by Anne Hampson
‘Julian ... oh ...!’ The colour had drained from her face and her brow was wet.
‘Kim, what on earth—?’ His arms were about her and she clung to him, her tears trickling on to his pyjama coat. ‘Kim, my child, whatever
is it?’
‘That noise — oh, Julian, that dreadful noise!’ Her whole body trembled against him and his arms tightened protectingly.
‘An owl, dear - only an owl—’
‘No, you must have been asleep; it wasn’t an owl.’ Still she clung to him, everything forgotten in her fear.
‘Its cry echoed down the ravine - this happens quite often. You’ll get used to it and think nothing of it.’
‘An owl ... ?’ Kim leant away from him, feeling exceedingly foolish. ‘Is that all? Are you sure?’
‘Very sure; I’ve heard them many times.’ Gently he laid her down and, taking out his handkerchief, he wiped the tears from her cheeks and the perspiration from her forehead. ‘Will you be all right now?’
She looked up at him, her lips trembling. Unwillingly she murmured, ‘It must be the fever or something, but - but I’m very frightened ....’
A long while later, lying in the safety of his arms, Kim tried to analyse her feelings. The results produced a surge of anger against her husband for bringing her to this desolate place and shame within herself for her weakness in asking him to stay. She became conscious of his even breathing; so contented he seemed. Perhaps he slept so peacefully because he thought he had won and that from now on he could expect her willing reciprocation. Well, he was mistaken. This little incident couldn’t make the slightest difference to their relationship.
It wasn’ t feasible that she could hate him less because, through his own criminal action in abducting her, she was in a position where she had been forced to beg for his protection against her fears.
By the following morning the fever had subsided, but Julian made her stay in bed, ministering to her needs himself and insisting she eat all he set before her. Groceries and other necessities had been sent up from the village and for her lunch Julian brought her fish, lightly steamed, and a fluffy sort of pudding that tasted delicious.
‘Where did you learn to cook?’ she asked in surprise as he placed the tray on the bed.
‘Aunt Sophy had a long illness once, and I learnt from sheer necessity, as there was no one else to look after her.’
No one else? What was this son of hers doing? Kim glanced at him from under her lashes. His expression was wooden; he had evidently guessed at her thoughts. However, he did not enlighten her and she picked up her knife and fork and began to eat her lunch.
‘Can I get up now?’ she asked when she had finished.
‘You’ll stay in bed today, and we’ll see how you are tomorrow.’ No argument from Kim, but a surge of resentment welled up. Had she been free she could have done as she pleased - but now she must do as she was told. The knowledge rankled all through the afternoon, and when he brought her tea she told him stiffly that she wasn’t hungry.
‘Eat it,’ he commanded, and her eyes kindled.
‘I’ve said I’m not hungry!’
‘What’s the matter with you?’ he almost snapped. You’re as changeable as the wind! We were beginning to get along fine, and now— What’s the reason for this sudden show of temper? There must be one.’
Kim looked straight at him. Evidently he had — as she suspected -cherished the hope that last night’s little episode was to resolve all their differences.
‘You and I will never get along fine,’ she told him shortly. ‘It amazes me that you should think we ever could.’
At that he merely shrugged, and told her to eat her tea.
‘You can take that look of obstinacy off your face,’ he added imperatively, ‘because you’re going to do as you’re told.’
‘Would you force it down my throat?’ she asked in stinging tones.
‘I might, if you continue to defy me,’ and with that threat he left her to decide whether she would prudently do as he said, or risk the consequences.
‘I trust you’re quite satisfied,’ she said acidly as, returning later, Julian stood regarding the tray which was now on the table beside the bed.
‘Quite.’ A pause and then, quizzically, ‘For being a good, obedient little wife I’ll allow you to get up for an hour. The sitting-room’s cosy and you’ll take no harm—’
‘Thanks! I’ll stay where I am!’
‘As you wish,’ he said and, picking up the tray, he walked out. Kim bit her lip. If only he wouldn’t talk like that! If only he would make an effort to understand her resentment of his authority. She wanted to get up ... and he knew it; that was what Kim found so infuriating — the knowledge that he could so easily read her thoughts. The restriction on her movements, too, were so irksome that she sometimes felt she could scream. Not to be allowed to take a walk alone, not even to be able to move from one room to another without having her husband follow her, key in hand. But he could never keep it up indefinitely; he must make a mistake some time. And what of this friend of his who was supposed to be coming? Kim couldn’t be kept a prisoner then. But there was no friend, she felt sure. That was merely an excuse thought up on the spur of the moment, because she had questioned him. No, she would have to rely on Julian’s making a slip.
Strangely, the following afternoon, it did appear that he had been careless, for, having spent some time in the sitting-room, notebook and pencil in hand and a look of deep concentration on his face, he at last got up and left the room. Instinctively Kim listened for the key turning in the lock - but if Julian had turned the key, he had done it without the faintest sound. Her heartbeats quickened. He was going downstairs. Kim rose, went to the door and turned the handle. It was unbelievable and she stood there, her eyes dark with doubt and suspicion. She stepped out on to the landing and her heart began to thump even more madly as she stared into the great hall below. The front door stood wide open ... and Julian was striding away at his usual great pace.
