The Guilty Secret by Margaret Pemberton Read Free Book Online Page B

my breath as I did so.
    An endless stretch of silver sand curved away in either direction. Huge breakers reared to an awe-inspiring height far out in the distance crashing down in a white foaming mass, to rear rhythmically once more, till at last they reached the shore in a frothing swirl of spray. Controlling the temptation to run barefoot down to the sea, I turned, the long grass of the dunes brushing against my legs as I contemplated the two villas. One of them must be Mary and Tom’s, and one Phil’s. Perhaps I was to share with Aunt Harriet. I opened the tiny gate that led into the surrounding gardens and peeped through the windows. A large through fireplace separated a dining-room and a salon, and on the plain walls hung a large beautifully carved cherub. I couldn’t imagine Phil living with it, and mentally categorised the villa as Mary’s. In no hurry I followed the moss covered path to the adjoining villa. Here the walls were covered in gleaming pine, a large marble topped table dwarfing one room surrounded by pink velvet covered chairs, the living area scattered with brilliantly coloured rugs and luxurious looking settees. A few magazines scattered on a side table and an empty cup and saucer were the only signs of habitation. There was no sign of a piano. I strolled round to the rear, dropping down onto the pathway and the pines, looking around me. As I did so I caught the first notes of Liszt’s piano concerto Number One drifting through the trees. I smiled and began to walk deeper into the pines towards the source of the music.
    The other three villas were out of sight of the rest of the enclave. They were grouped fairylike in a dell in the woods, and from the nearest one came the familiar beautiful notes and I could see the back of Phil’s head, bent in total preoccupation as he played. I didn’t interrupt him but sat down leaning my back against one of the trees, caught up in the magic of Phil’s playing. It was the perfect accompaniment to the new found joy that was in my heart. Too soon, he finished, and as he mopped his brow and lifted his hands to begin another piece, I stood up calling out:- ‘Phil!’
    He turned immediately, his usually serious expression breaking into a wide smile.
    â€˜Jennifer! I thought you were never coming.’
    We met simultaneously in the doorway and he caught me in a hug.
    â€˜Another two days and I was coming to Viana for you. I would have done earlier but Aunt Harriet said to give you a full week on your own.’
    Silently I blessed Aunt Harriet. Phil’s arrival a few days earlier would only have complicated matters.
    â€˜I’ve been sight-seeing … and making friends.’
    He held me away from him, looking closely at my face.
    â€˜Thank God for that. I thought you’d gone into a deep depression.’
    â€˜No. That’s all behind me, Phil. Truly it is.’
    He led the way into a large room filled with two grand pianos and several giant cushions scattered on the floor.
    â€˜It will take too long to make coffee. Fancy a Coke?’ he asked, walking into a small kitchen. ‘ I want to know who this friend of yours is that kept you away so long. You could easily have sight-seen from here you know. We’re not far from the National Park.’ He came back with two ice-cold glasses clinking with ice. ‘ I’ll take you tomorrow.’
    â€˜I’ve already been,’ I said, taking the glass from his hand, then, seeing the flash of disappointment in his eyes, said hurriedly. ‘But you could spend a month there and still not see half of it. If you haven’t been yet I shall be able to act as guide.’
    â€˜Presumably she was English,’ Phil said, lounging comfortably on the floor cushions. ‘Was she holidaying by herself?’
    I sank down beside him, cradling the drink in my hands.
    â€˜It wasn’t a she, Phil. It was a he.’
    He stiffened, and I hated myself