Rachel Lindsay - Alien Corn Read online

  Rachel Lindsay - Alien Corn

  Fight as she might against her feelings for Rafael Rodriguez, Lorna had to admit them in the end.

  But the two of them were separated by barriers of nationality, language, and two completely different backgrounds. Lorna was in the position of having to accept an alien way of life for herself, or give up the man who had become so dear to her.

  Should she back out while there was still time, or could there be a future for them together?

  CHAPTER ONE

  Lorna Fairfax hurried through the lounge of the Hyde Park Palace Hotel and gave the revolving doors an angry push. They whirled round and a young woman about to step in was thrown violently into her arms.

  'I'm sorry,' she began, and then stopped. 'Amalia - it can't be!'

  'Lorna! Of all the people in the? world fancy bumping into you! Don't tell me you're staying here too?!

  Lorna grinned. 'Not likely! I only work here.'

  'Then I'm in luck. I've been trying to get you on the telephone all day. But we can't stand talking here. Come inside and have tea.'

  Momentarily Lorna hesitated. She had already broken one rule by coming out through the front entrance and it might cost her her job to be seen sitting with a visitor.

  As if guessing her thoughts the other girl smiled. 'Come on, Lorna. You can always tell the manager I wouldn't take no for an answer!'

  With a shrug Lorna followed her friend across the carpeted foyer to a corner of the peach-mirrored lounge.

  'How long have you been here, Amalia? I haven't seen your name in the register.'

  'You wouldn't recognize it if you did. I'm married!'

  'Impossible! You still look such a kid!'

  That's what Manoel says. Oh, Lorna, it is good to see you. You haven't changed a bit.'

  'Neither have you.'

  And indeed she had not: the same bubbly hair, curly mouth and twinkling dark eyes. The only difference was that the brown gymslip had been replaced by a smartly cut grey suit and the small, expressive hands sported an outsize diamond ring. Amalia had obviously married well.

  'Now then, where shall we begin?' The Portuguese girl turned back from the waiter. 'Such a lot has happened since I last saw you. How are your parents and that lovely house? Do you still live with them in the country?'

  Regretfully Lorna remembered the gracious Queen Anne house, the beech woods and sloping lawns that had been her background as a child;

  'Finished,' she said briefly. 'My parents died soon after my brother John was killed, and I had to sell up the house and move in with an aunt.

  'Lorna dear, I never knew - never guessed. "Why didn't you write and tell me?'

  How could I? We'd lost touch ages before. Now don't look so miserable, there's no need to be. I've a lovely little flat in Chelsea and quite a bit of the family silver! But enough about me. What are you doing here? Are you staying long?'

  'A few days. As a matter of fact I've been living in Brazil since I got married. Manoel looks after his cousin's estate out there and we're on our way to Portugal for a holiday.'

  'Perhaps you'll come over to the flat one evening. If not now, on your return.'

  Amalia's lips curled in a smile. 'We won't be returning until the end of the year, and when we do there'll be three of us!'

  'Amalia, how wonderful - I'd never have guessed! Is that the reason you're going back to Portugal?'

  'Yes. Rafael - that's the cousin I was telling you about - wants the baby to be born in the family home.'

  'Quite the patriarch!'

  Amalia shrugged. He's been very good to us since our marriage, and we wouldn't oppose him.'

  'And your parents-where are they?'

  'At the Embassy in Rio, worse luck. That was one of the reasons I didn't want to come back.' She poured out the tea and passed Lorna a cup. 'It's a pity you don't live nearer or you could come and keep me company! Manoel's relations are as old as the Ark, and after Rio, Estoril will be as dull as ditch-water.' She sat up. 'But of course! Why didn't I think of it before? It's the ideal solution! You must come and stay with me until I've had the baby!'

  Lorna smiled. 'It sounds wonderful, but I couldn't.'

  'Why? Are you engaged?'

  'No, but—

  'Well, what's stopping you? Silly Lorna, I'm not asking you out of pity. I'm offering you a job. Manoel will fix a salary and—'

  'Amalia, no! I wouldn't dream of taking any money from you. If I came at all it would be as a friend.' She hesitated. 'I'm really thinking of my aunt. We took the flat together and it doesn't seem right to leave her on her own.'

