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“Er—yes. Strange, isn’t it?” Lorna had forgotten that she had told Wes about her sister.

“And wasn’t she an actress?”

“As a matter of fact she was.” Lorna bit her lip wondering if Wes had guessed the truth.

Suddenly he grinned and squeezed her arm. “Your secret’s safe with me. Ashley’s the man who jilted her, isn’t he? That's why you dislike him?”

Lorna nodded dumbly.

“Why don’t you tell him? Perhaps he’ll stop bothering you if he finds out who you are.” „

“I daren’t. He doesn’t know how upset Margo was and she wouldn’t thank me if he found out.”

Wesley shook his head. “Can’t understand you. If it were me I’d give him the facts straight—but,” he shrugged, “you must do as you think fit.”

They reached Lorna’s cabin and she paused, her hand on the door. “A few more days, then I shan’t see him again. I can stick it out that long.”

“Where’s he going? Any idea?”

“None at all,” and then as a sudden thought struck her, “You—you don’t think he’s going to Verva too? But no—he would have said when I mentioned the island.”

Even so the thought persisted at the back of her mind as she prepared for bed. It was strange Ashley hadn’t said where he was going. In fact he had told her precisely nothing about himself. Everything she knew was either through Margo or the newspapers. What if he
was
going to Verva? Perhaps he had discovered Margo’s whereabouts and was on his way to see her. Then she realised that had he been going to find her sister he would have flown straight out, not taken this roundabout route which she had chosen in preference to an air flight. He must be going somewhere in South Africa, she decided at last, although she wouldn’t feel completely happy until she found out for certain. It would be the last straw to find that he was also going to Verva, and if they arrived together Margo would never believe that Lorna hadn’t told Ashley where she was.

The following day Ashley did not appear for breakfast and although Lorna wondered what had happened to him she was not unduly worried. It made a pleasant change to eat alone. If yesterday was anything to go by, she thought, their mealtimes would be one eternal conflict. Whenever they met they argued and so far as she was concerned it would be better for both of them if they never spoke again. He had done nothing to try to dispel her opinion of him and she still regarded him as an undesirable sort of person with whom to become closely acquainted.

Lorna was resting after a strenuous game of tennis when Fay dropped into the chair beside her.

“Phew, it’s hotter than ever, if that’s possible. I don’t know how you stand up to it.”

Lorna smiled. “Hark at old age talking! How’s the headache?”

“Better now, thanks. I think it was the heat and the noise. How did you get on with Ashley? The last I saw of you you were dancing very close together.” Fay smiled mischievously. “You looked so intimate I was afraid to disturb you. Have you forgiven him?”

“Not likely, but I couldn’t escape without making a scene. I wish you’d spoken, I would have left with you—then he wouldn’t have got knocked down.”

At these words Fay straightened and looked at her friend, wide-eyed. “What do you mean? Was he in a fight?”

“Not exactly.”

“Well, what happened, for goodness’ sake? Don’t keep me waiting.” Fay was agog with curiosity.

“Ashley and I had an argument by the rail over there,” pointing to within a few yards from where they sat. “Then he shook me to try and make me believe that all I’d read about him wasn’t true.”

Fay raised her brows. “Ashley did that? He doesn’t look the type to use violence.”

“It was my own fault, I know that. I don’t blame him at all. Anyway, I closed my eyes for a moment or two and the next second he was lying on the deck.”

“You mean you pushed him down?”

“No, silly. Wes spotted us, thought I was in trouble and biffed Ashley one before' he had time to realise what was happening.”

Fay clapped her hands, delighted. “I wish I’d been there. Trust me to miss the fun !”

“It wasn’t funny—not at the time.”

“What did Ashley do then? Hit Wesley back?”

“No—he showed remarkable constraint. He just stood up, rubbed his chin and told Wes what a strong fellow he was.”

Fay looked disappointed. “Is that all? Mind you, it’s a good job Ashley took it like that. I mean, a ship’s officer fighting with a passenger—it’s not done. They don’t even like us getting too friendly. It’s to be hoped Captain Faraday doesn’t hear about it.”

“I doubt if he will. No one else saw what happened and Ashley wasn’t too upset so he won’t complain. In fact
I
was more annoyed with Wes than Ashley.”

