The Reluctant Guest by Rosalind Brett Read Free Book Online Page A

work out a motive for almost everything, Mr. Peterson. What was your second reason for coming — or isn’t it my business?”
    “Yes,” a little sharply, “it concerns you. By tomorrow, my house will be sufficiently organized for me to entertain a few friends. I’d like you and Elva to come in for dinner.”
    Ann was unprepared, yet straightway she began to fabricate an excuse for declining. Then it occurred to her that a last-minute withdrawal might be wiser. So she said, “Thank you. You’re very kind.” And hoped he would go.
    But Storr, apparently, was in no hurry. He got out cigarettes and offered them, flicked on a lighter and held the first to Ann’s cigarette and then to hi s own. His look at her was faintly arrogant, but keen.
    “Do you like your job in Cape Town?”
    “Very much. I’m lucky to have one that provides variety.”
    “What do you do, exactly?”
    “Three-quarters of the time I’m in the small office attached to the riding master’s house. I answer enquiries, get out accounts, pay the bills, do a little social entertaining when parents drop in to watch progress.”
    “And I suppose that manner of yours gives the place a certain tone,” he suggested mockingly. “What made you apply for such a post?”
    Ann lifted her shoulders. “We were new to the country and I answered a few advertisements. Back in England I’d worked for a few months in my brother-in-law’s office, and as a child I used to spend my holidays with grandparents who kept a couple of horses. My experience was sketchy, but I was taken on and more or less groomed for the job.”
    “You certainly sit a horse well.”
    Ann felt a sudden sharp throb in her throat . She drew on the cigarette before asking carelessly, “Do I? How do you know?”
    “I saw you turn up the lane with Elva this morning. You looked a bit stiff, but quite a picture. Elva, of course, always looks part of the animal, but she never had a riding master. She’s a natural horsewoman.” He sought an ashtray and she found a stained metal thing and put it on the window ledge, in front of him. Then he said, “I suppose you have all the appropriate ac c omplishments. Do you play tennis?”
    “Not very well.”
    “Go dancing?”
    “Only seldom. When Theo was ... ”
    She broke off, and he said softly, “Yes?”
    Offhandedly she stated, “I was only going to say that we did dance a few times while he was in Cape Town.”
    “What else did you do — shows and beaches?”
    “Of course.” And then quickly and defensively, “He was a wonderful companion — quite the nicest I’ve ever had!”
    “ All right, little one. I believe you. If he hadn’t made a whale of an impression you wouldn’t be here, trying to make your presence felt in his house.”
    “What do you mean by that?”
    He lifted one eyebrow. “Steady, there! I’ m only stating the obvious. Elva may be planning and carrying out the alterations here, but she wouldn’t have thought of it if you hadn’t put out a few hints.” He gave her a maddening smile. “You want Theo to realize what a home should be like. And aren’t you lucky! He’ll be away long enough for you to have the place gleaming with polish and paint by the time he returns. That should rate a proposal within a week or so.”
    “You’re very clever, Mr. Peterson, but on the wrong track. The idea of making a few changes here in the house was entirely Elva’s. When you eventually see the place gleaming with polish and paint you may give her all the credit.”
    “Very well, I’ll accept that.” But he sounded as if he had still to be convinced. He grinned provocatively. “You wish I’d go, don’t you?”
    Ann hesitated. “Not exactly. I just don’t understand you.”
    “You haven’t tried. Are you shy — or frightened?”
    “Why should I be frightened?”
    “You’ve lead a correct and fairly sheltered life,” with sarcasm, “and some men are dangerous — your mother said so.” He switched suddenly