Rachel Lindsay - Alien Corn

by Rachel Lindsay

  Downstairs again she hesitated. The archways were so alike that it was difficult to decide which one led to the drawing-room, and it was a relief when Amalia appeared at one of the doors.

  'I guessed you'd be stuck here - most of our guests are! Gome and have tea and then l'll take you to meet my aunt.'

  The sala or main room was one of the loveliest Lorna had ever seen. Two long settees and numerous high- backed easy chairs were patterned in the same gold tapestry as the curtains at the long windows. Hand-made rugs on the dark wooden floor were as colourful as the bowls of fruit on the small wrought iron tables, while a chandelier of the same delicate filigree served as the main source of illumination. Flowering creepers flourished in the four corners and the green fingers trailing up the tinted walls gave the room a hot-house aspect, accentuated by the orchids and magnolias that filled the white marble fireplace.

  Above the mantelpiece a portrait of an older man looked down on her, the tapering fingers curving on a cigarette in a gold holder. There was a strength of purpose in the face that matched the arrogance of his bearing and Amalia caught Lonia's questioning glance.

  'That's Manoel's uncle, Rafael's father. He died two years ago.'

  'He looks very forbidding. Is his son anything like him?'

  The image — in looks and character. They were both very proud and put family honour before anything.

  When Rosalia ran away—' she stopped, 'but let's not gossip. Drink your tea, before it gets cold.'

  Lorna's curiosity was stirred. 'Who's Rosalia?'

  'Rafael's sister.- but we don't talk about her. It was Stupid of me to mention her name.'

  'Why? What did she do? You can't not tell me now you've begun.'

  Amalia looked round 'Carefully before she spoke. 'She eloped with an Australian.'

  'How romantic!'

  'My uncle didn't think so. She was already engaged to Juan Diniz and he was furious. Everything had been arranged - the dowry, a settlement of land and a wonderful house. You've no idea the scandal it caused. The Diniz family were even more proud than my uncle and they took the elopement as a personal affront to their son. Not that I blame Rosalia entirely. Juan was a bit of a stick and Frank was very good-looking.'

  'What happened in the end?'

  'Nothing. I think she wrote once or twice, but my uncle tore up the letters without reading them. Rafael would do exactly the same if he had the chance. He'll never forgive her or allow her to return.'

  'How can he stop her coming back if she wants to?'

  'Easily. He's the head of the household and his word is law.'

  'What a pig-headed man he must be! I'd never allow a brother of mine to stop me from coming home.'

  'You've never had a brother like Rafael. Wait until you meet him.'

  'When will he be here?'

  Amalia laughed. 'Not for a few hours yet so you needn't worry! As a matter of fact he's in Africa. There was some mix up over a delivery of cork and he flew out to settle it.' She held up a dish of cakes. 'These are much better than the last lot I offered you. Try the one with the cherry on top.'

  They settled down to reminisce about the past and it was not until a maid came in to clear the tea-things that Amalia became conscious of the time.

  'Good gracious! I promised to take you up to Aunt Isabella.'

  'Is she ill?'

  'She's never been really well since my uncle died. She spends the day in her room and only comes down for dinner when Rafael is here. I don't think he likes it much, but Aunt refuses to listen to him. As they say in England, a chip off the old block - but you'll soon find out for yourself.'

  The dowager Senhora Rodriguez was exactly as Lorna had imagined. Tiny, wizened, with heavily lidded eyes and a thin, straight mouth, she looked every inch a matriarch. Her accent was surprisingly good and only occasionally did she hesitate for a word.

  'I hope you will be happy here, Miss Fairfax. You will find life very different from England; Do you live in the country when you are home?'

  'Not now, but I used to.' Anticipating her hostess, Lorna briefly outlined her past, and the old lady relaxed and smiled.

  'It is good that you are used to a quiet life, for ours is very simple. The modern generation cannot appreciate anything that is old and tranquil. Amalia's life in Rio de Janeiro was full of excitement and now she must learn to relax; I think you will be good for her.'

