by Jane Corrie
Slipping off her wrap, Chloe remarked, 'Do you think she's heard that George has got the contract?'
Sonia shrugged. 'She wasn't exactly enthusing
the last time we met, so it's hard to tell.'
Chloe grinned. 'I wouldn't mind betting she doesn't care a fig about the business side of it. She's gone overboard for Rory, and that's one very spoilt young woman. I shouldn't walk down a dark staircase in front of her if I were you,' she added idly.
Sonia was about to comment that she would have a clear field from tomorrow, when she remembered their earlier conversation, and held her tongue.
It was not a large dinner party, Sonia found when they joined the rest of the guests. Just the Dilsons, Barbara and her father, George and Chloe, herself and their host. In fact, as it had been in the Sea King a few nights ago, with one exception—Kirk. Sonia wished he could have been present and she could have paired up with him. Barbara had already made her preference clear, she noted as they walked towards the small assembly. She had stationed herself next to Rory as he welcomed them to his home, looking as if she considered that her rightful place.
Mr Dilson asked Sonia if she had danced any good rumbas lately. He seemed in good spirits in spite of the loss of the contract. He had congratulated George on his success, and Sonia warmed to him. He was a good loser. Out of the corner of her eye she watched Barbara's attempts to monopolise Rory at the dinner table.
She did not look straight at him, once had been enough, when she had caught him studying her quite openly while almost absentmindedly replying to a question of Barbara's.
Chloe had been placed on his left, and George on his right, an arrangement which had made Barbara's eyes snap in annoyance. Sonia sat next to Chloe and Mr Dilson next to George, so in actual fact Barbara, placed next to her father, was in what might be considered a relegated position. Not that she intended this in any way to inhibit her. Each question and remark was directed at Rory, there might have only been the two of them present, and could hardly be called good manners. Sonia saw Mr Dilson frown once or twice at his daughter's obvious attempts to capture their host's attention, and she was obvious, thought Sonia, and remembered Chloe making the same observation. Take the way she was looking at him now. All eyes, and hanging on his every word.
Curiosity as to how Rory was taking all this adoration made her forget her earlier resolve not to look at him and found herself meeting his eyes. They held a mocking amusement and something else. Sonia hastily applied herself to her soup, but she was still very much aware of him such a short distance away from her. In a dark tuxedo with a sparkling white frilled front shirt, he looked wholly Spanish. Sonia couldn't
see where the English side came in, unless it was in those penetrating grey eyes of his. She found herself fervently wishing she had worn something simple, for she felt overdressed, more suitable for a night at the opera than a small dinner party. Whatever possessed her to wear the elegant but eye-catching choker Chloe had routed out for her, she would never know.
But she did know. She had wanted to look her best. It had been a quite deliberate act on her part. The feminine side of her appreciated Rory's attentions; it was his intentions she couldn't stomach, apart from his earlier treatment of her. Remembering some of his remarks, she reversed her thoughts on the manner of dress. She was glad she had dressed up to the occasion. He would no doubt think she was trying to impress him, and by the look in his eyes when he had first looked at her that evening, she had done that and more besides. He had quite blatantly shown his appreciation.
As she watched an appetising-looking paella placed in the middle of the table, she recalled his curious prophecy that she would one day beg for his company. As if such a thing were possible, she thought sardonically. If she stayed and he got under her guard—she almost shivered. Yes, such a thing would then be possible, but she was not staying. On this comforting thought she turned to answer a question directed at her by
Mr Dilson and was soon immersed in a subject dear to her heart—university life. Mr Dilson was arguing the points for and against open universides, and George idly listening heard her say, `But Professor Inskip says . .
`I say,' he interrupted, 'that's your fiancé, isn't it ?'
Sonia was uncomfortably aware of Rory stopping in mid-sentence to answer yet another question of Barbara's, and looking pointedly at her hand. She was thankful she had remembered to wear the ring. 'Er ... yes,' she murmured, and hastily returned to the original subject.
