by Jenny Lane
Richard waved his hand in front of her eyes. ‘Hey, come back! You’re miles away again... in America, thinking of Oliver, I bet.’
‘No,’ Tamara said, ‘as a matter of fact you’re quite wrong. That moment, I was thinking of an ex-boyfriend of mine and wondering what he’s doing nowadays – not that I particularly care.’
She realised that it did not hurt to talk about Ian any more. The night was warm, the stars were beginning to appear and Tamara had suddenly found a purpose in life again. She felt happier than she had for months. A sudden madness gripped her and she wanted to fling her arms round Richard’s neck to tell him that at last she was released from the millstone that had been weighing her down, trying to drown her in her own sorrow, and that she was free to love again.
He smiled at her and then, breaking her reverie, said, ‘Well, Cassie, I suppose we ought to be hitting the road if we’re ever going to get home tonight.’
Tamara was sorry that the day had finally come to an end. She felt that she was just on the brink of forming a new understanding with Richard, but realised the relationship was delicate and could be severed at any moment.
When they arrived back at Rosemullion House, Richard asked her to look on the hall table for any messages whilst he went to get them a nightcap. There was nothing for Tamara, but a note from Miriam to Richard saying that Melissa had phoned, asking him if he would meet her a little later the following day, as she had to wait at the shop while Chris went to the dentist. So that was why Melissa wasn’t coming on the picnic; she was going out with Richard instead. It somehow marred the day for Tamara to realise that Melissa was in such constant contact with Richard.
That night she dreamt that she was standing at Land’s End, deciding which way to go when suddenly Richard appeared with Melissa and walked right past without even noticing her.
*
When Tamara reached the cottage the following morning it was to find the others loading the van. Anne was delighted with Tamara’s gift and took her inside to show her her other presents. In pride of place was a new dress from her father and Melissa’s gift – an exquisitely painted stone depicting Barney. Tamara had to hand it to Melissa; she certainly could paint. It appeared there was no end to her talents.
It was only a short drive to Anne’s picnic spot. They clambered down the well-worn steps to the tiny cove and Tamara gasped her pleasure at the expanse of shell-encrusted silver sand with its backcloth of granite cliffs dotted with trees and the original fishermen’s cottages. The beauty of the Cornish beaches never ceased to amaze her and this was the most idyllic setting for a picnic she thought she had ever seen.
Tom, Anne and Tamara went for a swim before lunch. The sea was surprisingly cold. Anne proved a strong swimmer for her age and struck out for an outcrop of rocks while Tom stayed nearer the shore with Tamara.
‘You look absolutely stunning in that swimsuit, Tamara, and your hair’s so pretty when you wear it loose like that... I wish we could be alone this afternoon – just the two of us.’
‘Tom, don’t be so mean. It is Anne’s birthday... You know, I think it’s just as well we’ve got your mother for a chaperon, because I’m not sure I trust you, my lad.’
His eyes twinkled wickedly. ‘I’m a proper Casanova, given half a chance. You’re very attractive, Tamara, and you’ve got fabulous legs.’
She felt herself colour. ‘Tom, will you please stop calling me, “Tamara”, and keep your personal remarks to yourself, or I’ll regret coming.’
He looked suitably chastened and she smiled. ‘It’s just that we must be careful, or people will start getting suspicious.’
Anne suddenly appeared beside them. ‘I’m ravenous – let’s go and get some food.’
The lunch was superb, and when they had all declared they couldn’t eat another mouthful, Mrs Courtney brewed tea on the spirit stove. Later Tamara helped her to pack away while Tom and Anne drew pictures in the sand.
‘Oh do look, Aunty Cassie, Daddy’s drawn a picture of you.’
‘Well, I must say it’s a good resemblance,’ commented Mrs Courtney. ‘What a pity it has to be washed away by the tide.’
‘I’ve got an idea – perhaps I can paint your portrait, Cassie. You could give it to Oliver.’
Tamara smiled. ‘Why, Tom, that’s very generous of you. How exciting! I’ve never had my portrait painted before.’
