by Janet Dailey
The white room—she had referred to it when Vera had directed Colin to bring her suitcases there. Thick white carpet covered the floor with the walls also in white, but a richly quilted bedspread of gold satin was on the oak bed with matching draperies at the windows. Brass lamps flanked the bed with snow-white shades on top. It was elegant without being ostentatious.
“It's beautiful!” Laurie breathed in admiration, walking slowly towards the oak dressing-table where fresh yellow roses turned their newly budding petals towards her.
Then the gilt-framed picture on the bureau came into view, washing the colour from her face as her knees threatened to buckle. Cold black eyes stared out from an aloofly aristocratic male face. Laurie experienced the same unnerving feeling she had felt the first time she saw Rian Montgomery. It was as if he was in the room, the jeering set of his mouth condemning her a fraud, a liar. Her heart stopped beating and that terrible fear swept over her again that he would discover this foolish masquerade and send the world crashing down around her.
“I thought you might like to have Rian's picture in your room.” Vera's voice came softly from behind Laurie's left shoulder. “It's the only one I have, or I'd give it to you."
“It's a remarkable likeness,” Laurie said weakly, unable to break her gaze away from the totally masculine face.
“Do you think so?” the older woman queried, a mild disagreement in her voice. “He looks so hard and cynical in that photograph, but then,” she shrugged ruefully, “in many ways he has become that. Money, power and prestige make a potent combination. When you blend those with a forceful personality like Rian's it becomes easy to understand how a person can become cynical towards life. I know I'm not telling you something you don't already know, but you'd be surprised at how many people like you for what you possess instead of what kind of person you are. My most profound wish has been that Rian would find someone who loved him for himself and not for his money and power. I do believe, my dear, that he has found that woman in you."
“Vera—” Laurie began with a choking knot of pain in her throat. Tears brought an added brilliance to the blue of her eyes surrounded by sooty black lashes.
She couldn't go on with the masquerade. It had to end here and now, before the damage was too great to be mended for LaRaine. But her voice couldn't get through the lump in her throat.
The youthfully attractive, silver-haired woman mistook the acid tears burning Laurie's eyes for tears of gratitude at being accepted as a member of the family.
“You don't have to say anything. I understand.” Vera hugged Laurie's unresisting shoulders and hurried from the room, her own pale blue eyes filling with happy tears.
The moment of truth was gone, and Laurie was more committed than before to carry out the charade to its inevitable bitter end.
CHAPTER THREE
DURING the next three days Laurie discovered how Vera Manning stayed so youthfully trim. They went horseback riding every morning through the quiet country back roads with Laurie astride a gentle, well-mannered bay gelding named Briar, while Vera rode a spirited chestnut. The weather remained unseasonably warm, so their afternoons were spent in or beside the swimming pool. Being an accomplished swimmer, Laurie thoroughly enjoyed the hours spent at the beautifully designed pool. The aesthetic part of her never ceased admiring the cobblestoned apron with its potted ferns and trees that made the pool so out of the ordinary.
There had been one excursion outside Vera's estate, a rare trip by car with Vera's gardener acting as chauffeur. It was a sightseeing tour of Mobile, stopping to tour ante-bellum homes, two of the museums and galleries, a stroll along the Azalea Trail, and a visit to the U.S.S. battleship Alabama permanently docked in Mobile Bay. Despite Laurie's protests that she didn't need to be entertained, another outing was planned for next week to Dauphin Island with Judge Hartford and Colin accompanying them for a picnic on the Gulf shore beaches and a walk through old Fort Gaines.
The dinner the night after her arrival had been undemanding fun. Judge Hartford was a tall distinguished man with iron grey hair that was a dignified white at the temples. It had been immediately apparent that he was infatuated with Vera Manning and in part, his affection was returned. Only during the introduction was Rian's name discussed. Colin had been politely attentive to Laurie, but never overstepped the bounds of friendship.
