The Master of Barracuda Isle Read online

  "He won't know?" She was puzzled. "My dear Jan, a clever woman could manage Ludovic as easy as ... as I handle this crowbar." He pointed at the heavy crowbar he often had to use to loosen the coral. "She^ll know how to manipulate him and yet let him think he's still the Big Noise. It's always happening. In the past many of the kings were actually puppets in women's hands. The women were clever enough to keep in the background, but they did the ruling, all right." "Maybe, Rab, but I can't imagine Ludovic letting..." "That's the whole point, Jan. He won't let her because he won't know he's letting her. He'll love her so much he'll do everything she wants without his realising it." Jan had stared, puzzled, at Rab. "Do you really think that?" "I do. Most certainly I do. It's these so-called tough guys who, when they fall in love, really fall in love. Just let some lovely clever girl come along and Ludovic will be jelly in her hands." "I can't imagine it...." Jan had persisted. Rab had laughed and begun to collect his things, for it was nearly lunch time. "Neither can I, to be honest, Jan. She'd have to be clever as well as beautifu. Maybe one day she'll come along." That evening Jan found herself remembering their conversation. She sat alone on the screened verandah, listening to the quietness, the occasional thud as a coconut fell to the ground. Suddenly the low persistent humming of cicadas began. That sound, plus the sight _of the palm trees silhouetted against the dark sky yet easily seen because of the moonlight, seemed to prove ^ the magic of this tropical island. Ludovic had described it as Utopia. She wondered whether Rab was right^in his theories. Would Ludovic one day meet a clever girl who would twist him round her little finger without his knowing it? Next morning Jan was readywhen the carriage with 85 the two beautiful black horses arrived to take her for the first part of her journey. She felt absurdly excited about it, yet the island had never felt like a prison, she told herself. Or was it the letter to Jarvis that thrilled her so much, for although she was having a wonderful holiday, she hated the guilty feeling she had had when she thought Ludovic had found out the truththat it was Felicity Jarvis loved, not Jan!The horses trotted with solemn grace along the earth road and she sat back, feeling rather absurd as though she had been transformed to another world or era. She looked affectionately at the island^s mountain which had become a familiar friend; indeed, she realised how fond she had grown of the island, not only for the fascinating beauty of it, but because for her it had become home. A strange feeling, one she couldn't understand, she thoughtBarry was waiting by the boat. He welcomed her with a smile. As he helped her on board, he said, "I'd like you to meet my wife."Jan was so surprised she nearly tripped over, but recovered her balance and smiled up at him. "I'd love to meet her." "Esther!" he called, and Jan watched as the quiet pretty girl came out of the small cabin. "I want you to meet my wife. Miss Shaw. Esther, this is Miss Shaw." The two girls solemnly shook hands, Jan trying not to laugh but knowing she must not reveal that they had already met."The master," Barry went on, "thought it would be more enjoyable for you if you had someone of your own sex with you.""Ludovic?" Jan was startled, then she thought she understood. He didn't trust her and Esther was just a spy! Suddenly J&n wanted to laugh. Just how melodramatic could she get? she asked herself. Ludovic was always accusing her of making drama out of nothing, and it looked as if he was right 86 I The two girls stood together but near Barry; they hardly spoke, but looked at one another meaningly every now and then. Jan had chosen a white dress, but Esther was wearing dark green slacks and a cream blouse. Now, as they stood almost silently, they gazed ahead as the boat raced towards the nearest island. The j| water was calm, with few rollers, and that reminded || Jan that at least she had not been seasick the day II before. ||| "I hear you went fishing," Esther said, her voice (cautious, glancing at Barry as she spoke. "How brave of H' you. I'm always seasick." Jt Jan turned at once, glad that the silence had been |; broken. I "Quite frankly, that was what I was scared of, too. f Luckily I