by Wynne May
There was a small pause and then Michelle said, ‘Lyle Cunningham mentioned that at a future date I might like to live in at the hotel.’
After a moment Laney agreed, ‘That might be a good idea, later on.
You’ll at least enjoy some life there - night life, I mean. But it’s entirely up to you, of course. We love having you here. Are they going to send a car over for you every day? I suppose when you can afford it you’ll be thinking of a little car of your own?’
‘He said that transport would be provided to and from the hotel.
When I’ve saved up a bit, I might be able to afford a small second-hand car, reasonably priced, of course,’ said Michelle.
Laney scanned the desk. ‘Sometimes, Michelle, I think I’m a bad manager,’ she said, in a small remote voice.
‘Everything’s put away now until tomorrow. But in any case,’ she looked up, ‘Pete isn’t the best of farmers, if it comes to that.’ The slump of her shoulders registered her fatigue.
‘Well,’ Michelle found that she did not know what to say, ‘I mean, he knew nothing about farming…’
‘No - and at the time of taking over this farm I’m afraid we never even questioned the wisdom of this. Mind you, when I’m in the mood, I find all this very funny,’ Laney laughed cheerfully.
‘You always manage, Laney, to make life seem great.’
‘Well, isn’t it?’
Thinking of being here with Pete and Laney, her new position at the hotel, the sun and the mountains - and Lyle Cunningham, Michelle said, with a sharp little intake of breath, ‘Yes, I guess it is, Laney.’
CHAPTER THREE
IT bothered Michelle that she might be hurting Peter and Laney by accepting Lyle Cunningham’s offer so soon that she should live in at the hotel, and yet on the other hand, she was afraid that by making her home with them she might be taxing their financial problems.
When the question of paying board had cropped up both Peter and Laney had grown touchy and withdrawn. Finally, however, they had set a figure which, to Michelle’s mind, would not go towards feeding a bird.
For two weeks Knowledge Mkize, one of the waiters who could drive, called at the farm for her in the morning and drove her back in the late afternoon. During this time Michelle saw nothing of Lyle Cunningham and was told one morning by Knowledge that Mr. Lyle Cunningham was away for a few days on a business trip.
By the time he returned Michelle was installed, with Peter and Laney’s blessing, at the hotel. It had all happened at the suggestion of Cunningham Senior, who felt that the accommodation was there anyway, and that Michelle would have ‘some sort of night life’
instead of being tucked away at the farm.
Michelle was surprised how busy she was kept. While most of the young girls on holiday preferred to let their shoulder-length hair bounce about their shoulders the older and frankly mature women made a point of appearing elegant, even if casually so, and enjoyed immaculate hairstyles.
On the day Lyle Cunningham turned up Michelle was behind the reception desk, helping out during lunch. This was something she had offered to do during slack periods and she completely enjoyed herself.
‘Since when have you become a receptionist?’ she heard him say and, taking her eyes from the change she was counting, she said, ‘Oh, hello …’ She broke off and smiled. Seeing him unexpectedly like this caused her to blink. ‘I’m just helping out,’ she told him. ‘Debbie isn’t very well and Liza is at lunch.’
They studied each other for a moment and then he said, ‘Well, don’t let them take advantage of you.’ She was aware of the gentle mockery in his voice.
‘I don’t mind in the least. In fact, I enjoy it.’ She hoped there was nothing to show that she was excited at seeing him again.
‘How’s the climate been treating you?’ he asked. ‘I’m told it’s been extremely hot while I’ve been away.’
‘I’ve loved it. Wasn’t it hot where you were?’ she asked.
‘Yes, it was hot, as a matter of fact, but then I’m used to it. I’ve got past the stage when I question it. How are you liking it here, by the way?’
‘Very much. I’m - I’m staying at the hotel now,’ she added uncertainly. ‘I mean, I’ve left the farm, you know.’
‘So my father tells me. Tell me, what did Pete and Laney have to say about it? It was the reason I didn’t suggest it, in the first place, as a matter of fact. I thought I’d leave it for you to work out - for yourself.’
