The Master of Barracuda Isle Read online

the lights from the town they were making for, which txame closer and closer until she could see the crowded Jbusy roads, the illuminated advertisements as they plashed to and fro, and they came to the jetty. | A car with a chauffeur awaited them and, sitting by |lhe now silent Ludovic's side, Jan glanced at him |anxiously. If only she knew what had gone wrong, she gnight put it right, but it would be a miserable evening if iLudovic remained in this mood. E^ ^he hotel had a table reserved. The head waiter ly fell over when he greeted them. Everywhere that ovic Fairlie went, he got V.I.P. treatment, Jan ||lought. In a way, it was fun to share it, but imagine Stiving with this atmosphere all the time. No wonder Fudovic loved the quiet impersonal life he could enjoy a the island! Jan began to talk, but gradually the words died away ad her body grew tense, for Ludovic never answered 97 and was staring ahead, frowning, his thoughts obviously miles away as they ate the delicious dinner. Afterwards they had coffee. The orchestra was playing; several couples had taken to the floor when two people came to their table. Jan looked up, startled, and Ludovic leapt to his feet. A tall man with very short blond hair smiled at her and a girl, a really beautiful girl, Jan thought instantly, tall and making the most of her height by wearing a striking dress of black and white stripes, going diagonally, with a low neckline and her dark brown hair a mass of curls by his side. "Ludovic!" she said, her voice husky as she held out both her hands to him. "Amanda," he said, and Jan caught her breath. So this was the brilliant and beautiful secretory who worked for Mrs. Fairlie and planned to marry Ludovic, according to Esther, Jan thought. Ludovic was smiling. "Nice to see you, Amanda." She laughed, her eyes looking over Jan quickly and then seemingly dismissing her as if she was of no interest or value. "Yes, I happened to bump into Peter: and told him I was free for a few days and would like to fly up and see you, so he brought me." She turned and looked at the silent man by her side. "Dear Peter had his own plane, of course, so it was very simple." She looked round her. "I'm sorry we're so late. Ludovic, you've dined?" "Yes." Ludovic seemed to remember Jan, then, for he turned to her. "Jan, I want you to meet Amanda Rowson, my sister-in-law's secretary. Amanda, this is Jan Shaw. Jan, this is Peter Frost... Peter...." Peter laughed and held out his hand. "Glad to meet you," he said. He had the usual suntanned skin, bleached hair and blue eyes that so many Australian had, Jan noticed. She had taken an immediate dislike to Amanda, who had barely smiled at her then turned again to Ludovic, 98

  her hand on his arm, her eyes, with their incredibly thick black eye lashes, looking into his. Ludovic moved slightly so that Amanda's arm dropped. "Yes, we have dined," he said. "I suggest you eat now and Jan and I will dance. When you've finished, we'll all meet outside on the patio." _ Amanda opened her mouth as if to speak, then closed it as if she decided it was better to keep silent. Ludovic took Jan's arm in his hand and gently led her to the floor. It was the first time she had danced with him. To start with she felt nervous, but he led her so smoothly that she relaxed and enjoyed every moment of it. Was there anything Ludovic could not do perfectly? she wondered. He did not speak, and his eyes were half-closed, the little frown showing between his brows which meant he was thinking. Jan recognised it, having seen it so often before. Was he pleased at Amanda's arrival? she wondered, and then thought that perhaps Amanda was the reason for this evening, because Amanda had apologised for being late. So, if Ludovic was in love with Amanda, he should be very happy now. Instead he was frowning. Perhaps she was the trouble, Jan thought, and wondered how she could say tactfully that she would be happy to wait in the boat until he was ready to go home. The thought made her smile. Ludovic stared at her. "What's the joke?" he asked. She shrugged and looked into his eyes. She had often read that, close enough, you could see yourself reflected in your partner's eyes, but she had never believed it, or tested it. But tonight she could see herself, her ,'yes shining, her face so clear and pale, her dark hair gleaming. _ His arm tightened round her. "Yes, why?" he asked. She was glad the music stopped them. They danced again and again^but Ludovic didn't repeat the question. Later they joined the others on the patio, with long 99 cool drinks before them. Ludovic and Peter went off for a few moments and Amanda and Jan sat in silence. It was such an embarrassing silence that Jan wondered how she could break it, and it came as a surprise when Amanda turned and looked at her. "How much longer do you intend to stay?" she asked. Jan stared back. "Intend... to stay?" she repeated slowly. "Mrs. Fairlie invited me and I'm waiting to meet her," she added, lifting her small chin. Amanda might be beautiful and brainy, but Jan was not going to be intimidated, she determined. "You'll go, after you've seen her?" Amanda asked, her eyes hard with hate. "You've made rather a fool of yourself, haven't you? Using Jarvis as an excuse to get involved with the wealthy Fairlies." Her voice was maliciously sarcastic. "But don't count your chickens before they're hatched. You haven't a hope. Ludovic is already bespoke." Jan managed an amused smile. "So I understand." She deliberately looked Amanda up and down. "I'm not interested in Ludovic," she went on. "So you needn't be alarmed." Amanda's face went bright red and her hand came upthen stayed poised before lightly touching Jan's scarves."Beautiful material," she said, just as the two men joined them. The orchestra began to play and Peter Frost looked at Jan. "Shall we?" 8he stood up quickly, eager to leave Ludovic alone with his Amanda. Peter Frost took her hand as they walked to the dance floor. He smiled down. "I'm green with envy," he said. She looked up at him. "Why?" "Because Ludovic always gets the pick of the bunch. I always said he could choose 'em." '"Em?" she echoed. 100

