Substitute Bride

by Margaret Pargeter

  Ben appeared to have lost the drift of their conversation anyway, as he renewed his obviously enjoyable study of her. His eyes roamed from her gleaming, golden head to her slim waist, before returning to the now near-perfect curves above it. Suddenly, as she turned uneasily from his intent scrutiny, he drew a shaken breath. 'Emma,' he pleaded hoarsely, 'if you ever tire of Rick, marry me.' 'Just like that?' she laughed, refusing to take him seriously, as she pulled her light jacket tightly around her.

  'Why not?' he persisted stubbornly. 'You know I wouldn't neglect you as Rick does.'

  As this was something she would be foolish to try and deny, she was silent, nursing her unhappiness. The silence went on and she saw the compassion on Ben's face, as well as something of her own hopelessness. 'Perhaps if I'd been as beautiful as Veronica Ray?' she murmured wistfully.

  'Veronica and you aren't in the same street,' Ben returned cryptically.

  Which, Emma thought wryly, must prove her appearance hadn't improved as much as she imagined.

  When Rita told her after lunch, one day, that Veronica had asked them all to another of the small parties she was so fond of giving, Emma was surprised.

  'Why me?' she frowned. 'Are you sure I'm included?'

  Rita assured her she was. Veronica had said so.

  'Perhaps she's heard how the opposition appears to be improving,' Gail put in carelessly, 'and wants to see for herself.'

  Rita's critical eyes swept over Emma in faint surprise, but she wasn't given to admiring other women. When Emma had first arrived she had described her as nondescript, and she rarely reversed an opinion. 'Looks aren't everything,' she stated coldly, speaking to her daughter as though Emma wasn't there. 'A man needs someone able to help him socially. I doubt if Rick will remain satisfied with Emma much longer.'

  Emma was still smarting from Rita's frank remarks as she attended Veronica's party with Rick's family a few days later. Ben, despite Rita's obvious disapproval, refused to leave Emma's side. He was so attentive she began to feel embarrassed. He might have been setting himself up as her protector. Nor did he seem to be the only man to fancy himself for this position.

  Miles Ray, Veronica's younger brother, a very wealthy bachelor in his own right, having inherited a lot of money, seldom took his eyes from her lovely face. 'I can't think how I haven't noticed you before,' he exclaimed, as he managed, with an expertise which reminded Emma oddly of Rick, to inveigle her away from Ben. Ben had frowned when Miles asked her to dance, but without creating a scene there was no way he could refuse to let her go.

  Before they had circled the room twice, Miles asked her to have lunch with him next day. 'If you think I'm in a hurry, it's because I don't want anyone to beat me to it,' he explained, quite seriously.

  About to refuse politely, Emma paused. Why not? Why shouldn't she lunch with Miles? He was an extremely personable man of thirty and she liked him. He was young and handsome, as were many of the men on, the island, and she felt instinctively that Miles and she might have a lot in common. Besides, wouldn't it be wise not to rely on Ben as much as she had been doing? When he had proposed to her she hadn't for a minute taken him seriously. Now she wasn't so sure. Recently she had seen him gazing at her in a way which made her strangely uneasy, and while she didn't imagine he would ever force his attentions on her, she knew she didn't care for him enough to encourage him. She had grown fond of him in a sisterly kind of way, but that was all. Possibly if she went out with Miles occasionally and Ben didn't see quite so much of her he would soon get over his foolish infatuation.

  Pleasantly she smiled at Miles and wondered why he caught his breath. 'I'd love to have lunch with you tomorrow,' she said.

  Veronica didn't seem to disapprove of her brother's growing friendship with Emma which, considering how much Veronica disliked her, surprised Emma greatly. Each day Miles went to Bridgetown, where he helped run the huge department store. He worked very hard, but he still found time to show Emma over it. She was amazed at its size, the number of departments and the quality of the stock. She had been in before, but only to make a few hurried purchases from the cosmetics department. Now she realised that the store must contain thousands, maybe millions of pounds' worth of highly priced goods.

  Rather dazed, she paused to admire a particularly beautiful bracelet locked in a magnificent display case. The bracelet was studded with diamonds and other priceless, sparkling stones. It immediately caught the eye and Emma smiled in wry appreciation.

