Rachel Lindsay - Alien Corn

by Rachel Lindsay

  'Nothing would have made Papa change his mind.'

  'I know, but—' Lorna twisted her hands together. 'Perhaps if you'd seen your parents after you were married.'

  'I intended to, but Frank changed his plans and we left for Australia as soon as the ceremony was over. I wrote and begged Papa to forgive me and kept on writing until I was taken ill and went into hospital.'

  'And when you came out again?'

  'I made up my mind to forget them. I too am a

  Rodriguez.'

  'But you've come back now?'

  Rosalia averted her head. 'Because my husband is dead. He was killed in an accident a year ago.' She rubbed her eyes childishly. 'You are a stranger, yet I'm talking to you as I have to no one else.'

  'Perhaps it's because we are strangers,' Lorna said quietly.

  There was a pause. Rosalia said nothing and after a moment Lorna began again. 'Why didn't you come home sooner, senhora?'

  Still the girl did not reply. Then after a moment she held out her hands and shrugged. 'How silly of me - I was almost too proud to tell you the reason. But I should remember that poor people can't afford to have pride — and I was certainly poor! Frank gambled: it was in his blood and he couldn't stop.'

  'And his death. How did it happen?'

  'Saving a little girl from getting run over. He managed to pull the child out of the way, but the lorry struck him instead.'

  'How dreadful for you !'

  Rosalia's eyes filled with tears. 'For a few months I didn't know what to do. It's difficult to be in. a strange country without any money or friends.'

  'If only you'd written to your mother…I'm sure she would have helped you.'

  'I was determined to come home under my own steam, and I certainly did. I washed so many greasy dishes I still dream of it at night!' She flexed her hands, the fingers hard, the small palms calloused. 'Do you know, I cried more over spoiling my hands than anything else. Just shows how vain women can be.'

  'You've been marvellous. When I think how you've suffered…' Lorna stood up. 'Let's go to the house. Your mother will be overjoyed to see you.'

  'No - no.' Rosalia drew back. 'Wait a little, I can't go now. Not yet. I seem to have lost my courage.'

  'But you haven't come half way across the world to give up at the last minute.'

  'I know, but I don't think I can face them.' Her voice trembled and tears coursed down her cheeks. 'Suppose they won't forgive me, that they blame me for my father's death? You're a stranger - I can't expect you to understand everything that happened, but—'

  'I do, I do!' Lorna caught the girl's arm. 'Please don't think I'm unsympathetic. I'm not, and I'll do anything I can to help you.' She paused, desperately wondering how to begin. 'I think there's something you ought to know first - something I ought to tell you. You'll probably tell me to mind my own business and you're right — but I can't stand by and see you suffer for a crime you didn't commit.'

  'What do you mean? I don't understand you.'

  Lorna twisted her hands tightly together. 'Your parents - your father - didn't refuse to see you because you eloped. It was much more serious than that.'

  'What other reason could there have been?'

  Lorna swallowed. 'They thought you were a thief!'

  'How dare you say such a thing to me?' Rosalia drew herself up to her full height. 'A Rodriguez would rather starve than steal! You must be mad!'

  'I'm not, I'm telling you the truth. You've got to believe me.'

  'But what could I have stolen? My clothes, my silver hairbrushes, my—'

  'Much more than that,' Lorna interposed desperately. 'Your ring!'

  For a moment Rosalia stared at her uncomprehendingly, then the colour drained from her face, leaving it sickly grey.

  'No, no, it's not true!' Her voice was strangled. 'I didn't steal it - I gave it back. I couldn't return it to Juan myself, but I left it with a note. I asked him to deliver it for me - to see he got it. I never thought - never doubted - oh, my God!' She put her hand to her throat and without another word slid forward to the ground.

  Lorna bent over the inert body and pulled it on to the chair: automatically she unbuttoned the collar and rubbed the limp hands. Rosalia's last words had confirmed all her fears, there could be no further proof of Rafael's guilt.

  Slowly the girl stirred and opened her eyes. A low moan escaped her lips and Lorna leaned forward.

