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‘Helen wants to say goodbye,’ he explained. ‘She's very disappointed you’ve not been up to see her.'

‘Is Luke there?' was Taryn’s instant response.

Mark shook his head. ‘He’s gone out for the day.'

‘Does he know I’m leaving, as well as you?'

‘Well—yes, I did tell him.'

He looked guilty, thought Taryn, so she said, ‘Don’t worry, I wanted him to know.’ But it hurt that he was going out of his way to avoid her. Did he hate her so much that he couldn’t even bring himself to say farewell?

They found Helen in the lounge. When Taryn entered she immediately rose and held out her hands. ‘My dear child, where have you been?’

Unwilling to meet the candid blue eyes, but having little choice, Taryn smiled wryly. ‘I thought you’d understand.’

‘Indeed I do, or at least I’m trying to, although in all honesty I must confess that I’m a little hurt by your behaviour.’

Taryn frowned. This wasn’t the reaction she had expected. What did Luke’s mother want her to do— beg his forgiveness even though Taryn herself had done no wrong? ‘I’m sorry you feel like that,’ she said, ‘but don’t you think that Luke’s as much to blame?’

Helen lifted her shoulders tiredly and let them drop. ‘Initially perhaps, in the heat of the moment, but if you’d given him time I’m sure things would have sorted themselves out.’

‘Time?’ echoed Taryn, astounded. ‘How much did he want?’ Helen had been so sympathetic the day it all began—why was she acting so strangely now? What had Luke said to her?

‘A little more than you were prepared to give,’ concurred Helen sadly. ‘I’m sorry it turned out like this, sorry too that you’re going away. Look after her, Mark.’

‘I will, never fear.’ He stepped forward and pulled Taryn’s hand through his arm, giving her a sympathetic grin as he did so. ‘Shall we go, darling? We don’t want to rush.’

Taryn thought he was being a trifle familiar, especially in front of Luke’s mother, but she returned his smile.

‘All the best to you both ' said Helen and to Taryn alone. ‘I hope you know what you're doing.’

"It's the only way,' replied the young girl. ‘Give my regards to Luke. It's a pity he's not here. I would like to seem before I go.’

Helen shock her head. That would really be rubbing salt in the wound. Goodbye, my dear.’

All the way back to the cottage Taryn pondered over Helen's peculiar attitude. There was something she didn't understand. It was almost as though Helen thought she was going away with Mark. 'I can't weigh Helen up,' she said at last, unable to keep her thoughts to herself any longer. 'Why did she ask you to look after me? Anyone would think I was travelling to Italy with you.'

'You could do that. I'm sure you’d be much happier and there would certainly be no chance of bumping into Luke as you may well do here.’

'Maybe not..: but you'd be a constant reminder. No, Mark. I won't change my plans now.’

It was not until later that she realised he had not answered her question, but she did not pursue the matter. What was the point? The whole affair had been one complete mystery right from the beginning. There had always been so much she did not understand—and it now looked as though she never would.

Gammy was upset by Taryn’s decision to leave, and although up until now she had kept her own counsel she made one last-minute effort, to try and dissuade her niece from going. 'I’m sure you’re not doing the right thing,’ she said. ‘Give it a little longer. Once Mark’s gone things will be different.’

Taryn hugged her aunt. ‘Gammy, it’s no use. I’ve got to go, even if only to sort out my own mind.’

‘You still love Luke?’

She nodded. ‘I always will. There’ll never be anyone else for me.’

‘The power of the rainbow.’ Gammy’s words were no more than a whisper, but Taryn heard, and understood, even if she did not fully agree.

After promising to keep in touch Taryn climbed into Mark’s car. He had the engine revving up and a cloud of dust accompanied their exit from the valley. When Taryn looked back Dale End was obliterated from view. She was saddened by the thought of leaving behind that beautiful house. The many hours she had spent restoring it to its present splendour had endeared it to her heart—there had been a time when she had even visualised living there herself. That was before Luke... She tossed her head impatiently. What was the use in dreaming about what might have been? It was over. She must push it completely from her mind.

Mark too seemed absorbed by his thoughts and for the first hour the journey passed in silence. They stopped for lunch, but the restaurant was crowded and they had little opportunity for private conversation. Taryn felt that Mark was worrying about something, but put it down to the fact that his mind was now back on his business. It was unusual for him to be so absorbed in his thoughts, but Taryn was relieved, for she had feared he might persist in his efforts to try and induce her to accompany him to Naples. Afraid too that she might weaken, because he could be very persuasive when he tried.