  At once Miles ordered the hovering assistant to get the key for the case and take the bracelet out. After she did he ordered her to wrap it up.

  Then, as Emma blinked uncertainly, he rescinded the order. 'No,' he turned to Emma, 'you'd better try it on first. If you don't care for it there are others.'

  Emma stared at him, startled and slightly shocked. When she had heard him telling the assistant to get it out of the case she hadn't dreamt he was going to present her with it. She couldn't possibly accept such an expensive gift from any man—unless it was her husband. This brought her thoughts abruptly to Rick. Wasn't he forever insisting she must forget him, that their marriage was over?—a fact which he soon intended to make official. Perhaps if he was to see her getting involved with other men, he would believe she was at last convinced he meant what he said. And to be able to produce certain proof that other men found her desirable might be the only way she might be able to keep what little pride she had left.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Yet, as swiftly as the idea of accepting a gift of jewellery from Miles appealed to Emma, she rejected it. It might be one way of impressing Rick, but it wasn't her way. If she was to take the bracelet, under the present circumstances, she would never know a moment's peace. It was how to tell Miles tactfully. As she stood pondering about this, how best to refuse his present without hurting him, Veronica Ray arrived.

  Veronica, her sharp eyes flickering from the sparkling bracelet to Emma, cried, 'Now that would suit you, Emma. But surely Rick keeps you well supplied?'

  As Emma flushed brightly, Miles sent his sister a murderous glance. 'Why don't you make yourself scarce, Veronica? What you see here is none of your business.'

  'I suppose not.' Veronica made no attempt to move on. 'You can't blame me for being interested, though. This makes the one you and Harley gave me for my birthday look like something off a market stall.'

  'You have enough, and you're only my sister,' he added stiffly, as if this explained everything.

  'And it doesn't matter that Emma merely happens to be another man's wife?' Veronica sneered.

  Miles went white. 'If you don't shut up and get out, Veronica, I'll see you out personally,' he threatened. 'Emma and I understand each other.'

  'Won't Rick be pleased to hear that!' Veronica crooned, too well used to quarrelling with her brothers to let an exchange such as this disturb her. 'I bet soon you'll be hoping there's going to be a divorce?' she challenged Miles spitefully.

  'If Emma feels the same way as I do,' he gripped Emma's cold hand tightly. 'I love her, but I don't intend going behind anyone's back, least of all Rick Conway's. I'll tell him to his face I want to marry her.'

  If this rather startling announcement took the wind from Veronica's sails for a moment, she soon recovered. 'So Emma could be my sister-in-law?'

  'If she'll have me.'

  'Oh, please!' As pale as Miles, Emma cut in with a protesting gasp. What had started out as a casual invitation to lunch now seemed to have developed into a nightmare. She liked Miles, but that was all. She certainly didn't wish for the kind of complications which usually led to a lot of unkind gossip. Rick, she feared, if this happened, would be furious, if only because she bore his name. He could justifiably accuse her of dragging it through the mud if this little episode were to become common knowledge throughout the island.

  'I can't accept the bracelet, Miles. It was a kind thought…' she stammered, still not wanting to hurt him, while her grey eyes entreated him wildly.

  'Much too p
ublic, darling,' Veronica drawled at her brother. 'Put it in your pocket, Miles, until later. I must remember to mention this to Rick.'

  'Will you be quiet!' Miles spoke through his teeth, but he did keep hold of the bracelet, as he grabbed Emma's arm to guide her from the store. He didn't look at Veronica again.

  In his car he tossed the bracelet brusquely on the ledge between them. 'You may as well have it,' he persisted.

  Emma had never felt so embarrassed in her life. 'I can't take it, Miles, you must know that! Not while I'm married to Rick.'

  His eyes narrowed. 'That sounds as though you'll not always be married to him.'

  'I—oh, I don't know!' Emma was too distracted and miserable to be completely aware of what she was saying.

  'Perhaps not, but while I am I don't want to do anything that might hurt him.'

  Miles's mouth tightened and it obviously took an effort to refrain from further comment. 'Veronica's crazy. Her arrival was unfortunate, but I meant what I said about wanting to marry you.'

