by Margaret Way
If there was nothing strange in that from Felicity’s point of view, it was an original, authentic love affair for Dan. According to plan he should have been on his way home to Texas, instead of which he was thoroughly enjoying the Australian Outback with every last comfort and the company of a very beautiful woman. It was simply a miracle since he expected to die a bachelor. The breaking of a collar-bone was not the minor disaster it had at first seemed; in fact Dan now looked on it as heavenly intervention, very likely at his mother’s instigation. She had always been a good scheming woman in life.
The terrible thought of Felicity’s three husbands Dan pushed right to the back of his mind, submerged but not forgotten. In short, he was properly caught up in the web of Felicity’s fascination, temporarily blind to her case history. The truly extraordinary part was that Felicity appeared to him, as she did to most everyone else, as an innocent, ravishingly pretty little woman who had been unfortunate enough to have her life tied up to at least two drop-outs. In that evaluation, Dan was as ignorant of the true facts as everyone else, with the exclusion of Felicity’s family, for Felicity was a queen bee by nature, irresistibly trapping the male and demanding unswerving allegiance.
If things seemed perfect for Felicity and Dan, Genny was worried and Aunt Evelyn was caustic in their private conversation. Ingo, of course, refused to take any responsibility in the matter, though his sympathies were with Dan. With the expected arrival of a house full of guests, Genny finally came to the conclusion that she had best have it out with her mother. Felicity was notoriously capricious, but it was as plain as an approaching dust storm that Dan was as desperately in love as any young man. If Felicity failed him, Genny considered it very likely that Dan would attempt to ride the piebald again, with the inevitable results. If she was really interfering it was from the very best motives. After years of experience she never hesitated to act for the best.
Felicity, when Genny sought her out that evening before dinner, was busy in her room, brushing out her lovely hair, totally involved in the operation. When she caught sight of her daughter in the open doorway, she turned away from the triple-mirrored dressing table to smile.
‘Come in, darling, but do shut the door in case Evvy goes by. I really think my hair suits me better this way, don’t you? Short hair is always nicer for the summer.’
‘You look gorgeous, Flick, any way.’ Genny shut the door carefully and walked into the huge bedroom.
It was her favourite, but Flick always beat her to it. She pulled around a Louis XVII armchair covered in silk brocade and sank into it, with her back to the marble mantel and the tall antique mirror in its elaborate gilded frame.
Felicity was talking in her soft appealing voice as she flicked up the curls on her nape. ‘What do you think I should wear tonight? A stupid shame, what happened to the green.’
‘I‘ve never been known to give Melly anything to iron,’ answered Genny.
‘Well, I didn’t think she’d put a hole through it. She’s such a sweet little thing.’
‘Actually that’s not her job, Flick. She helps Maggie in the kitchen, as you very well know. Dropping things is more in Melly’s line. Any dinner service is lucky to survive. Anyway, I wanted to talk to you about something thing else.’
‘No doubt it’s Dave?’ said Felicity, making provocative eyes.
‘There are others I’ll start on first. What about the Lone Ranger?’
‘Now there’s a charming man. And that fascinating drawl. I could listen to it for ever, it’s so musical.’
‘Wonderful, my faith is restored.’
The slight asperity in Genny’s voice brought Felicity around on her stool. ‘What are you talking about, darling? Really, all that education has only made you that wee bit difficult to understand.’
‘Then I’ll spell it out in big letters. Dan’s in love with you, Flick.’
Felicity gave her enigmatic little smile and picked up the brush again.
‘Don’t smirk, Flick. It’s serious.’
‘It will do him good.‘ Felicity maintained imperturbably.
‘I suppose so. The only hitch is that eventually I feel sure he’s going to ask you to marry him,’ her daughter told her.
‘And that’s all right too.’
‘You mean you would marry him?’
‘I confess I’ve given it some thought.’
‘Serious thought?’ pressed Genny.
‘Surely you don’t think anything else?’
‘You don’t love him, Flick.‘ Genny said quietly.
Felicity paused. ‘What’s love? Tell me, chicken, what is it?’
‘It’s the biggest challenge there is.’
‘Exactly.’
