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Chapter 17
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Lucy left the lawyer's office with her head in a whirl . She could hardly believe in the good fortune which had befallen her . But the crisp five pound notes which Mr Tredegar had given her for the purpose of providing herself with a wardrobe , now snugly reposing in her handbag , were proof enough .
She had been told to go and shop and then meet him at the Ritz for a cocktail and lunch . He would have suggested one of those charming little Soho restaurants , but Lucy Alberto was an unknown quantity , and he thought that he had better go carefully and treat her in a formal and very conventional manner at first .
He had said he would send one of his clerks round to explain to Mrs Rawson that her niece would not be back . It was only afterwards Joan remembered that she still had the ration books in her handbag , so the former would be unable to do her own shopping . Oh , well , what did it matter ? Aunt Ella Rawson had no control over her now .
She was to leave
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" But will they agree to the terms of the will ? Joan protested . ' It cannot be pleasant for either of them to marry a girl they know nothing of , and whose acquaintance they have only just made . ' It's not quite so bad as all that , ' Mr Tredegar smiled . ' Each will have a chance of getting to know you really well , and the marriage will not take place until you are ready for it . I am quite sure Donald will be prepared to carry out the terms of the will and save Kilrossan Castle . He is like his father and has a strong sense of duty . Jerry now ... well , Jerry is unpredictable , but often in crises such as this the black sheep suddenly awakens to his family responsibilities and it is not as if you were a stranger , my dear Miss Alberto, you are one of the family . ' They never thought so , ' said Joan , and she recalled a little bitterly the hard struggle the mother she could barely remember had had to keep going with a young child and an invalid husband
In Love With A Stranger Chapter 19
Perhaps even now we would be able to put Peter McGurtrie's money to good. Mr Tredegar had said that it was left to her absolutely provided she fulfilled the condition laid down in the will. That condition ! It was difficult to think about it - her mind kept shying away from the subject . Her life had been so dull and full of work that she had never thought of marriage ; she had never met young men , nor had a chance to lead the life that a normal young girl should ; and she knew nothing whatever about love and marriage , save the bare facts of life , which girls learn in their cradles nowadays .Of the art of attracting a man , making him fall in love , keeping his love after marriage , and managing him when he had become a husband , she was entirely ignorant .She supposed her cousin Donald would propose to her , and she would accept him ; she would not feel justified in refusing him , for i would mean that the McGurtries would suffer financially , and the mortgage on
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Alberto the heiress , who would soon be engaged to Sir Angus McGurtrie's son , had nothing in comnion with the hero of that episode . Lucy had never been able to shop ad lib . befere , for she'd had no money to spend on anything but the barest necessities , and then had to account to Aunt Ella for every penny she had parted with . What a change now !She indulged her love of colour to the full , and discarded the plaid frock of which she had been so proud without a qualm . She hadn't time to have her hair washed and set it did not need a ' perm ' , as there was a natural kink in it , which a clever hairdresser could coax into big smooth waves . She wondered whether she should discard her fringe , and thought that she had better not - her new clothes made her look a stranger ;she did not want to be unable to recognize herself when she looked in a mirror . She bought some cosmetics and got the girl behind the perfumery counter of a large store to apply them for her , an
In Love With A Stranger Chapter 21
And tell herself that hotels such as this will be her proper environment from now on , she tried think of the extent of her fortune and failed ; all she could Visualize was a succession of five and ten pound notes stretching endlessly to the horizon . Mr Tredegar was waiting for her and he got up the moment she entered .Punctual again , Miss Lucy ! Now , can I tempt you to a cocktail ? ' " I've never had one in my life , ' she replied breathlessly as she sank down on a comfortable couch . Then it is high time you started . He made a sign to the waiter and ordered two White Ladies . ' A most innocuous drink I assure you , he told her . He was eyeing her critically . She had certainly interpreted literally his sug gestion that she should do the thing in style when she went shopping . Her clothes were really too much for such a simple occasion as lunch with one's solicitor ; she might have been going to a garden party at Buckingham Palace .She would have a lot to learn
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A great pity Peter McGurtrie had nusias ... , dud would not refuse him , for at this stage of her elo , any man could capture her . Later on , however , she become thoroughly bored with her husband , a marriage might end in disaster . If Lucy had been qui he would have had a try for her himself , thought Mr Tredegar , and he would probably have succeeded . knew how to handle shy girls , and he would draw Lucy very , very gradually , until she came to him of her own will . It would have been a distinct advantage to have with all that money , and if she were a little trying were always means of amusing oneself without her ing . He could have been very good to the funny little taught her everything she needed to know , and kept love with him . A couple of babies would have an her and her money for good . But since she lost the money unless she married ont the McGurtrie boys , and without it she was of no inter whatever , Maurice Tredego realized that he must think himself
