At the Villa Massina Read Online Free Page A

back to the sitting-room and found the map which she had consulted so often on the ship. She spread it and traced the coastline, found Cortana within seconds; it could be no more than ten miles along the coast in the Bahia de Manca. That was why Norma had hoped the package would be posted in Cadiz; however, she had taken the precaution of typing the address and it was very unlikely that she had enclosed anything which would reveal the identity of the sender. Juliet had only to post the thing and forget it.
    Swiftly she looked through the postage stamps which she had noticed earlier in the drawer of the carved writing-table. A peseta, she had learned, was roughly twopence, and six pesetas should easily take care of a packet weighing no more than six ounces. She pressed stamps over the sides of the parcel, dropped it back into her pocket and went through the hall into the porch. There she hesitated.
    It was no more than ten minutes’ walk to the little town and it should not be difficult to find the post office. She had to get rid of this thing at once; it was like a sudden intolerable blight on her arrival at San Federigo. She walked outside and down the path, reached the gate as a car slowed. It hadn’t been going to stop, she was sure, but the driver must have seen her. He braked, slid from the car and straightened, a tall figure in a white dinner-jacket. He came across to the gate, bowed distantly and spoke in a voice that was cool and pleasant.
    “Ah, good evening, Miss Darrell. You are happily installed, I hope?”
    Her world rocked slightly; she had enough to deal with at the moment. “Good evening, Senor Conde. Everything is splendid, thank you.”
    “You find it warm here in San Federigo?”
    “Yes, the air is soft.”
    “You are feeling a little strain, perhaps?”
    This shook Juliet; it shouldn’t be so apparent to a stranger. She took her fingers from the hard lump in her pocket and resolutely relaxed her tones. She looked up into features which were smiling with remote charm.
    “The journey was rather exacting. I was worried about Rina, but she’s settling very well. The children will really begin to enjoy themselves tomorrow.”
    “And you? What are your plans, other than for watching the children?”
    “I haven’t any, senor. I don’t need them.”
    Smoothly he asked, “You are prepared to be lonely? It is not necessary, I assure you. We shall be happy to make some fun for the young cousin of Senora Colmeiro. Both Ruy and his wife are well, I understand.”
    “Oh, yes. They told me to give their best regards to all their friends.”
    “That is kind,” he remarked, and paused. Very slightly, he leaned forward, and she saw a faint query in the dark eyes. “How old are you, Miss Darrell?”
    “Twenty-two.”
    “And you stay here, how long?”
    “Two weeks—perhaps three.”
    “So.” This might mean anything. Juliet was beginning to wonder how far his innate courtesy would carry him, when he added, “It is as well that you have the good Luisa in charge of the household. When you have inclinations which are questionable, she will advise you.”
    “Questionable?” Juliet echoed in some astonishment.
    His white teeth flashed in a smile. “Perhaps I do not always choose the correct word—it is some time since I last used English. Let us say that you should consult Luisa when you are in doubt. There is also, of course, my sister, who will be delighted to guide you, if necessary. Inez has a very strong sense of propriety and she is the most dutiful woman in the world. She even insists on being the ideal sister.”
    “I’ve heard about the senora,” Juliet said. “My cousin has a great deal of affection for her.”
    “I remember your cousin,” he remarked. “For an Englishwoman she is very beautiful.” Just faintly, his tone mocked. “You have the fresh prettiness of youth, so you will not object to my admiration for the beauty of my own country-women.”
    “Not at all. After all, it