‘I’m sure we don’t mean it in the same way.’
Felicity found her daughter’s eyes in the mirror. ‘Don’t spoil such a lovely evening, darling. You’re so intense about everything. Honestly, sometimes I have to shut my eyes in case I see Carlo sitting there beside you.’
‘That’s nice. Would you mind not knocking my father so much?’
‘But I loved himl’ Felicity protested, opening her eyes wide. ‘You’re not spoiling for a fight, are you, Genny? You know how I suffer from headaches. Honestly, it’s a fight all the way when you get in these deep moods.’ Felicity rose to her feet and stood on the tips of her toes, her body in the lace and chiffon robe as slender and graceful as a young girl’s. ‘Dan has a lot of money,’ she said at last, thoughtfully.
‘Is that part of it?’ Genny asked, dismayed.
‘Yep.’ Felicity whooped, expecting Genny to laugh, but she didn’t, her dark eyes very serious.
‘But surely, Flick, we’re comfortably off. I mean, we can only have so much of everything. Do you really need any more? It doesn’t seem decent.’
‘The truth is, darling, I’m not the least bit decent about money. I never have been. Besides, I want money of my own.’
There was an instant of shocked comprehension before Genny came to her feet, taking a few steps towards her mother, who fell back against the bedpost. ‘Really, you do remind me most unsuitably of your father. The only man to strike me. Just you stay where you are, my girl. I’ve never told you before-now you know. I’ve been absolutely broke in between marriages, by our standards, that is.’
‘I don’t believe it.‘ Genny murmured, feeling suddenly empty. ‘Everyone thinks we have money.’
‘It’s just part of the game. Keeping up appearances. It’s Faulkner money, Gen. Ingo is the big wheeler dealer. Surely you realise that?’
‘If it’s true I’ll die of shame.’
‘You will not die.‘ Felicity insisted, scrutinising her daughter closely. ‘Why shouldn’t Ingo support us?
He has tons of money, you wouldn’t believe it. I’m surprised you’re the least bit concerned.’
‘But what about Hughie?’ Genny asked intently.
‘Hughie was a dear man but a big disappointment. Death duties took most of it; what was left wasn’t nearly enough. Why, it scarcely bought me a couple of really good dresses.’
Genny winced. ‘You pay far too much for your clothes, Flick, I’ve always told you that. I suppose Ingo has been paying my fees as well?’
‘Certainly. I haven’t. I don’t know that I’m altogether in favour of higher education for young girls. It makes them dissatisfied. Don’t worry about Ingo, I’m sure it makes him feel good.’
‘It doesn’t make me feel good.‘ Genny said rather bitterly.
‘Oh, you’re a regular little volcano, ready to go off at a moment’s notice,’ mocked Felicity. ‘What’s the big deal, darling? It’s Ingo’s duty to throw a little money in our direction. He’s my cousin and he has all of this. It’s unreasonable to keep it all to himself. We’re just two frail little creatures.’
‘I‘m glad there aren’t any more of us.’ Genny said soberly. ‘You can’t marry Dan for security, Flick.
Apart from anything else, you must respect the depth of his feeling fo
r you. Don’t sell him short.’
‘And don’t you tell me how to keep a man happy. After all...’
‘When you tire of them, Flick,’ Genny broke in on her, ‘you just throw them out the window, but you’ll never get rid of Dan that way. He’s too big and he’s not as easy-going as he makes out. There’s iron under that gentle manner. Don’t shut your eyes to reality. The woman who married Dan would have to toe the line, not gather rosebuds along the way.’
‘Well, if you must know,’ Felicity said with a hand to her breast, ìt’s not only security, though in my opinion that’s a good enough reason at my age.’
‘I‘ve never heard you mention your age before.’ Genny said in surprise.
‘Well, I may look a dozen years younger than I am, but I don’t know at precisely what time in the future I might suddenly crumple. I’ve lived on my looks all my life and I’ve been loved for them, but Dan is the kind of man who would still love me when I started going to pieces.’
‘It’s equally true that he wants and expects a square deal,’ Genny said.
‘Really, darling, there’s no need to point that out. You and Ingo both treat me as if I’m brainless and poor old Evvy looks right through me, the brittle old maid.’
