Against the Tide (41 page)

I looked more closely. The room had two large openings onto the long south-facing veranda. I was standing in the first doorway from the north. The south-facing wall was a series of full-length windows protected by an external sunshade, though this did little to exclude the softening rays of the evening sun. To my left was the full-length elevated bandstand with a drum kit, grand piano and music stands taking up the whole of the east wall.

There were two tables at either end of the room. The first of these was centred in front of the stage, almost as a top table, and was laid for six. There were four tall square-sectioned pillars on each side of the room and one round table was set between each of them. Most seemed to be laid for six but, in the far west corner, was one with only five settings.

Each table was ready now, complete with individual ornate menus between the cutlery. Thin blue candles had been placed in silver holders in front of each setting and the few waiters were busy lighting them. A large fresh flower display was in the centre of each table and the room was fragrant with the scent of sweet peas.

‘“
Free from our feasts and banquets bloody knives.
''' I jumped as Saul poked me in the back. ‘
Macbeth
, in case you'd forgotten. Nice suit, waterproof this time?'

I spun round. First surprise. Saul was there, wearing a maroon velvet jacket and matching tie.

I couldn't hit someone dressed in such a ridiculous outfit. ‘If you had a wig, you could be in a Restoration play, some foppish Sheridan character.'

‘Why thank you, kind sir.' Saul flourished an elaborate bow. ‘Allow me to introduce my companion.' He motioned behind him. Second surprise. Rachel smiled hesitantly.

I tried to keep the shock from my face but Rachel looked dazzling in a long black dress, with a plunging neckline, that clung tightly to her body. A simple silver chain with my old Saint Christopher nestled between the gentle swell of her breasts.

I reached for her hand, which felt warm and soft, breathing in the slightly musky fragrance of her eau de cologne. Her face was in shadow but I felt the challenge in her eyes. She looked so elegant. “
Love's gentle spring doth always fresh remain
.”

Confusion tripped my pulse as I fought to keep my voice level and light.

‘Charmed, I'm sure. Have we met?'

‘Mrs Malaprop, milord.' Saul had picked up the game. He turned to Rachel. ‘Promise to forget this fellow – to
illiterate
him, I say, quite from your memory.'

She snapped, ‘Stop showing off with your silly word games. I have no idea what you are talking about –'

‘Neither does he, Rachel.' I poked Saul in the ribs.

Saul took both our hands and ushered us into the corridor. ‘What in damnation's going on, Jack? Why's she invited us? Where the hell have you been?'

‘Fighting with my father, learning more secrets. You?'

‘Trying to find you so we could return
Jacob's Star
. I even traced you to that old biddy Mrs Buezval. She's the first woman I've met who's got a good word to say for you. Shame she's in her seventies. I got fed up following your trail and went to the harbour.
Lorelei
wasn't on her mooring so let's hope she's wallowing in the trough of despair somewhere at sea. I also asked around the boatyards about that blue-hulled boat,
Morning Mist
. Tracked her down and told the foreman that we'd seen her at Les Écréhous and the crew had left a picnic hamper behind that I wanted to return. He told me she was on hire to an advocate from Le Marquand & Le Sueur in Hill Street. I found their offices and checked the brass plates outside. Guess the name of one of the companies they represent?'

‘No. But you must be exhausted with all that walking unless you used taxis to –'

‘The Diamond Trading Company, one of De Beers. They must be working with those men who followed us.'

I was about to lecture him on his foolish bravery when I spotted Phillips, Brewster, Nelson and their respective wives moving in from the veranda, following a waiter who had placed all their current drinks on a tray. He showed them to the table between the middle pillars on the south wall.

Saul and Rachel followed my gaze. ‘Oh double shit. All we need now is Grumpy and –'

The headmaster hove into view along with Martlew, Captain Knowles and three women I assumed were their wives. They were ushered to the table closest to us, near the kitchen entrance.

I was feeling nervous now. ‘Oh fucking bollocks.'

Saul choked in surprise at my language but followed my eyes as Jurat Ralph Poingdestre shuffled in with his wife, the unblessed Iris, in tow. Following them was Jurat Hurel with an imperious-looking woman who was probably his wife. Another couple joined them and they all sat at the table opposite the Jersey Swimming Club contingent.

