CHAPTER SIX

The morning began as it meant to go on—disastrously. Mrs McConnell's party was due in at eleven and Philippa in her capacity as close family friend piloted herself across from Summerfield with a whole cabin load of flowers she proceeded to arrange energetically a scant fifteen minutes after she arrived at the homestead. Obviously she was largely taken with her own capabilities and even began quizzing Ellen on the menus for lunch and dinner, suggesting changes. This was extremely ticklish, as anyone could have told her, but Philippa was totally unmoved by considerations other than her own.

Jo had made several attempts to keep out of her way, but finally she had to go downstairs. There she found the normally unflappable Ellen staring sightlessly at a painting, flushed and upset and a good ten years older. When she caught sight of Jo she wheeled around in relief, got a good grip on Jo's arm and pulled her into the walk-in pantry, where she shut the door and hissed her grievances.

'What's she doing here? '

Jo didn't quite pat her, but she looked as if she wanted to. 'Arranging the flowers. I have to say they look delightful. '

'Yes, all nice and neat around the edges. I like your arrangements, and I nearly opened my big mouth and said so. I just wish she'd keep out of my kitchen. I've been trying hard to keep my temper, but I tell you it's hard. Chicken doesn't suit her for lunch. '

'Really? ' said Jo. 'She's too demanding for comfort. '

'Ah well, ' Ellen moved a few jars and spoilt the whole effect, 'I'm not taking any notice. Mrs McConnell never had any complaints. I'm glad you're down, Jo. You'll be fully occupied coping with her. I can't! '

'Don't let her worry you, Ellen. '

'I have to! ' Ellen's flush was betraying her blood pressure. 'She might be the next Mrs McConnell. '

Jo was shocked by the fiery lick of resentment she felt towards Philippa's aspirations. 'Do you think she has a chance? ' she asked.

'She's got some hold on him! ' Ellen said darkly. 'Otherwise, why should she be over here doing the flowers? '

'Why indeed! ' Jo echoed, feeling nervy and unresolved herself.

'Sweet as bush honey with Marsh! ' Ellen went on, her face wrinkled with worry. 'You've seen her. She only shows her other side to the ones she doesn't think count. I can't pretend she doesn't upset me, but at least she could have the decency to allow me to get on with my work. '

'Can I help? ' Jo offered.

'Thanks, Jo, but I'll manage. I always have done. ' Ellen reached out humorously and patted Jo's arm. 'Just keep Miss Philippa Morley out of my way. '

'That might be a problem! ' Jo said sincerely. 'I think she considers herself engaged to be married. '

'Well, I damned well won't dance at the wedding! ' Ellen said resolutely, then suddenly laughed. 'There, now I feel much better! '

No sooner were the words out of her mouth like a blunder than there was the sound of breaking glass, a sad little wail abruptly cut off, then Philippa's voice giving vent to her feelings. She seemed to be an old hand at it, sufficient to send Jo and Ellen hurrying into the dining room to stem the tide of abuse. There they found Nara standing in an attitude of utter disgrace, beaten down by the tirade of sharp, hounding words, too spent with guilt to attempt an excuse. At her feet were the scattered remnants of what had once been a green Mary Gregory vase and a half dozen or~ more showy white lilies with blooms at least nine inches across.

Philippa looked up as though she thought they had arrived to support her. 'Just look what she's done! ' she snapped, tapping her long glossy fingernails on the polished credenza.

Ellen brooded on the spectacle, her flush mounting alarmingly, and Jo, ever managing, decided to intervene. 'Go get a pan and brush, Nara. All we can do is clean it up. '

Philippa made a sharp gesture to recall the young lubra. 'You do realise the vase was quite valuable? '

'Right down to the dollar! ' Jo answered wryly, something of an authority. 'These things happen. '

That wasn't good enough for Philippa, her triangular face was a mask of hostility. 'She had no business touching anything. They never understand anything. They're children in their simplicity. They simply don't know how to take care of things. '

'I was only looking at the flowers! ' Nara offered, frightened and stammering. 'You came up behind me and frightened me so. Them lilies are poisonous! '

'Are they? ' Ellen's eyebrows shot up and it was apparent she accepted it.

'Yessum. I'm sorry! '

Philippa gave a contemptuous little laugh. 'Well, really, we're not going to eat them! '

Jo took a few steps forward and put her hand on Nara's arm. 'Do as I tell you, Nara. We'll have to clean up here before Mrs McConnell arrives! '

'I can't see how you let her flounder around the house at all! ' Philippa continued compulsively, obviously not through. 'There are so many things of value! '

Ellen's skin was beginning to look as if she had fallen into a furnace. 'Look here, Miss Morley, ' she said, tightly exercising control, 'you seem to have a set on young Nara! '

Jo opened the door and pushed Nara out as she didn't seem able to go. 'It was very bad of me! ' the young lubra wailed.

Jo shook her head and turned back to see Philippa staring at Ellen with cold eyes. 'That's simply not true, Ellen! ' she said with quiet reason. 'I'm merely pointing out a few facts. The girl is careless. Look what she's done here. It's important to make a fuss before more things are broken. I'm just deciding whether to tell Mrs McConnell or not the minute she arrives. '

Ellen stood helpless for a moment, then her own position made itself manifest. 'Haven't you forgotten I'm the housekeeper here? '

'On the contrary, ' said Philippa smoothly, not in the least disturbed, 'I know your position exactly, and there's always the possibility that it might change! '

Ellen's pleasant, lined face looked oddly stricken and Jo came to stand protectively beside her. 'Ellen, you're very busy. Why don't you let me clean up here? '

'Yes. ' Ellen drew a deep breath, trying to calm herself. Philippa Morley, though she had invited herself, was still to be treated as a guest in the house. She got hold of herself and walked to the door just as Nara was returning. She took the dustpan out of her hand, passed it to Jo and dismissed the lubra with a nod of encouragement. Nara's narrow shoulders were heaving with repressed sobs.

