The Road to Paradise Island Read online

  I understood that a ship left for the island every Wednesday and when I arrived I could be sure of being welcomed by Milton Harrington. Certainly I should not accept the offer to stay in his house, but there was the hotel; and it was the hotel in which I was interested because Philip had stayed there.

  We were coming into dock now. Very soon we should land.

  "What a sight!" whispered Milton. "Are you impressed?"

  "Who could fail to be?"

  "Wait until you see Cariba. I shall be looking out for you."

  "There is a hotel, you tell me."

  "You will be more comfortable in Harrington Hall. Do you like the sound of that?"

  " Apt alliteration's artful aid,'" I quoted.

  "Indeed yes. And does it not sound like an old English country mansion? When we finally go home and choose our estate, let's name it that."

  A group of people had gathered on the dockside. They were clearly waiting for arrivals.

  I looked at Felicity. "Is your William there?"

  Anxiously she was peering at the crowd.

  She said: "It's too far away yet. I can't see."

  "He'll be there I expect."

  She shivered.

  People were now returning to their cabins, ready to collect their hand luggage and leave.

  "We had better go," I said.

  Milton Harrington released my arm and we all left the deck.

  A man was coming towards us, his hat in his hand, a smile on his face.

  Felicity said in a small voice: "It's William."

  "Felicity at last!" He embraced her. "I thought you'd never get here."

  Felicity said: "William, this is Miss Annalice Mallory."

  He gripped my hand so hard that it hurt. "I've heard all about you. Welcome to Sydney."

  There were pouches under his faintly bloodshot eyes. He looked at me as though he were assessing me for a purpose which made me feel slightly uncomfortable. He was rather fleshy but of a fair height; he looked to me like a man who might be given to self-indulgence.

  Felicity explained: "Aunt Emily left at Cape Town. She became so ill, she had to go home."

  "Poor old lady!"

  "And this is Mr. Milton Harrington who has been so kind and helpful to us."

  "We've met before," said Milton.

  "Of course. In the hotel... among the graziers. From the islands, aren't you? Sugar?"

  "That's right. I've been to England on business and had the pleasure of meeting the ladies on board ship. I suppose you'll be leaving Sydney soon for the property?"

  "We shall be here for a short time. We'll get married here. It's simpler. I've booked us into the Crown. I thought that was most suitable."

  "Yes, indeed."

  "What about our baggage?" asked Felicity.

  "I expect you have trunks?"

  "Naturally there was a great deal to bring with me."

  "Naturally. Don't worry. I'll arrange for it to be sent direct to the property when it is unloaded. You'll manage with what you have with you while we're in Sydney, and when you get to your new home you'll find it all waiting for you." He turned to Milton. "I suppose you will have to wait until Wednesday. It is Wednesday, isn't it, for the Cariba boat?"

  "That's so. But I might stay a little longer in Sydney." He smiled at me. "I have things to do."

  "We'll take a buggy to the hotel," said William Granville. "It's not very far."

  I was too excited to take much notice of the city then. I felt very unsettled. I could not imagine what could have possessed Felicity to accept this gross man. It was clear to me that she was not in love with him—far from it. But it was her decision and no concern of mine. She had agreed to it so presumably it was what she wanted. I was thinking that I should soon have to say goodbye to Milton Harrington and I was not quite sure how I should feel about that. I should miss not having to avoid him, not indulging in those verbal battles—which I believe were quite a pleasure to us both. It was all going to be rather strange.

  But I would come back to Sydney and get on that Wednesday boat out to Cariba, and I expected that while I was there, making enquiries about Philip. I should see something of Milton Harrington. I might as well admit that I should look forward to that.

  But I could not curb my anxiety concerning Felicity. She was on the verge of marriage with a man for whom she did not care; and now I had seen him I could understand why. What on earth had possessed her to agree to marry him? Why did she feel that just because she had been jilted by this other man, she had to take the very next one who came along? Was she afraid of growing into a spinster and becoming like Miss Cartwright? It was madness and I had a very strong notion that she was regretting it now. But even at this hour it was not too late. She was not married yet.

  We went through narrow winding streets into a busy thoroughfare and in due course arrived at the hotel. It was spacious with red velvet curtains and rich red carpets and a great deal of brass.

  I noticed that Milton Harrington was treated with great respect by the staff of the hotel who seemed to know him well. He whispered to me: "I'm a good customer. I always stay here when I am in Sydney." He went on in a louder tone: "Shall we all meet before dinner for an aperitif?"

  William Granville said that would be an excellent idea.

  So it was arranged and we were taken to our rooms. Mine and Felicity's were next door to each other.

  I looked round mine. The furniture was large, the ceiling was high and there was a window which looked out on the street. The furnishings were similar to those in the reception hall—heavy red velvet curtains caught back by thick bands of brass. There was an air of cleanliness about the place which was pleasant.

