Voice of the Heart (60 page)

‘Yes, it is nice,’ she agreed, swinging back to face her cousin. ‘Actually, if it’s not too expensive, I think I’d like to buy it. I could do with it, to tell you the truth. Most of my evening clothes are horribly dull.’

‘Oh
do
keep it, Cheska. It suits you so well, and naturally you can have it at cost.’

‘That’s sweet of you, but you sold me the yellow ski outfit for practically nothing—’

‘I wouldn’t dream of letting you pay the boutique price,’ Diana exclaimed. ‘Anyway, I feel pretty awful. It was my stupid fault you didn’t bring any evening clothes with you. My only excuse is that when you rang to say you were coming to Wittingenhof, I forgot all about the dinner party in my excitement.’

‘You mustn’t feel badly, Dibs. And you’ve been a darling about the clothes. I’m very grateful. And I did want to get myself a few things with the money I earned for scouting locations. It’s ages since I’ve had anything new.’

‘Then it’s settled. Tomorrow, when Victor’s off skiing,
I want you to go down to the town and pick out anything you want from the shop. In the meantime—’ Diana stopped and looked at Francesca closely, her head on one side, her expression assessing. ‘I want you to wear this tonight.’ As she spoke she brought her hands from behind her back, took a step forward and handed Francesca a red leather case. ‘I think this will add just the right finishing touch.’

Francesca stared at Diana and then at the case. She opened it and caught her breath. ‘Oh how beautiful.’ Her eyes widened as they focused on the three-strand choker of lustrous creamy pearls nestling on the red velvet.

‘Here, let me help you.’ Diana lifted the choker out of the case and fastened it around Francesca’s neck. ‘Turn the clasp to the front,’ she suggested. ‘Yes, that’s right. Let it rest there in the middle of your throat.’ Diana smiled. ‘I suddenly thought of this because the clasp has an amethyst in the centre. See how it picks up the colour of the dress. Marvellous.’

‘Diana, what a gorgeous piece. I’ve never seen you wear it though. Is it new?’

‘It was Grandmother’s. She gave it to me for Christmas.’

‘It’s so nice of you to lend it to me. Thank you. But don’t you want to wear it yourself tonight?’

‘No. My dress has a rather high neckline so the choker wouldn’t look right.’ She moved towards the door, halted and turned. Her eyes rested on Francesca lovingly, and she said with a rush of genuine feeling, ‘I’m so happy for you, Cheska. Really happy. And you see, I was right. I told you everything would work out, didn’t I?’

‘Yes.’ Francesca’s mouth curved up in a happy smile and her eyes shone. ‘Victor said Wittingenhof was magical, and so it has proved to be. For me. Oh Dibs, he’s wonderful.’

‘And a pretty cool customer,’ Diana laughed.

‘What do you mean?’ Francesca’s face was instantly touched by apprehension.

‘Darling, don’t get upset. I wasn’t being critical. I was
referring to his behaviour at dinner last night. He certainly kept a poker face. As a matter of fact, you astonished me too. You were extraordinarily contained yourself.’

‘Well, I had to be. Victor thinks we should be discreet. He’s afraid of gossip, as I explained before. Naturally he realizes you know about us, but he doesn’t think we should flaunt our relationship in front of you and Christian either. He—’ Francesca hesitated and rolled her eyes upwards, then confided, ‘Do you know, this afternoon he actually spent a good fifteen minutes explaining how we’re going to act towards each other tonight. I couldn’t believe my ears.’

Diana burst out laughing. ‘You’re joking. And how are
you
supposed to behave?’

Francesca also began to laugh. Recovering herself, she said, ‘Like a chum, what else?’

‘And presumably he’ll be cool and faintly distant with you. Am I correct?’

‘Of course you are.’

‘Well then, so be it,’ Diana shrugged. ‘After all, it’s not so important in view of his true feelings. Now I
must
scoot, otherwise I’ll be greeting our guests in this dressing gown.’

Once she was alone Francesca walked to the dressing table and sat down. As she placed the jewel case on it her eyes lighted on the card, She picked it up and read it again.
For you, baby. Because you are. Victor.

The card had been attached to the package she had found on her bed, when she had gone to her room to freshen up just before they all sat down to a very late lunch, delayed until Diana and Victor had returned from skiing. She had not understood the words until she had ripped off the paper. It was the largest bottle of perfume she had ever seen, and it was Joy by Jean Patou. She had been thrilled by his message, his meaning, as well as by the gift itself. Moreover, she had recognized the writing at once. She had seen it before—only last week, on the card which accompanied the truckload of flowers from Moyses Stevens. Francesca smiled.

