by Anne Mather
‘Diana needs a father,’ he said fiercely.
‘But not anyone else but you,’ said Madeline angrily.
‘Diana thinks I am like Joe, her father!’
Madeline looked up at him, words trembling on her lips, words she knew she could not say.
‘You’ve told me about him,’ went on Adrian relentlessly. ‘I can only assume that Diana is like you, though, because from what you have said, Joe was not a tempestuous character. Diana needs a guiding influence. The influence of a man, used to children.’
Madeline shook her head. ‘Don’t you ever give up, Adrian? I don’t love you. I don’t want to marry for anything else but love, can’t you understand that?’
Adrian’s face was drawn. ‘Do you intend seeing Vitale again?’
‘Yes, yes, I do!’ Madeline almost shouted the words.
Adrian shook his head. ‘You don’t honestly take him seriously, do you? Why, he must meet hundreds of women during the course of his business and its accompanying pleasures. Have you any idea of the kind of life he leads, the women he’s slept with?’
‘Stop it!’
‘I won’t stop it! Somebody has got to talk some sense into you! Why, he’s probably got some woman waiting for him back home at this moment! How do you know what he’s doing?’
Madeline’s fingers stung across his cheek before she could prevent herself, and Adrian stood, one hand to his cheek, positively astounded.
Madeline felt dreadful and sank down on to a chair. ‘I’m sorry, Adrian,’ she said wearily, ‘but you asked for it.’
Adrian moved slowly to the door. ‘Are you quite sure you want to see me tonight?’ he asked.
‘That rather depends on you, doesn’t it?’ she replied, sighing. ‘What do you think?’
Adrian shrugged. ‘I think perhaps you are right. You have your own life to lead. I won’t obstruct you any further.’
Madeline knew what it had cost him to say that, and she managed a small smile. ‘Oh, Adrian,’ she said sadly, ‘you’re really too good for me.’
Adrian smiled too, his cheek still red from the touch of her fingers. ‘I think perhaps you are right,’ he replied softly, and walked out of the door.
After he had gone, Madeline resumed her work. There were so many obstacles really to her association with Nicholas. His money and position for a start. She would be just as willing to spend her life with him if he simply earned a weekly wage, but would anyone ever believe that? Then there was Diana. She was apparently very much against their involvement, although what Adrian had meant about her actually liking Nicholas, she could not imagine.
Madeline wondered whether Diana had read the morning newspapers and seen the announcement about Nicholas returning to Italy. She probably had, or if not someone else would have made it their business to inform her, particularly when she had mentioned earlier on that her mother knew Nicholas Vitale. Would she feel delighted at the news? Would she see this as a possible end to their association? Knowing Diana both possibilities were likely.
And then there was herself, her thoughts went on. Nicholas would have to know the truth about everything. She could not risk marrying him and have him find out from some other source. She would never know then whether he really objected or not. It was all very complicated and depressing and as she sat there alone with the prospect of a lonely week-end ahead, making everything appear so much blacker, she wished desperately that she was seeing Nicholas tonight. She could have gained confidence in his presence and the other problems would become of little account.
CHAPTER SIX
THE Saturday dinner was not a success. Adrian did his best, but Madeline knew that he was not happy. Diana seemed to have assumed an armed truce with her and outwardly everything seemed to be fine. The only black spot had been when a bouquet of red roses were delivered on Saturday morning and Diana realized that although Nicholas was away, he was not forgetting or forgotten.
But still Madeline was depressed and although the dinner at the Crown was quite delicious she ate very little. Half-way through dessert, a voice said brightly:
‘Well, well. Surprise, surprise!’ Madeline and Adrian both looked up in surprise at the accent, Madeline for a moment thinking it was Nicholas. But it was Harvey Cummings.
‘Hello, Harvey,’ she said, smiling, a little warmth lighting her face. At least this man was an associate of Nicholas’s. She felt nearer to Nicholas somehow with Harvey by her side. After all, they were good friends. ‘It’s good to see you.’
Harvey recognized Adrian and nodded amiably, then he said: ‘Look, I’m with Mary-Lee and Paul Lucas, why don’t you join us? We were going on to a roadhouse near here, dancing. How about it?’
