Ocean Child Page 6

  Lulu took her hands and forced her to stand still. ‘You’ve been crying, Dolly, and you never cry. What on earth is going on?’

  The tears welled in the green eyes and she angrily wiped them away. ‘It’s too silly, really,’ she muttered, ‘nothing for you to worry about.’ She grabbed Lulu’s arm and dragged her into the drawing room. ‘Never mind about me, Lulu – you look absolutely done in. What have you been up to?’

  Lulu was used to the rapid-fire questions, the emphasis on at least one word in every sentence and the sheer energy Dolly generally exuded – but today she was obviously weighed down by something, and knowing Dolly, it probably meant a man was involved. They had been friends since boarding school, and Dolly’s life was a continuous drama of one sort or another, and although Lulu didn’t really approve of her scandalous behaviour, and found the dramas exhausting, Dolly’s heart was warm, her friendship generous and unquestioning. It was difficult not to like her. ‘It has been a long day,’ she said with a sigh.

  ‘I’ve given the servants the day off, so I’ll get dressed and organise some tea. Sit down and rest. Then you must tell me all.’

  Lulu sank into a soft armchair and closed her eyes against the sun that was streaming through the deep bay windows. For all her vivacity and brittle patter, Dolly was a stalwart friend, and although some might call her flighty and unreliable, she possessed an admirable sense of loyalty. It had been Dolly who’d first called her Lulu, been the first to comfort her when she was homesick and feeling adrift at boarding school, and the first to make sure she was included in the parties and games and invited to the country-house weekends. She was the only person Lulu could trust to give her honest advice.

  She must have dozed off, for when she opened her eyes the tea was on the table and Dolly was sitting in the opposite chair smoking a cigarette, dressed in an emerald-green silk shirt and wide-legged trousers, quietly watching her.

  ‘Sorry,’ she muttered through a yawn. ‘I was obviously more tired than I thought.’

  Dolly’s lovely face was clear of make-up, her dark hair falling in a glossy cap to her narrow jaw making her look much younger than twenty-six. ‘We’ve been friends for years,’ she murmured, wielding the long cigarette holder and flicking ash into a crystal dish, ‘and I can always tell when something’s bothering you. What’s happened, Lulu?’

  Lulu sipped the tea. It was warm and soothing, and just what she needed. ‘If I’m to tell my story, then I think it’s only fair you tell yours,’ she said firmly. ‘Come on, Dolly, what’s happened?’

  Dolly gave a dramatic sigh. ‘It’s nothing, Lulu. You know me, forever lurching from one disaster to another. I’ll get over it.’ She blew a stream of smoke into the room. ‘But I get the feeling that whatever’s ailing you is far more important, so come on – spill the beans.’

  ‘It’s a long story,’ she began.

  ‘I have all day – all night if that’s what you need.’

  Lulu eyed the numerous invitations on the mantelpiece. ‘I see you’re due to attend a gala dinner party at the Ritz tonight, so I won’t keep you long.’

  ‘You’re far more important than some stuffy old dinner at the Ritz with Freddy. You will stay for as long as you like.’

  ‘Won’t Freddy mind?’

  Dolly dismissed her fiancé with a wave of her elegant hand. ‘He’ll understand.’

  Lulu felt sorry for Freddy. Dolly ran rings around him, and he was a nice man who didn’t deserve to be treated in such a cavalier fashion.

  ‘Don’t look at me like that, Lulu. Freddy is quite capable of breaking off the engagement if he doesn’t like the way I treat him, so there’s no need for you to rush to his defence.’

  Lulu accepted she’d never mastered the art of the enigmatic expression, so she gathered her thoughts and told Dolly about the letters, the colt and Clarice’s reaction.

  Dolly’s eyes widened as the story unfolded.

  ‘I’ve just come from Clarice’s solicitor,’ said Lulu finally. ‘He confirms the legality of the papers. It seems I really do own Ocean Child.’

  ‘My dear, how exciting,’ Dolly pulled a face, ‘but ghastly of Clarice to be so tedious about it all. What are you going to do?’

  Lulu’s hands fluttered. ‘I don’t know,’ she admitted, ‘and that’s why I’m here to ask your advice.’

  Dolly stubbed out her cigarette and fiddled with the ivory holder. ‘It’s a tricky one,’ she mused. ‘Clarice is obviously determined you shouldn’t go, which is a mystery in itself. But I doubt she’ll really carry through her threat to banish you.’

