The Arrogant Duke Page 8

  'Estelle did not exaggerate. You are quite beautiful, do you know that?'

  Juliet wrinkled her nose. 'That is not necessary, senor.'

  'Oh, please, call me Francisco. What may I call you?'

  Juliet hesitated. 'Well, Rosemary is my name, but you can call me Juliet.'

  'Juliet? Why?'

  'I prefer it,' she replied, and then: 'Actually, I'm glad of someone to talk to. I haven't seen Teresa alone for more than two days.'

  He frowned. 'Why? Is she being difficult?'

  Juliet sighed. 'Is she ever anything else?'

  He chuckled. 'Oh, yes. She can be charming. Teresa is a fair example of her race; she likes men. Do you want me to speak to her?'

  'Would it do any good?'

  'I don't know, I should think so. What exactly had you planned to do with Teresa?'

  Juliet sighed. 'Many things. Just now, I think, if she would talk to me, I'd feel I'd achieved something!'

  'It's that bad?'

  'Yes,' Juliet nodded. 'Not much use, am I? I suppose when the Duque comes back I'll be dismissed too.'

  Francisco sighed. 'Maybe - maybe not. At any rate, I'll speak to Teresa. How about all of us going on a picnic? Would you like that?'

  'To the beach?'

  'Yes. I have a bathing tent, if anybody is shy,' he grinned.

  'It sounds ideal,' agreed Juliet, sighing. 'Oh, yes, Francisco. Will you try?'

  Juliet never found out what Francisco said to Teresa, but within an hour they were all in Francisco's car, together with a picnic hamper which Consuelo had supplied, on their way to Francisco's parents' home to collect his own equipment.

  For all Juliet's apprehensions, she had to concede that Francisco was marvellous with Teresa. She obviously liked him, and certainly she, received plenty of attention. It was only when he suggested she put on the swim suit which Juliet had brought for her that she shied away, like a frightened horse.

  Juliet left them arguing on the beach, and when she returned from her swim, they were still there. Francisco was attempting to persuade Teresa in their own language, or Teresa's language, at least, and Juliet lay on the sand, praying he would succeed. If she was to be dismissed, which thought absolutely terrified her, she would like to think she had achieved something towards Teresa's recovery, even if it was only an idea, and someone else did all the work.

  At last even Francisco grew impatient, and left them both to have a swim himself. While he was in the water, Teresa said:

  'Don't you imagine your presence here retrieves any of your lost progress! My uncle shall hear of the way you have played around since his departure. Nurse Madison and I will both be able to prove that!'

  Juliet sighed. 'I really think there is something wrong with you, Teresa,' she exclaimed wearily. 'All you can think about is getting rid of me. Why? Do you think by doing so you will rid yourself of companions for all time? I can assure you, if I go, Estelle will get somebody else.'

  Teresa looked surprised. 'What do you know about Estelle's ideas?'

  'Just about everything,' replied Juliet, running her tongue over her lips. 'She intends to marry your uncle in the very near future, whether you're here or not. By remaining inanimate, which is what you are doing, you are giving all the advantages to her. Can't you see that?'

  'Are you encouraging me to believe that my uncle might see me more clearly if I were walking?'

  Juliet stiffened. 'No, I did not say that! My God, surely you can see that this - this infatuation you have for Felipe is ridiculous!'

  Teresa's eyes darkened. 'Felipe,' she echoed. 'Since when have you called my uncle Felipe?'

  Juliet's cheeks burned. 'The - the Duque is not my concern,' she said, attempting to evade the question.

  'Since when have you called the Duque Felipe?' hissed Teresa menacingly.

  'Since no time. Never!' Juliet sat up, drawing up her knees and resting her chin on the top of them.

  Teresa's fingers plucked her dress restlessly.

  'I don't believe you. That day - that day you were with him in the boathouse - what happened?'

  Juliet stared at her incredulously. 'What happened? What happened?' Something inside her burst into incensed rage. 'I'll tell you what happened, Teresa. Your uncle made savage and passionate love to me! Now are you satisfied? Would you like the details? Would you like to know how many times he kissed me - how he caressed me? Did you notice that his shirt was unbuttoned? I did that!'

  Teresa stared at her with eyes wide and disbelieving. 'Stop it! Stop it!' she cried wildly, putting her hands over her ears. 'I won't - I don't believe you!'