The door closed and Philippa gazed down at the broken glass with absolute disapproval, kicking a piece towards Jo. 'Sometimes I wish Ellen would hurry up and retire. They get so troublesome at her age—ready to take offence at the least little thing! '

Jo moved forward on her knees, busy sweeping up jagged pieces. 'But she copes beautifully. Surely you wouldn't deprive her of a job? '

'We-ll, ' Philippa considered. 'Someone younger and more used to handling staff would do better. '

Jo gripped the edge of the table for support. 'Are you serious? ' She felt suddenly outraged, and she had a quick temper. 'You speak as though Ellen was a robot about to wear out. She gives her very best. She's a superb cook and all the house staff behave very nicely, yet you talk of dismissing her. I can't decide whether you're a busy-body or a heartless little snob. And while I'm at it kindly remember Nara is a human being, not a puppet that has to go your way. It's important to treat her people with dignity! '

Philippa spun around, looking absolutely affronted. 'Who the hell do you think you're talking to? ' she demanded. 'How dare you talk to me like that? I've never heard such arrogance—and from an employee! I don't know how you were ever admitted to this house at all! '

'For a good reason—to take care of the children! '

Philippa's small face was burning with fury and a fever of jealousy. 'Don't think I accept that! I've learned a lot about you since you arrived. '

'What else is new? ' shrugged Jo.

'Quite the comedienne, aren't you? Well, let me tell you... ' She went to say more, but the sound of footsteps on the marble floor stopped her. Marsh had come down the stairway, heard the voices and walked through to the doorway, his eyes leaping over their faces and the reflection of tension in their bodies. 'What in the world is going on? ' he asked mildly.

'Oh, Marsh! ' Philippa clutched the credenza for a moment, then flew to him like a piteous kitten, her rosebud mouth quivering.

He slipped an arm around her automatically and held her. 'What is it? '

She gave a little choked sob, murmured something incoherent, and Marsh looked across at Jo. 'What's upset her? '

'Ah! ' said Jo.

'A vase was broken! ' Philippa answered, unutterably saddened.

^!Is that all? '

'It was a valuable vase, Marsh. One of the Mary Gregorys. '

Marsh stared down at Philippa's auburn curls in blank amazement. He looked very tall and lean with Philippa clinging to his hard body, very dashing in a blue body shirt and beautifully tailored slacks in honour of his mother's arrival. 'My God, Phil, we can afford another! '

Philippa brought her head up appealingly and even Jo had to admit she did it supremely well. 'It wasn't only that, Marsh. Jo here seems to have taken a violent dislike to me. She called me a busy-body when I'm only trying to help! '

Jo swallowed at his expression and shook her head slightly. 'Not enough people have the courage of their convictions! ' she declared bravely.

'And you do? ' he asked dryly.

'You can't scare me, Marsh! ' she said, 'and I'm not going to leave! '

'You could plan an apology! ' Philippa suggested.

'You'll be. waiting a long time. Now if you'll excuse me I'll just get rid of the broken glass. I won't be coming down to the airstrip. The children and I will stay here. '

'Suit yourself! ' Marsh said shortly, his black eyes flashing so that he didn't look unlike Omar Sharif.

Philippa came out of her frightened child pose to look up brightly. 'I believe I've only Julie's bedroom to finish, then I'll join you, Marsh. '

'It was very thoughtful of you to go to so much trouble! ' He found it necessary to make up for Jo's shortcomings and Philippa sparkled up at him, very chic this morning in a brief sundress with a bold jungle print and minus the matching jacket. She shot a triumphant look at Jo and danced out of the room.

Marsh bent down and picked up a stray sliver of glass. 'You pick a fine time to insult a family friend! '

'You bet! ' retorted Jo. 'Listen, I'm not going to permit you to chat me up. Put me on bread and water if you like. '

'I think you deserve it. '

'I didn't expect you to listen to my side. Anyway... ' She broke off as Jenny surged into the room, not her usual charming and courteous little self.

'Paddy here? ' she demanded abruptly.

'No, ' said Jo.

'That's odd! '

'When did you last see him? ' Jo asked.

'A long while ago. He could easily have sneaked out of the house. I've been trying to comfort Nara. She's crying. '

'Forget about Nara for a moment! ' said Jo, instantly caught, up by panic. 'What about Paddy? '

'I think he was going to pick you some flowers. Philippa didn't bother about your room and he thought it sort of shabby! '

'I'd better find him. '

Without another word to anybody Jo suddenly flew out the french door on to the veranda calling: 'Paddy... Paddy! ' waiting for the answer that never came.

Marsh was hard at her shoulder and she looked around quickly, her green eyes huge and anxious. 'You don't think he'd go down to lie lake? '

Marsh took the stairs at a leap, clapping his hands so at least five boys working close to the house came to attention. 'Young Paddy! ' he shouted. 'Find him. He's gone walkabout! '

Jo's vivid face was transformed. She found herself unable to speak. Paddy was her responsibility. She should have been watching him instead of indulging in a few stupid heated words with the likes of Philippa Morley, a spoiled rotten little heiress. 'He knows I like the blue lotus... ' her face worked. 'Surely you don't think—? '

'Let's see! ' He took hold of her hand and together they ran down the velvet slope of the lawn, long-legged Jo flashing beside him with fear as a spur. The peacock sky was cloudless above them. Flowers glowed in the sun. Nothing bad could happen on a day like this. All she could see was the water. Water... water... water. She felt ill. There was no sign of Paddy, and now the beautiful ornamental lake looked sinister its surface covered with the most exquisite quilt of lilies, ivory, pink and the heavenly lotus blue. It wasn't deep, but all water was dangerous to children. Paddy knew perfectly well that the lake was off limits unless accompanied, and he was usually so obedient.

