A handful of dreams Read online

  A HANDFUL OF DREAMS by HILARY WILDE

  The conditions that went with her inheritance demanded that Cilia should travel to the Seychelles. It was the holiday of a lifetime that all girls dream about. But one thing spoiled the island paradise - the presence of the arrogant and argumentative Theo Randall with whom Cilia had already crossed swords in London!

  OTHER Harlequin Romances by HILARY WILDE

  101 THE TURQUOISE SEA 1044PARADISE ISLAND 1077THE GOLDEN VALLEY ] 143JOURNEY TO AN ISLAND 1173RED AS A ROSE 1243THE ISLE OF SONG 1282THE SHINING STAR 1356THE MAN AT MARRALOMEDA . 1496THE BLUE MOUNTAINS OF KABUTA 1546THE MASTER OF BARRACUDA ISLE 1591OPERATION IN SEARCH OF LOVE 1624THE GOLDEN MAZE 1642THE FIRE OF LIFE 1685THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM 1735TEMPTATIONS OF THE MOON ]768THE PALACE OF GOLD 1786SWEETER THAN HONEY

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  CHAPTER I

  Cilia hurried along Burford's High Street, for she mustn't be late. Aunt Lil had trained her well'l Dear Aunt Lil, life would never be the same now she had diedand so suddenly, too. Cilia thought. Shivering, for it was a cold autumn day, she thrust her hands into the pockets of her green trouser suit, while her shoulder-length dark hair swung and her dark eyes were puzzled as her fingers closed round the letter in her pocket. It was Mr Rent's letter. He was Aunt Lil's solicitor and at the funeral had told Cilia that he had some arrangements to make before he could read the will. Why was it necessary. Cilia wondered as she weaved her way in and out of the shoppers, to even read the will? They all knew what it would say. After all. Aunt Lil only had two relations: Cilia and her sister, Joanna. Often Aunt Lil had said she felt it rather sad that there was just the three of them and that it must be fun to be part of a large family. So it didn't make sense when Mr Kent had written: ' It has been difficult to suit us all, but please come on Friday at twelve o'clock.' Us all? That was what didn't make sense, for there would only be herself and Mr Kent. After all, if Joanna had not flown back from the Seychelles for the funeral, she was not likely to do so for a senseless reading of the will, as Aunt Lil had always made it clear that she would leave everything to her two nieces.