‘Then forgive us, Flick. I was only worried that you might be amusing yourself at Dan’s expense.’
‘So I am.’ Felicity laughed enchantingly, running a caressing hand down over her slim hips. ‘And why shouldn’t I ? Life is a wonderful game, Genny. You’re so wretchedly earnest. ‘
‘I could wish you were the same. If you married Dan, and we’re somehow assuming he’s going to ask you, you’d be living on the other side of the world.’
‘So what’s the big drama? Americans are just as civilised as we are. I’ve seen you enjoying Dan’s company.’
‘Well, I like him. We all do. He’s a fine man,’ Genny smiled, ìntelligent and humorous and tolerant.’
‘Well then?’
‘He’s not being too calm and sensible about you. I’d miss you terribly, Flick.’
‘But darling,’ Felicity threw up her hands, ‘you would be coming with us. I know Dan would just love to have you. Why, you’re so pretty you could get into movies.’
‘I‘d say that was a career to be scrupulously avoided,’ Genny said wryly. ‘This is my country, Flick. I’m an Australian.’
‘Your father was an Italian,’ Felicity said reasonably.
‘No matter, I’ve made my throw and it’s all for Australia. I’ve got great faith in my own country. It’s a slumbering giant at the moment. I want to be around when it wakes up. I love it.’
‘So do I.’ Felicity protested, a little embarrassed by all this patriotism.
‘Then I take it you’re serious about Dan?’
‘I never said that, exactly.’
‘Don’t hurt him, Flick.‘ implored Genny. ‘He’s such a nice man.’
‘And he’s big enough to take care of himself. ‘ Felicity returned somewhat tartly.
‘He should be, but don’t be surprised if he reacts a little foolishly. Have you told him about your previous weddings?’
‘That’s for me to decide. thank you, my darling.’
‘You mean you haven’t told him yet?’ demanded Genny.
‘Should I have?’
‘If you’re going to give him an even chance, yes.’
Felicity walked with her light graceful step back to the dressing-table, picking up her brush, examining it closely. ‘Dan’s gone beyond the point of caring about anything like that. Eventually I’ll tell him. I’m sure he’ll understand I’ve been very unlucky to have had my life strewn with so many failures.’
‘And you’d like another turn?’ Genny asked flatly.
Her mother stiffened. ‘Surely that’s my business? Shouldn’t you keep out of it, pet?’
‘I‘m in to the death, Flick. You see, I love you and we’ve gone through a lot together. Why did you never tell me that Ingo was taking care of us?’
‘That was part of the deal.’ Felicity said, looking down at her polished toenails. ‘Ingo wanted it that way and I’d advise you not to tell him you know any different. Really, Genny, for an intelligent girl you’ve taken a long time to come to it. You know I fling money around like confetti.’
‘On purpose. The fact it’s not really ours doesn’t seem to bother you,’ Genny said bitterly.
‘Why should it? Ingo is my cousin and my dearest friend. He loves me in a very pure kind of way. He loves you too, though not quite as much. Come to that, he was fonder of you as a child than of his own sister. I know Trish used to get nearly hysterical about it in her younger days. Thank God she’s settled down marriage did that for her. It will be nice to have her here, and the children. I love the little boy.
Why, it’s not even too late to have one of my own. ‘
Genny knocked an ornament off the side table and bent to retrieve it, mercifully unbroken. ‘You’re joking.‘ she managed in a hollow kind of voice.
‘Of course I’d need a husband!’ Felicity said gaily. ‘It’s not uncommon for a woman my age to have another baby, you know.’
Genny laughed. ‘Flick, you never cease to surprise me. In fact, I’m struck speechless.’
‘I‘m somewhat surprised myself. It’s a long time since I’ve been anywhere near a nursery.’
‘If you’re thinking along those lines, are you sure you don’t love Dan?’
‘I think he’s a wonderful man. I might surprise him and give him a son. ‘
‘Good God, there’s a challenge. ‘
‘A pity there’s not another method,’ Felicity mused. ‘I’d hate to spoil my figure, but it would only be temporary. I eat like a bird, as you know.’