‘After they’d thought it over they were pleased.’ She hoped she sounded convincing. ‘They seem to feel that it’s another step in the
direction of my settling in this country - that I’m taking this position seriously.’
‘And aren’t you?’ His smile was mocking, and she felt herself blush.
‘Well - yes, of course. Whatever I do, I take seriously.’
Suddenly he laughed. ‘You have a habit of betraying your feelings with those eyes of yours. You are here to stay,’ he added, his eyes rapidly losing their mocking expression.
Her shoulders moved in a small shrug as she smiled back at him.
‘Can I help you?’ she asked.
‘I’m on the hunt for change.’ She watched him as he placed a note on the desk. ‘Can you change that for me?’
‘Yes, of course.’
As she counted the money she could feel his blue-green eyes on her and, ruffled, she said, ‘I’m trying to get used to this money business, but I’m learning. Will this do?’ She looked up.
‘Thank you. This will do very nicely.’
‘There were several trips, up the Pass, while you were away,’ she told him, as he slipped the money into his pocket. ‘I happened to be helping out at Reception when the guests gathered here, waiting for the Land-Rover to pick them up. Frankly, I didn’t know whether to envy them or to be sorry for them,’ she laughed lightly.
‘You’ll be able to form your own opinion soon,’ he smiled easily,
‘when you go up.’
Liza Monatti chose that particular moment to come back from lunch.
‘Hello,’ she sounded excited, ‘so you’re back?’
‘I’m trying to talk Michelle into going up the Pass,’ Lyle explained, after he had greeted her.
For a deliberate moment, just long enough to create the effect she desired, Liza paused, then said, ‘Oh? Well, I’d leave well alone, if I were you. She might just end up having hysterics on one of the famous hairpin bends, and I know that if there’s anything you or the drivers can’t stand, it’s an hysterical female on your hands. By the way,’ her black eyes went in Michelle’s direction, ‘were there any snags while I was at lunch?’ Turning to Lyle, she said, ‘Debbie is ill again, by the way.’ She made it sound like a crime.
‘So I’ve been told,’ he answered. ‘She’s having a rough time.’
‘There were no snags.’ Michelle tried not to show that she was peeved.
‘Good,’ Liza replied with open rudeness. ‘Well, don’t let me keep you.
I’ll manage now.’
Obviously Liza expected Lyle Cunningham to remain, talking at the desk, and there was a little disconcerted silence when he said, ‘Have you had lunch, Michelle?’
‘No.’ Stung by the way in which Liza had spoken to her, Michelle’s voice was cool. ‘I’ll have to hurry. My next appointment happens to be at two.’
‘Do you mind if I join you?’ he asked.
Now that the moment was over she had herself in control again. ‘No, not at all.’
Liza’s dark eyes followed them as they went in the direction of the dining-room and Michelle could almost feel them boring into her back.
At the table, Lyle said, ‘Apart from settling in here what have you been doing since I last saw you?’
‘Well..-she found herself groping for something to say, ‘apart from settling in there - there just hasn’t been much time.’ There was a little pause. ‘I’m thinking of getting a small car,’ she told him, on an impulse. ‘I
t would be wise, I think. If you happen to hear of a small second-hand one, would you let me know?’
‘As it so happens, I could put you on to one right now.’
‘You could?’ She tried not to let her wild enthusiasm show.
‘Yes. It’s a Mini. I could take you to see it.’
‘I’d like that, very much. Thank you.’
‘We’ll have to make a date, in that case. What about this afternoon?’
Laughing lightly, she said, ‘This afternoon? You don’t waste much time.’
‘I’m a fast worker,’ he gave her an easy smile. ‘How busy are you going to be?’
She thought for a moment. ‘Well, I have an appointment at two - just after two, actually, and there’s a shampoo and set after that - no other advance appointments. People come into the salon on the spur of the moment, more often than not - after a walk or a swim.’
‘I’ll wait for you, then. It so happens that I have a few things to see to here before going back to Thabana.’
‘Thank you.’ She gave him a direct look. ‘Just as long as the price is suitable. I haven’t very much money left, I’m afraid.’
