by Anne Weale
CHAPTER TEN
ON the afternoon of the ball, dare cycled over to the Vicarage. Penny was waiting for her at the gate, her eyes bright with excitement. "Now the first thing is to set your hair, and then I'll give you a manicure," Clare said as they went indoors. "I hope I shan't look a complete idiot," Penny said, suddenly doubtful. "Of course you won't. You'll look lovely." "I wish I had your confidence," Penny murmured wistfully. "You're never flustered or clumsy." Little do you know, my girl, dare thought dryly. When she had washed and set the younger girl's hair they went into the garden. "As soon as I've done your nails, I'll make a cup of tea," Clare said. "Which colour polish do you like best?" Penny gazed dubiously at the row of little bottles that dare had brought with her. "I don't think I had better wear anything too bright," she said uncertainly. "No, I agree. It wouldn't suit you. How about this deep pink shade?" Clare suggested. "Perhaps the colourless varnish would be best." "Now look here, Penny, tonight you're going to be really glamorous if I have to bludgeon you into it," Clare told her firmly. "You have very pretty hands. There's no earthly reason why you shouldn't make the best of yourself for once. Anyone would think pink nail varnish was immortal." "It isn't that," Penny said awkwardly. "I do appreciate your help, really I do. But I've never worn make-up and nail varnish and smart clothes, and I don't want people to laugh at me." 140 "They won't laugh, you little coot. They'll be much too busy admiring you. Now don't argue. I wouldn't have helped you to make the dress if I had thought you were going to shilly-shally over the finishing touches." After that Penny submitted meekly to Clare's ministrations. Inwardly she longed to arrive at the ball looking radiant and soignee, and for days she had dreamed of the dawning admiration in Paul's eyes when he saw her in the white dress. But it was just a dream, a heavenly dream that couldn't possibly come true. In spite of all dare's encouragement her confidence fluctuated so that at times she wished she was "not going to the ball at all, or else going in her old blue silk in which she felt her normal unobtrusive self. At four o'clock the girls laid the tea-table and knocked on the door of the study where the Vicar was preparing his sermon for the following Sunday. ~ "Hallo, what's this?" he said, smiling at his daughter's chiffon-swathed head as he joined them. "dare'has been doing my hair. Look, do you like my nails?" Penny spread out her rosy finger-tips. "Very pretty, my dear. I can see I am going to escort two beauties this evening. What time have we to be there?" "You must be ready by quarter to eight. Father. I've put out your black suit and cleaned your shoes." "Ah, that reminds me, I have something for you," he said, producing a small tissue-paper package from his breast pocket. Penny eagerly unwrapped the tissue-paper and held up a single strand of pearls. "Oh, Father, they're lovely!" She jumped up from her place and kissed his lined cheek. "Caroline wore them on our wedding-day," Mr. Conyers said. "They were a present from her godfather, who was a very rich man." "You mean they are real pearls?" He nodded. "I think the thread is still secure. I had intended to keep them for your twenty-first birthday, but I think this is as good an occasion." "Real pearls!" Penny murmured incredulously, fingering the strand with awe. "Oh, dare, aren't they beautiful! I shall feel like a queen!" After tea both girls had a bath and they lay down on the bed until it was time to dress. "It's like Christmas Eve," Penny said breathlessly. "I can hardly wait for eight o'clock. Last year I had summer 'flu and couldn't go, you know. I was terribly disappointed." She chattered on, too keyed up to sleep. At last the hands of the clock crept round to half-past six and she sprang up excitedly, impatient to begin dressing. "Now, you're not to say a word until I've done your face and combed out your hair," Clare warned her, draping a towel round her shoulders. "All right," Penny agreed obediently. "Won't it be funny if nobody recognises me?" She laughed, but Clare saw that her hands were trembling and guessed how desperately nervous she was. Half an hour later she stood back and surveyed her handiwork. The-transformation was incredible. "You can look now," she said quietly. Penny flew to the looking-glass. For a full minute she stared at her reflection incredulously. "I can't believe it!" she whispered. "Why ... I look pretty . . . really pretty." "Of course you do," dare said gently. The experiment had exceeded her hopes. Penny's golden hair curled in a glossy aureole about her small heart-shaped'face. Properly made up, her milky complexion had the translucent texture of camellia petals, and a discreet touch of sapphire shadow emphasised the deep gentian blue of her eyes. To accentuate the delicacy of her 142 colouring, Clare had used a clear red lipstick and