The subsequent days after the dinner, Colin had found reasons to come over, once to go riding with them in the mornings and twice to swim. His lighthearted banter helped immensely to ease the tension of constantly being on her guard.
Not that Vera was in any way suspicious that Laurie was not what she purported to be. Quite the contrary was true. And the whirlwind of physical activity that Vera Manning indulged in left little time for idle, probing conversations. The introduction of Rian's name in any conversation was always casual, relating to some preference for food or something equally unimportant. No, Laurie's concern was that she would accidentally refer to LaRaine's parents as aunt and uncle or mention that her own were dead. It was more difficult than she would have thought because Vera was the kind of woman she could have confided in. In fact, she invited such confidences by not asking for them.
Laurie couldn't help returning the affection that Vera bestowed upon her so generously. Her own giving nature longed to give it back tenfold, but she had to hold it in check. Realistically Laurie knew that LaRaine would never be a willing party to any long-term correspondence with Vera. Once this visit was over, Vera would probably never see LaRaine, because if she did she would discover the deception immediately, That must be avoided at all costs. So Laurie had to conceal her growing regard for Rian's aunt. To give her love as freely as she would like would end with Vera being hurt by LaRaine's failure to maintain the bonds of friendship after her marriage to Rian, and Laurie cared too much already for Vera to have that happen.
For the first time in recent years, Laurie found herself being regarded as an individual, not being compared to her vivacious cousin. The total acceptance and admiration, not only from Vera but also from Colin and his father, had a previously unknown sense of self-possession and confidence. It was a new experience that was subtly ego-building, even as she railed against the deception.
This is the end of the fourth day, Laurie told herself as she lay between the white satin sheets of her bed. In another ten days she would be returning to Los Angeles. The bitter taste of guilt reminded her that she would never see these people again. Ten more days of pretending and it would all be over. Her tired muscles silently thanked Vera for being so physically active. Tonight was the first night she hadn't fallen asleep the instant her head touched the pillow. Laurie turned her head to the side, her black hair spreading over the white pillow like an ebony fan. Her dark lashes closed over her blue, pain-filled eyes in anticipation of the sleep that would soothe and restore her raw nerves.
There was a light rap on the door. Because of the nearly totally white interior of the room, it never seemed completely dark. Laurie sat up to switch on the brass lamp beside the bed as the door swung open and Vera walked in, her eyes glittering with excitement.
“Were you sleeping?” she asked.
“No,” Laurie shook her head. “Is something wrong?"
“There's a phone call for you.” A beaming smile spread across the woman's face, still looking young and alive without the benefit of make-up. “It's Rian. You can take it on the extension by your bed."
“Rian?” Her voice broke as she said his name.
“Yes, he's calling from South America. I've already spoken to him, so I'll leave you to talk to him in private."
Vera waited long enough to see Laurie's trembling hand pick up the white receiver. Her heart was racing at top speed as she moistened her lips several times before finally saying a stammering “hello” into the phone.
“Is that you, LaRaine?” The crisp male voice sounded no further away than the next room.
Her hands were clammy with nervous sweat. She was afra
id to answer him for fear he would detect the difference between her voice and LaRaine's. She had no choice, she told herself firmly. She had to bluff it all the way through.
“Yes,” Laurie answered, trying to achieve the purring sound that came so naturally to LaRaine, “I didn't expect to hear from you, Rian."
“I became curious as to how you were getting along with Vera and vice versa.” Yet there seemed to be little curiosity in his voice.
“She's an absolute darling.” Laurie seized on LaRaine's favourite terminology, waiting for the axe to fall on her head.
“The gist of Vera's words was almost exactly the same about you.” Something resembling disbelief came across the wire, mixed with cynicism.
“You sound surprised."
“Perhaps I can't quite picture you riding horses and swimming all day,” Rian returned.
Oh, lord, Laurie remembered too late LaRaine's aversion to swimming. Her own love of water had led her into an unforgivable mistake. “I can put up with anything if it's only going to be for two weeks,” she said quickly. “Lazing about the pool has improved my tan. I'll be a golden goddess when you see me again.” She was talking too much. Laurie knew she was talking too much, but she knew no other way.