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Now I have the tickets and have booked sleepers for to - night ; also sent a wire to Kilrossan telling your relations to expect you - they will have to make arrangements for you to cross... You will find it lonely at first , but I shall be stay or a few days and you can call on me whenever you ostalgia for Sevila . " smiled at him so sweetly and candidly that he had made a deep impression ; he was not to that she was thinking of that dark - haired , merry Oung man who had broken into her aunt's house the is night . She stood on the tiny jetty gazing across at the island . The westerly wind was blowing , whipping the grey waves and cresting them with foam . Behind lay the le town of Oncar - a huddle of grey houses with slate; narrow cobbled streets ; tiny shops with windows ich stocked very little save fishing tackle and nets . There e a number of men in kilts with plaids slung over their woulders or the quayside row watching the loading of a iny steamer by fishermen 13
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At the great main entrance and she was surprised to see the number of flowers growing in it . Donald is an enthusiastic gardener , ' said Maurice Tredego . Particularly where rock plants are concernea . He sends all over the world for different specimens . Up a flight of worn grey steps to the open front door , solid and nail - studded , and so into a huge gloomy hall with two stained - glass windows throwing beams of coloured light across the broad ornamental staircase and just touch ing the musicians ' gallery at the top. Ancient and tattered colours hung from either side of the stone fireplace where the arms of the McGurtries were carved , and Lucy saw several antlers on the walls . A couple of shaggy dogs rose from the skin rug before the hearth and came forward , growling a little ' Be quiet , you two ! A tall thin man with an aesthetic face who walked with a limp , came forward ; quietening the dogs . He wore an ordinary tweed suit and no kilt ; there were pince - nez
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Margaret McGurtrie was tall and large - boned , with a face of unusual beauty , had it been allied to a slender body she would have been able to hold her own with anyone tut she was too big , and all her movements were clumsy One was apt to overlook eyes of a violety - blue fringed by thick dark lashes , black hair with bluish lights in it , a wide and generous mouth and a pale honey - tinted skin , wher one was confronted with big feet , ugly hands , and a stride like a grenadier's , combined with a gruff mannish voice Margaret dressed in tweeds and heavy brogues which made her feet look even bigger ; her thick knitted stockings did not help , and she favoured fawns and greys which were the worst possible colours for her . " Sorry , I couldn't come across to the mainland to meet you , ' she said to Joan . ' But Phoebe , my mare , is foaling and I had to be in the stables ; we are afraid we are going to lose her . ' Isn't the foal born yet ? ' asked Sir Archibald . ' No , father . I
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' You're making fun of me . ' " That's the last thing I'd be likely to do , child . Marriage is a serious matter , I wondered if you have thought it out carefully , tried to imagine what life with Donald will be like . Oh , I'm not running my brother down ; he's a good sort and I respect him , but he's no husband for a girl like you ... I remember you telling me what a wretched life you've led - no fun , no parties , nothing like ordinary girls . Well , that's the sort of life you'll continue to lead if marry Donald . He has one love - and that is learning . Lucy raised her head and looked Jerry McGurtrie full in the face . " You're jealous ! ' she accused . ' So you think that's it ? I don't believe I have anything to be jealous of , because you don't love him ... You know nothing about love , do you ? As she remained silent he drew nearer to her , put his hand under her chin and forced her face up close to his , then bending a little , he kissed her full on
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She had to think some excuse for her peace of changed attitude towards him and this seemed a feasible one . " You told me it was Sergio Dim , while all the time you were Jerry McGurtrie . Sergio Dim was the name I used , so there was no you my real name , lie about that . Why should I have told since I had dropped it entirely ? I did not dream that you were my cousin . As a matter of fact , I was hardly aware that such a person as Lucy Alberto existed . Donald knew more of our family history than I. You mustn't forget that I had been away for a long time . You told me about the letter from the lawyer , but you omitted to mention the name of the firm , so how could I know there was a connection between us . Come on , my dear girl , you must be fair . " You didn't tell me who you were when I saw you by the creek , ' she pointed out . You let me go on thinking that you were - were - * I didn't get very much chance to tell you , did I ? I should have done , but Donald forestalle
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There was an absorbed serious air about her which went straight to his heart ; she looked like a child playing at being an adult . He tiptoed up behind her and while she was still unaware of his presence bent and kissed the back of her neck . Oh ! She swung round , and as she did so he caught her hands . Blue eyes blazed into grey , anger and something that looked suspiciously like fear in hers. Now don't say what I know you are going to say , he cried . You're not really angry with me . I'll admit I took an unfair advantage of you just now , but the temptation was irresistible . I want to talk to you , Lucy, and so far you've not given me the opportunity . ' I've nothing to say to you , and I can't think what you can possibly have to say to me , ' she retorted , trying to make her voice sound cold , and failing. Please let go my wrists , ' she added . But he held them the tighter . " No , I won't let them go . If I do you'll jump up and run off ... Lucy , tell me ,