  So why had Mr Kent written ' us all'? Ahead of her Cilia saw the tall, recently-built block where Mr Kent's office was and suddenly, as if someone had switched on a light, she knew: another relation must have been found! Perhaps more than one? Certainly someone Aunt Lil had not known about. It could even be someone pretending to be a relation after having read of Aunt Lil's death and that her two nieces were the sole heiresses of her wealth. That would explain why Mr Kent had said he could not read the will at once. Obviously he had to look for other relations. What a difference it might make. Not that she really minded. At least not for herself, Cilia thought, but she was worried about Joanna, to whom money meant so much. In the hall. Cilia was greeted by a red-haired receptionist who had a sympathetic smile. ' It must have been a terrible shock to you when Miss Painter died,' she said. Cilia nodded. ' I couldn't believe it. I'd seen her a few days before. I didn't even know she was ill.' ' I don't think anyone did except herself.' ' She knew?' Cilia was startled. ' She must have done, otherwise she wouldn't have altered her will.' So new relations might have turned up before Aunt Lil died, Cilia thought. How many could there be? Betty Armitage led. the way to the inner office, opening the door. ' Miss Askew, Mr Kent,' she said. Cilia went into the lofty room. Vaguely she noticed the red carpet, the huge window showing the cars and people outside scurrying along, but her eyes were fixed on the stranger standing by the window. He was someone she had never seen before. What was he doing there? Could he be a cousin or something? ' Come in, Cilia,' Peter Kent was saying. She turned to him, her dark hair swinging. He smiled. ' Punctual to the second. Full marks 1' He was a tall lean man in his mid-forties with slightly greying hair and a friendly face. Cilia didn't know him very well, but her Aunt Lil had thought highly of him. ' I want to introduce Theo Randall,' he went on. Theo Randall, Cilia thought. What an odd name. What relation could he be? But her thoughts came to a standstill as the man by the window turned and looked at her. A tall man, lean but with broad shoulders. His hair was dark, inclined to be long, with sideboards, but it wasn't that that caught her eyes. It was a small curl of hair standing up on the back of his head. Her hand ached suddenly to smooth it down and such an unexpected desire startled her. He was a stranger, so why... ? There was something else that held her attention his eyes. Surprisingly, with his dark hair they looked green and thoughtful, almost as if, as he was looking her up and down, he was assessing her worth. She gave a little shiver. Somehow she had a feeling he would be a difficult man to work for, a man de-manding perfection and expecting it to be delivered. He moved towards her, holding out his hand. ' We have met before, but I doubt if Cilia remembers.' She was even more surprised. His face wasn't one you would easily forget. 'We have met?' she 7 echoed. ' I'm terribly sorry, butbut...' ' You don't remember? I'm not surprised. You were very youngabout six years old.' ' Was I?' It could only mean he was a relation, she thought. ' Please sit down, Cilia,' Peter Kent said as he sat down behind his broad desk and opened some papers. * You, too, Theo.' They both obeyed. Cilia kept glancing at the stranger, trying to think fourteen years back in an effort to remember him. That must have been about the time her mother had died. ' Now, Cilia,' Peter Kent said, looking at her worriedly,' I'm afraid that in many ways your aunt's will is going to disappoint you and also distress you very much. I can assure you I did my best to alter it. I said it was unfair, that you would be hurt...' Cilia was surprised. Aunt Lil doing anything to hurt her beloved nieces? It just didn't make sense. It could only mean that Aunt Lil had left everything to this man, sitting so quietly by her side. How furious Joanna would bel 'I don't think I'll be hurt,' Cilia said slowly. ' After all, it was Aunt Lil's money and she had a right to do with it as she likes. She has always been most generous to us.' ' You were very fond of your Aunt Lil,' Peter Kent said gently. ' Of course.' Cilia closed her eyes for a moment, for the tears were near. ' She was wonderful to us.' She turned to the stranger. ' When my father died, my mother took my sister and me to live with Aunt Lil, and when my mother died. Aunt Lil...' ' Inherited you? I know.'

  * She was wonderful. Strict maybe, but so kind.' Cilia twisted her fingers together, looking down at them, hoping the men would not see the tears in her eyes, for if they comforted her she would really cry. ' She taught us to look after ourselves, never to be dependent on anyone. That's why she made us go to London to work.' * Your sister didn't like that. She's four years older than you?' Peter Kent asked. ' Yes. No, Joanna didn't like having to work. She felt Aunt Lil was so wealthy that there was no need for us to. I think Aunt Lil was right. As she often said, you never knew what might happen, and one day we might be glad we could earn our own livings. In any case ...' Cilia paused, afraid of what she had nearly said, but Peter Kent said it for her. ' Your aunt didn't approve of Joanna's marriage?' ' I could never understand that.' 'You liked Paul?' the stranger asked, sounding amused. * And why not?' Suddenly she was angry. ' Just because Paul let his hair grow long and wore trendy clothes, it didn't mean he was a hippy.' ' There's no need to tell me,' Theo Randall said dryly. ' I know him.' ' You do?' Cilia stared at him. ' Then why don't I know you?' ' You didfourteen years ago.' Again he sounded amused. ' It's a long time.' Peter Kent intervened, ' Look, you two can fight it out later, but now there's business to be done. Please sit quietly while I read the will.' He looked at Cilia. ' I'm afraid this is going to be a shock for H
DA* 9 you.' She smiled. ' Don't worry. Money doesn't mean anything to me. I have a good job and my dreams.' 'Dreams!' Theo Randall sounded scornful. ' What good do they do? Where do they get you?' Cilia turned to glare at him. ' Life without dreams would be ... would be inintolerable.' ' I agree,' Peter Kent said quietly. ' Will you two please shut up?' ' Sorry,' Cilia said, and Theo Randall murmured something. First Peter Kent spoke of the amount of money that might be left after the various taxes. Cilia stared in amazement. ' We had no idea she was so rich 1' ' Wisely invested. She had good fortune and a splendid stockbroker,' Peter Kent said with a smile, but it vanished quickly as he stared at Cilia. He looked unhappy and she felt herself stiffen. Was he going to say that it had all been left to Theo Randall? How would poor Joanna react? She had always talked about the days when Aunt Lil was really old and died and they were both rich. Joanna's dreams had been of mink coats and diamonds, perhaps a yacht, a house in Miami, another in Switzerland, whereas Cilia's had been more practicala riding school, or kennels with at least two horses and four dogs for herself 1 > ' A yearly sum of five thousand pounds for Joanna,' Peter Kent read from the papers in his hand. Cilia knew this was because he didn't want to look at her and see the dismay he expected to be shown on her face. ' The rest of the money is left to you. Cilia,' he said slowly. 10

