White Knight Black Knight

By Catherine Carson

Kali Pearce is employed by Hunter Graphics as an encryption coder for the games the company produce but following an unfortunate misunderstanding finds she has become a domestic help for the promotional weekend held at the home of Florence Weston, the grandmother of Dominic Hunter…the CEO of the company.
During her time with the company Kali has come to think of Dominic as the White Knight and his PA, Mark Reynolds the Black Knight, because of their contrasting appearance. Dominic has dirty blonde hair and blue eyes and Mark is raven black with eyes to match.
Over the course of the weekend Kali finds she is drawn to both men and enters a liaison with Mark in order to make the aloof, unfeeling Dominic open his closed heart.
In their efforts to help Dominic things become complicated between Kali and Mark and she decides on a new course for her life.
Starting a new career which opens new horizons for her Kali meets a new friend, Bernie Ridge, before being once again thrown into contact with the Knights.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Aug 7, 2016
• ISBN: 9781326757601

Book preview

White Knight Black Knight

White Knight Black Knight

By Catherine Carson

Content Copyright © Catherine Carson 2014

ISBN 978-1-326-07968-0 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-326-75760-1 eBook

Profile of the author

Born in Scotland I now live with my husband in the North West of England.  We have three children who, between them have given us six wonderful grandchildren.

I studied commercial subjects at school and college and spent most of my working life in the offices of various companies, starting as a junior in a local garage typing invoices for car repairs.   I left Scotland and crossed the border to England to marry the man I met whilst on a holiday with my extended family and eventually became a secretary with a beer bottling company leaving six years later when the first of our three children came on the scene. 

Returning to the workforce when our children were young adults I finally untied the apron strings to join the offices of a large wholesale book supplier and embraced the advancement in technology since I had first learned to type on a manual typewriter and take notes in shorthand.

During the years I became something of a letter writer as friends and family lived in many parts of the country and indeed the world.  Often friends and family would tell me…..‘You could write a book’ to which I always replied…..‘But would anyone read it’. 

When my granddaughter asked if I would write a book especially for her I confided in my good friend Lisa Schmidt and she told me to go for it.  That book became the first of many stories which had been lurking in my imagination for a good number of years.

Once started I found the stories simply kept coming and often an overheard conversation or a glimpse from the passenger seat of the car would trigger a likely scenario which my imagination would then elaborate and weave into a story.

My hope is that my writing brings a little pleasure into the life of my readers and allows them to leave the mundane world behind for a few hours as they meet the characters I adore creating.

www.facebook.com/catherinecarsonbooks.uk

www.catherinerenacarson.jimdo.com

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Dedication

This book is dedicated to two very wonderful people who always support me in my writing, Julie for her ideas for front covers and Lisa for boosting my moral when needed.

The characters in this book are completely fictional, a product of the author’s imagination and bear no resemblance to any living person.

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Other Books by this Author

The Mouse in the Library

Family Ties

Overall Construction          

Wounded Wolf

Coffee and Cakes

Memories Rekindled

Wholesale Love

Hope’s Conflict

Estates of the Heart

Sibling Rivalry

Fighting for Custody

White Knight Black Knight

Through the Garden Gate…

Love Lost and Found

Alphabet Bachelors

A Dreamer’s Tale

A Precious Jewel

Footbridge of Solace

Girl Meets Boy

Demolition of the Heart

When Life Gives You Lemons

Return to the Past

Pretence & Reality

Opening a Can of Worms

Fields of Contention

A Heart Encased In Steel

~~~~~~

Tapestry of Love-Bk 1

Twins Exchanged-Bk 2

Highland Feud Bk-3

~~~~~~~

Soil, Seed & Betrayal-Bk 1

Desert Prince, Exiled Princess-Bk 2

Body Language-Bk 3

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An Open Book-Bk 1

Afraid to Love-Bk 2

A Second Chance-Bk 1

Taming the Playboy-Bk 2

~~~~~~

Estranged Husband & Father-Bk 1

Identical Mistake-Bk 2

