'He probably feels he should show a little interest in me,' said Jeanette, managing to meet Gwen's curious gaze, "because of his friendship with Mark.' She thought about Craig's offer to take her to the Consulate function tomorrow and decided she had better mention it to Gwen, for both she and Sally knew Jeanette had not been invited and would, therefore, not be expecting to see her there. Her friend's eyes opened wide at this information and Jeanette's colour deepened. However, Gwen made no further remarks about Craig, and the conversation became less personal, much to Jeanette's relief.
Jeanette awoke the next morning feeling so fatigued that she began to have doubts about being able to attend the function after all. But as on the previous day she improved as the morning wore on and by lunch time she, was up and about, her mind dwelling one moment on the celebrations and the next on the pleasant prospect of having Craig for an escort.
The celebrations were to begin at five in the afternoon and end at seven in the evening. Craig was calling for her at a quarter past four and at three o'clock she went upstairs to wash and dress.
Already laid out on the bed was the outfit - the dusty pink suit with blue accessories and the wide-brimmed hat trimmed with ribbon and net. She had brought it from home with such an occasion as this in mind. Excitement caused her pulse to quicken. Would Craig like it ...? Turning away into the bathroom, she forced a strict discipline upon herself. Craig loved Diane and she, Jeanette, had vowed always to cherish the memory of Ned. Thoughts like this of Craig were not only disloyal to Ned's memory, but they were also futile. Craig belonged to Diane.
After taking a shower, she returned to the bedroom, excitement again surging over her despite her determined efforts at control. She put on the skirt and began to zip up. The next moment she was staring down at it, aghast. The zip fastener had broken.
'What can I do?' She was almost in tears, for there was nothing else suitable for this particular occasion. 'I can't go....' Her disappointment became so acute that she was forced to speculate on it for a moment or two. She had been disappointed at not receiving an invitation, naturally, because her brother and her friends had been invited - but she hadn't felt so bitterly disappointed as this.
With a frantic little gesture she opened her wardrobe and began a thorough search among her clothes for a substitute. One dress only might do - an expensive and exquisitely cut turquoise linen bought at the last moment and so there had been no time to buy a hat or accessories. She had white shoes and gloves, and a small white handbag....
Ten minutes later she was in the sitting-room, standing before Tony, telling him that she couldn't possibly go to the Consulate function.
'The dress is too plain - it needs something to relieve it It doesn't look right; you can see that, can't you?' Despite her emphatic assertion that she couldn't attend the function because she wasn't suitably dressed, Jeanette waited hopefully for a word of reassurance.
Unused to the ways of women, Tony looked her over, hesitated and said,
'Well ... perhaps it isn't quite right....'
'What do you mean by that?' she demanded. He was sitting on the arm of a chair, immaculate in light grey linen. She cast him a plaintive glance and he moved uncomfortably, as if it was his fault she hadn't the correct accessories. 'It will have to do,' she groaned. 'I haven't a necklace or a brooch and I can't go wandering about looking for something. It'll be bad enough asking Craig to stop while I buy a hat—'
'What!' Tony jerked up straight and shot her a glance of disbelief. 'You're not going to stop on the way to buy a hat?'
'Why not? It won't take many minutes.'
A sceptical light entered Tony's eyes.
'You can say that again! My sister's husband was once misguided enough to go with her to buy a hat. He talks about it to this very day. No, Jeanette, Craig won't stand for that sort of caper.'
'What do you mean by caper?' she demanded hotly. 'Anyone would think buying a hat is a major operation.'
'Isn't it?'
She bit her lip.
"Don't you think he will agree?' 'I'm darned sure he won't!'
'Tony, how can you be so unfeeling?' she wailed. 'You make it sound as if it's an unheard of thing. Craig won't mind stopping for five minutes.'
'Five minutes?' he ejaculated, and she did have the grace to blush. 'Come, Jeanette, it's too much to ask of any man.' He paused. 'You must have a hat of some sort that would do. What about that pretty green one you wear?'