They were held up in holiday traffic and by the time they reached London Mark was unable to take Taryn to her destination as he had previously planned. ‘There’s still time for you to change your mind,’ he said urgently. ‘Please, Taryn, I love you very much.’

But Taryn shook her head. ‘No, Mark, don’t ' Oh, God, why did they look so alike? Why wasn’t it Luke declaring his love? She felt the prick of tears and swallowed quickly. ‘Goodbye, hurry now or you’ll miss your plane.’ and she was out of the car before he could say any more.

She watched until he was out of sight and then the tears fell unchecked. Oh, Luke, Luke, she whispered, why have you done this to me? Why do you persist in misunderstanding? She stepped off the pavement, oblivious to the sound of traffic, not really knowing whether she was going in the right direction, sure only of the fact that this was the end of any chance of happiness, her life too for that matter, for what was the use of going on? Life without love was like flowers without rain; it could not survive— soon it would wither and die.

When the car hit her Taryn was oblivious to the pain, grateful only for the release from her misery. She knew not that she was taken to hospital, or that for several days she lay unconscious while a struggle went on to save her life. On the fifth day she opened her eyes to a sea of blurred faces. Her mouth felt dry and her head ached when she tried to lift it from the pillow.

A cool hand touched her brow and a gentle voice said, ‘Please don’t try to move. You’ve been very ill, but you’re going to ...’ The voice faded into oblivion.

The next time Taryn woke there was no one beside her bed. It was dark, the ward dimly lit. She struggled to remember what had happened. She had been crying. Why was she crying? Mark! He was involved—he had brought her to London—they had parted. Parted! It was Luke from whom she had parted. Luke.
Luke.

Taryn did not realise she had called his name aloud until a figure emerged from the shadows of her room. ‘You’re awake at last?’ A smiling nurse appeared in her line of vision.

By this time Taryn’s memory had returned all too clearly. She looked at the nurse accusingly. ‘Why didn’t you let me die? I don’t want to live without Luke. I don’t want to ’

The nurse smoothed her brow and murmured soothingly as one would to a child. ‘Tell me all about Luke. You’ve mentioned his name many times. Is he your boy-friend?'

‘No, no.’ Taryn tossed her head in anguish, stilled only by a rush of pain. ‘He doesn’t love me—he hates me.’

‘You’ve had a quarrel?’ comprehension lit the nurse’s face. ‘Never mind. I’m sure it can all be sorted out.’

‘You don’t understand.’ Taryn sank back wearily into the pillows. 'Nobody understands. Oh, why didn’t you let me die?’

‘It’s our job to save lives.’ insisted the nurse patiently. ‘You won't feel like this once you’re better. Would you like a drink?’

Taryn slowly shook her head. ‘I think I’ll go back to sleep.’ Only then would she be free of the pain and heartache.

The sun filled the small ward with a golden light. It hurt Taryn’s eyes and she closed them again quickly. Instantly a blind was drawn and she became aware of a figure standing beside her bed. The doctor was young and eager. He sat on the smooth pink covers and took her wrist between his fingers, consulting his watch as he did so. ‘Hello there. Miss X. You’ve given us a bit of a fright. What’s it all about, eh? It’s a very serious thing to try and take your own life.’ Taryn’s eyes widened. ‘I didn't! What gave you that idea?’

‘Nurse said you ’

‘Oh. that,’ tossed the girl. ‘I
did
want to die. but I didn’t purposely try to—to end it all,’ and with a flash of humour, ‘I'm sure I’d have done the job better if I had.’

He smiled and his grey eyes were kind. That’s better. Not feeling so blue now? Suppose you tell us all about yourself. Your name, for instance. We can’t go on calling you Miss X.’

'Taryn Penreath,’ she submitted. ‘How long have I been here?’

‘Nearly a week.’

‘Oh, gosh!’ Taryn suddenly sat upright, disregarding the pain in her head. ‘I was supposed to be starting a new job. Whatever will they think?’

‘I’m afraid you won’t be doing any work for some time yet, but if you’d care to give us your employer’s name and address we’ll make sure he knows the position. But don’t you think it’s more important to get in touch with your family? You’re very much of a mystery. There was nothing in your handbag to tell us who you were. And the police have no trace of a missing person fitting your description.’