Removing the stopper, she dabbed her wrists and the cleft between her breasts with the perfume, loving its scent, which was full-bodied and floral. She had never been able to afford Joy. He’s so terribly extravagant, but the most delicious man, she thought, aware of the trouble he had taken to obtain the perfume for her. That afternoon, when they had been together in her room, Victor had explained that Jake Watson had purchased it for him in London, along with a collection of the latest Frank Sinatra records for Diana. All had been in his suitcase with his dinner jacket, which had arrived in Königssee around noon, also courtesy of Jake.

‘Poor old Jake undoubtedly thinks I’m up to no good by now,’ Victor had chortled. ‘What with romantic records, expensive perfume and my dinner jacket. And he’s right,’ he had finished gleefully, pushing her back against the pillows and finding her mouth with his.

A door banging in the distance reminded Francesca of the time, and she straightened up in the chair, glanced in the mirror, patted a wave in her already immaculate pompadour, and rose. Hurrying to the armoire, she took out her own gift for Diana and headed to the door, then she stopped and looked down at her feet, frowning worriedly. Since she had only brought day shoes with her, there had been a problem about evening sandals, until Diana had produced the high-heeled black silk mules she was now wearing. The trouble was they were really bedroom slippers and also a size too small. On the other hand, they looked quite passable since Diana had cut off the ostrich feathers, and because they were mules their tightness was at least bearable. I’ll just have to manage, she muttered, opened the door and went out.

Christian was the only occupant of the sitting room, looking darkly handsome in his dinner jacket. He sat in the wheelchair, fiddling with the knobs of the record player.

‘It looks as if I’m the first, and I thought I was horribly late!’ Francesca cried, tripping across the floor to him. She planted a kiss on his cheek, and continued, ‘I do hope Dibs
likes her gift. I took your advice and went to the little antique shop in town. I found a carved figurine, smaller than the ones she has, but it will fit into her collection.’

‘She’ll love it,’ Christian said, smiling up at her. ‘Stand a little farther away, so that I can see you properly.’ He nodded his approval. ‘You look beautiful, Frankie. But different somehow.’ He peered at her more closely, his lips pursed in consideration. ‘Older, a little more worldly, shall we say? Perhaps it’s the upswept hairstyle that makes you seem so very grown up.’ He nodded, as if confirming the fact. ‘In any event, I like the new you, my dear. So will all the men tonight. You’re suddenly a most intriguing woman.’

‘Why thank you, Christian,’ Francesca said. ‘And it probably
is
my hairdo. It’s sophisticated, isn’t it? But then so is this dress. You’re not used to seeing me looking so elegant.’ She stepped to the coffee table and deposited Diana’s gift on it, and then wondered suddenly if something showed in her face. Did it reflect her recent experiences and Victor’s loving? Were those things detectable? She didn’t care. Unlike Victor, who was determined to keep their romance a secret, she wanted to shout it to the whole world.

Diana rushed in and joined them near the fireplace. She was out of breath and unusually flushed. ‘Sorry, my darlings. I had a problem with my hair,’ she began, and pulled a face. ‘It took much longer than I anticipated.’

‘But worth waiting for, my dear,’ Christian said. ‘I predict you and Frankie are going to outshine everyone this evening.’

The girls laughed, and Francesca, eyeing Diana, exclaimed, ‘And you do look super, Dibs. How on earth did you manage to create that effect by yourself?’

‘I didn’t. Clara helped me, and it
was
rather complicated,’ Diana explained. ‘I saw the idea in French
Vogue
and thought it was different.’

‘It certainly is, and it’s lovely on you,’ Francesca smiled, examining her cousin’s hairdo.

Diana’s extraordinary silver-gilt hair had been pulled back from her face, parted in the middle and plaited. Wine silk ribbon was threaded through the waist-length plait, along with tiny white artificial flowers and green leaves. The elaborateness of the hair style was balanced by the simplicity of her gown, which was made of wine-coloured silk jersey. It had a high rolled neckline, long sleeves and a gathered skirt which fell in soft folds to the floor. Her jewellery was minimal.

‘Gosh, you are inventive and clever, Dibs. I wish I had your flair.’

‘I don’t know about you two, but I’d like a drink,’ Christian announced, wheeling himself over to the console. ‘I’ll open the champagne.’