No one ran from the house to tell them Paddy had been found and she came to a halt shaking with nerves, all her bright colour gone. 'I'm so frightened. Where could he be? '

Marsh didn't answer. She was conveying her feelings perfectly. He walked away calling Paddy's name while Jo dropped her head in her hands, knowing she was panicking but unable to check it. How could she ever face Anne and Dave again if anything happened to Paddy? He was unable to keep out of trouble. Every day invited fresh misadventures. She turned around and stared back over the gardens. Two boys were coming down on them now, their thin brown legs hurrying. There was some movement in one of the low bushes and she ran back up the slope.

'Paddy, is that you? '

After a minute a plaintive, faintly distorted little voice returned: 'Is that you, Aunty Jo? A bee stung me. '

'Oh, Paddy! ' Relief surged through her like a shot of adrenalin. She raced around the beds crying: 'Didn't you hear us calling you? '

She found him sitting on the ground almost hidden from sight, his dear, chubby face streaked with tears, tender little mouth puffy and swollen grotesquely where a bee had stung him. 'Oh, Paddy! ' She dropped to her knees hugging him emotionally. 'You've had us so worried! '

'I was trying to pick you some flowers, and a bee was waiting! ' he wailed.

'And they're lovely! ' Jo looked about at the colourful array already wilting in the sun. They were picked at all lengths of the stalk and some had no stalks at all.

'I forgot to tell you where I was going. I know you told me and Jenny wouldn't come. Nara's crying! '

'I'll have to tell Uncle Marsh! ' She went to stand up, but Marsh was right behind her, his voice suggesting his relief.

'It's all right, I'm here. Well, young Paddy, you gave us all a splendid old turn. I feel at least ninety years old. Suppose we get you up to the house? I've got just the right antihistamine cream for that sting. When you're a little older we'll start you on a survival course! '

'Pick up the flowers, Aunty Jo! ' Paddy mumbled.

'Yes, I will. They're lovely. '

Jo was trembling violently and Marsh put his hand on her shoulder to calm her, then he bent down and put his arms round Paddy, hoisting him on to his shoulder. 'Aren't you supposed to tell Aunty Jo where you're going? '

'Usually I do, ' said Paddy quite truthfully. 'Gee, it's great up here. How tall are you, Uncle Marsh? '

'Six two. Just under two hundred pounds. '

'Gosh! ' said Paddy as though he always suspected Uncle Marsh was Superman in disguise.

'That will give you something to work for. No more running off for you, young feller! '

'No, sir! '

'Jo, you can stop worrying, ' Marsh turned to her. 'It's all over. '

'I did panic! ' she said wryly.

'I know what you mean. You'd better get married and have kids of your own. '

'Will you marry me? ' she asked flippantly, miraculously restored to lightness.

'What, and sacrifice my life for one moment of infatuation? Besides, I thought your feelings were engaged? '

'I set myself up for that one, didn't I? '

'You did! ' His black eyes mocked her. 'Tell me, how do you feel on this momentous morning? '

'Nervy, ' she confessed.

'Try to remember I'm not as tolerant as I look. '

'I'll be good! ' she promised. 'We'd better hurry—I have to clean Paddy up before they arrive and he wants some cream on that poor little mouth. '

Marsh looked up at Paddy clutching him with both hands under his chin, told him to hold on, then dipped into his shirt pocket to fish something out and drop it gently over Jo's head. Both Paddy and Jo looked down with interest at a string of beautifully cut beryls of various colours and the naturally occurring tektite found on the plains of central Australia. The stones Jo could see glowed rose and pink and citrine and green and two shades of blue, linked together by a heavy gold chain. It was beautiful and very unusual.

'Wear it! ' he said lightly, judging the effect of the stones against her bare skin. 'It's guaranteed to protect you from anything! '

'Will it kill bees? ' Paddy's blue eyes flickered.

'Mosquitoes too, ' said Marsh, his eyes meeting Jo's. 'It's a very powerful charm! '

She fingered the glittering strand. 'I don't mind humouring you in the least. We've been through a lot together. '

'Yes, sir! Sometimes a man can live a lifetime in a few days! '

Paddy rocked and swayed and Marsh threw his arms up and kept them there. 'Gee, you look pretty, Aunt Jo! ' Paddy mouthed with some difficulty, absolutely delighted for her and fascinated with the glittering stones' potential.

'Yes, I think I'll change my clothes! ' she said, her eyes glowing. 'I look more feminine in a skirt, and I have just the right outfit in mind. '

'Great! ' Marsh cast up his eyes. 'That's your speciality, knocking us dead! '

'All right, so I didn't thank you! '

'Later will do! ' he said, looking straight ahead, and she had the shivery notion that he could indeed cast a few spells.

They didn't come together properly until dinner time. Julie got off the plane looking frail and sickly and quickly sought the refuge of her room. Mrs McConnell, blooming like few women in their fifties did, tried to make up for it by being especially charming, and she had bought delightful presents for everyone including Jo, but the only alive thing about Blair was his eyes. The Outback might be doing wonders for Jo, but Blair looked like a fish out of water, slighter, whiter than Jo remembered, and she had remarked the way he quickly withdrew himself from the children's enthusiastic greeting, his face lifted towards Jo as though searching her heart and her soul. Blair never had enjoyed children. She was stuck with the thought and a far worse one.

In only a few short weeks a terrible thing had happened. She no longer loved him. It alarmed her, for it seemed to call attention to some monstrous emotional instability on her part. What was love anyway that it should blow hot and cold on the wind? The sight of him still moved her, the memory of what they had once been to each other, but she had distinctly changed. It almost seemed more appropriate to be sick with jealousy than feel she didn't really know her own mind. All these long years she had accepted that she loved him. She had limited herself and kept herself fine and pure, and now she was perfectly capable of greeting him with the same sort of feeling one reserved for a brother. And the black sheep of the family at that. It didn't make sense, and if it didn't make sense to Jo, it certainly didn't make sense to Blair, who had missed her unbearably both in and out of the shop. He would stop at nothing to tell her.