  Lorna refrained from saying that her reasons for coming to Portugal had been exactly the opposite: the Senhora seemed a woman who would brook no opposition.

  'Gome to the balcony, Miss Fairfax, and see my view. I am very proud of it.'

  She drew back the shutters and pointed out Estoril sprawling below them. In the gathering dusk it was a fairy-tale city; the promenade lights like a string of pearls dividing the inky blackness of the sea from the shadow of the land.

  It is beautiful, is it not? But then perhaps I am, as you say, prejudiced?'

  'Has this always been your home?'

  'Since my marriage. My own family come from the Algarve - one of the loveliest of our provinces. We must arrange to take you there. It is well worth seeing.'

  'I don't want Lorna dashing all over the country without me,' Amalia pouted. 'Wait until I've had the baby.'

  'When that time comes,' her aunt said, 'you will have to go back to Brazil. It is my son's wish.'

  'I wouldn't dream of leaving you, Amalia,' Lorna put in hastily. 'After all, the only reason I came was to keep you company.'

  There was a momentary silence and Senhora Rodriguez smiled.

  'I can see you are a diplomat, Miss Fairfax. It is a good thing. You will need to be while you .are here.'

  CHAPTER TWO

  Lorna settled down on the Quinta as though she had been- there all her life. How easy it was to get used to luxury, to do nothing all day but lie in the sun or go down to the beach for a swim. Owing to some quirk of the Gulf Stream the waters along the coast were icy cold and her dream of lazing in a warm sea received a rude awakening.

  'Whatever do they keep in the water - refrigerators?' she dashed up the beach and vigorously dried herself on a towel.

  Amalia looked up from beneath a parasol. 'Cold water's healthy, so your countrymen say! Be a dear and get some drinks - that'll soon warm you up.'

  Lorna slipped on a cotton coat and pattered up the steps to the promenade. A row of faces looked down on her and she bit her lip to stop herself from smiling. She would never forget the first day Luiz had driven them to the beach! The station that linked Estoril to Lisbon cut across the esplanade and one had to cross the railway line to reach the steep flight of steps that led down to the narrow promenade. It was here that 'male passengers passed their time when they were waiting for a train, and feminine sunbathers had to run the gauntlet of whistles and cat-calls before reaching the comparative safety of the beach cafe.

  Today was no exception, and by the time Lorna returned with two fruit drinks she was flushed and panting.

  'You'll go for the next lot, old girl. I've never seen such a pack of wolves!'

  'Blame your figure. I'm quite jealous of it myself.' She sat up and sipped her iced lemon. 'I can't understand why you're not married yet, Lorna, you're so pretty when you let yourself go. You should always wear your hair loose. I can't bear it in that ugly bun. It makes you look like an old maid.'

  Echoes of her aunt came into Lorna's mind and she smiled ruefully. 'You're the second person to tell me that. Perhaps I'll have it cut while I'm here.' She began to rub suntan lotion over her arms and legs. 'What a pity I didn't bring a two-piece costume - I could have tanned all over then.'

  'Not unless you want to end up in prison! Two-pieces are illegal here, but it's part of the fun to defy the beach policeman. You should see the flurry when he's sighted!'

  'I can just see that happening in Blackpool!' Lorna turned over on her back. 'Wake me up when it's time to go-"'

  'We can't leave too late. Inez Castro is coming to dinner.'

  'W
ho's she? Another relation?'

  'Not yet, but she's hoping to be. My uncle wanted Rafael to marry her.'

  'I'm surprised he hasn't popped the question, then.' Lorna's voice was muffled in her arms. 'I thought he was such a loyal son!'

  Amalia laughed. 'His loyalty hasn't stopped him wanting a fling first! When he does settle down, though, I daresay it'll be with Inez. They understand one another very well. I think you'll like her.'

  Privately Lorna doubted it. She had formed her own opinion of Rafael's character, and that Inez liked him was no recommendation. Indeed she did not feel drawn to any of the Rodriguez family, and the more she saw of Manoel the less she approved his flattering remarks and attentive manners.

