Mail-order Bridegroom Part 48

"I've never bothered much with clothes, as you know, but there's no doubting

they make the person. I have an entirely new wardrobe. Ros decided on myhairstyle and my new makeup, as well."

"I swear I couldn't believe my eyes!" Kim declared jarringly.

Justine did, in fact, look striking in just the way her mother's looks hadcommanded attention. Her thick, wavy hair, her great a.s.set, was beautifullycut and groomed, her skin polished, cared for and deftly made up. Roslyn hadsteered Justine away from her conservative wardrobe to one with a moredynamic character. It revolutionized Justine's "look" showing to advantageher lean lines and tawny lioness colouring.

"Where did you get that silk shirt?" Kim suddenly demanded, staring hard atthe distinctive cinnamon shirt.

"/ picked it up," Roslyn answered, realizing Justine was momentarily stuckfor words.

"But I can't remember where." If she'd said where she'd bought it thechances were Kim would be right up there.

"You're staying to lunch, Kim?" Justine asked faintly.

"I'd love to!" Kim nodded her head with enthusiasm. "Something good on themenu?"

"Cheeseburgers," Roslyn said wickedly.

Midmorning Friday the grounds were invaded by workmen who erected three huge,pure white marquees around the garden and pool area. The same firm took care of the linen, crystal, cutlery, china, chandeliers, chairs and the fairylights for the trees. In the afternoon a floral decorator would arrive to fill the house and the marquees with flowers, various swags and all theindoor plants they would need including tubs of standard ficus. The food would be handled by another service, providing what was confidently expectedto be a sumptuous buffet and a bar service. One group of musicians would play under their own canopy in the garden. Another had been hired to play in the old ballroom in the house. In all one hundred guests had been asked, but sadly, in Roslyn's opinion, that number had been upped by two. The weather held perfect.

Roslyn was enjoying a short rest in her bedroom that afternoon when she heard a car sweep up the driveway and come to a stop at the foot of the steps, its engine ticking over. It had to be Marsh. He'd told them he would take a taxi from the light aircraft terminal. She rushed to the window and looked out, her heart racing so fast she actually held a hand to it. It was Marsh!

She emerged through the front door as he stood out on the driveway paying off the driver. He looked wonderful from all angles. She loved the back of his head, the set of his shoulders, the way then- width tapered to his lean, taut waist, terrific b.u.t.t and long legs. She felt such a flood of love she flew down the steps, hair and pleated skirt whipping in the bay breeze.

Keep what we've got at all costs, she thought. One day he'll tell me he loves me.

Marsh turned, flashed his wonderful smile, threw out an arm.

How to describe his reaction? Rapture. She moved into the charmed embrace, feeling his arm close strongly, urgently, around her. Her loneliness lifted miraculously. She turned up a radiant face and he seemed to glide into kissing her; no affectionate greeting but a kiss that left her feverish and clinging.

"So how is my promised bride?" he asked, his blue and brilliant eyes intent on her expression.

"Surely you've lost a little weight?"

"All the partying," she explained."I've lost count of the luncheons and dinner parties. How was your flight?""Too slow. I couldn't wait to see my beautiful Rosa.""I've missed you." Her voice shook a little.He looked at her for a long moment, touched her hair that in the sun had the sheen of a dark plum.

"If that isn't the damed est thing! I think you mean it." There was a fainttwist to his beautifully shaped sensuous mouth."Don't you believe me?""Convince me when we're on our own.""In fact I can't wait."He laughed under his breath."So, absence does indeed make the heart grow fonder.""You haven't said you missed me.""You mean that kiss didn't get through to you?" He lifted his dark head, saw his sister waving as she came through the front door and out onto the veranda."Say, Ju-Ju looks great!" he exclaimed with some satisfaction."Doesn't she!" Roslyn stood away happily as brother and sister exchanged bear hugs."You've been hiding your light under a bush," Marsh said after a low whistle.Justine flushed with pleasure."Ros can take the credit. She's nothing less than a magician."Marsh moved back. Seized Roslyn around the waist. "Haven't I always said there was magic about her? You look very stylish, Ju-Ju. Keep it up.""ian's thrilled," Justine confided."He keeps telling me I look compelling.""And he's not wrong!" Marsh put an arm around both women's waists."Plenty of activity going on?""You're going to pay for it, darling," Justine said trieefully."No expense spared for Marsh Faulkner and his divinely beautiful fiancee."Roslyn laughed a little ruefully."What exactly is the connection?people ask, then rush into the next question before I can tell them.I suppose they'll wake up one day. ""No need for any secrets," Marsh said firmly."You can tell everyone Lord Mortimer will be giving you away,"Justine said slyly."A lot of people are still impressed by a t.i.tle.""Not me," Marsh said crisply."It's what people are that counts.""As I'm learning," Justine said, leading the way into the house."Isuppose you'd better know Kim Petersen is back in our lives. "Silence for a moment."Why not?" Marsh said in a jaded tone."There's something unstoppable about Kim.""I fear so." Justine moved into the living room and they followed her."She turned up the other day. Said she was on a shopping spree.Wanted us all to be friends. ""Dear Lord!" Marsh made a derisive sound."More like she wanted invitations to the wedding.""How did you guess?" Roslyn gazed up at him."Darling, it's going to be a big, social event. It may even turn out to be the biggest event of the decade if what's going on here is anything to go

by." His glance swept the glorious flower arrangements and the festive

appearance of the room.