~~~~~~

Sigh of the Claymore-Bk 1

Beyond Claymore-Bk 2

~~~~~~

Sneaking Into His Heart-Bk 1

Scent of the Heather-Bk 2

Chapter 1

Waiting in the rain on the doorstep where the CEO Dominic Hunter of Hunter Graphics had dropped her off telling her he would return when he had parked his car in the garage at the rear of the house, Kali did as she was told, still excited about being chosen to accompany the charismatic head of the company she was employed by.

‘Who the devil are you?’  A sharp voice made her jump as her thoughts were still trying to fathom out the position she now found herself in.

‘My name is Kali Pearce and I am here to assist Mr Hunter.’  The elderly woman studied her from top to toe before stepping to the side indicating she should enter the hallway.

‘Well whatever you are going to assist him with you certainly make a change from the usual Aunt Sally’s he brings with him.  Come in girl before the rain soaks through that coat you are wearing.’

‘Thank you.’  Kali was glad to step inside as the rain had already seeped through the shoulders of her thin cotton summer weight coat and she was beginning to think the Boss had forgotten he had left her on the doorstep.

Seeing her reflection in the mirror hanging over the half-moon table she almost cried.  Her hair was clinging to her head in rats’ tails making her visit to the hairdresser the previous evening a total waste of money.

‘Ah there you are.’  A male voice greeted them from the rear of the hallway.  ‘Good afternoon Grandmother this young woman will require a room for the weekend.  Mark will be arriving shortly and will require his usual room and Lena will be joining me tomorrow.  Miss…. sorry, I’m afraid I didn’t catch your name, has come to give Prosser a helping hand with the extra cooking and cleaning which my guests will incur during their stay.’  Bending to kiss the older woman’s cheek Dominic Hunter lifted his expensive leather valise leaving Kali’s battered case looking forlorn and abandoned on the doormat.

‘Come along dear and let’s sort you out with a nice hot drink before you end up with pneumonia.  I wonder sometimes how my grandson came by his abrupt manner.’ Florence Weston had seen the horrified look come into the girl’s eyes when Mark had mentioned cooking and cleaning and had an idea it was not what she had been expecting to be doing this weekend.

The kitchen was warm and the tall woman with a nose which resembled the beak of a hawk pulled out a chair from the large kitchen table and told Kali to take her coat off and sit down.  Her soft voice was so unlike her appearance Kali felt a little guilty at thinking the woman resembled a bird of prey.

‘Kali this is Prosser and she is my companion, housekeeper, cook and general factotum.  Prosser this young woman is Kali Pearce and she has been seconded to help you this weekend although I don’t think she thought she was coming here to cook and clean – did you my dear?’  The smile Florence sent her way was full of understanding and was almost Kali’s undoing and she could only shake her head in response.

‘Don’t fret my dear.  I am Florence Weston and by now you will have gathered the boorish young man who brought you here is my grandson.  Now when you have drunk your tea and warmed up a little we shall sort out your room and you can have a nice hot bath. When you are ready we can talk about your duties for the weekend.’

Placing her bag on the small armchair by the window Kali undid the zipper and took out the cocktail dress she had brought with her and hung it in the wardrobe with a wry smile on her face.  ‘Well that won’t be needed for cooking and cleaning’ she said ruefully as she placed the other items of clothing on hangers, thankful t she had brought her jeans and a couple of T-shirts as well as a smart business suit and white blouse.

Lying in the hot bath she reflected on the conversation she had with the head of Human Resources. 

‘Miss Pearce I understand whilst you were studying at university you worked for an Agency who specialised in domestic staff.’  Charles Manning had her details on screen in front of him and Kali wondered why he was asking her about her part-time job helping out with the paperwork for the Domestic Agency.

‘Yes Mr Manning I did but I am not quite sure why it should be of interest regarding my job here with Hunter Graphics.’

‘It is perfect Miss Pearce; Mr Hunter is looking for someone who can assist with his arrangements for the house party he is giving at Weston House in Portland.  You will be required to pack a weekend bag and be ready to leave with Mr Hunter by lunch time on Friday afternoon.’

‘Now I know why my stint with the agency was so important, the foolish man thinks I worked as a domestic.’

Chapter 2

Dominic got the distinct impression the young woman who had been his passenger was somewhat taken aback when he told his Grandmother she was to help Prosser for the weekend. 

