'Not your fault!' she muttered fiercely, near choking as he swept the warm sweater over her head. His way of dressing her being suddenly less than gentle, she felt injured.
'I might be willing to take all the blame, if it will make you feel any better.'
She retorted wildly, her voice rising on a sob, 'I don't think I'll ever feel better again!'
Hurtfully he grasped her thin arms. 'Alex, listen to me! Drew's here another chopper is coming. You're going to be surrounded. You'll have to pull yourself together.'
'I thought it didn't matter what your men thought,' she gasped. 'And I didn't know I was out of control.'
'You're tottering on the brink.' His eyes glittered coldly, showing no sympathy. 'It won't do, Alex. You know that.'
'I'm sorry.' She looked down at the ground and, as he let her go, bent to pick up her dress. 'I promise to behave. I won't do anything to ruffle your feelings.' As he appeared to think this unworthy of an answer, she said bitterly,' They took their time getting here, didn't they?'
He wouldn't allow this. 'You realise we might not have been found for days?'
'Think how bored you would have been!'
Again his hand curled around her arm, his fingers like steel. 'Alex, I know you've been through a lot, but acting like a child won't solve anything. You have to think of others.'
'Who?' she burst out bitterly.
He sighed, his mouth compressed. 'Your parents, for instance.'
'Mother?'
'Your father, too. He's on his way, apparently. They sent for him.'
'But why?' Her eyes widened, swinging to his in angry despair.
'Why not?' He sounded as if he was holding his temper on a tight rein. 'Your mother did the right thing.
She had to consider that you're his child, too. If we'd been killed he might never have forgiven her if she hadn't sent for him.'
'Will he be there when we get back?' she whispered, her face ashen.
'He could be.' Chase's eyes narrowed sharply. 'Or very shortly afterwards. Why?'
Mutely, Alex shook his head. All at once she couldn't bear it. No matter which way she looked she could only see rows of curious faces. They would all be wondering how Chase and she had spent the night.
The question would be there, whether it was in their eyes or at the back of their minds. Without some kind of support she couldn't face it!
She glanced at Chase swiftly, flushing painfully, her mouth trembling as she saw the coldness of his expression. It took a lot of courage to ask. Her voice shook and she had to swallow twice. She might have given up, but it seemed imperative. Especially as her father might be there.
'Chase,' she whispered at last, 'may I wear your ring, please?'
CHAPTER TEN
'Ah, the ring!' A flicker of surprise brought an odd smile to Chase's face which might have made Alex suspicious if she hadn't felt so distraught. Silently he searched for the ring in his pocket and held it in front of her. Give me your hand and I'll put it on.'
She shrank back while he gazed calmly down at her. Why, she wondered, wasn't he curious? Why wasn't he questioning her motives? Ordinarily he would have done, he was that kind of man. Weakly she faltered, 'It's not that sort of engagement.'
'How many sorts are there, for heaven's sake?' he asked softly, a conqueror, victory almost within his grasp, prepared to humour his victim.
Chase, you know what manner of engagement this will be,' she stammered unhappily. 'Knowing what's between us, I thought I did,' he returned enigmatically, 'but I see you're going to use it merely to save your reputation.'
'Don't you think I need something, after this?' she cried desperately, not caring for the way his eyes darkened. 'You see, if Daddy's coming…' 'Ah, so it's Daddy's disapproval now, is it?'
'No…' Suddenly she felt very young, very tormented, very much at sea. 'Chase, you don't understand. Daddy isn't like that. He's never harassed me. He always had faith always trusted me to do the right thing.'
' So you don't want to let him down?'
Sadly she shook her head. I don't know what he'll make of this, but at least it must make everything respectable.'
'If we're engaged, you mean?' 'Yes.' A deep sigh escaped her.
'Then stop worrying.' Tersely he watched her strained young face. 'When it suits me I can be as obliging as you like.' Before she could protest he caught her small hand in his big one and slipped the ring on her finger. Ignoring her murmur of alarm, he said mockingly, 'As it's the first time I've become engaged, I couldn't deprive myself of the pleasure. Who knows, it might be all I ever get!' Stung, Alex snatched her hand away, her eyes riveted on the ring, her face white. 'I'm sure, after I've finished with it, Davina would appreciate it more!' I have no doubt.'