Within seconds she had sped to the bedroom for her coat. She grabbed her handbag and ran down the dust-covered stairs. She reached the door, but the moment she stepped through it she came face to face with Julian who had been standing to one side of the porchway.
‘You—!’ She stared past him, to the direction in which she had seen him walking. He must have turned back almost immediately. Her whole body sagged with disappointment; ‘I saw you going over there,’ she offered rather feebly.
Julian did not attempt to bar her way, and the only sign of emotion was the look of reproach in his eyes.
‘So I’m mistaken in you,’ he murmured, and it was as if he talked to himself. ‘I didn’t think you’d run away.’
‘Not run away?’ She blinked at him in amazement.
‘I tested you, and you’ve failed me.’
Tested.... So his leaving the door open was no accident, after all. She might have known he would never make a mistake such as that.
‘Failed you?’ What a way of putting it — and why wasn’t he furiously angry?
‘I somehow thought you’d remain here.’
‘Then you must be crazy! You’ve known from the first I’d get away as soon as the opportunity arose. Why, you said yourself you’d keep me prisoner until—’
‘Not a prisoner,’ he interrupted sharply. ‘Don’t talk like that!’ He came up on to the step and stood close beside her. ‘I did at first intend to keep a strict watch on you, but after the way you were with my aunt I felt certain you wouldn’t run away.’
‘What’s your aunt got to do with it?’ she asked in some bewilderment.
‘I told you my marriage would make her happy - very happy,’ he stressed. ‘Were she to find out you’d left me it would break her. You were so good to her, so kind, that I felt you really liked her.’
‘Of course I liked her; I couldn’t do anything else.’
‘Yet you’d hurt her by going away? What would I tell her?’
K
im moved uneasily, her thoughts straying to the tiny whitewashed cottage. She saw the frail woman, ill and in pain; she saw Julian tending her — so gentle he was, and so concerned. She saw the happiness in Aunt Sophy’s faded eyes as Julian made the introductions. ‘Would — would she know?’ Kim asked weakly, looking down in order to avoid his accusing gaze.
‘I’ve always visited her regularly. I promised to take you over at least once a week.’
She twisted her hands in sudden despair, her face pale and faintly drawn. Was there to be no escaping from this man?
‘There’s so much I don’t understand,’ she said, shaking her head in a little helpless gesture.
He stood in silence for a moment, as if weighing her words thoughtfully. Then he shrugged his shoulders.
‘There are things that perhaps you should know,’ he admitted. ‘But the time isn’t right for confidences. We’re strangers, Kim. I hold you in my arms each night, but immediately on waking we’re strangers.’
Enemies more like, she could have said, yet for some reason she found it quite impossible to do so. Instead, she looked up at him frankly and promised not to run away.
‘But on one condition,’ she added firmly. ‘I’m not to be treated like a prisoner.’
He frowned at the word and his eyes glinted momentarily,
‘You’ll have complete freedom of movement,’ he promised at last, and she knew that he trusted her implicitly.
That evening, when they were sitting together after dinner, he informed Kim that the workmen would be coming in the following morning to begin the alterations. Julian wanted the work finished speedily as he hoped to have the hotel opened by Easter if possible, and most certainly in time for the summer season. He then calmly announced that their visitor would also be arriving the following morning. For a long moment she could only stare, for she had fully convinced herself that the friend he had mentioned existed only in his imagination. But now it was plain that she was mistaken. Kim’s eyes widened comprehendingly as the earlier scene flashed into her mind. With the coming of this friend, Julian’s restrictions on her movements must cease - for he could scarcely keep following her around locking doors on her then. So Julian had set that little scene deliberately ... in order to extract the promise from her! It had nothing at all to do with his aunt. Her mouth tightened at the idea of his tricking her yet again. Well, it was too late to leave now - but she’d be gone first thing in the morning.
However, she must not in any way arouse Julian’s suspicions and she said what was the most natural thing to say under the circumstances. ‘He’ll soon guess that we’re bitter enemies. What will he think?’
‘You have the sex wrong, my dear,’ he calmly corrected her, and Kim glanced up sharply.
‘A l-lady friend?’ she stammered unbelievingly.
‘She can be more aptly described as a most charming girl. I think you two should get along fine.’
‘Get - get along?’ she blinked. ‘Won’t she mind my being here?’
‘Not at all. She’ll enjoy your company.’
This wasn’t real; it simply could not happen.
But so many unreal, impossible things had happened. With Julian she would never be surprised at anything.
You’re actually bringing another— I mean, you’re bringing a girlfriend here - to live with us?’ she said, completely forgetting that only a moment ago she had made up her mind to leave first thing in the morning.
‘That’s right.’ His reply came without hesitation and yet Kim had the odd impression that her words had startled him.
‘You must be mad! I’m not staying here with - with one of your—’
‘Steady, now.’ A hint of humour in his tones but a warning too, and his
eyes were narrowed and cold as steel. ‘You wouldn’t be jealous, by any chance, would you, my lovely Kim?’