For dinner Jo got into the best outfit she had brought with her, a green transparent caftan over a strapless figure-hugging jersey sheath. She had put it in for the only reason that Anne had told her Marsh did a lot of entertaining from time to time, and what better time than now? Scattered lightly over the wispy chiffon were pairs of flowers in almost the same colours as her gem-stone charm necklace, with the flowers bigger and bolder round the ankle-length hem. She had wound her long hair around heated rollers to give it more curl and she wore long gold pendant earrings that were actually Victorian, though she looked a very modern siren indeed.

Paddy was already tucked up asleep by the time she was ready to go downstairs and Jenny had had a lovely time watching her and was going to read in Jo's room for perhaps half an hour longer. 'Well, how do I look? ' Jo turned around, one hand on her hip and the other languidly extended like a mannequin.

'Terrific! ' Jenny studied her from the tip of her raven head to her gold-sandalled feet. 'Do you plan to marry Uncle Marsh? '

'Why do you ask? ' Jo stopped whirling to put the question. It came out almost tremulous.

Jenny whistled, bright-eyed and breezy. 'I'm only fooling! '

'To begin with, ' Jo said soberly, 'he's been spoken for! '

Jenny smiled at her, a very knowing, confidential smile as though she had a secret. 'I know more about Uncle Marsh than you do. If he asks you why don't you accept him? '

'Jenny dear, you're not thinking straight! '

'You look beautiful in that dress! ' Jenny persisted. 'A knock-out drop. What's wrong with Julie? '

'Perhaps she's excited. '

'I thought only babies like Paddy got sick with excitement. '

'There are different stages, ' Jo assured her. 'Now listen, you're going to turn the light off in another half an hour? '

'Promise! '

'What is it, anyway? '

'Oh, an adventure story. ' Jenny held up her book by its cover.

'Secret of the Cellar? It sounds more like a ghost story, ' Jo commented.

'No, it's one of a series. Just kid stuff. You can't take them seriously. '

Jo bent down to kiss the silky temple, clean and fresh-smelling from the bath. 'God bless. Call me if you need me. '

'It's all right! ' Jenny looked up and smiled. 'Daddy always says the only time Paddy's safe is when he's tucked up in bed. '

'I hope his poor lip is down by the morning. '

Jenny was studying Jo's. sumptuous swing of hair. 'He's had plenty of bee stings! ' she said offhandedly. 'Do you think my hair needs cutting like yours? '

'Oh, I wouldn't! ' Jo murmured persuasively. 'Plaits are always very nice for school. One has to keep tidy. '

'Yes, I suppose so! ' Jenny agreed sensibly, 'though nothing would surprise Miss Hathaway. She's seen everything! '

'I've a strange feeling I've been here before myself! ' Jo walked to the door like a professional model, then turned around and smiled. 'Be good! '

'I have to! ' said Jenny.

Evening found Julie a little improved, though she still looked far from well. Jo was as solicitous as everyone else and this seemed to surprise Julie, who kept casting her suspicious little glances from under her lashes. Whatever she was thinking it wasn't Beautiful Thoughts. Her summery flowered chiffon dress with ruffles was blue like her eyes and though it was very pretty and romantic she somehow looked washed out, without her usual sheen of health. To Jo's womanly eye she had undergone some indefinable change; more the neglected little wife than the radiant bride-to-be. It was obvious too that she was feeling extremely emotional, for her eyes glazed over from time to time as though it were possible she might burst into tears. The whole picture took Jo by surprise. She hadn't been expecting it.

Blair, however, had picked up considerably since his arrival. He looked his old self, smooth and elegant, beautifully tailored, attentive, well mannered, the perfect guest. Philippa, like so many other women before her, found him attractive and with her keen nose for intrigue she sensed something unlawful between Jo and Julie's fiancé. Situations were the spice of life to her and it was even possible she could turn this to her own advantage. Instinct warned her to fear Jo.

Ellen hadn't considered changing the menu. It was a tried and true one, suitable for a country house dinner, consisting of a delicious crab Mornay as an appetiser, a superb beef casserole served with fluffy rice, garlic bread and tossed green salad and her own rum cream pie for which she never handed around the recipe. Cheeses followed, the whole served with dry whites and dry reds from the family vineyards in the famous Barossa Valley. When she least expected it, Jo found she was enjoying herself immensely. The surroundings were splendid; they were using the formal dining room; and the food was excellent. She helped herself to liberal portions of everything, blessing the fact that she could at this stage of her life eat anything without her figure suffering disastrous results, while Marsh, looking more striking than ever, poured the wine.

Mrs McConnell, too, was in excellent spirits, fresh from her recent trip to Britain and a compulsive spending spree in Paris. Jo was sure her gown, and it couldn't remotely have been designated a dress, bore a French label. Cybill McConnell was still a very beautiful woman, but the beauty of middle age, not seeking any lost youth. She was tall and generously built but of fine proportions. She wore her luxuriant hair drawn back into a heavy chignon, a style she had never changed because it suited her perfectly. Her features were full but chiselled like a Roman statue and her magnificent dark eyes and her deeply moulded mouth were exactly reproduced in her only son. She looked what she was; a woman of intelligence and humour and breeding, and her love for her son, so natural and demonstrative, was returned in full measure.

Watching them both together, the pleasure they took in each other's company, the complimentary way the one had of picking up where the other left off or pointing up the other's stories, Jo was reminded yet again of the things she had missed in her own life. She had only been a small girl when her mother had deserted her and her father had made no effort to foster either her love or her friendship. He simply had no need of her, and Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Joss had been there to fill the gap. At least Aunt Elizabeth had forgiven her, for Blair had brought with him one of his mother's long rambling letters filled with all the news and asking Jo's advice in certain matters. She would have to reply.

