by Jenny Lane
He looked ugly. ‘Don’t you imagine you’ve seen the last of me yet, by a long chalk. For a start, I intend to tell the colonel and his wife just who you are, and then perhaps when this pantomime is finally over you’ll see reason.’ And he got into the Citroen and drove off at such speed that she had to jump up on the bank to get out of his way.
Miserably, she began to walk back to Rosemullion House. She was scarcely aware of the car pulling up beside her. Richard wound down the window. ‘Hop in – unless, of course, you prefer to walk. I didn’t pass Ian on the road.’ Like a zombie, Tamara obeyed.
‘Tamara, what’s happened!’ he demanded sharply as he caught sight of her strained face.
‘Ian’s gone up to the house to tell your parents that I’m not Cassie, that’s what,’ she said dully.
‘For Pete’s sake! Couldn’t you have just made up some excuse to return to London?’
‘Richard, you don’t understand. Ian won’t leave me alone. I’ve told him I don’t want to marry him, but he won’t take no for an answer. When you passed us just now he was trying to persuade me to change my mind.’
‘And not doing so badly from what I could see of it,’ he said grimly. ‘Anyway, it’s only Mother that’s in, and with a bit of luck she might be in the garden and not hear the bell... I can’t quite follow this all in one go. You’ll have to explain later... Do I take it the gist of it is that he’s pestering you?’ Tamara filled him in on the most important details and he put his foot down hard on the accelerator.
To her utmost relief there was no sign of Ian when they drew up outside Rosemullion House.
‘He’s either changed his mind and gone on to the cove, or else he’s passed the turning without realising it, and will be back at any minute,’ she told Richard.
‘Then we’ll wait here.’ He got out of the car and stood leaning against the bonnet, whistling softly. A few moments later, Ian’s car came roaring up the drive and ground to a halt behind Richard’s. As Ian stepped out Richard stood baring his path.
‘Yes, you thought I’d gone down to the village didn’t you? Well, so I had, but just for a local paper, so you’re unlucky... And now, Mr Ian Gilbert, perhaps you can talk over your business with me.’
Ian was caught off guard. ‘I just feel that if Tam returns to London with me she’ll feel differently about things, and I’m fed up with this stupid game she’s playing... I can’t understand why you go along with it. What’s in it for you?’
Richard’s face darkened with anger, but he replied coolly. ‘I think you should take Tamara’s answer as final. Whatever reason she has for refusing to marry you – it’s her decision. On the other hand, if she changes her mind and wants to return to London then she is perfectly free to do so. I can easily manoeuvre an urgent phone-call... Is that what you want, Tamara?’ Tamara looked at him with silent pleading in her eyes. Ian turned towards her.
‘Tam,’ he appealed. ‘Come back with me now... Please.’
There they were before her, the two men who had succeeded in making her so unhappy – the one intentionally and the other unwittingly. Suddenly she could bear it no longer.
‘Oh, leave me alone, can’t you?’ She said fiercely to Ian. ‘We’re through – can’t you understand that or are you too thick-skinned!’ She rummaged in her bag and produced a wad of banknotes. ‘Look, Ian, I wouldn’t see you destitute – take this.’ She thrust them into his hand. ‘I’m sorry you’ve had a wasted journey, and hope things will soon turn out better for you... Goodbye, Ian.’ And without looking back she practically ran into the house. She half expected Richard to follow her, but he didn’t and so she went upstairs to her room. By teatime she had composed herself sufficiently to join Miriam.
‘You look peaky, dear, too many late nights, I dare say.’
‘Where’s Richard?’ Tamara asked, helping herself to scones and jam.
‘Oh, he’s gone out with Melissa to visit some friends. He seems to be more out than in these days, but then he begins his new job next week so I guess we’ll have to get used to only seeing him for short spells... Perhaps after tea you could help me wind some wool. I’m knitting this sweater for Richard... I’d do one for Oliver if I thought you wouldn’t mind.’
Tamara thought of Cassie’s disastrous attempts at knitting and had to smile. ‘I’m sure he’d love one, Miriam... I’m hopeless at knitting.’
It wasn’t until late that night that she had a chance to thank Richard for speaking to Ian. Unable to sleep again, she had tiptoed downstairs to make herself a hot drink. A light was on in the lounge and, as she crossed the hall, Richard appeared in the doorway.