'Oh!' She stepped back as if he had struck her, forgetting the suggestion had been hers in the first place. But Chase followed up, taking a swift hold of her, 'All new engagements are surely sealed with a loving kiss?' he drawled, bending his head, without waiting for a reply, to crush her mutinous lips under his. The internal fire was still there, fusing them but not comfortably. There were too many sparks, too much electricity. She felt scorched, burnt by his sudden harsh passion and her own too reckless response to it. Fiercely she tore herself out of his arms, only to hear him say curtly,' Suppose we go back now, before Drew comes looking for us.'
As she turned to stumble blindly alongside him, he added, 'They might have been here sooner if there hadn't been some doubt about the message I sent. You see, they all believed we'd gone to Mount Isa and thought I'd made a mistake. For as long as the light held yesterday, they searched in that direction. And another thing,' he paused sardonically, 'my aunt has already announced our engagement, believing, I imagine, she was doing the right thing.'
Drew immediately wished them well. 'A day late, I guess,' he smiled ruefully. Coolly Chase acknowledged his congratulations, holding out Alex's thin hand. 'A day late for you, maybe, but I had the ring with me.'
Drew laughed appreciatively, never doubting for a moment Chase's genius for being one step ahead. If he appeared slightly stunned, his face only reflected the general feeling on the station. That Chase Marshall had been caught at last! By a lovely girl, but one who was surely too young to have been able to do it!
The ring, Alex saw, backed up Chase's story to the hilt a not to be disputed fact. Ruefully Drew said, 'Miss Harriet was in quite a state, as you can imagine. An air crash on top of an engagement was nearly too much for her.' 'Possibly, but she always keeps her head,' Chase said grimly.
'Always!' Drew agreed fervently, without realising his line of thought was slightly different from that of Chase's.
Alex understood exactly. It had all gone off with such precision it might have been planned by an expert. And of course that was what Chase was! She felt she might even be excused for believing he had contrived the crash deliberately. Nothing seemed beyond his capabilities.
She had thought it must be hours since the helicopter had arrived, but it had only been ten minutes. A further ten and the makeshift camp site was cleared and they were away. Word was relayed to Coolabra and to other people out searching. Congratulations and heartfelt relief winged back. To Alex, it seemed that the very air was delighted. It danced before her eyes as each message came across, dazzling her. She could find nothing to say, not even when Chase glanced at her anxiously. Silently she sat beside him, leaving him to talk to Drew. She noticed how they began discussing station business, as though nothing out of the ordinary had happened.
Her father was at Coolabra to welcome her home. They came down near the house and she stumbled to meet him. Regardless of Chase, she hugged him, tears in her eyes. 'It's so good to see you!' she whispered feverishly.
Her mother, along with Aunt Harriet and Mrs Young, were noticeably moved, and the whole thing might have developed into a flood of feminine tears if Chase had given them a chance. Almost at once he sent Alex upstairs with an attentive Mrs Young. 'A shower and bed, Mrs Young, I think.
Alex is worn out.'
'But we must drink to your future happiness,' Aunt Harriet protested. 'The poor child does look tired, but I happen to know she's made of sterner stuff.' 'Not this time, I'm afraid. She's been through a lot.'
Chase overruled his aunt and Alex made her escape. Much as she would have liked to have stayed, especially to talk to her father, she would have found it impossible, and she suspected Chase knew it. Sometimes. she had to admit, his sensitivity amazed her. Not even her mother was allowed to accompany her. Chase took them all to his study and closed the door.
To her dismay, Alex not only fell asleep, but she slept the clock around. It was an uneasy sleep, during which she sensed the presence of someone often by her side. Once she fancied she felt hands on her hair, a low deep voice softly murmuring. Nothing was distinct, however, and next morning she was aghast to discover what the time was. Scarcely able to believe it, she dressed and rushed downstairs, to find everyone at breakfast.
