by Jane Corrie
When Friday came and still no sign or indeed invitation from the owner of the island, Sonia began to really relax and even begin to consider staying on as George had suggested. She had accompanied Chloe on several social calls to a few of the island's residents, and the small talk would invariably include some mention of Rory Maragal. To her surprise she found he was not only popular but highly respected. She also learnt that he had spent the previous two days on the mainland for business reasons, and wondered whether Kirk's visit was in any way connected. She thanked her lucky stars she had not begged a lift from him; for all she knew they might have gone over on the same transport. She would often find Chloe's amused eyes on her, when an acclamation of Rory's virtues was sung. It appeared she was the odd man out, everyone else thought he was wonderful.
No—correction. Kirk disliked his high-handed ways as much as she did; she could now understand Kirk's blithe remark about them being two misunderstood folk! Well, that's as may be, she thought, as she changed into her bikini ready for an afternoon's sunbathing session. Chloe had another social call to make that afternoon and had tried to inveigle Sonia into accompanying her, but Sonia was not keen on venturing far from
'
the house. She knew Rory Maragal was back and meant to stay out of his way. The sun loggia at the back of the house was, to her, an ideal retreat, with Chloe out and George at the office. Whoever called would get no response, either by phone or door bell. Danny had gone into town with George to collect provisions, and Sonia was taking no chances.
After making sure she had everything she needed, she stretched out luxuriously on the sun lounger. The warm rays penetrated the loggia canopy, and while she smoothed the sun oil over her arms and legs, she gazed out at the panoramic view before her. George's house, like most of the dwellings on the island, was built on a hillside, thus affording magnificent views from all angles. As her eyes took in the curve of a distant beach, palm trees, and bright splashes of colour from the eternal parade of flowers, she well understood George wanting to settle there, and hoped he would be allowed to. She sighed; George and Chloe were all the family she had. If only things could have been different ! It looked as if she wouldn't be seeing much of them in the future.
Having completed oiling her arms and legs, she turned over on her back and released the catch on her bra to get the full rays of the sun on her exposed back. She was just being lulled into a pleasant soporific state when a voice
spoke.
`So you did bring the bikini ! '
Sonia stiffened, jerked into wakefulness with a vengeance.
`Oh, don't get up,' drawled Rory Maragal, obviously amused at her predicament at being unable to move without completely exposing herself.
She gritted her teeth. `My brother is at the office, and Chloe is visiting,' she said stiffly.
`No matter,' he said maddeningly. It's you I've come to see.'
Sonia glanced at her wrap. If only she could reach it!
`Would you like some oil on your back ?' he asked smoothly. `I'm quite good at providing such services.'
Sonia clutched her bra at each side of her. `No, thank you,' she replied icily. 'What did you want to see me about ?' She squinted up at him towering above her. He wore casual wear—shirt of tan, open at the neck, and brown slacks. He pulled another lounger up and sat beside her. Sonia fumed. He hadn't, she thought furiously, the grace to turn around while she made herself presentable, and she wouldn't ask him for all the tea in China! Something told her his answer would not be a conventional one.
`Your back's getting very red,' he observed. `It's such a beautiful back too, so I insist.' He
knelt down beside her and picked up the lotion. `Don't you dare!' snapped Sonia.
`It is not wise, Miss Wells, to dare me, you know. I'm rather apt to take up the challenge.'
Sonia closed her eyes. She couldn't win. She wondered why she bothered.
She felt the smooth gentle strokes over her back. Under this expert treatment she wanted to relax, but dared not. She was horribly embarrassed and extremely tense. 'Thank you,' she said hastily. 'I'm sure that's enough.'
`Don't you like it ?' he said softly. His stroking fingers now had the touch of a lover.
Sonia's heartbeats beat a staccato. 'No,' she said breathlessly, 'I don't. Please tell me what you want to see me about, and let me get on with my sunbathing.'
He sighed, but did as she requested. Sonia was ashamed to feel sorry he had obeyed her command. This time he did not sit back on the lounger, but settled right beside her. It was easier for her not to have to squint up at him, but more uncomfortable physically as his nearness disturbed her. Her eyes rested momentarily on the open neck of his shirt and she could see the dark hairs on his chest. She averted her eyes quickly.
