Indiscretion by Hannah Fielding Read Free Book Online Page B

in London,’ said Ramón, tearing into a chunk of bread.‘It must be so much more
divertido e interesante
than life in a provincial Spanish town like this.’
    ‘Well, Ramón, as I’ve only just arrived, I’ve yet to be the judge of that,’ she laughed. ‘But I suppose you could say it’s superficially exciting in the sense that there are plenty of West End jazz clubs, dinner parties and trips down to Brighton for the weekend, that sort of thing.’ Although these social engagements moved her in an endless spin of glamour and sophistication, they were hollow pleasures and she had tired of the same old set of faces and conversations. Excitement and freedom was what she craved.
    Ramón nodded in exaggerated seriousness. ‘Yes,
mi primita
, my little cousin. I see why you would want to flee such torture and come to our backward country to meet your warm and easygoing family.’ His eyes flashed with amusement.
    ‘Right, so I’m not exactly making it sound awful but in its own way, it’s stifling and you’re not the only one who understands what it’s like to live under restrictions. But I have my writing and that’s my one escape. My sanctuary, if you like.’ She angled her chin up instinctively, almost defensively. ‘It’s what I’ve chosen to do.’
    ‘Ah, yes, my cousin is a writer, as the
Duquesa
has often told us. You’ve published some books, she says.’
    Alexandra raised an eyebrow at the mention of her grandmother’s interest. She must be proud of her, sheconceded, if she often referred to her writing. ‘Indeed, romantic novels. As a matter of fact, I’m using my visit here partly as an opportunity to research my next one, which is to be set in Spain.’
    ‘In that case, you must allow me to assist in whatever way I can to acquaint you with our ways. And, here, your first lesson has arrived.’ At that point, Pedro appeared and deposited plates of steaming paella and delicious-smelling
kokotxas
before turning on his heel, quickly for such a rotund man, and disappearing back into the kitchen.
    ‘I’ve never seen yellow rice before,’ admitted Alexandra, glancing at the colourful dish in front of her.
    ‘It’s the saffron, an aromatic spice from the crocus flower,’ Ramón added, seeing her blank look. ‘Ah, so much to learn, Cousin. We use it a lot in Spanish cooking.
Buen probecho
, let’s eat,’ he encouraged with a wave of his hand and they both tucked into the food with gusto.
    After a few moments, Ramón looked up at Alexandra mischievously. ‘So,
mi primita
. If you’re an expert on romance, is there a
novio
waiting for you in England?’
    For a moment, the eyes of the stranger she had met at the port that afternoon swam before her and she remembered the spark of awareness between them.
    ‘No, Ramón. Ironic it may be, but I’m far too busy with my writing for that sort of thing. Though my Aunt Geraldine would have had me married off by now if she’d had her way.’ Alexandra didn’t add that she had always felt out of step with her peers. Many of them were beginning to marry and have babies but, while she herself was never short of admirers, the truth was that the men she came across, often young suitors paraded in front of her by her aunt and well-meaning friends, all seemed so dull and buttoned up. Besides, she had her dear childhood friend, Ashley, who had grown up with her in London and was a devoted companion, though he had always wanted to be more. She thought of his proposal of marriage, a month ago, that she had turned down, gently but firmly. It still flooded her with guilt and embarrassment.
    Ramón nodded again and said through a mouthful of bread: ‘Yes, Uncle Alonso has mentioned your aunt. The daunting Englishwoman, terrifying all who cross her path.’
    Alexandra laughed. ‘Well, maybe that’s how she used to be when I was a child. Aunt Geraldine has mellowed an awful lot since then. Except she can be rather set in her ways when it comes to marriage, I