‘You’re honoured,’ said Mrs Courtney. ‘He usually sticks to landscapes or seascapes.’ And Tamara felt she did not altogether approve.
Presently Tom suggested a walk along the clifftop. Mrs Courtney declined, saying she preferred to do her knitting. Anne and Barney bounded on ahead, and it was not long before Tom and Tamara found themselves alone on a sudden bend of the cliff-path, hidden from view by a patch of brambles. The sea stretched far below, as smooth as a sheet of shot silk.
‘So Tamara Simpson, I’ve got you to myself at last,’ and he pressed her into his arms and kissed her gently. She was touched by his tenderness, but he did not evoke any emotions within her as Ian had done, nor did he arouse the kind of feelings she experienced when Richard took her hand. She told herself that that was because any contact with Richard always came as a shock of surprise, for it was so unexpected. At last he pulled away, but kept his arm lightly encircling her waist as they continued along the path.
‘You do realise, don’t you, that now that I’m going to paint your portrait I’ve created the perfect excuse for us to be alone.’
‘Just so long as it is only my portrait you’re thinking of, Tom Courtney... I’m not going to pose in any other way, even in the interests of art.’
Tom pretended to look hurt. ‘As if such a thought would cross my mind. Mind you, I think you’re a spoil-sport! I’ll let you into a secret... Mel did once... a semi-nude pose. She has the most beautiful body.’
‘Well, don’t go getting any ideas where I’m concerned,’ she said laughingly. She wondered what Richard would have to say about Melissa posing for a life drawing, but perhaps he already knew. She thought of the contrast between Melissa – seductive and beautiful and herself, plain and, she had to admit it, a little old-fashioned.
‘Your hair is almost Titian with the sun striking it,’ said Tom.
‘A pure figment of your imagination,’ she replied lightly. ‘You should see Cassie – hers is – and, I dare say, she wouldn’t be such a prude as to refuse to pose for you in dishabillé.’
‘It’s about time you stopped belittling yourself, Tamara Simpson, and accepted compliments graciously.’ He kissed the upturned tip of her nose. ‘Did you know you had a sprinkling of golden freckles on the bridge of your nose and brown flecks in your eyes? You’re quite a girl, Cassie’s sister.’
The thought of a holiday romance was not unpleasant, because she knew there need be no involvement on either side, for Tom was far too engrossed with Melissa, so she decided to let herself enjoy his company as long as he did not become too demanding. She did not find his attentions displeasing, but knew she could never care for him as she had for Ian. He ran his fingers along her bare arm, but she felt nothing at all. Suddenly the sky clouded over and she shivered.
‘I’d like to get my cardigan. It’s turned a bit chilly.’
‘Yes, we’d better get back. They said the weather would break and we don’t want to get caught in a storm.’ Barney came back to find them, tongue lolling out, and Anne shouted from somewhere ahead, ‘Dad, Aunt Cassie – see what I’ve found!’ They caught up with her. She was holding an oval white pebble. ‘I shall use this for my first attempt at pebble painting... Hasn’t it been a super day! I’m so glad you came, Aunt Cassie.’
‘All along here were smugglers’ haunts,’ Tom told Tamara, as they retraced their steps.
‘And shipwrecks,’ Anne said, a faraway look in her eyes.
Tom took his daughter’s arm. ‘No, Annie, not here – this bay is quite safe.’
Anne smiled and remarked in a matter-of-fact tone, ‘The bay near Tr
egarth isn’t safe, though, Aunt Cassie, that’s why we never go there anymore. When I was younger Daddy and Mummy, Peter and myself often used to go there.’
‘Anne!’ There was a note of pleading in Tom’s voice. ‘Look, there’s Granny waving...’
‘Mummy and Peter were drowned near Tregarth Bay. That’s why we don’t go there anymore,’ and, breaking away from her father, she raced on ahead.
‘I’m sorry, Tom,’ Tamara squeezed his arm. He didn’t answer for a moment and then he said. ‘Life has to go on, Tamara. Every moment someone dies and somewhere else a baby is born. Thank you for coming today – you’re good for Anne and me.’
‘Will she be all right?’