His next action disturbed her even more. He calmly reached over her and caught the ends of the bra, clipping them together. 'That is more comfortable for you, is it not? I would hate you
to get a crick in the neck,' he murmured.
Sonia could now move, and she did. Sitting up, she swiftly reached for her wrap.
He gave an elaborate sigh. 'You have a beautiful body too. Why cover it up?'
She gave him a haughty look. 'I've had enough sun for one day,' she said icily, wishing he would get to the point of his visit.
Raising his eloquent brows, he then commented, 'So you really are leaving on Saturday ?'
Sonia did not reply, but watched him warily. She could guess what was coming, the invitation George had warned her about. However, she was mistaken.
`I gathered from George that he expected you to stay at least two more weeks,' he went on. Still Sonia remained silent.
`I want you to stay,' he continued abruptly, making it sound more like an order than an invitation.
Sonia's lips straightened. Had he attempted to apologise for his earlier behaviour she might have considered staying; as it was, there was every chance of similar happenings. 'If I stay, will you give your word that you won't molest me again?' she asked challengingly.
He caught her hand and held it to his lips. The feel of them on her palm made her want to shiver, and she tried to snatch her hand away, but he refused to release it. His eyes mocked her
as he replied briefly, 'No.'
`Then that is my answer too,' she said coldly, managing at last to free her hand.
`You haven't gone yet. It was a pity about Wednesday, wasn't it?' he said smoothly.
Sonia took a deep breath. So Chloe had been right! Rory had stopped her from leaving. He was telling her so. 'I hear the ferry is most reliable,' she said casually.
His eyes narrowed, and she sensed his fury. `I am not,' he said haughtily, 'in the habit of begging for a woman's company.'
That, thought Sonia, was pretty obvious. He wouldn't know how to begin! He was too proud. `I suppose,' she said slowly, 'I should be honoured ! You must forgive my reluctance to show it.'
Now he was good and mad. His eyes blazed. `Yes, you should be honoured ! ' He caught her wrist, and Sonia thought he was going to jerk her to him, but instead he made a tremendous effort to control his reflexes, and his hold on her tightened.
She gasped. 'Go on,' she grated out. 'Show me how strong you are ! I'm no match for you physically."
`Not physically or mentally, Miss Wells,' he grated. He released her suddenly and she all but staggered back. With narrowed eyes he watched her, then said quietly, 'The time will come when
you will beg for my company.'
Sonia stared at him. Once again she thought what an extraordinary man he was. She hadn't time to work out the implication of this remark as, to her relief, Chloe arrived.
`Rory, how nice of you to call in. Would you like some tea ?' she asked solicitously.
Sonia frowned. She was sure he had been about to depart. Perhaps he would refuse. But her hopes were dashed as she heard him accept the invitation courteously. Chloe left to order the tea. Sonia could feel his eyes on her as she watched Chloe walk bac
k to the house.
`I suppose George has informed you about the dinner party I'm giving tonight?' he said brusquely.
Sonia stared at him. 'He hasn't, as a matter of fact,' she said stiffly.
`He accepted,' he continued harshly, 'on your behalf. I trust this time you have no previous engagement ?'
She had—with Kirk, and she knew Rory was also thinking of Kirk. She also recalled George's advice, if advice it could be called, she thought sardonically. She started when he spoke again.
`Well?' he asked curtly.
Mentally apologising to Kirk, she muttered that she would be present, consoling herself with the thought that George would be pleased, and it was her last night.
Chloe came back, followed by Danny carrying a loaded tray which he deposited on a small table Chloe pulled out for him. The atmosphere was somewhat strained, and Chloe, sensing it, said, 'George ought to be back soon. He finishes early these days, it's just a matter now of winding things up.'
Accepting the cup Chloe handed him, Rory glanced quickly at her. 'Winding up ?' he queried. 'Is someone else taking over, then?'
Handing round the sandwiches, Chloe smiled. `It's not necessary now, is it?' she replied brightly.
