by Anne Mather
‘I thought you wouldn’t mind if Alison joined us,’ he responded now, lifting the decanter of Scotch and pouring a generous measure into a glass. ‘Can I freshen your drink? What is it? Coca Cola?’
‘Bacardi and Coke, actually,’ said Holly, extending the glass for his attention. It crossed her mind that, if she drank enough of the raw spirit, she might succeed in numbing her brain as well as her senses.
‘Well, you see, I had to call on Alison’s help a few days ago,’ her father explained now. ‘I had this Arab delegation to entertain, and you know how important it is to have a hostess on those occasions. After I received your telex, I didn’t know what I was going to do, but a call from Alison solved my problem.’
‘A call?’ Holly thought she was probably being very obtuse, but her father seemed more than willing to elucidate.
‘Alison was trying to get in touch with Morgan. When she couldn’t, she called me.’ He smiled at the other woman. ‘A fortunate occurrence for both of us.’
‘I see.’
Holly was trying very hard not to show the feelings of pain and confusion that were gripping her. What was going on here? she asked herself unsteadily. Was she to take her father’s words at their face value? Had Alison’s intervention merely served a useful purpose? Or was this his way of telling her that her services were no longer required?
The entrance of a fourth member of the group brought her head round with a start. But the man who had followed her father into the room was instantly recognisable. In a dark, three-piece suit and a pale grey shirt and tie, Morgan Kane was unnervingly familiar, his narrowed gaze flicking carelessly over herself and his ex-wife before coming to rest on his employer’s square face.
‘Sorry I’m late,’ Morgan remarked, apparently not surprised to find Alison present. ‘It took some time to get through to San Francisco, but I’ve spoken to Fleming and he’s handling the contracts himself.’
‘If you’re sure.’ Andrew shook his head. ‘Oh well, what will you have to drink? Scotch?’
‘Sounds good.’ Morgan inclined his head. Then, with studied charm, he greeted the two women, ‘Alison.’ He inclined his head. ‘And Holly. How do you feel this evening?’
Holly wondered what he would say if she told him the truth—that she was anxious and bewildered, and not at all informed as to what was going on here. Even his arrival had not followed any pattern she might have anticipated. Didn’t he mind that his ex-wife was his employer’s guest? Had he known in advance that she and Andrew had become better acquainted?
Her confusion left a space which Alison very competently filled. ‘I think Holly is bearing up very well, don’t you?’ she remarked, giving the girl a decidedly patronising smile. ‘Poor child! I’m sure she wishes you’d never gone out to the island. I mean—what did you say to provoke this man so? You really should watch your tongue, Morgan. Particularly when someone else can be hurt.’
‘I’m afraid I don’t have that faculty,’ responded Morgan smoothly, and Holly was amazed to see his ex-wife’s face redden now. ‘And she isn’t a child, Alison. If she were, her father wouldn’t have sent for her.’
Holly expected her father to intervene then, and he did; though once again not in the way she had anticipated. ‘Isn’t this conversation getting a bit intense, Morgan?’ he protested persuasively. ‘Holly knows this is her home and she’s always welcome here. Hell,’ he grunted, ‘it wasn’t my idea to send her off to the Caribbean.’
Morgan shrugged, accepting the drink Andrew held out to him and swallowing half of it at a gulp. ‘I guess we’ve all done things we’re not proud of,’ he remarked, his gaze lingering longest on Holly’s flushed face. ‘You never did tell me how you’re feeling? Or do you need notice of that question?’
‘I’m—much better,’ said Holly steadily, still amazed by his defence of her earlier. ‘How—how about you?’
Morgan shrugged. ‘I get a twinge now and again, and I was pretty stiff after the flight, but otherwise I’m okay.’ He grimaced. ‘You know how it is. When you’re busy, you don’t have time to think about yourself. And—subsequent events have kind of got in the way.’
‘You sound as if you object to the fact that Andrew and I have become friends,’ put in Alison sharply, apparently recovered from her momentary lapse. ‘He said you wouldn’t, but I wasn’t so sure.’