“You’re joking!” laughed Fay. “I would have thought you’d have thanked him for downing the enemy.”

Lorna grimaced ruefully, remembering her horror when she saw Ashley lying on the deck. “With all fairness to Ashley I asked for what I got—but if he expects me to change my mind about him, he’s mistaken. He can be as nasty or as nice to me as he likes, it won’t make a scrap of difference. Have you seen him this morning, by the way? He wasn’t at breakfast.’'

“Can’t say I have.” Fay stretched gracefully. “I shall miss this life of luxury when we get to Cape Town. It will be back to the kitchen sink for me.”

Lorna grinned sympathetically. “You know you won’t mind so long as you’re with your precious Gordon.”

“True, but I’ve grown sort of used to being waited on. It’s spoilt me. How about you, Lorna? What will you do after your sister’s wedding? Return to England?”

Lorna shrugged. “I suppose so. I can’t sponge off Pieter for too long and I doubt if there’s much work on the island. I haven’t really made any definite plans.”

“Come and spend a holiday with us before you go back,” invited Fay. “I’d love you to meet Gordon and I know he’d be delighted to have you. Promise?”

Lorna could hardly refuse and laughingly agreed that she would do her best to pay them a visit.

Ashley was still absent at lunchtime, but on the table Lorna found an envelope bearing her name in heavy black writing. Puzzled, she tore it open, her face hardening as she read the invitation—no, a summons, she decided—to the Apollo Suite, Ashley Ward’s residence for the journey.

The note was brief and to the point, requesting her presence in his rooms at three o’clock as there was something he wanted to discuss. He apparently took it for granted that she would be there. Typical of the man, she fumed. Who did he think he was, demanding her presence? Then it struck her that he might have been more seriously hurt than she had thought. Perhaps he was going to take further action? It would account for his absence, but it didn’t excuse his commanding manner.

Undecided as she was whether or not to go, curiosity eventually got the better of her and promptly at three Lorna went up to the Observation Deck and found the door marked 202 which was, according to Ashley’s note, the Apollo Suite.

He opened the door immediately she knocked, almost as though he had been expecting her. This thought renewed Lorna’s annoyance. He was obviously a man who was not used to being kept waiting and childishly she wished that she had arrived half an hour late. She didn’t want him to think that she was frightened and would come running whenever he called.

She stepped into the luxuriously furnished room and looked around with interest. Shades of green effectively created a cool, serene, atmosphere in direct contrast to the heat and noise outside. It was like a haven after the storm, she thought, an indication of what wealth could do. It made her little cabin appear squalid by comparison.

“Thank you for coming,” smiled Ashley. “Sit down.” He indicated the velvet settee which was a few shades lighter than the jade carpet. “A drink?” He pressed a button and a revolving door revealed a wide range of drinks. Lorna did not usually take alcohol during the afternoon but guessed he would not take kindly to a refusal. “A small dry sherry, please.”

She watched as he poured her sherry and a Scotch for himself. His movements were deliberate and precise. She imagined he did everything with the same calculated accuracy. Even his dealings with people would be tempered with a resolute purposefulness and she wondered again why he had sent for her.

He wore blue cotton slacks and a white short-sleeved shirt that exposed his strong suntanned arms. He looked in the peak of condition, yet Lorna noticed a quick drawing together of his brows as he sat down beside her, as though a twinge of pain had caused him discomfort.

“I’m sorry about last night,” she said, thinking that if he was going to bring up the matter she might as well get in first. “I had no idea Wes would act like he did. Are you all right?”

There was an unexpected twinkle in his eyes as he regarded her gravely. “Apart from a splitting headache I’m fine. I must have banged my head as I fell. You’ve certainly got a champion in that young man.”

“You’re—not going to take the matter any further?” Lorna looked at him in disbelief. He didn’t seem unduly upset, yet if that was the case why had he sent for her? What else was there to discuss?

“Why on earth should I?” Now he was openly laughing. “He obviously thought he was rescuing you from the hands of a maniac. I hope it wasn’t too much of a disappointment when I didn’t retaliate.”