  I felt a little bewildered. Here I was, miles from home, bent on carrying out a rather vague mission and very much aware of moving towards a climax for which I had not bargained. First there was Felicity. Her wedding was imminent, and I could not help feeling alarmed at the prospect of what was going to happen to her. I had taken an instant dislike to her bridegroom. There was much about him that I did not trust. He looked... what was the word... ? Debauched? No, that was a little too strong, but somewhere near it. I thought his glance at me had been offensively bold ... but only slighdy. He had been pleasant enough outwardly. He had seemed to be delighted to greet Felicity. Was I seeing him clearly? How unwise it was to judge people on one meeting! So there was Felicity to stir up my apprehension; and of course, Milton Harrington. I was annoyed because that man kept coming into my thoughts. He was a born intruder, always where he was not wanted. Or was he wanted? Why did I feel faintly depressed because soon he would be taking that Wednesday boat?

  I must forget these side issues and remember my mission. I was here to find out what had happened to Philip; and when I had the answer I would go home and marry Raymond and live in peace.

  I unpacked my small case, washed and changed, and when I had done that, Felicity was knocking on my door.

  "Oh ... are you ready?"

  "Yes, come in. How is your room?"

  "Just like this one."

  "It seems very comfortable."

  This was small talk because we were afraid of saying what was on our minds.

  "William seemed very pleased to see you here," I said, banally.

  "Yes," she answered.

  "You're going to find it all very exciting."

  She nodded unconvincingly.

  I put my arm round her and kissed her. She clung to me for a moment.

  "You're coming out to the property with us, aren't you?"

  "If you want me to... for a little while. But I dare say William won't want an intruder on his honeymoon."

  "You promised to come."

  "I know and I will... for a week or so. You'll be settled in by then."

  That seemed to comfort her.

  There was a knock on the door. It was a maid who said she had come to take us down to the gentlemen.

  ♦

  I awoke next morning to brilliant sunshine streaming into my room.

  1 lay still for a few moments reminding myself that I was in Sydney and my quest had begun. This morning I would see if 1 could find David Gutheridge. I remembered that there had been talk of an Australian Botanical Association. David would certainly have been in communication with them. Who knew, I might have the astounding good luck to find him there now.

  In any case it would be a start.

  My thoughts drifted back to the evening. We had had our aperitif and then dined off great steaks which seemed to have been enjoyed by the men: both Felicity and I found them far too much.

  "We have big appetites in Australia," said William Granville. "It is due to being so much out of doors."

  I noticed he drank with relish and as he did so there was a change in him. He took Felicity's hand, patting it and placing it on his thigh. Felicity looked decidedly uncomfortable.

  Milton Harrington took charge of the conversation and talked about Australia at great length and I learned that William Granville had been here for twenty years. I gathered that he was about thirty-eight although he looked much older.

  "The first thing you ladies must do tomorrow," said Milton, "is to buy big shady hats. That is so, is it not, Granville? We can't have them ruining their delicate skins. I tell you, this Australian sun will wreak havoc with your complexions."

  "We'll go shopping tomorrow, Annalice." said Felicity.

  I found the evening embarrassing and Milton Harrington knew that I did. I was very glad to get to my room. I thought Felicity might come in after we retired but she did not. I was glad. I wanted to comfort her, of course, but there was really nothing 1 could do except advise her to go back to England with me.

  But how could 1? The decision was hers.

  However, her
e I was in Sydney where I had dreamed of being. I chided myself for almost forgetting the reason why I was here because I was getting myself involved in side issues.

  When I was dressed. I knocked at Felicity's door.

  She was still in bed. "I've got a headache." she said. "I'll stay in bed a little while. I think."

  "You could have something sent up. I'll go down and see about it."

  She looked at me appealingly and I thought she was going to say something about changing her mind. I did not prompt her. I believed I must leave her to confide when she wished to.

  I went downstairs and asked them to send some coffee and bread and butter up to her, and I sat down and had the same myself. The waiter seemed disappointed that I did not order steaks—which quite a number of people were eating.

  When I had finished I asked at the desk if they could give me the address of the Australian Botanical Association and was told without hesitation that it was in George Street.

  How could I get there? I asked. Did I need a conveyance? No, I was told, it was only about ten minutes' walk from the hotel.

  I was given instructions how to get there. 1 went back to my room hoping that I would not meet either William Granville or Milton Harrington on the way. I did not want to explain my intentions; and now that I was on the trail I was all eagerness to begin.

  The morning air was invigorating. It would be hot later I did not doubt. 1 thought about Milton's advice to get big hats to protect us. Our town ones would certainly be inadequate.

  Later, I thought. First David Gutheridge.

  I found the Botanical Association with the utmost ease. There was a brass plate on the door. I went in. A man at a desk looked at me brightly.

  "Good morning," I said. "I wonder if you could help me. I want to get into touch with Mr. David Gutheridge."

  He looked puzzled. "1 don't think we have anyone here of that name."

  "No, you wouldn't have. He came out from England almost two years ago. He is a botanist and I think he must have been in touch with this office at some time. 1 wonder if you could give me an idea of where 1 might find him."

