Until Death Us Do Part

By Samantha Arran

French Olivier Ventre rang his good friend Jordan Royle from his Cambridge University days, a well-respected owner of a prestigious London department store. To his surprise, Jordan and not the voice mail, answered.

After greetings and enquiries, Olivier told him, Im coming with my sister, Sharlyne, to stay with our grandparents, Jordan. Sharlyne, having completed university and on the principals recommendation, has been offered an interview for a prestigious position based in London. Sharlyne has worked so hard, gaining masters with honours in her degrees, and we are all so proud of her. Her IQ is over 130.

Jordan hadnt met Sharlyne, with her being educated abroad and when she did visit her grandparents, he was working abroad. Olivier had always spoken highly of her. Whats this position? he asked.

Let her tell you. Sharlyne, compared to the modern trend of today, has an innate modesty, but she will feel comfortable sharing this with you. Are you okay for a few minutes Jordan?

Carry on.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Jul 10, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504945820

Samantha Arran

Samantha is a caring mother for her son and is a committed Christian. They live in a beautiful part of Derbyshire. Samantha thanks the ones who have told her they read every word of her books and re-read with pleasure and interest. This one is different again and full of lovely surprises.

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© 2015 Samantha Arran. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse   07/29/2015

ISBN: 978-1-5049-4581-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-4580-6 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-4582-0 (e)

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Contents

About the Author

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Samantha writes: What can I say without spoiling the surprises in this story?

This one again is different.

I do thank my fans for your encouragement and telling me you read every word of my books with enjoyment.

So, I’m confident that you will also enjoy this one even more so.

With all best regards and love to my readers.

All the characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author, and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all the incidents are pure invention.

Autobiography Out of the Shadows** Hazel Helliwell

Available from www.bannisterpublications.com and all good book shops £7.99.

Other books using pen name Samantha Arran

Trilogy: Love Never Fails*)

Unfailing love*)

A New Beginning*)

Mademoiselle Fleur*

Love is in the air*

Second chance*

Meant to Meet by Hazel Helliwell*

From: Amazon, Waterstones and all other good book shops.

* Kindle e-books from Amazon, http//bookstore.authorhouse.com

All proceeds from above given to chosen charities, same for this one and e-book.

About the Author

Samantha is a caring mother for her son and is a committed Christian. They live in a beautiful part of Derbyshire.

Samantha thanks the ones who have told her they read every word of her books with pleasure and interest. This one is different again and full of surprises.

Chapter One

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French Sharlyne Ventre had completed her final year at a Switzerland University after gaining her Masters Degrees with honours needed for her career as a language translator/typist. The Principal informed the London based United Nations of her qualifications and IQ. Sir Clayworth wrote to Sharlyne inviting her to come to London for an interview then if satisfactory, begin the post in August.

As Lydia Booth was cutting Sharlyne’s Grand-mère’s hair she told her, ‘I’m retiring at the end of this month, Mrs Beaudry. This shop and the other old buildings in this area have been sold to a property developer. My husband has been made redundant so with our savings and his redundancy money we are going to buy an apartment in Portugal to live there. Our children are happily married and settled, as you know, but they and our grandchildren will be able to holiday with us. I shall try and get a part time hairdressing job and my husband is hoping to get part time joinery work. We don’t need to work full time now."

What’s happening to this business, Lydia?

I rent it, Mrs Beaudry. Have you seen the larger hairdressing salon that has opened in the new redevelopment area nearby?

Yes, I did spot it on my way here.

Almost all our customers are going there knowing we have to close. I’d have done the same as there isn’t another salon for miles in this area. Bella our manicurist is going mobile, and I have to let Dora go. She will fill you in with her plans. Smiling at her in the mirror but looking upset, left her for Dora to finish.

Roberta Beaudry asked quiet Dora, What are you going to do?

I thought about renting a small shop but it would be too much commitment for me. My mum is well and strong but now my father has died, I would like to spend more time with her. If I can get a job working mornings only I will. Mum advises I have time out and look round. My father has left us comfortably off and mum has his private pension. I may be looking at being a mobile hairdresser, I love cutting hair. I could, if you wish, attend to your hair at your home, Mrs Beaudry.

"This would suit me Dora, and perhaps you will cut my husband’s?

"My granddaughter Mademoiselle Ventre has finished university and is coming to stay with us whilst she attends an interview for a very prestigious post her university has recommended her for to begin in August. We are all so proud of her; she has worked so hard throughout her schooling. Is she takes it she will live with us and I will then need someone to attend to her laundry and rooms. She is very particular with her appearance and will need help with her hair. She has Masters Degrees with Honours in languages and secretarial/stenography.

I have a wonderful housekeeper and staff but I’m not imposing more on them. She looked keenly at Dora in the mirror. She had been listening intently as always.

I would be interested in this post Mrs Beaudry if Mademoiselle Ventre is staying and thinks I would be suitable.

