The Plantation - Di Morrissey [14]
Roland, who was dressed in a faultlessly tailored dinner jacket, lifted a glass of champagne from a tray a waiter proffered, and handed it to Margaret, taking a whisky for himself. ‘Shall we sit down?’ He indicated the comfortable cane table and chairs beneath a string of coloured lights.
She noticed that he sat carefully, so as not to crease his trousers.
He raised his glass, ‘Cheers, Margaret.’ He sipped his drink then drew a silver cigarette case from his jacket and took out a cigarette, tapping it lightly on the lid before snapping open a matching lighter. ‘Oh, sorry, do you?’ he held out the silver case.
‘No, thank you,’ said Margaret. ‘Though I do indulge on occasion.’ This was true, but she had done it more to annoy her mother and Adelaide since she didn’t particularly like the taste of cigarettes.
‘Do you make the trip to the Far East regularly?’ asked Margaret.
‘It depends. My grandparents are quite elderly, and Mother has been staying with them in Kent, looking after them. I’ve just been to visit the three of them.’
‘Will you be staying in Malaya?’ asked Margaret.
He raised an eyebrow slightly. ‘Of course. My family owns a rubber plantation called Utopia. It’s my home. I was born there and, apart from boarding school and Cambridge, I’ve always lived there.’ He blew a thin spiral of smoke. ‘But you’re right, I have made this voyage – port out, starboard home – to England and back several times.’
‘Do you have a lot of friends in England?’ asked Margaret, trying to imagine what his life must be like, split between two countries.
‘Oh, most certainly. Of course, other friends are scattered, in Singapore, all over Malaya and India, but that’s the nature of the empire. Some of them work in the Civil Service, others are plantation managers and so forth. Surely none of this interests you.’ He spoke mildly but the look he gave her was probing.
But Margaret was interested in anything that Roland said. ‘Oh it does! It sounds fascinating. Adventuresome and, well, an interesting life. Not like my boring existence in Brisbane.’
He gave a half smile. ‘It isn’t boring in Malaya. It’s often quite adventuresome, as you put it, though some adventures aren’t always welcome. Life is what you make of it, n’est ce pas?’ He stubbed out his cigarette. ‘Another champagne?’
‘Why not? Thank you.’ Margaret let her wrap drop from her bare shoulders and sat back in her chair. ‘It’s going to be hard to settle down at home after this trip. I’ve discovered I love travelling. It can be so stimulating. It’s been a bit tiresome having Miss Monkton along looking after me, but my parents insisted.’
‘Quite right. Perhaps you could plan another trip. When we get to Port Said, you’ll find that interesting, I’m sure. I know Colombo jolly well, too, if you would let me show it to you. With Miss Monkton, of course. I’m leaving the ship there, but we would have some time to sightsee before this ship continues on to Singapore. Perhaps we could organise something.’
‘Oh, so you’re disembarking at Colombo. I wouldn’t like to impose on your time …’
He gave an airy wave with his cigarette. ‘I’d be delighted. You won’t have much time there, but we can make the most of it.’
Margaret was sorry that he wouldn’t be travelling all the way to Australia, but she flashed him a dazzling smile, thinking that she would just have to make the most of every minute.
‘That would be wonderful. Adelaide is a bit nervous about venturing ashore in some of these places. But I’m sure you know the very best sights.’ She smiled, hoping that Roland Elliott would take her out on her own and not with his group of friends.
‘There’s the dinner gong,’ said Roland standing and holding out his hand to help Margaret from the chair.
‘Thank you for the champagne,’ said Margaret.
‘My pleasure.’ He gave a nod and a warm smile as they walked together into the dining room.
Adelaide and Margaret had both been impressed by the decorations in the grand dining room. Candles glowed above epergnes filled with fresh roses from the coldroom. The crystal glassware sparkled