The Island Bride

by Jane Corrie

  you wish to discuss? I've told you the truth, and if you don't believe me, then there's nothing I can do about it.' She looked pointedly at the clock, 'I have to go out soon,' she added, although she had no such plans but felt she had had enough of this insufferable man's company for one evening.

  `Then you'll just have to keep him waiting, won't you?' he said harshly. 'You're going nowhere until we've sorted this little lot out. You started it, and I'm going to see that you're in at the finish.'

  'St-started it!' exclaimed Cara furiously. 'How did I start anything?' she demanded.

  'By a word here and there,' he said softly. 'I think that was going to be the way of it. This is a small island, Miss Vernon, although I hardly need to point that fact out to you, I'm sure you took that into account long ago. So it might be worth your while to listen to a proposition I'm going to put to you. You either play things my way, or accept the consequences.'

  CHAPTER NINE

  CARA'S wide eyes echoed her thoughts. He had called it a proposition, but had made it sound more like an ultimatum, and she felt an apprehensive shiver run through her very being. Whatever Pierre had in mind, she wasn't going to like—of that she was certain.

  `Cheer up,' he said casually. 'If your expression is anything to go by, then you're very apprehensive. Things went sadly wrong, didn't they? But all is not lost yet. If you are sincere in your wish to stay on Totorua then you'll co-operate with me. I can't promise you a rosy financial future, but at least you'll have a job and a roof over your head.'

  'And if I don't?' Cara challenged with a glint in her eye.

  'You'll find the island's not big enough for the two of us, and I have no intention of leaving,' he answered curtly. 'Well?' he demanded harshly.

  Cara looked away from him. Either she obeyed him or she left the island. It was as simple as that. 'It seems I haven't much choice,' she said bitterly, wondering whether it was going to be worth it.

  Pierre gave an abrupt nod at this capitulation of hers, obviously satisfied with her reply. 'Now that's settled, I'll outline the position for you. Thanks to your interference, I find myself in an exceedingly unenviable position, since someone took. it upon

  themselves to congratulate Miss Ericson on her engagement to me.'

  Cara swallowed. She could almost imagine the scene—Julia seizing the chance of a private word with Paula and dropping a few delicate hints into her shell-like ear.

  Taking due note of Cara's reaction to this piece of news, he nodded grimly. 'And that same someone,' he went on harshly, 'also took the trouble to bring up another side issue. I'm sure I can leave the actual phrasing to your imagination. Suffice it to say that Miss Ericson was left with the impression that I required extricating from what she termed as "an unfortunate attachment in my youth", and happily assured me that she had no objection whatsoever to my ingenious plan of using her as a cover.'

  He gave Cara a hard stare and said savagely, 'As I at no time contemplated marrying Miss Ericson, I have no intention of placing myself under any such obligation from her. When it comes to ingenuity, I never fail to be amazed at the tactics employed by the feminine species of the race to obtain what they want,' he added bitterly. 'Of all the contracts Paula's been offered in the past, the marriage contract happens to be the one she won't turn down.'

  Cara felt awful. Paula was beginning to sound very much like another Julia. 'I'm sorry ...' she began hesitantly.

  'Hear me out,' he commanded haughtily before she could say any more. 'I think you will agree with me that the situation calls for drastic measures.' He glared at her. 'On your own admission, you were the only one who knew that Miss Ericson

  and I were well acquainted, and as this was her n first visit to Totorua, it didn't take a lot of brai power to work out where that information came from. You rather miscalculated there, I'm afraid. You knew of course that Miss Ericson was a famous concert pianist—I doubt if that fact escaped your notice. Perhaps that is why you took the trouble to ensure that she was warned off what you considered your territory, you were probably thinking along the lines that she would shy from any situation that would bring bad publicity.' His lips thinned. 'But it all backfired, didn't it? Except for one small detail.' His eyes met Cara's incredulous ones. 'Your plan to involve me in a fictitious affair is about to become a reality, as far as Miss Ericson and the rest of the island are concerned, that is. I have already outlined my feelings on this to Miss Ericson, categorically stating that I am perfectly content with matters as they stand, and am quite definitely not in need of any such protection as she was proposing. I also,' he added meaningly, 'conveyed in no uncertain terms the fact that I found my little island bride's charms much too strong to resist.'

