Meeting in Madrid by Jean S. Macleod Read Free Book Online Page A

their busy day. She rushed on to talk about the Castellana luncheon party, which she was able to do without avoiding her uncle’s disdainful gaze.
    ‘I’m glad Miss Royce enjoyed herself,’ the Marquesa observed drily, ‘even although I’m afraid that Isabella de Vega is a little dull,’ and suddenly Catherine knew that she was not deceived. That penetrating gaze, so reminiscent of Don Jaime, had seen straight through Teresa’s wiles, but she had evidently decided not to pursue the subject at that time of night.
    In the morning, perhaps? Catherine’s heart was beating fast as she followed the younger girl from the room.
    ‘Teresa, you should have told the truth and accepted the consequences,’ she pointed out. ‘Even now, I am not at all sure that your uncle has forgiven us.’
    ‘We will know quite soon,’ said Teresa. ‘Perhaps tomorrow.’
    In the morning the preparations for their departure were all too evident. Don Jaime had gone off to the Rastro early to make some important purchases from one of the galerias before they closed at two o’clock, and Conchita had been instructed to begin Teresa’s packing.
    ‘We are going so soon!’ Teresa wailed. ‘It is all because we are no longer to be trusted. I told you about Jaime, did I not? He has a will of iron once he has made up his mind.’
    The Marquesa said very little. Soon she would be on her own way to Andalusia to avoid the summer heat, but there was still no question of Catherine being dismissed. When Teresa finally challenged her, however, she admitted that their departure for Soria was only a matter of hours away.
    ‘If Jaime can reserve seats you will fly out in two days’ time,’ she explained.
    ‘Two days!’ Teresa gasped. ‘But that is impossible. I have all my clothes to collect, my shoes and the new dresses from Antonio.’
    ‘They will be sent on to you,’ the Marquesa assured her. ‘I will see to it myself, do not fear.’ She looked across the room at Catherine. ‘It will not take you very long to repack your suitcases. Miss Royce. I think you will be good for Soria,’ she added with an enigmatic smile. ‘Anyway, we shall see! You must not let Lucia dominate you, although you will obey her, of course. That is understood. Until Jaime decides to marry she will be mistress at Soria and she will not allow you to forget the fact, I think.’
    ‘Lucia is my madrastra ,’ Teresa informed her as they left the room together. ‘You will hate her, as I do. My father married her after my mother died, but they were not happy together. All she wanted was the position as his wife so that she could do as she pleased. I do not believe my father really loved her, because she is not beautiful, as my mother was, but she has a will of iron. When she marries Don Jaime she will send me away, but I do not care. I will return to Madrid and stay here with the Marquesa.’
    It was the following day before Catherine came face to face with Don Jaime again and by that time she had done most of her re-packing.
    ‘I’m sorry I have not been able to trace your books,’ he apologised, ‘but I will make the necessary arrangements to have them sent on to Soria. You will not be without them for long.’
    ‘I seem to be giving you a great deal of unnecessary trouble,’ she found herself saying. ‘If I tender my resignation will it help?’
    He looked down at her from his considerable height, frankly surprised by the suggestion, although he had done nothing to encourage her in her job.
    ‘You cannot do that now,’ he informed her. ‘It would be utterly irresponsible. I have made a promise to my sister-in-law to bring Teresa back with a tutor’—he refrained from using the word ‘suitable’—‘and there is no time to change our arrangements now. You will be ready to leave tomorrow, if you please. The flight goes out at midday, so you have little time to squander.’
    On dubious adventures? Her anger stained her cheeks, but she was determined not to