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

was useful and brought back his days in the officer training corps at school.

Evie, like most of the women, was pressed into service in sewing parties, knitting balaclavas and socks for the troops and for Red Cross parcels destined for Prisoners of War.

The Barringtons steered clear of the many fund-raising parties organised on behalf of war charities by the Patriotic Fund. With a small baby, Evie had no desire to venture out and Douglas was scathing about the wasteful nature of such efforts, with more money spent on alcohol and petrol by the attendees than could possibly have been generated in donations or ticket sales. Evie mentioned this to Mary, who told her that the Chinese were far more effective in raising money for the war effort and did so without recourse to partying.

Mary Helston rarely spoke about her friendship with Frank Hyde-Underwood and Evie knew better than to press her on it, taking satisfaction from the fact that it was evidently flourishing. The RAF officer was not often on the island however, being frequently required to be in Singapore for exercises, and his flying duties involved reconnaissance flights all over the peninsula.

Motherhood was proving an unexpected joy to Evie. The baby was placid and a good sleeper. Comparing notes with Susan Hyde-Underwood, when the latter dropped in to see her, bringing baby Stanford, made Evie realise she had been blessed with an exceptionally tranquil child. Susan’s son was anything but, and judging by the heavy lids and dark circles around her eyes, she was suffering from lack of sleep as a consequence.

Jasmine had taken to her baby brother and, without a trace of sibling jealousy, mothered Hugh and lavish affection upon him. It was a close contest between Jasmine and Aunty Mimi as to who would make a greater fuss over the baby. The little Chinese housekeeper took it upon herself to act as Hugh’s amah and informed Evie that it had once been her role with Jasmine, making it clear that she would tolerate no one new being taken into the household to undertake such duties. As Evie had had no such intention she was more than willing to accept this extension to the housekeeper’s duties.

All in all, it was a happy time for Evie, yet deep inside her there was still a hollow ache at the absence of Arthur Leighton in her life. She knew what she felt for him was both wrong and pointless but it didn’t stop her feeling it. If anything, his absence made her feel more strongly about him. She would castigate herself for disloyalty. Why were her husband and two children not enough? Guilt gnawed away at her insides, though she had no reason to feel guilty since, apart from that kiss in the sea, nothing had happened between them. She almost wished she had something more to feel guilty about – at least she’d have a memory to treasure and relive. Then she blamed herself for thinking that too.

Douglas, for his part, once Evie had forgiven his affair, behaved as if it had never happened at all. There was no repetition of his declaration of his need for her and love for her. He remained taciturn and often morose and showed no romance and little affection. She wondered whether he saw love-making as just another sport – something to be enjoyed like any other physical activity. Eventually, Evie accepted that this was how he was and nothing would change that. He was one of a generation of men who believed that overt displays of affection were sentimental and unmanly. He had told her once that he cared for her. For him that was enough – he evidently believed that, once said, there was no need to keep repeating it.

In mid January 1941, when Hugh was around six months old and she had begun to wean him, Evie decided she needed some distraction, and suggested to Douglas that they host a small dinner party the following Friday evening.

‘If you must,’ he said, ungraciously.

‘I’m thinking of you too.’

This elicited only a grunt.

‘Who shall I ask?’

He shrugged. ‘Whoever you please. It’s all the same to me.’

‘I was thinking of the Rogers, but I understand they’re in Batavia.’

Another shrug.

‘For heaven’s sake, Doug. Try and show a bit of interest.’

‘It’s your department. Whoever you invite is fine by me.’

Controlling her irritation, she said, ‘In that case, I’ll ask Mary and the Hyde-Underwoods and I’ll tell them to bring Reggie’s brother. He seems to have taken quite a shine to Mary.’

‘Good.’

‘I mean you get on well with Reggie, and Frank seems a very affable fellow–’

‘Look, Evie, I’ve told you, it’s fine by me. I’ll be home in plenty of time.’ Softening, he added, ‘I suppose it does give me an opportunity to discuss Reggie’s proposal for a new rolling machine. Saves me a trip up to Bellavista.’

‘I’ll tell Susan to bring Stanford with them – he can be put in the cot in Hugh’s nursery.’

She asked herself why Douglas always had to be so grumpy but at least he had accepted the plan without further objection. He got on well with Reggie and although he had only met Frank briefly, he appeared to find him tolerable. So, it was a surprise to Evie when on the appointed evening, their guests had already assembled and Doug had yet to put in an appearance. He had promised to be in George Town by six and now at seven he was still missing.

Trying to hide her irritation, Evie escorted the guests onto the terrace outside the drawing room, where Benny was waiting to serve them with drinks. If Hugh were to wake and she had to attend to him, there would be nobody to entertain their guests. She had tried several times to telephone the bungalow at Batu Lembah but there was no reply, so Douglas was presumably on his way. She glanced at her wristwatch, telling herself that it was only a small gathering – and of friends who