"Kim will certainly want to be there. Her mother, too, even if her nose willbe very slightly out of joint. They'd be devastated to be left out."

Justine nodded."I guess so.""Well, she won't be the bride," Roslyn observed brightly.Marsh took her hand, carried it to his mouth."That's your role, Rosa.You're the only one who can fill it. ""How gorgeously romantic!" Justine cried, and clasped her hands."Getting back to Kim" -- "Must we?" Marsh groaned."She can't dictate our lives.""Here, here!" Roslyn agreed heartily."I was only going to say she told us she's getting engaged to poor old Craig, which is a great relief.""Well, the poor devil has lived in hope. The relief, I doubt.Personally I'll believe it when it happens. " Marsh drew Roslyn down onto the sofa beside him.

"Black coffee and maybe a sandwich, Ju-Ju, if that's no bother. I haven't

eaten since first light."

"ReallyT' Roslyn looked at him with the utmost concern.

"No Shepards to pack a picnic lunch," he said dryly.

"We'll soon fix that!" Justine made immediately for the door. This was her

beloved brother. There was nothing she wouldn't do for him.

Except tell him Kim had virtually invited herself and Craig to the party the

following night. Roslyn would have to do that. She was so happy for them.

Surely Kim couldn't come along to spoil it.

At seven o'clock on the night of the party Roslyn stood before her long

mirror surveying the effect of her beautiful gown. It had been ruinously

expensive but well worth it. She had never looked better, but then, she had

never owned such a gown nor indeed been invited to the sort of functionwhere she could wear it.

In keeping with the designer's romantic vision, the dress was almost aball gown in the grand tradition. Scarlett O'Hara might have worn it!Roslyn couldn't describe the colour of the sumptuous silk taffeta. Fern green, willow green, green shot with gold? It was very unusual, but so softand seductive. It made her eyes glow strangely.

Her "witching" look as Marsh put it. She touched a hand to the full, shortsleeves, puffing them still further. The neckline--what was it, portrait?-- framed her shoulders, the decolletage a little lower than she'd wanted b.u.t.the designer wouldn't have it any other way. It was a bravura gown. A tantalising glimpse of bosom was de rigueur.

Because of the Gone With the Wind overtones Roslyn had decided to wear herhair in a loose, dark cloud at the back, but drawn up at the sides. She had some very pretty pendant earrings she intended to wear. Her face was a little pale. Perhaps a touch of blusher? She had to admit she was nervous. This was the first time she and Marsh would appear together before all hisfriends. It struck her now as extremely odd she had given in to KimPetersen's emotional blackmail and allowed her to come. It had been nothingless than that. For all Kim's avowals of friendship and the news of herpending engagement, which Marsh had taken with a large grain of salt, Roslynfeared there had been something almost sinister in the depths of Kim's eyes.

A little shiver ran through her and she turned away, comforted by the lovely,rich swish of her billowing skirt. What to wear around her neck? She had an Art Nouveau necklace that might do. It didn't match the ear N rings but she had often worn them together. In fact they'd been much admired. She did have good taste. Justine's transformation had been extraordinary. It gave her a great deal of satisfaction. As did their bonding. Of course Justine would do anything for her brother but there was no denying a genuine friendship had sprung up between them.

Justine was a kinder, more sensitive person than her sister and light-years away from the late Lady Faulkner. A veil of sadness, of old memories, settled on Roslyn that she tried to shake off. She must take hold of her new life. Recognise her own value. A few people, it was true, had greeted her with speculative eyes. But for the most part she had been welcomed with warmth by all the people Justine had insisted she meet. The fact that she could play the piano extremely well had been a help. When Dame Agatha returned from her overseas lecture tour she would find the right moment to thank her for all she had done. It was a great pity she'd had to grow so many p.r.i.c.kles to survive.

A knock at the door interrupted her thought. She went to it expecting Justine, but finding Marsh in evening dress on the threshold. He looked so splendid surely her eyes were exposing her heart?

"Rosa, darling, you're a living dream! Here, stand back. I want to take a look at you."

"You won't believe the bill!" She stretched out her two arms and stepped into a waltz, looking over her shoulder and smiling at him as she dipped and swayed. The bright brilliant light shone on her, struck a dazzling light in her eyes. She felt faintly unreal. Perhaps it was all a dream?

"The awful thing is I can't do what I want," Marsh said in a deep, thrilling tone.

' "Which is?" She broke off gracefully to stand before him. "Kiss you and kiss you and kiss you. Never stop."

"That would be wonderful," she whispered. "Don't close your eyes or I'll forget everything," Marsh said in a soft warning.