  ' Me?' Cilia gasped. She turned to look at the man by her side. He looked back, his face grave, but he said nothing. ' But why me, Mr Kent?' Cilia turned to the solicitor imploringly. ' That isn't fair. Why leave it all to me?' ' There are certain conditions. Cilia,' he told her. ' Conditions I'm afraid you won't like.' ' I shall give Joanna her share ...' ' That's why your aunt has made the conditions. She knew you would.' ' It's only fair. I can't hurt Joanna I' Cilia almost wailed. The man by her side spoke quietly, but his words went home. ' You have no choice. Go on, Peter.' 'The conditions are as follows: First, that you must go immediately to the Seychelles and stay with your sister.' ' I've got to. . . ?' Cilia gasped. ' But ... but I can't. They'll be furious. Not only with Aunt Lil but with me. I shall give Joanna her fair share,' she added defiantly. ' This is where the will steps in. You cannot' spend more than a certain amount each year unless your trustees agree.' ' But that's not fair. Trustees? How could Aunt Lil do this to me?' ' That's what I said to her, but she wouldn't listen. She said you had to be protected. That, left with your share unprotected, your brother-inlaw would con the lot and gamble it away.' ' Paul isn't a real gambler. Lots of people go to races.' ' But lots of people don't lose more money than they've got,' Theo Randall said quietly. ii