‘Object?’ Morgan’s short laugh was almost insulting. ‘Why should I object?’ and Holly could see Alison’s eyes sparkling at his deliberately humorous way of responding. ‘Honestly, Allie, you have my blessing.’ His eyes shifted mockingly to his employer. ‘As a matter of fact, I’m sure you have a lot in common.’
In the few silent moments that followed Morgan’s announcement, Holly could fairly feel the hostility emanating from the other woman, but then Andrew took Alison’s arm. ‘Let me get you another drink, my dear,’ he said, successfully drawing her attention away from her ex-husband, and in the hiatus that followed, Holly and Morgan were able to speak without fear of interruption.
‘He didn’t warn you, did he?’ Morgan observed quietly, watching her face. ‘Your father,’ he added. ‘He didn’t tell you that he and Alison have been seeing one another?’
Holly permitted herself one brief glance in her father’s direction, and then shook her head. ‘No.’ She frowned. ‘What is there to tell?’
‘Did he say anything?’
‘Not until this evening.’ Holly tried to think. ‘Before you came, he explained how—how Alison had helped him to entertain some Arab delegation.’
Morgan nodded. ‘I see.’
Holly gazed at him blankly. ‘What are you implying?’
Morgan studied the liquid in his glass. ‘I’m not—implying anything.’
‘Is there something else I should know?’
Morgan’s mouth twisted. ‘Maybe. Maybe not.’
Holly sighed. ‘Has—has my father discussed it with you?’
‘His relationship with Alison? Not exactly.’
‘Then——’
‘Alison couldn’t wait to tell me herself.’
Holly hesitated. ‘Do—do you see her often?’ Her heart constricted at the thought.
‘No.’ Morgan’s response was laconic. ‘But we do speak on the telephone from time to time.’
‘Oh.’ Holly nodded.
‘Just because we’re divorced, doesn’t mean we don’t have certain commitments to one another,’ he explained quietly. ‘We have children.’
Holly swallowed. ‘Your sons.’
‘My sons,’ he agreed levelly.
‘They—they live with your—with Alison?’
‘At present.’
Holly’s tongue circled her lips. ‘Are you hoping to change that?’
Morgan grimaced. ‘There’s always hope.’
‘Your—Alison has custody?’
‘For the time being,’ he conceded. ‘Do you want another drink?’
Holly shook her head, moving after him nevertheless. ‘About—about this business with—with Alison and my father: don’t you really mind?’
‘No. I don’t really mind,’ he assured her drily. ‘Do you?’
Holly made a confused gesture. ‘I don’t understand what’s going on.’
‘It’s quite simple.’ Morgan tasted the drink he had poured himself and, apparently satisfied with its flavour, transferred his attention back to her. ‘While I was—incapacitated, shall we say?—Alison approached your father for a loan.’ He pulled a wry face. ‘I should explain. My ex-wife lives to the limit of her income, and my prolonged absence delayed a cheque that was due to her.’
Holly’s eyes widened. ‘I see.’
‘Do you?’ Morgan regarded her steadily. ‘I wonder.’
‘My father has had four wives already,’ she murmured, glancing half apprehensively over her shoulder. ‘But surely——’
‘Indeed.’ Morgan seemed to tire of the discussion, and swiftly swallowed the remainder of his Scotch. ‘Time will tell,’ he appende
d, allowing his glass to slide back on to the tray with a definite thud. ‘Here’s Mrs Percy. Dinner must be ready.’
Holly followed the housekeeper’s broad figure into the dining room with some regret. Mrs Percy’s arrival to announce that the meal was waiting had successfully terminated her conversation with Morgan, and she doubted her ability to achieve such an intimacy with him again this evening. A glance at his dark face had elicited a definite withdrawal on his part, and she wondered if he was already regretting being so frank with her.
The dining room overlooked the floodlit terrace at the back of the house, and candles were the only illumination necessary. It was not yet dark outside, but it had been a dull day and the flickering light was welcome. It enhanced the beauty of shining silver cutlery and fine bone china, reflecting itself over and over in the long-stemmed crystal glasses. A centrepiece of pale cream roses surrounding a scarlet orchid was appealing, and monogrammed napkin rings glinted at every place.
