Eldorado

by Yvonne Whittal

  The luncheon over, their guests moved on into the living-room and out on to the terrace, and soon it was time for Gina to change out of her wedding dress. Susan went upstairs with her to help her out of the heavy white satin and tulle dress, and then Gina was left alone to change into the outfit she had spent so much time selecting for their flight to Durban. It was a long-sleeved dress with a wide collar, and the rich, creamy colour of the soft woollen material was broken by flecks of green that matched her eyes. The single string of pearls about her throat had been a wedding gift from Jarvis, and she had removed the combs from her hair to let it hang free down to her shoulders.

  Gina stared at her reflection in the mirror of Eldorado's guest-room with its eighteenth-century furniture, and was satisfied with what she saw. The simple cut of the dress made her look elegant and sophisticated, but she did not linger long enough in front of the mirror to notice the glow of happy serenity on her face.

  She was anxious to return to Jarvis, and to feel his presence close to her, but when she stepped into the hall, she found herself staring in startled recognition at the woman emerging from the living-room.

  'Well, how fortuitous that I've been granted the opportunity to meet the bride!' Lilian Ulrich exclaimed in a musical, slightly accented voice. Her shimmering black dress clung to every seductive curve of her body to accentuate the alabaster smoothness of her pale skin. Her crimson lips were curved in a pleasant smile, but there was a coldness in her blue eyes that sent an unexpected shiver racing up Gina's spine. 'I flew in from Madrid this morning, and when I heard the news of your wedding I simply had to take a drive out to this quaint old home Jarvis had told me so much about.'

  Her answer to Gina's unspoken query did not ease the tension which was taking a vicelike grip on every muscle in her body, and a warning flashed through her mind. This woman was her enemy, and it would be wiser to recognise the fact than to ignore it.

  'Have you seen Jarvis?' she asked, her voice as deceptively calm as her appearance.

  'I saw him briefly before he was forced to closet himself in the study with that dreary Harold Ashton, but I'm glad I have this opportunity to speak to you to tell you that I think you've made a terrible mistake.' Lilian Ulrich's smile did not waver, but her eyes were as cold as the frost so often in evidence of a cold winter morning. 'I have known Jarvis for quite some time, and if you perhaps have a silly notion that he's married you because he loves you, then you can forget it. He doesn't know the meaning of the word, for the simple reason that sentimentality has never featured largely in his life. As an attorney he deals with cold, harsh facts, and as a man he lives very much by a brutal, but realistic code. Jarvis is not by nature the marrying kind. He never has been, and he never will be, so I suggest you delve a little deeper elsewhere for the cause of this sudden desire to tie himself up into that matrimonial knot he's always despised. It could be,' Lilian added with a cynical smile, 'that he stood to gain something by marrying you, but only you will know the answer to that.'

  A cold hand seemed to clutch at Gina's heart. 'I think you've said quite enough, and since you're here as an uninvited guest, I would like to suggest that you leave at once.'

  'I was leaving anyway,' Lilian Ulrich smiled cynically, her glance sweeping up and down the length of Gina's frozen body, 'but don't forget that I did warn you.'

  She left the house immediately, but her heady perfume lingered in the hall as a reminder of her presence, and Gina felt herself shaking. No matter which way she looked at it, there had been a frightening ring of truth in everything Lilian had said. Jarvis was not the marrying kind. Aunt Evelyn had said so before her death, but no one could have put it across as strongly as Lilian Ulrich who had known him for some time. Jarvis was a man who had always made it clear that he enjoyed his freedom. Why, then, this sudden desire to bind himself in marriage? Was it because he loved her? Gina wished she could answer that query in the affirmative, but she had to be honest with herself. Jarvis had never once used the word love, but, until this day, she had believed he cared sufficiently. Now she was no longer so sure of that.

  'Oh, damn that woman!' she muttered fiercely. 'She's trying to cause trouble, and I'm not going to let her succeed!'

  She made a desperate attempt to shake off the spark of uneasiness Lilian had aroused, and walked purposefully towards the study. Her hand was reaching to open the door when she changed her mind and let it drop nervously to her side. Jarvis was not alone, Harold Ashton was with him, and Gina could hear every muted word quite clearly although their voices were not raised. They were discussing a client when Harold Ashton had referred to Jarvis. It was a very private conversation, but, as Gina turned to leave, she heard the lawyer question Jarvis about something which left her rooted to the spot.

