[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
.’ And in his gratitude he kissed her cheek, there in the busy lobby of the hotel.As she glanced over his shoulder Jane’s eyes met those of Yvette, who had come from the lounge and was standing, motionless, to one side of the wide doorway that separated the lounge from the lobby.There was no sign of Philippe when Jane returned to the chateau, driven there by Bhoosan, who had chatted to her as they travelled through the vast region of sugar canes.The sun was brilliant, but the south-east trade winds, which blew from April to October, provided a cooling breeze which drifted in through the open windows of the car.Bhoosan had related the tear-jerking story of Paul and Virginia, the tragedy of two lovers parted, never to come together again.Their story was the creation of Bernardin de Saint Pierre and their statues formed a beautiful picture, set as it was amid a pretty water scene in the town of Port Louis.It was not the kind of story Jane wanted to hear at a time like this, but she was reluctant to interrupt the story which the chauffeur was so obviously enjoying telling her.But the result was that she felt even more unhappy than ever as she entered the chateau, and the discovery that Philippe was still evading her only added to her dejection.Life had lost its zest; there seemed only one course open to her and that was to go back to Don and make a concerted effort to repair at least some of the damage that had been done in the past few months.Her pity was very much with her husband; she felt sure he needed her desperately and that if she deserted him there was no knowing what he might do.Her decision was made that evening when Meri came to her and said that she had had instructions that Mademoiselle was tired and wanted her dinner in her sitting-room.Her first reaction was to inform the maid that she was going out, but she realised instantly that this would arouse her curiosity, such action being at variance with Philippe’s assertion that she was tired.‘Thank you, Meri.I’ll have it brought up a little early, immediately after the children are in bed.’‘Certainly, mademoiselle.’‘And—Meri—’The girl turned at the door.‘Yes, mademoiselle?’‘Don’t let anyone come to my room afterwards.The tray can be taken away in the morning.’‘Very good, mademoiselle.’It was Rima who brought up the tray, commenting anxiously on Jane’s supposed tiredness.‘It’s those two, miss,’ she stated.‘They’re so boisterous at times.I think, miss, you should let Meri or me have them sometimes.’Jane smiled and thanked her for her concern.‘They’re a handful, I admit, but never too much for me, Rima.After all, they’re at school for several hours a day, so I do have a break.And I have my evenings, of course.’The girl had placed the tray with its heated dishes on a table by the sofa, then she stood looking at Jane, who realised she wanted to say something.‘What is it, Rima?’‘Monseigneur has told us that the children’s father will be coming to take them away soon?’‘That’s right.He wants them to live with him.Their place is with their father, of course.’The girl swallowed.Both she and Meri had grown to love Barry and Tamsin and it was not difficult to see that Rima at least was going to be upset at the parting.‘When is he coming, miss?’‘I believe it will be in a few weeks’ time.’‘A few weeks? Monseigneur said that it would be a few days.’Jane blinked at her.‘He did?’‘Yes, miss.It’s a wonder he hasn’t told you—when he told us.’‘Does Bhoosan know?’‘Perhaps not, miss.’The girl went then, closing the door silently behind her.Jane stared at it thoughtfully.Mr Scott had written, then, and he was coming to Mauritius soon.Well, it all seemed to be fitting in.all was designed to shape her fate, her actions and decisions.She took some of the food from the dishes, put it on a plate, then tucked it into a plastic bag she had
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]