He had contacted Human Resources and asked Charles Manning to look through the staff records to find someone with the necessary experience to help his Grandmother’s housekeeper and he presumed this girl was part of the catering staff who ran the company restaurant and catered for the corporate evenings held to inform customers of the new products his company would be launching on the market.

During the drive from the city she seemed nervous and he thought perhaps she was concerned she would be expected to cook for the whole party rather than assist Prosser.  Perhaps he should have tried to reassure her but he had spent practically the whole journey on his phone speaking through the Bluetooth connection.

The weekend was to launch the new game his programmers had created and he needed to make sure the right people would be there and he could speak to them without the distraction of phones ringing or people demanding his time.

Telling the girl to wait until he parked the car he had been distracted by the sight of his grandmother’s small car sitting in the garage when he knew she had talked of selling it.  So entering the house by the rear door he was surprised to find the girl in the hallway obviously having stood in the pouring rain waiting on the doorstep. 

His Grandmother, having seen her figure through the ripple glass in the side panel of the doorway brought her in.  He was now telling his friend and PA, Mark Reynolds, who had arrived an hour ago, about the incident.

‘Hell she looked like a drowned rat and Flo must have thought I was some kind of control freak leaving her there waiting for me. For goodness sake make sure she is capable of the work she is here to do.’

Mark wasn’t sure which of the restaurant staff had been chosen to come down to Weston House and he sincerely hoped it wasn’t the dizzy chit of a girl who did not seem to be able to serve a dish of soup without her thumb resting inside the bowl.

‘I’ll check the kitchen out and make sure the girl knows what she is supposed to be doing.  The Bambers and Stantons will be here by lunch time tomorrow and Prosser has arranged to prepare a buffet for them.  Everyone else will arrive later in the afternoon and I presume Lena will be here before lunch.’  Mark hoped that Lena Dalrymple would not upset Florence Weston again.

Dominic had been jumping to Lena’s tune for over six months and Mark hoped his boss was not seriously thinking of marrying the woman.  She was a sharp tongued shrew who was sweetness and light in front of Florence but Mark knew it was all for Dominic’s benefit. She made no bones about the fact she thought the elderly woman should retire to the coast and let her grandson take possession of Weston House.

‘Make sure the rooms are ready for everyone.  I think Flo has put the girl in the green room so perhaps you can have a quiet word and make sure she moves her things to the old servant’s quarters on the upper floor.  I shall speak to my grandmother and explain the girl is here to work and is not a guest.’  Somehow the sight of the young woman standing in the hallway her hair plastered to her head and face came into his mind and he felt a little guilty she would be occupying one of the small attic rooms which had none of the modern plumbing which had been installed in the family and guest rooms.

‘Perhaps the girl will be more comfortable in the empty chauffeur’s apartment above the garage; at least there is modern plumbing up there.  Yes, have her move her things there.’  Feeling he had eased his conscience somewhat Dominic dismissed Mark letting him go to the kitchen to have a word with the girl about her duties and her new accommodation.

Chapter 3

Prosser was busy going over the menu for the main meals over the weekend and Kali was listening to the soft voice of this woman as she explained why she had chosen certain items. 

When the kitchen door opened Kali looked up from the table and saw Mark Reynolds standing in the gap with an incredulous expression on his face.  ‘What the hell are you doing here?’

‘Well now young man that is not the way to greet anyone.  Kali is here to help me with the cooking and cleaning this weekend.’  Florence saw the complete shock on Mark’s face and was now convinced some dreadful mistake had been made.

‘Sit down Mr Reynolds and I shall attempt to explain my presence in the beautiful home of Mrs Weston and her companion.’  Kali felt like laughing seeing the look of utter astonishment on the PA’s face.

‘Apparently Charles Manning had discovered a reference to a Domestic Agency when he went through my records.  He presumed I had worked as a domestic, whereas I actually helped out in the office with the installation of their computer system.  So here I am helping Prosser cook and clean for a house full of guests instead of helping our illustrious CEO present his new computer game to prospective investors.’

‘I don’t know what to say, except sorry for the mix up but it really would help the boss if you could see your way to help Prosser and Mrs Weston.  Hell, to make matters worse I have to tell you to pack up your clothes and move to the apartment above the garage.  It’s either that or use the old servant’s quarters which do not have any plumbing.’  Mark could not believe Charles Manning could make such a stupid mistake.

