Borrowed plumes

by Elizabeth Ashton

  Borrowed Plumes

  By Elizabeth Ashton

  "You think I'm plain and insignificant!"

  Janet protested, "You've never thought of me as a woman before! Just because I came to the rendezvous instead of my cousin, I can't be forced to take her place!"

  Alex interrupted, "Presumably you have a woman's body under that unspeakable dress of yours?"

  Jan's face flamed. "You're even more despicable than I thought!"

  "Despicable, am I?" he snarled. "I'll teach you to call me names such as cad and pig. I intend to live up to that reputation tonight."

  He seized her then, enclosing her in arms that felt like steel bands, holding her against his hard, lean body, and his mouth crushed her lips.

  This must be a nightmare, Janet thought wildly.

  CHAPTER ONE

  'Alexandros Bey, hanim?

  The little Turkish maid opened the door of the sitting room, and stood aside to permit the visitor to pass her. Though her head was bowed subserviently, as was the custom in the presence of a lordly male, her sly eyes slid sideways to watch him go by. Even humble serving girls were conscious of Alexandros Leandris' masculine magnetism.

  The young woman seated in the window embrasure in front of a portable typewriter looked up but did not rise as the man paused inside the doorway, the maid having discreetly closed the door behind him. She knew it was not herself he had come to see and she resented his intrusion. She saw his glance roam round the room seeking another presence and was pleased by his disappointment. She disliked him intensely, but she had to admit that he was a striking-looking man. His bared head was covered with thick black hair that had a tendency to curl, his features were regular, and his eyes under the straight black brows were tiger's eyes, tawny and predatory, as if seeking unwary prey. His sunburned skin glowed golden brown against the white of his short-sleeved silk shirt, the muscles rippling in his smooth forearms. He was not very tall, but his lithe figure was perfectly proportioned from broad shoulders to narrow hips, and he moved with a feline grace.

  But it was none of his physical attributes which were so arresting, it was his air of authority, the aura of leashed power which exuded from his whole personality from the crown of his imperious head to his well shod feet. He was an arrogant, forceful man who expected to have his own way and would be dangerous to cross, and indeed most of his associates found it expedient to give way to Alexandros Leandris, who was both wealthy and powerful.

  Incongruously he was carrying a sheaf of red roses in hands which looked more fitted to handle a weapon.

  'I think there must be some mistake,' he said in a deep pleasant voice in accent-less English; at least it would have been pleasant if it were not so cold. 'I was told Miss Reynolds was at home.'

  Equally coldly she returned, 'I am Miss Reynolds,' but there was a spark of mischief in her eyes.

  'But...' For a second his eyes rested upon her and then looked away, as if the sight of her offended him. Janet Reynolds made no effort to enhance her appearance. Since her childhood she had been overlooked in favour of her glamorous cousin so that she had come to take a perverse pleasure in emphasising her plainness. She wore no make-up, and her light brown hair was drawn back into a knot in the nape of her neck, while her cotton frock, innocent of style, clung to her boyish figure. Yet a discerning eye would have seen her possibilities. The bone structure of her face was good, a broad forehead and determined chin, a sensitive mouth, and her long narrow eyes were of an unusual shade of vivid blue. But no one ever gave her a second glance when Renata was present; her cousin's glory of red-gold hair and green eyes totally eclipsed her, and though the visitor had upon a previous occasion been introduced to her, he obviously did not remember her.

  'It's Renata you've come to see, isn't it?' she said quietly. 'She happens to be my cousin.'

  'Oh, yes, of course, you are staying with her here.' He turned on his charm to retrieve his blunder and his smile momentarily dispelled his habitual hauteur. 'Forgive me, Miss Reynolds, that I didn't immediately recognise you, I expected to see Renata. You act as your uncle's secretary, I believe? He must find you very helpful.'

  His gaze was upon the papers spread before her and so missed her fleeting one which lit up her face with elfin charm.