Mrs McConnell, at the end of the table opposite her son, dominated the conversation. She was in fine form and she obviously felt the need to get to know Jo better, because she addressed her constantly, liking Jo's sense of humour which was naturally displayed by Jo's laughing appreciatively at all Mrs McConnell's sallies and accounts of recent experiences at home and abroad. Towards the end of the sweet course, the conversation turned to more serious matters and' Marsh introduced the current uranium controversy with a brief reference to the mineral deposits they had already assured him existed oh Malakai.

Blair retreated. He was not in the least politically minded or a serious, responsible individual, for that matter. Philippa was uninterested, being exclusively self-orientated, and Julie, who had been remarkably silent right through the meal, suddenly pushed back her chair and asked:

'Would you all excuse me? I'd like to take a walk. '

Mrs McConnell busy summoning her arguments looked up in astonishment. 'Right now, dear? '

'Just a little air. I've been feeling off colour all day. '

Both men were standing now, Marsh staring at his cousin rather fixedly, Blair seemingly embarrassed.

'Why, of course, dear! How thoughtless of me! '

'Please, Aunty Cybill—all of you! ' Julie appealed to them. 'Finish your dinner! '

Blair actually looked as if he intended doing just that, and Marsh put his arm around Julie, his black eyes ranging round the flower and candle-decked table. 'Leave this to me! '

He looked so splendidly competent that Blair sat down again and his mother called after him, 'Darling, what about coffee on the veranda? Julie, would you like that, dear? I'll have it brought out. '

'That would be lovely, Aunty! ' Julie said mournfully, her fragile frame almost hidden from view by Marsh's broad shoulders and back.

They went out and Mrs McConnell frowned down at her empty plate. 'Poor little thing. Perhaps it's nerves! '

Blair tried to look suitably worried and Jo could have kicked him. 'She's been doing a lot of running around lately! ' he explained. 'Shopping for her trousseau, that kind of thing. Perhaps I should go to her? '

Jo's green eyes sparkled the answer to that, but he carefully looked away from her for perhaps the first time that evening. She looked like a slender goddess, and she couldn't have worn a more flattering dress. The green transparent chiffon made great play of her beautiful figure, all fluid sinuosity, and something had awoken in her all her old vivacity. He knew damn well he was going to find out. Having had her love and allegiance for so long, he couldn't permit her to get away from him.

Philippa, on Jo's right, didn't know exactly what was going on, but she had a great sense of direction. Her topaz eyes glittered and she stared hard at Blair. Compared to Marsh he wasn't in the least handsome or distinctive and he had no physique to speak of. She stared harder. He was sexy, with those hooded eyes and that faintly crooked smile, and he was interested in... Philippa had a pretty good idea... Jo. If she was right, small wonder Julie hadn't been able to finish her dinner.

Mrs McConnell was still brooding over Julie's nerves and Jo addressed her directly. 'Shall I ask Ellen to serve coffee outside? She's probably loading the trolley to bring it in here. '

Cybill looked up and smiled, and Marsh's resemblance to his mother was unmistakable if only through the eyes and the mobility of the shapely mouth and certain shared gestures. Thank you, Jo, but I'll have a word with her. Dinner was superb and I'd like to tell her so. Ellen is a treasure. It makes me happy to know she's here looking after Marsh. ' She went to rise and Blair moved swiftly to hold her chair. She gave him a less expansive smile than the one she had given Jo, moving out of the room at a regal glide, leaving the mature intoxication of Bulgarian rose and jasmine.

Philippa too began to excuse herself, her tiny smile suggesting that by staying she would be playing gooseberry. 'You don't mind? ' she said archly.

Blair wasn't so sleepy-eyed that he couldn't see the malice behind the smile. He had even been wondering why she was staring so hard. 'We'll join you soon on the veranda. '

Philippa walked to the great cedar double doors that separated the formal dining room from the main drawing room, then turned to look back at them. 'No hurry. You must have lots to catch up on. '

'And why not? ' Blair rejoined smoothly. 'Jo and I grew up together. We've worked together for years. '

'I didn't know! ' said Philippa.

Jo almost burst out laughing at her expression. 'Is it a cause for such disappointment? ' she asked.

'But it's not really that, is it? ' Philippa couldn't resist a little thrust. It was surprising how effective a few stabs in the dark could be. She looked very pretty standing there against the polished doors flanked by bronze figures holding aloft candelabra. Her topaz eyes never left them, taking on the colour of the clinging geranium-coloured dress she wore. If there was going to be any scene it was unnatural for her to want to miss anything.

'Anything wrong? ' Jo asked dryly.

'I'll let you know! ' Philippa waggled her fingers and drifted away like a blossom.

'Is she usually so bitchy? ' Blair asked, turning back to the table.

'She's got a great nose for scandal. '

'Well, she's not on her own there. How are you, Jo? I mean, how are you really? '

'You see me! ' she said lightly. 'I feel fine. '

'You look divine, ' he assured her.

'That's encouraging. ' It was odd for her to start feeling bored, but she did.

'Be serious, Jo! ' he said savagely. 'God, how I've missed you! '

'Your mother tells me you've already found my replacement. '

'What did you expect? I can't handle it all on my own. Olive quit, by the way. You always were her darling. I hope she goes ahead without a reference. Anyway, business is booming. I've had two important briefs in the last week—connections of Julie's. '

'More to the point, what's wrong with her? ' asked Jo.