Chase, looking tired, immediately rose to his feet as she ran through the door. 'Why didn't someone wake me?' she cried almost angrily, pulling out her usual chair.
It startled her a little when Chase said gentle, 'No, not there, darling. Here, beside me,' but she hesitated only a moment before obeying him. She was even more surprised to find herself submitting weakly to his kiss before she sat down. The others would expect it, she thought bleakly, feeling the increased beat of her heart as his hard mouth descended.
She wasn't sure if it was her own ears, but his breathing seemed quite audible as he abruptly let her go. To hide it, she smiled at Aunt Harriet, then glanced from her mother to her father. He was looking much better this morning, his manner alert, his eyes bright.
'We had to celebrate your engagement without you,' he teased gently, after the chorus of enquiries regarding her health had died down.
'I'm sorry,' she wasn't sure whether she was or not, and felt unable to look at Chase, 'but there's plenty of time, surely?'
'I'm afraid I have to return to Sydney today,' he said wryly. I've an important conference tomorrow or I should certainly have accepted Chase's invitation to stay. What he showed me yesterday, when he wasn't attending to you, more than whetted my appetite. I sincerely hope he isn't about to saddle himself with a father-in-law he can't get rid of.'
The grin the two men exchanged over this proved they had taken to each other instantly, and Alex's spirits felt like lead.
I think I'll come with you, Daddy, if you don't mind.'
A moment's silence was broken by her mother. 'I've decided to go back with your father, Alex, so there's no need for you to come, too.' Chase didn't interrupt the conversation, but Alex noticed his hand clench tautly. 'It's not that,' she said stubbornly, I just think it would be better.'
Chase spoke at last, with the air of a man sore tried but willing to show tolerance. 'Would you rather be married in Sydney, Alex, after all?'
As though they had already discussed it!
'I'm not sure,' she said unsteadily. 'There's no hurry.'
Chase smiled around the table lightly, but his voice was terse. 'I'm in a hurry, but if Alex insists on going to Sydney today, it's all right by me. I'll come, too.'
Shaken by his decision, Alex had a wild presentiment of disaster. At loss for words, she stared at him, beginning slowly to realise what she might be up against.
'Alex,' Aunt Harriet grew alarmed, quite obviously loath to part with her, 'why not wait a little longer?
Naturally, as your home is in Sydney, you might want to be married from there, but Chase isn't just any man, you know. There'll be a lot to arrange at Coolabra.'
'The wedding won't be for a while yet.' Alex bit her lip nervously, feeling trapped by Chase's hardening gaze.
'It will be soon,' he said smoothly, his brilliant eyes dark with determination.
Under his unblinking surveillance Alex felt her pulse begin to race with fright. Chase went absolutely still, his eyes never moving from her face. They might have been alone for all the notice he took of anyone else.
Saving the moment from getting completely out of hand, Enid said, with surprising humility, 'I wouldn't dream of organising the wedding without your advice, Miss Marshall. If it's to be in Sydney, then I suggest you follow us there in a few days' time.'
They left after lunch, Chase with them, Aunt Harriet left behind but seriously considering taking up Enid's invitation.
Mrs Young was sorry to see Alex leaving so soon after the announcement of her engagement. 'The whole of the north's on about it. Everyone's excited the talk's never stopped.'
'Talk?' Alex queried.
'The transceiver, you know. It's a pity you're going.' When it was time to go, Alex felt so too, but it was too late to change her mind. She hadn't thought it would be such a wrench, and she found herself wishing painfully that Chase had loved her. If he had, she could have remained here for ever, with no thought of leaving.
The journey to Sydney seemed to take twice as long as it actually did. They travelled swiftly and comfortably in Chase's executive jet from Brisbane. Alex aware that he watched her closely for signs of nerves, made herself sit without flinching. The tenseness in her face might have betrayed her, but he said nothing. Perhaps he was as conscious as she was that her extreme pallor had little to do with her flying so soon after an accident. He had, in fact, spoken very little since breakfast, and Alex wondered if he mightn't be secretly planning to get rid of her, in spite of what he said about getting married as soon as possible.