  'He does,' she returned gravely. 'I'm the useful member of the family, Renata is its ornament, but I'm afraid she's not at home. She has gone to Izmir for the day.'

  The black brows descended in a frown. 'Again?'

  Jan saw the frown with inward glee. She had overheard the row on the previous day, when Alex had called for Renata intending to go out to the ancient ruins of Ephesus where her father was working, and the girl, who took no interest in what he was doing, had wanted to be taken into Izmir, which she found more amusing than the little town of Kusadasi where they were staying. Neither had given way, and Alex had left in a huff. The roses were evidently a peace offering and he had come to be reconciled, but Renata was absent.

  'Yes, again,' she confirmed. 'She finds it more lively than here,' adding with malicious satisfaction, 'Denis Wood has gone with her.'

  Alex made an impatient gesture and laid the roses down on the table, muttering something uncomplimentary about the other man.

  'She's very fond of him,' Jan said sweetly, adding fuel to the flame. 'It's nice to meet a countryman in this part of the world.'

  Greeks are proverbially jealous, though Alex was only half Greek, his mother was English. He could more accurately be described as cosmopolitan, for there was a romantic story about a Turkish grandmother, in proof of which he had Turkish connections whose influence had helped to obtain for Mr. Reynolds his present privileges. He had been partly educated in England, which accounted for his knowledge of the language, but he looked more Greek than anything else, and he had the traditional Greek love of beauty in all its forms, which had drawn him to Renata.

  Renata shamelessly made use of Denis to needle him, for she was a little in awe of her impressive suitor and found the company of the British boy more relaxing. He was on holiday in Kusadasi, and was badly smitten, but since he was a very ordinary young man, Alex had not taken him seriously as a rival. This was the second time Renata had gone out with him, and at a time when she knew Alex might be calling, so she was asking for trouble.

  Jan was pleased to be able to impart the information. She knew Alex was pursuing her cousin, if his lordly approach could be termed a pursuit, but she did not trust him. He had a reputation. Alexandras Leandris' name had been coupled with many beautiful women, but he had married none of them. Renata was flattered by his attentions, but Jan hoped her heart was not involved, for it was doubtful if Alex were serious. The situation was further complicated by the fact that Jeremy Reynolds was under an obligation to the Greek. He had obtained for him in spite of opposition from the Turks a commission to construct a model of ancient Ephesus as it had appeared in its heyday for the museum at Istanbul. This entailed lengthy visits to the site, measuring and drawing sketches of the existing ruins to be reconstructed. The girls had accompanied him for a holiday, staying in a villa in nearby Kusadasi, whence he returned every night His wife disliked foreign places and had stayed at home.

  Janet had been orphaned when very young, and her aunt and uncle had brought her up with their own child who was the same age. She had taken a secretarial course so that she could help her uncle with his books and pamphlets; he was an authority on classical architecture. But Renata, who expected to marry young, was untrained for anything at all. Alex had met her at a party in London, and this commission offered to her father had been the outcome.

  Jeremy Reynolds, being innocent and trusting, suspected no ulterior motive, but he was not so unworldly that it had not occurred to him that Alex
would be a wonderful match for his daughter. He was proud of her beauty and had always spoiled her; he considered she was fit to mate with a prince, which in a sense Alex was, having succeeded to a vast shipping empire at a comparatively early age.

  Jan instinctively mistrusted him, but her hints fell upon deaf ears; both father and daughter were convinced he meant marriage. Although she had been brought up in its shadows, Jan did not resent Renata's beauty, she loved and admired her cousin and expected to take a back seat when she was around. Renata was a gorgeous butterfly destined for a brilliant marriage, while Jan was an inferior creature plodding in her wake who probably would never marry at all. But she was determined that when this holiday in Kusadasi was over she would launch out on her own and support herself by her own earnings.

  Alex had appeared in Kusadasi almost as soon as they had arrived in his yacht on the pretext of seeing how Jeremy was progressing. The boat was anchored below their windows and a perpetual reminder of his presence.

