Love in Spring BoxSet

by Jenny Lane

  The bridge party was incredibly dull, as Richard had predicted. Fortunately, Tamara knew the rudiments of the game and had brushed them up with Cassie in London. Richard partnered her against John Penfold and his mother, and Tamara was delighted when they won the rubber.

  ‘It’s all a question of psychology,’ Richard said with a smile as they gathered up the cards afterwards. ‘The whole idea is to find out what’s in your opponent’s mind and then set out to mislead him.’

  During supper Tamara talked with John Penfold. He was a tall, gangling young man whose only topics of conversation, apart from bridge, were of his work as an estate agent and his car. She need not have worried that he would cross-examine her about Oliver and America. He did, however, make one rather interesting observation.

  ‘I had rather expected to see Melissa here tonight.’

  ‘Richard said nothing would induce her to play bridge.’

  ‘Hm – well, it should be interesting to see who wins the fair maiden’s hand – Dick or Tom Courtney. Personally, I don’t think poor old Tom stands an earthly when the Cassell-Boyd brothers are around.’

  ‘How do you mean – brothers?’ asked Tamara.

  John looked awkward. ‘Sorry, I’ve put my foot in it again. Before Oliver met you we were convinced he would marry Mel.’

  ‘I see,’ Tamara said coolly. That perhaps explained the way things were between Oliver and Richard, and maybe the trouble between Oliver and Tom as well. ‘And now Richard’s thinking of marrying her?’

  ‘He and Tom have been competing for a long time. When Dick went away we thought that was it, but not so. Melissa kept tabs on Richard all the while he was abroad. She spent her summer holiday out in Africa with him last year and successfully persuaded him not to renew his contract evidently... Could you imagine how great she would look in a safari-suit? We were only surprised she didn’t return engaged.’

  Tamara studied Richard now as he chatted with John’s mother.

  ‘Richard seems to have too much of a mind of his own to be swayed by anyone else,’ she remarked.

  ‘Ah, but love is a strange thing... Can I get you another drink?’

  ‘Thanks,’ Tamara said. ‘A large gin-and-tonic, please.’ That was her trouble, wasn’t it? she thought bitterly. She just wasn’t prepared to take the plunge. Ian had wanted to emigrate to Australia and she had refused. Maybe that was the real reason for them splitting up, because she had been such a stick-in-the-mud. Perhaps she should be more adventurous, like Melissa Blenkinsop.

  Tamara had visited Cassie in America when her sister had first gone out there and had enjoyed that, but, as a rule, she was a home bird. Look at her this summer. Which other girl in her right senses would turn down a trip to Canada? But, deep down, Tamara knew the answer to that. It was because she couldn’t bear the thought of seeing her happily married brother and his family so soon after her own break-up with Ian.

  Tamara sipped her drink reflectively. She found herself feeling sorry for Tom Courtney and, in spite of Richard’s disapproval, decided to continue her friendship with the artist during her stay.

  *

  The following morning Tamara found Richard waiting for her on the lawn. It was glorious sunshine again. ‘What heavenly weather.’

  ‘It’s usually a fairly mild climate here – didn’t Oliver tell you? But, then, I should hardly have thought you would find it hot after New York.’

  Tamara realised her mistake. ‘Oh, no, it’s just that it’s unexpected. London was rather cold and dismal... There’d been such a lot of rain.’ They got into the car.

  ‘What would you be doing this summer, Cassie, if you were in America?’ he asked as they drove off. She would have to tread carefully. She smiled. ‘Oh, just lazing about, I expect. It’s surprising how much time you can waste when it’s on your hands.’

  ‘And is that how you find it, Cassie – dragging?’

  ‘Well, I was an actress, you know, before I married, but Oliver won’t let me work now. Perhaps he thinks I’d mix with too many nice young actors.’ She was surprised at the expression on Richard’s face.

  ‘Perhaps Oliver’s right – you’re too attractive, Cassie, that’s your trouble!’

  Tamara wanted to laugh. Attractive, her! Cassie, yes, but not her, Tamara Simpson! They went as far as they could by car and then walked along the footpath. When they came to the rocks, Richard helped her down on to the beach. The touch of his hand on hers was again electric and she pulled away sharply. He was amused rather than offended.