wasn't." She looked at Barry who was staring gj ahead, as if he could not hear what they said. "Did ... ||| did your husband tell of the fuss I made?" 1; Esther chuckled. "Yes. He admired you for your jj courage, didn't you, darling?" She put her hand on her | husband's arm. || He turned to smile at her and then at Jan. I "It takes guts to stand up to the master, and you've I got lots." 1. Jan blushed. "I don't think it was thatI felt sick |, and . . . well . . ." she laughed a little, "almost | hysterical, but I was really scared when Ludovic fell | overboard." I "He's used to that," Barry told her with a smile. "It's I part of the fun." |. "Sooner you than me, Barry," Jan said, laughing. I. "Me too," Esther breathed. t The whole atmosphere had changed. Now Jan found I; she could chatter away to both Barry and Esther j without feeling anxious lest she involve Esther in some | trouble. Was it because Ludovic had asked Barry to t take Esther along? If so, Jan thought, she was grateful ^ to him. | Sometimes it worried her to think how much she [ 87 should be grateful to Ludovic for. After all, this was a wonderful holiday he was giving her and he need not have gone out of' his way to entertain her at the weekends, as he had done. Yet somehow, Jan thought, she knew it would be difficult to thank him, and to meet that amused, patronising smile, for he would be sure to ask; "What for?" They came closer to an island. Esther, talking naturally now, told her it was the nearest island and just a small town. "Of course, it's packed during the season. I often come over with Barry, so you must tell us whenever you'd like to come. It makes a change and . . ." she looked at Barry with a smile, "gives me a chance to see people." "I'm afraid Esther finds it rather too quiet at times," Barry said. "Do you, Miss Shaw?" Jan hesitated. She had the uncomfortable feeling that anything she said might be reported back to Ludovic, "Not during the day, but the evenings seem so long," she admitted. "I've always lived with a family or a friend and..." Esther nodded. "When Sara comes she'll be good company." Barry snorted. "Throwing tantrums and showing off!" "Barry darting!" Esther looked at him. "Can you blame her?" He frowned and turned away, his voice curt as he said they would be there in a short while, as he weaved his way into the lagoon and they passed the yachts rolling gently in the quiet swell, and the small cabin cruisers. Esther's cheeks were bright red and Jan quickly looked at the quay they were approaching. Poor Esther, she had put her foot in it, Jan realised, Barry was annoyed, for everything about the master was perfect, that was obvious, so no criticism must be made. Once ashore, Esther and Jan separated from Barry, I who had business to do. They all arranged to meet in ' an hour. Together they walked along the shingle road [which was lined on either side with tourist-inviting shops. "I want to buy some frocks, drip-dry, of course," . Jan said casually. "You must find it terribly hot," said Esther. She still sounded a little unhappy so Jan turned to her impulsively. "Esther, you didn't say anything. I mean, anything wrong." Esther's eyes were miserable. "I know, but I did hint. You see, Ludovic has been so wonderful to Barry and to me, too, that Barry gets furious if I ... all the same," her unhappy face changed and she nodded, her mouth a thin line, "all the same, you'll see for yourself, Jan, what a rotten mother Mrs. Fairlie is. She's no relation of Ludovic's, so I don't see why...." Her voice was unsteady for a moment. "Barry's like that, though. Ludovic means so much to him, and I do understand why." "This was Ludovic's idea? I mean about you coming with me?" Jan asked. Esther nodded. "He told Barry you wanted to go to the mainland, as we nickname the island, and I think Barry must have frowned, because he hates taking Ludovic's visitors ashore as they never turn up at the right time and Barry is a stickler for punctuality so it makes him mad and, of course, he can't say anything.^ Well, maybe Ludovic saw the frown, for he was smiling^ as he looked at me and asked me if I'd mind meeting you and showing you the other island." "And Barry? What did he say?" "He seemed to like the idea. He likes you, you know." Jan's cheeks were hot. "I'm glad. I like him," she smiled, "and you." 89 Esther laughed. "Well, we must play it cool and not expect everything to change overnight, but when Sara comes Barry doesn't mind what I do former, and I think, in time, it'll be the same with you. Pausing outside a bow-windowed shop, Jan stared at the frocks on show,