He frowned. 'He doesn't want the contract, then?' he asked.
Chloe stared at him, then looked at Sonia, the surprise evident in her eyes. Sonia watched Rory closely.
`I—we—that is . . .' stammered Chloe, then gave up the struggle. 'We were given to understand you'd awarded the contract to another firm,' she said bravely.
His glance travelled from her to Sonia. 'By whom?' he asked haughtily.
Chloe cast Sonia a look of 'it's your turn now'. Sonia spoke up. 'I told them,' she said coldly. `If you remember, you told me to tell George he wouldn't get the contract. Or,' her eyes sparked green fire, 'words to that effect. I'd had rather a nasty experience before that, you see, so I can't
recall the exact wording, but I got the gist of the conversation.'
His eyes narrowed, and Sonia was glad of Chloe's company. 'Might I refresh your memory?' he said softly. 'I believe the words were that I didn't think George would get the contract—there's a difference, you know. However,' he went on airily, 'certain events during the past twenty-four hours have changed the situation in his favour,'
Sonia did not like the look he shot at her while he spoke. Was he hoping she would change her mind and stay if he gave George the contract? Her eyes took in the scenic view before them. She was catching that ferry no matter what !
Chloe threw a bewildered look at her, then with some relief saw George approaching. `Here's George,' she remarked loudly.
George advanced slowly towards the party. It was clear from his approach that he was unsure of a welcome from Rory; relations had been somewhat strained during their last meeting. But the man himself settled his dilemma.
`How soon can you get things rolling, George ?' he asked as if discussing the weather.
George started, then pulled himself together. He answered quickly, 'Just give the word and we're off.'
`Right,' answered Rory briskly, 'go ahead.'
He got up and turned to Chloe and Sonia; `I'm sure you'll excuse us,' then he turned back to George. 'Shall we retire to the study?' he queried.
A highly delighted George led the way back to the house, leaving Chloe and Sonia staring at each other. There was amazement in Chloe's eyes and cynicism in Sonia's.
`What do you know? He's got that contract,' Chloe gasped in wonderment.
Sonia took another sip of her tea. 'There'd better not be any strings attached,' she said darkly.
Chloe stared at Sonia. 'Well, of course not !' she said indignantly. 'George knows that. I should hardly think anything like that's on the cards, judging by the way you two were glaring at each other when I arrived.' She was silent for a moment or so, then gave Sonia a sly look. `He's not exactly giving up, is he?' she grinned.
Sonia gave her a look of pure exasperation. `Neither am I,' she said bitingly. 'You were right —he did stop me leaving on Wednesday.'
Chloe's eyes shone. 'I knew it ! ' she said in high delight. 'Did he actually say so?'
Sonia shrugged. 'Not in so many words.' She repeated the conversation.
After a moment's thoughtful silence, Chloe's only comment was a slow, 'Huh-huh.'
Sonia did not ask for an interpretation.
CHAPTER SIX
BY the time Chloe and Sonia got back to the house Rory had gone, and George a little belatedly told them about the dinner party that' evening. Chloe, casting an anxious glance at Sonia, remarked, 'It's Sonia's last evening, George, do you think we ought to?'
George's brows rose. 'My dear girl,' he said exasperatingly, 'you do realise we've got the contract, don't you? We can't possibly refuse—Sonia doesn't have to go, does she? Besides, what's to stop her spending a few days in the Bahamas and coming back to us for the remainder of her vacation?' He looked at Sonia. 'Well, how about it? Get the Bahamas out of your system and come back. You've no need to go home until September, have you? Remember I shall be extremely busy for the next few months dodging over to London now and again to get things started, so Chloe could do with some company.'
Sonia heard him out impassively. Now where
had he got that idea from? He knew very well
she usually booked some of her vacation with
friends. This year a fortnight's cruising on the
Norfolk Broads had been arranged and she couldn't see herself forgoing that for the pleasure of being chased round this island by Rory Maragal. She knew Chloe would understand—besides, she thought crossly, George had known she wouldn't be staying longer than three weeks, he had even told Rory this, so he could hardly have forgotten.