  'Does your wife know about that clause in your mother's will?'

  Go! Leave now! Gina felt as if a siren had gone off in her mind, but her limbs refused to function. They were discussing something that concerned her. She did not want to hear it, but she somehow waited with bated breath for Jarvis's reply.

  'I haven't told her yet.'

  That deep, well-modulated voice was cold and forbidding, but Harold Ashton had obviously not been deterred by it.

  'I think it was foolish of you to have hidden the truth from her, if you'll pardon me for saying so,' the lawyer remarked calmly, and Jarvis uttered an expletive that made Gina flinch.

  'I wasn't going to jeopardise my future, and Eldorado's, by confronting Gina with that damned ridiculous clause in my mother's will!' Jarvis exploded harshly. 'God, my mother must have been out of her mind to make that stipulation that I had to marry Gina to inherit Eldorado!'

  Gina felt that icy hand tightening about her heart, and the coldness spread swiftly until her entire body felt numb. Oh, God, it's true! Her mind screamed at her. It's true! Lilian Ulrich had been absolutely correct when she had intimated that Jarvis stood to gain something by marrying her. Aunt Evelyn had used her as the key to Jarvis inheriting Eldorado, and Gina was shattered by the discovery that her grandmother could have been so cruel.

  'Your wife has a right to know about it, Jarvis.' Harold Ashton's voice intruded on her pain-filled thoughts.

  'I know that, dammit!' snapped Jarvis. 'But I'll tell her in my own good time!'

  Their voices grew distant, as if they were walking towards the French windows that led out on to the terrace, and Gina sagged limply against the wall when shock sent a wave of terrible shudders rippling through her body. She could feel the perspiration breaking out on her cold forehead, and a wave of nausea rose inside her which she had to suppress forcibly. She tried to think clearly, but she failed, while she was consumed with bitterness and the most unbearable pain. The only thought engraved on her mind was the fact that Jarvis had married her to inherit the home he loved above all else. Jarvis would not marry anyone by choice, Aunt Evelyn had said shortly before her death, but he would do almost anything to get Eldorado.

  'Oh, God!' Gina groaned softly. 'How could you have done this to us, Aunt Evelyn?'

  It was anger now that came to her rescue. It gave her the strength to push herself away from the wall, and when she turned, she saw Susan walking hurriedly towards her.

  'Gina, you look lovely!' her sister-in-law exclaimed before her glance registered that Gina's face was unusually pale. 'You're not going to be ill on your wedding day, are you?'

  Laughter drifted towards them from the living-room, it mocked her for her blind stupidity, and she wanted to be physically ill, but she pulled herself together sharply.

  'It's been a hectic couple of weeks,' she explained away her appearance. 'Where's my father?'

  'He's out on the terrace with Cliff,' Susan replied, linking her arm affectionately through Gina's as they walked out of the house. 'I actually came to tell you that we must be on our way.'

  'So soon?' Gina asked anxiously, reluctant to part with her family as they were the only safe harbour in this storm of misery into which she had suddenly been plun
ged.

  'Yes, my dear.' Susan smiled and tapped a finger on her wristwatch. 'You may not have noticed, but it's almost time for you and Jarvis to leave for the airport.'

  Gina could not bear to think of that as they stepped out on to the terrace. The sun was warm against her skin, but inside she felt like a block of ice. She went into her father's arms and clung to him with a fervour he must have found curious, but he was solid, he was there… and he loved her!

  'All the best, my girl.' He smiled down at her.

  'Thanks, Dad.' She tried to smile back at him, but his dear, smiling face became blurred as unexpected tears filled her eyes, and she hid her face against his jacket sleeve. 'Oh, Daddy!' she whispered in a muffled voice.

  'Tears aren't such a bad thing, providing they're tears of happiness,' Raymond Osborne observed with a touch of humour some moments later when she had controlled herself and wiped away her tears with his handkerchief.