‘Anne? Mmm she’s quite resilient – tough as old boots in fact. The tragedy made a lasting impression on her, but she talks about it quite openly now, as you heard. In the beginning there were nightmares, but now she’s okay... Come on, it’s starting to rain!’ He caught her hand as the large drops splattered down, and they ran to the beach, where Mrs Courtney and Anne were frantically gathering the picnic things together hindered by Barney.
Later, back at the cottage, Tamara helped Tom wash up the tea things while Mrs Courtney rested. Tom’s bantering caused much merriment. He was wearing his mother’s frilly pinafore and flicked some soap suds at Tamara. Ducking, they landed on an unsuspecting Barney, who had come to find out what was going on. Anne’s shrieks of mirth brought Mrs Courtney to the kitchen door. It was such a domesticated scene that for a moment Tamara felt a sudden pang. She caught sight of the clock.
‘Gracious, is that the time! I’m afraid I’ll have to be going now.’ She hung up the teacloth and went to get her coat.
‘Oh, don’t go yet, Aunty Cassie. I want to play you my new album.’
‘I’d love to hear it Anne, but I really must get back now or Mrs Cassell-Boyd will be wondering what’s happened to me. I’ve had an absolutely marvellous day.’
There was a sudden knock at the front door and when Mrs Courtney opened it, Richard was standing there.
‘Hello, Mrs Courtney, I’ve been at the hospital all afternoon and thought I’d just call in for a few minutes to see Anne before I...’ He trailed off as he caught sight of Tamara. ‘Why, Cassie, I didn’t realise you were here.’
Tamara muttered something to the effect that she was just leaving, and Tom covered the moment of awkwardness with the offer of a drink to celebrate Anne’s birthday.
‘And how is the birthday girl?’ Richard asked, as she gave him a bear hug.
‘Oh, I’m fine Uncle Dick. We’ve had such a lovely day. We’ve been to Pengorren Cove for a picnic.’ And she told him all about it. Tamara sensed his disapproval as he learnt she had joined in the outing, but he made no comment. His gift, a handcarved soapstone elephant, delighted Anne, who flung her arms round his neck and kissed him. He laughed and she squatted on the pouffe beside him as he told them about his new job. After about ten minutes, however, he rose to his feet.
‘Come along, Cassie. We’ll have to be making tracks if you want a lift with me, I’ve promised to pick Melissa up at 8.30.’
Tamara caught sight of Tom’s expression, and wondered why Richard had been so tactless. Didn’t he know the pain he was causing?
‘I was just about to run Cassie back when you arrived, Richard,’ Tom said. Richard had his hand on the door latch.
‘Well, then I’m glad I did. I’ve saved you turning out. It’s raining cats and dogs... Goodnight, everyone,’ and he abruptly left the cottage.
FIVE
Tamara said her farewells and followed Richard out to the car, feeling a bit like a naughty schoolgirl caught in the act of doing something wrong. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but he had effectively managed to subdue her spirits. They drove in silence for a few minutes and then he said, ‘You know you really would have done better to have stayed away from the Courtneys. It was a bit tactless of Tom to invite you on the picnic.’
Tamara felt her colour heightening. ‘I don’t see why. I was fully chaperoned, if that’s what’s worrying you... Mrs Courtney or Anne were with us all day.’
Except, she remembered, for those few moments on the clifftop.
‘Oh, don’t be so ridiculous, you know very well that isn’t what I meant,’ he said angrily. Tamara remembered that Miriam had warned her against becoming too friendly with the Courtneys. She was more convinced than ever that Oliver had been involved in some way with the accident in Tregarth Bay and was suddenly determined to know the truth.
‘Richard, I think you had better explain. I know that Tom’s wife and son were drowned in a boating accident, but there is more to it than that, isn’t there? Was Oliver involved in some way?’
‘Perhaps we’d better leave it at that,’ Richard said, tight-lipped.
‘No, Richard, I want to know. It isn’t fair to leave it there.’ She repeated the gossip she had overheard at the fête. Suddenly, he seemed to make up his mind.
