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“I’m sure you won’t find it hard once you’ve got used to the idea,” said Ashley, crossing to the cabinet and pouring her another drink. “I’m really quite an easy person to get on with.”

That remains to be seen, thought Lorna, but as the afternoon passed she discovered that he was indeed good company. He had her in fits of laughter as he related some amusing experiences in the television studios, and she was astonished to find that two hours had flown by without her noticing.

Observing Lorna glance at her watch, he said anxiously, “I’m not boring you? I know I go on once I start.”

“Oh, no. I’m surprised how quickly time’s gone."

“Shows you’re enjoying yourself,” he grinned. “Don’t you wish you’d made friends before?”

“I’d rather not answer that question,” replied Lorna. His reference to the past brought back memories of her earlier dislike and she decided it would be better to leave before saying something that might spoil this new and uncalculated friendship. “I must go now, or Fay will be sending out a search party.” She had not really arranged to see Fay, but it was an appropriate excuse and she felt no guilt at using her friend as a scapegoat.

“I’m sorry.” Ashley rose and accompanied her to the door. “I was quite enjoying myself. I believe they’re showing a good film tonight. Shall we go?” Feeling that their relationship was moving more quickly than she had bargained for, Lorna said, “But I thought you had a headache? Surely that would make it worse?”

Ashley clapped a hand to his brow. “I’d quite forgotten it. You must be good for me—I must remember to send for you next time I’m ill. But you’re probably right—it wouldn’t be wise to sit watching a film, no matter how delectable my companion.” He looked at her admiringly. “How about a drink in the Mandarin Lounge?”

“We—ell—” Lorna hesitated. She had nothing fixed for that evening, but did she want to spend any more of her time today with Ashley? He had certainly proved to be surprisingly pleasant company after the way he had treated her yesterday, but she had no desire to become too involved. “Have you no other friends? I’m sure you’re not usually at a loss for company.”

He smiled wryly. “Funnily enough I’m travelling alone this trip—it was a working holiday, but I’ve finished what I set out to do, so how about helping relieve my boredom?”

“That I don’t believe. The great Ashley Ward bored with life! You could have your pick of any of the girls on board. Surely you’ve noticed their adoring glances?” His lips tightened, but suddenly Lorna did not care. She forgot about her promise, remembering only Margo’s unhappiness at the hands of this merciless man. “Why single me out for preferential treatment? I’m sure I haven’t given you any encouragement. Or was I right? You’re piqued because I don’t run true to form and this is your way of trying to get round me? Another name to add to your list of conquests!”

His eyes gleamed dangerously, but his voice was carefully controlled. “You’re not playing the game. I thought we—no,
you
had agreed to forget the past? We’ve only just met, remember? You know nothing about me and I know nothing about you. Let’s take it from there. Or have you changed your mind? Decided I’m not worthy of your friendship?”

Their eyes met and Lorna was the first to look away. “I’m sorry, I—I spoke without thinking. I’d like that drink tonight—if you still want me to?”

“Of course I do.” His face relaxed. The corners of his eyes crinkled with good humour and he gave a slow smile. “There’s nothing I’d like better. I’ll see you around eight.”

“It’s a date,” Lorna grinned back before opening the door and disappearing along the corridor.

Back in her cabin she wondered what madness had taken hold of her. Agreeing to a truce had of course been a defence mechanism against Ashley asking too many questions, yet within the space of a few hours she had found herself harping on the past. No matter what lengths Ashley went to please her she would never be able to forget his callous treatment of Margo. On the surface he was charming. None but those with whom lie shared a deeper affinity could know how fickle he was. Thank goodness there were only three more days for her to keep up the charade of pretending to like him. She didn’t doubt that it would be difficult at times, but for her sister’s sake she must restrain herself.

DESPITE certain misgivings Lorna enjoyed the hours she spent with Ashley Ward. He certainly knew how to treat a woman, and if sometimes a niggling doubt pricked her conscience she would hurriedly push it to the back of her mind. It was all in a good cause, she told herself. Once the journey was over their friendship would come to an end. It was as simple as that. He had made no untoward advances—theirs was a strictly platonic relationship, a pleasant interlude for the remainder of the voyage.