  'I don't see why. You wouldn't be away for ever. Please, Lorna, you can't refuse without thinking it over. You know as well as I do I've nothing in common with Portuguese girls of my own age. If I don't have someone like you to talk to I'll go—' she stopped and waved frantically to a man walking towards the lift.. He turned and came over with a smile.

  Not very tall, slender, with the sleek black hair and expressive eyes of his race, this was obviously Manoel. Happily Amalia introduced them and he watched her fondly as she prattled on about Lorna's visit to Portugal.

  'Amalia, my love,' he interrupted the flow, 'you have not given your friend a chance to say a word.' Then to Lorna: 'What's all this about your coming to Portugal? I think it would be an excellent idea. My wife needs someone to cheer her up.'

  'It isn't settled, I'm afraid. I've promised to let Amalia know tomorrow, Senhor—'

  'Rodriguez. Manoel Rodriguez at your service.'

  Solemnly they shook hands all over again and Lorna rose. 'I really must be going this time or my aunt will think I'm lost.'

  Telephone me early,' Amalia pleaded, 'I'll be keeping my fingers crossed until I hear from you.'

  As Lorna had expected, her aunt was delighted when she heard the reason for her niece's delay.

  'It's just the sort of tiling you've been looking for. You're going, of course?'

  'I said I'd think it over.'

  Think it over? My dear girl, you'd be mad to refuse. It isn't as if you'd be leaving a wonderful job or a hectic social life." There's nothing to stop you going. You're in a rut and this is the best way of getting out of it.'

  'Now don't you say I look as if I need a holiday or I'll really feel decrepit!'

  Lorna took off her coat and looked at herself in the mirror. Her heart-shaped face with its wide-spaced grey eyes and gentle mouth was completely devoid of makeup, the skin milky-white except for a faint flush on the high cheekbones. Soft, ash-blonde hair was pulled back into a tight knot without any concession to style; the same disregard of fashion evident in the shapeless wool dress that covered her tall, slim body.

  'What's the matter with me?' she asked. 'I'm young, not repulsive to look at, yet life seems to be passing me by.'

  'Because you've let yourself go,' her aunt said tartly. 'I've never known a girl of your age take so little interest in herself. If you stopped trying to improve your mind and concentrated a bit more on your appearance you wouldn't be sitting at home so much. There's nothing wrong with you that a young man can't put right!'

  Lorna laughed. 'And how am I supposed to find this Romeo?'

  'Not in the past I can tell you that! It's no good pining for the country, my dear. When you sold your home that part of your life ended for ever. I don't know why Derek puts up with you. He's crazy to bother with someone who takes as little notice of him as you do,

  Lorna sat down and picked up her knitting the flying needles the only outward sign of disturbance, Derek's a dear, but; I don't love him.'

  'If that's the case there's no more to say. But don't throw away a decent boy for the sake of an unknown knight in shining armour.' Her au
nt leaned forward earnestly. 'I'd take your friend's offer, Lorna. If you're worrying about the fare…'

  'Of course not but—'

  'What's stopping you, then? If you're thinking about me - don't I'll miss you - I won't deny that - but at least it'll give me a chance to write a lot more. No evening meals to cook and I can live on tea and buns until you get back!'

  'If I didn't know you, I'd think you were trying to get rid of me!' Lorna stood up and yawned. 'All sight I'll sleep on it and decide in the morning.'

  But her decision was already made; it had only seeded her aunt to confirm it. Early the next day she telephoned her friend and said she would accept the offer, Amalia was delighted.

  'I'm sure you won't regret it. Oh, Lorna, it'll be like old times, I can't wait until we're together again! Manoel and I will pick you up on Wednesday on the way to the airport.'

  'It's impossible - I'll never be ready by then! I've got so much to do I'll be lucky if I can leave in a month.'

  'Don't worry about the visa. A cousin of Manoel's works at the Portuguese Legation and he'll get you one in a few hours.'