‘No, I didn’t know. I thought you had a fairly hearty appetite myself.‘ Genny turned her head aside, uncertain whether to laugh or to cry. Somewhere deep inside her she was hurting badly, she couldn’t think exactly why. ‘Well, Flick, I’d better dress for dinner.’
‘Wear that yellow dress I bought you. It’s one of your best colours. I don’t like to keep harping on Texas, but isn’t there some song about a yellow rose?’
‘Bless your little heart, there is! ‘ Genny said, getting to her feet and turning the chair to face the fireplace.
‘Get Dan to sing it to you while you’re holding hands out there on the veranda.’
‘I know, darling, you’re lonely. Think how nice it will be to have Dave here. By the way, Ingo’s picking Trish and the kids up. He’s taking you.’
‘He never said a word about it to me,’ said Genny, startled.
‘Well, you know Ingo.’ Felicity smiled. ‘Everyone falls in with his arrangements.’
‘It must be a family trait,’ was the response.
‘Naughty, darling.’
‘I‘m beginning to feel like a mere pawn.’
‘Now, now, you’re my darling daughter. Really you’d love it in Texas.’
‘Better wait until you’re asked, Flick.!’
‘Hasn’t anyone ever told you I do the asking?’
‘Take a tip from your daughter,’ said Genny. ‘Let Dan do it his way. He’s used to playing the big, strong man. ‘
Felicity spun round, looking happy. ‘You didn’t tell me what to wear. Something cool and easy-what about the halter-neck?’
‘Dan has enough to cope with as it is. It must be frustrating for him not to run off with you now,’ Genny said dryly.
Felicity suddenly saw her daughter. ‘You sound edgy, darling. It’s missing Dave, that’s what it is.’
‘Would it do me any good to disagree?’ Genny said a shade wearily. ‘Wear the halter-neck, Flick. Dan will think it’s terrific.’
‘We could be sisters.‘ Felicity cried, living only to be loved and admired.
‘That’s how I think of you, Flick, a younger sister. I never wanted a mother. They’re not strictly necessary.’
Outside in the hallway, Genny dashed the tears from her eyes.
She was becoming over-emotional these days. Her head down, she careered into Ingo, who brought her to attention, meeting her eyes squarely.
‘What’s up?’
The question was terse but concerned. Genny didn’t answer him, caught up in the miasma of inexplicable sadness. Her shoulders were drooping and her vital young face looked slightly martyred. It appeared to irritate him, for he half dragged her off towards his study, shutting the door.
‘I said what’s up?’
‘Not a damn thing.’
‘I can hardly bear the way you swear. You’ve come out of Flick’s room and you’re crying.’
‘I haven’t got a single friend,’ she burst out.
‘Genny!’ He pushed her gently down on to the sofa. ‘I‘m here. You’re not hopelessly adrift in the cruel, cruel world, you know.’
‘Why didn’t you tell me?’ she said, her shoulders lifting in a heartfelt sigh.
‘About what?’ He made a funny little sound of exasperation, bending forward and tipping her face up.
‘You’re the Godfather.’
He smiled at her, but his silver-grey eyes were hard and steely. ‘So Flick told you?’
‘She didn’t tell me exactly. It just slipped out’
‘How does it feel?’
‘Terrible,’ she confessed.
He threw up his arrogant dark head. ‘Did you really think I was going to let you battle on your own?’
‘You should have told me, Ingo. I had a right to know.’
‘What I want to know is why Flick should tell you now,’ he said grimly.
‘Flick is thinking of flying off to Texas,’ Genny said abruptly, something inside her boiling over in mute rage.
Ingo didn’t appear to take it too seriously. ‘Flick likes to daydream,’ he said calmly.
‘I think she’s serious.’
‘Poor old Dan. ‘
‘There’s nothing wrong with Flick.‘ she said with only a shadow of her usual spirit.
‘Want a few examples of her scatty ways?’ he inquired.
She bristled. ‘I thought you were trying to pacify me.’
‘Oh, I am. Why are you crying?’
‘It must be my age. Maybe I’m going neurotic.’
‘I think Flick has worn you down. If she wants to go to Texas, we’ll sure as hell let her!’