  Instantly on Paul's defence, Cilia turned to him. ' He was unlucky. All his life, he's been unlucky.' ' He had good parents.' ' They weren't well off. He never had much money.' ' That was his fault. Cilia. A more lazy layabout . ..' ' Please . . . please . . . please!' Peter banged on his desk. ' Let's get on with the business.' * I don't need a trustee,' protested Cilia. ' You have two,' Theo said with a smile. ' Peter and myself.' ' You?' Cilia was horrified. ' Then you're not... I thought you were a relation.' ' Good grief, no,' said Theo. ' I lived for years in the village with my grandfather, but I'm certainly no relation of yours.' Annoyed by his amused voice, she snapped: 'Thanks bel That's a relief at least.' Peter banged on the desk again. ' Please listen, Cilia. Your aunt was afraid that you would hand over halt the money to your sister.' ' Of course I will. Why not? She ought to have it.' ' She can have it. One day.' Peter Kent spoke slowly as he glanced at the papers in his hand that he was using as a kind of defence. ' If you would give me a chance to talk, I can explain. The conditions have to be obeyed or else . . .' 'Or else?'Cilia echoed. ' Or else the money will be donated to various homes for cats.' Peter Kent's voice was serious, but Cilia looked at him sharply, wondering if he was joking. Obvi18 ously he wasn't. ' But she hates ... hated cats.' ' Maybe she feels ... felt guilty about that hatred, Theo by her side said quietly, his voice amused. ' Please.' Peter Kent sounded annoyed. ' I haven't got all day. I can see no reason why the conditions are unacceptable. I know they're unpleasant, but. ..' ' They'll blame me for it.' ' Perhaps they're right,' Theo Randall said. Cilia turned, furious. ' Are you saying that I talked Aunt Lil into this . . . this unjust, mean, horrible business?' ' No, I'm not.' Theo clipped his words sharply. ' I'm suggesting that you've been a more loving, appreciative niece than your sister and that it's your Aunt Lil's love for you that's made her do this. She only wants to protect you from Paul.' ' But Paul would never ...' Look, how many times must I ask you two to shut up,' Peter Kent began, but Cilia went on: ' How can I go out and tell them that Aunt Lil has left me so much and that I can't help them? They'll never forgive me. Isn't there any way I can?' ' You have no choice. You can tell them that,' said Theo. ' They'll hate me.' Of course,' he agreed calmly. Cilia turned to Peter Kent. ' Couldn't you as trustees give me permission?' He looked unhappy. ' It's not as simple as that, Cilia. You see, our responsibility is to protect both you and your sister. Unfortunately neither I nor 3 Theo approve of Paul. He's got to prove to us that he's reliable and that Joanna won't suffer. If I may now speak,' he added sarcastically, ' there's more for you to know.' ' I'm sorry. I won't say a word,' Cilia promised. Peter Kent smiled. ' Take a bet on it? Your aunt has written a letter that's not to be delivered to you until the day you're married.' ' But why?' ' I don't know.' Peter Kent shrugged. ' Of course, I haven't told you perhaps the most important part of it . . .' He paused almost dramatically. ' Once you're married, Cilia, everything will be different. Your trustees can retire and you can do what you like with the money.' ' When I marry?' Cilia's voice rose. ' And suppose I don't?' ' Then your trustees will have to go on protecting you.' ' I can't understand it.' Cilia was nearly in tears. ' Aunt Lil was so kind, so generous, so ... so sensible. How could she do this to me? How they'll hate me. Everyone will think . . .' ' If they think such a thing of you, Cilia,' Peter said quietly, ' they're not worth knowing. I argued with your aunt for hours, but she was obsessed ish this fear that you and Joanna would suffer and Paul get all the money.' The phone bell rang impatiently and Peter Kent answered it. He frowned as he put down the receiver. ' I'm sorry, but I've got to go. It'll be some time before all is settled. Cilia, but an advance will be paid into your bank. Come around and see me tomorrow and I'll arrange everything for your visit 14 to the Seychelles. You'll have to ring your boss and explain the situation.' " Have I got to go ... now?' " Yes, at once.' She stood up and so did the man by her side. He looked at her. ' How about having a cup of coffee with me, Cilia? As your trustee, I should be in a position to know what's best for you, and how can I do that unless I know the real you?' His friendly smile startled her. ' I suppose so,' she said, and Peter Kent smiled at them both as they left the room. 5