  ‘I’m not so sure. You didn’t see her last night, Dolly – she was positively radiating fury, and for a woman who is usually so in control, it was quite frightening to witness.’

  ‘I can imagine,’ Dolly replied. ‘She always struck me as terribly stiff and unapproachable, and although she’s always a marvellous hostess when I visit, I feel she only tolerates me because of my parents.’

  Lulu grinned. ‘She doesn’t approve of any of my friends, so you’re not alone. It helps that your parents are frightfully rich and well-connected of course. Aunt Clarice can be the most awful snob.’

  Dolly grinned. ‘Thank goodness they are, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to live in Mayfair on my measly trust fund.’

  ‘Your measly trust fund is worth hundreds a year,’ she remarked evenly. ‘It’s your spending that stretches it to breaking-point.’

  Dolly shrugged off this gentle reproach and leant forward, her expression thoughtful. ‘What is your head telling you to do about the horse, Lulu?’

  ‘To sell it, make things right with Aunt Clarice and forget any of this happened.’

  ‘And your heart?’

  ‘That I should go home to Tasmania and find out what is going on.’ Lulu sighed. ‘If I do that, then Clarice will never forgive me.’

  ‘She will,’ Dolly said comfortably. ‘All parents forgive eventually. They have to, you see, because we are so much a part of them they simply can’t bear to let us go.’

  ‘So speaks the indulged daughter,’ Lulu replied drily.

  ‘I agree.’ Dolly flicked her fringe out of her eyes and gazed out of the window, her expression suddenly sad. ‘Pa can never say no when I want something, and he’s usually frightfully good when I get into a bit of a scrape and need rescuing.’

  ‘Clarice is very different to your pa,’ Lulu reminded Dolly, ‘and of course she’s not my mother, so her threat must be taken seriously.’

  Dolly fitted another cigarette into the holder. ‘If some secret admirer had given me a horse, then I would be on the next ship out of here. But you’re far too sensible to do such a thing without giving it a great deal of thought first – and, as you say, your circumstances are different to mine.’ She blew a stream of smoke towards the ornate ceiling rose. ‘And of course there’s your health to consider.’

  ‘I’ve had the lectures about my heart condition,’ said Lulu, raking her fingers through her hair, ‘and frankly I’m getting rather tired of hearing them.’

  ‘It is a factor, Lulu. You cannot ignore it.’

  ‘I know,’ she admitted, ‘but it didn’t do me any harm when Clarice brought me here all those years ago – and the doctor says I’m getting stronger each time he sees me.’

  ‘That’s excellent news.’ Dolly cocked her head, her gaze steady. ‘Have you spoken to Bertie about this conundrum?’

  ‘There’s no point until I’ve reached some sort of decision, and if I decide to stay, then nothing will have changed. I’ll take on the commissions, bank the money and start on next year’s exhibition pieces.’

  ‘You don’t sound terribly convinced, darling, and Bertie will positively blow a gasket if you don’t keep him up to date with your plans. What does Maurice have to say? I’m assuming you’ve talked it over with him.’

  ‘We had the most awful row this morning,’ she confessed. ‘He told me I was mad to even contemplate it, and had a long list of reasons why I
should stay in England.’ Lulu’s smile was wry. ‘I got the distinct impression his advice was more geared to his needs than mine. But then, that’s Maurice.’

  Dolly’s expression hardened. ‘It might be good for him to stand on his own two feet for once. All the while you’re close at hand he simply leans on you, and I’ve often thought how wearing that responsibility must be. Rather like having a demanding child.’

  ‘I know you think Maurice is a parasite, and in a way he is, but I remember how he used to be and simply can’t just brush him aside like you do Freddy.’

  ‘Why are you so concerned about Freddy all of a sudden?’ The green eyes flashed. ‘Is there something going on between you?’

  ‘Don’t be ridiculous, Dolly. You’re clearly in a very odd mood today, and if you’re determined to start a fight, then I’m leaving.’

  ‘Don’t go.’ Dolly reached for her hand. ‘I’m sorry, darling, I didn’t meant to be so sharp.’ She tilted her head, the green eyes pleading. ‘Forgive me?’