'How should I know! ' He picked up his wine glass and put it down again. 'One can't ignore wealth, can one? It gives an aura. The furnishings in this room alone would cost a small fortune. The whole place is right up my street, but not in this godforsaken location. It'll be years before I come back again. As for Julie—well, I suppose she's got problems. ' There was a decided hint of sourness about this and Jo said quietly:

'What made you like this? If you can't use your heart try using your head. She is your fiancé e. Presumably she's going to give you the chance to use her money, trusting girl. If I were you I'd make a fuss of her. She looks slightly neglected. '

There was a fine tremor in Blair's slender hand. 'She's not quite as I thought! ' He glanced at her, silently appealing for support. 'In her own way she's even ruthless! '

Jo sat up then, looking unconvinced.

'It would serve you right if she was! But I don't believe it. A little bit of a thing like that! '

'She knows what she wants, and what's more she knows how to get it! ' Blair persisted in a leaden tone.

'And how is she making sure of you? By setting up commissions, ensuring all your dreams of success come true. You are having a hard time of it. In return the very least you can do is follow her out when she feels ill! '

He held up a protesting hand. 'Don't, Jo. The last weeks have been deadly. '

'I'm sorry, I really am. I'm not your enemy, Blair, ' Jo assured him, 'not now or ever. I'll always remember the good times, the way you were all so kind to me. '

It was obvious he was taken aback, even glaring at her. 'How are you making it with McConnell? ' he demanded.

'I beg your pardon! ' She was insulted more on Marsh's behalf than her own.

'You're too much, Jo, do you know that? A very funny girl. You're twenty-five and you still haven't fulfilled yourself as a woman. '

'You mean I never did sleep with you? ' she said, going right to the point.

'Maybe I didn't press it enough! ' His hooded eyes gleamed with triumph. 'Don't tell me McConnell knows how to behave himself? '

'He does. I don't! ' Jo said with a tantalising smile. 'You've only to give me the chance! '

Blair shoved his glass away. 'What are you saying? '

Deliberately she veiled her green eyes. 'Nothing that should properly interest you. Shall we rejoin your fiancé e? '

She stood up and he came round and closed in on her. 'Jo, I have to talk to you. '

'I must regretfully decline with my best manners. What's wrong with both of you, anyway? Haven't you come out here to plan a wedding? '

'I don't know! '

He was staring at her, the muscles of his jawline working, and she wondered how she had ever got over him, but she had. 'You aren't your usual self, are you? ' she said kindly.

'Have you missed me at all? '

She started to move back a discreet distance. 'I don't even know where the days have gone. I've been fully occupied. '

'I don't mind waiting! ' he said in a low, tense tone. 'You still love me, Jo. You never change. '

'Everyone changes! ' she said decisively, because she had found it was true.

'I realise what I've lost! ' Blair's little-boy expression was giving him an added attraction, but Jo was unmoved.

'Keep it up and you'll have me crying! '

His flickering eyes betrayed a rising temper. 'That necklace, where did you get it? ' He moved to stand in front of her.

Jo shrugged without bothering to answer and he caught her high up on the arm. 'I've never seen it before and I know every single thing you own. '

'You missed this, ' she said dryly.

'I see! ' His eyes narrowed to dangerous slits. 'Don't do this to me, Jo! '

'Oh, shut up! ' She leaned backwards, and behind them somebody laughed, a conspiratorial giggle.

Blair dropped his hand and turned around, his expression ugly. 'Do you do this for nothing or do you get paid? ' he demanded.

Philippa, with a real chance at mischief, merely smiled like a cat after cream. 'Coffee is served. I just came to tell you. '

'Thank you! ' Blair took Jo's hand and pressed it to his side. 'We're just coming. ' He was already sick to death of Philippa and her bright knowing glances. In fact he could have struck her with a tightly clenched fist. Bitchy, malicious women were the last straw, and somehow Jo had made an enemy of her. This line of thought could only lead him one way—sexual competitiveness and a fancied invasion of territorial rights. Miss Philippa Morley had her flag firmly planted on Malakai and McConnell. How he envied him a whole batch of attributes, his vitality and his money—but he wasn't going to have Jo. Blair had always found it hard to let anything get away from him, and now it seemed he was running the grave risk of losing Jo. He didn't see anything extraordinary in his own behaviour. Plenty of men he knew had their cake and ate it too. With Jo back in the company he could have everything he had built and worked for. Jo was a fascinating woman and his finely tuned instinct told him she was attracted to McConnell whether she knew it or not. He had to take measures, but it would probably be tomorrow. He couldn't risk a confrontation in the house. One false move could ruin him and McConnell was watching him like a hawk.

Jo recalled that the rest of the evening passed as though they were all wearing masks. A decided constraint had come into the atmosphere, and Philippa's odd little remarks multiplied the effect, always with Jo as their focus. She seemed not to care that she was coming dangerously close to further upsetting Julie, who was looking paler than ever, and eventually Mrs McConnell decided they should all retire early—it was wonderful how refreshing a good night's sleep could be, and similar expressions out of the countless varieties. Blair knew he ought to be careful, so he followed the others upstairs, but Marsh caught hold of Jo's arm, staying her progress.

'I want to get a few things cleared up! ' he announced.

She actually shuddered because there was a sardonic aloofness in his expression. 'You're the boss! ' she shrugged.

'You use that word easily. '

'Isn't it the truth? '

Philippa, it seemed, was listening again. She came back into the room for a last good night, heartened by the friction in the atmosphere. Nothing suited her better than clashes, and Marsh and Jo seemed on the verge of a fierce quarrel. If so, her strategy had worked. All she needed to do now was drop a necessary word in Mrs McConnell's ear. Cybill was very fond of her niece and if she knew Julie's fiancé had leanings towards his former associate, it was unlikely that Jo Adams would remain around long.

Philippa stood upon tiptoe and touched her mouth to Marsh's tantalising smooth, dark jawline. It was a compulsive thing. She was mad about him and always had been, and she began to tremble with the force of the emotion that gripped her.