but she was thinking fast. What was it Esther had said"ira time, it 11 be the same with you." __ , ,In time? What did that mean? How much longer would Ludovic expect her to stay on the island? ^ "I like that one," Esther said, breaking into Jan s thoughts and pointing to an orange-coloured^ frock with loose chiffon sleeves. "You'd look smashing in it." Twenty minutes and four frocks later, they left the shop and Jan resmeimbered something. "Where's the post office?" she asked. "I brought some letters with me to post"Esther led the way to a small shop-oum-post office. Jan boueht some stamps and then dropped the^ letters in the box. Outside in the sunshine she smiled at Esther. ."Is there time for a cold drink or somethings' Esther looked at her wrist watch. "Oh yes. There's a nice cafe near the quay and if Barry sees us sitting there, he might job us. She smiled at Jan. "I have enjoyed this," she added. Jan smiled back. "So have I." "Well," said Esther, "let's not push our luck, but I'll see what I can do. You play canasta?" Jan nodded."Well, I won't promise," Esther said again, and smiled. "Ah, there's the cafe." It was right on the quay and they could see their boat, gently rooking. There were bright umbrellas over the tables and as they sat down, Barry came along. He smiled."Good idea," he said, and joined them. 90

  CHAPTER FOUR

  JAN enjoyed the talks she and Esther had on the balcony in the afternoons when Barry was away. Jan found Esther's tales fascinating, for Esther's youth had been spent on a remote farm in Western Australia. It was so completely different from Jan's life in England that it amazed her. "We were two hundred miles from our nearest neighbours," Esther said, and laughed at Jan's horrified face. "But we had lots of fun. We used to drive to our neighbours' for a game of tennis, a barbecue or a dance." "But what did you do all day?" Jan asked. "Make clothes, cook, garden, look after the turkeys. There were four of us and we had our own tennis court and swimming pool, and when we were young. Mum taught us and we had lessons on radio. We were all such good friends, and then I met Barry..." Her voice softened as she said his name. Jan looked at her, envious for a moment of Esther's uncomplicated love for Barry. "Ludovic used to farm, he told me." "I knowor rather Barry knew him in those days. It must have been hard for Ludovic to give up the life he loved _and come to a city like Sydney. Still, that's Ludovic. He'd always do what he considered right." "I can't understand Mrs. Fairlie's behaviour..." Esther laughed. "She was probably due to come back and someone asked her to do a fresh lot of lectures. She loves doing them, the travelling, the V.I.P. treatment, publicity, of it all. She has a secretary." Esther's voice changed so much that Jan looked at her. Smiling ruefully, Esther went on j "Was it so obvious? I can't bear Amanda Rowson, neither can Barry. She throws her weight around and acts like she's...." Esther laughed. 9i "Wait and you'll see what I mean. Mrs. Fairlie owes a lot to her, though she'd never admit it, of course. And Amanda works for Mrs. Fairlie because she has a plan." "A plan?" Jan looked enquiringly at her companion. Nodding, Esther smiled. "Amanda is beautiful, brainy and brutal. That's what Barry says. He's right, too. She'd be absolutely ruthless if the result was worthwhile, and in this case it is." Jan, with her feet tucked under her as she cutied up in a cane couch, laughed. "What's the result that's so wonderful?" "Ludovic." Jan blinked with surprise. "Ludovic? You mean they're...?" "Oh no, nothing like that, but Amanda will get him, if any girl can. She acts like they were engaged when he's not around and both Barry and I dread the day they marryif they do, of coursebecause we'll have to go. We couldn't take her." "Do you really think Ludovic loves her?" Jan said slowly, trying to imagine it, and then she remembered something Rab had said, that Ludovic, like all men, had an Achilles' heel and that one day a clever girl would hook him. Had Rab been thinking of Amanda Rowson? Jan wondered. When Esther glanced at her watch, she jumped to her feet. "That was lovely, Jan. Be seeing you. I'm working quietly on Barry. He sees you as 'different from most of Ludovic's friends, so maybe...." She smiled. Jan smiled back. "Good luck, Esther. I'm much happier here now I know you." Esther hesitated, one hand on the door. "Jan, what made you come here in the first place? I mean Ludovic has brought his friends here before, but never just one girl." "It wasn't Ludovic who asked me," Jan said quickly. "I had a letter from Mrs. Fairlie inviting me to visit her." 92 I "Oh yes, I remember you telling me now I see " Esther said thoughtfully, her face belaying Zfactt ^nost certainly did not see. And then she^pped lian?