  CHAPTER II

  The cafe was packed, but somehow Theo Randall found an empty table in a small alcove that slightly shut them off from the crowd. He ordered coffee for them both and then looked at Cilia. ' Well?' he asked. ' Well?' she echoed. He smiled. ' I thought you'd like to start. You must have a pile of questions to ask.' She had to smile, then. ' I have. You say you knew me when I was six and that you lived in Flaxfield, but so did I and I don't remember you at all.' ' It's a long story, but it's got to be told,' Theo explained, and smiled at the waitress as she brought the coffee. 'Thanks. Like you. Cilia, I was an .orphan. I lived with my grandfather in that huge hideous house on the hillyou must know it, called Riverview.' Cilia nodded. The house was now a nursing home for the very old. ' You were living with your aunt at the time, but little more than a child. I happened to be down for the weekend after your mother diedI was at Cambridge at the timeand my grandfather was ill and asked me to represent him at the funeral. You don't remember?' Closing her eyes, Cilia thought hard. She rarely thought about it, but now vaguely she remembered a gloomy day, the crowd of friends in the cottage, eating and drinking and laughing and talking, and she had suddenly realised what it all meant and that she would never see her mummy again. ' I remember crying and people saying I mustn't, that it wo
uld upset my mother, and I wondered how it could hurt her if she wasn't there,' Cilia said, shivering, opening her eyes to stare at the man sitting silently opposite her. ' I do remember. I hid in the cupboard under the stairs and someone pushed the door shut and I couldn't get out. . .' Theo nodded. ' Exactly. You screamed and I heard you and opened the door.' ' FOU did?' Cilia sounded amazed. ' But it was an old manI mean, you looked old.' He smiled. ' Of course I looked oldto you. There's fourteen years between us. I was twenty and you were six. You were heartbroken. I remember how you clung to me and wept on my new shirt.' He smiled, but there was a tenderness in his voice that surprised her. ' Yes, I do remember now. How I wished you were my daddy.' Cilia laughed. ' All the girls at school had daddies and I'd always wanted one, and you . . .' . ' Took you for a walk with the dog, a cairn, if I remember right, and then bought you an ice cream.' Cilia laughed. ' That was good of you.' ' You were rather a sweet kid. What about another cup of coffee? We've still got a lot to exchange.' He waved to the waitress who came immediately. ' Two more coffees, please, and what about some nice cream cakes?' Cilia was hardly listening; she was thinking. He said: ' You were.' Well, of course she was not a kid any more, she was twenty years and three months. That made him thirty-four. 17

  You said you knew Paul?' she began. If only she could convince him what a fine man Paul was 1 Theo nodded. ' We were at the same school, though I'm several years older. I didn't know him well. You don't with that age gapand even though we were in the same village for the holidays our hobbies and interests were different. His were quite definitely girls.' 'And yours?' Cilia asked, feeling a little more relaxed.. Maybe Theo wasn't so difficult, maybe she would be able to persuade him? ' Drawing. Architecture. Riding. Archaeology, masses of things,' Theo told her. ' When Paul married your sister, your aunt disapproved, and I'm not surprised.' * She never tried to stop the wedding, but she gave an amazing aura of disapproval. I could never make out, though, why she didn't like Paul,' Cilia confessed. 8 You did?' ' Of course. I was only a kid of sixteen and I thought him smashing. He was ever so nice to me.' ' He has a charm,' Theo admitted. * Why don't you like him?' Cilia asked bluntly. Theo twirled a fork round on the table. ' I do and I don't. It's a strange friendship. Cilia. When they were married, he asked me to find him a job. Although I'm only an architect I know a good many people in different countries. I had just bought a pied-a-terrea piece of my own land, in the Seychelles.' * That's where they live.' ' Exactly. I got Paul the job. He's working with a well-known insurance firm. Unfortunately he's 18 bone lazy and expects everything to be handed oa a silver platter to him.' ' You must know Joanna, then?' asked Cilia, wondering why her sister had never mentioned Theo. ' Oh yes, I know her well.' Theo was smiling. ' An attractive girl, witty and a real extrovert. She's very popular on the island and has many friends. Not that I'm often thereI just go when the rat race suddenly bores me. I think you'll enjoy your visit. It's very beautiful. A thousand miles from Mombasa, in the Indian Ocean and only four degrees south of the Equator, so there's little difference in the seasons. There's a group of about eighty-five islands, many of them fascinating. Sunshine, lovely beaches, calm lagoons where it's safe to swim, palm trees.' He smiled. 'A typical romantic background.' ' It won't be very romantic for me,' Cilia said bitterly. ' How can I enjoy it? And how can Aunt Lil, who was such a darling, do this to me?' ' I had the same feeling when I heard from her,' said Theo. ' I mean, quite frankly, I'd forgotten her. When my grandfather died, we sold up the house and I moved away into a different world. Then I received this letter from your aunt. I was in the Seychelles Islands at the time. Maybe Peter gave her my address, as he knew me well. Anyhow, this letter came . . .' ' Why did she write to you?' Cilia hardly heard the clatter of plates, the laughter and talking, as she leaned forward, her face grave as she tried to understand Aunt Lil's strange behaviour. ' I don't know. It seemed she'd never forgotten my kindness, as she called it, when I rescued you. i9