the merest dusting of rouge. From a pale, insignificant-looking girl, Penny had blossomed into something very close to beauty. "Oh, Clare . . . how can I thank you?" she stammered. "I never dreamed I could look like this." Her eyes filled with tears and Clare said hastily, "Don't dare cry. It will ruin your mascara, and I must do my own face or I shall arrive looking like a peeled onion." Penny gave a choky laugh. "I'm sorry to be such a fool, but you can't imagine what it's like to look in the mirror and see a completely new face." "It's the same one you've had for twenty years, only you got it into your head that you were a Plain Jane. Come on, get dressed and then go and dazzle your father." By half-past seven they were both ready. "How well we contrast, like Rose Red and Snow White," Penny said. "Let's hope there are two Prince Charmings at the ball," Clare answered gaily. For a second their eyes met, each wondering if the other knew her secret. "Now we must display ourselves to Father." Penny gathered up her filmy skirts and rustled on to the landing. "Is that you, Penny? I can't find my driving gloves, dear," Mr. Conyers called up from the hall. Penny grinned. "Watch him faint with shock!" she whispered. Clare leaned over the banisters and watched her go down. Already the girl seemed to have new poise, and there was no doubt that she looked enchanting in the white dress with the broad blue sash moulding her tiny waist and the string of pearls clasped round her slender white throat. 143 Mr. Conyers was hunting for his gloves in the hall chest, and he did not catch sight of his daughter until she was half-way down the staircase. There was a moment's silence while he stared at her, and then Penny said, "Well ... do I look nice?" Without a word her father held out his arms, and she ran down the last few stairs and threw herself into his arms. "For a moment I thought it was your mother," he said softly. "You look lovely, my dear. As lovely as she did." Unwilling to break in on this intimate moment, dare withdrew into the shadows until Penny called, "Clare where are you? Father hasn't seen you yet." Then, smilingly, she went down to join them. "I've put a dust-sheet in the back of the car to protect our dresses," Penny said when her father had complimented Clare on her appearance. 'Then if you'll tell me where my gloves are, we'll be off." "In the sitting-room. I was mending one of the fingers." Penny ran off to retrieve them. "I don't suppose I shall see much of you two tonight," the Vicar said gaily, helping dare with her wrap. She laughed. "You never know. Paul may have imported a whole bevy of beauties and we shall be completely overshadowed." "I feel like Cinderella," Penny said as they climbed carefully into the back of the car and spread out their skirts. "Oh, dare, how can you be so calm? Aren't you excited?" "Yes, ofwurse I am." I'm terrified, she thought. Ironically, now that she was no longer concerned with bolstering Penny's morale, she found herself consumed with nerves. For her the ball had a special significance. It was more than just a gala occasion. Tonight she would meet David on her 144 ground instead of his. If the romantic influence of candlelight and lilting music and carefree laughter failed to mellow his attitude to her, then she would know that she meant nothing to him, that the scene by the ditch had merely been, in his view, an unfortunate accident. In her innermost heart she still could not believe that this was so, but the next few hours would prove her right or wrong. It was this sense of gambling with the future that had prompted her to scour the Norwich shops for a special dress. Finally, although the price was twice what she had intended to pay, she had chosen a crinoline of coulew de rose tulle@an audacious contrast with her vivid hair @scattered with sprays of opalescent sequins. It was a bold, rather theatrical dress, and quite probably the kind of dress which
David would consider vulgarly ostentatious. By the time they reached the Hall she was tense with misgivings. Paul was at the door to greet them. Clare was momentarily distracted from her doubts by the comical expression of astonishment on his face as he saw Penny. To her amusement, Penny managed to conceal her excitement and returned his greeting, not with her former shyness, but with a certain cool reserve. She was learning fast! A maid led them upstairs to discard their wraps. "Has Miss Lancaster arrived yet?" Clare asked her. "No, miss." So he was not yet here. She slipped off her stole with a feeling of relief. "Listen! The orchestra is beginning," Penny exclaimed. "Are you ready? I don't want to waste a single minute." At that moment Mrs. Harker, the mother of Jenny's American playmates, was shown in. dare had met her in the village and introduced Penny. "Well, if this isn't a wonderful end to our vacation," Janine, Harker said as they waited for her. "I've always 145 wanted to see inside an ancestral home, and my husband