  Juliet lifted her shoulders in a helpless gesture. 'Why not? It's what you wanted to hear, isn't it?'

  'No. No. No!' Teresa's hands were balled into fists. 'Oh, I hate you, I hate you, I hate you!'

  'I don't blame you,' said Juliet quietly, getting to her feet. 'That was a horrible thing to say, and I'm sorry.'

  'You mean—' Teresa looked up at her. 'You mean - it's not true?'

  'True? True? Of course it's not true! Do you think I would tell you, if it were?'

  Teresa shook her head bewilderedly. 'But I don't understand. Why did you say it?'

  Juliet shook her head. 'I don't know. Pique, I guess. Oh, Teresa, I've been here almost a fortnight, and I've made no progress with you whatsoever. You won't spend time with me, you won't let me help you, mostly you won't even speak to me. Even healthy hatred is better than indifference.'

  Teresa was looking at her strangely. 'I really believe you care,' she exclaimed incredulously.

  'Of course I care,' said Juliet, sighing. 'I didn't come here to play around on the beach. I came to help you to walk again, to become a real person again.'

  Teresa compressed her lips, relaxing her fingers. 'Laura Weston only came because she wanted my uncle,' she said slowly. 'You see, Estelle told her all about him. That he was a Duque and wealthy and so on. I think she would have wanted him if he had been old and bald and ugly. As it was, she fell for him straight away.'

  'Well, I can assure you, I didn't even know your uncle was a Duque until I arrived here. Unlike this Laura Weston, I should probably not have come if I'd known he was.'

  Teresa seemed to be trying to understand. 'If - and I mean if - I let you help me, will you promise not to be in league with Estelle against me?'

  'In league with Estelle!' echoed Juliet. 'Of course I'm not in league with Estelle. She isn't exactly my cup of tea.'

  'What does that mean? You don't like her?'

  'I wouldn't go so far as to say that!' amended Juliet hastily. 'It's just - well, she is a lot older than you and me, isn't she?'

  And for the first time Juliet saw Teresa smile, properly, not the sneering grins she had been used to seeing. It brought a strange lump to her throat, and she sank down on the sand beside her, taking her hand.

  'So - Teresa,' she murmured softly. 'Are we going to be friends?'

  Teresa gave her a tremulous look. 'Oh, I - I suppose so. Just don't try to stop me loving Felipe, that's all!'

  Juliet did not answer this. This was a problem which would have to be solved at some future date.

  In the days that followed Juliet grew to know the real Teresa, not the spoilt, unhappy individual the had been when confined solely with Nurse Madison for company.

  Nurse Madison did not like her patient's sudden change of allegiance, but as Teresa had not confided its origin to her, she could do nothing. Instead, she spent her time following them around, except when they went out in the car, and she was not invited.

  Juliet discovered that Teresa had quite a bright intelligence, and Teresa discovered that Juliet's sense of humour made their days bright and companionable. Francisco accompanied them often, stating quite clearly that he considered it was his influence which had broken the ice.

  Sixteen days after his departure, the Duque returned.

  Juliet did not know he was back until he joined them for breakfast, the morning after his arrival.

&nbs
p; 'Well, pequena?' he said to Teresa. 'How are you today?'

  'Tio Felipe!' Teresa's face was alight with pleasure. 'When did you get back?'

  'Late yesterday evening, pequena. And you, senhorita. Are you well?'

  Juliet's colour deepened as usual. 'Thank you, senhor, I am fine.'

  Teresa caught his hand, drawing him close to her side. 'Senhorita Summers and I are good friends now, Felipe. We have - how do you say it - ironed out our differences.'

  The Duque seemed astounded. 'Is this so? Then I am very pleased. Senhorita Summers, I am very grateful to you.'

  Juliet managed a slight smile, concentrating on the rolls on her plate. She wondered why he was so pleased - because of his affection for Teresa and his desire to see her well, or his desire to marry Estelle Vinceiro.

  Teresa tugged at his hand, attracting his attention. 'I have also been in the water, Felipe. I cannot swim, but the Senhorita and Francisco, they help me!'

  The Duque frowned. 'Francisco? Francisco Valmos?'

  'That's right, senhor,' said Juliet, looking up. 'He is a friend of yours, is he not?'