  Birds, I mean. Birds like you and Amanda, with both beauty and wit. Of course it's easier for a man like Ludovic than a man like me." He danced well as he talked, but she didn't feel the same relaxation she had known in Ludovic's amis. .she felt somehow that she didn't like Pete." 1'rost. She wasn't sure why, but she distrusted him which was absurd, for he was a friend of Ludovic's. Why is it easier for him?" Jan asked. The orchestra was playing one of her favourite tunes and she would have preferred to listen to it silently, but he seemed determined to talk. "Because he's got the lolly, of course. Lovely gorgeous lolly that can buy you any girl you want." Jan's cheeks were hot "His lolly couldn't buy me! Peter chuokled. "Want to bet? You're a Pommie?" "I am." She lifted her chin defiantly. "I'm Australian." "I know." "How did you know?" he asked, laughing down at her. "Because of your sun-tan and bleached hair and blue eyes," she told him. He laughed, delighted. "You haven't asked me how I knew you were a Pommie." "I guessed it was my voice." "Partly; partly your attitude towards men. You're much more independent, not nearly so submissive as the Australian girls. They know we're the boss, but youve got to learn." He laughed. "Maybe I could be the one to teach you?" Jan looked at him. "I hate..." Men, she had been going to say, but stopped, for she realised it was no longer true. Barracuda Isle had taught her not to hate men! /'You hate me?" Peter chuckled. "A lovely beginning, for from hate was love born." ? 101 "You live in...?" She deliberately changed the subject. "Nowhere and everywhere. My parents travelled a lot and so did I. Still do." The music changed and when she turned to go back to the patio, Peter grabbed her hand. "Don't go," he laughed at her startled expression. "Let's leave the lovebirds alone." Jan understood, (hen. When Peter and Ludovic had disappeared for a few moments, it had been to give Ludovic a chance to ask Peter to take Jan off his hands. For a moment she was filled with anger, then she realised she was being illogical. After all, if Ludovic loved Amanda.... "AM right," she said, and smiled at Peter Frost. The music changed and the formal dance was over, so they jerked, swinging their limbs to the time of the music. As they laughed at one another Jan began to like Peter more and to drip her melodramatic feeling as regards his trustworthiness. However, after a while, she felt hot and exhausted, for they had had a hard day of work, fossicking with Rab, so she told Peter she would like to sit down. "Sure." He took her arm and led her from the floor, out into the garden. It was a different entrance, she noticed, and didn't lead to the patio. Here ithere was a long deserted terrace, smooth lawns leading down to s
eats, half hidden by well-cut bushes. "It's cooler down here," Peter explained, leading her down the steps, across the grass, to a seat by a cypress tree. Jan drew a long deep breath. It was still hot out here in the garden. She sat down, sighing a little, for her feet hurt. "You're happy on Barracuda Island?" Peter asked. "Very." She turned to smile at him. "Have you been there? It's beautiful." There was a great round golden moon high up in the sky, myriads of twinkling stars, and there were coloured lamps hanging from the trees, just giving 102