met Mr. Mallinson and he invited us along. Oh, and I have a message for you, Miss Drake. You know we were not too keen to leave the kids alone in the caravan, and I guess Annabel must have, told Jenny we were coming, because a little while ago Mr. Lancaster drove over and suggested they spend the night at your house. He said to tell you he and his aunt would be here around eightthirty." "What a good idea. Jenny won't be so disappointed at not coming if she has Tod and Annabel to keep her company." "That's so. I only hope that nice cook of yours can keep my two terrors in order," Mrs. Harker said, laughing. In her sophisticated black dress she looked too youthful and vivacious to be "the mother of teenage children. "Mr. Mallinson asked us to bring a couple @f friends along," she added. "So Cliff phoned a .couple of his buddies back at base and they drove over this afternoon. I gather there's a man shortage in these parts, though I shouldn't think you two will lack partners. Shall we go down?" Her husband's friends proved to be two tall, blond, immaculately uniformed young giants who lost no time in whirling Penny and dare on to the dance floor. Having elicited the information that her partner hailed from Texas, dare had no conversational problems. Like all Texans, Lieutenant Joe Wilder was eager to extol the magnificence of his home state. He was a likeable young man and a superb dancer, so that very soon dare felt her spirits soaring. "Say, this is like something out of Hollywood," he exclaimed, as the music ended and they strolled on to the terrace. "Back in Texas we have some fine mansions, but I guess they don't have the same atmosphere. I'll have to write to my folks about this." 1 146 Henderson, the butler, appeared beside them with a tray of cocktails, and the lieutenant was even more impressed. Glancing at his watch, dare saw that it was almost /half-past eight. The guests were arriving in a constant stream now, and perhaps at this moment David was helping his aunt out of the car. "Would you care to dance again?" the lieutenant asked. "I'd love to." When David saw her, she wanted to be gay and enjoying herself. The ballroom was becoming crowded now, the women's dresses like brilliant butterfly wings against the white and gold panelling. A great bank of hydrangeas surrounded the musicians' dais, and garden scents drifted through the terrace doors to mingle with the man-made fragrance of Chanel and Lanvin. Gliding and turning beneath the crystal chandeliers, Clare understood what the young American meant by the atmosphere of the house. For nearly two hundred years this beautiful roo'm had been the scene of dancing and laughter and grave and gay flirtation. At the end of the dance they made their way to the Chippendale couch where the others were sitting. Scarcely knowing what she was saying, dare joined in the lighthearted chatter. The minutes seemed endless until suddenly the men rose to their feet and, turning, she saw Miss Lancaster coming towards them with David just behind her. She had never seen him in evening dress before, and he looked so distinguished that her heart flew out to him in tender admiration. But it was not until the young Americans had been introduced to Miss Lancaster and the group had made room for the new arrivals that she permitted herself a second glance at him. He was bending towards Penny, and from the pleased colour in the girl's cheeks, Clare guessed that he was compi'menting her on her dress. Then Captain Jacobs stood up and said, "May I have the pleasure of this dance, Miss Drake?" and much against her will she was obliged to accept. Captain Jacobs was another expert dancer, but although she enjoyed the effortless ease with which he steered her round the floor, it took all her self-control not to look back at the group round the couch. The next dance was a Paul Jones, and Clare's second partner was a military-looking old man with a fierce white moustache who introduced himself as Colonel Lyndon from the neighbouring village of Greenstaithe. "Like old times tonight," he panted, seizing her round the waist and propelling her through the crush with more vigour than finesse. "Used to come here when young Mallinson's father was alive, y'know. Always was one of the finest houses in the county. Don't know how the boy manages to keep it up with the Government trying to cripple us all. Ought to get married though. Needs a pretty woman to play hostess in a place like this." Her next partner was the Vicar. "Enjoying yourself?" he asked kindly. "One could hardly help it in this lovely house," she said. "Yes, it is a beautiful old place," he agreed. "It's a pity Paul hasn't got a family, but I suppose he'll settle down one of these days." Clare wondered if he knew that his daughter was in love with Paul. It seemed unlikely. At that moment Penny whirled past them in the arms of Lieutenant Wilder. She looked on top of the world, her lips parted in a radiant smile, her blue eyes shining like