Hold the Dream. Barbara Taylor Bradford

a man like Shane O’Neill must be positively awful. Even heartbreaking, perhaps. She and I have never been all that close, but … well, I always thought she was true blue – until today. Now I’m not sure any more.’

      ‘She might have been using Jonathan as a shield, and that’s all. It was pretty obvious she was trying to disappear into the woodwork, because of Shane’s presence, I’ve no doubt.’

      ‘Maybe you’re right.’ Changing the subject, Emily remarked, ‘Jim’s very taken with Edwina and with Anthony, by the look of it. He’s been glued to our young earl for the last hour or so. Maybe titles impress him. Anyway, what do you think about Anthony and Sally getting together?’

      ‘Anthony’s decent enough, but my father’s not so happy about Sally’s involvement with him, mostly because of Edwina. If Sally does marry him, we’re going to have that old battleaxe slap bang in our midst. Not a very pleasing prospect. She hates the Hartes for some reason.’

      ‘It’s because Grandma is a Harte!’ Emily exclaimed. ‘Edwina has always looked down her nose at her mother. What a stupid woman she is, I really can’t bear her.’ Emily looked away, pondering. After a short silence, she said in a casual tone, ‘You don’t like Jim Fairley, do you?’

      Winston shook his head vehemently. ‘No, no, you’re wrong there. I do like him, and I certainly have a high regard for his professional abilities. It’s just that – ’ Winston shrugged, made a face, ‘ – well, I know Paula better than most people. Despite that quiet façade, she’s very strong, as you know. She’s also ambitious, driven, a work horse, and a brilliant businesswoman to boot. She’s quite extraordinary for her age, and the older she gets the more like Emma she’ll become, you mark my words. Actually she’s been brought up and groomed to be exactly that – the next Emma Harte. By Emma Harte herself. So, because of this, and the differences in their personalities, I can’t help thinking she and Jim are ill suited. But then I’m prejudiced I suppose … in Shane’s favour. He’s my best friend, and one hell of a man. But then – ’