Perchance to Marry Read Online Free PDF Page A

evening, while her mother chatted gaily on deck with the captain and others.
    To Sally’s relief, both Marcus and the affably cock-eyed Jim McCartney were missing.
    The ship anchored off San Palos in brilliant sunshine at nine-thirty next morning. To the left, Sally could see the curve of Naval Bay with its line of new concrete buildings, its old town and the official airstrip. To the right, the island was green and hilly, with small pastel-tinted houses dropped here and there like toys. There was an old straggling village adjoining Navay Town, and a waterfront that looked as though it were a piece of washed cliffside, it was so pink and rough.
    Passengers who were continuing on the voyage swarmed ashore for their ration of sightseeing. Sally had packed early, but Viola would never be rushed. It was not till Marcus came to hurry them that she finally said she was ready. When she came out on deck she made suitable exclamations. What a dream of an island! And that was Naval Bay? And what were the trees in that orchard on the hillside—olives and figs and almonds? Warmed by the Mediterranean sun and a new sense of security, Viola was prepared to love everything.
    There were no customs formalities. A swarthy porter in a peaked cap loaded the trunk and bags on to a trolley and trundled away towards an ancient converted bus which was apparently the freight car of San Palos.
    Marcus led the way to the taxi he had ordered, and made Viola comfortable in the back seat. He was about to do the same with Sally when a dusty grey car drew up a few yards ahead of them and a slim man in a light suit got out of it and came back, to meet them with an outstretched hand.
    “Well, Carlos!” said Marcus. “How did you know I was on the ‘Bellesta’?”
    But Carlos, who looked about forty and was a polite Spaniard, bowed towards Sally. First things first, his attitude said.
    “Sally, this is my cousin, Carlos Suarez. He’s the doctor who’ll find something for you to do at the nursing home. Carlos ... meet Sally Sheppard. Mrs. Sheppard is already in the taxi.”
    During the next few moments, Carlos bowed almost inside the taxi and Viola accepted the fact that he was charmed to meet her. He bent over Sally’s hand with a smile that said she was attractive and he approved of her.
    Then he answered Marcus’s question. “I was just leaving the house of a patient back there when I saw McCartney of the hotel. He told me you were on the ship, and I may say I was never more glad to hear such news.”
    “How is Dona Inez?” came the quick demand.
    A Latin shrug. “She lives. That great-aunt of mine is the most determined woman of eighty-seven I have ever known. She is waiting only for your return—with Miss Sheppard.”
    A chill crept over Sally’s skin. She said, “I think Mr. McCartney must have...”
    But Marcus cut her off smoothly. “We’re going up to Las Vinas at once, Carlos. As Dona Inez doesn’t know I’m coming, perhaps you and I had better see her together.”
    “I am so sorry, but I have an operation in half an hour. But do not fear for Dona Inez. She will not die of seeing you, Marcus. She was hoping you would bring home a bride, but a fiancée will do almost as well. In fact,” with a humorous lift of the shoulders, “it will give her a new lease of life. She will be more determined than ever to see you married.”
    “You don’t understand,” said Sally in breathless tones. “You see...”
    “Carlos has to leave us,” Marcus said coolly. And turning to his cousin, “I should like to know exactly what we may expect with Dona Inez. Perhaps you will come to Las Vinas for dinner tonight?”
    “Thank you, Marcus. I shall be delighted.” The doctor made his bows. He said, “I wish you great happiness here on San Palos, senorita, and it is most pleasing that you are interested in our little hospital. Perhaps,” with a very kind smile, “you are rather younger than we all imagined, but that is no drawback. I am