‘We’ll see what we can do for you,’ Lyle answered.
As she put the last touches to her customer’s hair Michelle found herself hoping that there would be time to go to her room and change out of the short dress she was wearing beneath her pale-yellow loose-fitting overall and was relieved to discover that Lyle Cunningham was not waiting for her at Reception.
By the time she had changed he was in the foyer waiting for her. ‘I’m sorry,’ she said, ‘I hope I haven’t held you up?’
He gave her a contagious smile. ‘It’s all part of the service - don’t give it another thought.’
The light was shifting about on the leaves outside and it was not as hot as it had been earlier on.
In the car, Michelle said, ‘Do tell me more about the car. I’m longing to know.’
His sideways glance was appraising. ‘What would you like to know about it? The colour?’
Laughing a little she replied, ‘Well, yes, the colour. You’ve already told me that it’s a Mini. Mainly, of course, it’s the price I’m concerned with.’
After he had named a figure there was a small silence and he said gently, ‘Is that bad, Michelle?’
‘Well, I was just trying to work it out, but - it is, rather.’
‘In that case, I’ll have to see what I can do for you. The colour, by the way, happens to be cinnamon brown, with a narrow cream band passing right round at door-handle level. The colour will complement that tawny hair of yours and the yellows and oatmeal shades you seem to enjoy wearing. What’s more important, though, Michelle,’ he became serious, ‘it’s most economical on petrol. I think that matters a lot, these days.’
‘Well, of course, I quite agree with you.’ After a moment she added,
‘It seems a pity to drive a car over these corrugations, doesn’t it?’
‘On the whole,’ he answered, ‘this is not a bad surface. Don’t forget, you’re not in London now.’ His voice was teasing.
‘Oh, I hadn’t forgotten, believe me,’ she laughed. She allowed her eyes to rest on the scenery and then said, ‘Is that another hotel, over there?’
‘You’re looking at the mountain holiday chalets which belong to Glen Hayes. You’ll probably meet him one of these days.’
‘Oh? Where?’ She turned to look at him.
He shrugged. ‘About.’
‘I see. How are these chalets run?’ she asked. ‘I have in mind the problem of meals, of course.’
‘Oh, you can dine in style in your own attractive chalet, for the very simple reason that there happens to be a modern supermarket which is there to satisfy the needs of people enjoying that type of holiday.
These chalets are very attractively furnished and equipped with small efficiently planned kitchens.’
She thought for a moment, then said, ‘And so these chalets don’t present a - a threat to your hotel?’
‘I can see that you have a business head on your shoulders,’ he laughed, looking at her.
‘I’m sorry. I was being tactless,’ she replied quickly.
‘Not at all. I’m impressed, as it so happens.’
He parked the car outside Little Switzerland Motors, which was on the outskirts of Thabana. ‘This is your business?’ she asked. ‘Your other business, I mean - apart from the hotel?’
‘Yes, strictly mine. My father has nothing to do with it.’
‘It’s very attractive,’ she told him, smiling shyly.
‘Wait until you see the back!’ He laughed lightly. ‘It’s a junkyard.’
There was a small showroom, Michelle noticed, but it was obvious that this was not the main interest of the business. There appeared to be three attractively furnished, air-conditioned offices, one of which belonged to Lyle Cunningham.
A girl was in charge of the tours section while a young man, who obviously managed the business and the control of the Land-Rovers, repairs and sales of spare parts and vehicles occupied the other office.
There was a hot wind blowing which scudded across Thabana, and it was a relief to enter the long, low building. Lyle led Michelle straight into the small showroom and she spotted the Mini immediately. ‘Is that it?’ She let out her breath softly.
‘Yes,’ he said.
‘But it’s beautiful,’ she said in a low voice. ‘It’s almost new, isn’t it?’
‘It’s been well looked after.’ She watched him as he opened a door and then he stood to one side for her to look inside the car. ‘That goes for the engine, as well. Hop in and I’ll take you for a test run.’