'Any plans for the morning, darling? '

'Bart has about twenty or thirty brumbies lined up to bring in. There's some talk of going out in the morning. I haven't decided yet. '

'If you do, may I come? '

'Certainly. '

Philippa took a few steps backwards and her whole expression changed. 'Good night, Jo. '

A considerable barrier was between them and Jo didn't smile, neither did she sound cold and allow Philippa to emerge victorious. 'Pleasant dreams! '.

Philippa withdrew because she had to, and Jo shut her eyes briefly. Marsh had taken on his piratical persona, tougher, infinitely more formidable, and no damned nonsense. He let her remain like that for a few moments, then he swung her around.

'Did you have to wear that damned dress? ' he demanded.

She was startled and looked it. 'And what's the nature of your complaint? '

'I was hoping you could see it without having to point it out! '

'Well, I can't! ' she said stiffly. '-What's wrong with it? '

For an answer he swung her round to face a long gilded wall mirror decorated in the same manner as the French Empire chairs. 'I don't see anything wrong? '

'You're not looking properly. It's an extremely distracting dress. '

'Your mother said she loved it! '

'Certainly. My mother is an angel! '

For all his curt manner and the brilliant glitter of his eyes Jo had the weirdest sensation of being embraced. 'Hang on a second! ' she said tightly because she thought she was melting. 'You thought I wore it as a calculated gesture? '

'Didn't you? '

'It was the best dress I could afford, and it goes with my magic charm. '

He shrugged and his shapely mouth thinned. 'To be quite frank I'm not sure which way it's working. Come on, ' he urged her. 'I want to get out of here. '

'First tell me what you're up to? '

'I don't have to. In the field of getting my own way I'm an expert, so for God's sake don't struggle. '

Jo allowed herself to be hustled out of the house, down the front steps and into the Range Rover standing in the drive. 'With respect, Mr McConnell, would you consider telling me where we're going? '

'Does it matter? Anywhere we go we're on Malakai. There are a few things I want you to understand and I didn't want to talk at the house. '

'Obviously whatever it is you're uptight! '

'I'll tell you this, I've never seen such a mess! ' he snapped.

He was handling the vehicle expertly, flicking his way through the gears with absent practised skill. Jo stole a look at his profile. It wasn't conventionally handsome like Blair's, but splendidly rugged. She felt extraordinarily restive and she had to admit dreadfully excited, a disturbing anticipatory thing as if he might make love to her again when from his violent, brooding expression he was considering no such thing. She slid further down in the seat, waiting for him to tell her.

It was the most beautiful night, with a breeze blowing in the scent of boronia, a night of magic with small pulsing camp fires through the trees, the sound of voices and a shivery female chant to keep harm away from the camp. They were moving along at about forty miles an hour and Marsh was maintaining this speed, the expression on his dark face fixed and tense, a vertical frown between his black brows. Every point, every sandhill, slope and flat was illuminated by the moon, the curving river and the tributary creeks shining silver, the flower-sprinkled gums etched in darkly, their bases lost in shadows. It was all so vast, so empty, they might have been lost on the moon, and with intense shock Jo at last realised that whatever she had felt for Blair was as nothing compared to the fervour she felt for this man. She didn't understand it, and she still felt defiant about it, even reckless. The night was inducing a taunting intimacy and she wasn't the untouchable creature she once was. Marsh had already shown her her own sensuality and she was poised on a knife edge, wanting and not wanting... yearning yet insecure. She knew very little about what he really thought.

When he finally pulled up she turned to him in surprise. She didn't recognise the territory at all. They were well beyond the camp fires and out on the mulga plains, where a rain storm had covered the countryside in a beautiful yellow bottlebrush with a delicate, delicious scent.

'Well? ' she asked, almost whispering because everything was so quiet.

He frowned and shook his head almost as if he wished to spare her. 'Julie's pregnant! '

'God! ' she gasped.

'That's what I said. '

She turned her head swiftly and looked out the window. 'When did she tell you? '

'She never said a word. I asked her. '

'Poor Julie! ' she sighed.

He made no reply for a moment, then he insisted she turn around. 'That's really very compassionate of you, Jo. It's one way of making sure of a man. '

She glanced at him and away again. 'What do you want me to say? '

'Oddly, nothing. Just accept it. '

'Does Blair know? '

'I doubt it, but I'd like to be around when he's told. I've an idea he might blame Julie entirely. '

'Maybe it's a good thing! ' she said heavily.

'Knowing Julie, she probably gave it a bit of thought. She's a mixture, is Julie. She loves him and she wants him. All her life she was managed very strictly, and now she's jumped in for herself. I can't say I approve or even see the wisdom of her actions. I think she has the notion that this will solve everything. To be frank, she feared you, so she didn't hesitate to commit herself and Leighton. It's an ancient trick. '

'Does your mother know? ' Jo asked in a low voice.

'I've asked Julie to be good enough to tell her. Mother had everything planned, you know—a big wedding. '

'Well, it can still go through, ' she said almost harshly, scarcely looking at him.

'Have a good cry! ' he invited.

'I'll do nothing to please you! ' she burst out in agitation, opening the door and jumping out and giving the door a good hard slam after her. Why did she expect any sort of sympathy or understanding from Marsh? Blair would probably go round the bend when he heard, and she experienced a quick rush of malicious pleasure because he deserved a good fright. No wonder Julie had looked sickly and triumphant at once, and probably she would, make a good little mother. Her way, however, Jo considered the ultimate in madness. It seemed so much better to wait and plan for a longed-for child. Blair, the rake, she thought, utterly disenchanted. Could there be anything more normal than a wife and a mistress, both doing their best to hold his interest? Tears stung her eyes at the whole sorry mess, even when now she found herself utterly neutral.