This, then, she thought darkly, was one of the strings that had been attached to the securing of the contract. Well, it just wasn't on, but she wouldn't argue it out now. George could be very obstinate, he could bring up the fact that Sonia hardly ever saw them, and lay it on thick that she preferred her college friends' company to theirs. It wouldn't occur to him that it wasn't Sonia's fault that she didn't see much of them, if he hadn't elected to chase about the globe on the firm's business, but put down roots somewhere as Chloe had suggested, Sonia would have seen much more of them. Carefully studying her nails, she took the line of least resistance and murmured that she would think about it.
It didn't occur to her until afterwards that no mention had been made of her fabricated fiancé. She had missed a golden opportunity in not bringing him to life again. She sighed as she got ready for the dinner party. Chloe wasn't the only one who was a rotten liar. George hadn't believed a word of it. She ought to have been a
bit more convincing and picked someone he knew, one of her old admirers, but she would have been in more trouble had he taken it into his head to ring him up and congratulate him, or worse still, invite him to spend a few weeks with them.
As she slipped into a sea-green dress that shimmered as the light caught the gold threads interlaced in the diaphanous material, she thought of Rory Maragal. He hadn't believed it either—or had he? He never failed to remark on the ring, whether she wore it or not. No matter. She slipped it on again; it was fitting she should wear it for her last appearance. She had no intention of returning to the island once she had made her escape. She could deal with George at a distance, and not only George, she thought, as she plaited her hair coronet style on top of her head.
She was taking one last critical look at herself when Chloe came in looking stunning in a white velvet dress. She studied Sonia's new hair-style with her head on one side. `Mmm, suits you,' she commented. 'Who are we out to impress?' she added with twinkling eyes.
Sonia's eyes met hers in the mirror. 'As this will positively be my last appearance,' she announced, trying to effect a haughty expression that didn't quite come off, 'I feel I owe it to George to keep the flag flying.'
`Even though it's a red one,' giggled Chloe.
Sonia gave up trying to look impressive and chuckled. She was just fastening a single rope of pearls round her neck when Chloe exclaimed, `Here, wait a bit,' and rushed out of the room. Minutes later she came back triumphantly displaying a choker of delicate gold filigree encrusted with green jade. She removed Sonia's pearl necklet and replaced it with the choker. Standing back to see the effect, she nodded slowly. `Makes you look like Royalty,' she commented. Then quite suddenly her eyes filled with tears. `Sonia—couldn't you just try? I shall miss you terribly.'
Sonia's lips straightened. She knew what was in Chloe's mind. But Chloe hadn't been on the receiving end of Rory Maragal's dubious advances. She was still of the opinion that Sonia could capture him. Her mouth twisted wryly, What could one do with a tiger on a bit of string? Run for it ! —and that was just what she intended doing ! She sighed and patted Chloe gently on her shoulder. 'I shall miss you too, Chloe. Perhaps . . .' She let the sentence hang in mid-air. However, it sufficed to brighten Chloe's expression and they went to find George.
Walking up Soya Sands' impressive entrance; Sonia noted two large stone eagles one on either side of the wide stone steps leading to the house, as if on guard duty. Once inside, she stood gazing
round the immense hall. She had not realised the house was so old or so large. Stone torches fixed against wood panelling made her feel as if she had stepped into another century. A great deal of trouble had been taken, she noted, to preserve its antiquity. A huge stone fireplace stood filled with logs; even in semi-tropical islands the . nights could be cold, and she had no doubt that those logs would be used should the occasion demand it. Her eyes travelled up and over the fireplace to rest on two businesslike cutlasses hung either side of the stonework above the fire. In the centre was a coat of arms. She walked nearer to study it. It depicted a displayed eagle, its great talons resting on a shield of green and gold.
Sonia shivered. It was all a bit much. Chloe touched her arm and led her up the wide staircase to a small ante-room used as a cloakroom. There was one occupant there. Barbara Dilson was putting the 'finishing touches to her immaculate make-up as they entered the room. Chloe called a friendly 'Hello,' which was returned by a cool nod and an even cooler one to Sonia, and giving her hair one final pat, she left Chloe and Sonia in sole possession.