  It soon became obvious that the real object of his visit was Renata, and Jan viewed his coming with apprehension. Even if his intentions were honest, she thought he was too proud and overbearing to make her cousin happy, and though Renata was dazzled by him, she was not in love with him, or so it appeared to Jan, who admitted she was not exactly an authority on the subject, but all her instincts were suspicious of the man.

  She was glad that this morning Renata was out with another man, though she feared it was only a temporary respite, but it was just possible the proud Greek might take umbrage at her cousin's seeming preference for the Englishman. She said innocently:

  'Denis is so devoted to her.'

  'More fool he,' Alex growled. 'She's only making use of him.'

  He was examining the contents of the room, which was adequately but not luxuriously furnished. As it was on a rise its wide window presented a good view of the sea and the low hills to the right of it. A long esplanade bordered the water to which cruise ships were moored or sent their tenders to land their passengers. Since it was a favourite port of call there was nearly always one and sometimes two of these floating hotels off the coast.

  'Oh, I don't know.' Jan was deliberately trying to provoke him. 'He's a nice boy and very obliging. Rena appreciates that.'

  'Meaning he does what she wants and I don't?'

  'Beauty is privileged,' Jan told him softly.

  Alex moved impatiently towards the window.

  'Rubbish! I refuse to be any woman's footstool. Your cousin is a capricious spitfire who needs taming.'

  He must be needled to be so ungallant, Jan reflected. She murmured:

  'Not surprising she prefers Denis.'

  He swung round and glared at her.

  'Did you say preferred?'

  'I did.'

  He laughed scornfully and returned his gaze to the scene outside.

  'My good girl, you're being naive. Women have only contempt for the men they can twist round their fingers. They need to be dominated, that is the male's prerogative.'

  Jan felt a cold trickle run down her spine. This arrogant man was ruthless, he would take what he wanted regardless of the feelings of others. She was feminine enough herself to sense his powerful sexual magnetism, and she trembled for Renata who might become his victim. She wondered if her uncle was aware of his dangerous potential. Jeremy was a very easy-going man, absorbed in his work and reluctant to believe ill of others. Besides, Alex might be serious, Renata was very lovely and presumably he would need a wife some time to produce an heir to his kingdom as he was past his first youth, but would he be kind to her?

  As he continued to stare out of the window, she had ample opportunity to study his classic profile. It was undoubtedly handsome, but so hard. Was he capable of loving a woman? Did he have any affection for Renata beyond a desire to possess her beauty? Those close shut lips with their satirical curve did not look as if they could ever express tenderness. Could marriage with him be anything more than bondage? She said coolly:

  'Your views are old-fashioned, Mr. Leandris. Women are recognised nowadays to have equal rights with men. Your talk of domination is distasteful, in fact you seem to be qualifying for the Women's Lib definition of chauvinist pig.'

  She did not care if she was being rude, his whole bearing antagonised her.

  He turned his head and surveyed her out of cruel cat's eyes with a gleam in their amber depths.

  'The plain woman's consolation,' he jeered. 'They abuse what they cannot hope to experience. I have never found a woman I desired resentful of my dominance.'

  Jan winced inwardly. She had asked for it, but his words hurt. No woman likes to be told she is undesirable, though she knew she had never aroused such feelings in a male breast, nor was she ever likely to do so with Renata around, but she was resigned to that, and the last thing she would want to happen was to awake amatory interest in her companion; the mere suggestion was unnerving... and ludicrous.

  'Perhaps you're attracted to doormats,' she said pertly.

  'Far from it, I like a woman to have spirit' The tawny eyes glinted. 'A challenge to subdue. You couldn't call Renata a doormat.'

  Emboldened by her anxiety for her cousin, Jan burst out impulsively:

  'Oh, please, Mr. Leandris, do leave her alone!'

  He smiled derisively. 'Jealous?'

  'Good lord, no, but I love Rena, I want her to be happy.'

  'You think I will make her unhappy?'