Curiously the tears slid down on her cheeks and she walked away quickly thinking of Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Joss and how Aunt Elizabeth's jaw would fall, even though she was in favour of being a grandmother. She was walking quite blindly, the breeze blowing her hair and her caftan away from her body. Love was a jungle, but obviously Julie meant to survive it. With her love for Blair a dead thing, Jo sincerely hoped she would. She didn't envy Julie her task of telling the great news to her aunt. Having a baby was no ordinary nervous crisis. She even wondered fleetingly if Julie had proved agreeable to Blair in bed. Ah well, it was their problem now...

Still the tears came, falling like jewels. Maybe they were tears of self-pity for the waste of precious time. The crushed wildflowers under her feet were as sweet as freesias. She needed Marsh desperately, but he wasn't going to disturb her. Actually he was Philippa's man and she was a two-time loser.

She almost fell over the new-born colt curled in a depression and cushioned by brush. . Even by day he would have been well camouflaged. Her heart lifted with shock, but the little creature didn't attempt to wobble to its feet. It just raised its head. 'Oh, you adorable little thing! ' She fell to her knees and called back to Marsh, so entranced with her find that her mood changed miraculously and the sparkling fount of tears dried up.

He'd been watching her, giving her time, then suddenly he was behind her, lifting her away instantly and keeping his arms around her. 'For God's sake, Jo, you don't want to tangle with an irate mother! '

'Then where is she? ' she asked.

'Not too far distant. Don't worry about that. All wild mares go off alone to give birth. As soon as the foal can manage its legs she takes it back to the herd. Let's get Out of here. '

Jo held on to his hand, lifting her head to look back at him. 'Just a little longer. Look, it's trying to get to its feet. How old do you suppose it is? '

'A day or two. '

'I'm going to come back with my camera. '

'That's what you think! ' He bore her backwards and suddenly without warning a wild mare came rocketing out of a distant clump of trees, charging them in defence of her foal, silvery grey in the moonlight with a dark mane and tail.

'Run! ' he said in a voice that didn't brook argument.

She had a wild impulse to drag him with her, but he wasn't coming. The mare was pounding towards them with dynamic energy, a unique creature, unbroken and free, beautiful and dangerous in its flight. The little colt had wobbled to its feet and was standing quietly, but the mother ignored it for the moment, pondering the human presence and what she was going to do about it.

With her heart racing, Jo reached the safety of the vehicle, and fell against it, turning back to look for Marsh. Any horse was highly strung and a wild horse extremely apprehensive. It was a moment for facing facts and she was desperately anxious for Marsh, who was moving back slowly towards her. Somehow he had stopped the mare's headlong charge, but it was facing him boldly, only a short distance dividing them. In staying, in wanting a few minutes longer, she had put him at risk. Her heart went out to him, beating violently. If he suffered any harm she couldn't endure it. Only the realisation that any movement on her part would act as a spur to the mare kept her hugging the door of the jeep.

The mare seemed to remain in a trancelike state while Marsh kept moving slowly backwards, not showing the slightest sign of turning and running as she had done. By the time he reached her she was exhausted by her panic. It didn't seem possible that such raw and violent aggression could be soothed by talking an animal around. She had seen Ned's demonstrations, but this was something else again.

'All right? ' He touched her shoulder and as in all moments of crisis Jo reacted flippantly.

'Never a dull moment around here! '

'It's not the concrete jungle, you know! '

'No, it's wonderful! ' She experienced a deep sense of easement.

He shook his head slowly. 'You've been crying, ' he accused.

'So I'm disfigured! '

'No, you're dazzling, and you're going to create quite a situation if you're not careful. '

'I'm not the one who likes dabbling in intrigue! ' she said shortly. 'What about your girl-friend? '

'She's just a little spoilt! ' he said as though he couldn't care less.

Under the impetus of its mother's butting head the colt wobbled to its feet again and followed the mare's lead towards the clump of trees and nearer the home range. It seemed an especially poignant scene and both of them broke off their verbal sparring to look at it. 'You could have been badly injured! ' Jo said softly, and shivered.

'I've been in worse situations, ' he shrugged. 'The vital thing, the absolutely vital thing, is not to panic because it can have disastrous repercussions. All animals can be made to respond to man if he understands them. '

'Well, it was a valuable lesson for me! '

'And there's another that can't afford to wait. You just have to abdicate. '

'So Julie's major gamble can come off. Who'd want to spoil it? ' The vital thing was not to give herself away.

She could still keep pretending she hadn't outgrown her girlhood folly. He was wrong, completely wrong, only now she felt like running away.

She reached for the door handle and he turned her around as if it was inevitable she had to pay the price.

'What about that thank-you for your necklace? '

'But it didn't save me! '

His eyes travelled over her face—the luminous eyes, the straight nose, the firm chin, the full curved mouth. 'That's why I'm here—to do that. '

'And you're no amateur! Very well, ' she murmured, 'thank you! '

'And you haven't one chance in a hundred million of getting away. '

The way he drew her into his arms was perfectly in character with the minimum of fuss and the maximum emotional apparatus of masculine power. It was brilliant, and Jo saw that it was a mistake to deny him. His mouth closed over her own and a hundred little fires began to glow inside her. She was hungry for this. It was unnerving, and she couldn't resist the dangerous impulse to respond absolutely.

He held her away from him and looked down at her curiously. 'You're a very clever girl, Josephine! '

'You may be right! ' She knew she was acting like a siren, but she resolutely steered away from telling him she loved him. 'So what happens now? '

The flash in his eyes was quickly hidden. 'I haven't finished with you yet! ' he said lightly, and slipped a hand around her nape, holding her head up. 'Sometimes a woman can seem like a miracle.

'Can't we just leave it? ' she said pleadingly, when she had come burningly alive. 'I don't want complications. '

'Of course you do! ' he said gently, and before she could stop him, he claimed her mouth again until she was lying against him, repeating his name over and over.

⇐ Предыдущая 1 2 3 4 567 8 Следующая ⇒