  'A friend of Estelle's perhaps,' remarked the Duque dourly. 'Tell me, senhorita, have you seen much of this young man?'

  'We have spent much time with him,' interposed Teresa. 'He is an entertaining companion.'

  The Duque snapped his fingers impatiently. 'Nevertheless, I would prefer it if in future you consult with me before making arrangements to go out with him, senhorita,' he said to Juliet, his eyes dark and enigmatic.

  It was the first encounter Juliet had really had with him since the day on the beach at Lauganca Bay, and she felt the faint stirrings of torment which she was growing used to associating with him.

  'Naturally as Senor Valmos was a guest in your house before you went away I assumed he was a friend of yours,' replied Juliet stiffly.

  'It does not do to assume anything,' remarked the Duque bleakly. 'Well, Teresa, I am glad to see you looking so much better. It is to be hoped the improvement will continue.'

  'I - I'm sure it will,' said Teresa, showing a trace of disappointment in her uncle's terse manner. 'Felipe, was the trip successful?'

  The Duque had been staring across the patio broodingly, and seemed to find it difficult to draw his mind back to the present. 'What - oh - oh, yes, thank you, Teresa. Most successful.'

  'That is good. And now that your business is over, perhaps you will be able to spend some time with us.'

  The Duque shrugged his broad shoulders. Then he seemed to decide something, for he said: 'Tell me, Teresa, how well are you? Well enough to attend a small party this evening?'

  Teresa's eyes darkened. 'Oh, I don't know, Felipe.'

  Juliet finished her coffee, dabbed her mouth with her napkin and rose to her feet. If the Duque was about to begin making assignations with Teresa he could undo all the good Juliet had done.

  'Will you excuse me, senhor,' she murmured politely, seeking the shade of the verandah.

  'Wait!' The Duque's tone was peremptory, and she turned.

  'Yes?'

  'I should like you to attend this party also, Senhorita Summers.'

  Juliet hesitated, and then said: 'No, thank you, senhor. I - well, I should feel out of place with your friends. Thank you for inviting me, but I must decline.'

  Teresa was staring at him now, her eyes brighter. 'Then I shall go, Felipe,' she said. 'Yes, as Senhorita Summers says, it is time I began breaking out of the cocoon I have built around myself. Soon - soon I shall be able to walk, and I want to meet your friends before then.'

  The Duque looked moody now, his eyes surveying Juliet with something like anger in their depths.

  'Very well, Teresa,' he said tautly, looking at his niece now. 'You shall accompany me. It is a pity your companion is so staid, but I suppose it would not do for us all to be alike.'

  Juliet listened to no more. She hurried indoors, aware of suppressing the strongest desire she had ever experienced. That of going out to a party with the arrogant Duque de Castro.

  The following day, Teresa developed a severe cold. Long spells even in the warm waters of the Caribbean, had taken their toll, for once into the water, she never wanted to come out.

  Juliet visited her, commiserated with her, and then left her to the doting ministrations of Nurse Madison.

  She encountered the Duque in the main hall. Dressed as usual in riding gear, he had been out early, riding about the estate. When he was at home he invariably rode in the early mornings, so Teresa had told her. His lazy eyes surveyed the attractive picture she made in a short white pleated skirt, and a halter-necked blouse of red silk.

  'So, senhorita,' he murmured, 'you have been visiting our patient.'

  'Yes, senhor. I am afraid Teresa took too gladly to the roar of the waves.'

  He inclined his head in silent agreement, and then said: 'And you, senhorita. What do you plan to do today?'

  Juliet's legs felt a little weak. 'I - well, I suppose I will swim a little, or maybe play tennis with Miguel.'

  'I see. In other words, you have nothing planned.'

  'No, senhor.'

  'No? That is good. I suggest we spend the day at Lauganca Bay. I will give you a few tentative lessons in skin-diving, sim?'

  'Senhor!' She stared at him in surprise.

  'Well? Does not the idea appeal to you?'

  'Yes, but - well - I mean - Teresa!'

  'Nurse Madison is only too willing to take care of your charge. And I must confess I do not feel like working today after such a long period of absence. So? Is this all right?'

  Juliet compressed her lips. 'Very well, senhor.'

  'Good. Get your swimming things and I will meet you on the forecourt in half an hour.'