  light enough to see vague shapes but not faces, she noticed as she looked round. "I've never been there." There was an odd note in Peter's voice. "Ludovic only invites his girl-friends." He laughed. "We call it his harem. Only difference is that he only has one there at a time." Jan turned her head. "Are you suggesting..." She could feel (he adrenalin racing through her veins. "Ludovic isn't like that." "I didn't mean you," Peter said quiddy. "I know Mrs. Fairlie invited you, didn't she? Or so they say." Jan sat stiffly. "Who do you mean by we and they?" "Ludovic's friends, of course." Peter sounded surprised. "Fine friends they must be!" Jan's voice was cold. "I received a letter from Mrs. Fairlie, inviting me to stay." "I know. Amanda typed it. But it didn't say when, did it?" "I don't understand. What do you mean...." Jan began, but Peter interrupted her. "Why waste this lovely moment talking about Ludovic?" he said, and as he spoke he pulled her roughly towards him, so that she lay across his knees. As he bent and kissed her his hands wandered down her arms.She acted without thought and following her immediate reaction. The sound as her hand slapped his face seemed to rebound in the quietness. He released her so abruptly that she nearly slid to the ground, but she managed to regain her balance and scramlbled, undignified but still furious, to her feet, then sat down. "Well," his voice was thick with fury, "what a way tobehave! Anyone would tihink you'd never been kissed before." "Of .course I have, but just because I danced with you, it doesn't mean you can kiss me... and certainly ^ not like that!" Jan said angrily."Of all the freaks I've ever met!" Peter nearly 103 exploded. She could imagine his cheeks were bright red. "Ludovic called you a Sleeping Princess waiting to bekissed Iby the right man and that then you'd come to life. I can't see anyone else risking a slap." "Jan. ..Peter!" a voice called. It was Ludovic's. Thankful, Jan stood up just as Ludovic joined them. "Sorry to break things up, but it's pretty late. I've said goodbye to Amanda, Peter. Thanks for giving her a lift Nice meeting you.""Nice, indeed!" Peter almost snarled. Now she could see his face as he rubbed his cheek. "Quite an experience! Goodnight!" He turned and hurriedly walked away.Jan waited. How much had Ludovic seen? she wondered. But he said nothing, merely taking her arm. "The car's waiting, Jan," he said calmly. As she walked, she realised she was trembling. Was it shock, she wondered, or disgust at the way Peter had handled her, grabbing and kissingif kissing was the right word, she thought angrily. Those hands of his... the cheek of it! Why, they'd only met that evening. "Are you cold?" Ludovic asked. "You're trembling." "I am a bit," she said, tempted to tell him what she thought of his friend. Then she decided not to, as obviously he had seen nothing. In the car he put ithe fur coat on her, which helped a little, but on the boat she hardly spoke, only answering the few questions he put. The carriage was waiting for them, the horses so patient. How romantic it would be if they were in love, Jan thought suddenly, the palm trees, tall and graceful, hardly stirring in the quiet stillness of the night Back at the house, she paused in the hall to say goodnight to Ludovic. But as she turned and began to apeak, he caught hold of one of her arms and stopped her. "Was it really necessary," he began, his voice quiet but amused, "to slap poor Peter's face? Surely not a very sophisticated reaction to a natural act on Peter's part. A 104

  pretty girl, dancing all evening with a handsome man, obviously enjoying his company, ignoring her host completely." Jan's cheeks burned. "That doesn't give him the right to paw me, to slobber all over me like a mad creature. Why, I only met him tonight. I don't kiss every Tom, Dick or Harry I meet, you know. I'm pretty particular as to who I do kiss." The anger was rising' inside her, almost too fast to control. She had no notion of how lovely she looked with her flashing eyes, angry-red cheeks and trembling mouth. "Peter is a rich man," Ludovic drawled the words, ignoring her anger. "He would make a good husband, far better and richer than Jarvis." She tried to free herself from his grasp, but his fingers tightened, digging into her flesh. "I'm not interested in money," she shouted, "I'm sick and tired of .this eternal talk about money! It isn't important at all. It's about the least important of anything. When I marry, it'll be for love...." She swallowed, .trying to control her anger .but losing the battle, so she began again. "How dare you!" she shouted. "How dare you tell him I was waiting for the right man to kiss me? It was practically telling him to have a go!" Ludovic laughed. Her hand flew, but he was too quick and caught hold of both her hands, holding .them tightly. "But I'm right, Jan," he said. She knew he was laughing at her and she struggled helplessly in his grasp. "You are like a sleeping princess. You'll only come alive and be a warm human person after die right man has kissed you." Suddenly he pulled her towards him and put his arms round her. He held her so tightly that she could hardly breathe. Then he put one hand under her chin and gently tilted back her head, moving his face down towards her so that again ithat evening she could see 105 herself reflected in his eyes. But she saw a different Jan, this time, a Jan with ruffled hair, red cheeks, and tears of fury in her eyes. Then his mouth closed over hers.... She had no idea how long he kissed her. The touch of his warm hard lips, the warmth of his arm round her, seemed to wipe out her ability to think. The moment went on... and on... and on.... Then she realised something, something that both shocked and surprised her, for not only was he kissing herbut she was kissing him, her body trembling in his arms, her mouth eager as she responded to his. He released her as abruptly as he had caught her to him and she staggered back, leaning against the wall, her arms spread out. She stared at him, unable to speak, trying to grasp the truth she had just learned. "Well?" he said, and his voice was amused. "That wasn't so bad, was it?" He was laughing at her! For him, it was just a joke! She was trembling a little, trying to come out of the confused state she'found herself in. It couldn't be true! She bit her lower lip viciously, stood stiffly, now clasping her hands behind her back, digging her nails fiercely into the palms, trying everything she could think of to regain composure and keep him from discovering .the humiliating truth. Somehow she managed a light laugh. "Ludovic, I never said I didn't like being kissed. It was just the way your friend did it. No warning, no... well," she managed a light laugh, "no build-up." "Ah, I see you're a romantic. Peter is down to earth, a realist." "A realist?" Jan felt the anger growing inside her and was, for once, grateful for it. At least it would give her courage to carry on with this farce, to hide the truth. "More like an animal, slobbering all over me. When a girl is kissed, she likes it to be done...." "More professionally?" Ludovic made no attempt to hide his laughter. "How did I show up?" 106