  ‘Okay, just as you like, but I wouldn’t like to be responsible to Oliver if you slipped and broke your ankle.’

  ‘Well, you’re a doctor so I don’t need to worry, do I?’ she said lightly and ran across the sand to change in the caves. There was no one else about this early. A haze hung over the cove and when it cleared she knew the whole place would be wreathed in sunshine once more.

  Tamara suddenly made up her mind to enjoy Richard’s company while she had the opportunity. He had told her that he had several weeks’ holiday before taking up the hospital appointment. She realised that it was the first time since Ian had jilted her that she had shown the slightest interest in a member of the opposite sex. She smiled wryly, not that there was the remotest possibility of her becoming involved with Richard, for, quite apart from the fact that he thought she was Cassie, he was practically engaged to Melissa.

  Richard swam like a fish and Tamara could not compete, but she was content to stay near the shore. This morning she felt more relaxed than she had been for months. This was sheer bliss and she blessed Cassie for suggesting it. She was sorry when it was time to leave, but tried to pretend otherwise.

  ‘Will we be late for breakfast, Richard?’

  He was towelling himself briskly. His bronzed body glistened in the sunlight. ‘No, breakfast’s an informal affair – haven’t you discovered that yet? But I suppose we’d best be getting back all the same. I’ve got to go to Truro this morning on business. I’m giving Mother a lift in because she wants to do some shopping and I’m sure she’d be delighted if you accompanied her.’

  Tamara felt irrationally disappointed. ‘I thought you said you had a holiday with nothing to do.’

  ‘My dear girl, as far as I’m concerned, that’s just what it is. If you had worked for the past two years as I had, with hardly a break then this would be pure idleness.’

  Tamara felt sufficiently snubbed and retorted, ‘But you must have had a decent leave in the summer – John Penfold said Melissa joined you.’

  ‘Oh, yes, that was fun.’ His mood changed suddenly. ‘Come on, I’ll race you across the beach.’

  They arrived at the caves, panting and laughing. Richard won easily.

  ‘I’m the winner and I have the prize.’ He reached up and pulled off Tamara’s swimming-cap, and her hair cascaded in unruly waves to her shoulders. She stood there, feeling self-conscious.

  ‘You should always wear your hair loose – it’s pretty... Well, when you’re dry we’ll get back to the house.’

  Ten minutes later they climbed back over the rocks, and this time when Richard took her arm she didn’t protest. After all, Cassie’s ring wasn’t there to wink at her, for she had left it on the dressing-table.

  Richard did not say much until they arrived back at Rosemullion House. As they were crossing the lawn he suddenly touched her cheek.

  ‘I don’t normally think much of Oliver’s choice, but in this instance I take my hat off to him. I approve of my sister-in-law,’ and abruptly he went into the house.

  Tamara felt a quick glow of pleasure which quickly turned to a pang of regret as she thought how unfair it all was, for Richard could never judge her on her own merits, but only on those of her sister so their friendship could never be more than casual... Wait a minute, what was she thinking of? she asked herself in amazement. Two days ago she hadn’t wanted anything to do with men. She had been determined to remain a spinster for the rest of her days, but now, since me
eting Richard Cassell-Boyd, she had suddenly changed her mind. Well, my girl, she told herself, his company must obviously be good for you, even if he only shakes you out of your apathy. You obviously needed to meet someone like Richard to bring you to your senses... and he is an undeniably attractive man. What a lucky girl Melissa was, Tamara thought wistfully, as she went into the breakfast-room. She wondered when Richard would announce his engagement.

  THREE

  Melissa, and John Penfold, came over to play tennis the following afternoon. Tamara felt like lazing in the sunshine, but she knew she had to be sociable. Melissa went up to Tamara’s room to change.

  ‘What’s it like being married to Oliver?’ she demanded suddenly, as she caught her shining blonde hair back with a slide.

  ‘Fun,’ Tamara said. ‘We’re perfectly matched, you know.’

  Melissa’s hazel eyes narrowed. ‘I’m glad to hear it. It must be lovely for you. You realise we might be sisters-in-law one day?’

  ‘That will be nice, although I don’t suppose we’ll see much of each other,’ Tamara replied brightly.