‘Oh yes, do, darling,’ Diana agreed. ‘And perhaps I’d better check the dining room, just to be sure everything is in order.’

Christian waved her to a standstill. ‘You don’t have to bother. I looked in a few minutes ago and Manfred has done a splendid job.’

‘That’s a relief. I can relax at last. It’s been quite a hectic day.’ Diana picked up a cushion, put it on the hearth and sat down. She smoothed her skirt, crossed her legs, and said, ‘I didn’t get an opportunity to say much about our morning on the slopes during lunch. But I must tell you, Victor’s a marvellous skier. At first I thought he was going to be a wild skier, you know, the kind we despise, who takes bigger risks than he should. I was wrong. He handled the Jenner perfectly, and we had a superb run. He’s—’ Diana broke off, her eyes fastened on the doorway. ‘There you are, Victor. I was just talking about you—about your prowess on the slopes.’ She proffered him a welcoming smile.

Victor laughed as he came towards them down the long stretch of carpet, white teeth flashing in his sunburned face, black eyes merry. His tuxedo, like all his clothes, had great distinction. It was expensive, faultless, fitted, his
expansive frame to perfection, and the white dress shirt enhanced his deep tan, made it look that much darker. Black onyx-and-diamond studs punctuated the ruffled front of the shin, and a red silk handkerchief flared in his breast pocket. He was elegant, and every inch the star.

Francesca had never seen Victor in evening clothes before, and he seemed more glamorous than ever. She felt overpowered by him again, and her stomach fluttered nervously. Weak at the knees and experiencing a sudden tightness across her chest, she sat down on the sofa and attempted to compose herself. She was amazed at the effect he had on her, especially in view of their recent intimacy. Would she never become accustomed to his stunning looks, his extraordinary presence?

Drawing to a stop in front of Diana, Victor embraced her. ‘Once again, a very happy birthday.’ He handed her the two gifts he was carrying. ‘And these are for you, from Francesca and me.’

‘Thank you. How exciting. I do love birthdays.’

Victor smiled, turned to greet Francesca. Bracing one hand on the arm of the sofa and the other on its back, he leaned over her, his eyes intent. After a long look, he pressed his mouth to her cheek and gave her a lingering kiss, but as he drew away he winked. He straightened up, glanced down at her and then across at Diana.

‘I must compliment you, ladies. You both look mighty fetchin’, mighty fetchin’ indeed, I do declare. Why, you fair take a man’s breath away with your not inconsiderable charms,’ he said, executing a bull’s eye imitation of Clark Gable as Rhett Butler, and bowing to them with an elaborate old-fashioned gallantry.

‘Victor, what a splendid mimic you are,’ Christian exclaimed.

Victor grinned, and in an instant he was across the room, shaking his host’s hand. ‘Evening, Christian. Just one of the tools of the trade, I reckon.’

‘What would you like to drink, old chap? Champagne?’

‘I’d prefer Scotch-on-the-rocks with a splash of water. Thanks.’

Diana said, ‘The presents are divine… all these fantastic Sinatras, and Arpège as well. Thank you both so much.’ She beamed, her eyes swivelling from Francesca to Victor.

‘And this is from…
us
,’ Francesca said, finding her voice and rising. She gave the gift to Diana and hugged her warmly.

‘You’re both far too generous.’ Diana unwrapped the figurine, her eyes fighting up when she saw it. ‘Oh Cheska, Victor, it’s charming. Thank you again.’ She shook her head, laughing. ‘Everyone is spoiling me today.’ She held out her arm, displaying her garnet ring and a matching bracelet. ‘Christian gave these to me this afternoon.’

‘They’re beautiful.’ Francesca squeezed her shoulders, and went on, ‘And you deserve to be spoiled. I know this is going to be a very special and wonderful year for you, Dibs darling.’

They had just finished toasting Diana when Manfred appeared. He told them the cars were arriving at the gatehouse and that some of the guests were already halfway down the path.

‘Excuse me,’ Diana said, getting up. ‘I must go and greet them. Coming, Christian?’

‘Naturally.’ He promptly put down his drink and followed her to the entrance of the sitting room.

Francesca murmured, ‘I’ll tidy up,’ and began collecting the crumpled wrapping paper. Throwing it into the fire, she then placed the gifts on a side table.

As she passed in front of him, Victor caught her arm, grasping it firmly and pulling her to him. He leaned into her, and said, ‘You ought to be arrested for looking the way you do. You’ll be the cause of my undoing yet.’