  As Amalia had predicted, her aunt was in the drawing- room entertaining her guest when they arrived home, and Lorna thought her the loveliest creature she had seen. Spanish in appearance, she moved with a grace and languor belied by the alertness of large, amber-coloured eyes. Everything about her was simple and subtle; a perfectly plain black dress revealed flounces of hidden pleats as she crossed slim ankles, and dark, oiled hair was drawn back over pointed ears into an unexpected plait on the nape of her neck.

  It was obvious during the evening that there was an understanding between the Senhora and her young guest, for Rafael's name kept recurring as if it were the bond that drew them together. Lorna's interest stirred. What sort of man could attract a woman like Inez? Whatever it was there were two things they had in common — arrogance and an implicit belief in themselves.

  'Will you be staying here long?' Lorna started and looked into the direct, liquid glance.

  'Until Amalia has had her baby.'

  'In that case you'll have time to visit my father's ranch before you go back. He breeds the best bulls in Portugal, and it would be an interesting experience for you to see them being rounded up.'

  'It's very kind of you,' Lorna murmured, 'but please don't bother.'

  'It is no bother. We can make up a house-party and Rafael can escort you all.'

  Lorna hid a smile. So that was the reason behind the invitation. The young master was more elusive than she had imagined.

  The following morning Amalia awoke with a migraine and there was little Lorna could do to help. Having seen her settled she went to her room, collected her sketching things and wandered downstairs into the garden. A small Moorish pavilion stood near the terrace and she sat down on a marble seat in its shade and picked up her sketch book and crayons. It was difficult to catch the exotic beauty around her, but soon she was absorbed in her task, her sun-bleached head bent over the pad, her fingers moving carefully.

  'I can see we will have to commission you as artist to the Rodriguez family.' 'You have caught the line of the magnolias extremely well.'

  With a start that sent the point of her crayon across the page Lorna looked up into dark, deep-set eyes. There was no need to question who it was - the resemblance to the portrait was remarkable - even to a cigarette held in a small gold holder.

  'I'm sorry I startled you,' he apologized. 'Now I have spoilt your drawing.'

  He took it from her and looked at it. 'It is very good. You should have lessons.'

  Thank you, I already have.'

  'Ah, I have said the wrong thing. Forgive me.'

  His English was almost faultless - slow and deliberate, with a habit of drawling any word unfamiliar to him.

  'Perhaps we should introduce ourselves,' he continued. 'I am Rafael Francisco Oliveira y Rodriguez. You are Miss Lorna Fairfax, are you not ?'

  'I am. How do you do ?'

  They shook hands and he sat on the seat beside her, while out of the coiner of her eye she took in his fastidious appearance. As if conscious of her scrutiny he glanced at her in amusement and she hastily turned away.

  'You like it here, Miss Fairfax ?'

  'How could I do otherwise? Your home is beautiful, senhor.'

  'The most beautiful in Portugal.' His finality closed the subject. 'I hope you are keeping my cousin happy? Unfortunately she finds her compatriots too restricted in outlook; no doubt the fault of her upbringing. I am against my countrywomen being educated abroad.'

  'I think it's a wonderful idea to see other people, other customs,' she said warmly.

  'But this is your first time abroad, is it not?'

  She subsided. 'Yes.'

  'Then you are hardly in a position to recommend it to others.' Carefully he fitted a fresh cigarette into the holder. 'No. If Amalia had been educated here she would not have needed the services of an English companion to amuse her. As it is, she is bored by everything except the horse-racing in Rio de Janeiro which she learned to like in England!'

  Lorna burst out laughing, and after a moment he consented to smile.

  'You may find it amusing, Miss Fairfax, but it has its difficulties.' He looked at his watch and stood up. 'It is late and my mother is expecting me for coffee. I will see you again at dinner.'

  Lorna picked up her crayon. What a rude, conceited man! In a few minutes of conversation he had criticized her drawing, laughed at her opinions and as good as told her she ought to practise what she preached. Well, one thing was certain - she would do her best to avoid his company.

