"I'll give you..." he looked at his watch, "ten minutes to change. So hurry!"
"Meldon, I don't think—"
"Don't argue, Jacky," he interrupted. "I've undressed you once before and I shan't hesitate to do so again if you don't hurry."
Her cheeks were naming as she escaped into her room, closing the door behind her and turning the key in the lock. She rummaged through her wardrobe to find a suitable dress and decided finally on an apricot-coloured chiffon evening gown with a long, flared skirt and tight-fitting bodice with a halter neck. She changed hastily and chose a diamond-studded brooch as her only adornment.
"Your ten minutes are nearly up," Meldon called through the door.
"I'm coming," she replied, while touching up her face. She threw a small evening coat over her arm and taking her purse, unlocked the door to find him already waiting at the outer door.
The Town Hall gardens were lit with coloured lights, but Jacqueline had no time to admire them, for Meldon rushed her up the marble steps, through the massive doors and into the brilliantly lit interior. He placed his arm about her as he ushered her through the dancing couples towards the main table beneath the stage.
"Well, well, well!" Tanya disengaged herself from her dancing partner and barred their way. "So Cinderella has come to the Ball after all!"
Meldon's arm tightened about Jacqueline's shoulders and the comforting warmth of it was like protection against the vindictive sparks flashing in Tanya's eyes.
"You've already caused enough damage to wipe out an army," Meldon reprimanded coldly. "So shut up, Tanya."
Jacqueline glanced up at him in surprise as they pushed past her to seat themselves at the main table, while Tanya continued dancing, quite unperturbed.
"This table was reserved for the Hospital Committee," Meldon informed Jacqueline as she glanced at the guests seated down the length of the long table.
"Meldon, I shouldn't be here," she whispered anxiously as heads turned and necks craned to catch a glimpse of her.
"You are here with me."
The band played on lustily while Meldon poured her something to drink and all the time Jacqueline was aware that she was the object of numerous curious glances.
"Dance?" he asked eventually, getting to his feet and holding out his hand.
She swallowed painfully as she placed her hand in his and walked with him to join the other dancers on the floor. Her heart thumped wildly against her ribs and her throat felt tight as she looked up into his blue eyes with, that familiar glint of mockery in them.
The music was soft and dreamy, and Meldon's arm about her waist was firm but gentle as he guided her about the floor. But Jacqueline was nervous and her steps faltered.
"Relax, Jacky," he ordered mockingly. "You're much too tense. And besides, no one is going to bite you." Strangely enough she did relax then. His arm tightened about her as she matched her steps to his in perfect harmony, her fair head barely touching his shoulder.
Meldon danced exclusively with her for the rest of the evening and Jacqueline had to admit that she was enjoying herself tremendously. It was much later, when he left her side for a moment to speak to one of the Committee members, that she made use of the opportunity and slipped away to the cloakroom.
"Wait for me," Sally cried, pushing her way through the crowd towards Jacqueline. "I've been trying to see you privately all evening, but Dr. Powers has been guarding you too closely."
They pushed open the cloakroom door and to their dismay found Tanya Mason there. She was touching up her lipstick and taking her time about it, but her eyes in the mirror never left Jacqueline. The two girls stood as if carved out of stone, and Jacqueline quivered slightly at the hostility in the atmosphere.
"You were cleverer than I thought," Tanya said, turning slowly to face Jacqueline. "I should have realised that your innocence was just a masquerade."
"I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about, Dr. Mason."
"Still the little Miss Innocent," Tanya hissed through her teeth, her eyes glittering dangerously. "Well, I haven't finished with you yet, so don't celebrate your victory too soon!"
Jacqueline and Sally stood staring at the closed door for several seconds after Tanya had left the room. Tanya had said much, but none of it had made sense.
"What's going on?" Sally asked without preamble.
"I wish I knew," Jacqueline sighed. "I'd decided to remain on duty this evening, but Meldon arrived and ordered me to change, and . . . here I am. What Tanya's outburst was in aid of is beyond my comprehension."
"She appears to be upset about something."
"Meldon was a bit rude to her when we arrived," Jacqueline explained, frowning. "This is another thing that's puzzled me."
Further discussion was made impossible when several nurses entered, obviously all in high spirits.
"Have you been enjoying yourself this evening, Jacky?" Meldon asked later, after she had resumed her seat.
"Yes, thank you. But—"
"Would you like something more to drink?"
"No, thank you."
It was obvious that he wanted to prevent her from asking any questions, and knowing how obtuse he could be if he wished, she lapsed into silence.