  ‘So Oliver is planning to stay in America, then? I rather thought he might have decided to return to Cornwall.’

  ‘So he might have done,’ Tamara said, carefully watching Melissa for her reaction, ‘if Richard had stayed in Africa.’

  Melissa’s face was expressionless, but Tamara saw the other girl’s grip tighten on her racquet. There was a slight pause and then Melissa gave a brittle laugh. ‘Of course, Oliver always was rather restless – never could settle... Right, shall we go downstairs?’

  The tennis match was a disaster from beginning to end. Tamara had never played so badly. She felt the biggest idiot out. John was very kind, but Richard and Melissa were obviously irritated and, in the end, Tamara excused herself, pleading a bit of a headache so that they could play singles. John brought a couple of deckchairs over, and they sat watching, sipping lemonade.

  ‘I warned Richard I was hopeless,’ Tamara said miserably. ‘I never was any good at tennis... I’m sorry, John, if I’ve spoilt things for you. You should have partnered Melissa.’

  ‘I’d much sooner partner you, and you really weren’t that bad. It’s just that those two are particularly good... I shouldn’t let it bother you; they take it much too seriously. Melissa belongs to the tennis club and Richard used to. If they want experts they should play there – I’m not much cop either, so don’t worry... Anyway, I’m looking forward to Miriam’s supper. She always puts on a fantastic spread.’

  Tamara laughed. ‘Yes, she is going to a lot of trouble, particularly as she’s got cakes to make for the garden party at the vicarage tomorrow as well.’

  ‘Oh, of course, I saw them putting up the bunting as I drove past... You know, I’ve got to hand it to those two when it comes to tennis. Just look at that!’

  They watched in silence for a few seconds as Melissa and Richard completed a particularly exciting volley. They appeared engrossed in the game and in each other. Tamara sighed a little enviously. Some people seemed to have everything going for them. They certainly made a striking couple. Richard had a fine, muscular body with powerful shoulders and Melissa was quite lovely; tall and lithe, with grace in every movement. Her hair remained perfectly neat throughout the game whilst Tamara’s was escaping from the elastic band, and her face was hot and sticky. Melissa looked as cool as when she had started out. Suddenly Tamara could not bear to watch them anymore. What a fool Richard would think her and how she had let Cassie down, for her sister wouldn’t have backed out. Cassie would have stood up to them and fought back.

  ‘John, would you mind if we went inside for a bit? The sun’s rather fierce, and I truly have got a bit of a headache... Sorry to be such a wet blanket.’

  John was full of concern. He was a boring young man, but really rather sweet. Had Tamara not been wearing Cassie’s rings, she might have stood a chance of finding herself a boyfriend down here after all. In fact, Richard might have given her more than a second glance himself. Tamara chided herself for such a foolish thought, and then realised in surprise that the very fact that she was prepared to consider going out with someone else must surely mean that she was getting over Ian at long last!

  Much later that evening, after John and Melissa had departed and Miriam and the colonel had retired to bed, Tamara stood by the window, gazing out at the starlit sky; reluctant to go upstairs. She didn’t hear Richard come into the room, and jumped when he put a hand on her shoulder. ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. I seem to make a habit of it... I’ve come to apologise – eat humble pie.’

  ‘Apologise?’ she queried a little shakily.

  ‘Yes, for the way I behaved this afternoon. I had no business to get so het up over a stupid game.’

  ‘I’m a fool when it comes to tennis,’ Tamara murmured dully. ‘I did tell you, but you wouldn’t listen.’

  He stood staring down at her, his grey-blue eyes serious. ‘I’ve got a feeling, Cassie, that you’re not enjoying this holiday as much as you ought to be. Is something wrong? Perhaps you’re missing Oliver?’

  ‘No – I’m quite all right, thank you. You’re mistaken – everything’s been fine up till now... Well, I’ll say goodnight, then. Your parents went up some time ago.’

  ‘Wait,’ he caught both her hands in his. ‘Cassie, I’d like you to feel you can confide in me if anything is troubling you... I want us to be friends.’

  Her heart was pounding so loudly at his closeness that she thought he must surely hear it. ‘Do you?’ she asked in a small voice.

  ‘Yes... besides, you are our guest and we want you to be happy during your stay here... Goodnight, my dear.’