  'Don't take it so badly,' she implored. 'It isn't your fault. I wouldn't have told you if I'd known you'd be so upset. Here, take my handkerchief and wipe your eyes and then come up to the house.'

  'No, no! I can't - not now.'

  'Of course you can. There's nothing to stop you.'

  'I won't, I tell you, I won't! You can't make me!' Her voice rose on a scream and Lorna hushed her as if she Were a child.

  'I won't make you do anything. There's no need to get so excited. Only I can't see the point in your coming home if you're going to run away again.'

  'But I can't go through with it,' Rosalia cried. 'I can't, I tell you! Not now I know he's a thief.' She was shaken by a fresh bout of sobbing, and Lorna put her arms around her placatingly.

  'Don't cry, Rosalia. You needn't come back if you don't want to do so.'

  'It isn't that,' the girl hiccoughed. 'It's just that I can't take it all in. He was always so kind and gentle to me. Even though we quarrelled sometimes I never thought, he'd be a common thief. Never!'

  'Well, it won't help you to stay out here. You've got to face up to things some time. You're innocent and it isn't fair to take someone else's guilt.' 'But don't you see it's my fault? If I hadn't asked him to help me he wouldn't have been tempted.'

  "It's silly to say that. You weren't to know what he'd do. Now please, Rosalia, let me take you to your mother.'

  'No.' The girl set her lips. 'I'm not being hysterical or childish, but I can't go home tonight. Everything has altered and I must have a few days to think things out.'

  'You can do that at home.'

  'I've gat to work it out alone,' Rosalia dragged herself to her feet, her face still deathly pale. 'I shouldn't have come back. They hate me enough as it is.'

  They don't!'

  They do! Rafael would kill me if he had the chance. Well, he won't get it - I'll rob him of that pleasure.'

  That's a silly way to talk.' Lorna was becoming angry. 'You're not a coward to take the easy way out. And anyway, why should you sacrifice yourself for him ?'

  'Haven't you ever cared for someone so much that you'd do anything not to harm them?'

  Across the small interior of the white pavilion the two girls faced one another, and it was Lorna who turned away first.

  'I'm not sure. A week ago I might have said no, but now I can't answer you.' She touched Rosalia's arm. 'But that's still no excuse for doing anything foolish. You've got to be strong enough to face facts even if they're unpalatable ones.'

  'You sound like a preacher!'

  'I'm sorry, but it's the truth. Now let's be practical. Where are you going to stay ?'

  'Anywhere. Don't worry about me.'

  'I won't let you leave here alone, you're not in a fit state. I've got a friend staying in Estoril who might be able, to help us. Perhaps he'll find you a room in his hotel.' She stood up. 'Wait for me here I won't be a minute.'

  She tiptoed through the hall to the library and dialled Derek's number. The porter at the other end kept exclaiming that he could not hear, but Lorna was afraid to raise her voice above a whisper and with difficulty managed to explain that she wanted to speak to the Englishman.

  After a moment Derek came on the line, his voice sharp with concern.

  'What's the matter? Is anything wrong?'

  'No, no. Not to me. But I'd like to see you right away. Can you come over?'

  'You mean now? Tonight?'

  'Yes. It's urgent.' She looked fearfully at the door. 'I can't explain here. I'll be waiting for you at the pavilion Be as quick as you can.'

  Th
e next half hour dragged past on leaden- feet. Rosalia started nervously at every sound, her fear of discovery communicating itself to Lorna, who peered anxiously out through the pavilion door every few minutes. At last she heard footsteps on the gravel path and sped down the steps to greet Derek.

  He caught her hand in a painful grip. Thank God. you're all right! For a moment I was afraid…'

  'But I said nothing was wrong with me. It's - it's Rosalia - Rafael's sister!' In an undertone she told him the facts. Her discovery of the ring, her reasons for believing that Rafael was the miscreant and finally her finding Rosalia in the pavilion.

  When she had finished Derek still looked mystified. 'But what do you want me to do?'

  Take Rosalia to your pension. She absolutely refuses to go up to the house and I'm afraid to let her go anywhere alone. She might…'

  'I see.' He sighed. 'It's a hell of a problem, isn't it? Still, I'm glad you had the sense to call me, although I can't quite see what good it will do to hide her.'