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Jerry McGurtrie was fishing ; he had come out in the boat with Fergus , the piper's son , because he wanted to get away from the rest of his family , and think out his course of action in the immediate future . He had now been at Kilrossan a week , and the time had come to decide what he was going to do . Should he stand aside and leave Donald a free field with the heiress , or should he marry her himself ? Although Lucy had tried to avoid him on every possible occasion since his arrival at the castle , he knew that he had only to exert himself and he could take her from his brother . She was not adept at hiding her feelings and he was quite sure that she was in love with him . Their first meeting had been a most romantic one , and all she had heard of him since had done nothing to dispel her first impression . He was the prodigal son ; the ne'er - do - well ; the adventurer who refused to conform to the McGurtrie pattern and lead a conventional life - all attr
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' I have one , but I don't think I appreciate it as I should , he informed her . ' In future I may do . She avoided his eyes ; the way he looked at her made her feel embarrassed . She did not even know whether he was a single man , there might be a wife in that home he spoke of - someone who cared for him and waited for him to come back to her . But she couldn't ask , it would look like ... it would look like ... " There's someone coming , ' he said at length . ' And he seems to be trying to attract your attention . Lucy turned in the direction he indicated and saw Donald striding down from the castle ; he was beckoning to her and seemed to be rather put out about something . He would be more put out when he realized she had a friend with her - if she could call Sergio Dim a friend , she had not wanted the two men to meet yet awhile - why she should feel a difference about it she could not tell , but she would have given anything to run away at that moment and keep on runnin
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Very kind of you . ' She spoke a little breathlessly. You understand I - I am staying with relations , and and ... " Don't worry , I won't get in the way , he retorted , amused at her flounderings . The funny little soul was so transparent if she did but realize it . It would not be easy for her to hide anything . She was afraid that Donald would resent a stranger , as he very probably would . But Donald was going to get the shock of his life presently . " I haven't congratulated you yet on your very good fortune , ' Jerry said . " What are you going to do with all that money ? ' " It - it will mostly be spent on the estate , I suppose , ' she replied . ' Really I ' t given it a thought . But it's nice to be able to buy what I want and not feel I've got to economize on something else . Nice " is rather a tame expression to use , ' he laughed . ' I expected to find you much more enthusiastic . Big Eyes , you seem to have lost your enthusiasm for a lot of things . Are yo
In Love With A Stranger Chapter 46
The horizon was all flushed with it ... great bands of gold and flame , stretching as far as the eye could see , and overhead a limpid green rather like that seen in Egyptian skies . Jerry McGurtrie realized that he was not alone ; a girl was standing with her back to him staring across at the sunset - a young , slender girl with dark hair blown about by the wind , shoes with heels much too high for her , and a dress of the softest crêpe de Chine trimmed with fur . He trod very gently until he was only a few feet away from her . ' Hello , Big Eyes ! ' he said . The girl whipped round and he found himself gazing into the same large scared grey eyes as on that occasion when she had caught him enjoying a stolen meal in her aunt's dining - room in Fakenham Road . ' It's - not - you ? ' she gasped in a failing voice , her and flying instinctively up to her mouth , and going so pale that he took a quick step forward and slid an arm about her waist . ' I say , hold hard , y
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I've nothing to complain of ... She blushed and cast down her eyes . ' We'll be gettin ' a baire come Michaelmas , " she added in an embarrassed tone . " That's great . Mind you ask me to stand godfather. Will you take me across to Kilrossan in your boat? ' The tall fair - haired young fellow nodded dourly . Yeah, he replied , being a man of few words . The crossing was as rough as usual , but Jerry did not mind it ; he had been born and brought up at Kilrossan and a rough sea was as familiar to him as a suburban street to other men . He took a hand at the oars , and he pulled across and landed to the right of the rocks . ' Go up to the house and ask Miss Margaret for something to eat , ' said Jerry as he leaped agilely out of the boat and helped Duncan drag it across the sand . " You needn't say you've brought me over . I want to surprise them . " He set off across the rocky ground towards the creek on the other side of the castle , his hands thrust into his p
In Love With A Stranger Chapter 44
Jerry McGurtrie arrived at Oncar in the early evening , he was not expected so there was no boat coming across from the island , but he did not mind . He was well known in the little town and strolled down to the quayside where the fishermen were drying their nets , pausing to speak to those he remembered . ' It's the young laird . ' The words flew from mouth to mouth , and men left their boats , women came to the doors of their houses ; bare - footed girls ran out , clutching shawls round their shoulders , to stare at the tall dark - haired blue eyed man with the broad shoulders and rangy figure , whom the older ones among them recalled as a baby , and later as a mischievous schoolboy always up to pranks . ' I want to get across , " he told them . ' Yes , I've come unexpectedly . I take it the laird and the rest of the family are in residence ? ' "aye , sir . ' One of the women pushed her way forward and curtseyed . ' Miss Margaret , she was here a bit ago , with th