Roberta laughed. "You would suit me very well indeed Miss Hancock as I know you, and Mademoiselle Ventre would appreciate you taking care of her. You would fit into our household very satisfactorily indeed. God works in mysterious ways. As he closes one door, he opens another. Mademoiselle Ventre is coming next Tuesday with her brother and they are staying until she has been interviewed and attended meetings the following week. Monsieur Ventre, her brother will escort her.

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May I contact you to set up a meeting with us to discuss her needs and your salary when we know she has accepted the position? Meet with my housekeeper and staff.

I welcome this, thank you Mrs Beaudry. Dora Hancock was filled with joy at this opportunity and couldn’t wait to tell her mum.

So far I only have two appointments next week with my customers going to the new salon. I could leave this weekend instead of the following if Lydia allows me to. I could work a trial period whilst Mademoiselle Ventre is with you for the interview and meetings.

Good idea, Dora. Ask Lydia and if she agrees start next Wednesday morning, I suggest 8 am. I’ll pay you for this trial period.

The shop had emptied and after Roberta had paid, she asked Lydia, May Dora and I have a word?

Of course, Mrs Beaudry we have no customers until 2 pm. Will you have a cup of tea? She knew she preferred tea to their instant coffee.

Yes, please.

Sitting in the reception area Mrs Beaudry told Lydia what she was requesting of Dora. I’m delighted, and Dora will be able to attend to your hair whilst with you. I could come to do this job whilst Mademoiselle is with you for the two weeks, if Dora needs to spend time with her mother and have a holiday. Dora’s heart sank.

Thank you, but it will be a trial period for Dora before hopefully being full time from August onwards, Roberta firmly said. She had seen the disappointment in Dora’s face.

Roberta stood up, her chauffeur and bodyguard were waiting outside. She shook hands with Lydia and Dora, thanking them for all their years of care. On route home she asked Troy and Austin if she may call at the local florists. She chose and ordered a bouquet each for Lydia and Dora to be delivered to the shop early afternoon.

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French Olivier Ventre rang his good friend Jordan Royle from his Cambridge University days, a well respected owner of a prestigious London department store. To his surprise, Jordan and not the voice mail, answered.

After greetings and enquiries Olivier told him, I’m coming with my sister Sharlyne to stay with our Grandparents, Jordan. Sharlyne having completed university and on the Principal’s recommendation has been offered an interview for a prestigious position based in London. Sharlyne has worked so hard gaining Masters with Honours in her Degrees and we are all so proud of her. Her IQ is over 130.

Jordan hadn’t met Sharlyne with her being educated abroad and when she did visit her Grandparents he was working abroad. Olivier had always spoken highly of her. What’s this position? he asked.

Let her tell you. Sharlyne, compared to the modern trend of to-day, has an innate modesty but she will feel comfortable sharing this with you. Are you ok for a few minutes Jordan?

Carry on.

I have sad news, papa has left maman for another woman. We are devastated and it’s been a shock for Sharlyne with her being in Switzerland and not knowing until she came home. She and papa had been in touch as usually. He and Sharlyne met for lunch in Printemps and he bought her perfume and an evening gown for achieving her degrees, not saying a word about the split. Thankfully, the media and press hadn’t known then. Are you free to lunch at Harrod’s to-morrow and dinner Smithywood Manor?

After a pause checking Jordan promised, I’ll work round these with pleasure Olly. I’ve just returned from abroad to complete some very difficult negotiations.

Thanks Jordan. My Grandparents are looking forward to seeing you. We all appreciate your faithfully visiting them. They look on you as a beloved grandson.

They are very precious to me, as you know.

Is it ok for Sharlyne and me to pick you up from your office? We are first going to Monsieur Lazatque’s for a hair cut our maman has booked us as a treat. Is about 12.30 good timing?

Yes. Talk more then, Olly.

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Jordan’s parents Brent and Patricia had been lunching with his Uncle Ralph and Aunt Heather celebrating the joyful news that after years of trying for a baby, Heather was now almost three months pregnant but warned she would have to take care. Brent hadn’t drunk any alcohol with his driving them.

Briefly turning his head to answer Ralph’s question, Brent crashed into a heavy duty Range Rover which had suddenly pulled up to avoid a dog. Brent and Patricia were crushed and killed outright. The shock caused Heather to have a miscarriage and problems rendering her impossible to have more children. Four year old Jordan at school was taken home and cared for by his parent’s housekeeper and staff who all adored him.

When Heather was well enough Jordan went to live with them and she and Ralph, owners of the famous London Royle’s department store, adopted him and he was loved and cared for as their own beloved son. Ralph never forgave himself knowing he had distracted Brent.

Jordan had a happy childhood but without siblings. Ralph and Heather ensured that he had plenty of activities mixing with children his own age until he went to a local mid week boarding school catering for his needs, including playing sports. The proceeds from the sale of his parent’s home and the compensation from the accident plus other money his parent’s had invested were all very astutely invested for him on reaching 25 years.