It was Chloe who brought up the subject of the past history of Soya Sands, which was of interest to all present. Rory's answers, though directed at Chloe, gave Sonia a distinct impression that the information was being given for her benefit alone. Was he, she wondered, trying to impress her now? If he was, he was wasting his time. He was certainly impressing Barbara, who every now and again gave a squeal of delight.
`After dinner I shall show you the family heirlooms,' he said casually. 'I'm quite proud of them. Some of them date back to the fifteenth century.' He broke off and grinned at Mr Dilson. `It's no use making an offer for any of them, I'm quite aware of your hobby, but they're definitely not for sale. In fact,' he mused, 'it would be
quite impossible to put a price on them.'
After coffee Rory took his guests through the house to a section even older than the main building, past a gunroom filled with weapons of every description to a small annexe leading off it.
The room was fitted out like an exhibition. Glass cabinets placed in strategic positions exhibited delicate porcelain and fabulous Venetian glassware, its rich colours gleaming in the muted lights set in the cases. Mr Dilson was utterly enthralled, and later when Rory led them on past the cabinets, he had to be persuaded to follow them. At the far end of the room was a small modern safe which Rory opened and drew out a medium sized black jewel-case. Placing this on a table beside the safe, and unlocking the box with a small key, he detached from his key ring, he opened it. It contained several trays of glittering jewellery, each affixed in position by a small catch. He released the catch spring and removed certain pieces for closer inspection.
Sonia felt depressed, certain now that he was not only trying to impress her, but that he seemed to be of the opinion that she could be bought, hence this opening up of the family treasure chest. When Barbara pressed in front of her for a closer look at the displayed jewels, she did not change her position but hung back slightly, grateful for the girl's bad manners.
Sonia actually preferred the view of the back of her midnight blue dress to the glittering gems; however, Rory was taller than Barbara, so when he picked up a pendant with a thick golden chain, and drew their attention to it, Sonia was forced to give her attention too. The pendant was beautiful, it was carved in what she presumed was gold in the shape of an eagle and encrusted with emeralds. As Rory held it, the light caught the gems and it seemed to come alive in his hand. 'This,' he murmured, 'is the piece de resistance.'
`It's the same as on the coat of arms, isn't it ?' queried Barbara, then sighed. 'It's beautiful.'
Rory nodded and took his eyes off the pendant and looked directly at Sonia. 'As my forebears before me, I am bewitched by the colour green,' he said quietly.
Sonia flushed and looked away quickly. Did he have to be so obvious? she thought furiously.
`It's not considered lucky for some, is it?' broke in Barbara in a slightly high-pitched voice.
For the Maragals it has brought nothing but good fortune,' he replied, his eyes still on Sonia.
Barbara held her hand out. 'May I hold it ?' she asked. With the pendant in her hand, she turned towards a small oval mirror near her and started to put the pendant on. Rory's voice halted her.
`I'd rather you didn't,' he said firmly. 'Only
Maragal brides are given that privilege.'
With heightened colour she handed it back to him, murmuring, 'How quaint,' but her eyes gave her thoughts away.
Although Sonia did not care for Barbara, she was spoilt
and bad-mannered, she did feel sorry for her at that exact moment. Whatever hopes she had nursed of becoming the island's first lady had been effectively quashed by a few bald words. Her dislike of Rory Maragal increased. He needn't have been quite so blunt.
Mr Dilson coughed nervously,. and George hastily pointed to another piece and asked its history.
Chloe drew Sonia's attention to a large emerald ring set in an antique setting of heavy gold.
`That,' said Rory, noting their interest, 'is the Maragal betrothal ring, and these,' he picked up a triple-roped necklace of pearls and emeralds and matching bracelet, 'also.'
Sonia couldn't resist remarking, 'Poor girls, they must have been weighed down ! '
She saw the flash of anger in his eyes, and quickly concentrated on the exhibits under glass.
Chloe moved closer to her. 'You've made him mad again,' she whispered.
`I know,' answered Sonia softly, 'but he had it coming.'