She stared at him in amazement.
'Green with turquoise?' Jeanette stopped, listening 'He's here. Tony, what am I to do? I just can't go, that's all.'
Metat opened the door and Craig entered; Jeanette did not at first see the small box he carried, for she was anxiously searching his face, speculating on his mood and wondering if she dared venture to make her request.
His glance flickered over her and came to rest on her face. She was flushed and her lips trembled with disappointment. She said, with a gesture of resignation,
'I can't go, Craig, you see—' She stopped. It sounded ridiculous to say she couldn't go when she was standing there, presumably waiting for him to come and fetch her.
'Anything wrong?' His dark eyes strayed to Tony, who suddenly grinned - and told Craig what had happened.
'Tony!' Jeanette's colour deepened; Craig smiled in some amusement and began to untie the ribbon securing the box.
'You look ... charming.' He meant it, too, no doubt of that. Jeanette watched as he took out the orchid and dropped the box on to a chair. 'I bought it for your hair, but - Hold your head up.' He gave her no time to do so, but lifted it himself. After pinning the flower on to her dress he stood back. 'Yes, much more attractive there than in your hair.'
Jeanette stared up at him, her colour no longer caused by embarrassment.
'You bought it for my hair? But what about my hat?'
'No hats. Didn't I mention that the Consul-General had specially requested that the ladies wouldn't wear hats?'
'No hats?' Tony threw back his head and roared with laughter; Jeanette cast him a darkling glance and his mirth subsided at once. 'All right — all right, I won't say a word.'
Craig, puzzled, looked from one to the other, but when neither proffered any explanation of Tony's sudden outburst he returned his attention to Jeanette, the smile reappearing as he looked her over appreciatively.
'Yes, it's just right on your dress. Your hair needs no adornment.'
Putting up a hand to finger the soft petals, Jeanette smiled and thanked him. Tony coughed discreetly as if to remind them of his presence and Craig's tones became abrupt as he said it was time they were on their way.
They were just going out when Mark came downstairs. The two men greeted each other and then Craig said,
'Mother's here, and Diane; they arrived this morning.'
Diane.... Jeanette's heart fluttered.
'This is sudden ... you weren't expecting them?' Mark's eyes flickered strangely, searching Craig's face.
'Hadn't the faintest idea they were coming, but you know Mother. This isn't the first time she's descended upon me without warning. I believe she makes up her mind on the spur of the moment and then hops on the first available plane.'
'But Diane - why is she here ?'
'She's been suffering from strain lately — Mother has mentioned it once or twice — and the doctor became worried about her. He had a word with Roy, saying she needed a change and a rest. Roy insisted on her taking a holiday. Apparently Mother was already contemplating one of her flying visits to me, so she suggested Diane come with her.''
'How long are they staying?'
'About a week. Roy has a nurse, as you know, but Diane won't leave him for long.'
'But a week ... it's hardly worth coming for.'
'I agree - and Diane can't possibly derive much benefit from it. I shall try to persuade her to stay for at least another week, but I doubt whether she will.' He shrugged resignedly and changed the subject, glancing quickly at his watch.
'It's time we were all on our way.' A slight pause. 'You're quite sure you and Tony don't want a lift?'
Mark shook his head. - .
'No, Craig, thanks. As I said, we prefer to go in my car so that we can come away when we feel like it.'
'Craig—' Jeanette stopped by the car and turned. 'If you would rather not go I won't mind at all. I'm sure you'd prefer to be at home with your mother and - and your friend;' Disappointment began to flood over her again, but she managed to smile up at Craig. 'You didn't know they were Coming when you offered to take me -and if you're going merely because of that promise....'
'Get in Jeanette; we're going to be late.' Murad was waiting, the car door open; putting a firm hand under her arm Craig urged her into , the back seat, then took his place beside her.
'If they're only here for a week,' Jeanette persisted, certain that he must be regretting his promise, 'they'll want you to be with them. It isn't very nice for your friend after coming all this way.'