Meeting with Olivier at Cambridge University they immediately became close friends taking the same degrees, and on completing university met up annually, walking and climbing in the Lake District. Olivier then spent a few days with his Grandparents in Windsor with Jordan coming for dinner and then both of them running in the wood with the dogs or playing squash.

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Melanie Oates a 43 year old spinster enjoyed working for Jordan making the office business flow smoothly. She had made this her career and was very grateful Jordan respected and appreciated her. She was able to type out from Jordan’s tapes adjusting the speed to her skills, but out hiking with her group she had slipped and broken her left wrist.

She had plain features and knew this. At school she had been bullied as she had quite a large nose and wore spectacles. Her parents loved her dearly as their only child and was proud of her, but no man had every invited her out or shown interest.

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Olivier and Sharlyne arrived at Jordan’s offices just after 12. Olivier had previously told her that 30 year old Jordan was very highly respected here and abroad.

Their Grandparent’s chauffeur with bodyguard had dropped them off before finding parking to wait for their call. Miss Oates had been prepared for their coming and when reception rang up she went down and brought them up in the private lift, offering a drink.

Having been supplied with French coffee at the hairdresser salon they smilingly refused. Olivier apologised for arriving early. He asked Miss Oates if he may go to the men’s room and whilst away, being polite she asked Sharlyne if she was enjoying being on holiday.

In her beautiful voice with just a trace of accent answered, Yes, but I have an interview and meetings for the position I have been offered. I’m a languages translator and stenographer.

Miss Oates told her, Mr Royle will have to tape his dictation. He doesn’t know yet but his temporary secretary is ill. As you can see I’ve had an accident.

The lift pinged and Jordan burst into the office nodding to Miss Oates, and seeing Sharlyne told her, apologies for my delay. Let’s get on quickly.

Miss Oates began, Sir.

Sharlyne winked at her and followed this tall man, broad shoulders, long legs, as her brother, tailored suit, but his hair was dark brown. He powered in the computer and when she was seated began rapidly dictating. She with her skills had no problems with the difficult names and places and waved her hand denoting he could dictate faster. He did and came behind her chair looking at her fingers flying over the keyboard without stopping to enquire the spelling.

His eyes were drawn to the back of her beautiful head of short thick glossy golden blonde hair curling very becomingly into her neck. Her slim shapely back and he was distracted with a sexual attraction. He never mixed business with pleasure. He was curious about her.

Sharlyne wondering why he had stopped looked up at him and he gazed down into the most beautiful lavender blue eyes with darker violet pupils he had ever seen. He felt he was drowning and was filled with desire as he had never known before. He realised that she was blushing. Clearing his throat he apologised, I’m sorry, I was distracted. Where was I?

She read the last two lines out to him and he was thrilled with her beautiful cultured voice. He continued rapidly and told her, Print ten copies off. The addresses are in a secure code. He gave her the password and Sharlyne memorised it. Miss Oates will have them hand delivered. Excuse me. I have a luncheon date. Go for your lunch and then type these out. He gave her several tapes.

Olivier returned and asking Miss Oates where Sharlyne was, she told him what had happened. Olivier laughed; he would be able to tease Jordan about this. They both had a sense of humour. She then told him, With my breaking my wrist Mr Royle has been using stenographers from a confidential secure agency. This morning the agency rang in the temp was ill and they had no-one else available for the day. Olivier told Miss Oates of Sharlyne’s qualifications in her degrees for languages and stenography.

Going back into the outer office Jordan saw Olivier waiting and after hugging each other asked, Could your sister not come?

Olivier and Miss Oates began to laugh. Yes, she arrived with me. He nodded behind Jordan who turned and saw her.

This is Sharlyne, Jordan.

He was astounded and she laughingly told him, You kidnapped me.

He was speechless then began laughing. Wow. Honestly I have never got through work so quickly.

I won’t let you forget this, laughed Olivier.

Miss Oates quickly told him the agency had rung the temp was ill and they had no one else available for the day.

I could return after lunch to help Mr Royle, couldn’t I, Olivier? Sharlyne suggested.

Yes, fine by me.

I’d be very grateful, Jordan said. I’ve just returned from a few days abroad so getting this work done is vital.

Smilingly they said bye to Miss Oates, Olivier had texted the chaffeur to be waiting outside. The bodyguard handed Sharlyne into the car and Jordan loved her discreet expert Finishing school training and was greatly looking forward to lunching and then working with her again.

Travelling Sharlyne told Jordan of her qualifications but didn’t divulge the work she had been asked to consider was part of the United Nations London based team.

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Enjoying the delicious food and being together, Jordan told Olivier "I have never had such an efficient secretary. Mademoiselle Ventre with her quick expertise has saved