  'You know I can't do that either.'

  Suddenly his hand was on her rounded chin, turning her face towards him. 'Don't look so unhappy, darling. I believe I understand more than you think. You're sweet and loyal, honest right through, and I love you. If I can't have you I don't want any other girl.'

  Why couldn't Rick have trusted her so implicitly? He had been gone six weeks and he had never once made any attempt to get in touch. When he rang Coral House he spoke to Rita or Ben or his overseer. He had enquired after her, Emma believed, but never asked to speak to her. All the same, she found it impossible to even contemplate being unfaithful to him—which must be one of the world's best jokes. How could she be unfaithful to a man who didn't want her?

  'I'm sorry, Miles,' her eyes full of tears she turned away. 'You would be wiser to forget me.'

  'We'll see,' he replied, then, 'Why not come and have a cup of tea with me before I take you home? You can't refuse me everything.'

  It seemed foolish to capitulate, yet if she didn't wouldn't it tend to dramatise the situation in the wrong way? To avoid giving the impression, however, that she was encouraging him, she did say firmly, as they entered the Ray's beautiful drawing room, 'It would be wiser not to see so much of each other, Miles.'

  His eyes darkened bitterly, before he shrugged and smiled. 'Just as you like, but I've promised to go to the party Rita's giving at the end of the week, so I'll have to see you there. After that, we'll see. Why not leave it? You might suddenly discover you care for me more than that handsome husband of yours.'

  Emma returned his smile and sighed, but was prevented from replying when Veronica joined them, regardless of her brother's icy glance. Veronica looked in a remarkably good mood, considering the one she had been in when they had left her. For the next half hour she was a model hostess. But just as they were leaving, when Miles was called to the telephone, Emma said she would go and sit in the car, rather than wait in the house. She didn't care, all of a sudden, for the way Veronica was looking at her. She reminded Emma of a cat that had just caught a mouse and was preparing to play with it.

  At the end of the week, in an attempt to cheer herself up, Emma dressed more carefully than usual. That afternoon she had gone to Bridgetown and had her hair done and indulged in a facial. She was, in fact, beginning to feel guilty about the number of expensive treatments she had been having as she had no money of her own and had to ask for the bills to be sent to Rick. This was no problem, as far as the salon was concerned, but she couldn't help wondering if Rick would approve, or if it was worth it. While her glowing skin might be beautiful to look at, improved almost beyond recognition, she feared her own pleasure in her new appearance would count for nothing if Rick didn't like it.

  In one of her glittering Paris gowns, Emma knew, despite her doubts, that she looked good. Her Paris model might be a little elaborate for a simple party, but she had nothing else. She had purchased several simple day dresses since coming to Barbados, but hadn't wanted to enlarge her wardrobe more than was necessary. Apart from some camisole tops to go with her long skirts, she hadn't bothered with anything else. If her skirts hadn't been in need of pressing, a fact which she had only just discovered, she might have worn one of them this evening.

  Ben and Miles were both there when she went downstairs. Both, as she danced with them, assured her she was the most beautiful girl there. So did several of the younger set, with whom Emma was fast becoming popular. The young men especially were beginning to take notice of her a lot. They seemed to like dancing with her and sometimes she caught their eyes wandering to her now very curvaceous figure.

  'You're slim yet so sexy, honey,' the more daring of them teased frankly, as though they enjoyed seeing her blush. They were friendly, but they kept their distance. Of this she was glad, but she wondered if some of them would have been so scrupulous if it hadn't been for Rick. Rick, she had soon learnt, commanded a healthy respect on the island among both young and old.

  Sometimes Emma, when considering her new popularity, would feel surprised at the shortness of people's memories. When she had first arrived almost everyone had ignored her. Now it was different, but while she responded happily to the new friendship she was offered she wasn't sure that she would ever fit in. She definitely wouldn't with the more uninhibited set, she thought, looking around. She much preferred those who, like herself, favoured a quieter way of life. If she had been able to continue as Rick's wife, this would have suited her fine— the odd evening out, perhaps dining and dancing, after helping him at home, or wherever he might be. What she would really enjoy, she mused, allowing her thoughts to run on, was sailing with him. She imagined, when it came to snorkelling, he would be able to show her an underworld which few might know about. They might have gone riding together, too, in the early mornings, and listened to records or just talked before going to bed. Farther than the top of the stairs with him she never allowed herself to go. Deliberately she refrained from speculating on Rick as a lover. It made her heart race wildly to even consider a bedroom door closed against the world and Rick taking her in his arms.

