by Mary Moore
said the farmers were always much nicer to their wives when he was around—just in case. You keep out of the shed when he's here, after all, there's no smoke without fire.'
She had been looking forward to meeting him, expecting to see someone looking as handsome as a Greek god, but Lucky wasn't handsome, in fact his thin angular face had just missed being ugly. It was his eyes that fascinated Judy—deep brown, almost black —and hard, as if they had looked on this world and found nothing good. He was over thirthy and moved with the grace of a panther. He made Judy feel rather uneasy at first. He was cynical and sarcastic and yet there was something appealing about him, a little-boy lost look. She thought that must be what attracted the women to him.
He treated Mrs Palmer with graciousness and charm, and he was always extremely polite to Judy, but the twins he adored. They thought he was utterly wonderful, and hardly left his side from the time he arrived until he left. Judy thought of the way Claire had described him, a lean and hungry man, with magnetism you could almost touch, a danger to any female between eight and eighty.' Hmm—well, Judy did not intend to become one of his conquests, but if she went out with him she was sure Mark would have something to say, and after all that was the object of the exercise.
Judy stood up and waded through the creek, breaking off a sprig of koromiko tree. She admired the small clusters of pale-lilacto-white flowers, and carried it home with her. Mrs Palmer was talking to Mac in the garden, when Judy joined them.
`You're up to something wicked, lassie. Come on, out with it!' Mac demanded.
`How can you tell ?' Judy wanted to know.
`My Jeannie used to get the very same look in her eye when she was bent on mischief. Are you going to let us into the secret?'
`No, I'm not. It wouldn't be a secret any more then, but I'll make you both a cup of tea,' and she ran gaily inside. Nan liked Lucky, so he couldn't be that bad, although Mark always said Nan would make excuses for the Devil himself. Nan had told Judy that Lucky was either separated from his wife or divorced, she was not sure, but she knew there were children involved.
Shortly after Lucky arrived on the following Saturday, it seemed as if Fate was playing into Judy's hands. The telephone rang while they were having afternoon tea, and it was for Lucky. As he left the room Judy thought again how gracefully he moved, like a cat stalking its prey. Maybe she was mad to think of trying to use him.
As he returned to the table he said, `Well, I've suffered a grievous disappointment. The lady who was to accompany me to the cabaret
tonight has been forced to forgo the pleasure of my company. Her husband has returned home—so disobliging of him, don't you think? It does seem a shame to waste these tickets. Perhaps you could use them, Mark? Give Judy a night out ?'
Judy held her breath. Silently she begged him to take them.
`No, thanks all the same, Lucky, I think I'll have an early night. I'm sure you won't have any difficulty getting another partner.'
Judy was sick with disappointment. Serve him right if he did get upset when she went out with Lucky I she thought viciously. Well, that was provided Lucky would take her. She had to wait until she could get Lucky on his own. When Mark sent the twins for the cows, and went himself to set up the shed, Judy followed Lucky out to the front gate where he had parked his van.
As he was about to get in Judy called, ' Wait a minute, Lucky, I want to talk to you, please.'
He stopped and leaned back against the van. His stillness frightened Judy, and her courage nearly failed. He made her feel so young and immature. He was waiting, she could not back out now. `If you haven't anyone to take to the cabaret, would you take me ?'
He raised his eyebrows, and Judy felt a crimson tide of colour sweep her face. Why ?'
His voice was as soft as velvet.
I never go out anywhere. I thought I'd like a night out.'
Not true. Tell me your teal reason.'
Judy turned away for a moment. She would have to tell him the truth or he would not take her. She took a deep breath. Be-cause I want to make Mark jealous.'
Lucky half closed his eyes and smiled. 'Your Mark is a formidable rival. What hap-pens to me if you're successful ?'
Judy gave him a steady look. 'You're not scared of any man.'
True, but also I'm not a fool. You're in love with Mark ?'
Yes.'
'And he's not—how shall I put it delicately —not coming up to scratch ?'
