The Butterfly Box(153)

Jake and Polly were the first to arrive for dinner. Jake was mistrustful of‘townies’ and believed that Federica should marry someone from Polperro. ‘She’s been uprooted enough in her life, what she needs is stability and to be around

the people and place that she’s used to. Still, he deserves a chance to prove he's qualified to take care of her,' he conceded as they drove up to the house.

Polly agreed with him, and nodded her head thoughtfully. ‘I just wish he wasn’t so old,’ she sighed. ‘It’s nice when two people can grow up together. He’ll be an old man before she’s touched middle age, which is a shame.’

When they entered the sitting room, Torquil jumped to his feet and extended his hand warmly. They were both immediately disarmed by the beauty of his face and the charm of his wide smile.

Polly returned his smile with gusto. ‘It’s such a pleasure to meet you,' she gushed, not immune to the appeal of a handsome young man. Jake was more reserved, though thrown by the perfection of his features, and watched Torquil through narrowed eyes, endeavouring not to be influenced by his looks.

But even Jake was easily conquered when Torquil placed an affectionate hand on Federica’s and looked him straight in the eye, stating earnestly, ‘I only have one priority, Mr Trebeka, and that is to make Fede as happy and secure as I can.’

Jake’s old heart surrendered and he nodded his submission. ‘Well, as you can see, Torquil, she has a close and loving family. Don’t let her stray too far

from her home, that way she can enjoy her new life with you and the security that lies in her roots.’ Then he added gruffly, ‘And please call me Jake.’

When Arthur, Helena and Hal arrived the sitting room was already vibrating with laughter. Hal had lingered by the Porsche, loving the owner even before he had met him. ‘Wow, he must be really cool to have a car like this!’ he exclaimed, hurrying in to meet him. Helena noticed immediately the physical similarities between Torquil and Ramon, but also the differences - Torquil’s face lacked the rugged character of Ramon’s; it was too polished and smooth. However, she couldn’t help but relinquish her reservations in the glare of such magnificence. He was not only tall and good-looking but his clothes were immaculate, from his cashmere jacket to his well-polished brown shoes. Taking a seat next to Federica on the club fender she winked her approval. Federica beamed with happiness.

Only Arthur’s suspicions simmered beneath the surface of his cheerfulness.

Helena was placed next to Torquil at dinner. Looking into her eager eyes he told her how he wanted, more than anything in the world, to make her daughter happy. ‘I can see where she gets her beauty from. You and she could almost be sisters,’ he said, watching her cheeks ignite with pleasure.

‘She’s very vulnerable, Torquil, and really too young to marry,’ she replied, sipping her wine. ‘But you’re older and wiser and I have no doubt you will make her very happy. What she needs is security; something a younger man would be incapable of giving her. I have to admit, when I first heard about you I did worry that you’d be too old for her and that the whole thing was being rushed unnecessarily. But, now I know you I can see exactly why she doesn’t want to wait. Why should you both wait when you are so sure of the way you feel? Marriage is a gamble however long you’ve known each other. But I think I’d put money on you two.’

Torquil, can you give me a spin in your car after dinner?’ Hal asked, shouting across the noisy table.

‘You bet,’ Torquil replied. Then he took the opportunity to give a small speech. ‘I just want to say that when I fell in love with Fede, I never anticipated falling in love with the whole of her family, but I have been pleasantly surprised.’ He cast his eyes around the table of hot faces and glistening eyes and paused, gazing down at Federica, apparently unafraid to show his emotion. ‘I want to thank you all for making me feel so welcome and for Federica, because I know that each of you have had a large part to play in making her what she is

today; the woman I love with all my heart.’

Polly stifled her tears with a gulp of wine while Helena grinned at Toby who nodded back his approval.

‘You know, Torquil thinks he’s been here before,’ Federica declared in amusement.

‘No, I got it wrong, sweetness,’ he replied quickly, ‘I had one of those deja vus!

Julian looked at him and frowned.

‘Actually, didn’t I say, Toby, that the name Torquil Jensen rang a bell?’

‘You can’t forget a name like Torquil, can you?’ Federica giggled.