  'Yes, senhor.'

  In her room, her fingers trembled as she stripped off her skirt and blouse and put on the black, one-piece swimsuit. Then she put on her clothes again, thrusting her bra and panties into the bag with her towel and beach coat. Sliding dark glasses on to her nose, she descended the stairs in time to meet Nurse Madison at the bottom.

  'Are you going out, Miss Summers?' asked Nurse Madison curiously.

  Juliet sighed. 'Just - just to the beach,' she replied casually.

  'There's a letter for you,' said Nurse Madison. 'I was about to bring it up to you. Here you are!'

  Juliet took the letter, recognizing Rosemary's handwriting at once. 'Thanks,' she said awkwardly, expecting the nurse to turn and go, but she didn't, and Juliet thrust the letter into the bag, said Cheerio in a light tone, and walked out through the main doors on to the forecourt where a dark blue sports car was parked, with the Duque leaning against the bonnet, smoking a cheroot. Nurse Madison's eyes widened spitefully, and Juliet heaved a heavy sigh as she approached the car.

  The Duque frowned. 'Is something wrong?'

  'Nurse Madison will be hotfoot to tell Teresa that we are going out together,' she said exasperatedly.

  The Duque grinned lazily, and opened the car door for her. 'Do you mind?'

  Juliet gave him an old-fashioned look. 'Of course. Teresa is beginning to believe in me. I don't want her trust shattered.'

  The Duque shrugged, as he climbed in beside her. 'Well, it is too late to worry now.' He switched on the ignition, put the car into gear, and they drove away fast. 'What do you think she will tell Teresa?'

  'Oh, just the truth, I suppose. With certain additives.'

  'Like what?'

  'Like we might be . ..' Her voice trailed away.

  'Like we might be what? Having an affair?' The Duque's tone was mocking.

  'Something like that.'

  'And that troubles you.'

  Juliet gasped. 'You know perfectly well that Teresa is jealous of everyone who looks at you!'

  He frowned. 'You exaggerate.'

  'Not much, believe me. That's why she and Senhora Vinceiro could never be friends.'

  'Why Senhora Vinceiro? Because she is my cousin? Because she is beautiful?'

 
'You are being deliberately obtuse,' said Juliet, forgetting for a moment to whom she was speaking.

  The Duque raised his dark eyebrows. 'Indeed?'

  'Yes, indeed. Oh, senhor, you know I'm right.'

  'I know that I am growing tired of you calling me senhor,' he murmured, his eyes on her for a moment.

  Juliet flushed. 'Would you have me call you Your Grace?'

  'No.' His tone was taut now. 'I would have you call me Felipe.'

  Her stomach plunged sickeningly, righted itself, and then plunged again. She pressed a hand to her middle, and forbore to answer his remark.

  Lauganca Bay looked even more beautiful than it had done before. Maybe that was because they were alone, she acceded to herself. The Duque was a stimulating companion, stimulating and disturbing!

  They carried rugs, airbeds, and a hamper down to the beach, and Juliet busied herself arranging everything. The Duque had parked the car nearer the headland where the boathouse was situated, and it was only a stone's throw away from where they were picnicking.

  Tell me,' said Juliet, watching him with fascinated eyes as he unbuttoned his shirt, 'do not the conventions practised by your countrymen apply here?'

  He frowned, pulling his shirt out of his pants lazily. 'In what way - er - what is your name?'

  'Rosemary, but call me Juliet. I like it better.'

  'So do I. Now - what conventions?'

  'Well, I always understood that a Portuguese girl of good family would never spend time alone with a man unless they were married, or engaged, at least.'

  He took off his shirt. 'Sim, this is so.'

  Juliet looked exasperated. 'Then what are we doing here?'

  'You are not Portuguese, senhorita. You are English.'

  'So that gives you the right to spend time alone with me?'

  'You accepted my invitation - er - Juliet, did you not?'

  Juliet hunched her shoulders, kicking the sand with her bare feet. 'I - I suppose so.' She moved restlessly. 'But I don't like the idea of being treated like - like a peasant!'

  The Duque shook his head, and walked across to the boathouse, emerging a few moments later with a black rubber suit. He took off his trousers, revealing a pair of swimming trunks, much to Juliet's amused relief, and then proceeded to pull on the suit.