  'You're miles away!' Ben gave her a cross little shake as they danced, his eyes sulky yet curious.

  She came to with a strangled breath. 'I'm sorry,' she flushed awkwardly. 'Yes, I'm afraid I was.'

  'Who was the lucky fellow?'

  'Who…?' Blankly she stared up at him. 'Oh, I see…'

  'Don't begin to deny it,' he said dryly, considering her deepening colour. 'For all Rick neglects you, I do believe you still dream of him!'

  'A girl has to dream of someone,' she tried to sidetrack him by being flippant.

  'Try me,' Ben's arms tightened. 'I love you, baby.'

  Emma smiled, shaking her head at him, but was relieved when the dance finished. Ben was getting too intense. Two nights ago he had begged for a goodnight kiss. If Rita knew she would be furious, as she had a girl already chosen for him, the only child of wealthy parents. When someone put on another disc he was reluctant to relinquish Emma to Miles.

  'You don't want to dance with him,' he muttered insultingly, not using Miles's name.

  Miles's fair skin flushed, but he tried to treat it as a joke. 'I hope I'm as good as you, Ben,' he exclaimed.

  Anxiously Emma put her hand on Miles's arm, drawing him away. She became aware of Veronica's silent regard, of the spite in her eyes. What was she whispering to Rita about? Why were they both staring at her so contemptuously? '

  She was so disturbed, she was grateful, after a few minutes, when Miles suggested a stroll in the garden. 'I feel a bit off,' he said. 'Would you mind?'

  'No.' She glanced at him, concerned. 'You should have mentioned it before. Can't I get you something?'

  'No,' he refused grimly, 'a breath of fresh air will do the trick, and a chance to talk to you.'

  They had left the terrace to traverse one of the wide paths. 'Talk to me?' She hadn't seen him since the afternoon when she had had tea with him and Veronica. She
had refused to go out with him again. It probably wasn't sensible to be out here with him, but he did look strained and ill. And it was near the house. She didn't think Miles would ever force his attentions on any girl without encouragement, but perhaps, she thought regretfully, that was what she had been giving him, by going out with him, even the few times she had.

  Unhappily she sighed. It was only friendship she had been after. She hadn't dreamt she would be able to really attract a man, but if Ben and Miles hadn't been seriously attracted would they have offered marriage? Of course such an offer could have been made to cover more devious intentions—while because of Rick they felt safe that she couldn't accept. On the other hand, if they'd merely had seduction in mind would they have begged her to get a divorce?

  'What is it you want to talk about?' she asked abruptly, for the second time that evening not caring to continue with her own thoughts.

  'You,' he said doggedly, pausing on the path. 'You and your marriage, I suppose.'

  'It's…' she hesitated, colouring painfully as she took a deep breath. 'That's something I don't want to talk about, Miles. It only involves Rick and me, and I think I asked you the other day to leave me alone.'

  'So now it's none of my business,' he muttered between his teeth. 'Oh, Emma,' his voice roughened hoarsely, 'you must know damn well I love you, and I believe you've given me reason to think you care for me.' His eyes darkened with pain as he gazed at her. 'I don't forget for a moment that you're married. Do you think I could? Isn't it always in front of me, tormenting me? Torturing me would be nearer the mark! How can a man forget something that hurts like a knife in his side? My only comfort is that yours is not a normal marriage. Veronica has told me Rick more or less admits it.'

  'Miles, please!' Who was he to talk of torture? Emma was white and stricken that Rick had chosen to discuss their affairs like this. He might be able to, but she couldn't bring herself to talk about their marriage with anyone. To continue in silence might be almost unendurable, but it was the only way. Not for her the relief that Rick obviously obtained from talking over his marital problems with his latest girl-friend.