^01^ J^ ^ought about Ludovic and the brilliant and beautiful secretary, Amanda. An attractivebeTev'ed^y- S^ Esther be right rn ^^ believedthat Amanda wanted to marry Ludovic? lik?^^ iT ^T Jan thought about it- WOUId ^ WHO rn"^ Ludovlc as a husband' a sarcasti<; "^ who could be patronising and yet change into someone hnd and thoughtful? He was a man with whZ you dould never be secure, Jan told herself, shaking her head j slowly so that her long black hair swung round, so men | like Ludovic were certainly not for her. She preferred ^ someone quiet and steady like Rab. Dear Rab' j How she enjoyed her mornings with him, and he | enjoyed being with her, he often said. | "This is the life," he had said one day with a quick smile, but doubly so with you by my side. It's much more fun when you have someone who shares your interests and can understand what you're talking about" Usually Rab didn't come at weekends, but the next Saturday when Ludovic, having arrived as usual on i-nday, was planning what to do, Rab turned up, looking worried. "I've got to get some photographs done to illustrate an article I've sold," he told them. "There's a deadline, so I hope you don't mind me turning up." Ludovic laughed. "Of course not. Jan and I'll help you, won't we, Jan?" Jan nodded. She had been sitting quietly, almost afraid to speak, for Ludovic had come to the island the day before in one of his bad moods. A little nervously she had asked him if anything was wrong. "Everything's wrong," he had snapped. "My sister-inlaw is in hospital in Melbourne, her secretary phoned me. Jarvis isn't well, eitherhad to go into hospital for treatment and is okay but rather weak." 93

  "Jarvis?" Jan had sat up anxiously. "He'll be all right." She wondered if Felicity knew. Perhaps Felicity^ was back in Sydney. Jan had heard nothing from her sister, but that didn't surprise her, as Felicity was notoriously bad about writing letters. "Yes, he'll be all right. Just messes up his .studies." Ludovic had scowled, then produced a bulging briefcase and had gone to his study so that Jan had spent the evening alone. Now as they sat on the verandah and Ludovic looked enquiringly at her, she nodded and smiled with relief, for everything would improve. A day's work with Rab would be something to interest Ludovic and distract his thoughts. They went down to the lagoon the morning flew by. Sometimes Jan, listening to Ludovic laughing at some joke of Rab's, felt again the guilty discomfort she often felt because Ludovic had gone out of his way to help her enjoy this enforced holiday. Often she had felt inclined to tell him not to bother, but stopped herself, afraid of his sarcasm. It wouldn't be true to say she would be just as happy if he left her to herself, for having Ludovic come up each weekend always made the week go by faster. Rab lunched with them and altogether it was a happy day for Jan. Late in the afternoon, Ludovic straightened from examining something in a small pool and looked at Jan. "We're going dancing tonight, Jan," he told her. She was so surprised, she couldn't speak for a moment. "We are?" He nodded. "We may be meeting some friends there. Anyhow I think it's time we introduced you to some of our night life. You'd better get back to the house, Jan, for you'll want to shower and have a short snooze." "Tonight?" said Jan. She was wearing pink jeans and a crumpled wet pale blue shirt. Her hair was dry and thick with salt 94

