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

had drained from the sky and the ship had moved past the coastline, into the empty churning waters of the Gulf of Aden, under a burning, now white, sun. Evie sighed. Such beauty. Sights she had never dreamt she would witness. Yet instead of exulting in the experience, all she felt was an empty numbness.

Late one afternoon, sitting on the aft boat deck as the ship made its stately progress across the Arabian Sea towards Bombay, a shadow fell across the book she was reading.

‘There you are, Evie.’ Arthur Leighton squinted at her, the sun in his eyes. ‘Have you been avoiding me? I haven’t clapped eyes on you for days. Were you unwell? I asked your steward but he said you were out and about. I’ve been searching the ship for you.’ His eyes looked concerned and not a little hurt.

Embarrassed, Evie said, ‘I was a bit under the weather. I didn’t think I’d make very cheerful company so I’ve been keeping out of the way for a while.’

‘May I?’ He gestured towards the deck chair next to hers, then sat, sideways on, so he could see her. ‘Are you sure you’re all right?’

Evie pursed her lips, then saw his face had such a kind and concerned expression that, before she could stop herself, she’d blurted out the truth. ‘Actually, I’ve had a bit of a wobble. Realised I’ve been a frightful chump in agreeing to come to Malaya and marry Douglas when I don’t really know him. I expect he made his offer without thinking through the implications and by now he’ll be wondering how to get out of it.’ She pleated the fabric of her dress through restless fingers. ‘I was wondering if I ought to get off the ship when we reach Bombay. Only I’ve no money to pay the passage home. What do you think I should do?’

Arthur frowned and shook his head. ‘Has Veronica been filling your head with nonsense? Sometimes she speaks out of turn. She seems to find it amusing, but it can be bloody hurtful.’ He looked uncharacteristically annoyed.

Blushing, Evie said, ‘No. I’ve not spoken to her in days. It’s just that the whole idea seems such a crazy enterprise that I can’t think why I ever agreed to it.’ She smoothed the creases out of her dress then gathered the fabric up again, rippling it nervously through her fingers. ‘My life had become so dull and predictable and I didn’t want to spend the rest of my days reading aloud to Mrs Shipley-Thomas and, after her, a succession of old ladies, while life passes me by.’

She looked up at him, afraid he would think her foolish, but his face showed only attention and concern.

‘When Douglas Barrington’s letter arrived it was as if my prayers had been answered. It was an opportunity to start again, to see something of the world, to embark on an adventure, to do something unpredictable and spontaneous for the first time in years. It was the only way I could see to get out of my rut.’

‘I understand.’ Arthur nodded. ‘That all makes perfect sense. So, what’s made you change your mind?’

She hesitated then said, ‘If I’m honest I suppose I’m worried about what people will think. That they’ll say I’m a desperate spinster who’s grasped her only chance to hook a husband.’ She gave a dry laugh. ‘And they’d be right. ’

When Arthur said nothing, she stumbled on. ‘But more than that I’m worried that Mr Barrington – I mean Douglas – it seems odd to call him that when I barely know him. That he must surely be having second thoughts himself. I can’t imagine what would possess a man like him – successful, comfortably off, handsome – to ask someone like me to marry him when he must have the pick of the field. There. You have it.’ She bit her lip and waited for him to reply.

He reached out and took her hand, holding it in his for a just a brief moment. ‘I don’t know what you mean when you say someone like you. I happen to think Doug is a very fortunate man that you’re willing to become his wife. It shows you have pluck, Evie. You’re a brave girl. Fearless, in fact. Not many people would do what you’re doing and that’s to be admired. And you’re kind, intelligent, independent, interesting. All in all, you’re a very attractive woman and if you ask me, Doug is a very lucky chap.’

Evie felt a rush of gratitude mingled with disbelief. Was he just trying to be nice? Did he mean it? Would he later laugh about what he’d said with Veronica? ‘Thank you,’ she said, deciding to accept the compliment graciously. ‘That makes me feel better. I hope you don’t think I was fishing for compliments?’

‘You don’t need to fish for them, Evie. You deserve them.’ His mouth formed a smile but his eyes looked sad. ‘You do however need to go into this crazy enterprise, as you call it, with eyes wide open. Penang is a beautiful place. Quite magical. But Malaya’s not an easy country to live in if you’re not born to it. The climate in the Straits is hot and humid all year round and it can take a long time to adjust. Some people never do. Felicity certainly didn’t.’

Evie looked at him, shocked.

‘She struggled from the moment she arrived and never settled. It was a constant source of tension between the two of them. Maybe I shouldn’t be telling you this, but I think you’ve a right to know.’ He reached into his pocket and pulled out a packet of cigarettes and offered her one. It was the only time she’d seen him smoke. She shook her head.

‘When Felicity married Doug she thought she’d signed up to a life in the Home Counties. Two years later Doug’s bachelor uncle died, leaving him the rubber estate on Penang island. He was determined to take it on. He