No, he's not,' admitted Judy. 'He says he's going to marry another girl.'
You don't easily accept defeat. I like that, we shall get on well together. You have un-suspected depths, my dear. Fancy me writing you off as a sweet young thing. Perhaps you have possibilities ? What's in this for me ?'
'Nothing,' Judy answered flatly.
'You know my reputation ?'
'Yes,' Judy answered without faltering.
You have courage but no intelligence. Mark is a man who will brook no competition. He won't share you, I warn you.'
'He's not being asked to share me. I'm his
if he wants me. At the moment I can't find out if he cares for me or not. If he blows a fuse because I go out with you, then I'll know that there's some hope.'
My motto, young Judy, is, "I shall do nothing for nothing." You may not get out of this as lightly as you imagine,' Lucky smiled cynically.
`I'm not scared of you.' Which is a whopping lie ! thought Judy, crossing her fingers.
You think I go around like Cupid patching up unhappy romances ? You insult me.'
`I think I'll be quite safe with you,' Judy replied quietly.
' That's an even bigger insult. I'll take you to the cabaret, if that's what you want. You'll enjoy yourself. If Mark hangs one on me we'll then know we've been successful, huh ?' His smile had genuine humour in it this time. `Be ready at seven. We'll have dinner in town. This van is my only means of transport. You don't think it too humble a conveyance to take a lady on such a dangerous mission ?'
. Judy laughed, 'I'll be honoured to ride in your van.'
As Lucky slipped into the truck and slammed the door, she stepped forward. `Thank you very much for being so nice.'
Lucky growled, `If this gets out it'll ruin my reputation. We shall have to select some very public spot, and you can slap my face
so that people will know I'm not losing my touch ! ' He waved and drove off.
Judy felt her spirits lift. Lucky was nice, it was going to be fun. She danced along the path and into the kitchen. She smiled to herself as she helped Nan prepare the dinner.
You're looking very pleased with yourself, Judy,' said Nan with an inquiring glance.
' Oh, I am, Nan. Lucky is taking me to the cabaret, and we're having dinner in town.'
Splendid. I hope you have a lovely evening,' Nan smiled.
You do like Lucky, don't you, Nan ?'
`Yes, I do. He's so gentle and kind with the children, they bring out the best in him. He has been very badly hurt at one time. It's very easy to preach when you've never met real trouble. He's very bitter, but life hasn't been kind to him.'
You don't think I'm stupid to go out with him ?' Judy asked anxiously.
`Not at all. I think an evening out with Lucky would be a very exciting and memorable experience. Now run along, dear, and make yourself pretty, while I do the dinner.'
Judy bathed luxuriously, after adding her most wickedly expensive bath salts with a generous hand. It was fortunate that she had washed her hair that morning, so she brushed it until it shone, and was glad that she had decided to grow it long. Usually she wore it loose, or in a ponytail to keep it tidy, but to-
night she swept it high on her head giving her an elegant sophisticated look. She did her nails with care, and spent a considerable time on her make-up.
Tonight Mark was going to see a very dif-ferent Judy. Gone were her shirts and trews, gone were her fresh little cotton frocks, and in their place she chose from her wardrobe her most glamorous full-length evenin
g frock. As it fell in soft folds to her feet, she smoothed it gently into place. When she had been nurs-ing in England she had been chosen with six other nurses to model clothes at a charity mannequin parade. The object of the show had been to raise funds for special equipment for the hospital and a famous dress designer had provided model frocks. Her father had attended and when he had seen her in this frock he had bought it for her, for a present It was a creation of green and gold, cut and swathed with the utmost cunning, and showed Judy's perfect figure off to great advantage.
Judy put on her matching green pendant and earrings, a present from her mother, and stood back to get the full effect. She smiled, well pleased with her efforts; the Grecian style of the frock which left one arm and shoulder bare looked even more attractive now that she had acquired a light tan, and also her face was thinner than the last time she had worn the dress;
Mrs Palmer knocked on the door and came in. ' Oh, Judy, my dear, you look beautiful ! What a dream of a dress. The children will be thrilled to see you.'
