Love in Spring BoxSet

by Jenny Lane

  They sat in silence for a while. Tamara was pretty stunned by the turn of events. At last she asked miserably. ‘What do you want me to do now? Make some excuse and return to London?’

  ‘My dear girl, don’t be so ridiculous! If only you’d been open about this whole affair my parents would have loved to have given you a holiday, and would have accepted Cassie’s excuse. As it is, all this subterfuge. Why don’t you stand up for yourself, Tamara Simpson? Why do you let people push you around? Haven’t you got a mind of your own?’

  ‘Richard, I’m sorry,’ she said humbly. ‘I agree I shouldn’t have been a party to such an underhanded scheme... I understand how angry you must feel – forgive me.’

  ‘Well, the damage is done now, so you might as well stay the course. And now we’ll consider the subject closed for the present – are you coming for that swim?’

  Tamara suddenly felt very depressed and shook her head. ‘No, I’d much rather go back now if you don’t mind.’

  He looked irritated. ‘Well, I do. We’re not going back until I’ve had my swim. If you want to sit there and sulk it’s entirely up to you.’ And he went below deck.

  Tamara was still sitting staring miserably into space when he returned wearing his swimming trunks, and without a backward glance in her direction, dived over the side. She suddenly realised what a fool she had been to imagine that if he knew she wasn’t married he would show an interest in her. She realised now that he despised her for the way she had behaved. How could she bear to stay on at Rosemullion House now sensing his hostility towards her? Why couldn’t she have been more decisive, and have refused to have become involved in Cassie’s scheme this time? Perhaps, if she hadn’t been such a milk-and-water sort of person Ian wouldn’t have left her. Suddenly the tears coursed down her cheeks. Life was utterly unbearable at that moment.

  How long she sat there she did not know. She jumped as Richard touched her shoulder. ‘Now there’s absolutely no need for tears, you silly girl... Come on now, don’t let’s spoil the day.’

  ‘It’s already spoilt,’ she sniffed, groping for her handkerchief.

  ‘Oh, very well then, have it your own way. The self-assured young woman I met at Paddington wouldn’t have let a few words get her down... and I certainly couldn’t imagine Cassie taking it to heart.’

  ‘Will you stop comparing me with Cassie!’ she shouted at him in exasperation. ‘I’m not Cassie – I’m me, Tamara Simpson. Now can we please go back to Tregarth.’

  ‘You disappoint me. I thought you were made of sterner stuff... Okay, just wait until I’m dry and we’ll head for home. At present I’m not sure who’s damper, you or me... Anyway, I’d have to be making tracks soon because I’ve promised Melissa a game of tennis at 4.30.’ He suddenly grinned at her. ‘Cheer up – you’re surely glad it’s out in the open at last, aren’t you?’

  ‘Yes,’ she said shakily. ‘I suppose I am.’

  ‘That’s better – and now I’m going to get changed.’

  By the time he returned, bearing two steaming mugs of tea, she was perfectly composed again. One thing still puzzled her.

  ‘Richard, why did you choose this particular moment in time to tell me that you knew I wasn’t Cassie?’

  He handed her, her tea. ‘Because of the shock you gave me last night. You looked the spitting image of Cassie in that get-up, and I suddenly wanted to stop you from pretending to be what you’re not. Cassie is always Cassie, except when she’s on the stage... You’re fine as you are. As a matter of fact, I’ve grown to like Tamara Simpson, even if I do feel her motives are all wrong and she’s crazily mixed up.’

  Tamara’s hand shook and she hastily set down her mug, her heart pounding. ‘You gave me a shock too, when you stood in that doorway on the day after my arrival.’

  He laughed. ‘Didn’t you think I looked like Oliver?’

  ‘Actually, I’ve never met him, but yes, you did remind me of his photograph.’

  It was Richard’s turn to look surprised. ‘But I thought you’d been to America.’

  ‘So I had, shortly after Cassie went out there – Oliver was still in Washington, I believe.’

  Richard laughed. ‘Poor Tamara, you were thrown in at the deep end, weren’t you?’