“Vera said you were in bed when I called. Did I wake you?” His swift change of subject surprised her.
“Yes, yes, you did. I must have just dropped off. I still feel a little groggy. I keep thinking this is a dream,” a nightmare was closer, “and I will wake and discover you didn't call at all."
“I guessed you'd been sleeping. Your voice sounds a bit different, like soft velvet.” That was a compliment, but it was delivered with marked indifference as if it were only a passing comment. “I'll be turning in shortly myself."
“Are you having a successful trip?” Laurie asked, trying to fill the gap left after his last remark.
“Oh, yes, very successful,” he replied dryly. “I suppose I should hang up now so you can get back to your beauty sleep."
“You must be tired yourself,” she said nervously.
“You sound concerned.” There was arrogant amusement now in the vital masculine voice.
“Of course I am."
“I almost believe you mean that. Since we both seem to be tired, I'll say goodnight."
“Yes, good night, Rian.” Relief tinged her voice with a throaty sound.
“Is that all? Just good night?” he mocked.
Her mind raced, trying to think what LaRaine would say. “There's more I would like to say, but I'd rather do it in person."
“Such as?” he prompted with infuriating calm.
“Such as,” forcing a lightness to her voice that she didn't feel at all, “I love you and I miss you terribly."
There was a long silence. Laurie felt sure he could hear the pulsating beat of her frightened heart over the telephone.
“Those are not the words that will give a man a peaceful night's sleep when he's miles away from you."
“They aren't meant to,” Laurie replied, inwardly sighing with relief at the answering chuckle on the other end.
“Good night, LaRaine."
“Good night, Rian.” Thankfully the receiver clicked on the other end only seconds after her words of farewell were spoken.
A wave of exultation rippled over her as Laurie silently congratulated herself on fooling Rian Montgomery. An intonation of speech similar to her cousin's, the excuse of sleep, and the telephone all combined together had made it possible. She hugged the knowledge to herself as she sank back against the pillow. Deceiving Rian Montgomery brought none of the guilt she usually experienced in her masquerade as LaRaine. Now that the fear of discovery had passed, looking back it had almost been fun.
Sapphire blue eyes gleamed at the photograph on the bureau. Not even the smouldering contempt outlined by the aquiline features could quell the excitement that held her in its thrall, but it did remind Laurie of the fine line she had just walked. She didn't want to think of the consequences if he ever did find out. Before the glittering black eyes could steal the thunder of her triumph, Laurie switched off the light, snuggling into the covers with an elated smile still dimpling her cheeks.
The following morning Judge Hartford and Colin joined Vera and Laurie in a horseback ride over the back roads. Colin was astride his own roan hunter while the Judge expertly controlled the mettlesome grey Arabian that was Rian's mount when he visited. After the telephone call last night, Laurie was confident she could handle anything. This new poise added a freshness to her appearance, already enhanced by the slim-fitting black slacks and the black and white striped blouse. The folded band of a white silk scarf held her glistening black hair away from her face, cascading it down her back to catch the warm rays of the sun.
The gentle wind had tousled Colin's golden blond hair as he turned his head to silently admire the girl riding beside him. Laurie tossed him a warm smile, not seeing the answering warmth that leaped into his gaze. She wished they could ride on forever—that this contentment would remain.
“This is an absolutely glorious morning!” Laurie declared, gazing out over the dew-kissed meadows, vibrantly green backgrounds for the rich browns of the tree trunks. “I wish every day could begin like this."
“So do I,” Colin agreed soberly, his eyes drinking in her sparkling beauty. She flashed him another smile, noticing how handsome he looked in his tobacco brown riding pants and the matching jacket over his cream yellow shirt opened at the top to reveal the tanned throat.