  Gina nodded without looking at her father. How could she tell him that she had made a terrible mistake? How could she explain that she had been duped into this marriage, and that her gullible heart had led her to believe that Jarvis loved her as much as she loved him?

  'Leaving already?' Jarvis spoke directly behind her when she was saying goodbye to Clifford and Susan, and her nerves reacted violently to his presence.

  'I'm afraid so, Jarvis,' Clifford announced, gripping Jarvis's hand briefly. 'It's about time you left as well.'

  Jarvis glanced at his watch and Gina stiffened when he placed a casual arm about her waist. 'Yes, we'll have to leave shortly if we're to be in time for our flight.'

  Clifford laughed and jerked a thumb over his shoulder in the direction of the living-room. 'Your guests don't appear to be in a hurry to leave.'

  'I'll get rid of them, don't worry,' Jarvis announced firmly.

  Yes, Jarvis would get rid of them, Gina thought cynically when she stood watching her family drive away. Jarvis was very good at getting whatever he wanted, and he did so regardless of who got she stood watching her family drive away. Jarvis was very good at getting whatever he wanted, and he did so regardless of who got hurt in the process.

  The Boeing sped across the runway and rose into the sky like a gigantic bird with its silver wings spread out in flight. Gina's hands were clenched tightly in her lap and her body was tense, but her tension had nothing to do with a fear of flying. Jarvis sat next to her, his tall, magnificent body relaxed, and she wished, not for the first time, that she had not overheard that conversation between him and Harold Ashton. She had wanted to run, to end this marriage before it could begin, but the thought of having to face her family with the embarrassing and humiliating truth was something she had found unbearable even to contemplate. It was something which would have to remain between Jarvis and herself.

  'You're tired and tense,' said Jarvis, his hand reaching for hers to uncurl her fingers in her lap. 'Lean back and close your eyes. We have an hour's flight ahead of us before we reach Durban.'

  Gina did not argue, she did as she was told, but she could not relax no matter how she tried. Her mind was like a computer punching out information she had ignored before, and waves of pain washed over her repeatedly, forcing her to face the truth at last. She fingered her rings, and the final humiliation was like the thrust of a heated sword penetrating deep into her soul. Jarvis had never once said that he loved her. He had made very sure of her feelings, but he had kept his own carefully concealed. She had doubted him often enough, but loving him meant that she had to trust him, and she squirmed inwardly at the memory of how embarrassingly transparent he must have found her.

  What was she going to do? Should she confront him with what she knew, or should she wait until he saw fit to tell her? Did she love him enough to keep up the pretence while knowing that he had married her solely to get his hands on Eldorado?

  She turned her head slightly and observed Jarvis through lowered lids. He was reading a newspaper he had bought at the airport, and his stern, attractive profile sent a renewed stab of pain through her. Oh, how she hated him for doing this to her! She hated him so much that—Her throat tightened and stinging tears blurred her vision. She turned her face towards the window and kept her eyes tightly closed while she fought for control. To be truthful, she could never hate him entirely. She loved him despite everything, and… oh, God, how it hurt! It hurt to know that she had been failed by two people whom she had loved and trusted implicitly. Knowing and understanding Evelyn's fears, Gina could almost find it in her heart to forgive her godmother, but Jarvis's role in this hateful charade was totally unforgivable. He had been so diabolically clever in snaring her that she felt sickened to the core at her own stupidity.

  Could she go through with this marriage? was the question that leapt repeatedly into her mind. Dared she hope that by feigning ignorance she might somehow succeed in winning his love?

  If you have some silly notion that he's married you because he loves you, then you can forget it. He doesn't know the meaning of the word. Gina had attempted to brush aside Lilian's remark as pure jealousy, but now it cut deep.

  Refreshments were served on the flight. Gina was not hungry, but she forced herself to eat and drink to prevent Jarvis from suspecting that something was wrong. He spoke to her and she answered him, but she could not recall afterwards what either of them had said, and they had finally lapsed into a merciful silence. Jarvis may have sensed that she was not in a talkative mood, or perhaps he had preferred not to talk in order to brood about that conversation he had had with his mother's lawyer. She could not be sure.