In this muddled state of mind she arrived in Sydney. At the airport they had difficulty in avoiding a horde of photographers and, in order to escape, were forced to give in and pose for several shots. As this hadn't occurred to Alex, she felt shattered, while Chase smiled obligingly and muttered under his breath what else had she expected? He seemed willing to tolerate such an invasion of privacy. He even nodded agreeably when one of the reporters asked if it were true that Alex was only nineteen, but immediately afterwards he whisked her from under their noses to the car which was waiting.
Enid, having monopolised what conversation there had been on the way from Brisbane, asked Chase to stay with them. The house was large they had enough spare rooms. Alex was glad, however, when he refused. He was grateful, but he had his own flat and could work better from there.
Catching the relief in Alex's eyes, his own hardened. As she looked at him, Alex felt at an immediate disadvantage, suddenly realising she was dealing with a man who had had his own way most of his life and who certainly wouldn't change. If she proved a challenge, it wouldn't be one that amounted to much, one way or another!
Her parents faded from the hall, leaving them to say their farewells in private, Chase having also refused a drink. There was a dangerous, bitter light in his face as he stared at her. 'Any other girl but you might have been willing to spend a couple of hours at my flat. It's not that late, but I won't even ask you. I'll give you a ring in the morning.'
'If you like,' she said woodenly, keeping everything under control.
Again, as at the airport, he muttered something less than complimentary under his breath, his breathing harsh. 'I do like, and you'd better,' he snapped out tersely. 'We have to make plans, remember?'
'You mustn't let me take all your spare time,' she said jerkily, driven to provoke.
'Who else do you suggest I give it to?'
'I'm sure there are others more deserving.'
Chase's eyes glinted dangerously as he bent suddenly to find her rosy mouth. Without much pressure he rested his lips on hers, as though inviting her to take the initiative. When, with a small gasp, Alex drew back, he smiled thinly. I know other women with much more warmth. I might just give one of them a ring.'
'Do that!' she whispered defiantly, refusing to look at him as, with an exasperated sigh, he left her.
Anna, the old family retainer who had followed Enid from England, was waiting to welcome Alex home. 'A proper fright we had!' she shook her grey head. 'But I
did say you'd be safe enough with Mr Marshall. A good man you have there, child.'
Alex kissed her, more warmly than she had done Chase, and escaped upstairs, wondering at how easily he seemed to impress people. Unhappily she wished he didn't impress people at all, as it was going to make everything very difficult indeed, once their engagement was broken. She was the one everyone would feel sorry for, for losing such a wonderful man! The thing was, now that their engagement might be ended, she didn't know how to go about it. Or was it, a small voice whispered inside her, that she no longer had any real desire to leave Chase, no matter what he did? Which was nonsense, of course, she rebuked herself firmly, and the sooner she was away from him the better!
He rang next morning, almost before she was awake. Anna called her to the telephone. 'Mr Marshall!' she mouthed at Alex's sleepy face.
'I'm sorry to be so early,' he said crisply, 'but you must have been expecting me.'
'Not quite as early as this,' she mumbled.
'I want to make arrangements for lunch. Before some of your old boyfriends discover you're back and begin ringing you up.'
'I hardly think so, under the circumstances,' she replied coolly. It wasn't something she had thought of and his tone of voice made her uneasy.
Chase named an exclusive restaurant. 'I'll meet you there at one. If you feel up to it?'
'I'm feeling fine, thank you.' Then, irrationally hurt by his continuing coldness, she said, 'Do you think we should bother?'
'One sharp,' he dismissed her suggestion out of hand, impatiently.
Because her longing to see him was greater than her pride, she agreed. 'I'll be there,' she promised, with a quivering sigh.
He must have heard, for he asked tersely, 'What are you going to do with yourself this morning, Alex?'
He sounded as if it mattered to him. Of course he wouldn't want his fiancée doing anything he didn't approve of. He had a position to keep up! Alex was thinking of planning her escape to Melbourne, but decided not to tell him. Instead she said, very casually, 'Probably nothing much. And you?'
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