Unknown by Unknown Read Free Book Online Page B

carvings of the ancient Chinese designs on them ... phoenix, lotus and temple dragon.’
    ‘He sounds like an expert on the subject,’ Jade answered.
    ‘Yes, he is, but then he needs to be.’ Nicole’s bright blue eyes were on Jade’s face, and then she said, 'Look at this exotic bronze dragon incense burner, and over here on this carved base is a brass incense burner. I put them all in here. To me it is worth it, for it brings glamour to the Salon.'
    ‘It’s very exciting,’ Jade replied, her thoughts on the exciting Laurent Sevigny who had made it perfectly clear that he was ‘feeling his way with her’.
    ‘Over here ...’ said Nicole, ‘a Japanese cabinet. In it, as you can see, flacons of perfume from France ... all with their gold cords. The perfume is sensuous and mysterious and I must let you have some as a gift. I happen to know that Laurent is attracted to it.’
    ‘And—Marlow?’ Jade felt it her duty to say.
    'Ah ... Marlow.’ Nicole was silent for a moment and then went on, ‘The paintings are my own. It is my way of relaxing. Marlow, of course, is a sculptor.’
    Jade’s eyes widened. ‘Marlow—a sculptor? I didn't know that.’ The idea that the tough Marlow was a sculptor completely surprised her, just as the fact that he was a hunter had shocked her.
    Turning, Nicole said, ‘I am surprised. You didn’t know this? That the man you are here to marry carves in his spare time?’
    ‘No.’ Jade was somewhat put out at the accusation in Nicole’s voice. ‘It’s just—well, on the sheep station Marlow didn’t carve, that’s for sure ... I mean,’ she found herself floundering, ‘I didn't see him carve anything. He seems so—hard—to be bothered about Addling round with sculpture, that’s all.’
    ‘Marlow is very sensitive. The craft of wood-carving has literally become a part of his nature, setting him free to express his thoughts, which is one of the rewards of the life of a sculptor—or an artist.’ Nicole's voice still held accusation.
    After a moment fade said, ‘And yet Marlow hunts. He hunts down animals.’
    ‘What has that to do with it?' Nicole’s voice sounded slightly harsh now. ‘As a hunter Marlow is well-known on the island. As a sculptor he is becoming well known in certain circles.’
    ‘Well, fine.' Jade allowed the fact that she was peeved to show. ‘That’s just fine with me. I’m pleased he's becoming well know through something as beautiful as wood-carving.’
    ‘Let us get back to the reason as to why we are here,’ Nicole said shortly. ‘Already, Jade, there is a waiting list for you ... the beautician from London.’
    ‘That's nice to know.’ Jade’s eyes went to the wide Moorish arch beyond which was the hairdressing salon. Several women sat under dryers, reading. To one side was the restful, rose-tinted mirrored and dimly lit salon where facials took place; the waxing, eyelash implants, manicures and pedicures.
    The day was progressing. She was fitted for the hibiscus-pink shifts she would have to wear and then, selecting one ‘off the peg’ to go on with, she went back to her room overlooking the coral reef and changed into it, ready for her first facial. Then she ate lunch on the terrace, immediately in front of the clinic, and when Laurent Sevigny spoke she almost jumped and looked up at him through tinted lenses, characteristically shaking back her hair. ‘Oh, hello,’ she said, confused.
    ‘I am surprised to find you eating here,' he said, ‘for you, of course, cannot possibly be on a diet. You are too slim for that.’ His eyes went over her.
    ‘I—er--keep to a diet, for all that,’ she found herself stammering, in view of what had taken place outside her door, the night before, and the fact that as she responded to his kisses he had humiliated her by releasing her and walking away.
    ‘What is that?’ He sounded amused. ‘A stuffed tomato?’
    ‘Yes. I could have had fish and a salad,’ she glanced at three women,