  'I don't want to hide her. I just want to see she's all right for one night. I'm sure she'll see things differently in the morning.'

  "I hope so.' He straightened his shoulders. 'Well, I'll take her back, with me; The dining-room isn't full, if that's anything to go by.'

  Lorna heaved a sigh of relief and preceded Derek up the pavilion steps and introduced him to Rosalia. Although slow to. react, once he had time to absorb the facts Derek, like the true Englishman he was, acted coolly and efficiently. Wrapping Rosalia in a warm coat, he picked up her pitifully small valise and bustled her to where a taxi was waiting at the front gate.

  'I picked it up on the way,' he whispered to Lorna, because I thought you were going to do a bunk! But it's certainly come in handy.'

  The car was moving off when he thrust his head out of the window. 'Don't worry, darling, everything will be all right. See you in the morning.'

  Lorna walked back to the house. The crescent moon was poised above the tall thin chimney and the garden was mysteriously alive with patches of light and shade. Its heartbreaking loveliness served only to accentuate her misery. With a sigh she crossed the hall, drawing back with a start as a light went on and Rafael stepped out of the shadows. In a maroon dressing-gown faced with gold, his dark hair sleek and unruffled, he barred her way at the top of the stairs.

  'What were you doing in the garden, Miss Fairfax?'

  'Walking.'

  'At this hour? Surely you could find a more reasonable time?'

  'I didn't think it mattered. Next time I'll let you know if I go out after hours.'

  There's no need to do that,' .he said coldly. 'Your movements are no concern of mine.'

  'Thank you, senhor, that's what I thought.' She tried to walk past him, but he refused to move out of the way.

  'One other thing, Miss Fairfax. May I suggest there are better times for a rendezvous than at midnight?'

  Lorna's eyes dilated with fear and Rafael misinterpreted the look.

  'Don't worry,' he said scornfully. 'I am not in the habit of spying. I merely heard voices and got up to investigate.'

  Lorna's relief was so great that a fine veil of perspiration covered her forehead. 'I'm sorry you were disturbed for nothing, senhor. Now if you'll excuse me…'

  'Not until I've finished. I'm glad I heard you, if only to give you timely warning. I am sure there is no danger in meeting your English friend at such a time — your countrymen are notoriously cold lovers - but it is bad for your reputation to be seen wandering about the grounds late at night.'

  'I don't think my reputation is any concern of yours.'

  'I must disagree with you on that point. When you are in my house you must behave as I would expect a guest to behave. What you do when in your own country is your business, but if you wish to remain with Amalia you must conform to the habits of my countrywomen.'

  'I was not aware that I had done anything to which you could take offence. My friendship with Mr. Simmons is perfectly innocent.'

  'From what I know of Mr. Simmons I am not in the least surprised!'

  She caught her breath sharply. 'Really, senhor, you're insufferable! As you seem to dislike me so much I'm surprised you bother about me.'

  For a long moment he was silent. 'There is more than a grain of truth in what you have said. In the future I will not waste my time with you.'

  'Is that all you have to say?'

  'It is enough, I think.'

  'So do I. Good night, senhor.'

  Without another word she slipped past him and rah down the corridor to her room. Trembling, she undressed and climbed into bed, but it was impossible to sleep. Memories of Rosalia's return filled her mind, What did the future hold for Rafael now? She could not imagine his accepting any change in his status. With his money and power he would surely be able to gloss over everything. The ring would be returned to its rightful owner and an excuse fabricated for its disappearance. Only a few people would know the truth, and with all her heart Lorna wished she was not one of them.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  The following morning Amalia decided to go shopping and Lorna dutifully accompanied her friend down to the town. The shops in Estoril were built in two semi-circular arcades, one on each side of the Casino gardens that stretched from the top of the hill almost to the promenade. The choice of articles was not as wide as in Lisbon and far more expensive, but the price did not concern Amalia, who chose some exquisite cambric handkerchiefs with fine Portuguese lace edging, and a bedjacket in the. same delicate handwork.