Surely Fred wouldn't turn up as well? I watched three more groups being ushered in by the waiters but didn't recognise anyone. Now there were just two unoccupied tables.

‘Well, that narrows it down. We're either out on the balcony or at one of those two.' Saul seemed to be on the verge of giggles. ‘This is going to be fun.'

‘I think I want to go home.' Rachel sounded anxious.

‘Nonsense, my dear. The party's about to begin. You can't go home until the clock strikes twelve – can't disappoint the prince and we've got to have a search for someone to fit your shoe.' Saul put his arm around her waist and whispered something.

A waiter approached Saul. ‘Excuse me, sir, are you Mr Renouf?'

‘Good God, man. Do I look like a peasant?'

The man, no doubt considering his tip, if not his future employment, didn't answer but turned to me and smiled, as only someone trained to deal with idiots can.

‘Please follow me, sir.' He escorted us through the room to the table at the far end. I looked neither left nor right but was keenly aware of the glances from those at Uncle Ralph's table.

Saul smiled graciously in all directions, especially at Grumpy, who peered back, disbelievingly. The waiter pulled out a chair for Rachel which gave her an overall view of the room. I sat next to her with my shoulder turned away from Ralph's table.

Saul sat on her other side and grabbed the waiter's arm. ‘Champagne. Now.'

The waiter went off to find something suitable for the strange-looking guest who didn't want to be taken for a peasant.

I reached out for one of the menus as a means of avoiding eye contact with anyone else. I studied the seven courses and realised I didn't have room for any of them. I hissed at Saul. ‘It's Friday – shouldn't you be fasting? Hasn't your Sabbath started?'

Saul laughed. ‘“
I will buy with you, sell with you, talk with you, walk with you, and so following, but I will not eat with you, drink with you, nor pray with you.
”' Relax and get up to date – even Shylock wasn't that orthodox. I might have to say some prayers over the candles though.'

‘What are you two talking about?'

I stopped my immediate response. It was possible that she hadn't discussed her secret with Saul and probably wouldn't know much, if anything, about Jewish tradition yet. The shock of what she must have felt hit me.

‘Only some silly school boy stuff – from that play we were in.'

‘Oh, when you played Shylock. I thought that was very brave, Jack.'

Saul looked shocked, though his tone was mocking. ‘Why? It was a privilege for him.'

Further banter was suspended when the final party entered the room from the hotel entrance. All the guests swivelled in their chairs to watch.

Hayden-Brown led in the two Germans Hélène had identified, Kempler and Schmitz. The latter did seem to have a slight limp. The overweight Sleeman bustled after them. They all waited patiently at the table while Sir Edward Fairfield made a fuss about escorting a woman through the double doors.

I'd never met her but I could see Mum's finger hovering over her photograph. The years hadn't been kind to her – she looked frail and drawn, almost haggard – but there was no doubt it was Isobelle.

The men bustled about her, arguing about where she should sit. Fairfield won and placed her between him and Kempler. Hayden-Brown bowed politely to everyone in the room, though he looked puzzled when he saw us.

He smiled uncertainly then sat down. The guests applauded politely then resumed their conversations. How long before a waiter appeared to eject us?

Saul pointed to the two empty seats at our table. There was no sign of Kohler or Caroline. Was she planning to bring Rudi to sit with us?

The adrenaline surged again and I put my menu down before it started to shake in my hands. The waiter arrived with our champagne, which Saul examined before he told him to open it.

‘“Bollinger” ‘28. That was a good vintage. Should be fine.'

‘Christ, that's eleven years old, how much will that cost?'

‘Too rich for you, Jack? Don't worry. The meal's all taken care of, according to Caroline. Of course, if you don't want to accept her hospitality, you could always go “Dutch” – talk of the devil.'

I refused to look and turned to Rachel instead, but I could see it in her eyes. I watched them closely. It might have been a trick of the reflections from the sinking sun but they seemed to glow with a fire I hadn't seen before. Perhaps there was more than one score to be settled this evening.