  Cara's cheeks flamed a brilliant pink. 'How could you!' she exclaimed in a shocked voice.

  'Very easily, as a matter of fact,' he continued smoothly, causing her blush to deepen even further, for there was a certain inflection in his voice that was not lost on her. 'You ought to have foreseen such an eventuality,' he observed lightly. 'This sort of situation is commonplace these days. You should be grateful,' he added casually. 'You could have been out of a job and on your way back to the U.K. by now.'

  Cara wasn't too sure that she didn't prefer things that way; at least her reputation would be unsullied. 'I don't think ...' she began in a strangled voice.

  `Then don't try,' he interrupted her harshly. 'You shouldn't start something you can't finish.' His eyes met hers inexorably. 'I said as far as Miss Ericson and the rest of the island are concerned, and I meant just that. I intend to spend a few night here a week—the gossipmongers will do the rest, enough anyway to satisfy any doubt Miss Ericson may or may not be harbouring. I shall be quite open about it, and I shall expect you to follow my lead. The affair will die a natural death upon the departure of Miss Ericson.'

  A stunned Cara found herself wondering whether he meant to stay the night, and if he expected her to provide him with a meal. Thoughts like these were safe, others were not. She gave him a wary look under her long dark lashes. Did he really mean what he had said about only asking for lodgings for a few nights? It was only a front anyway, but when she remembered the way he had spoken earlier about her charms, she wasn't quite so sure. If he tried to take advantage of the situation he was in for a surprise, she told herself grimly. To think she had almost gone soft over him ! He hadn't given one thought to her or the distasteful situation he was putting her in, he was too busy preserving himself from- Paula's clutches—and to think she had tried so desperately to preserve their romance— or what she had thought was their romance!

  'I agree to go along with you so far,' she said quietly, 'even though my reputation will be in

  shreds by the time this wretched business is over, but I don't suppose that fact will worry you. Have you thought of what my uncle might think when the news reaches him?' she demanded, suddenly having a vision of the extreme embarrassment it would cause him. 'And I must say,' she added, warming to her theme, 'is all this really necessary? It seems to me that I'm being put to all this inconvenience simply because you can't handle a woman. It might not be pleasant, but all you have to do is tell them you're not interested. Even Paula Ericson must have some pride! ' she added pithily.

  Pierre looked at her for a long moment before he said softly, 'So we have claws, have we? I'd advise you to keep them sheathed in future or you'll get more than you bargained for. Up until now I've acted the perfect gentleman, but there's no guarantee that I'll continue to do so. When I first walked in here I wanted to wring your neck for the mess you'd landed me in. Under the circumstances. I believe I've behaved very well. Any more remarks on my inability to handle a woman and you'll soon find that there's one woman that I can, and will handle—physically, if need be! ' he ground out.

  Cara tried to look indignant but wasn't sure if she succeeded, as her heart was pounding at an alarming rate at the thought of him manhandling her. Her steady eyes met his bright blue stare. 'There's no need to threat
en me,' she said as calmly as she could. 'I've agreed to go along with you to allow you to create the necessary impression, but I sincerely hope for both our sakes that Miss Eric-son's departure takes place in the very near future.'

  Pierre gave her a wicked smile as he replied

  lightly, 'Not too soon, I hope. I was looking forward to getting to know you. We've a lot in common, haven't we?'

  Cara looked back at him with the gleam of temper in her eyes. He was having fun now at her expense, he had got the co-operation he had come for and could now relax. He had the looks and charm to enslave a woman, witness what had happened to Paula and Julia, but she was not going to join that entourage. His eyes were really twinkling now, almost as if he sensed her thoughts.