  Your wife has a right to know about it, Jarvis, Harold Ashton had said, and Jarvis had replied harshly, I know that, dammit, but I'll tell her in my own good time.

  When had he planned to tell her? Tomorrow, after their marriage had been consummated and she had committed herself completely? The day after that? Or in a few months' time perhaps, when she would be too besotted with him to care?

  A slow anger began to simmer inside Gina until it overrode the pain. He had laid a trap for her and she had walked into it like a trusting fool. He had made a mockery of her feelings. How dared he?

  Jarvis had arranged for a hired car to be at their disposal when they arrived at the Louis Botha airport in Durban, and he took the north coast road to a fashionable hotel overlooking the rugged coastline. When they reached their destination late that afternoon a uniformed attendant appeared as if from nowhere to park their car and take care of their luggage while they entered the hotel.

  Gina felt Jarvis's hand beneath her elbow when they ascended the shallow steps into the foyer, and the cool elegance she encountered was almost breathtaking. Persian rugs lay scattered across the black and white tiled floor, and attractive wrought-iron railings adorned the carpeted stairs winding up to the floor above. Strategically placed pot plants, original landscape paintings and ornamental mirrors induced an air of complete relaxation, and the two floral arrangements on the desk at reception added a dash of festivity to the atmosphere.

  Jarvis signed the register while their suitcases were brought in, and then they were in the lift which was taking them up to the seventh floor. Gina felt her throat tighten the moment they were alone in the small lounge with its white and sun-yellow furnishings. She pushed open the white, panelled door leading out of the lounge, and Jarvis followed her into the spacious bedroom where a touch of gilt broke the stark white of the decor.

  He glanced about him and raised a mocking eyebrow. 'It has a virginal appearance, wouldn't you say?' he observed.

  Less than four hours ago Gina might have laughed and blushed a little, but the most she could manage at that moment was a tight smile.

  'I imagine this is what's known as the honeymoon suite.'

  His low rumble of laughter was abrasive to her raw nerves, and she avoided the hand that reached for her to walk into the adjoining bathroom. She closed the door behind her, shutting Jarvis out, and only then did she relax her guard for a moment. She r
aised her glance to find herself staring at her image in the mirror above the basin, and the eyes that met hers were shadowed with pain and misery. 'God, help me,' she prayed softly. 'What am I going to do?'

  Jarvis glanced at her frowningly when she emerged from the bathroom some minutes later, but he said nothing. He had taken off his jacket and loosened his tie, but with a start of surprise, she saw him light a cigarette and turn to stare out of the window overlooking the ocean. She had never known him to smoke before and it made her wonder. Was his conscience troubling him? No, her mind punched out the answer cynically. Jarvis Cain was too arrogantly self-assured to be bothered with a conscience.

  The sun had set on Gina's wedding day in more ways than one, and her future seemed as dark as the night outside. They freshened up and went down to dinner, but it was Jarvis who kept the conversation flowing between them rather than Gina. It was incredible, but she was torn between two equally strong desires: the desire to touch him, and the desire to lash out at him with all the pain and fury locked away inside her. For the moment, however, she could do neither. She could only stare at him when he was not looking, and wish with all her heart that it could have been different.

  A terrible suspicion entered her tormented mind. Had that unexpected legacy been her godmother's way of apologising for what she had known would happen as a result of that clause she had inserted in her will? The thought was too painful to dwell on, but Gina could not eradicate it completely from her mind.

  It was still comparatively early when they returned to their suite, and Jarvis allowed her the use of the bathroom with a mocking gallantry while he lingered in the lounge. Thank God! she thought, her panic subsiding. He thinks I'm a nervous, jittery bride.

  Gina showered and changed into the blue, diaphanous nightgown she had bought especially for her wedding night. Her wedding night! Those words echoed through her mind with a painful ring of irony, and she winced visibly. She caught sight of herself in the dressing-table mirror and, deciding that her night attire was far too revealing, pulled on her silk dressing-gown in a matching colour and tied the belt firmly about her slender waist before brushing her hair vigorously to rid herself of some of her aggression. She was also nervous and had to brace herself before she walked out of the bedroom to confront Jarvis, but despite her efforts, her knees threatened to buckle beneath her when she stepped into the dimly lit lounge.