I judged Caroline's progress to the table by the increasingly ironic smile on Rachel's face which grew in defiance of the coldness which slowly crept into her eyes, until the fire was extinguished and our hostess had arrived.

I heard the rustle of her dress before I was almost overwhelmed by her perfume
–
jasmine, musk and an abundance of rose so strong it seemed to encircle my throat and constrict my breathing. I remembered this one for the inherent irony. Joy, the most expensive in the world and, on Caroline, so inappropriately named.

“
Lust full of forged lies
.” Those lines would haunt me. I shut my eyes to focus better on her presence, trying to understand why I was quivering with anticipation. Trying desperately to work out what I felt for this woman who seemed to have such power over me. I hated her, wanted to humiliate her for what her mother had done, for what she had done, but when I reached for the sword of my anger, I couldn't pull it loose.

I sensed her confusion, her hesitation as she hovered behind me. I opened my eyes and looked into Rachel's. The coldness had evaporated and all I saw was sadness beyond my reach. She shut her eyes and I stood up, breathed deeply and turned slowly to face my nemesis.

39

She was dressed in white – an ice maiden pulsing with the energy and confidence of one who didn't need to look to see that every eye in the room had followed her from entrance to table. I fought to keep my face neutral and de-focused my eyes to avoid responding to hers as she searched my face for an explanation. I bowed politely. She leant forward over the back of my chair and brushed her lips gently against my right cheek. Her hair smelt of apples and cinnamon as it flicked against my face. The heat from her cheek burnt my ear as she turned away, moved around to Rachel and kissed the air beside each of her cheeks. She rustled round the table to Saul for a more intimate embrace.

Finally, she turned to Kohler, who was standing away from the table in no-man's-land. ‘I know that Jack has met him, but allow me to introduce Rudi Kohler, Rachel.'

Kohler bowed but stopped short of clicking his heels.

‘Saul Marcks.'

Kohler reached across, offered his hand but barely touched fingers.

Saul chuckled wryly. ‘A pleasure, sir. I don't think I've met any
real
Dutchmen before.'

Caroline assumed command. ‘Well, we're all here. It's a bit unbalanced with only two girls, but I'll sit between you two. Jack, you move around and sit next to Saul so Rudi can sit next to Rachel.'

I followed my instructions and just avoided bumping shoulders with Kohler, who seemed slightly unsteady as he moved past to take his seat.

‘Ah, champagne. Good. Are you joining us, Jack, or are you back on the wagon?'

‘I think he can handle it now he's had some experience, Caroline. I'm sure he won't spill any.' Rachel's tone was as clear as the crystal glass she waved in her rival's direction.

Kohler clapped his hands together. ‘Good, let us enjoy a pleasant evening. We put bad times behind us, yes?' He reached across Caroline and offered me his hand.

Given the angle, it was impossible for me to respond without elbowing Caroline out of the way so I stood up and we shook behind her back. I was pleased to note that the “Dutchman's” nose was still slightly swollen and he seemed to have yellow bruising around his eye sockets. His cheeks were also rather red. Had he been drinking already?

I caught Brewster nodding his approval and drawing Phillips' attention to the gesture. I must have imagined it but the room seemed to draw a collective sigh of relief.

The Bollinger was poured and Saul offered a toast to “international relations” without the slightest irony in his voice.

Kohler responded with one for “European unity”.

I raised my glass to “justice” at which point Caroline interrupted. ‘That's enough of that – we'll be drunk before the meal starts. Well, what are we having?'

The others examined their menus in silence while the waiters hovered. I looked at Caroline surreptitiously as I pretended to study mine. Her cheeks were flushed and it wasn't from rouge. And she was worried about us getting drunk? I felt sure she had made a good start with Kohler before they arrived at the table. In his room probably and perhaps the flush wasn't just the alcohol.

I caught Rachel looking at me and thought she shook her head to tell me to stop torturing myself. I didn't feel like eating at all but settled on the remoulade of artichoke followed by consommé chantilly. A selection of olives, nuts and celery would be served after the first course but I wondered if the meal would last that long.