jewels. "You must be very proud of her," dare said softly. The Vicar looked troubled. "You know, Miss Drake, I realised tonight that in my preoccupation with the welfare of my parishioners I have been guilty of overlooking the needs of my own child," 148 he said soberly. "I'm afraid that Penny has not had the opportunities that a girl of her age is entitled to. I've allowed her to spend far too much time helping me in the parish when she should have been mixing with young people of her own age." "But I'm sure that Penny loves helping you," dare said swiftly. "It's just that she seems to have rather an inferiority complex about her looks@though I don't think she'll go on believing herself a Plain Jane after tonight," she added, smiling, "We are both very much indebted to you," he said sincerely. "Your friendship has meant a great deal to her. I've noticed how much brighter she has been lately. I'm not a wealthy man, but I have a little money set aside. I wondered if you would be kind enough to take the child over to Norwich one of these days and help her choose some new clothes." "Yes, of course. I should love to. It's just what she needs, although I expect she'll protest that it is an extravagance. She will make somebody a wonderful wife one of these days, because she's so sweet and unselfish." "Yes, she is like her mother in that," Mr. Conyers said gently. "If my wife had lived, all this would not have happened, of course. I can only hope that my neglect hasn't done any lasting harm." "You musn't think such a thing," dare protested. "Penny is devoted to you, and she has never been really unhappy, I'm convinced of that. Now that she knows she is just as attractive as other girls, it will make all the difference." "I don't think she is the only young -woman who -wffl make a wonderful wife," the Vicar said. "Miss Lancaster told me that you had lost your parents and were more or less alone in the world. Perhaps that is why you have the gift of understanding other people's difficulties. I hope you find happiness for yourself, my dear." 149 The music ended and they rejoined Miss Lancaster and the Harkers. A moment later Penny returned with David. They were holding hands and dare was shocked, to feel a little stab of jealousy. I'm losing my sense of proportion, she thought ashamedly. David has known Penny for years and he is eleven years her senior. The band struck up a waltz and the Vicar asked Miss Lancaster to dance, followed by Cliff Harker and Penny and Lieutenant Wilder and Mrs. Harker. Clare fiddled with her empty cocktail glass. "Would you care to dance?" If he had been a stranger in a railway carriage asking permission to open the window, his voice could not have been more politely impersonal. For the first time that evening their eyes met and she knew with dull certainty that already she had failed. Without a word she preceded him on to the floor. And then, at the touch of his hand, something
magical seemed to happen to her. For weeks she had lived on an emotional tight-rope, forcing herself to appear calm and casual when all the time she was seething with uncertainty and longing. Now, suddenly, her restraint snapped and she knew only that she loved him and could no longer .hide her feelings. Tomorrow, if need be, she would leave Creek House and go far away and^never see him again, but tonight, for the space of a few hours, she would let her emotions run riot and forget the consequences. She closed her eyes and let the rhythm of the music flow through her body. "Long ago, and far away, I dreamed a dream one day. . . ." Every fibre of her being responded to the lilting nostalgia of the love song, and a strange sense of intoxication crept over her so that she was conscious of nothing but the singing of the violins and the scent of flowers arid the strong arm encircling her. 150 I And then, with incredulous joy, she felt the arm slowly drawing her closer and his clasp on her hand tightening until she was pressed against him and the rhythm was flowing through them both. Wonderingly she opened her eyes and looked up at him, and her heart soared, for his blue eyes were no longer hostile and cold but dark with passion. Neither of them was aware of the interested and speculative glances which followed them as they glided across the floor in perfect unison, oblivious of everyone but each other. At last the melody died away and they drifted to a standstill. "Come on to the terrace," David said huskily. His arm was still round her waist, and he did not re-j| move it as they went through the tall doors into the ^ 'lantern-lit dimness outside. I In a patch of shadow he pulled her against him, look-I. ing down at her upturned face with an intent, searching g expression. In the diffused glow from the lanterns, her j| skin had the pearly sheen of alabaster. His hand moved jj| upwards and caressed her bare back. ll "Oh God, why are you so beautiful?" he whispered g| thickly. "Do you think I am made of stone; that I can j| work