‘My dear girl what on earth can I say.  Honestly Mark there are times when I wonder what world Dominic lives in.  He constantly chooses to consort with Aunt Sally’s and now it appears he has brought Kali here without knowing she has been totally taken from her comfort zone.’  Florence was angry and wanted to confront her grandson.

‘Look I know this is not exactly what I am used to but I don’t mind giving it a go as long as you don’t actually expect me to cook a full meal.  I can probably manage breakfast and I can certainly prepare the vegetables if it will help.  The bed making and such like shouldn’t be too taxing even for a computer nerd.’

‘Thanks for being a sport and I promise I will make sure Charles Manning does not make the same mistake ever again.’  Mark left the kitchen to confirm everything had been taken care of but took the conscious decision not to tell Dominic the girl helping his aunt and her companion was, in fact, an important member of his computer staff.

Chapter 4

Placing the platters on the table in the Dining Room and making sure the cutlery and napkins were by the stack of plates, Kali was standing back looking at the table admiring the way Prosser had presented the food on the various platters.

‘I trust you will not be wearing that outfit.’ The voice of censure made Kali look down and her cheeks flushed as she realised she was wearing the T-shirt she had bought as a joke.  The caption ‘Not to be removed without permission’ was printed across the front of the garment.

‘Really? I thought one or two of your guests might be amused, but perhaps you’re right – my white blouse and black skirt would probably be more appropriate.’  Kali smiled coquettishly at the narrowed eyed, tight lipped expression of her boss and practically skipped from the room.

‘Honestly that grandson of yours needs to lighten up Florence.  The room looks great Prosser and I am just going to go to my room to change.’  Kali made her statement as she came through the kitchen door and carried on walking out into the courtyard.

‘She is a complete breath of fresh air that young woman and is quite right Dominic is beginning to take himself too seriously.’  Florence was sitting at the table enjoying her coffee and watched as Kali skipped across the flagged courtyard and ran up the stairs to the apartment above the garage.

‘A good little worker too, she made short work of getting those rooms ready for Dominic’s guests and all with a smile on her face.  Not like the fashion plate Lena Dalrymple who arrived and immediately moaned she needed time to freshen up before Dominic’s clients arrived.’  Prosser had been working in the Dining Room when Lena arrived and she heard the sharp tone in her voice when it was obvious Dominic was trying to welcome her.

The Bambers and Stantons were partners in a retail gaming company and Dominic knew if they took up the option on his new game it would be distributed throughout the country via their outlets.

He wanted everything to run smoothly and when he had seen the jean clad figure walking round the table he was more than a little annoyed when she turned and he saw the logo on her T-shirt. 

Her quick retort had thrown him for six as he was not used to anyone answering him back but had to admit her quick wit amused him and when she left the room he had relaxed a little.  When he heard Lena arrive he went to welcome her and thought to wrap his arms around her.

Obviously she was tired after driving from the city and he should have realised she would need time to prepare herself to be his hostess, but he could not help wondering if the girl who had smiled at him would be more responsive to her lover.  Immediately he shook his head not wishing to think of the girl responding to anyone least of all a lover.

‘Dominic, the Bambers and Stantons have arrived and I have shown them to their rooms.  Kali is in the dining room waiting to help with the buffet.’  Mark had spoken to Kali and thanked her for getting the rooms ready but she simply smiled and waved his thanks aside.

‘Kali?’ Dominic queried. 

‘Kali Pearce, the girl you brought down with you yesterday.  Honestly Dominic there are times when Florence is right you do not seem to be part of this world.’

‘Florence should keep her opinions to herself.’  The sharp tones of Lena brought both men round to see Dominic’s very elegant lover standing in the doorway of his study.

‘Excuse me Mark I shall go and check everything is in order.’  Nodding his head to Lena, Mark left the study and closed the door wishing Mark would wake up to the sharp tongued shrew.

‘Back again Mr Reynolds, really there is no need to keep checking up on me I am capable of helping people put food on plates without getting in their way.’  Kali had a feeling Mark Reynolds was escaping someone rather than checking-up on her.

‘Please drop the Mister my name is Mark and I am well aware you are capable of coping with this damned buffet, but I needed to have an excuse to leave the study.’  Blowing out his cheeks Mark walked to the window and looked out over the lawns.