‘What’s wrong, Tamara? Can’t you sleep, or did you think I was a burglar?’
‘I thought I’d get myself some hot milk.’
‘Make it cocoa and I’ll join you. I’ve got a schoolboy yen for cocoa.’ He came into the kitchen and put the milk on to boil.
‘He went, your friend Ian. I checked at the Fisherman’s Rest to make sure... I didn’t realise you wanted shot of him or I’d have done it sooner... Thought you hadn’t made up your mind.’
Tamara busied herself mixing the cocoa. ‘I made it up last night – thanks, Richard, for dealing with the situation as you did.’
He pulled out a couple of stools. ‘Ugly little scene I had with him when you’d gone... So what finally decided you against marrying him?’
She smiled wryly. ‘Oh, I suppose I just realised he wasn’t right for me after all.’
‘Well, if you don’t mind me saying so, I think you had a lucky escape. He seemed quite an unsavoury character... And I couldn’t get over the way he took that money.’
The milk boiled, and she poured it into the mugs and handed one to him. ‘Ian always was bad with money, but, after all, I did feel partly responsible for him being broke, because he did come all this way to see me, and, anyway, he let me keep quite a number of the things we bought for the house and so I felt I owed him something... Thank goodness you managed to prevent him from speaking to Miriam.’
‘I’ve told you before, once my parents got over the initial shock they wouldn’t mind... It’s just a pity your sister saw fit to start all this nonsense in the first place.’ They sat in silence for a few moments and then he remarked. ‘My job starts next week, Tamara.’
‘Yes, I know, Miriam told me... Would it be better if I went?’
‘What, and risk running into Ian again? No, give him a chance to cool his heels for a week or two – that’s if you can bear our company.’
‘You’ve all been very kind to me, and I’m ashamed of the way I’ve deceived your parents... I’ve managed to sort things out in my mind down here. Ian belongs to a part of my life I want to forget. I realise that now.’
‘That’s right, Tamara. You must look to the future. There’s a barbecue on the beach this Wednesday for a start, and then I suppose you’ll be getting your portrait finished for Tom’s exhibition.’ He got up and rinsed his mug. ‘And now I’ve got some paperwork to do, unfortunately, and so I’ll say goodnight... Oh, and if you want me to get rid of any more would-be husbands try to give me a little more advance warning next time. Actually, Melissa thought Ian was quite a dish apparently, a bit like that guy on the TV commercials, she said... the name evades me at present. Personally, I think you’re well rid of him.’
‘Perhaps he’s thinking the same about me.’
He came to her side and dropped a gentle kiss on her forehead. ‘You’re too good for him, Tamara – well, I’ll see you in the morning. Sleep tight.’
*
Tamara’s portrait was finished on Tuesday and Tom finally let her see it. She stood examining it from all angles. It was remarkably good, but she felt sure that he had been kind to her.
‘So what d’you think?’ he demanded impatiently. ‘Say something do even if it’s only “What a ghastly mess!”’
She laughed. ‘Oh, Tom, it’s super, but surely I don’t really look like that? I mean, you’ve been over generou
s, haven’t you?’
He pretended to look hurt. ‘Are you telling me I’ve not painted you as you really are or something? This, my dear Tamara, is how I really see you. You’re attractive, you know – why you doubt it beats me.’
She kissed his cheek. ‘Thank you, Tom. You’re awfully sweet and you have the ability to make me feel really good. Of course I couldn’t accept the painting, but I’ll make you an offer.’
‘We’ll see about that, my girl... but you will let it go in the exhibition, won’t you?’
‘Of course... I only wish I could stay on to see it, but I must have at least a week before term starts to organise myself. Knowing Cassie, she won’t have bothered over much with the housework... There are a hundred and one things I ought to have done this holiday.’
‘Well, I’m glad you didn’t or Tregarth would have been denied the pleasure of your company... Tell you what, I’ll see to it that I arrange a special preview on your behalf. After all, as the premises aren’t being used I can easily set the exhibition up during the week before. I ought to exhibit Mel’s picture as well, and put them side by side with a little label... A gallery of my past femmes fatales.’ He cupped her chin between his fingers. ‘Something’s bothering you, isn’t it, Tamara? I noticed that moment you walked in here... You’ve dark shadows under your eyes as if you haven’t been sleeping too well, and you seem rather depressed this morning.’