`Shall we join our other guests?' Rory sugges-
ted. 'I believe most of them would have arrived by now for the evening's dancing.'
Following him out of the room, George exclaimed, 'I say, oughtn't you to lock that lot away?' pointing to the box, now shut, but still on the table beside the safe.
Glancing back at the box, Rory answered, `I'll do so later,' then back at George. 'I can trust my guests, you know,' he commented with a smile.
The murmuring of voices met them as they reached the lounge. There were about a dozen people standing around in groups chatting amongst themselves. Sonia saw several curious looks darted her way as they greeted Rory. Considering she had met each one of them, either at the lunch given by George on the day of her arrival, or during the social calls Chloe had made with her, Sonia thought it a bit odd that she should be such an object of interest. It was, she mused, a very small island. The fact that she had not put in an appearance at the garden party had probably caused a lot of speculation and would be seen as a direct snub to their revered leader who could apparently do no wrong—as long as things went his way, that was. She was sure her original estimate of his character had been correct. No one, but no one, opposed Rory Maragal, it just wasn't done. No wonder they regarded her with curiosity!
Drinks were handed round, and the company moved out on to the lighted terraces. Sonia found Rory beside her as she went through the french windows. He lightly held her arm, which infuriated her, leaving an even more infuriated Barbara to follow with her father. A slightly apprehensive Chloe was right behind them.
`So he's a professor, is he?' Rory murmured softly. 'Now I shouldn't have thought that was entirely a wise choice, my mermaid.'
Sonia clamped her lips together. She wasn't quite sure what he was getting at, but she had a nasty suspicion he meant it hadn't been wise to pick on a professor as her fabricated fiancé; one thing she was certain of was that he was amused. As for calling her a mermaid—! Well, she knew what he meant by that. Mermaids were elusive, weren't they? Well, this particular one was going to be more than elusive! She suddenly caught sight of Kirk detaching himself from a group on the terraces and coming towards them, a grin of welcome on his face. He nodded to Rory, then looked at Sonia. 'Last night, huh ?' he said in mock sorrow.
`She hasn't gone yet,' commented Rory meaningly. 'I'm hoping to persuade her to stay a while longer.'
Kirk looked at Sonia, then back at Rory. His eyes narrowed. 'Trip to the Bahamas off, then?' he queried.
I
Sonia's eyes blazed. So he had thought the jewels would change her mind ! 'The trip is still on,' she said icily, and managed to smile at Kirk. `I'm leaving in the morning.'
Kirk grinned. 'Well now,' he drawled, 'here's one fit and willing guide at your service, ma'am.'
Sonia heard Rory draw in a quick breath and sensed his fury; however, when he spoke there was no trace of anger in his voice.
`I'm not sure Miss Wells' fiancé would approve, you know,' he said blandly.
Kirk started and stared at Sonia. Sonia glared at Rory. He didn't follow the conventions himself, but he obviously expected Kirk to do so.
Barbara, who had been standing behind them, said in a silky voice, 'Hard luck, Kirk.'
Kirk recovered swiftly and grinned. Any man who lets his girl loose in the Caribbean deserves all he gets,' he said, then to Sonia, 'If you belonged to me I wouldn't let you out of my sight.'
`Kirk !' gasped Barbara, feigning surprise. `Have you been drinking?'
Not liking the look in Rory's eyes as they rested on Kirk, Chloe quickly interposed, 'I'm sure Kirk was only being gallant. Sonia's fiancé couldn't get away, he'll probably join her in the Bahamas.' She looked quite pleased with herself over her sudden inspiration.
Sonia threw her a grateful look.
The music started up and before Kirk could
"
claim the dance, Rory had placed his arm round Sonia's waist and whirled her into the dance.
She knew by the way he held her that she had blotted her copybook again.
`So you like Kirk Dilson, do you ?' he said between clenched teeth.
