The sun had now dipped behind the surrounding buildings and an involuntary shiver ran through Felicity's body, but it was nothing to the icy chill which seemed to enclose her whole being. "You know that I am expected at Guy's flat for dinner tonight?"
"Yes, we were all expected-you and Alaine must go, of course, the old man is looking forward to meeting you again, but apart from that Alaine will need your support. She is so fond of you, you seem to be the only real friend she has-never let her down, Felicity-for my sake."
Felicity pressed her brother's hand in silent acceptance of his demand, then paused beside him at the curb as he hailed a passing taxi and gave the address of Alaine's flat. It was not until they were driving down Baker Street that he spoke again.
"Guy won't expect me, I've left a note saying that Mother wanted to see me, you'd better back up the story. I'll write you later and give you our exact date of sailing. I suppose you could arrange to meet me at Southampton, or will you be joining me in Somerset when you leave Hospital next week?"
It was a relief to speak of prosaic matters. "Yes, I've nothing to do in town, we can both spend our last few days together at home." The respite was brief, it seemed impossible to avoid the issue. "By going straight down to Somerset I'll be able to miss the wedding. You see, I finish at Hospital the end of this week, so I'll be joining you at home very shortly."
As she stood by her brother's side outside the block of flats where Alaine lived, she found herself watching him covertly as he settled with the taxi, driver. In spite of her deep concern for Guy she could not find it in her heart to blame her brother-or for that matter Alaine. Alaine had many faults, but a closer knowledge of the girl had opened Felicity's eyes to her many virtues: warm-hearted to a degree, of which her present attitude was a sure proof. Whether her insistence on standing by her engagement to Guy was misguided or not, did not detract from the underlying good of her intention. Felicity had not doubted for one second Tony's avowal of his complete ignorance of the outcome of their apparently harmless friendship. She had never known him so distraught and she felt sure that he too, by running away, was acting, as he believed in the only honourable way. If only she could feel that they were right. That was the problem that tugged at her heart; honourable, correct, ethical ... it might be all those things but-and that was her anxiety-was it conceivably fair that Guy should be left in the dark?
It was Alaine herself who opened the door which led directly into the sitting-room of her two-roomed flat, an Alaine whom Felicity scarcely recognized. Her face showed the recent ravages of tears, but a new, almost ethereal beauty showed in the face she lifted to Tony as, ignoring-perhaps almost unaware of-Felicity's presence, she flung herself into his arms. Her fingers gripped convulsively at the lapels of his coat, she hid her face against his shoulder, her slender body shaking with silent sobs. Even at that moment Felicity knew that this was no act, despite its sense of the dramatic it was perhaps the most natural gesture Felicity had ever seen her make.
"Tony-Tony-oh darling-you were so long I was getting afraid-afraid that perhaps you weren't coming back at all." Her words were a cry from the heart and now she had lifted her head and Felicity had intercepted the glance which passed between Alaine and her brother, she was left without a vestige of doubt of the deep love and understanding which had grown between them. Never had she seen two faces so transformed by their emotion. She knew that they had forgotten her presence and although she still stood at her brother's elbow it was as if she did not exist.
A compelling urge to leave those two alone drew her farther into the room and it was only then that she became aware of Guy Brenton's presence. Smothering the exclamation which rose to her lips she stared unbelievingly at him as he stood by the mantelpiece, looking unnaturally tall in the confined space of the small room. It couldn't be true, it couldn't be possible! Almost unconsciously she half turned towards her brother and Alaine who still stood framed in the doorway. The tension was unendurable, and unable to bear it any longer Felicity turned to Guy, her expression one of speechless appeal which betrayed her longing for some word, some explanation. As she stared at him it seemed that his still form might have been carved of granite, not a muscle moved and his features, tense and strained, remained immobile, his expression completely inscrutable.
It was Alaine herself who shattered that moment of devastating silence. She had released her hold on Tony, but still clinging to his arm had drawn farther into the room. "I've told Guy-he knows everything!" Her words came in a jerky gasp, but as she continued she gained control. "I was waiting here for you to come," she explained, turning again to Tony. "I realized that it would be the very last time I'd ever see you ... something happened to me then, I knew I couldn't go through with it. I rang Guy and asked him to come here-then I told him-everything," she concluded and with an almost challenging air she looked from one to the other of her listeners, defying any criticism.
Never had Felicity seen Alaine in a more dramatic role, never more obviously holding the stage. But again she knew this was no play-acting but a cry for their understanding torn from her very heart. To Tony, at least, the cry must have been irresistible, for in a moment he had again drawn her close and with a few whispered words reassured her. He paused to console her, then, perhaps suddenly aware of Guy's silent presence, led Alaine to the settee, then turned boldly to face him.
"I'm sorry, Guy-you realized didn't want you to know. I would have done anything in the world to save you this. I was-and am still-prepared to go away. We are in your hands, we are both prepared to do as you wish." Tony's words rang with sincerity and there was no mistaking his suffering and regret.
"I have discussed this matter with Alaine-from every angle," Guy began and the note of his voice caused Felicity to turn involuntarily towards him. He had barely moved and there was still so much of the statue in his poise that his sudden speech gave her a sense of shock. His expression had remained unchanged, his eyes barely flickered beneath their half-lowered lids and the squared line of his jaw was hard and unyielding, yet, with a sense of faint surprise she felt no anger or animosity in his manner, only a quiet yet almost kindly determination which became even more apparent as he went on. "I quite understand, you can spare me explanations or apologies, I fully realize that what has happened has not been of your seeking. Alaine has been very frank with me and I believe that by leaving her, you thought you were acting for the best-" He broke off and for the first time Felicity could detect a note of bitterness in his voice. "I refuse to accept that sacrifice from you-or Alaine. You see, I too, happen to be concerned in Alaine's future happiness arid I know now that she will only find it as your wife."
"But-Guy-" Tony began, but disregarding his interruption Guy went on speaking.
"Take Alaine down to Somerset with you, no doubt your marriage can take place there. I know from what you have told us about your farm that she'll be happy in California " He broke off and for the first time his features relaxed and the ghost of a smile played round the corners of his lips. "Good luck to you both-and every happiness." He held out his hand to Tony and as if in a dream Felicity saw their clasped hands, saw that symbol of understanding and friendship and felt relief flood her whole being.
While the feeling of unreality persisted, and Felicity watched Guy and Tony speak in undertones together, she was aware of the gradual change in Tony's drawn features, of the light, which slowly returned to his eyes. She was aware of Alaine's tremulous smile as she rested in the protective circle of Tony's arm, the slackening of that earlier feeling of tension as he continued speaking. She saw Guy release Tony's hand, then following a few quiet words with Alaine she watched him stoop and drop a light kiss on her forehead, bringing to her lips a radiant smile which momentarily effected the erstwhile ravages of tears. She knew that Guy had crossed to the door and was aware that he beckoned her to follow and still as if in a dream Felicity now felt Alaine's arms round her neck and her soft lips against her cheeks.