As the evening drew to a close an unusual tenseness seemed to possess Jacqueline. She felt as though she were on the brink of disaster, and no matter how she tried, she could not shake off this sudden premonition. The feeling persisted until the band ceased their playing and it was announced that the following dance would be the last one for the evening. During the sudden lull, one of the Committee members rose to his feet.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Can I have your attention for a moment, please?"
The large hall was suddenly quiet.
"It is not often that I have the pleasure of making an announcement such as this," he said, his voice reaching to the far corners of the hall. "But this evening a very
well known member of our hospital staff has become engaged to a delightful young lady. I ask you now to lift your glasses and drink a toast to Dr. Meldon Powers and Dr. Jacqueline Thornton!"
Jacqueline felt a shock go through her and in the ensuing confusion she felt her left hand gripped tightly and a ring being slipped on to her third finger. Her eyes widened as she observed the large, glittering diamond.
"Meldon, what—"
"Shut up!" he hissed out of the corner of his mouth. "And smile, damn you!"
Bewildered, she did as she was told and flash-bulbs blinded her as someone took photographs in quick succession.
She glimpsed Tanya standing close to the entrance, her eyes burning with hatred as she stood watching the proceedings. Jacqueline could not help but realise that the hatred in that look was intended for herself. Tanya turned and, with a flick of her head, disappeared from view. Jacqueline shuddered inwardly, too bewildered to absorb anything further.
"For they are jolly good fellows," everyone was singing, and with her hand still gripped tightly in Meldon's, she endured the exuberance displayed by the hospital staff.
"Let's go quickly before someone else rushes us," Meldon whispered after what seemed an eternity. He handed her her wrap and purse and they made their escape through a side entrance to where his car was parked.
Jacqueline looked at him anxiously as he took the main road out of town, but was too stunned to speak. Once clear of the town, he pulled off the road and parked under some overhanging trees.
"Meldon, what's the meaning of this fiasco?" she demanded angrily, as he turned to face her.
"I can't explain now. It's not the time nor the place," he said evenly. "But I want you, please, to keep up the pretence until the end of January."
"You must be mad to think I would allow myself to become engaged to you!" She tugged at the ring, but his hand closed firmly over hers. "Besides, I'm going to England during the middle of January."
"You'll have to postpone your trip," he said blandly.
"I shan't!"
"You'll do as you're told. You're engaged to me now."
"Engagements can be broken."
"Not this one," he said firmly. "Think of all the scandal. Our photographs will be in the paper tomorrow and everyone will know about us."
"Surely I'm entitled to some explanation?"
"You are," he agreed, "but only when the time is right to do so."
Jacqueline looked at him for a long time, trying to read his expression in the darkness.
"What devilment are you planning, Meldon?" she asked finally. "What are you trying to escape from by using me as a buffer?"
"I have nothing to escape from, but everything to gain."
His words seemed to linger in the car as they drove back to town. Jacqueline's mind was in a turmoil. Her numbed brain refused to think coherently and Meldon's ring weighed heavily on her finger as a reminder that what had happened was not her imagination.
Meldon parked his car at the entrance to the staff quarters and turned towards her. For a moment she thought he was going to kiss her, instead he leaned across and opened the door.
"It's late and I won't come up with you," he spoke quietly. Then, clasping her hand in his own, he said seriously: "Bear with me, Jacky. Just this once. And wear my ring all the time until I tell you to remove it."
She could not refuse such an earnest plea, even though the reason for it remained obscure. Later, perhaps, when sanity returned, she would despise herself for her weakness. But at this moment, with his eyes so tenderly pleading and his hand so warm about her own; she had neither the wish nor the will to do anything other than agree to continue with this crazy engagement she had been forced into.
CHAPTER NINE
The following morning Jacqueline was inundated with well-wishers while on her way to Men's Surgical. She answered their questions as best she could and finally escaped into Sally Meyer's office.
"Well!" Sally exclaimed, facing Jacqueline with a broad smile. "Why didn't you warn me last night that your engagement was about to be announced?”
"I didn't—" Jacqueline stopped herself in time. "Meldon wanted to keep it a secret."
"Well, the two of you certainly have the hospital bursting at the seams with the wonderful news." She planted a kiss on Jacqueline's cheek. "Congratulations! And to think that only the other evening everything looked so hopeless for you."
"Yes."
What else could she add to that? Jacqueline thought miserably. If only Sally knew how hopeless it all still was.
"By the way," Sally said confidentially, her voice hushed, "Tanya has left."
"Left?" Jacqueline stared at her aghast.
"All her personal belongings have been removed from her apartment. Her car is gone and she hasn't been seen by a soul since last night."
Jacqueline was silent as she pondered over this new disclosure. Was Meldon perhaps hoping that Tanya would return to him? Was this why he had announced their engagement, to shock Tanya into realising that she really cared? She shook her head at the muddled thoughts rushing through her mind.