‘The exquisite Miss Dalrymple has arrived I take it.’ Kali stated quietly and Mark turned to look at her with his head tilted and his eyes narrowed.

‘Oh come on Mr…Mark everyone in the company knows exactly what she is like.  She swans into reception and the girls cringe as she demands to be given access to our illustrious boss immediately, regardless if he is in a meeting.  She treats everyone like inferior beings and the team are taking odds on when the ring will appear on her finger.’  Kali watched Mark take in the fact the staff obviously did not like Lena Dalrymple any more than he did.

He threw back his head and laughed.  ‘Kali you are wonderful I could kiss you but knowing my luck Dominic will walk through that door with the subject of our conversation and we will be subjected to one of her put downs.’

As he spoke the door did open and Dominic and Lena came in with the Bambers and Stantons and Kali stepped back to stand with her back to the wall waiting to step in if assistance was required.

Lena Dalrymple gave her a derisory look from top to toe and ultimately dismissed her as someone of no importance. 

Chapter 5

Loading the dishwasher with the empty platters and crockery from the buffet Kali was humming quietly to herself.  She had heard Dominic making his sales pitch and felt proud she had been part of the team which had produced the latest game. 

She kept telling herself not to speak when George Bamber asked questions about the technical issues and what age it was aimed at.  Knowing Dominic would not be happy if the girl serving the buffet were to interfere she kept her head down and her lips firmly closed.

Now they were walking round the grounds of the beautifully laid out garden and Kali was once again carrying out her domestic duties. 

‘Do you always hum to yourself when you work on your computer or is it only when you are loading a dish washer?’  Florence had found she was gravitating more and more to this happy-go-lucky young woman who had landed on her doorstep looking like a drowned rat ready to burst into tears. ‘Why were you almost in tears when you arrived, because from what I have seen you have a resilient personality and it must have taken something drastic to cause those tears?’  Florence was sitting once more at the kitchen table and patted the chair next to her inviting Kali to sit down.

‘It was the sight of my wet and bedraggled hair.  I had been so excited about being chosen to accompany the Boss. Holding her fingers up as speech marks to emphasise the word, ‘I spent a small fortune at the hairdressers to have my hair cut and styled and there I was looking like a drowned rat and to top it all off, the Boss thought I was part of the catering staff instead of part of the team who had developed the new game he is hoping everyone will network.  So there you have it – one deflated ego along with a ruined hairstyle which cost me much more than I could really afford.’  Kali moved over to the range cooker and lifted the kettle thinking it was time for a quick cup of tea before it was time to start preparing the evening meal.

‘I suppose Aunt Sally spends a small fortune on her hair and doesn’t even think about it.’  Florence said in such a low voice Kali almost missed the words.

‘Florence, who is this Aunt Sally you keep talking about?’  It had intrigued Kali from first coming into the house and each time Florence made a reference to this person she became more and more confused.

‘Oh my dear, it’s the name I give to Dominic’s lady friends.  They are all such painted dolls they remind me of the old pub game where patrons throw wooden balls at a painted figure making it spin round and its arms fly out.’

Kali was biting her lips trying to stop the laughter but when Florence looked at her with such an innocent expression she let her laughter loose and giggled uncontrollably thinking of Lena Dalrymple twirling round and round with her arms flailing at her sides.

‘Would you care to share the joke which you and my grandmother seem to be enjoying?’  The stern voice of Dominic Hunter only increased Kali’s laughter and the tears were running down her face as she left the kitchen and ran across the courtyard to escape to her room.

‘Well whatever that was all about I would appreciate if you could perhaps come and be sociable with Lena, you have hardly spoken to her since she arrived this morning.’

‘Is this your request or has she actually asked for me?’  Seeing Dominic’s jaw clamp shut Florence knew it was him who wanted her to socialise with his lady friend.

‘Come along young man and for goodness sake put a smile on your face the scowl will become permanent if you don’t lighten up a little.’

The other guests arrived and were shown to their rooms and Kali was once more on duty in the dining room waiting to serve everyone. 

Prosser had left everything in chafing dishes and Kali took a deep breath as she prepared to lift the soup tureen to the table ready to serve everyone.  Serving each guest in turn Kali finally came to Lena and when she was about to ladle out her bowl of soup her sharp voice rose above the chatter of the other guests.