She smiled wryly. ‘You’re very perceptive, Tom. It’s just that things have been happening while you’ve been away, and I’m still a bit shaken up.’
‘Care to tell me?’ he asked gently. She explained about Ian and how Richard had sent him packing. ‘And you’re really sure you’ve made the right decision?’
‘Yes, Tom. I feel sure that if I’d married him it would have been a mistake.’
‘Then there’s hope for me yet?’ he asked lightly.
She shook her head. ‘I’m not getting entangled with anyone else at present, Tom... I’m going back to London shortly, and I’m going to throw myself heart and soul into my job.’
‘Come on now... a resigned spinster at what twenty-three?’
She laughed. ‘You flatter me, I’m nearly twenty-six. I just don’t want to make any more foolish mistakes, that’s all... They hurt too much.’
‘Oh, they hurt all right,’ he said bitterly. ‘You know, I’ll miss you when you go, Tam.’
‘And I’ll miss you too, Tom. You’ve been very kind to me... Life would have been a bit boring these past weeks without you and Anne.’
She suddenly felt sad, for now that the portrait was finished there was really no excuse for her to continue calling on the Courtneys so frequently. Although there could never be any romantic feelings between Tom and herself, he had made her feel wanted and feminine again. All at once she realised that she did not want to return to London, but to stay here in Tregarth with these friendly Cornish folk. Tom, sensing her mood took her arm gently. ‘Come on, let’s go and find a drink, I’m gasping.’
*
It was a perfect evening for the beach barbecue; mild and not too breezy. The colonel and Miriam had elected to stay at home, and so Richard was taking both Tamara and Melissa. Tamara felt rather as if she were playing gooseberry, but didn’t see what she could do about it. Melissa obviously hadn’t been informed of the arrangement and did not look too pleased when she saw Tamara in the car.
When they arrived at Tregarth Cove, Melissa took Richard’s arm and made it apparent to Tamara that she was determined to monopolise him. Tamara, taking the hint, suddenly caught sight of Tom and Anne, and with a mumbled excuse went to join them. She was blowed if she was going to spend the whole evening traipsing round with the other two when it was obvious that she wasn’t welcome, and if people thought it strange that she was with the Courtneys then they would just have to do so.
Tom and Anne were delighted to see her. ‘Hallo, have you been left to your own devices again? Well, Anne and I are pleased you found us, and Barney too... Aren’t we, Barney.’ Barney wagged his tail in agreement. ‘Mel’s with Richard, I take it?’ Tom said just a shade too brightly.
‘Yes, and the colonel and Miriam say they’re too old for this sort of thing.’
‘Nonsense! You’re never too old for a barbecue as far as I’m concerned, although I couldn’t persuade Mother to come either... Barney, will you stop fanning Cassie with your tail and sit down!’ Barney gave a tremendous yawn and sat down obediently straight on Tamara’s foot. She laughed and ruffled his throat.
It was a delightful evening. Tamara shared Anne’s enjoyment of the fun. She caught sight of Shirley with the youth she had met at the dance. They ate lashings of spit roast pork and jacket potatoes washed down by cider. At last they sat down in a circle round the blazing bonfire and sang to the accompaniment of guitars. Presently, to Tamara’s amazement, someone shouted, ‘Where’s Dick and Mel? Come on, it’s time you two gave us a song!’ A smiling Richard made his way through the crowd, leading Melissa by the hand. He borrowed a guitar and they sang a couple of folksongs perfectly in unison. Melissa’s voice was sweet and haunting and Richard’s deeper baritone complemented it perfectly. It was no use being jealous, Tamara told herself severely. It was high time she faced facts. Those two were well matched; they enjoyed the same hobbies and oh, how well they looked together! She felt the foolish tears prick her eyelids as Richard sang about the girl he had left behind him. He put so much feeling into it, and the way he looked at Melissa surely indicated to everyone just what she meant to him. Tamara stole a glance at Tom to see how he was taking it and saw that his usually good-natured features were creased in a frown.