Madeline looked at Adrian. She knew he was not at all keen on dancing.
‘Oh, I don’t think so,’ she murmured quietly. ‘We usually go straight home after the meal.’
Adrian shrugged. ‘Do you want to go dancing?’ he asked, his eyes questioning. ‘I suppose we could.’
Madeline shook her head. ‘No, thanks all the same, Harvey.’
Harvey looked disgruntled. ‘Oh, all right. Suit yourself, Sinclair.’ He nodded to Adrian again and walked away, back to his friends.
‘You could have gone,’ remarked Adrian quietly. ‘Come to think of it, I could have gone home, and you could have gone as Cummings’ partner.’
Madeline’s eyes narrowed. ‘I do believe you’re trying to get me interested in Harvey,’ she accused him lightly. ‘Do you think that one man is very much like another? I assure you it’s not so. So there would be no safety in numbers.’
Adrian looked a little guilty and Madeline knew she had hit the nail on the head. How extraordinary that a placid man like Adrian should feel so strongly about something that he was willing to break the code of years to change things.
‘Don’t worry,’ she said softly. ‘It will probably come to nothing, as you say. If it does, you can have the last laugh and pick up the pieces.’
‘I’m sorry,’ said Adrian heavily. ‘I must be very transparent.’
‘To me you are,’ she agreed, lifting her wine glass.
It was then that Adrian saw the emerald ring. His eyes became enormous and he said in astonishment: ‘Where did you get that from, and where is your wedding ring?’
‘Nick gave me it,’ she said, knowing at once to what he was referring. ‘Beautiful, isn’t it?’
‘Very beautiful,’ he agreed, studying it. ‘I should say it was practically priceless. That setting alone is the most beautiful and unique I have ever seen.’
Madeline felt her heart pounding. Nicholas had not said it was such a valuable thing. She had assumed it was expensive because of the emeralds, but that was all. Adrian of course, knew about such things. She found his eyes were on her now.
‘I think perhaps I have been wrong,’ he murmured, with a sigh. ‘If Vitale has given you that ring, I hardly thinks he intends anything underhand.’
‘What makes you say that?’ she asked, her heart leaping a little.
‘Because, my dear, it would have been quite simple for him to obtain a ring and give it to you, one which would have satisfied you quite admirably, without giving you a ring that he probably values highly. I think, maybe, that Mr. Vitale is not as black as he is painted.’
Madeline smiled. ‘I’m sure of it,’ she murmured, and swallowed the remainder of her wine.
When they got back to the flat, Adrian came in as usual, and whether he and Diana were consciously aware of it, Madeline did not know, but they gave a good demonstration of how well they got along together, bringing back all Madeline’s earlier depression.
The following week passed slowly, interspersed by Nicholas’s telephone calls. Madeline’s relationship with Diana improved, but Madeline knew that it was only a temporary thing. Nicholas’s estimate of a few days seemed to have lengthened and although he rang she sensed a certain reserve about him. A week later on Sunday morning Madeline was having breakfast when the doorbell r
ang.
Diana was still in bed and Madeline herself wasn’t even dressed. Trembling a little, she opened the door. She had really thought she might find Nicholas on the threshold, but instead there was Maria. Dressed today in a pillar box red trouser suit and a white straw boater, Maria looked exquisite.
‘Hello,’ she said, smiling. ‘Can I come in?’
Madeline stepped back at once. ‘Of course,’ she said, but cold feelers of apprehension tinged her heart. Why had Maria come? It couldn’t be a social call at this time in the morning.
Maria stepped inside and looked around her with pleasure. ‘What a lovely room!’ she said easily. ‘It must be nice having a flat of your own. I think everyone deserves somewhere where they can completely be themselves.’ She looked at Madeline. ‘Nick asked me to come.’
Madeline’s fingers tightened on the cord of her dressing-gown. ‘Is he back in England?’
‘No. He telephoned me, late last night.’
‘I see.’ Madeline tried not to be too eager.
‘Yes.’ Maria seated herself on the couch and said: ‘I think he is feeling rather bad.’
A cold feeling gripped Madeline’s stomach. ‘Oh?’ she said lightly. ‘Why?’