“I think he regretted it.” Lorna twisted her glass nervously. “Why did you want to see me?”

“Ah yes,” as if suddenly remembering the real reason for sending for her. He drained his glass, placing it on a low table in front of them. “I have a proposition to put to you.”

Lorna’s fine brows shot upwards. What offer could he possibly hope to make? They had nothing whatsoever in common.

He half turned, one hand resting behind her along the back of the settee. The movement brought him so close that she was aware of the vibrant male strength of him. And now, should he choose to use violence, there was no one to take her part. She inched away, but guessing at her reaction he laughed. “I’m not going to hurt you, little one. I don’t normally attack defenceless girls—unless I’m provoked.” His eyes mocked her. “And that brings me to the reason for you being here. I realise that you’ve got one hell of a grudge against me and that nothing I can say or do will help change your mind.”

“Right first time.” Lorna sat stiffly erect on the edge of her seat, wishing he. would move a little further away. His nearness was disturbing. A feeling she could not quite understand flowed through her limbs. She put it down to hatred of him and his kind.

“Wait.” Ashley put a hand on her arm. “Hear me out before you get uppity.”

Fear thrilled through her at his touch. Although she had his assurance that she was safe, remembrance of the previous evening was still vivid. She was completely at his mercy should he desire to harm her. She must have been mad to come. Brushing off his arm, she rose and stood a few feet away. The safety of distance helped curb her alarm.

His brows knit together in momentary annoyance. “You’re quite safe. We’ll go outside and talk if you like. I just thought we’d have more privacy here.” Ashamed for doubting his intentions, Lorna nevertheless remained standing. Ashley drew his long frame up beside her. “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em,” he grinned, appearing to have forgotten his annoyance. “Look, I wanted to ask whether you’d be prepared to forget all you know about me—or what you think you know. You’re too pretty a girl to argue with and I don’t intend going without any more meals to avoid meeting you. What do you say to starting afresh?”

He looked so eager, sounded so convincing, that Lorna almost believed him. Almost—but not quite. Recollections of the sort of man he really was sprang clearly to mind. This was no man to grovel, to beg for friendship. No, he was disappointed because she was indifferent to his charms and was trying fresh tactics to try and win her over. But he had misjudged her if he thought she wouldn’t see through his little plan. Go without meals indeed! He’d probably had them sent here if the truth was known.

“Your pride is hurt—is that it?” She looked at him boldly. “You’re afraid to admit that at last you’ve met your match? Someone you can’t wrap round your little finger?”

The tightening of his lips told Lorna that her words had hurt him, but he spoke softly with no trace of anger or resentment. “Why do you insist on believing the worst? Can’t you accept me at face value? I’ve done nothing to hurt you, so why try your best to hurt me?”

“You wouldn’t understand in a million years,” said Lorna bitterly, unless she told him about Margo. Then he might realise a little of the damage he was doing. “If that’s all you want there’s no point in my staying.” She turned towards the door. “I shall never like you, Mr. Ward, not as long as I live!”

She had her hand on the handle when he spun her round to face him. His eyes were dark and a muscle pulsed in his jaw, but his voice was quite even. “I think I deserve an explanation. Never is a long, long time, Miss Ridgeway. Something has obviously happened to cause such a violent reaction. You wouldn’t feel like that on just hearsay.”

Their eyes met for one long second until Lorna suddenly covered her face with her hands. She felt scalding tears run down her face and was at a loss to understand why. Dumbly she allowed Ashley to lead her back to the settee and silently he passed her his handkerchief.

What was the matter with her? she thought. Why the tears just because he had asked her a question that she did not want to answer? This merely confirmed that she had something to hide. She would no longer be able to bluff her way out.

“Okay, you win,” she said, when her tears had eventually stopped. “I’ll be nice to you—on one condition.”

He quirked a dark eyebrow upwards. “And that is?”

“No more questions. We start from now.”

From his expression there were lots more questions Ashley wanted to ask, but to Lorna’s relief he smiled and took her hand. “Right, let’s shake on it.”

Perhaps it was relief that there were to be no more disagreements, or perhaps it was reaction after her tears, Lorna did not know, but she found herself responding to his smile. A new and totally unexpected warmth filled her body.