Sonia didn't answer. She was busy fighting off the panic waves this man invariably aroused in her. He held her too close for comfort. His eyes glinted down at her. 'Relax, mermaid,' he said harshly. 'You're quite safe, your watchdogs are not far away.'
She wished she could obey this instruction, but it was impossible. Her eyes were on a level with the lapel of his jacket and she concentrated on the fine stitching of his shirt and wondered if it was hand-made—anything to take her mind off his nearness.
He quite deliberately laid his cheek on her hair. 'You are very lovely,' he murmured softly.
This new approach quite unnerved her. She preferred him in a temper.
`And your fiancé?' he asked in that caressing voice that Sonia distrusted.
She frowned and looked up at him, displacing his cheek from her hair with a tiny jerk. 'What about my fiancé ?' she asked warily.
He sighed elaborately. For once I find myself in agreement with Kirk Dilson. It is a little hard to believe that he would not accompany you on
your holiday.' He swung her round swiftly to the
tempo of the dance, and she had to wait until
she got her breath back before she could answer.
`He just couldn't get away,' she said. It was lame, and she knew it, and she wished she had never started the wretched business.
Watching her closely, he said softly, 'I suppose as a professor he's a very busy man. You are partial to scholarly men, are you?'
Sonia thought it was about time the dance ended. They did not seem to be near the rest of the guests. Come to think of it, the music seemed farther away too. She could not see much apart from Rory's immaculate tuxedo front, and her sudden move to glance back was curtailed by two very strong arms. She stopped dead in her tracks, guessing what had happened. He had successfully danced her away from the rest of the party. Her sudden stop coincided with a forward movement of his and she was flung against him, unable to stop the impact. His arms tightened around her and he chuckled. 'I didn't know you cared,' he murmured, and attempted to kiss her, but she moved her head quickly.
`You are despicable ! ' she got out. Her heartbeats increasing alarmingly. His lips roamed her forehead as she struggled to free herself. 'How,' she gasped, out, 'would you like someone to act this way with your fiancée ?'
`I should kill him,' he announced calmly, and
this time found her lips as she stared up indignantly at him.
As his lips crushed hers, Sonia told herself she would be gone tomorrow. It was only a kiss anyway, and therefore no new experience for her, but it was a new experience; all other kisses must have been in the kindergarten class. Her senses swam, and her traitor of a heart cried out, asking her to answer that kiss as it should be answered, to fling all caution to the winds and cling to this man's strength. He didn't need jewels as bait, she thought wildly, not when he could make a woman feel like this.
She couldn't —she wouldn't give in. It was so easy for him. It took all her will power, but her lips remained cold under his, her body, though weak, stayed stiff and unyielding in his arms. When he finally released her, he stood looking at her Sonia could sense he was absolutely furious. She didn't suppose he had ever kissed a stone wall before.
His fists clenched and she knew he was having trouble keeping his hands off her. 'I shall rename you,' he said with fury in his voice. 'Snow Queen would be a better title, would it not? But I shall melt those layers of ice, my Snow Queen. Forget your professor.' He held out an imperative hand to her. 'Come, I shall take you back to your protectors. As I have said, you are safe for the time being.'
Sonia drew a deep breath of thankfulness. If
he had but known how his kiss had affected her ! She mentally patted herself on the back for withstanding the onslaught.
She met Chloe's anxious look with a smile, and Chloe relaxed. Kirk moved forward as they approached.
`My dance, I believe,' he said, glaring at Rory.
Chloe stepped into her peacemaker role once more. 'We really think it's time we were going,' she said firmly. 'Sonia has a few last-minute chores to do before she leaves.'
Sonia wondered whether her smile had been as bright as she had thought it was. The kiss had shaken her. Had Chloe guessed what had happened?
Kirk appealed to Sonia. 'Not even a farewell dance?' he asked.
Knowing it would annoy Rory, Sonia smiled, `Just this one, then,' and noted the stiffening of Rory beside her. .
Kirk grinned and moved forward to take her in his arms. Barbara clutched at Rory's sleeve. `We haven't danced yet, Rory,' she said plaintively.