  Jan clasped her hands appealingly. 'I'm afraid you might.'

  'Suppose you mind your own business?' he returned coldly.

  'But Rena is my business,' she protested. 'She's young ... and reckless. With her father away so much I feel...'

  'If he's appointed you her guardian,' he cut in, 'you're a very ineffective one. Why are you here and not chaperoning her in Izmir?'

  'Because ... because ...' Jan turned her head away. Impossible to tell him she felt no qualms about Denis, whereas she considered Alex was a menace. Unfortunately she had very little influence over Renata.

  He eyed her indifferently, then said carelessly:

  'You take your duties too seriously. Though in Greece young girls are still protected, the modern freedom you've been advocating has dispensed with such supervision in your country. Renata is very decorative, I enjoy taking her out, but you being an unsophisticated virgin imagine seduction in every male approach. I advise you to find a man of your own ... if you can ... to teach you about men and life.'

  Jan clenched her hands in her lap to restrain an angry outburst. There was enough truth in what he said to hurt. She had been a fool to plead with him for Renata, she had only exposed herself to mockery. She was not responsible for Renata, but being Greek he would expect a young girl to have some sort of duenna, and he probably thought she was a great deal older than her years.

  'Your Renata is well able to look after herself,' he went on, 'and if she appreciates the company of a pig ... I think that was your name for me ... why should you feel called upon to interfere?'

  Jan flushed. 'I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude ...'

  'I'm perfectly aware of what you meant, Miss Reynolds. I apologise for interrupting your work.' He glanced at the papers strewn before her and moved towards the door. 'I'm sure it is more suited to your talents than trying to interpret male motives, a subject about which you're profoundly ignorant. Adio.'

  He was gone, moving with lithe pantherish strides, leaving the roses on the table. Janet's heart swelled with loathing, she would like to have hurled them after him. But roses are living things and they did not deserve such treatment. She stood up, intending to put them in water; no reason why they should wither because their donor was a chauvinist pig.

  Renata came back from her expedition with her arms full of parcels. She had been shopping, she said. Renata always seemed to shop when she went anywhere and much of what she bought was worthless. It seemed to be a compulsion with her and she could not afford the more expensive articles. She came in like
a sunburst, her vivid hair gleaming, her eyes alight with the joy of living. Her green sun dress revealed plenty of matt white skin upon which the sun had little effect Her small feet were encased in white sandals at the end of a very beautiful pair of legs. She was, as Alex had said, decorative. She had not asked Denis to come in, she announced, because ... her eyes fell on the roses.

  'Did he bring those ?'

  'If you mean Mr. Leandris, he did,' Jan told her.

  'So he's been here. I thought he might have waited.' Which was why Denis had been dismissed. A strange expression came into the green eyes, triumph mingled with ... was it fear? 'But why so formal, darling? We all call him Alex.'

  'I'm only on formal terms with him,' Jan said stiffly.

  Renata shrugged her shoulders, 'That's your trouble, you try to keep everyone at arm's length. I hope he came to apologise.'

  'He didn't seem at all apologetic'

  'No, I suppose that was too much to expect. He told me once he never explained nor apologised. You told him I was out with Denis?'

  'I did.'

  Renata looked eager. 'How did he take it?'

  'I don't think he was pleased.'

  'Did he threaten to stick knives into him or anything exciting?'

  'No. He has only contempt for poor Denis.'

  Renata looked disappointed. 'I hoped he'd be wild with jealousy.'

  'I can't imagine Mr. Leandris being wild about anything,' Jan observed drily. 'He's far too superior to be swayed by ordinary emotions, but is it fair to try to play them off against each other? I fancy if Mr. Leandris were really provoked he might be a very unpleasant person to deal with.'

  Again a flicker of fear in Renata's eyes. 'He's altogether too sure of himself... and me,' she complained.

  Jan sighed. 'You're playing with fire.'

  'That's what's so thrilling.' Renata's green eyes sparkled. 'But don't you think Alex is wonderful?'