Because the table was rectangular in shape and capable of accommodating at least five times their number, only one end of its polished surface was in use. Retrieving his role as host, Andrew directed them to their appointed positions, ensuring that Holly and Alison faced one another on his right and left respectively, with Morgan occupying the chair furthest away from him, on the same side as his daughter. It looked like a deliberate attempt to point up the fact of Morgan’s separation from his wife, and although Alison was evidently flattered by Andrew’s obvious preference, nevertheless, her attitude was less than friendly towards the other two people present.
The first course was a chilled consommé, and although Holly wasn’t particularly hungry, she made a determined effort to appear as if she was enjoying it. But she was intensely conscious of Alison’s less than cordial appraisal, and she wondered with a momentary sense of panic what she would do if the other woman did marry her father. She had not always liked her previous stepmothers, but she had never actually disliked them either. She had simply tried to keep out of their way. Somehow, she knew, with Alison it would be different. Not least, because Holly’s own feelings were involved.
‘So——’ As if realising that the undercurrents he could feel were not about to disperse by themselves, Andrew laid down his spoon and rested his elbows on the table. ‘This is an auspicious occasion. My daughter is sitting at my table again after an absence of almost two years, and Morgan—it’s good to have you back. The Forsyth Corporation doesn’t run half so smoothly without you at the helm.’
Morgan shifted in his chair, his lean thigh brushing Holly’s as he did so. ‘Thank you for the compliment,’ he conceded, though his tone was faintly sardonic. ‘However, I’m sure you’d manage perfectly well without me, Andrew. No one is indispensable.’
‘You are.’ The older man’s eyes challenged him. ‘There is no one else in the whole of the company who knows more about my business than you do.’
Morgan inclined his head. ‘If you say so.’
‘I do say so.’ Andrew picked up his spoon again and took a mouthful of his soup. ‘And I think you know how important to me you are, whatever our private differences.’
Morgan made no response, and Holly permitted herself a sidelong glance in his direction. Now what? she wondered uneasily. Were there other considerations here, other influences she was still unaware of? And if so, how did they affect Morgan?
The reappearance of Mrs Percy to clear their plates gave all of them a temporary respite, and by the time Andrew had carved the rib of beef that followed any response Morgan might have made had been successfully avoided. Instead, Alison made some trite comment about the food, and Andrew expanded the discussion to include the rather fine wine he was offering with the meal.
For her part, Holly was glad not to be included in the conversation. It gave her the opportunity to reconsider everything Morgan had said, both here and in the library. It was curious, she thought, how swiftly circumstances could change. One incident—or in this case an accident—had altered the whole course of their lives. If it had never happened, she and Morgan would have returned to London, and the feelings she had tried so hard to control would have been stifled at birth. In addition to which, Alison would not have become involved with her father, and this present situation would not now be taking place.
‘You didn’t tell me what you thought of the island,’ Andrew commented suddenly, looking at the younger man. ‘And the house: it was quite a show place once.’
Morgan allowed himself a moment’s grace, and then said evenly, ‘The island’s beautiful, but the house needs some renovation. If it’s allowed to deteriorate any further, some of the wood will be beyond redemption.’
‘Is that so?’ As Holly reluctantly acknowledged Morgan’s unemotional assessment, her father gave it further thought. ‘You didn’t tell me this, Holly. At no time do I recall you asking for money for the property.’
‘No, Father.’ Holly was involved, whether she liked it or not, and she drew a steadying breath. ‘I didn’t think you’d be interested. After all, you don’t like the island.’
‘Oh, I wouldn’t say that.’ Andrew gave Alison a conspiratorial look. ‘It’s the ideal place, if you want to get away from it all. Shady palms, soft beaches—and the most delightful water in the whole of the Caribbean.’
‘It sounds wonderful,’ murmured Alison predictably, and Holly’s hands balled into fists in her lap. ‘I’ve never been to the West Indies, actually.’ Her eyes turned to her ex-husband, and Holly could see the malice gleaming in their depths. ‘Morgan was always too busy to take me.’