  Women were weak where such men were concerned, she thought shrewdly, and he would know just how to play on their emotions. Without thinking she spoke her thoughts aloud, it was a sad failing that she really would have to do something about! she told herself afterwards. 'I'm glad I have no such weakness,' she declared fervently.

  Pierre continued to study her; his eyes had now taken on a deeper blue, and she had an uncomfortable feeling he had correctly interpreted her line of thought. 'Haven't you?' he said softly after a long moment. 'Well, we'll see, won't we?'

  Cara's hands clenched into small fists; she wished she could hit out at him, and only the distinct possibility of him making a retaliation stopped her, for she was not sure what form it would take. This time she was certain that he knew exactly what she wanted to do, as the look of amusement in his eyes plainly said, 'Coward!'

  Just as suddenly as he had reverted from the annoyed to the amused mood, he resumed his initial authoritative approach as if he had spent enough time dallying with her. 'I shall not be presuming

  upon your hospitality this evening. Tomorrow, perhaps,' he said grandly. 'I have a key to the door.'

  It was said simply, yet it made Cara feel exactly what the rest of the island would shortly be labelling her, Pierre Morelon's woman! As if to stave off the inevitable she said swiftly, 'I might be out when you call. I do have a private life, you know.'

  'You mean you had!' Pierre said meaningly, all previous amusement gone. 'I want your full cooperation on this, and no half measures. Parties or any evening entertainment are out for you from now on. You wouldn't want me seeking you out and acting the jealous lover, would you? Well, neither would I,' he added grimly. 'But make no mistake, I shall do just that if I have to. I have a lot at stake, remember? If there's any hopeful wooer of yours in the background, then shake him off. You stay put,' he said harshly. 'I know the ropes, you see,' he added bitterly. 'I've seen it all before.'

  For a long time after he had left her, Cara remained where she was, staring at the frilled curtaining of the sitting-room windows. She didn't feel in any sense outraged, yet she ought to have done. She only knew a sense of sorrow for the man who had swept back into her life bringing such devastating events in his wake, for in his last telling words lay the reason for his extraordinary behaviour.

  Outwardly he was a kindly, charming, and extremely handsome man, but under that calm facade of his lay a bitterness towards the past. Cara had known that he disliked Julia, she had not been mistaken earlier in thinking that his dislike went beyond the normal reaction of not taking to some-

  one, and she had sensed this at the time. Perhaps she was like her mother in looks, and this would certainly account for his feelings on the matter. It would also account for the fact that he was a bachelor, and meant to remain one. Paula hadn't stood a chance, and in a way Cara felt sorry for her, as she would have done for any woman who fell in love with him. Cara couldn't have explained how she knew all this about him, yet she did know.

  Everything now fell into place; the way he had at first treated her harshly, then appeared amused at her calm acceptance of the situation. He did not think she was a blackmailer as he had hinted during the early part of their confrontation, for if he had thought so, he wouldn't have given her the time of day, and certainly would not have placed himself in jeopardy by making such a demand on her. He had known he could handle Cara, whereas Paula presented quite another problem.

  Cara could now see why he had had to act as promptly as he had. Paula Ericson was a well-known personality and as such her life style would be of interest to her countless fans. She had only to mention the news to her agent and it would make headlines in musical circles. Before he knew what was going on Pierre would find himself being interviewed by one of the women's magazines eager to obtain a scoop on the news.

  She moved away from the spot she had been standing on for so long and nodded her head slowly. Yes, that was what would happen. She could almost hear Paula's throaty, 'I'm so sorry, darling, but you know what the publicity hounds are like, one whiff of a secret and they move in.' And 'darling' wouldn't

  stand a chance, thought Cara shrewdly as she made her way to the room she would have to get ready for Pierre.