Does Mark know I'm going out with Lucky ?'
No, I'm sure he doesn't. Lucky is ready whenever you are. He has an evening suit on and looks most dashing and distinguished. You look simply wonderful, I hope you have a very happy evening.' She kissed Judy lightly and walked to the door, then turned and looked at Judy again as she said, Mark is a stubborn fool, but I can't interfere.' She went out and closed the door.
Now the time had come to face Mark, Judy felt scared. Perhaps Lucky was right, perhaps she was a fool to go out with him. It was a ridiculous idea, she must have been crazy to think of it---still, she would have to go through with it now. She dabbed a little perfume on, then picked up her matching stole and went slowly along the passage to the kitchen. As she opened the door she heard Mark speaking.
Well, apparently you've found yourself a partner for tonight, Lucky.'
Judy slipped into the room, 'Yes, Mark, he found me.' She looked at Mark, her eyes bright and challenging, her chin high. Mark just stared at her, while Lucky was on his feet in an instant. Exquisite, my dear, exquisite. That dress suits you to perfection.'
The twins hung back for a moment, then Vicki clapped her hands, ' Oh, isn't she gorgeous, Uncle Mark ? Look, she's almost as pretty as Mummy.'
Mark spoke at last. ' Yes, Vicki, Judy is beautiful. I've told her so before. Do you remember, Judy ?'
Judy remembered very well the night they had walked home from the orchard, and how he had looked at her that night. She felt the lump in her throat would choke her.
Mark continued as if her answer did not matter, ' Lucky, you can't take that vision out in your old van. Borrow my car for the night. It's at the front gate, the keys are in it.'
' Come with me, Judy,' Lucky said, offering his arm. 'We'll travel in style tonight. Thanks for the car, Mark. I really appreciate your offer. I'll take good care of it.'
' It's more important that you fake good care of Judy,' Mark replied.
Judy's eyes were bright with unshed tears, as she walked down the path. The dress meant nothing at all. Mark did not care who she went out with. Lucky closed the door, then went round to the driver's seat. He started the car and moved off smoothly. ' Beautiful car, it was decent of Mark to lend it to us,' he commented.
`He didn't care, Lucky. I shouldn't have bothered you to take me out'
You think he didn't care ? You're very much mistaken, my chicken. He was boiling mad at me. Now cheer up, you're going to enjoy yourself tonight, make no mistake about -that No girl goes out with me and sits weeping over another man; I wouldn't allow
They had an excellent dinner at a hotel, then went to the cabaret Perhaps it was be-cause Judy had not been out since she arrived on the Coast, perhaps it was because she had Lucky for a partner, but whatever the reason the evening began to swing. It was one of those evenings when everything goes well, a night to remember for years. Judy loved dancing and Lucky was a superb partner, the music was wonderful. In between dances they talked and laughed, or were entertained by interesting and exciting floor shows.
The party they were with were all older than Judy, and they made much of her, the women were frankly envious of her dress and the men showered her with. compliments. The drinks were cold, the music intoxicating and the conversation at the table was witty and sophisticated. Judy loved the laughter, the excitement and the gaiety, and her eyes sparkled with fun.
Some lime after supper Lucky asked her if she was tired, and if she wanted to go home.
No, not yet I'm having a wonderful time. But of course, if you have had enough I don't
mind leaving.'
' No, I don't want to go,' replied Lucky. I can't remember when I've enjoyed myself more. You certainly have a way of spreading joy around the place, but you make me realize my age. I think dancing round and round this room is harder than going up on the tops.
On the tops of what ?' asked Judy.
`Up in the mountains, on top of the hills,' explained Lucky. 'Each month I get three or four days off because I work straight through Saturdays and Sundays, you see. Well, if the weather is good I get away up the bush and do a bit of shooting. I'll take you with me next time I go, it's a great feeling to get away up there, away from everyone, you come back refreshed and ready to take your place in this dingy old world with more tranquillity. How about it ?'