'Diane won't mind; she and Mother get on fine. Besides, it isn't very long - we'll be back again just after seven.' Murad closed the door and slid into the driver's seat. The car began to move away.. 'You'll meet them both tonight at the Hilton. I rang as soon as they arrived and reserved a larger table.'
'Am I going to the Hilton?' She stared at him in surprise, and a faint smile curved his lips.
'We're all going. Didn't Mark tell you?'
Jeanette shook her head.
'For dinner?'
'Yes.' His smile was faintly mocking. 'I arranged it; I hope you don't mind ?' He leant back as if to see her face more clearly. They had reached the end of the drive and were soon purring along the Ortakoy Caddesi, following the shores of the Bosphorus.
'Why should I mind?' ventured Jeanette after a small silence.
'I seem to remember you object to being... managed.'
A smile quivered; she turned to him impulsively.
'I'm sorry about that, Craig. Was I very - horrid?'
'Very. But I'll excuse it because you were ill.'
Her glance fluttered uncertainly. She sought for some sigh of amusement or indulgence in his expression, but his face was a mask - cool, impassive.
'As a matter of fact, it was a relief to be managed.' Most pleasant, too, but Jeanette did not mention that to Craig.
'Was it, Jeanette?' He turned a quizzical glance upon her. 'I shall remember that.'
To Jeanette's surprise the Queen's official birthday celebrations were for the most part an informal affair. Familiar with the routine, Craig took her arm and led her into the main entrance of the Consulate, through the spectacular palm court with its domed roof, its tropical plants and marble statuary.
After being welcomed by the Consul-General and his Wife, who were on the steps awaiting the guests, Jeanette and Craig went out on to the lawn. Craig seemed to know everyone and Jeanette found herself shaking hands with managers and representatives from many famous firms in the United Kingdom.
Then they sat at a table in the shade of the trees, eating and drinking and 'socializing'. Several managers of other' oil companies had joined them and they chatted for a while and then a hush descended as, over the loudspeaker, came the announcement that the Consul-General would now propose the toast to Her Majesty. The toast was followed by the National Anthem, then the Turkish National Anthem. There followed more socializing and a little while later the guests began to drift away.
'Well, did it come up to your expectations?' Craig asked with a smile as they drove from the Consulate.
'I thought it would be more formal,' she returned vaguely. 'I don't really know what I expected. But I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you for taking me, Craig.'
'Don't thank me, Jeanette. I enjoyed taking you.'
She glanced swiftly at him, struck by his tone. He sounded so sincere - and yet Jeanette knew that his entire thoughts must be with Diane, that he must be impatient to be home and with her.
'I'll see you later,' Craig said when he dropped her off. 'You'll be going along with Mark and Tony; we're all meeting at about eight o'clock at the hotel.'
Craig was already there when Jeanette's party arrived, he and Diane were dancing, and after Mark had introduced her to Craig's mother Jeanette found herself scanning the floor, searching for Craig and his partner. They were not difficult to find, for Craig's tall, lithe figure would have stood out anywhere. They drew near... and Jeanette caught her breath. No wonder Mark had said people used to turn and stare! Never had she seen a more attractive couple; both so distinguished, both so incredibly good-looking.
Diane was laughing up at Craig, a soft smile curving her lips. Craig's dark eyes held, affection and to Jeanette it seemed that his smile portrayed a great depth of tenderness.
During the meal Craig's whole attention was with his visitors and as Tony and Mark became immersed in their own discussion Jeanette had no choice, but to withdraw from the conversation. Mrs. Fleming's affection for her future daughter-in-law was evident all the time, in the way she looked at Diane, in the way she spoke and smiled. Now and then she would pass some remark to Jeanette, but it was clearly for the sake of politeness, her interest the whole time being concentrated on Diane and Craig. Diane, herself a charming woman, attracted a considerable amount of attention from men at the nearby tables. Her hair, dark and shining, was the sort that every girl envied, completely natural with no sign that a hairdresser had touched it. Her skin, pale and clear, required no artificial aid to enhance its beauty. She had a soft and husky voice and an adorable smile. No wonder the male heads turned! But Diane remained aloof, neither flattered nor disconcerted. It was easy to see why Craig was so in love with her.
