When the Devil Drives

'Is there anything else I can get you, madam?'Joanna's lips tightened at the sly avidity in the girl's voice. She saidshortly, 'No, thank you,' then stopped as her eyes took in the dumpyfigure and over-frizzed hair with dismayed recognition. She said, 'It'sStella, isn't it?'•That's right, Miss Chalfont—Mrs Bentham, I should say. Fancy youremembering me after all this time!'Once seen, never forgotten, Joanna thought without pleasure. StellaDyson had worked briefly as a domestic at Chalfont House beforeJoanna had married Martin Bentham.She had become convinced the girl was an obsessive snoop,searching regularly through drawers, desks and cupboards in thehouse. She had always been finding her things slightly disarranged,especially in her bedroom, but couldn't prove a thing. Nothing hadever been missing, but the girl's behaviour was disturbing, and it wasa relief when she'd given notice instead of having to be asked to leave.She was also an inveterate gossip, Joanna thought wretchedly. Andnow the whole of Northwaite would know that Joanna Bentham hadnot only dined but had breakfasted with Cal Blackstone, wearing hisdressing-gown too.She said, 'I didn't know you worked at the country club, Stella.''I've been here over two months, madam. The hours are a bit long, butthe wages are really good.' She giggled. 'I'm always short of money,though.' She sent Joanna a meaning look. 'A little more always comesin handy.'Oh, no, you little witch, Joanna said silently. I'm already beingblackmailed by an expert. You stand no chance at all.