  "What better night than tonight?" Ludovic grinned. He stood, so tall and powerful with his hair ruffled from the breeze that had just sprung up. "Do her good, don't you think, Rab?" Rab looked startled at being drawn in, but nodded. "Be a change for you, Jan. You work hard." She smiled at him. "I enjoy it, Rab, it's great fun." "Good," Ludovic butted in curtly. "Get going, Jan, and doll yourself up. I'll help Rab. Did you get what you wanted?" Ludovic turned to Rab, ignoring Jan, almost as if he was dismissing her. "Yes, thanks to you and Jan. I'd never have got the photographs and specimens as well without your help." Jan walked back
slowly. She hardly noticed the things that had first fascinated her, the flying foxes, or the pretty little birds, for she was too busy thinking. What on earth, she asked herself, had made Ludovic suddenly decide to take her dancing? Could he have had a phone call that morning, for only the night before he had been in such a bad mood, and what had made him change so much? All day he had been in a good temper, joking, laughing, being his nicest self, and then, out of the blue, he announced that they were going dancing. How typical of Ludovic, she thought. He hadn't even asked her if she liked to dance. He had just said they were going to! At the house, she showered and then looked through her wardrobe carefully. She had brought two formal dresses with her in case Mrs. Fairlie proved to be the type of woman who insists on dressing for dinner. Now Jan studied them carefully. Doll yourself up, Ludovic had said, so she mustn't let him down. One dress was a dark purplish-blue velvet dress, slimmaking and long, lovely to wear, yet somehow she didn't feel it was quite what Ludovic had had in mind, so she turned to the other. It was made of Thai silk, a soft medley of different pastel shades of palest green, pink 95 "^ and yellow, all merging with two scarves fluttering from her shoulders. She stroked the silk gently. What memories it aroused, she thought. Memories of the day she had bought it, spending far more money than she could afford because she wanted to impress George. She had worn it the first time George had taken her in his arms and nibbled lovingly at her ear, as he murmured what sounded like words of love and the abyss inside her had seemed to close. Today she could look at the dress without pain. She knew that it was this lovely island which had cured her of that childish infatuation, an infatuation born solely of loneliness. Dressing carefully, she looked at her reflection in the mirror. She had to admit that she didn't look too bad! The understatement of the year, she told herself, laughing, for she really did look quite good. The wonderful colours did something to make her black hair, piled high, shine. Long pearl earrings and a matching necklace of pearls, presents from her mother before Jan left England, added to the sophisticated look Jan felt she had. Just as she went into the hall, Ludovic came out of his room. He stood very still and then gave a long soft whistle. "You look gorgeous," he said. She gave an elaborate curtsy, bowing her head. "Thank you, my lord. You look pretty smooth yourself." For a moment he looked startled. Then he laughed. "Of course. You haven't seen me dressed up before, have you?" She shook her head. His dark silk evening suit showed off his strong body to perfection. His spotless white shirt had a ruffle down the front and he wore a red cummerbund round his waist. "Just a moment...." he said, and vanished into one of the rooms, returning with a fur coat over his arm. "You may need it coming back for sometimes a cold wind 96 I springs up," he told her, taking her arm and leading her I; outside to the waiting carriage and horses. I The journey to the mainland was smooth. It was all so I/very romantic, Jan thought, as they sat in silence, g although it could not be said that Ludovic was behaving S romantically. Indeed, although he occasionally spoke to ; her, she had the feeling that he wasn't happy, that his mood was changing again. She wondered if she had ^ unwittingly done something to displease him, yet that . didn't make sense. It couldn't be that he thought she was ; overdressed? He had said 'doll yourself up' and she had ? obeyed. Obeyed! ? Her mind seemed to boggle at the word. Was she too | getting into the way of doing immediately what Ludovic |-demanded? He had told her they were going to dance | and he had told her to dress up, yet now he seemed I strangely aloof. | This uncomfortable feeling of hers rather spoilt the t, journey through the beautiful waterthey were getting i-glimpses of islands zooming up ahead, and then she saw |>