  ‘I always do,’ she murmured, ‘but there are times, Dolly dear, when you would test the patience of a saint.’

  Dolly smiled and shrugged before digging her purse from beneath a stack of newspapers and discarded letters. She pulled out a coin. ‘I want to conduct an experiment,’ she said mysteriously. ‘It’s one that I’ve used many a time when I have a tough decision to make, and it rarely fails me.’

  ‘My decision can’t be made on the toss of a coin,’ Lulu protested.

  ‘We’ll see.’ She threw the coin in the air and trapped it on the back of her hand. She looked at Lulu, her gaze steady. ‘Now, I want you to really concentrate, Lulu, and treat the toss of this coin as a decision you cannot back out of – the result is final and there is no alternative.’

  Lulu thought it was nonsense, but decided to play along. Yet, as she focused her thoughts, she was surprised at how keenly she willed the coin to provide the solution. ‘All right – heads I go; tails I stay.’

  ‘Ready?’

  Lulu nodded, her eyes fixed firmly on her friend’s hands as they opened to reveal the coin.

  ‘Tails it is.’ Dolly regarded her solemnly. ‘What is your immediate reaction?’

  ‘Disappointment,’ she admitted, ‘loss, regret – a terrible sadness.’

  ‘I thought so – and that initial reaction is telling. You knew all along that you have to go – call it curiosity, homesickness, the need to be independent, whatever – but until this moment you’ve been afraid to admit it.’

  ‘What about Clarice, Bertie and Maurice?’

  ‘It’s not their decision to make. You have spent your life trying to please everyone – now it’s time to follow your instincts and please yourself.’ Dolly crossed the room, sat beside her and took her hands. ‘I so clearly remember that little girl with the funny accent whose face lit up as she talked of kookaburras and bellbirds, and the scents of eucalyptus and pine. It was what made you special.’

  Lulu had never felt particularly special – merely different – but it was nice to hear.

  Dolly opened Lulu’s hand and pressed the coin into her palm. ‘Take it with you to Tasmania. You might find you have to use it again.’

  ‘Do you really think I dare risk everything and go?’

  Dolly nodded as she closed Lulu’s fingers over the coin. ‘If you don’t, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.’

  Lulu realised Dolly was right, but doubt still niggled. ‘It is a long way,’ she murmured, ‘and I shall be quite alone. What if I am taken ill?’

  ‘Ships have doctors, and I’m sure Australia does too,’ retorted Dolly impatiently.

  Lulu eyed her sharply. ‘What’s eating you today? Come on, I’ve told you my problems. Now you must tell me yours.’ She sat back and folded her arms. ‘I’m staying here until you tell me everything.’

  Dolly left the couch, picked up her silver cigarette case and walked to the window. She smoked for a while in silence, then sank on to the window seat. ‘I want your word this will go no further, Lulu. I can’t risk anyone finding out.’

  ‘You have it.’

  ‘There’s this man …’ she began.

  ‘There usually is,’ said Lulu.

  ‘I know, I know, but this time it’s a little more serious than usual.’

  Lulu watched the different expressions flit across Dolly’s face and realised her friend was deeply troubled. ‘Go on,’ she prompted gently.

  ‘I won’t tell you who he is– suffice it to say he’s a friend of Bertie’s. They were at Oxford together.’ She rose from the window seat and began to pace. ‘He’s much older than me of course, and frightfully sophisticated, and honestly, Lulu I knew I shouldn’t have flirted with him so outrageously, but I simply couldn’t help myself.’

  ‘Oh, Dolly,’ sighed Lulu, ‘please tell me you didn’t sleep with him.’

  She stubbed out her cigarette. ‘I didn’t mean to,’ she insisted, ‘but you know how it is after a night of champagne.’ She gave a great sigh and threw herself into the chair. ‘I woke up the next morning in a seedy hotel room in Fulham of all places, with little memory of what had happened, but he’d left a note on the pillow, thanking me for a most entertaining and satisfying night.’

  Lulu perched on the arm of the chair and took her hand. There was very little she could say, for it was clear Dolly was distraught. ‘You’re not … you know?’

  Dolly’s laugh was bitter. ‘No, thank God.’

  ‘Then why are you so worried? If you’re not planning to see him again – and I’m the only one who knows – you can put it down to experience and try to forget about it.’