Maria frowned. ‘He expected to be back the middle of last week,’ she replied. ‘And I think he is afraid you will read a different explanation into it.’
Madeline hesitated. ‘Do you mean he’s worried about my reactions?’
Maria sighed. ‘Yes, that’s it exactly.’
Madeline felt relief flooding her being. She almost wanted to laugh, she felt suddenly so lighthearted. ‘And that’s why you’re here?’ she exclaimed.
Maria nodded. ‘He wants to speak to you today. I don’t think he likes the idea of always contacting you when you’re in the school building.’
‘Oh, I see.’ Perhaps that accounted for the slight stiffness Madeline had noticed in Nicholas’s voice.
‘You’re…you’re very fond of my father, aren’t you?’ Maria said suddenly.
Madeline nodded. ‘Do you mind?’
‘No, not really, although I must admit that this is the first time he’s ever been responsible to any woman for his actions.’
‘You take it very calmly.’
‘About Nick? I guess I do. I’ve not lived with him all these years without knowing him pretty thoroughly.’ She looked diffident. ‘He’s a…wonderful person. I adore him. But I know that I don’t fill the needs he has by any means. Everyone likes him, you know. He’s so easy-going—and amusing. Lots of women have wanted to marry him, rich and poor alike.’
‘I’m sure you’re right,’ murmured Madeline softly. In her way, Maria was as isolated as Diana. But whereas Diana chose to try and destroy her mother’s happiness, Maria wanted to help Nicholas, even if it was at her own expense.
Madeline carried her empty coffee cup through to the kitchen and Maria stretched lazily. She found she liked Madeline Scott very much. She wasn’t overly affectionate about Nick in that way some women adopt when they think they are firmly established in the favours of some man. And that Madeline was firmly established, Maria had no doubt. It was all quite new and incredible that Nick, who for so long had made playthings of members of her sex, should suddenly act in this wholly uncharacteristic way. She had known the minute he introduced Madeline to her that here was no passing phase. There had been something gentle and possessive about the way he had looked at Madeline and Maria had seen the first glimmerings of the shape of things to come. Her main worry had been that she might not like her, but she no longer was perturbed.
This attractive young woman had set all her fears at rest. She was sweet and kind and reassuring and apparently not a bit sure of Nick, whereas she had every reason to be. Maria had never known any woman but her grandmother intimately and she longed sometimes for someone to confide her hopes and fears in. She knew Madeline could be that woman. She was understanding and able to sit and listen.
Suddenly, another door opened and a pyjama-clad figure emerged, rumpling her dark hair. She stopped short at the sight of Maria, and a wary look invaded her eyes.
Maria smiled. She was always pleasant to people, no matter how rude she thought them, and she thought that Diana Scott was a spoilt brat.
‘Hello,’ she said easily. ‘You must have slept well.’
Diana did not smile. ‘Is your father here?’ she asked bluntly.
Maria shook her head. ‘No, I’m alone.’
‘Good.’ Diana reached for a comb and began combing her unruly hair.
Maria decided to ignore her rudeness. If Diana wanted to behave childishly she couldn’t stop her. But couldn’t she see how unpleasant she was making things for her mother; things which Madeline should be enjoying.
Madeline, hearing voices, came through from the kitchen. ‘I’ve made some more coffee, Diana,’ she said. ‘Do you want some?’
‘Please.’ Diana dropped the comb and turned round. She took her cup and seated herself on the arm of one of the arm-chairs, her brooding eyes surveying the scene.
‘Are you going out today, Diana?’ asked Madeline, hoping Diana would act naturally and give up this stupid feuding.
‘I’m going to the school with Jeff,’ replied Diana shortly. ‘The younger boys are practising cricket at the nets and he has to be there to supervise them.’
‘Jeff,’ Maria smiled. ‘Is he your boy-friend, Diana?’
Diana looked scornful. ‘Of course!’ she said coldly. ‘I don’t want any breakfast, Mother. I’m going to get ready.’
Madeline looked anxiously at Maria as Diana put down her cup and flounced into the bedroom. There was certainly going to be no friendliness between them, owing to Diana’s stubbornness.