‘Of course—my case, it’s in Mark’s car,’ forgotten in her haste to escape.

‘Mark? Who is he—your boy-friend?'

‘Luke’s brother. He gave me a lift.’

‘Isn’t it strange he’s not tried to find you to bring back the case?’

‘Not really. He was flying to Italy that same day, taking the car with him. He probably didn’t notice until he got back.'

‘But he would try to contact you?'

Taryn shrugged. ‘I suppose so, though he didn’t know my address in London.'

‘Surely you have a home. Where is that?'

‘South Devon. I live with my aunt. She’ll be wondering why I haven’t written, though she won’t worry—not yet. She’ll assume I’ve been too busy.’

‘And this man Luke. Nurse says you’ve quarrelled, yet his name was constantly on your lips. Would you like us to notify ’

‘Oh no, not him. I don’t want him here. He wouldn’t come anyway,’ she finished lamely.

‘I’m sure you’re misjudging him. If he loves you he’ll come, whether you've quarrelled or not.’

‘Not Luke. He thinks I love Mark.’

‘And do you?’ with an inquiring life of his brows.

‘No. I did once, but not any more.’

‘It sounds very complicated,’ said the doctor, shaking his head, ‘but I suppose you know what you’re doing. Now, if you’ll just give me the address of your aunt we’ll notify her you’re here. I expect she’ll want to come and see you.’

‘I’d prefer her not to know,’ said Taryn firmly. ‘You see, we live in a very small valley, no news is private, and I don’t want Luke to find out. How much longer will I be here?’

‘A few days, could be longer, depends on your progress.’

‘Then leave it and I’ll write to her as soon as I’m out.’

The doctor looked doubtful. ‘We can’t force you to tell us, but I’m not sure you’re doing the wisest thing.’

‘I am, I am—please try to understand.’ Taryn caught the white-coated arm imploringly, her eyes big and bright, her lips parted anxiously.

He could not resist. He smiled and relented. ‘Very Well, though if you have to stay here any longer than three more days I’m going to insist you give us her address.’

Once Taryn showed signs of improvement she was moved into the main ward. She was very much the central figure as her mysterious arrival had caused great speculation throughout the hospital. Even now her refusal to disclose her whereabouts to her family was a point for much discussion, though Taryn herself declined to join in.

She was relieved when on the afternoon of the third day the doctor told her she was fit enough to leave. ‘Now you must promise me that you won’t do anything silly,’ he said. ‘Where do you intend going—back to Devon?’

‘Not yet. I’ll go and see if my job’s still there first. You did tell them about my accident?’

He nodded. ‘But I’ve no idea what their reaction was. In any case, I don’t think you’re fit enough for ’

‘It’s a very light job,’ insisted Taryn. ‘It won’t tire me.’

She felt strange on leaving hospital, dressed in the clothes in which she had left the valley, neatly pressed and laundered, carrying only her handbag. She had a little money, but her cheque book and everything else was inside her case. Why she had put them there she did not know, but it was no use worrying about that now.

Her job was at a large house in Knightsbridge, redesigning the interior as she had done at Dale End. She took a taxi, but as it pulled up before the house her heart sank. It was an old grey building, one of a row all the same. Ugly in design, it did not even faintly inspire her. Nevertheless she paid the taxi driver and mounted the steps to the front door. A burly, florid-faced man answered her knock. She explained who she was, but even before she was half way through he said, ‘I’m sorry, we’ve found someone else. We expect punctuality, not a person who ’

‘But I had an accident, didn’t the hospital explain? I’ve only been discharged today.’

‘I do remember something of the sort,’ he said gruffly, ‘but you’re too late now, the job’s gone. Good day to you.’

The door shut in her face and Taryn stood motionless for a few seconds unable to believe that she had heard him correctly. She felt a childish urge to kick the door before swinging round on her heels and almost running down the steps.

Tears were not far away. She had relied on this job to get her away from Luke, and now she had no option but to return to Honeysuckle Cottage. She certainly hadn’t enough money to stay in London for more than one night, even so it would leave her with only just enough for her train fare. She could go home now, of course, but wanted to ward off the evil hour for as long as possible. The thought of meeting Luke again and seeing the cold condemnation on his face was more than she could stand. It crossed her mind that he might have left by now, but there was no way of finding out until she got there.