“I don't believe I've appreciated how vibrantly beautiful you look, Laurie,” said Judge Hartford, looking back over his shoulder from his position to the front beside Vera. “You make me wish I were Colin's age again."
His teasing comment drew the expected laugh from Laurie. “As handsome as you are, Judge,” she returned gaily, “you would turn any woman's head regardless of her age."
“That may be,” the Judge smiled, “but I wish I knew the secret of your radiance this morning."
Laurie was about to credit it to the company she was with when Vera spoke up. “It might have something to do with a certain telephone call last night. Am I right, Laurie?"
The expectant look on the older woman's face forced her to agree. “It had something to do with it,” Laurie admitted, her teeth grating as she uttered the partially true words.
“Ah, Rian called,” the Judge nodded sagely while Colin maintained a quiet silence. “That does explain it then. There's nothing more beautiful than a woman in love, except one who's on the brink."
“Did Rian mention when he would be back?” Colin inserted sharply.
“No, he only said his trip was successful,” Laurie replied.
“Which means profitable,” Colin murmured with a wry smile.
“I did ask if he would be back in time for Mardi Gras,” Vera commented, bestowing an apologetic smile on Laurie. “But he said he didn't think so."
“Mardi Gras starts this week, doesn't it?” pouncing on the subject like a lifeline.
“Yes,” Colin replied. The relief on his face almost matched Laurie's. “We must make plans for you to attend some of the parades and at least one of the balls."
“I would like that,” Laurie agreed eagerly. “Do you suppose we could, Vera?"
“Never fear,” the Judge declared with a twinkling smile. “Leave it to me, Laurie. I'll convince her it would be a major crime for you to miss our most festive season."
Vera laughed, sounding as if she was going to enjoy the charming assault of the distinguished rider as he cajoled her to agree.
“Would Rian object?” Colin asked in a lowered voice, slowing his roan so the two older riders could pull ahead.
“Of course not,” Laurie declared with an airy toss of her head. She didn't want his name spoiling her day as it was threatening to do. “It was his suggestion,” order was more correct, “that brought me here. I'm sure he must know that Vera will show me around."
“I was thinking,” Colin hesit
ated, “that his objection might be with me. You are his fiancée."
“And you're a friend of the family.” Softening her voice to add, “And my friend, too. I won't allow him to object. Please, don't let's discuss Rian."
If Colin thought her request was strange, he didn't comment, but conceded easily to her wishes with a brief description of the Mardi Gras activities over the next week. Gradually the subject shifted to the man and woman riding several yards ahead of them.
“You coming here has been a good thing for Vera,” Colin stated. “Especially if the Judge persuades her to attend a ball, which I have no doubt he will, because of you."
“Why do you say that? I haven't noticed anything wrong with Vera."
“These past years she's become somewhat of a recluse, using her abhorrence of cars, planes, and crowds to stay at home. She's let her membership lapse in many of the clubs she belonged to, and only her closest friends have stayed in touch,” he explained.
“Vera is so warm and outgoing, that's hard to believe,” Laurie murmured. “She's always so active, constantly doing things."
“But never becoming involved in anything except Rian.” A corner of his mouth quirked.
Laurie let the name pass. “Vera never discusses her husband. Is he the reason?"
“Yes,” Colin nodded.
“Well, go on. Tell me what happened. Does it have something to do with his death? Vera did say he died some years ago,” Laurie prompted.
“From what the Judge has told me of the early days, it must have started long before that,” Colin said, slowing his mount so there would be more distance between the riders in front of them. “Charles Manning was from a good family who like a lot of others lost their money during the Depression. But Charles was a very charming opportunist. As lovely as Vera is now, she was that much more beautiful as a young woman. The Judge was in love with her even then. If Charles hadn't come along, I'm sure he would have married her."
“But she married Charles Manning,” Laurie sighed, remembering how she had guessed the first time she had seen the Judge with Vera that he was in love with her. Her heart went out to the distinguished grey-haired man riding so erectly in front of her, his brown eyes never wavering too long from Vera's face.