Fay on the other hand had had different ideas when she found out about Lorna’s arrangement. “You mean to say you fell for that line—after the way you’ve gone on about him?”

“Well—yes,” Lorna answered. “I admit I thought the same as you at first and half expected him to try some funny business, but now I’m sure he has no ulterior motive. Anyway, in another two days we’ll be in Cape Town.”

Fay tossed her head. “A lot can happen in that time. Just be careful. He’s no fool. I must say I never thought you’d alter your opinion of him.”

“I haven’t. This is a foil against his asking too many questions.”

“And you still hate him as much as ever?” Fay was laughing now—daring Lorna to say that her feelings had not changed.

Lorna grinned. “He’s different from what I expected. He treats me rather like a precious piece of china, and he’s never attempted to kiss me, which is surprising. I suppose I don’t feel quite the same— although I can never forgive him for what he did to Margo.”

“Don’t say I haven’t warned you,” said Fay. "By the way, have you seen Wes since the dance? He’s been going round with a face as long as a wet week. He doesn’t approve of your friendship with Ashley, that’s for sure.”

Lorna immediately felt a pang of remorse. Even though he meant nothing to her she knew he would be hurt after her emphatic denial of any liking for Ashley. “I hadn’t given him another thought,” she admitted. “He thinks he’s in love with me, that’s the trouble, although I’m sure he isn't. I must find him and explain—I don’t want him upset on my behalf.”

It was early evening before Lorna saw Wes. He came to her cabin as she was preparing for dinner. She wore a cream silk dress and had brushed her hair until it swung silkily about her shoulders.

"May I come in?” he said as she opened the door to his knock.

His expression should have warned her that he was looking for trouble, but she was so pleased to see him that she merely smiled and stood back for him to enter.

The next moment Wes's arms were about her, crushing her inexorably against him, his lips searching hotly for hers. She turned her head this way and that, struggling to escape. “Wes! Wes! What are you playing at? What’s the matter? Have you gone mad?”

But even as she spoke his grip tightened and he buried his head against her shoulder. “Mad with desire for you, my sweet. For two days I’ve tried to catch you on your own, but all the time you’re with
him
—the man you said you despised.” He kissed her neck and Lorna felt sudden revulsion. He had turned from a nice young man into a wild animal, and every fibre of her being rebelled. “Got round you, has he?” he continued thickly. “It’s your turn now to follow in your sister’s footsteps. I didn’t think you were like that, but if he can have you so can I!”

She could smell whisky on his breath and knew that he had been preparing himself for this showdown. She opened her mouth to scream in the vain hope that someone passing would hear. But before she could utter a sound two words shot through the room like the crack from a whip.

“Get out!”

Lorna felt Wes tense. His face became dull red and his arms fell to his sides.

"And if I ever catch you near her again I shall report you to the Captain.”

Without looking at either Lorna or Ashley Wes skulked out, pulling the door violently to behind him.

“It seems I came just in time.” Ashley’s face was full of concern as he took her gently by the shoulders. “Are you all right?”

Lorna nodded and clung to him gladly, relieved at having been saved from what could have been a nasty situation. Gently he brushed back the strands of hair which had fallen across her face. His touch was light and tender and Lorna felt safe in his arms. In that moment she wondered how she could have believed she disliked him and for the first time questioned whether Margo had been telling the truth. It was just possible, she supposed, that her sister had been magnifying her affair.

Eventually he released her. “Better now?”

Lorna smiled weakly. “I think so. What made you come here?”

“Wes was in the bar just now. I could see he’d had a drink too many and from the looks he gave me I knew I wasn’t very popular. I followed a hunch in coming here.”

“I’m awfully glad you did,” shuddered Lorna. “I dread to think what might have happened.”

He smiled kindly. “Forget it now. It’s all over. I don’t suppose he’ll bother you again: Tidy yourself up and I’ll have dinner sent to my suite. I don’t suppose you feel like eating in public?”