  ‘I wish it was that simple.’ Dolly chewed a fingernail. ‘He’s threatening to tell Freddy and Bertie if I don’t agree to meet him again.’ Her lovely eyes were awash with tears as she looked up at Lulu. ‘I’m going quite mad with worry, Lulu. What am I to do?’

  Lulu was shocked. This was far beyond her experiences, and she couldn’t think straight. ‘Is he married? Perhaps a discreet anonymous note to his wife … ?’

  Dolly shook her head. ‘She’s as bad as he is.’ Her voice broke on a sob. ‘He’s even suggesting a ménage a trois, with her – can you believe it? I feel so dirty – so used, and I simply don’t know which way to turn.’

  Lulu tried desperately to think of a solution as she held her sobbing friend, but nothing came to mind.

  Dolly eventually stopped crying, withdrew from Lulu’s embrace and blew her nose. ‘Pa usually sorts things out for me, but of course I can’t possibly tell him about this. He’d never forgive me.’

  ‘Are you so sure about that? He’s forgiven you before, and he’s an influential man who just might be able to put a stop to this.’

  ‘I couldn’t bear to see the disappointment and disgust on his face – too shaming.’ She shook her head. ‘No, this time it’s up to me to find a way out of the mess I’ve made.’

  Lulu returned to the couch as Dolly crossed the room and poured them each a strong gin and tonic. They sat in silence as the grandfather clock in the hall ticked away the minutes.

  ‘I’ve just had a brilliant idea,’ shouted Dolly, leaping to her feet. ‘Why don’t I come with you to Australia?’

  Lulu was speechless with shock. She loved Dolly, and treasured her friendship, but she could be overpowering and inclined to run wild – as this recent escapade had proved. Six weeks together on a liner would test their friendship to the limit. ‘You wouldn’t like being cooped up on a ship for so long,’ she said hastily.

  Dolly’s eyes were alight with excitement. ‘I adore life at sea,’ she breathed. ‘The starlit nights, the dancing on deck, all those lovely officers.’

  ‘That’s what I’m afraid of,’ said Lulu drily.

  ‘Oh, darling, don’t be so stuffy. Anyone would think you were Clarice’s age, the way you go on.’

  ‘Someone has to keep a clear head about this. We could be away for months, and you’ll miss the London season. You also
seem to have forgotten about Freddy.’

  Dolly slumped into the chair. ‘The season has become tedious with its endless round of Ascot, Wimbledon, Henley and so on – and I certainly don’t want to run the risk of bumping into that man again.’ She shuddered. ‘Freddy poses a bit of a problem, I suppose, but maybe the separation will do us some good.’

  ‘Don’t you think it would be kinder to break off the engagement, Dolly? You obviously don’t love him.’

  ‘I suppose I should,’ she muttered, ‘but I rather like having him around. He’s sort of safe and familiar, and he does make me laugh.’

  ‘Not exactly the recipe for a long and happy marriage.’

  ‘We’re getting sidetracked,’ said Dolly impatiently. ‘I need to get out of London until things cool down. You’re going to Australia. It makes perfect sense that I come with you. What do you say?’

  The misgivings were legion, but Lulu saw the plea in her friend’s eyes and knew she couldn’t refuse. ‘All right,’ she said reluctantly, ‘but I want your solemn promise that you’ll learn from all this and try to behave.’

  Dolly dragged her from the couch and gave her a hug. ‘You won’t regret it, I promise.’ She grinned like a schoolgirl. ‘Let’s go into town and do some shopping. We’ll need a whole new tropical wardrobe for a start, and you’ll have to advise me on what I’ll need for Tasmania. Gosh, I haven’t been this excited for years. What an adventure!’

  Lulu slumped back into the chair as Dolly raced out of the room to change her clothes. She was already regretting her decision, and the thought of shepherding Dolly through the minefield of ship’s officers, fellow passengers and Tasmanian horse trainers and the racing fraternity filled her with dread. The peaceful homecoming she’d envisaged was wrecked before it had even begun.

  *

  The warmth of the day had diminished as the sun went down, leaving a chill in the air that promised heavy dew by morning. The three-storey terraced house was in darkness, and Lulu breathed a sigh of relief. She was exhausted after the long shopping expedition with Dolly, and the last thing she needed was another confrontation with Maurice. Yet, just as she was about to put the key into the lock of her garden apartment, the door was flung open.