Free Unknown by Unknown

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.
    For a second a shadow crossed her companion’s face. Why, he’s disappointed, thought Lorna, but only because I’m not running true to form. There’s nothing personal in it. He’s realising I’m different and he doesn’t like it.
    Then he laughed and his next words confirmed her suspicions. “And I thought I was doing a good job in winning you over! Shows how wrong you can be. Still, perhaps before the journey’s end you’ll have changed your mind. There’s the Grand Ball tomorrow night, don’t forget, the last chance for us all to be together. You can give me your answer then.”
    “It will still be no,” insisted Lorna. “Pieter’s expecting me on Wednesday.”
    His lips tightened. “Ah, Pieter. I’d almost forgotten about him. I don’t hear you mention him much either. Usually when a girl’s been invited to her boy-friend’s home she talks of nothing else. Are you having second thoughts? I shouldn’t be surprised—he’s not your type.”
    “How can you be so sure?” Lorna raised her delicate brows, her thick lashes sweeping upwards. It was ironical that Wes had made the same remark about Ashley. They both seemed to think they knew what was best for her. It was obvious now that Wes’s remarks had been prompted by jealousy, but what motive could Ashley possibly have for declaring that Pieter was unsuitable? He could hardly be jealous. Theirs was a relationship with a difference, a means of passing away the time on board without constantly being at each other’s throats. So far as he was concerned she was Pieter’s friend—so why couldn’t he accept this without bringing