  'It's beautiful.' Lorna admired the cobweb patterns, marvelling that hands could have made them.

  'Machine-made lace is more the vogue now. It's cheaper and stronger.'

  'A machine couldn't make anything as perfect as these.'

  'Perhaps not.' Amalia spoke in rapid Portuguese to the girl behind the counter and then turned back to Lorna. 'I've asked her to send the things up to the houses, but these are yours.' She slipped a packet of handkerchiefs into Lorna's hand.

  'Amalia, I couldn't! They're much too expensive.'

  Don't be silly. If I couldn't afford it I wouldn't do it.'

  Still protesting, Lorna followed her friend out of the shop and stood beside her on the pavement, protected from the sun by the arcade.

  'How about a drink before we go back to the house? I must treat you to something in return for such a lovely present.'

  'Done. I'll have the most expensive cake I can find! Where shall we sit? It looks rather crowded.' Amalia waved a hand to the small tables and chairs that filled the arcade from one end to the other, making the shops almost inaccessible.

  'There's a table free outside Cook's office. I'll lead the way. Call me if you get stuck.'

  Lorna forced a passage through the crowd of suntanned holidaymakers, the women in bright summer frocks, the men in open-necked shirts. She longed to know what was happening to Rosalia and Derek, but one look at her friend's beaming face as they sat down at the table told her she must contain her impatience a little longer.

  'I feel as if I've been but of circulation for years,'Amalia said as she beckoned to the waiter. 'I felt I just had to get out this morning.'

  'A good idea, or I wouldn't have met you.'

  They turned in surprise to see Derek standing in front of Cook's doorway. 'What are you doing in town so early?' he asked.

  'Shopping,' Amalia grinned. 'It's the only thing' that will get me up!'

  'Just like a woman - they're the same the world over!' He came over to the table. 'Mind if I join you?'

  'Not at all. Do sit down and tell me what you think of Portugal.

  'It's perfect! The scenery, the food, everything.'

  'Including Lorna ?'

  'How did you guess?

  'Were you booking your passage home?' Lorna put in quickly.

  'He nodded. 'I had a telegram from the office this morning which means I'll have to get back by the end of next week. The boss doesn't know the meaning of the word "holiday".' />
  The waiter came up with a tray of gateaux and as Amalia concentrated on the cream puffs and Eclairs, Derek spoke to Lorna in an undertone.

  'I've left her at the hotel, still fast asleep, and told the maid to stay with her. What are you going to do? We can't keep her hidden for long.'

  'I know. We'll have to persuade her to go home.'

  'Why not tell the Senhora? It's her responsibility.'

  'I can't. I promised—'

  'Damn it, Lorna, you can't let Rodriguez get away with it. He deserves to face the consequences.'

  'We can't talk now,' she said hurriedly. 'I'll meet you back here in an hour.'

  'All right, but I won't let you—'

  'What are you two whispering about?' Amalia interrupted. 'Or would it embarrass me to know?'

  'Not at all,' Derek said with aplomb. 'We were admiring your figure!'

  'What a wonderful lie! I'll know better than to ask you next time. Choose your cake, Lorna, before he eats them all.'

  The next half-hour passed in idle chatter, and Lorna was fretting with impatience by the time they said goodbye to Derek and began the slow walk up the hill to the house. Amalia was too busy talking about the nurse she had engaged to notice her friend's lack of interest, and she was surprised when Lorna stopped at the entrance to the drive.

  'I won't come in if you don't mind. I think I'll take another walk.'

  'Why didn't you say so in the first place?' Amalia grinned. "You could have stayed with Derek instead of. dragging all the way up the hill with me.'

  Lorna bit back a denial. 'You jump to conclusions too quickly,' she said lightly. 'It isn't Derek so much as the fact that he's a breath of home.'

  That's your excuse and you're sticking to it! But I don't mind: 'I'll have the last laugh on you yet!' With a wave Amalia walked towards the house and Lorna hared back the way she had come.

  Derek was still sitting at the table and she slipped into the seat beside him.

  'You were quick.'

  'I ran all the way.'

  'Poor darling, you look upset. I hope you're not worrying too much.'