The Perfect Happiness(91)
While she waited, her thoughts turned to Anna. She had no desire to meet Jack’s wife. She wished they could spend the weekend together alone, without the jealous glances of another woman who had more claim on him than she did. It would be easier, she thought, if Jack moaned about her, but he hadn’t made even the smallest derogatory remark. He had made it clear that he loved his wife. He had also suggested that the two of them would get on very well. But Angelica had no intention of liking her. She was anxious about having to hide her feelings, having to skulk about, stealing moments while Anna was in another part of the house or perhaps in the garden. She hoped that Jack had made plans so that she didn’t have to spend time with his wife.
When Jack finally strode into the lobby, her fears melted in the glow of his cheerful smile. Aware that she was in his town, she was careful not to throw herself at him like she had in Johannesburg, although her heart was ready to burst with joy. He bent down and embraced her affectionately, raising his eyes over his glasses to case the room for anyone who might know him.
“You all right, Sage?” he asked, his gaze softening. “You look radiant.”
“I love Cape Town.”
“I knew you would.”
“Everyone is so friendly.”
“The sunshine makes everyone smile.”
“Do you think Londoners would smile more if we had sunshine all the time?”
“You don’t need sunshine, Sage. It’s already inside you.” She laughed and watched him pick up her case and walk outside. “What have you got in here? The entire contents of the African market?”
“I bought some lovely things.”
“So I see.” He glanced at the necklace dangling over her breasts.
“Pretty, isn’t it?” She grinned. “How long to Rosenbosch?”
“Just over an hour.”
“So I have you all to myself for an hour?”
He smiled at her mischievously. “We might have to stop en route. I don’t think I can sit all the way to Franschhoek and not touch you.”
Jack put the suitcase in the back of the car and climbed in. Before driving off, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her.
“You’re more beautiful than you were in Jo’burg,” he said, caressing her face with his eyes. “Just the sight of you is enough to restore my spirits.”
“Did they need restoring?”
“They did,” he replied, nuzzling her. “I can’t wait to show you my home. And we’ll be just in time for a sundowner at Sir Lowry’s Pass.”
“That sounds enticing.”
“Oh, it is. I’ve brought a picnic. Tonight, the sunset will be more spectacular than ever.”
23
Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.
In Search of the Perfect Happiness
They drove out of Cape Town, past the monumental panorama of rocks known as the Twelve Apostles, jutting sharply towards heaven. The dual carriageway cut through the vast, flat plain beneath a cornflower-blue sky. In the distance, velvety green hills rose to meet the horizon, where feathery clouds caressed their voluptuous curves as they moved swiftly on down the valley. They passed rich farmland, where the soil was red and the crops tall and golden, and vineyards with vines planted in neat rows giving the impression of thick fields of corduroy. Jack held Angelica’s hand, glancing at her occasionally and smiling. The scenery was so dramatic and so vast that Angelica yearned to be part of it. How romantic to live surrounded by such beauty, all the time.
Finally, they arrived in Franschhoek. The name was written up on the hill ahead in big gray stones. Angelica felt her belly cramp with anxiety at the thought of meeting Anna. By now the sun was setting, turning the hills flamingo pink. Sensing her nervousness, Jack squeezed her hand.
“I want to take you up to watch the sunset before I show you Rosenbosch.”
She smiled at him gratefully. “I’d love that.”
With the window down, she could smell the fertile soil and camphor trees. The air was warm on her face, the light soft and wistful on her skin. She gazed at the gleaming white houses and picket fences adorned with pink and white roses, the neatly mown lawns and pretty verandas, and loved Jack all the more because he was part of it.
He took a left turn and drove up a dusty track, leaving the town behind. The valley darkened around them, but the horizon blazed with liquid gold, setting the sky aflame. After a while he pulled over and they climbed out. He opened the boot and extracted a small green hamper. “We can’t watch the sunset without a drink. Follow me, I have the perfect spot for our sundowner.” Angelica hurried after him. “We don’t want to miss it.”