‘Handsome pair, aren’t they?’ he muttered. ‘Come on, Annie, time to go home. Want a lift, Cassie, or are you going to wait for them?’
‘I suppose I’d better,’ she whispered regretfully.
‘Oh, must we go, Dad?’ protested Anne. ‘Please let’s stay till the end. I haven’t seen Tony and Pete’s act yet, and they’ve been rehearsing all week.’
‘Oh very well – just don’t complain you’re tired in the morning, that’s all.’
Melissa passed them on her way out of the circle. Her eyebrows raised as she spotted Tom. ‘Why, Tom, I didn’t expect to see you here tonight.’
‘Why ever not? I usually come, don’t I? I came last year and the year before, and so why not this year?’ Melissa looked rather disconcerted.
‘It’s just that I thought your mother said you were visiting the Penroses.’
‘So we were, but only for a long weekend. We got back Monday evening.’
Anne caught her arm. ‘It’s ages since we saw you, Aunty Mel. Did you come in your car tonight? I didn’t see it.’
‘No, it’s in dock again at the moment – I came with Richard, as a matter of fact – and Cassie, of course.’
‘Oh, but that’s silly,’ said Anne. ‘You must come home with us, mustn’t she, Daddy? Otherwise Uncle Richard’s got to go all the way past Rosemullion House, and into Tregarth and back again.’
To her amusement, Tamara realised that Anne was deliberately engineering this arrangement so that Tom would be with Melissa. Richard joined them at that juncture and Anne explained it all over again to him. Tom shot her a warning glance, but she chose to ignore him. ‘And so it makes much more sense for Dad to give Aunty Mel a lift, don’t you think?’
Richard assented smilingly while Melissa looked furious but had to agree. She left with the Courtneys just before the barbecue came to an end. ‘Scheming little hussy, young Anne,’ Richard murmured. ‘Look, I don’t know about you, but I’m wide awake. Fancy a moonlight stroll. I would suggest a bathe – some people seem to be taking advantage of the dry evening.’
‘No cossie,’ she said. He linked his arm in hers.
‘Do I detect a prudish note? Those kids over there don’t seem to be bothering over a thing like that.’
She followed his gaze and laughed. ‘Well, they are, as you say, kids. You seem to have f
orgotten, Dr. Cassell-Boyd, that I’m supposed to be a respectable married woman. Whatever would your mother say if she learnt that we’d been swimming in the altogether?’
He chuckled and squeezed her arm. ‘Just a thought... I was only teasing. Mind you, if this had been Africa...’
‘And you’d had Melissa by your side instead of me then things might have been different... I know, you’ve no need to go on.’
He turned and surveyed her in astonishment. ‘Really, Tamara, I don’t know what you’re insinuating, I’m sure.’
The moonlight flickered on the water, turning it to steel. Far behind them the embers of the fire danced against the star-studded sky. The laughter of the youngsters died into the distance. She listened to the waves lapping against the rocks, and when he slipped his arm about her and drew her close she didn’t protest.
‘Oh, Tamara, I’m glad you came instead of Cassie. You’re not a bit like her, you know.’
‘So you’re frequently telling me. No, she would have dived into the water without a moment’s compunction, no doubt.’
‘That isn’t what I meant, and you know it! You’re a very nice person, Tamara Simpson and I... I...’
‘What?’ she asked him breathlessly, her heart beating wildly.
‘I think we ought to be getting back, but before we go, a memento of the time we’ve spent together might be in order,’ and he kissed her tenderly out there on the silver beach where there were none but the gulls to see, and she responded with all her being, wondering what it would be like to give herself to this man. Her love raged like a torrent within her, and he was the one who drew away at last. Without another word they walked hand in hand back across the sand and climbed up to the spot where he had parked the car. Tamara blessed Anne for altering the travelling arrangements.
When they arrived back at Rosemullion House, however, Richard strode ahead of Tamara into the hall, threw an abrupt goodnight over his shoulder and left her leaning in bemusement against the banisters. She wondered if he had regretted his moment of impulse. Had he imagined it was Melissa he held in his arms or, worse still, had he pitied her? Well, she would show him she wasn’t to be played about with if that was the way he wanted it. She could be aloof and unresponsive too. Why, oh, why did he hurt her so? Hadn’t the kiss been anything to him other than casual amusement?