‘I’m sorry,’ she said awkwardly. ‘But Diana just won’t accept the inevitable.’
Maria spread her hands expressively. ‘But she will have to, won’t she?’ she murmured, watching Madeline intently. ‘You realize that my father is serious about this?’
Madeline felt her cheeks flame. ‘How can you say that?’ she asked, her voice unsteady.
‘I know him,’ said Maria positively. ‘Besides, you’re the first woman he has ever introduced me to in such a manner.’
Madeline felt her apprehension disappear. Maria’s words were balm after the last couple of days.
Diana emerged a little later in slacks and Madeline’s anorak. She looked disdainfully at the others and said: ‘It’s ten-thirty. Jeff should be here soon. He’s calling for me in his father’s van.’
Sure enough, a few moments later there was a ring at the bell and Diana bounded to the door. She brought Jeff in for a moment, expecting to make Maria envious of her handsome boy-friend, but it didn’t work out quite like that.
When he saw Maria he stared in astonishment, and Diana realized that she had made a mistake. But she had to go through with it.
‘Maria,’ she said, ‘this is Jeff Emerson. Jeff, this is Maria Vitale.’
Jeff’s eyes widened as he recognized the name at once. Maria’s accent confirmed his suspicions.
‘Hi, Jeff,’ she said easily, looking very much at home on the couch.
‘Hello,’ he murmured, his eyes apparently glued to the girl in the red suit. She was so different from the girls he knew who favoured casual clothes, duffel coats and jeans. Maria had chic and her suit, although plain, was obviously expensive.
Diana’s eyes flashed angrily as they continued to look at one another. Maria was amused. She had known how to handle boys from an early age and some of her charm was inherited from her father.
‘Are you ready, Jeff?’ asked Diana angrily. ‘I’m waiting.’
‘What?’ Jeff swung round. For a moment he had forgotten Diana. ‘Yes…yes, I’m ready. Good-bye, Mrs. Scott. Good-bye, Maria.’
Maria nodded and Madeline thankfully closed the door after them. She wondered what Diana would say to Jeff when she got him alone. She had been furious as they went out of the room.
‘Don’t worry,’ said Maria understandingly. ‘She’ll get over it. She probably thinks he’s marvellous because he’s so good-looking. I think he’s a wolf. Harmless enough to me, but I’m not so sure about Diana.’
‘Why are you immune?’ asked Madeline, smiling in spite of herself.
‘Oh, I’ve known dozens of men,’ replied Maria lazily. Then she laughed. ‘Listen to me! I sound like Mata Hari.’
‘How did you get here anyway?’ asked Madeline, lighting a cigarette.
‘Harv brought me. You know, Harvey Cummings.’
‘Oh, I see. And is he coming back for you?’
‘Yes. He said he’d be back about eleven. He knows where to come. He likes you too, doesn’t he? He said he saw you last night.’
‘That’s right. At the Crown Hotel. We were both dining there.’
Maria looked puzzled. ‘Were you alone?’
Madeline flushed and shook her head. ‘I was with a man called Adrian Sinclair. Your father knows him. He’s a headmaster and my employer.’
‘I see,’ Maria studied the toes of her shoes. ‘And Nick doesn’t object? To you going out, I mean?’
Madeline shrugged. ‘Why should he? Adrian is harmless enough.’
Maria smiled. ‘It’s okay. I’m only joking.’
Madeline decided to go and dress before Harvey arrived. She put on slacks and an overblouse and wound her hair up on top of her head. Then she and Maria sat together on the couch and talked.
Maria was easy to talk to. She told Madeline a lot more about Nick’s home in Rome and his mother who lived there.
‘Grandmother is a marvellous woman!’ she said enthusiastically. ‘She’s only in her late fifties. She was eighteen when she had Nick. Isn’t that wonderful! Grandfather fell in love with her on sight. They say thinks like that don’t happen except in books, but I disagree. I think sometimes a person just knows when another person is right for them, don’t you?’
Madeline had to agree. After all, hadn’t she been attracted to Nick right from the very beginning?
‘How about you, Maria?’ she said. ‘Have you no boy-friends?’