“I don’t really feel like eating at all,” confessed Lorna. “I’d much rather stay here alone.” Her head ached and she felt confused. Wesley’s ugly mood had badly frightened her and now Ashley’s concern made her realise that he wasn’t quite the man she had made him out to be. His touch had brought a surge of warmth to her heart and she was afraid in case she was falling into a trap of her own making.

“What’s the matter?” he scoffed. “Scared I’ll treat you like young Wesley did? I may like women, but at least I’ve got some respect for them. Whatever I take is given freely—there’d be no pleasure in it otherwise.”

His blue eyes had never been more sincere and Lorna found herself nodding in agreement. “Okay, I’ll come, but I must change first. I don’t want to see this dress again.”

“I’ll wait outside,” he said gaily. “I’ll give you two minutes—no more—then I’m coming in.”

Lorna pulled a face at his retreating back before hastily slipping out of the cream silk into a long pale mauve dress that clung gracefully to her slender curves. She was so grateful to Ashley for saving her from Wes’s overtures that she did not stop to think whether she was doing the right thing in accepting his invitation.

Ashley had his hand raised to open the door as she stepped outside. “Just in time,” he grinned, before giving a low whistle.
“Very
nice,” and pulling her hand through his arm, “Let’s make the most of tonight. Time’s running out.”

While they waited for their meal Ashley switched on the stereo unit. He took some time over selecting a record, but when at last the music began Lorna recognised Handel’s
Water Music.

“One of your favourites, I believe,” he said, eyes twinkling, “and incidentally, one of mine—except when I’m working—then I like to be quiet.”

Lorna grinned back, feeling a sudden affinity with this huge man who had disturbed her life so abruptly. “I’m sorry—I suppose I was rather childish, but you got my back up. I thought you were very rude.”

“And so were you—but if it hadn’t been for that I shouldn’t now be entertaining the prettiest girl on board; so we must be thankful to your little radio for bringing us together.”

It was difficult not to feel pleased by Ashley’s compliment, but Lorna was glad when dinner arrived to draw his attention from her. She wondered what the steward would think seeing the two of them together like this, but his face remained impassive as he wheeled in the trolley, giving only a courteous smile before he departed.

Ashley disappeared into his kitchen, returning a few moments later with a bottle of champagne. “Nothing but the best for Madame.” He gave an exaggerated bow, popped the cork, and poured generous amounts into the sparkling glasses.

Although Lorna had declared she was not hungry she soon decided otherwise as the appetising smell of grilled sole filled the air.

“Here’s to us,” said Ashley, holding up his glass. “To a friendship I hope will continue.”

“I don’t see how you make that out.” Lorna deliberately kept her voice light, although the thought that Ashley wanted to carry on seeing her caused a sudden breathlessness. If she wasn’t careful she could see herself becoming too fond of him, and that wouldn’t do at all. It was not the way she had planned things. This was a short-term relationship, a pleasant interlude, to stop him querying her dislike too closely. “Once we’ve docked we shall both go our separate ways—unless you’re going to Verva too?” She put the question uneasily. He still had not mentioned his actual destination.

He laughed. “Don’t worry, little one, I shan’t jinx you that far. But why are you afraid? Do you still distrust my motives? Haven’t I proved myself an exemplary companion?”

“Perfect,” said Lorna, “but I understood that once we’d—”

“I never said anything about not seeing you again after we’d reached Durban,” cut in Ashley softly. “As a matter of fact, I have some business to attend to in the islands. Why don’t you come home with me first— I have a villa just outside Durban—then we can fly out together?”

“You must be joking!” Suddenly Lorna knew that Fay had been right. All along he had been buttering her up for just this moment. Once he had her in his villa he would use the trust she had placed in him to convince her she was in love. And when he tired of her she would be discarded. “You know how I feel about you,” she added bitterly. “This is a game we’re playing—nothing else.” She felt a little sick of the whole affair and pushed her plate away, her appetite now completely mined. He was no better than Wes. They were two for a pair—each out for what they could get. She was disappointed. Ashley had seemed so different from her preconceived opinion that she had hoped for something better. Thank goodness she had realised in time before making a fool of herself.