"Good morning, darling."
Jacqueline's head shot up while Sally winked and made herself scarce.
"Good morning, Meldon."
He smiled slightly at her embarrassment. "You'll have to look more convincing, or people might suspect."
"I—I'm sorry. I will try," she stammered.
His eyes slid down to her left hand.
"Where's your ring?" he asked sharply. "I thought I told you to wear it all the time?"
She produced the ring hanging from a chain around her neck.
"I can't wear it while I'm working," she explained.
His eyes nickered slightly, then he nodded his dark head. "Very well, but don't forget to wear it when you're off duty."
Jacqueline looked at him pleadingly.
"Won't you explain, Meldon?"
"I can't explain yet," he replied tersely.
"Is it true that Tanya has left?" she tried again, her eyes vainly searching his expressionless face for some indication of his feelings.
"Yes."
"Just like that? Without a word?"
He nodded, glancing at his watch. "I have work to do. I'll see you later."
Jacqueline sadly watched him go, wondering how much Tanya's sudden departure had affected him. What was he planning to do? She shrugged the discomfiting thoughts from her and ploughed through the rest of the morning with a heavy heart.
Just before lunch Sally handed her a letter that had been sent by special messenger. She stared at the typewritten envelope in surprise before ripping it open to extract a single white sheet of paper. She recognised Tanya's handwriting and scanned the note quickly. With ashen face and leaden heart she read it through more slowly a second time.
Congratulations. You have very cleverly won. But remember this—He is yours now, but I had him first.
Tanya.
Sally's eyes were filled with concern. "Is something the matter, Jacky?"
Jacqueline stared at her with unseeing eyes as the colour rushed to her face and receded again, leaving her deathly pale.
"Jacky?"
"N-nothing," Jacqueline whispered hoarsely, shoving the note unceremoniously into the pocket of her short white coat. "I—excuse me."
She hurried out of the hospital, not stopping until she reached the sanctity of her apartment. Anger and disappointment mingled, leaving her with a feeling of disgust at the implication in Tanya's note. 'He is yours now, but I had him first'. Meldon and Tanya had been lovers! The realisation struck her like a physical blow, and she whimpered softly like a beaten animal. How could he? How could Tanya?
She went through to her room and sat down heavily on the edge of her bed. Taking the note from her pocket, she ironed it out with her hands and read it again. Was it the truth or was it a final attempt at vindictiveness by a woman scorned? Jacqueline wondered what would be the outcome of this farcical engagement, and if she would ever know the truth.
She had very little free time during the last few days before Christmas, for Meldon had monopolised her completely. She was forced to accompany him on a social round that left her utterly exhausted and with no time to brood over the painful discovery she had made. In public, she endured his romantic endearments; in private, she avoided his arms and his lips and treated him coolly to the point of rudeness.
This attitude of hers amused Meldon, and as he told her on one occasion, she intrigued him even more. In spite of everything she had discovered, she could not hate him, and the smouldering love she carried around in her heart for him was once again fanned into a blazing passion. He was tenderly attentive and showered her with gifts she neither wanted nor deserved. When she tried to refuse his offerings on the basis that their engagement was not real, Meldon merely laughed away her protests, saying: "We can't have people wondering at our casualness, and besides, it would look odd if I never gave you anything."
On Christmas Eve he came to her apartment, and while she made coffee he sprawled in the most comfortable chair in the room. He buried himself behind the newspaper and Jacqueline was saved from making polite conversation. She placed his cup of coffee on a table beside him and curled up in another chair with her own cup close at hand.
For lack of something better to do, she sorted through her post and came across a nondescript card from Tanya with a Johannesburg postmark. Inside she had written: 'Good hick. Tanya'. Once again Jacqueline felt herself go cold as she recalled Tanya's note. 'He is yours now, but I had him first'. 'He is yours now'. But he was not hers at all, and never would be. 'But I had him first'. Had they been lovers? She looked hard at Meldon's dark head above the newspaper. He did not look like the kind of man who would have love affairs with women unless he intended marrying them. She could, of course, be wrong. Would Tanya openly lie about something like that?
Meldon looked up then to find her troubled eyes resting on him.
"What's the matter, darling?"
These endearments seemed t
o come easy to him and he never refrained from using them. She handed him
Tanya's card and sipped her coffee while watching his reaction closely. He read the inscription on the card and tossed it back at her, his face an expressionless mask.
"Ignore it," was all he said before returning to his scrutiny of the paper.
Agitation filled her and rising to her feet, she walked across to him and whipped the newspaper from his grasp.
East of Barryvale Page 13