  ‘Yes, I was, and I was convinced you couldn’t know the truth, because you were always asking me questions about Oliver’s opinion on things such as my hair or my clothes.’

  His eyes twinkled. ‘I admit that was rather wicked of me. I was trying to catch you out, but you were very convincing. You obviously know your sister extremely well. Knowing who you were, I suppose I was also a bit harsher in the way I handled situations, such as when I told you about the accident... Oh, by the way, Cassie does know about that – she happened to mention it on the phone. She didn’t tell you, no doubt because she didn’t want to put Oliver in a bad light, and probably thought you wouldn’t cross the Courtneys’ path anyway. She doesn’t worry like you, does she? It’s evident that she takes each day as it comes.’

  ‘Yes, that’s Cassie. As a matter of fact, Tom knows who I am, too. You see, I felt I had to confide in someone and, despite your disapproval, I intend to carry on seeing him because he’s painting my portrait.’

  He shrugged. ‘I only disapproved because I didn’t want Tom to be hurt. He’s suffered enough in the past at the hands of the Cassell-Boyds, but if he knows the truth, then fair enough.’

  ‘Richard, I value your friendship and don’t want to spoil it.’

  He took her hand in his and it was as if an electric charge went up her arm. Her heart was thumping at his nearness.

  ‘Tamara, if anything troubles you, please feel you can confide in me too.’ It sounded strange to hear her name on his lips. ‘I’m sorry if I upset you this afternoon. We’ll begin again, shall we?’ And before she had a chance to reply he cupped her face in his hands and dropped a gentle kiss on her mouth. A wave of emotion swept through her. ‘And now if I can give you a toast in tea.’ He raised his mug. ‘Here’s to a happy holiday.’

  She smiled at him tremulously, afraid lest he should guess the extent of her feelings for him. ‘Thank you, Richard,’ she managed at last.

  He collected the empty mugs. ‘I promised Cassie I’d keep an eye on you... And now we’d best be making our way home or Melissa will wonder where we’ve got to... By the way, I’m going to Falmouth tomorrow for a couple of days. They’re coming to reconnect the phone and fit the lounge carpet – but I’ll be back on Saturday in time for the village dance. It’s tremendous fun and I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I can guarantee you a good time.’

  ‘I’ll look forward to it,’ she said lightly. ‘And while you’re away I can fit in a couple more sittings for my portrait.’

  ‘Well, I hope he does you justice. He’s a good chap, Tom, and very talented.’

  Tamara felt considerably happier and sat blissfully soaking up the sun, Richard’s kiss still warm on her lips. Was it possible that he might care for her just a little, after all? At last the rocking movement of the boat lulled her to sleep, and she dreamt of a wedding where they toasted the happy couple in tea instead of champagne.

  SEVEN

  ‘Cassie there’s a long distance phone-call for you from London,’ the colonel shouted to Tamara the following evening. ‘It’s your sister.’

  Tamara hurried into the study and closed the door tightly behind her. ‘Cassie, at last!’ she exclaimed breathlessly. ‘I’ve been trying to reach you for days.’

  ‘Yes, I know, Mrs Barnes told me. I’ve been staying with Sophie. How are things going your end?’

  Tamara told her briefly all that had happened. ‘I really do think you might have warned me about Richard, Cassie.’

  ‘Oh, he’s a darling, isn’t he? I don’t understand why he and Oliver are at loggerheads... just different personalities, I suppose... Look, Tam, there’s something I’ve got to tell you, so prepare yourself for a bit of a shock.’ Tamara’s stomach turned over.

 
‘Not Oliver... he’s not coming down here?’

  Cassie gave a little laugh. ‘No, darling, so you can relax on that score, but it’s nearly as bad, I’m afraid... You had a visitor the other day. It’s a wonder he caught me in because I was just dashing off to a rehearsal when he turned up. Like a fool I invited him in before I discovered who he was.’

  ‘Cassie, what are you talking about? Who was he?’ Tamara demanded sharply.

  There was a pause and then Cassie said quietly, ‘Ian Gilbert.’

  Tamara’s heart missed a beat and she sank down on to the nearest chair. ‘Ian! He came to see me? Cassie, you didn’t tell him where I was, did you?’