‘All right, Cassie, I suppose you ought to know the truth of the matter. You’re bound to find out sooner or later anyway, although I would have expected Oliver to have put you in the picture.’
‘Well, he hasn’t, so, come on, let’s get it over with.’ She braced herself for what she was about to hear.
‘There were four people on board the boat that afternoon – Judith, and young Peter, Melissa and Oliver. It was a mad, fool thing to have taken it out. Oliver was inexperienced and he was the only one who could man her at all. If only he had listened to the weather forecasts he would have realised the error he was making, but, forgive me, he always has been pigheaded... Oliver had bought the boat cheaply and was doing it up in his spare time. It was the first and last time he took it out... It smashed against some rocks and only Mel and Oliver returned.’ His voice was flat and unemotional as if he were reciting a news bulletin, but Tamara saw how tense he had become.
‘I don’t understand,’ she said stupidly. ‘Why did Tom’s wife and son go?’
‘Just a joy-ride – Judith was Melissa’s cousin. Oliver and Mel were going out together at that time. Mel must have mentioned the boat to Judith, who thought the whole idea great fun. They went out in the late afternoon while Tom and Anne were in Truro... I think Judith must have gone on the spur of the moment. She was like that – impetuous – Tom would never have consented to them going, because he would have realised that the boat wasn’t sufficiently seaworthy... Cassie, I’m sorry, Oliver ought to have told you himself.’
Tamara nodded wearily. She suddenly understood so many things that she hadn’t before. ‘And I suppose Oliver was blamed for the accident... But he surely couldn’t be held responsible for the elements?’
Richard slowed down to enter the drive. ‘No, but quite apart from the fact that he should have had more sense than to have taken the boat out in the first place, he should have let someone who was more experienced overhaul her. You seem to be the sort of person who likes to know the facts.’
She nodded. ‘Yes... and Melissa?’
‘She was severely shocked and at first she turned away from Oliver, but during the inquest and all the ensuing publicity she stuck by his side and praised him for all he had tried to do to rescue them... and, after all, he did save Mel’s life, because she isn’t a strong swimmer.’
Did he have to choose whom he rescued when the boat capsized, Tamara found herself wondering, and a shiver ran down her spine. ‘And was the accident the cause of the quarrel between you and Oliver? Miriam told me,’ she added as she saw his startled expression.
‘Not directly, Cassie, but I later discovered that he had bought the boat with money I had lent him in all good faith to buy science equipment. He knew that I would have disapproved because of the condition the craft was in, and it was this deceit that I found so hard to forgive. I felt bitter that it was my money that had purchased that boat and we had some rather harsh words over it... You obviously prefer plain speaking?’
She swallowed. ‘Yes, and so
was that when Oliver went to London?’
‘No, he was already there, doing his training, so it wasn’t difficult for him to stay permanently. He broke off with Melissa shortly afterwards. I don’t think he could bear to be reminded of the ordeal he had gone through, but I’m afraid that is something he will have to live with for the rest of his life.’ Richard brought the car to a halt in front of Rosemullion House. ‘And so now you know why it isn’t a good idea for Oliver’s wife to befriend the Courtneys. It would be like rubbing salt into raw wounds.’
There was silence broken only by the rain beating a steady tattoo on the roof, as Tamara assimilated all that he had told her. Her mind was full of questions. Did Cassie really know about the accident and was that why she hadn’t been keen to come to Cornwall? Had Richard originally befriended Melissa because of the traumatic experience she had suffered at the hands of his brother, and was it only over the space of time that the relationship had blossomed into something deeper?
At last she said, ‘Richard, thank you for telling me. I hope that Oliver will be able to bring himself to talk about it some time... While I am deeply sorry about the accident, it happened some time before I met Oliver and so it doesn’t really affect me, does it? I still see no reason on earth why I shouldn’t visit the Courtneys. If Tom wants to extend the hand of friendship, then it would surely be wrong to reject it, and Anne has accepted me.’
Richard looked stern. ‘I thought you might understand, but it’s obvious you don’t. In any case, what’s the point of becoming too involved with them when you’re only here for such a short time? I just can’t fathom you out at all sometimes, Cassie!’