"Will we ever get a moment together?"

"That's my prayer. That's my dream."

They stood staring into one another's eyes until finally Marsh remembered what he'd come for.

"You'll want something to wear around your neck. This should do admirably."He handed her a long, narrow box covered in midnight-blue velvet."Jewellery?" Her own eyes shone like gems."An expression of my undying love.""I don't know if I can stand this.""I think you can. Open it."Roslyn did so, at the same time giving a soft, little gasp."Marsh, how exquisite!""Not very, beside you. Shall we try it on?""Please!" She lifted her hair away from her neck and turned.

"I've never had such a gift."

"Don't think it's your last." He secured the catch, his fingers warm and tingly at her nape.

"Let's take a look." He took her hand, drew her to the long mirror and stoodjust behind her, his hands on the tips of her shoulders. "I don't think youknow how beautiful you are."

Roslyn stood staring at her reflection in some awe. The necklace lay againstthe creamy skin of her breast; l.u.s.trous pearls linked in gold, a diamondcentre piece from which was appended a diamond set opal heart. Brilliant flashes lit the deep glowing black gem. Blues, greens, fiery reds, the topaz of her eyes.

"You've had it specially designed." She brought up a hand to trace theoutline of the opal heart."Of course, with you in mind. I know you love opals. The heart is symbolic."

"I'll treasure it all my life.""As I'll treasure the vision of you." He bent his head, his lips finding thelittle depression above her collarbone. "My beautiful Rosa!"

Sensation was so exquisite, so melting, she let her head fall back as hishands came up gently, but so sensuously beneath her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. She put her ownhands over his, guiding them higher. Her body craved his so badly the stresswas enormous. Her b.r.e.a.s.t.s throbbed with pain.

His voice murmured endearments into her ear, soft, intimate, infinitely seductive.

I'm dying with love for you, she thought. Marsh, my destiny!

"Oh, this is impossible," he said.

"I can't kiss you. Spoil your makeup. So help me I just could go crazy.""Love is often described as a madness, didn't you know?" She dropped herhands, giving a shaky little laugh.

"Tell me you love me, Rosa," he said."We're alone." His expression was taut and brushed with a faint violence."Marsh ... you can't know ... I..."Whatever she was going to say he was not then to know. The bedroom door was ajar and after the briefest of raps Justine came bustling through."Darlings!" she cried."We'll have to take up our positions downstairs to receive our guests." Her eyes fell on Roslyn's necklace and she checked abruptly.

"Nice," she said.

"Very nice. Glorious but not vulgar. A rare thing, like you,

Roslyn. Now look here, you two! I'm not going to burst into tears. It took me a solid hour to put on my makeup." She touched her forehead, gave it a little worried rub.

"Earrings, what about earrings?"

"What's the matter with me!" Marsh exclaimed. "They're here in my pocket."

"Of course they are. I knew they were," Justine said. "You never forget anything." She swooped on Roslyn suddenly to kiss her satiny cheek. -"All right? Not nervy?"

"Not now." Roslyn clipped the earrings, large pearls surrounded by a twist of gold, to her ears.

' "Fan the sides of your hair out a bit," Justine advised, a striking figure in a white, one-shouldered, tog alike garment.

"Now, come downstairs, darlings. ian wants us to pose for a few home photographs. Don't expect them to be professional, but he will keep at it!"

By nine o'clock the party was in full swing. People roamed the grounds and the main reception rooms to a heady flow of music, laughter and streams of conversation. The buffet tables, covered in starched white damask sagged a little under the wealth of dishes; honey-glazed hams, stuffed roast turkeys, differently prepared chickens. There were silver platters of just about every kind of seafood served on beds of ice; whole smoked salmon, lobsters, prawns, oysters, scallops, crabs and oven-baked mussels. Quails eggs were piled up in bowls and there were salads of all kinds. Hot dishes were served, as well; Thai and Indonesian, splendid in their presentation and accompanied by traditional rice. A separate table had been set up for sweets from delectable, mouth watering light mousses to the richest, wicked est chocolate gateaus and tortes. Waiters in black trousers and short, natty jackets circled continually with champagne, cla.s.sic c.o.c.ktails, Kir, Bellini's, Buck's Fizz and nonalcoholic drinks.

At different times the level of noise almost drowned out the band on the lawn but they continued to play their hearts out to an ever-changing, appreciative audience.

The quality of dressing was superb. The black tie of the male guests complimented the beautiful dresses their wives and girlfriends had chosen.

Lots of expensive jewellery had come out of bank vaults for the occasion.

There was even one tiara Roslyn thought a bit idiotic until she was presented to a genuine European princess of fabled glamour. She shook Roslyn's hand, smiled at her and said, "So lovely.

So very lovely! " The v's were p.r.o.nounced as deep f's. Roslyn realised she was being honoured.

By ten-thirty she thought she would need at least a week to recover.

She drank only mineral water or orange juice so she could keep her mind together. No way was she going to become the slightest bit intoxicated.