 32: An emotional scene with Alfie
An alarmed Bridget scuttled off like a rabbit. Alfie came into the room with his usual bold assurance and shut the door firmly behind him. He leaned on it, folded his arms as if to defy any interruption, and looked at Ellie, a smile playing around his lips and in his eyes. He looked very charming and handsome at that moment. She looked back at him, also smiling but inside herself, and despite her apparent composure, she was trembling. She had to lay down the pen she was holding. She waved him to a seat.
'Alfie, do sit down and stop trying to frighten me into submission. I know your wiles.'
He glanced quickly out of the window but there was no one in the garden. He came over to her and taking her hand, covered it with fierce kisses.
'Stop it, Alfie! Don't be such a fool!'
'Are you going to play the modest married lady, Ellie?' he asked mockingly. 'You know that's nonsense. You should be my wife. You are my wife. I took you when a virgin.'