  ‘Darling, I didn’t mean to but he wheedled it out of me... I only told him in Cornwall with my in-laws... I explained that you were doing a favour for me and that it would be extremely awkward if he called on you, as it would put both of us on the spot and that, in any case, I didn’t think you’d want to see him.’

  Tamara was shaking. ‘Too right I don’t... Oh, I wish you hadn’t mentioned Cornwall, Cassie.’

  ‘Well, he’s not likely to come looking for you... He hasn’t a clue where you are and so you’re pretty safe.’

  ‘You don’t know Ian. Why on earth couldn’t you have told him a white lie – said I was in Canada or something?’

  ‘But, Tam, how was I to know you really didn’t want to see him? As a matter of fact, he gave me his hotel number just in case you wanted to contact him.’

  ‘Well, I don’t and it’s probably just as well I’m staying down here at present. Now let’s talk about something else – your play for instance.’

  Cassie told her about the play, which was apparently a great success. It appeared that Cassie was enjoying herself immensely, and didn’t regret her decision to remain in London one jot. As they talked, it became increasingly evident to Tamara that there would be no question of her cutting her visit to Cornwall short. Anyway, if she returned to London now she would run the risk of encountering Ian.

  Tamara replaced the receiver, feeling utterly confused. She had come here to sort out her emotions but, instead, seemed to be more mixed up than ever. Tom she could cope with, for she knew that there was no serious involvement on either side. Her relationship with Richard, however, was far more complex and now, to complicate matters still further, Ian had walked back into her life. She wondered how she would have reacted had she been in London when he turned up at the flat. Would she have slammed the door in his face, or turned weak at the knees at the sight of him as she used to do? Was it possible to be in love with more than one man at the same time, she wondered, or had she imagined the extent of her feelings for Richard because she was so very vulnerable at present? Anyway, Richard was going to marry Melissa. He was probably out with her at this very moment. It was with a heavy heart that she rejoined the colonel and Miriam.

  *

  Tom set down the canvases he was carrying and waited for Tamara to join him at the studio door. Barney barked a rapturous welcome.

  ‘I’m glad you were able to come again today. I’m just in the right frame of mind for another session at that portrait. If it’s any good, I’m going to put it in the exhibition I’m holding in, St Ives— with your permission of course.’

  She laughed. ‘You make me feel like a celebrity.’ They went into the studio and she told him about Cassie’s phone-call as he set up his easel. A frown spread across his usually good-natured face when she mentioned Ian.

  ‘You are having some drama in your life just lately, aren’t you, my love? Yesterday you were telling me about your showdown with Richard, and now your ex-fiancé’s turned up on your doorstep like a bad penny... Well, you know what I’d do if he came down here, don’t you?’

  ‘What?’ Tamara asked amused.

  He painted in a few deft strokes. ‘Wrap a canvas round his neck for the way he treated you.’

  She laughed. ‘Not mine, I hope.’

  He grinned. ‘Not unless I ruin it, which I will do if you don’t stop fidgeting.’ They lapsed into silence, and she was just beginning to get cramp when the rear door opened and Anne came into the studio.

  ‘Hallo, Aunt Cassie – Dad told me he was painting your portrait.’

  Tom put down his brush in exasperation. ‘I am attempting to, but any more interruptions like this and I shall have to give it up as a bad job. Anne, if you can possibly make yourself scarce for about another half an hour, then Cassie can talk to you for as long as she likes.’

  Anne hesitated. ‘Aunty Mel’s just phoned. She said can you please pop round and give your opinion on some new tableware she’s made – oh, and do you think you could fix a washer on her kitchen tap?’

  He sighed. ‘I can see I come in useful sometimes – okay, phone her back will you and say it’ll be nearer lunchtime?’

  Tamara sensed him brightening. Richard was in Falmouth, and Tom was needed again. What must it be like, she wondered, to be able to twist men round your little finger as Melissa seemed to do? Cassie was like that – beautiful, clever, able to turn men’s heads and to get her own way without any effort at all... At least she had been able to do so before she met Oliver.

  At length, Tom wiped his brush vigorously on a rag and said, ‘All right, relax... That, my sweet, will do quite nicely for this morning – one more session and then I think I can manage without you.’