Jealous! How he flattered himself! For a moment she was too suffocated with anger to speak.
‘There could hardly be jealousy without love,’ she blazed at last. She waited for some sort of retaliation, prepared to give as good as she received. To her surprise and mortification he merely reached for a magazine, leant back comfortably in his chair, and settled down to read.
Kim sat watching him, her fists clenched in her lap, her cheeks fused with colour. Who was this girl, and how long had he known her? Impatiently Kim tried to dismiss the matter from her mind. Why should she be interested in whom he brought here? She was leaving in the morning anyway - early in the morning, so she would be gone before this girl arrived.
What was she like? A most charming girl, Julian had said.
A frown of puzzlement creased Kim’s forehead and slowly her hands unclenched. Why was this girl coming? Suddenly she wanted to know more about her, but she couldn’t bring herself to ask. If only she hadn’t been so quick to lose her temper she would perhaps have gleaned a little more information from her husband.
By eight o’clock the following morning the workmen had already made a start. Julian had risen early and Kim entered the dinette to find the breakfast almost ready.
‘I’ll expect you to take over from today,’ he told her curtly. ‘I shall be fully occupied with other matters now the work is really under way.’
‘What about this other woman?’ she could not help saying. ‘Can’t she cook your meals for you?’
‘I dare say she’ll help. She’s quite a good cook, as a matter of fact.’ Sitting down at the table Kim said acidly,
‘So you’ve had experience of her cooking? Has she lived with you before?’
‘It would be more correct to say that I have lived with her.’
Kim drew a deep breath, but checked the retort which rose to her lips. Why should she waste her time discussing someone she would never meet?
‘What time is she coming?’ she asked a little while later as she helped herself to more bacon. Not that she really wanted to know, but the silence had become oppressive.
‘I’m meeting her at the station at eleven,’ Julian returned, and she looked across at him sharply. Could it be her imagination, or was he genuinely amused about something?
For a while Kim concentrated on her food. She could slip off while he was out, she thought. That would be much simpler than trying to get away while he was still around. She would have to find the station, but that should not be difficult once she reached the village.
‘How long is she staying?’ Kim asked, apparently without much interest.
Julian shrugged and reached for the coffee pot.
‘That’s impossible to say. Can I pour you some more coffee?’
‘Please.’ Kim gave her attention to her food again. And then, still in the same disinterested tone, ‘What’s her name?’
‘Margery.’ No mistaking Julian’s amusement now, and Kim frowned, then lapsed into silence. Surely he didn’t think she was really interested in this girl-friend of his? Her chin lifted automatically. He would know the extent of her interest when he arrived back with his visitor and found his wife gone. For she was going, she kept telling herself. Yes, her mind was thoroughly made up....
Kim was in the garden when the car turned in through the broken gates. She had discovered a tiny patch of snowdrops and was trying to remove the strangling weeds from around it. At the sound of the car she straightened up. Julian had brought it to a standstill outside the front door and was getting out. Kim’s eyes went past him to the small, fair girl who was getting out at the other side. She heard her say,
‘Julian, it’s so vast! It gets bigger and bigger each time I see it.’
So she’d been here before? Kim saw her husband take a suitcase from the back of the car; then he slipped his other arm about Margery’s shoulders as he led her up the steps to the porch.
‘It will all be needed,’ he returned. ‘When it becomes known I’m sure the bookings will flow in. There must be plenty of people about who would enjoy getting away from it all for a few weeks a year.’
‘Yes, you’re rig
ht.’ Margery’s voice was attractively husky; she was looking up at Julian and although Kim could not see her expression she could imagine it as the girl added, ‘And you’ve brought me here, away from it all. I do love you, Julian.’
Kim’s body shook with anger and her eyes sparkled. What sort of a man was he! She came from behind the scanty cover of the bushes and walked towards them. They were in the hall when she caught them up. Julian turned.
‘Ah, Kim, my love, meet Margery ... my sister-in-law.’ His lips were quivering with amusement as he made the introduction. He was thoroughly enjoying the situation - and Kim’s obvious disconcertment.
‘Your—?’ She stared at him, saw the satisfaction in his gaze at the sudden rise of colour in her cheeks. ‘Your sister-in-law?’
‘How do you do?’ Margery extended a hand eagerly. ‘I’m so pleased to meet you.’
‘Well, not really my sister-in-law,’ Julian was saying. ‘Margery’s Aunt Sophy’s daughter-in-law.’
‘Neil’s wife?’ The words were out before Kim could check them and Julian’s eyes flickered in puzzlement and surprise. But all he said was, ‘Let’s go up. You’ll hardly know it’s the same place when you see what’s been done with these few rooms.’ He was speaking to Margery. They preceded Kim un the stairs and into the sitting-room. Margery stood inside the doorway and gasped,
‘How wonderful! You said it would be all right when it was done, but I did have my doubts. Will it all be like this?’
‘I hope that when it’s quite finished it will be a real luxury hotel.’ ‘Margery turned and Kim saw tears of gratitude in her eyes.
‘You’re so good to us, Julian. How are we ever going to repay you?’ Julian did not answer that. Instead he said quietly,