‘I wonder whose fault that was,’ Holly exclaimed recklessly, stung as much by her father’s hypocrisy as Alison’s affectation, and Andrew pulled a wry face.
‘Touché,’ he remarked, giving his daughter a grudging commendation. ‘It seems your trip to the Caribbean had sharpened your wit, my dear. Whatever happened to the rebellious teenager I remember?’
‘She grew up,’ said Holly, forcing back the hot tide of colour that threatened to betray her. ‘It was bound to happen sooner or later, Father. I’m sorry if you’re disappointed.’
‘I didn’t say that.’ Andrew was unwillingly defensive, and his tone had an edge to it when he turned back to his assistant. ‘Are you in any way responsible for my daughter’s emotional outburst, Morgan? I can’t believe she’s changed so much, all by herself.’
‘You flatter me.’
Although Holly was discomfited, Morgan was unperturbed, and it was left to Alison to say irritably, ‘It’s true. Morgan doesn’t have any emotions, do you, darling? He’s never done anything reckless in his entire life!’
Even Andrew looked a little taken aback by the vehemency of Alison’s statement, and in an effort to show he had not taken her words seriously, he smiled. ‘Perhaps we should ask Holly if she agrees with you,’ he declared, pouring himself more wine. ‘Well, my dear, do you think Morgan’s as cold-blooded as Alison would have us believe?’
Holly hesitated, and then, meeting the older woman’s gaze she decided she had nothing to lose. ‘No more than you are, Father,’ she responded, keeping her tone purposefully light. ‘When you know my father better, Mrs Kane, you’ll realise he likes to be provocative. It makes for interesting dinner conversation, don’t you think?’
The woman’s eyes spat malevolence across the table, but Holly refused to be intimidated by it. Besides, if Alison believed her father was some love-sick youth, who could be manipulated at will, she ought to be made aware of it. Andrew Forsyth seldom did anything unless it was to further his own ends, and if he was seriously considering a fifth marriage, Alison should know what she was letting herself in for.
‘You didn’t have to defend me, you know,’ Morgan remarked later, under cover of Mrs Percy collecting the dinner plates. His mouth tilted mockingly. ‘You should have agreed with her.’
‘Why?’ Holly took a breath and faced him. ‘It wouldn’t be true.’
‘Wouldn’t it?’ Morgan cast a war
ning look at his ex-wife, who was evidently trying to hear what they were saying, but without any success.
‘No.’ Holly bent her head. ‘You have emotions. You’re just afraid to display them, that’s all.’
Morgan uttered a low oath. ‘Oh, really!’
‘Yes, really.’ Holly lifted her shoulders. ‘I wish you’d stop behaving as if I was some irresponsible child. I’m not a child. I know what I want.’
Morgan’s mouth compressed. ‘This isn’t the place to have a discussion of this kind,’ he retorted harshly. But realising no one could see her, Holly spread her fingers on his thigh.
‘What alternative do I have?’ she countered, feeling the muscles tense beneath her hand. ‘When can we see one another alone?’
‘We can’t.’ With a determined effort, Morgan removed her fingers, and gave her a threatening look. ‘Don’t,’ he added, returning her hand to her lap, and Holly felt the frustration of knowing that so far as he was concerned they were as far apart as ever.
It was a relief when the meal was over, and she could escape to the comparative privacy of the library. At least there she did not have to combat Alison’s malicious gaze and, as soon as the coffee had been served, she was hoping to make her excuses and return to her room.
But, to her dismay, Alison installed herself in the armchair beside her and, as Andrew had detained Morgan at the table, briefly she was at the older woman’s mercy.
‘Tell me,’ Alison said confidingly, though her expression was far from friendly, ‘did you know that Morgan is leaving Forsyth’s?’
‘Leaving?’ Holly could not prevent the dismay she was feeling from colouring the word, and Alison looked pleased.
‘Yes, leaving,’ she declared spitefully. ‘He told Andrew of his decision when he got back from the Caribbean two days ago. Didn’t he discuss it with you?’