  She sank down on the sofa when he had gone. She was just a foolish girl with a head full of foolish fancies, but her hands tingled from his contact. She had to admit that she was fast becoming involved in spite of herself and with entirely the wrong person. Why, oh, why had the man on the train turned out to be Cassie’s brother-in-law? She had as much chance of winning his affection as of winning £50,000 on the football pools. She had a good mind to cut her holiday short and let Cassie sort out her own affairs, but common sense prevailed yet again. If she went back to London, Tamara would only cause an upset all round. No, she would just have to stick it out a bit longer.

  Suddenly she thought of Tom Courtney. She would go and confide in him and then, once he realised she wasn’t really Cassie, she could be as friendly with him as she chose. Thus resolved and feeling considerably happier, she picked up her copy of Rebecca and went upstairs.

  *

  The garden party was going with a swing. Tamara had helped Miriam to set up her cake-stall that morning, and now she was giving her a hand to run it. The fine afternoon had attracted many visitors, and the vicarage lawn was alive with laughing, thronging crowds. The decorated stalls provided a riot of colour. This was obviously the highlight of the year in Tregarth.

  People milled round the cake-stall like bees round a honeypot and Tamara soon realised how popular Miriam was. She was in her element as she introduced Tamara to all and sundry in between selling the chocolate gateaux and jam sponges. The sun beat down and melted the icing on the buns. Tamara grew progressively hotter and hotter. Her nose was becoming oily, her hair dank. Miriam chattered away nineteen to the dozen and Tamara longed to escape to a quiet, shady spot. Suddenly she noticed Anne making her way towards them accompanied by a plump, grey-haired woman.

  ‘Oh dear,’ Miriam murmured. ‘It’s Mrs Courtney and young Anne.’ Tamara had the distinct impression that the sight of them had made Miriam feel uncomfortable for some reason.

  ‘Hallo, Mrs Cassell-Boyd. How are the cakes selling? Is there anything left for us, or are we too late?’

  ‘There are some orange slices or some iced fancies – you can have those cheap because the icing’s run. We’re a bit depleted, I’m afraid, but, to tell you the truth, I shan’t be sorry when we’ve sold out. I’ll be glad to get away from this h
eat. Er... this is my daughter-in-law, Cassandra. Cassie, this is Mrs Courtney and her granddaughter Anne.’

  ‘Hallo,’ Tamara said. ‘Anne and I have already met, as a matter of fact, Miriam.’

  Mrs Courtney smiled politely at Tamara and remarked to Miriam, ‘Tom should be about somewhere. He promised just to show his face, but you know what these men are on occasions like this and, anyway, with visitors in the village he probably thinks he might stand a chance of doing some business at the studio this afternoon.’

  ‘It isn’t Richard’s cup of tea either, but as it happens he’s over at the hospital this afternoon, talking with the doctor whose place he’s taking.’

  So that’s where he was! Tamara had selfishly thought he was out somewhere with Melissa. She felt ashamed of herself.

  When the Courtneys had gone, Tamara realised that Miriam was looking a bit put out.

  ‘I didn’t realise you’d met Anne already – how did that come about?’

  Tamara explained and Miriam frowned. ‘If you don’t mind my saying so, I don’t think Oliver would be too keen on your getting friendly with them.’

  ‘Oh, but why? Oliver doesn’t usually interfere with my choice of friends.’

  Miriam stacked up the empty plates. ‘There are some things better left unsaid – just a piece of advice, dear, but you must naturally please yourself what you do... Look, I can manage here now so why don’t you wander off for a bit? You’ve been a great help. You might care to come back in about half an hour or so and help me check the money – now run along and enjoy yourself.’

  Tamara was bewildered. Why on earth shouldn’t she be friendly with the Courtneys if she wanted to? She found Anne having a go at the hoop-la stall. ‘Granny’s gone to get some tea... I thought Daddy might be around somewhere, but I can’t find him.’

  A small Brownie skipped by, selling buttonholes. Tamara purchased one and pinned it on to Anne’s frock, much to her delight. They strolled round one or two more stalls and then Anne went off to find her grandmother. Tamara wandered over to watch the majorettes’ display. Crushed in at the back of a group of people she could not help but overhear a conversation that was certainly not intended for her ears.