The Pearl of Penang by Clare Flynn (best books to read for students txt) 📗

before dawn this morning.’ Her eyes widened in feigned concern as she stretched a hand out and touched Evie’s arm lightly. ‘I do hope everything’s all right between you?’

‘Perfectly fine.’ She tried to inject an airy nonchalance into her voice. ‘Why would it not be?’

Veronica pursed her lips. ‘It’s not exactly the way one expects the groom to behave on his wedding night. You must be dreadfully disappointed.’ She leaned back in her chair. ‘Or… perhaps… you and he have come to an arrangement? How do I put it delicately…un mariage de convenance. The French are so good at this kind of thing – they have a term for everything in matters of the heart – or possibly in your case – of the head.’

‘I’ve no idea what you’re implying, but as I’ve told you once before, what happens between me and my husband is our affair only.’ Evie realised her voice sounded prim, tight, high-pitched. She took a big gulp of air and dug her fingernails into her palms.

‘No need to get all stroppy, darling. I only wanted you to know that I’m here to help – if things get too much you can confide in me. Arthur and I are Dougie’s oldest friends out here. We understand all his… his foibles.’

‘I don’t need any help, thank you. Is there anything else I can do for you?’ She could feel her heart thumping as she said it. Anger was making her brave.

Veronica looked affronted. ‘I brought you the details of my little Indian tailor chappie, Mr Ramanathan.’ She handed her a card. ‘As I said, I only want to help you settle in. I realise how strange everything must seem here after England.’

Evie muttered a thank you and accepted the card. It would be so satisfying to confront Veronica about what she’d overheard in the powder room, but she decided to hold back. What was the point? The woman must know she’d heard everything. What difference would telling her make? Clearly Veronica had no intention of apologising or attempting to put a different slant on the conversation. But there was no different slant possible. Those words could never be taken back and Evie realised she was grateful – if there had ever been a risk of her trusting Veronica Leighton it would never happen now.

‘Anyway, darling, one other thing. I almost forgot the main reason for my calling today. I’m here to invite you to play croquet next Thursday afternoon. It will give you a chance to meet some of the girls properly. It’ll be such fun.’

‘I can’t. I’m already doing something on Thursday.’

Veronica’s surprise was evident. ‘Oh do tell!’

‘I’m having tea with Jasmine’s teacher. She invited me this morning.’

‘Well cancel. We can find an excuse.’

‘I don’t want to cancel. I like Miss Helston.’

‘Miss Helston? No, no, no!’ Veronica shook her head in an exaggerated manner. ‘N.O.O.U! Noou!’ Her lips formed a small circle as she formed the long drawn out sound. Seeing Evie’s puzzlement, she added. ‘Not One Of Us.’

Evie resisted the temptation to reply that was what she liked about the teacher.

‘She’s a nobody. Inconsequential. Her father’s just a bank clerk. Not very clubbable.’ She patted Evie’s arm in that irritating patronising manner she had. ‘No background. No breeding. And the mother! She has a North Country accent – imagine! Lived here for years and never managed to lose it. Frightful people. No, darling you must make an excuse. You don’t want to get wrapped up with Miss Helston – at least not outside the school premises – and certainly not accepting an invitation to tea!’

‘Thank you for the advice, Veronica, but I intend to ignore it. I liked Miss Helston enormously when we met. I think we’ll have a lot in common and I’m sure we’ll get on famously.’ She paused, relishing the look of horror on Veronica’s face, then said, ‘She’s someone I feel I can trust. Not the kind to gossip behind people’s backs.’ Shaking as she said it, she felt a huge wave of relief. ‘If there’s nothing else I can do for you, I need to get on.’ She rose. ‘Thank you again for recommending Mr Ramanathan. I’ll be sure to pay him a visit some time.’

7

Jasmine began talking to Evie after that first trip to school. She appeared to have settled in well and was eager to tell Evie about what they’d done in class each day, and proud to show off her drawings. Each afternoon, Evie made sure she was around when the little girl came home so she could hear her reading.

‘I have three friends.’ Jasmine said, offering their names proudly. ‘But Penny’s my best friend.’

‘And you like this school better than being with the nuns?’

The child nodded solemnly. ‘And I like sleeping here too in this house. It’s nice being with you.’

Evie was touched as well as relieved. At least Douglas could have no grounds to complain.

On Thursday afternoon, Evie set off to Miss Helston’s house with Jasmine. The teacher lived with her parents on the outskirts of George Town.

When Miss Helston answered the door, she seemed unduly pleased to see Evie. She ushered them inside. Turning to Jasmine, she said, ‘Penny’s already here. Go through to the garden. I’ve put some lemonade on a table out there and cake for you both to enjoy.’

Needing no further encouragement Jasmine scampered away into the garden to join her friend.

Mary Helston ushered Evie into a drawing room, with wide-open French windows giving on to the lawn. ‘It’s cooler in here under the fan and we can keep an eye on the girls. My parents aren’t at home. They play bridge on a Thursday.’ She paused a moment then said, ‘I’m so glad you came. I was worried you might not.’

‘Of course I came. Why did you think I wouldn’t?’

Miss Helston shrugged. ‘People are very cliquey here and I’ve never been one of the crowd. I thought one or other of them would have tried to poison you against me