  The same claustrophobic feeling overcame her as she gazed round at the peach fluffiness of the room, and she shook her head. He would not use this room, the very sight of it would fill him with repugnance— and that meant that he would have to use the room she had commandeered for her own use.

  She sighed at the thought, she would have to move into this room. Going back into the small bedroom she emptied the drawers of the dressing table and took the articles of clothing into the main bedroom and placed them in the drawers of the ornate dressing table. She might as well be prepared for his visit as she would receive no previous warning.

  At no time did it occur to Cara to be worried or fearful of his presence in the villa, in spite of those mocking blue eyes of his she knew now she would be perfectly safe with him, and she wasn't sure whether to be glad or sorry about this, for she was certain he would not abuse her hospitality, as he had phrased it.

  While Cara got out fresh linen and made up the beds, it did occur to her that she ought not to be taking things quite so calmly, and she wondered if the events of the past few days had made her shockproof ! Here she was, calmly preparing a room for a man she scarcely knew, who was making use of her home in order to start a rumour flying round the island. At this point she corrected herself—the rumour was already rife—he was just fanning the flames by adding a touch of authenticity to it.

  Cara sat down suddenly on the bed; had she inherited her father's knack of turning a dramatic situation into a comical farce? She must have done, she thought a little bewilderedly. By this time she ought to be dwelling on other things, such as how she was going to cope with the curious stares she was bound to receive, and the doubtful side-glances, not to mention a few leers from other men. Would she take all that as calmly as she was taking Pierre's decision to use her as a blind to forestall Paula's plans?

  She had -a vision of Cathy, and found herself giving a weak grin. If only she knew what she was missing! Perhaps one day she would tell her about it—but on this thought she sobered. It wasn't really funny, nothing was funny anymore. Everything had a dreamlike quality about it, like this room, she thought, as she stared at the peach silk bedspread on the bed.

  She ought, she thought sardonically, to have given him this room. If anything was calculated to bring the bizarre business to an expedient end as far as her involvement was concerned, this room would! One look and he would be busy making other arrangements—and Cara couldn't blame him!

  She got up from the bed and went downstairs again, then wandered into the small patio at the back of the villa that overlooked the rockery, beyond which were the scented bushes of a white star-shaped flower that gave a luminous glow.

  Even though it was now night, the rays of the huge southern moon lent enough light for her to still make out the villa boundary. There was but one consolation for her in all this upset, and that was that she would be able to stay on the island. Her

  job, too, had been saved, and surely the discomfort she would have to endure, if only for a short period in time, was worth
the prize.

  In her mind's eye she saw Pierre again, and the way he had sat watching her every reaction and wondered what he really thought of her. There had been so much she had not been able to explain; how can you explain coincidences like that? No wonder he was sceptical and held certain reservations on her motives, for although Cara had decided earlier that he did not see her as a blackmailer, she had also to concede to herself that whatever her motives had been, he was satisfied that he could handle them.

  At least he did not hate her—although hate was a strong word. He did not hate Julia either, only for what she stood for, and for the self-centred way she had gone about reaching her goal, and as Pierre had once commented, she was very like her mother.

  The strains of a Polynesian love song drifted towards her as she sat lost in her thoughts. It would have come from one of the pavement cafés now catering for the tourist season, and for a moment she listened to the soft seductive melody. Where was Pierre now? Was he wining and dining Paula in an effort to dissuade her from her crusade on his behalf? Not if that kind of music was being played anywhere in their vicinity, she thought dryly; if he had any sense he would organise a dinner party or some such entertainment, there was safety in numbers! Although, she mused, he had said something about a business engagement.

  Her musings ended abruptly as a certain thought came to her and a bright flush stained her cheeks. What was she thinking of? What was it to her what

  he was doing? He could entertain all the island beauties for all it concerned her! She was even starting to think much as a mistress might think! Wondering where her man was when he wasn't with her.