  This was easier said than done, for in the next few days she was continually meeting him about the house. How different the tempo was now that he had returned; the little maids flew around even more industriously, the Cadillac and black shiny Rolls were polished to a higher brilliance, and Luiz followed at his master's heels like a faithful spaniel. He had only to raise his voice or crook a little finger and there was someone waiting for his command. The only person who did not stand in awe of him was his mother, and he treated her with a gentle raillery he displayed to no one else. He was certainly no fool, and she had to admit he was right about Amalia, for as time went on she became more and more distraught at her husband's nightly disappearances to Lisbon or the Casino.

  It was the final blow when Manoel telephoned to say he could not come home for her birthday dinner. Sick with disappointment, Amalia ran into Lorna's room and flung herself down on the bed.

  This Is the last straw!' she cried. He's always making excuses to stay away. He's ashamed of me, that's what it is.' She went to the mirror and gazed at her swollen figure with distaste. "Look at me - ugly and fat - I'm not a bit like the girl he married.'

  'Of course not! And you should be proud of it,-not ashamed! I've never heard anything so silly.

  ''Manoel isn't proud of me' Amalia said bitterly. 'I wish we'd never come back to Portugal — I hate it here! In Brazil the women don't have to stay at home and look after a house and children.'

  'Neither do you,! Lorna retorted, 'so I don't know what you're complaining about.'

  That's just it. Even though I have no ties I can't go out with Manoel. Over here a married man of our class would lose face if hp took his wife everywhere. It just isn't done.'

  Lorna could not deny the truth of this. In the few short months of her sojourn in- Portugal she had learned enough to know that Manoel's behaviour was the normal one, and the fact that Amalia's marriage would not have satisfied her did not give her the right to criticize.

  'Perhaps it'll be better once you've had the baby,' she said soothingly.

  Amalia Shook her head. 'All Manoel's friends are married, yet they're hardly ever at home. No matter what sort of life a girl leads when she's single, the minute she's married she might as well enter a convent.'

  'But that's ridiculous! "Why do they put up with it?'

  'Why do women agree to harems? Because they don't know better.' She laughed mirthlessly. 'I'm emancipated, but what good has it done me?'

  'Never mind, you'll soon be returning to Brazil.'

  That's the trouble; I don't think we are. Manoel said Rafael might want us to stay here.'

  'Why don't you tell him you don't want to?'

  'I daren't Rafael's word is law and he never listens to me about business.'

  'How would it
be if I spoke to Manoel ?' The minute the words were out Lorna was sorry. Her position was difficult enough without interfering between husband and wife. But there was no drawing back now. Amalia's face had brightened at the suggestion and she caught hold of Lorna's arm.

  If only you could make him see that we'd be much happier in Brazil! Oh, Lorna, I'm sure he'd listen to you I You and Rafael are the only two people he takes any notice of.'

  Lorna sniffed. 'Senhor Rodriguez takes too much on himself. Why, even if Manoel wanted to spend an evening with you his cousin would probably tell him his behaviour wasn't in keeping with his social position!'

  Her voice rang out sarcastically and Amalia was unable to hold back a smile. 'You'd better be careful, Lorna. You'll put Manoel's back up criticizing Rafael.'

  Then I'd better say nothing at all, because I certainly couldn't say what I had to without bringing him Into it I've never met such an interfering, autocratic man. But no more talk now. Wash your face and come downstairs for dinner and afterwards we'll have a nice quiet game of Canasta!'

  But waiting in the drawing-room Lorna's qualms returned. No matter how much she tried she could not alter the customs and traditions of a county and to interfere between husband and wife could only make matters worse. Would she never learn to curb her impetuosity?

  She was startled by a knock on the door and looked up to see a maid beckoning her across the hall towards the library.

  It was the first time Lorna had entered the room and she could not help appreciating its wonderful proportions. The high ceiling and large french windows were open to the night - the walls were lined with hand-tooled books. An ornate, carved desk stood in front of a marble fireplace, a brass reading lamp on its top throwing a circle of light on the red Turkey carpet It was here that Rafael Rodriguez waited, his face cold and set.

  'Good evening Miss Fairfax. I would like to talk to you. Please sit down.'