Love in Another Town by Barbara Taylor Bradford Page B

Mag?’
    â€˜Yes. Very much.’
    â€˜You’re very brave, Maggie.’
    â€˜Oh, Sam, I’m very lucky …’
    Samantha Matthews was glad she had insisted that they stay at Brown’s Hotel. It was handy to Piccadilly, Bond Street and just about everywhere else, being in the centre of the West End. It was easy to walk to all the shops, and cabs were readily available.
    Now as she hurried down Albemarle Street, making her way back to the hotel, she could not help wondering what Maggie had been doing this afternoon. Her friend had insisted on going off alone, and had behaved in the most secretive way. But she would soon know; Maggie would eventually tell her.
    It was hot and muggy this afternoon and a storm threatened. Samantha decided to ask the head porter to order a car and driver for the evening ahead. They were going to the theatre and then on to dinner at The Ivy and the last thing they needed was to be caught in the rain.
    When she entered the lobby Samantha made straight for the porter’s desk. After ordering a car, she took the lift up to the suite she and Maggie were sharing. It was her treat, her birthday present to Maggie. ‘But you’ve already given me that gorgeous bag!’Maggie had protested when she had made the announcement in Scotland. Samantha had merely smiled at the time and refused to listen. 
    Maggie was still out.
    Samantha dropped her bag and packages on the sofa in the sitting room and went through into the bedroom. Taking off her dress and stepping out of her high-heeled shoes, she put on a silk robe and lay down on her bed. She was tired from rushing around all day and wanted to relax before dressing for the evening.
    After a moment her thoughts settled on Maggie. She loved her like the sister she had never had, and there was no one she felt closer to, or cared more about. Not unnaturally, given the circumstances, she was worried about Maggie. It was she who had introduced Maggie to Jake Cantrell, and she felt responsible for the current situation. On the other hand, Maggie was a forty-four-year-old woman who was highly intelligent and extremely smart. If she didn’t know what she was doing, then Samantha didn’t know who did.
    Samantha sighed under her breath. There were no doubts in her mind about Maggie’s capabilities, and in many ways she admired the attitude she was taking about the baby. But what about Jake? Would he come through for Maggie? And what if he didn’t? Could Maggie really manage to bring the baby up on her own? That took guts, which Maggie had, of course. She’ll be all right, no matter what, Samantha decided. And I’m there to help her. Samantha smiled to herself. Their motto had always been: through thick and thick and thin and thin.
    The telephone on the nightstand between the twobeds began to ring. Reaching for it, Samantha said, ‘Hello?’ 
    â€˜Is that you, Samantha?’
    â€˜Yes, it is. Who’s this?’ she asked, failing to recognize the somewhat gruff male voice at the other end of the line.
    â€˜It’s Mike Sorrell, Sam.’
    Samantha was so surprised she almost dropped the receiver. ‘Oh!’ she exclaimed and then added in an icy tone, ‘What can I do for you, Mike?’
    â€˜I’m looking for Maggie.’
    â€˜She’s not here.’
    â€˜When do you expect her, Sam?’ 
    â€˜I don’t know,’ Samantha replied, as cold as ever, ignoring his attempt at friendliness. 
    â€˜Have her call me, please.’ 
    â€˜Where?’
    â€˜I’m staying at the Connaught.’
    â€˜You’re in London!’
    â€˜I’m here on business.’
    â€˜How did you know where we’re staying?’
    â€˜I tracked you down, via your assistant in Connecticut. When all I could get was Maggie’s answerphone, I phoned your studio.’
    â€˜I see. I’ll give her the message.’
    â€˜Thanks,’ he