Eventually he took her off to dance again and Jeanette's eyes followed them. Sometimes Diane would look up to give Craig that enchanting smile. What was his reaction? Jeanette felt his pulses must be racing, that he sighed inwardly, impatient for the day when they could be together always. A little ache plucked at her heart. It was impossible that she could envy Diane, and yet what was this emotion? - this strange yearning that had come to her the moment she saw Craig and Diane together?
She tried to divert her attention to the other dancers, aware of some inner voice warning her of the essential need to combat this persistent intrusion of Craig into her thoughts. But her eyes were drawn to them again, following them with a pensive, brooding expression. How happy they were, Craig holding her close and Diane looking so absurdly young - and acting that way too. As for Craig, he also seemed younger and much more relaxed than Jeanette had ever imagined he could be. They came close; Craig practically stopped, looking down at Diane and wagging an admonitory finger at her. His eyes had assumed a severity; he appeared to be threatening her.
With laughter in her eyes but mock protest in her voice Diane exclaimed,
'I believe you would! But I'll do as I'm told, Craig, I promise.'
'You'd better,' grimly. 'We don't want you having a breakdown. Take more care, do you hear?'
'Yes... I have promised.' Her tone was submissive, but then she added, 'You're going to make a horrid, domineering husband—' Jeanette heard no more, for Craig swung Diane away, out of earshot. The next moment their laughter floated across to Jeanette.
Yes, they were young again, sweethearts playing the love game - snatching back, for a brief spell, a little of what they had lost.
Mark and Tony had gone off to find partners and Jeanette was alone with Mrs. Fleming who had also been listening to the conversation between Diane and her son, for she gave a deep sigh and asked Jeanette if she knew about Roy, Diane's husband, and about his illness.
'Mark told me. It's very sad.'
'Sad for Roy? He could have fared much worse. He was lucky to marry Diane.' Regret in the voice, but more than that, Jeanette noticed; a hint of anger, yes, and bitterness too. Clearly she considered her son had been cheated. 'Roy is good and generous - but he's robbed poor Diane of her youth.'
Jeanette began to feel uncomfo
rtable and it was a relief when Mark appeared and asked her to dance. She slipped into his arms feeling slightly comforted, but a chill had crept over her and the rest of the evening dragged. Craig danced with her once, but his manner was casual, and she felt sure he had asked her merely because it was the polite thing to do.
She was at the buffet with Mark when Craig and Diane came to join them. Mark eventually took Diane off to dance and Jeanette turned to watch them. They, too, made a handsome pair, she thought, her attention suddenly diverted as she became aware of Craig's expression as he, too, watched the departing couple. His eyes were glinting strangely. Surely he wasn't jealous of her brother?
He turned to regard Jeanette, but in an abstracted sort of way, his thoughts appearing to be still engaged with Mark and Diane. He remained thoughtful for a long while, but when at last he spoke his interest had turned wholly to Jeanette.
'Tired?'
Did she look so awful ? Diane would never look tired ... or miserable. Jeanette forced a smile.
'A little,' she admitted, 'and hot. It's stifling in here.'
'That at least can be remedied. We'll go outside.'
They stood on the balcony; beneath them the Bosphorus scintillated with stars, lights from the flickering lanterns of numberless fishing craft.
'This is better. Did you notice the heat, too?'
He nodded.
'Especially when I danced.' He fell silent as though content with the stillness and the peace. But to Jeanette the silence was a strain; her nerves quivered and she was torn between an instinct to return indoors and a longing to remain alone with Craig. Awkwardness assailed her; she moved restlessly. Was it owing to Diane's presence here that she felt so ill at ease? She had had Craig's attention all to herself on several occasions recently; being escorted by him had given her confidence, but now....
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