  "In connection with an expedition which came out from England some two years ago, you say. If you wait a moment, I will see if there is anyone who can help you. Do sit down."

  I sat down and waited, feeling rather sick with excitement, wondering if I were on the verge of discovery.

  After a while the young man came back.

  "Will you come this way?"

  I rose and followed him. He paused before a glass door, opened it and stood aside for me to enter.

  A man rose from a desk.

  "Good morning."

  We shook hands.

  "I understand you are enquiring about Mr. David Gutheridge."

  "Yes. 1 know that he came out here on an expedition some time ago."

  "It is about two years."

  "Yes, that's so. I thought this might be his headquarters and I was wondering if you could give me his address."

  "He does have his mail sent here, but at the moment he is not in Sydney."

  "You know where he is?" I asked excitedly.

  "We never know where people are when they are on these expeditions. They plan to go to some place and get side-tracked and decide to go off in another direction. I know that he was going to Queensland at one time and from there to the Barrier Reef. Some of those islands have flora that you find nowhere else."

  "Oh." I was disappointed.

  "He has been gone some six months," he said. "We did hear recently that he was on the mainland ... so it may well be that he will be here before long."

  "What do you mean by before long? A week... two weeks... ?"

  "Oh I should hardly think so. I imagine a month at the earliest."

  "A month!" I felt deflated. But at least they knew him. It was a little step forward.

  "When he does come will you tell him that I called. And will you ask him to get into touch with me. I may be at this property ... If not I will give you a change of address. The property is some miles out of Sydney and I shall be staying there with friends."

  "Certainly I will."

  "My name is Miss Mallory."

  "Oh... any relation to the map people?"

  "It is my family."

  "We had a Mallory out here from England... Yes ... he came, of course, with David Gutheridge."

  "That was my brother. It is he with whom I am trying to get into touch. Do you know whether he stayed in Sydney or when he left?"

  "I'm afraid I don't. He did come in here once or twice with Mr. Gutheridge. And then we didn't see him any more."

  "Thank you," I said. "You have been very kind."

  "I'll make sure Mr. Gutheridge knows you called... just as soon as he gets back. And that's the address. Goodo. I'll make a note of it. Don't worry. As soon as he comes in he'll get the message."

  I came out into the sunshine.

  A start. Not a very propitious one. But a start.

  When I returned to the hotel the first person I met was Milton Harrington.

  "You've been out," he cried. "You've stolen a march on us."

  "It is pleasant in the early morning. It will be hot later."

  He looked at me intently. "You've got something on your mind," he said.

  I shrugged my shoulders.

  "Tell me. Perhaps I can help."

  I shook my head. "It's nothing. Where are the others?"

  "The bridegroom, I imagine, is sleeping a little late. The bride-to-be likewise. That leaves us free. I suggest a little ride round the city. I'm rather proud of it. It's come a long way since the first fleet came out here, I can tell you. Come on. We'll take a buggy."

  I allowed myself to be hustled into one. I was still thinking of David Gutheridge who might provide the key to the mystery.

  It was a happy morning. Milton showed me the harbour as we drove in and out of the coves; he took me through narrow winding streets which had once been tracks, and he told me something of the city's history, and I was wondering how those people who had arrived here with the first fleet had felt when they stepped ashore on the land which was to be their home for the rest of their lives.

  I forgot my disappointment at not finding David Gutheridge. He would return and perhaps have something to tell me. I realized that when I was in the company of Milton Harrington I became an optimist. I caught his belief that everything was possible; something of his ebullient nature was passed on to me.

  We stopped at a store and bought a sun hat for me, and I chose one for Felicity in a shade of pale lavender which I thought would suit her.

  "Now," said Milton, "I can quieten my fears. The beautiful complexion is safe from the enemy."

  "It seems an odd way of describing the sun—the life-giver to us all on this planet."

  "Ah. A good friend but a bad enemy. That is the nature of life. The sea. Fire. Great friends and at times implacable enemies."

  "It doesn't say much for friendship if it can turn like that."

  "Why is it, Miss Annalice Mallory, that whenever I am with you you turn the lightest discourse into a psychological discussion?"

  "I'm sorry," I said. "I suppose I can be rather pedantic."

  "You can never be anything but fascinating. How soon shall I see you in Cariba?"

  "I don't know. I shall not stay long on this Granville property."

  "No. I am sure you will not want to do that."

  "I am a little uneasy about Felicity. If you know anything against this man I think she ought to know."

  He was silent for a moment as though grappling with himself, which was unusual for him. He was usually so sure.

  "She sees him for herself," he said at length.

  "He drank quite a lot last night, but he was sober."

  "He is accustomed to it and he can, as they say, take his drink. What effect it has, I don't know. I doubt that he stopped drinking when we left him. He would continue in the privacy of his own bedroom, I imagine."

  "Don't you think Felicity should be told?"

  "It is always difficult in such circumstances to know whether one should tell or not. I think Felicity is able to see for herself. It may be that she is in love with the fellow. Love is blind. We all have to work out our own lives, you know."