She stood back and straightened up. Placing one thumb nail against her teeth, she said, ‘I’ll never be able to afford this. I can’t see how the owner will reduce the price. Remember, you said you would try to come to an arrangement.’
He grinned down at her, his blue-green eyes slightly narrowed. ‘How do you know?’ he teased.
‘Just by looking at it.’ She laughed suddenly, caught up in the absurdity of the moment.
‘Anyway, let’s take it out on the road and then we can come back and talk. I have some news for you.’
Her mind blanked for a moment. She did not want to waste his time -
and her own, for that matter. After all, she was working for a living now. Their eyes held for a moment and then she said, ‘Well - all right.’ However, she found herself regretting that she had taken him up on this matter.
They drove out of the showroom, back into the fusing of sun, wind and fine particles of dust which seemed to be flying about the streets of Thabana. In the distance, the deeply-etched chasms and gorges, the ageless peaks, looked very blue.
Michelle’s mind was divided between looking at the small but busy country town and the feel and drone of the small car.
‘Well,’ Lyle asked eventually, ‘what do you think of her?’
She gave a small sigh. ‘It’s super, absolutely super - and that’s what worries me. I find myself in one of those very embarrassing situations, actually. I’ve gone and got you all involved, but I’m not going to be able to afford this car. I - I’ve been rash, I can see that now.’ She was wide-eyed with concern and he laughed softly.
‘I told you I had news for you. Well, the owner has agreed to drop the figure.’ He named another figure and she sat, saying nothing, working out finance in her mind. Finally she said, ‘I’m tempted, of course, but I know I shouldn’t - not yet, anyway. Later on, of course, this car will have been sold and I’ll have been too late in making up my mind.
Who does it belong to, by the way?’
‘It belongs to the wife of a doctor. She’s decided on a new car.
Although she suggested a figure she asked me to “get what I can for it”. Without being unfair to her, I approached her about dropping the original figure, which she agreed to do. She and the doctor are really in very good circumstances, although that’s besi
de the point. I believe, however, that the figure I’ve named is a fair one. As I said, before we left the garage, it’s been well cared for, but it’s certainly far from new.’
‘Could I think about it?’ she asked. ‘At least until tomorrow?’
‘Certainly,’ he answered, and she sensed the tension in him.
Lyle Cunningham, she found herself thinking, with a quickening of her pulses, wanted her to buy this car. By buying it, she would be one more step nearer to settling here. She felt herself beginning to breathe differently in the excitement she felt.
‘When we get back to my office,’ he was saying, ‘I’ll work things down to a fine detail for you, Michelle.’
‘Thank you,’ she murmured, and after she had said the words she settled back, enjoying the motion of the car, the views of the surrounding mountains, willows sighing in the hot wind, new houses with thatched roofs, old houses with rondavels in the gardens and -
being close to Lyle Cunningham.
Back at Little Switzerland Motors, Lyle showed her into his office which came as a surprise. ‘This is most attractive,’ she said impulsively.
‘Brown for basics,’ he grinned, ‘with yellow, beige and off-white to tone up the differences - or something like that. So I was told, anyway, when I got somebody to fit it out for me. Sit down, Michelle.’
Her eyes, as she took the chair opposite his desk, went to the traditional chess table in front of the sofas, off-white curtains with brown and yellow at the edges, the contemporary palm tree in a corner and the brass table lamp with a gold shade. There was a Persian rug in browns, cream and gold. ‘What do you mean by differences?’ she asked.
‘The differences between modern, contemporary and traditional. The young lady who was responsible for the décor sounded all very clued up.’
He laughed lightly and Michelle’s mind took a moment to adjust, then she said, ‘Oh, I see. Well, I must say it’s very attractive. I’m always attracted to the harmony of colour and bold designs of Persian rugs. They blend well with modern furnishings.’ She longed to be able to ask him whether Liza Monatti had been responsible for the furnishing of his office. She watched him as he took the chair on the other side of the desk. ‘When we’re finished discussing figures,’ he said, ‘I’ll show you round. I’m sure you’ll be interested to see the Land-Rovers that labour up the Pass.’