  ‘Well, I must say it’s a novel experience having my portrait painted, Tom... You promised to show me the painting you did of Melissa. Have you got it down here?’

  ‘Yes, I think it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done... see what you think.’

  The painting was unusual and quite beautiful. Melissa was dressed in diaphanous white drapes through which her superb body gleamed like white porcelain. Her hair floated about her like golden silk, and the expression on her lovely face was one of serenity, but it was the background that was so amazing. She was rising up out of the sea like a goddess...’

  ‘Aphrodite springs to mind,’ Tamara remarked.

  ‘She was given back from the sea,’ he murmured. Gently she touched his arm. ‘Tom, I understand. I know what you are saying in this picture... I think it’s beautiful. Are you going to put it in your exhibition?’

  ‘Goodness, no – Melissa would have forty fits. It’s a personal thing, you see... Talking of Melissa I’ll have to go... Sorry, Tamara.’

  ‘That’s all right. When can I see this masterpiece?’

  ‘Shortly, I promise you. Can you give me a ring when you can fit in another session? Thanks, Tamara, you’re a great girl.’ He bent and kissed her gently. ‘Ian Gilbert must have been out of his mind to have jilted you.’

  *

  Deep in thought, Tamara walked back along the lane towards Rosemullion House. She was vaguely aware that someone was sitting on the stile by Poltock’s farm but it was not until she drew level that she recognised the long, angular features of her ex-fiancé, Ian Gilbert. Tamara was so startled that she stepped back a pace or two.

  ‘Hallo, Tam, surprised to see me?’ He climbed down from the stile and stood in her pathway. ‘I must say this place took a bit of finding.’

  ‘Ian, what on earth are you doing here!’ she demanded when she found her tongue at last. ‘And how on earth did you discover where I was?’

  ‘Elementary, my dear Watson... I dare say your sister will have told you I went to the flat?’

  She nodded. ‘She was getting ready to go to the theatre and had to leave me for a few minutes while she did her face... I recognised your writing on a letter on the mantelpiece, and made a note of the address.’

  ‘You had no business doing that Ian! Why have you followed me down here?’

  He caught hold of her. ‘Tam, oh, my darling, I’ve made the most terrible mistake. Can you ever forgive me?’ And he went down on his knees before her in the lane.

  ‘Get up, Ian, you fool, before someone comes.’ He did so, dusting himself down.

  ‘Tamara, I want you back.
If only you knew how I’d missed you.’

  ‘You’re wasting your time,’ Tamara said coldly, although her heart was beating wildly. ‘I don’t know what game you’re playing, but will you please stand out of the way and let me pass.’ He caught her arm.

  ‘Tam, please hear me out. I’ve learnt my lesson now. You see, I got cold feet – didn’t want to be tied down, but now I realise I’ve made a mistake. You’re the only girl that can make me happy... Oh, please, darling, give me another chance.’

  Tamara took a deep breath. ‘Ian, I don’t want to have anything more to do with you. Do I make myself clear? I’ve changed since you knew me, and I’m not so daft as to make the same mistake twice.

  His grip on her arm was like a vice. ‘At least give me the chance to explain. Don’t shun me, Tamara. I’ve come all this way.’

  ‘I didn’t ask you to,’ she said, resolving not to weaken. ‘Now I’ve got to go or I’ll be late for lunch. Anyway, how did you know I was in the village?’

  ‘I saw you leave Rosemullion House earlier this morning and so I followed you into Tregarth. I couldn’t pluck up courage to speak to you at first and I’d no idea you’d be gone so long. What the heck were you doing in that studio place?’

  ‘I don’t think that’s any of your concern, Ian... I don’t have to account for my actions to you anymore.’

  The look he gave her was almost desperate. ‘Of course, I could have knocked on the door at Rosemullion House and said who I was. I could have asked for Tamara Simpson and told them their daughter-in-law was in London acting in some play.’

  Tamara knew Ian was quite capable of doing a thing like that when roused. ‘Ian, there wouldn’t be any point in doing that because it wouldn’t serve any purpose.’