No, thanks, although I would love to go, I think I'd better stay on the flat and admire them from a distance.'
At last the band played Auld Lang Syne ', the party broke up, and the couples left the hall.
Lucky asked as they drove away, 'Have you any idea what time it is ?'
Judy giggled happily. 'Haven't a clue. Does it matter ?'
`Four-thirty. We're going to get home with the milk.'
Oh, milking! I forgot you'll have to get up for milking. You'll only get half an hour in bed.'
It causes you some amusement? You think it funny ?' Lucky growled.
Hilariously funny,' laughed Judy, knowing she could go to bed and sleep as late as she wished.
As they walked through the gate and stopped by the back door the sky was turning pearly pink with the dawn. Thank you, Lucky, for the most wonderful evening. I loved every minute of it'
Did you think of Mark ?'
`Not once.
`Liar! I saw you looking dreamy-eyed during some of those oh-so-sad love songs—however, I'll forgive you. You don't think I'll let you off with a pretty thank-you, do you ?
Judy leaned up and gave him a kiss on the cheek, as light as a butterfly.
Lucky laughed, Go on, get to bed. I must be getting soft !'
It was after ten when Judy awoke. The children were at Sunday school, so she had tea and toast with Mrs Palmer and told her all the highlights of the evening.
I'm glad you went out and had such a good time,' smiled Nan. 'Listening to you tell about the entertainment is nearly as good as being there to see it for myself.'
Judy wandered over to the shed to see
Lucky. As she walked under the louvre windows she heard her name mentioned so she stopped.
' You leave Judy alone, Lucky. She's not your type of girl.'
' Do tell ?' Lucky's soft voice made Judy giggle, but she clapped her hand over her mouth quickly. She knew she shouldn't listen, but she could not resist.
' Yes, you keep away from her. I'm warning you, if she gets hurt through you I'll break every bone in your body. She's had a pretty rough time since she came to New Zealand and I don't want to see her get mixed up with you and your crowd. I don't see why you invited her out in the first place.'
' You'd be surprised if I told you why.' Judy held her breath. He wasn't going to tell
There was a silence for a minute or two, then she heard Lucky again. ' What's it to you anyhow ? You're a proper dog in the manger, Palmer—you don't want her yourself and you don't want to have anyone else to take her out and give her a good time. I think she's an attractive young lady, and
ask her out
if I want to, so belt up.'
' You'll bring her nothing but trouble, Lucky. You're a married man, so leave her alone. I've got nothing against you personally except that your reputation with women stinks and Judy is a nice girl.'
`Have you never heard of divorce ? What say have you got, anyhow ? She's not your girl. I tried to give you the tickets yesterday.'
`She's living in my house and under my protection. Understand ?'
' Protection ?' Lucky roared with laughing. `That girl needs protection like I need a hole in the head! She's quite capable of looking after herself, believe me.
Judy decided it was time she moved unless she wanted to be caught She returned to the house with a happy smile on her face, and a lilt in her walk. She knew she should be ashamed of herself, but all's fair in love and war, and she did love Mark. She loved him with her whole heart Lucky ? Judy gave a little pirouette. Lucky was a darling, she had been right to trust him.
After lunch, when Lucky was leaving, he asked Judy to walk out to his van with him. `So, my young Judy, I think you may consider your campaign a success, because Mark had a go at me this morning. I'll give you a ring occasionally during the month to keep the kettle on the boil, so to speak, and when I come back next month we'll have another night out'
Judy put an impulsive hand on his arm. I can't thank you enough, but I don't want to become a nuisance to you.
`You're not a nuisance, chicken. I find I'm enjoying myself in a very novel way. Don't
look now, but Mark is watching. Would you like me to seize you in a passionate embrace and give him a display of my magnificent technique?'
Judy laughed delightedly. 'No, thanks, you've done more than enough already.'
`Whew! I was scared you would say yes, and the way your Mark is scowling at me I think I would have been lucky to leave here alive !'