  'I need more than a visa to get out of England,' Lorna said wryly. 'I haven't got a passport yet — and no cousin in the world can expedite the Foreign Office!'

  'Can't you explain you're in a hurry?'

  'It wouldn't do any good. And honestly, Amalia, even if my passport came through tomorrow I couldn't just pack up and leave. For one thing I haven't any clothes and for another I've got to give in my notice.'

  'Bother your notice! The manager can't stop you from leaving.'

  'No, but he can give me a bad reference.'

  "Well, I'll give you a good one!' Amalia's voice quickened. 'I can't talk any more. Manoel and I are going out for the day and he's signalling me to hurry. I'll telephone you this evening if I don't get back too late.'

  Because of her conversation with Amalia, Lorna was late arriving at the hotel and had hardly settled down at her desk when she was called to the manager's office. Mystified at the summons — for Mr. Irving rarely saw the lesser members of his staff — she hurried along the corridor and entered the large, close-carpeted room.

  Mr. Irving took off his silver-rimmed glasses and polished them slowly as he spoke. 'I've had a complaint about you, Miss Fairfax. Surely you have been here long enough to know it is against the rules for the staff to use the main exits.'

  'I'm sorry, sir, but I - I forgot.'

  'And did you also forget that it is against the rules for employees to have tea in the main lounge?'

  'Senhora Rodriguez invited me and I couldn't refuse. She is an old school friend of mine.'

  'I see.' The manager fingered his chin, his expression indicative of his annoyance at discovering that one of his employees should dare to know a hotel guest. 'I realize that you are in an awkward position, Miss Fairfax, but then so am I. I cannot show favouritism to anyone, and I must insist that in future you meet your friend outside the hotel. Our rules cannot be waived for one person. If you disregard them I shall have no alternative but to ask you to leave.'

  There's no need to do that, Mr. Irving. I would rather lose my job than offend Senhora Rodriguez. I've worked here quite a few years and always thought you were pleased with me.'

  'I'm not complaining of your work, Miss Fairfax.

  'I know, but if you can consider giving me notice for such a small thing it's obvious you've never appreciated my work.'

  The question of appreciation doesn't enter into it. You are paid to do your job well and—''

  There are certain things you can't pay for.'

  'Such as?'

  'Loyalty and trust.'

  She was at the door when he called after her, I hope you appreciate that you are throwing away a good job. If you care to reconsider it..

  'No, thank you, Mr. Irving.'

  In that case it would be as well if you left at the end of the week.'

  For the next fortnight Lorna's days were filled with visits to Caxton Hall for her passport forms, calling at the Portuguese Legation for her visa, and queueing up at Cook's to collect her traveller's cheques and book her passage to Portugal.

  Derek was the only one of her friends who did not enthuse over her forthcoming departure, and although he said nothing to discourage her from going, his increased attention made her realize that her aunt had been right about him.

  On the Saturday before she was due to leave they dined together at a little country inn on the Thames, and watching the swans glide gracefully along the water she wondered if any other scenes she might see on her journey abroad could compete with this one for beauty and tranquillity.

  'Why the sigh, Lorna?' Derek asked quietly.

  'I don't know. Cold feet, perhaps, and the fear that I might be homesick.'

  'You won't be away long enough for that.'

  'At least six months. Perhaps even longer.'

  'I hope not.' He caught her hand. 'It's bad enough to know I. won't be seeing you all the summer without having to face the thought of a London winter without you!' She laughed and he shook his head. 'I didn't mean it as a joke. I'm serious, Lorna, surely you know that? I've not spoken about my feelings before because I didn't think you cared, but I can't let you go hundreds of miles away and not tell you I love you.' He paused. 'I'm putting this awfully badly, but you can blame yourself when I'm with you I can't even think straight. What I'm trying to say is that I love you and want to marry you.'

  Lorna pulled her hand away from his and wished wholeheartedly that she had never agreed to come out alone with him tonight. Nothing was more embarrassing than to be the recipient of an unwanted proposal, yet at the same time she would not have been human if she did not feel a tiny thrill at receiving her first offer of marriage. Nervously she pushed back a strand of hair.

  'I don't know what to say, Derek. It's come as such a surprise.'

