Part 34 (2/2)

'I can't believe I said that. I've never told anyone that before. I hardly let myself think about it,' said Bette finally.

'I think we have a lot in common,' said Tony.

After a few moments, Bette withdrew her hand and turned back to the garden. She took a breath, trying to steady herself and regain a sense of normalcy. 'I try to think about the good times, the times I shared with Gil.'

'Yes, those years before the war were a lot of fun. I doubt such carefree times will return soon. I remember you that day at the races, very well,' he added.

'I know this decade will be different. There's certainly a lot of talk of change,' said Bette as they began to stroll through the gardens.

'So it seems. What plans do you have for the 1950s?' he asked with a quizzical smile.

Bette shrugged. 'I don't really have any plans. I've been studying art and working in Sydney, and then Margaret and Roland asked me to come and stay. I was glad to come back to Malaya. Roland is devoted to Utopia and has a big job to re-establish the plantation after the j.a.panese occupation.'

'Yes, I can imagine. I know a lot of planters are turning to new crops. I think Roland experimented with palm oil before the war, didn't he? And there is the problem with the communists and the push to independence,' Tony said.

'The communists? Do you really think the British would be forced out?' asked Bette.

'The insurgents are a tiny minority. I'm sure when and if independence comes, it will be through co-operation and agreement with Britain. We need each other. But in the meantime, areas of the country are quite unstable,' said Tony and he glanced at her. 'It is fortunate that my business can spare me for a bit so that I could accept this invitation. I'm glad I did.'

'I remember Roland and Eugene telling me something about your business, but apart from saying that you are an excellent businessman, I'm afraid I don't recall anything else.'

Tony smiled. 'After my father died I diversified, but at the end of the war it was difficult to export to our traditional markets Siam, Burma and Sumatra. But being Chinese I was able to overcome these problems through the kongsi.'

'I'm sorry,' said Bette. 'What are kongsi?'

'When the original Chinese immigrants came to Penang they formed a.s.sociations, or clans, and built clan houses. These were like clubs, in a way, where newcomers could stay, be introduced to important people, given employment and helped to settle into their new city, so they became places to honour the achievements of the family clan. Some of the kongsi are very elaborate. Would you like to visit one?' he asked.

'I'd love to, it sounds fascinating. Is there a Tsang kongsi?'

He smiled. 'Yes. My family has been here for many generations. My father's ancestors fled persecution from the Manchus and came here not long after Penang was settled.'

'You have a very colourful family story, Tony. Mine seems very bland in comparison.'

'I think that all families are interesting. They are made up of individuals and although the family might present a united front to the world, scratch the surface and you'll find the dominant and gentle, the weak and strong, and people with different talents, tastes and desires,' he said.

'Yes, that's for sure,' said Bette, laughing. 'That sounds just like my family.'

They reached the front lawn where people were gathering for the lavish tea and cakes set out on rattan tables covered with embroidered cloths.

Tony held out a chair for Bette and she sat down as Lorraine announced plans for croquet and tennis for those who were interested.

'Will you be playing?' Tony asked her.

Bette shook her head. 'No, I'd like to explore a little. This is such a pretty and unusual setting, and cool enough to go hiking.'

'Don't get lost, Bette. Stay on the paths,' advised Andrew.

'I'd be happy to go with you,' said Tony. 'I know the area, my family have a bungalow up here, although I don't seem to have much time to use it.'

'Thank you, but I don't want to take you away from a game,' said Bette.

'Nonsense, a good walk will do me good. And Andrew is right, you can get lost quite easily in the hill country,' said Tony. 'Besides I think I'll enjoy your company more than I would those frenetic tennis players.'

'You always were quick to corner the prettiest girl at the party,' Andrew said cheerfully.

In sensible shoes, Bette set off with Tony. In no time at all they were deep in the thick forest.

'Is this jungle? These trees remind me of what I imagine an old English forest to be like,' said Bette.

Tony stopped and gazed up at the trees. 'You're right. Not all of these trees are native. Some would have been planted here when the first Europeans came to remind them of home, I expect. You'll find more original jungle as we go in further.'

'Are these the secret paths where you brought your girlfriends?' teased Bette.

Tony laughed. 'No, I was too shy. When I was young we used to come and stay here in the hot months and the caretaker's son, a Malay boy, showed me all his favourite places.'

The path soon narrowed, so Tony took the lead. They didn't talk. Occasionally Tony held back an overhanging branch, or pointed out obstacles like roots and rocks that might trip Bette up, especially as she was constantly craning her neck upwards, looking for monkeys, b.u.t.terflies, birds, and unfamiliar plants and flowers.

'Look at those strange plants,' she said.

'Pitcher plants.' Tony took one of the long, hollow, tubular flowers from the vine. 'See how they hold water. Monkeys have been seen drinking water from them, so they're sometimes called monkey cups. See, this one is half full.' He tipped it up and sipped the water. 'Mmm, sweet. Try some. Actually this flower looks a bit like a saxophone. Do you like dancing?'

Bette nodded, suddenly aware of their closeness as he held the strange plant to her lips to drink the raindrops. She hadn't been so affected by the physicality of an attractive man for a long time.

'Good. I'd like to take you dancing. I think I need to put a little fun and laughter back into my life. I haven't felt inclined to ... until now. Would you help me out?' His dark eyes were warm, a hint of a mischievous smile in their depths.

'I'd like that. Thank you,' said Bette.

They stopped by a small pool where water from the peak trickled down the hillside.

'This trickle is a torrent when the rains come,' said Tony. He held out his hand and helped her across. 'We can circle around and come out above the bungalow.'

They continued to meander along the hidden pathways. Once back on the wider, smoother path Tony took her hand again, and Bette was very aware of the smoothness of his skin and the touch of his fingertips.

While it appeared to their hosts, and other guests, that Tony and Bette had an easy friends.h.i.+p, both of them realised that there was a powerful attraction between them. Neither acknowledged this chemistry, but in moments of physical closeness, the brush of an arm, sitting together, both felt as if electricity had crackled between them.

Bette and Tony seemed to like the same things. They were the ones who were up very early sitting on the terrace in the crisp morning air to watch the day begin, sipping hot, sweet coffee. When the group gathered on the terrace after dinner for nightcaps to watch the lights of George Town twinkling below them, Tony and Bette sat side by side, talking softly, looking more at each other than the view.

Tony cheerfully flirted with her, sometimes teasing her to make her laugh. Although he was at least ten years older than she was, Bette found him an interesting combination of youthful exuberance and energy, yet with the wisdom and thoughtfulness of a mature man.

At breakfast one morning, Andrew asked Bette, 'So what are you two planning for these last days? Anything you'd like us to arrange?'

Bette liked the way he a.s.sumed that she and Tony would spend their remaining time together. 'Andrew, you've been so hospitable, I can't thank you enough. It's been great.'

'You're charming company,' said Andrew. 'I do hope we see more of you while you're here in Penang, Bette.'

'Me too,' said Tony. 'Tell me where you'd really like to go, what you'd like to see while you're here. I was planning to go back to Penang tomorrow but apparently we're all expected at Batu Ferringhi, so I've changed my plans.' He smiled at Bette.

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