with you day after day and not be aware of how ^maddeningly lovely you are? Do you think I can resist JjgE.you for ever?" ^ "Do you want to resist me, David?" she asked softly. - He crushed her savagely against him, his lips brushing her temple. -"I can't," he said fiercely. "God knows, I've tried. If you knew what you do to me, dare!" The sound of footsteps and voices broke in on them. David cursed under his breath and let her go. "I must talk to you," he said urgently. "The maze is the only place where we shall get any privacy tonight" They walked along the terrace, past the couple who had intruded on them. Just as they were about to go 151 down the steps on to the lawn a stout matron in trailing grey lace rushed out from the ballroom and cried archly, "There you are, Mr. Lancaster. Now don't tell me you've forgotten' your promise that we should dance the valeta together. It's just beginning, so we must hurry, you naughty boy. I'm sure you won't m.nd if I borrow him for a little while," she said to Clare. David's face was thunderous, but in the circumstances he could hardly refuse to dance without being rude. "I shan't be long. Will you wait for me down there?" he asked in an undertone. She nodded and with a swift pressure of her hand he followed the importunate dowager into the ballroom. Clare stood still for a moment, savouring her delight, Then she turned and ran down the steps on to the lawn. Her heart was so full of happiness that she wanted to shout it aloud. It was like coming out of a long dark tunnel into a world of light. Her whole body trembled with rapture, and she raised her face to the glimmering stars and breathed a silent prayer of relief and gratitude. She was passing through the rose-garden when there was a sound behind her and someone called, "Hey there, wait for me!" It was Paul. She had completely forgotten his existence. "Where are you off to? I've been looking for you," he said, catching her up. Clare smiled brilliantly at him, and with a spontaneous gesture of happiness she held out her hands. Dear Paul! He would be so glad for her when he knew. "The trouble with these affairs is that the poor wretched host is so busy looking after his guests that he doesn't get a chance to enjoy himself," he said ruefully. "You look very ravishing tonight, my lovely one." She laughed. "It's a ravishing occasion. Oh, Paul, I'm so happy." 152 : And then, because he was partly responsible for her @ blissful condition, she stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. What happened next had a nightmare quality. Instead of the teasing enquiry she had expected@for surely it must be obvious what had happened to her@he seized her in a passionate embrace and kissed her full on the lips. Before she could recover her wits he raised his head and said hoarsely, "Many me, dare. Say you'll marry me. Oh, my darling, my beautiful, don't you know that I love you? I've wanted you for weeks. You love me, too, don't you? No, don't deny it, you funny shy little thing. I've seen it in your eyes. Say yes, my angel, and we'll announce it tonight. It'll be the perfect end to the ball." "Paul!" With a cry of horror she wrenched herself away from him. For a second or two he looked taken aback; then, with a knowing laugh, he reached for her and said, "You don't have to be maidenly and modest with me, sweetheart. Did I startle you? You shouldn't look so desirable, Clare. . . ." With a moan of dismay she tried to resist him, but he was too strong for her, and her anguished protests were stifled by the hungry pressure of his lips. Half fainting from the shock of this violent outburst, Clare beat frantically against his chest with her clenched fists, but as if she were a child he pinioned her wrists and kissed her with increasing ardour. It was over as suddenly as it had begun. One moment she was recoiling in petrified disgust from the almost brutal ferocity of his embrace; the next she was free, released so suddenly that she almost lost her balance and fell. Shivering with nausea, she buried her face in her hands, unable to control the great gasping sobs that rose in her throat. @ 153 A low groan brought her back to reality. Bemusedly she opened her eyes. Paul was spread-eagled on the griss rubbing his jaw and wincing. Between them stood D% of bis "^ hand' his f- - - she'stu^ledtow^s^ heaven!" with a c^ of relief witaSses?011^ together- we don't want half a dozen his^nT ^"i? flmg herself illto the blessed hav^ of , 4S ,' h ^ down and heaved paul to his feet. Youd better slip m through the conservatory and dean yourseffup unless you want your guests to know what you've been up to," he said grimly. "The next timeyou go m for that sort of thing, I should choo^onS where more secluded " suuicwarSZlous^ clare watched paul ^ off to"You hit him!" she faltered. "Yes, I hit him," David said curtly. "Don't worry He'll have a swollen jaw tomorrow, but he'll recover" It was ghastly," she said piteously. "He was like aS@^.drcamcii@@@ot@^