  'But you must have known!'

  'I knew you liked me, but I never thought in that way.'

  'In what other way, then? As a sister?'

  She smiled slightly. 'I wasn't going to say anything as trite as that. But you must admit you never gave me any inkling you were in love with me.'

  'Because I was afraid of rushing you. I wouldn't have said anything now, except that I couldn't bear the thought of your going away and leaving things in the air between us.' He leaned across the table. 'Please, darling, say you'll marry me.'

  'I can't! I - I wish I could. But there's so much of the world I haven't seen, so many things I want to do before I settle down. Oh, Derek, don't look so miserable. I don't want to hurt you.'

  'You can't expect me to look delighted at what you've just said. Damn it, Lorna, I'm only flesh and blood!'

  She bit her lip. 'If I were in love with you it would be so simple.'

  'If you were in love with me, you wouldn't be going!' With an effort he forced himself to smile. 'Now let's forget what I've said and enjoy the evening.'

  It was a damp, drizzly Monday morning when Lorna left London Airport, Although it was her first flight she soon grew accustomed to the strangeness of travelling high above the earth, and looking out through the window saw only the grey, filmy cloud that shrouded them for most of the journey. But it was a clear, sunny afternoon five hours later when the silver airliner touched down on the tarmac of Lisbon Airport. The sky was brilliantly blue, but a fierce wind tugged at her skirt, and holding her hat firmly with her hand she ran the last few yards to the shelter of the Customs shed.

  She had telegraphed Amalia the time of her arrival, but her friend was not amongst the people milling in the main office.

  'Mees Fairfax?' A plump official stood before her and Lorna nodded. 'Senhor Rodriguez sends a thousand apologies. Anozer business keep him from meeting you, but he send his car instead.'

  With a low bow and an eloquent wave of the hand he escorted her into a gleaming, chauffeur-driven Cadillac. One certainly had to hand it to the latin countries for courtesy, Lorna thought, as they drew aw
ay from the kerb. Even his atrocious English had not prevented the little man from conveying a wish to please, and she suppressed a desire to peep out through the rear window and see if he was still bowing the car out of sight.

  Within an hour of leaving the airport they were at Estoril, and Lorna was enchanted with her first sight of the seaside town. A miniature fortress was silhouetted on a cliff in the distance and a row of palm trees edged the esplanade that overlooked the beach. She had no more than a brief glimpse of the sea breaking into white spume on the sands before the car skirted the bulk of the Palace Hotel, nosed its way past the private houses that lay on a gentle incline and turned in at a pair of wrought iron gates.

  They bowled along a drive bordered with flowering shrubs towards a long, low house, its pink-washed walls and green shuttered windows giving it an air of gaiety and lightness. A wide terrace ran its length and three steps in the centre led up to an oak-studded door.

  The car stopped and before Lorna could get out Amalia was running down to greet her.

  'Lorna, how lovely to see you! I'm sorry I couldn't meet you at the airport, but Manoel promised to come back for me and in the end he wasn't able to.'

  Together they walked up the steps into the house and Lorna stared at the hall in wonder. Octagonal in shape, stone arches with built-in doors ran along its eight sides, giving it a cathedral-like quality heightened by the stained glass window in the dome-shaped roof. Large urns filled with flowering shrubs stood against the wall and bright rugs patterned the floor, their motif repeated on the carpet that covered the curving stairs.

  Amalia gave her no chance to pause and preceded her up the stairs to a room at the far end of a narrow corridor.

  'I'm sorry I couldn't give you a bedroom overlooking the sea, but there are only two — one is Rafael's and the other his mother's.'

  'I didn't expect it,' Lorna said quickly. 'This one is ideal.'

  'Good. I'll just make sure Luiz is bringing up your cases, then you can tidy up and come downstairs for tea.'

  Left alone, Lorna walked to the window and looked down on the garden, still admiring the view when Luiz entered with her bags. The furniture was white and gold, in Regency period, the bedspread and pelmets in striped blue and gold satin. Humming softly to herself, she tidied up and hurried along the corridor, brought up short as her feet threatened to slip on the highly polished floors.