Rata flowers are red

  RATA FLOWERS ARE RED by Mary Moore

  Judy had gone to work on Mark Palmer's farm while she tried to make up her mind whether or not to continue her engagement to Bruce Clarkson.It turned out to be the worst thing she could have done, for instead of helping her sort out one problem, it only presented her with another, even more insoluble one!

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  Original hard cover edition published in 1969 by Mills & Boon Limited, 17-19 Foley Street, London W1A 1DR, England

  © Mary Moore 1969

  Harlequin edition published April, 1972

  ISBN 373-01578-0

  All the characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the Author, and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the Author, and all the incidents are pure invention.

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  CHAPTER I

  Judy walked quickly down Oxford Terrace; her heels beating out a rapid tattoo on the pavement. There was really no need to hurry, but the anger inside her had built up a sense of urgency. Now that she had made up her mind to break her engagement, she wanted it finished quickly. She was quite unaware of the admiring glances she drew from the people who were sitting on the seats along the banks of the Avon river, enjoying the warm spring sunshine. She was dressed in a leaf green suit and the sun picked out the copper tints of her shining cap of hair. Her tall slim figure and long-legged stride seemed to emphasize that spring had really arrived.

  Thoughts chased each other chaotically through her mind How gloriously happy she had been when she left England two months ago to fly to New Zealand. To fly to Bruce. Even the fact that she had finished her nursing training and had passed her Final with honours had been of little significance compared to the fact that she was at last on her way to be with Bruce again after a six-month separation.

  Their reunion had been all she had hoped. The parting had, if anything, strengthened their love for each other. His family had-

  welcomed her with open arms. Judy had been delighted. She had expected a certain amount of restraint, perhaps even resentment that Bruce had met and planned to marry an unknown English girl. But Mrs. Clarkson had received her with enthusiasm and had insisted that Judy stay with them until the wedding. Judy had been thrilled at the warmth of her reception and delighted to have the chance to get to know the members of the family intimately. Perhaps that was where she had made the fatal mistake. Perhaps she would have shown more wisdom if she had taken a temporary nursing position while the wedding arrangements were made.

  Of course she and Bruce had planned to marry soon after her arrival, but Mrs Clarkson had talked them into waiting for three months to give her time to arrange a proper wedding, as she called it. She had said it would hardly further Bruce's career to have a small, quiet, hole-and-corner wedding. Well, Mrs Clarkson had had her way. But then, thought Judy bitterly, didn't Mrs. Clarkson always get her own way ?

  Oh, what was the use of going back over the misery and frustration of the last month ? She was meeting Bruce now to hand back his ring. It was over. Finished.

  The car was parked in the usual place. How often in the last few weeks she had been sitting in the car waiting for Bruce to finish

  work ! It had been one part of the day when she could have him to herself. Her eyes blurred with tears as she blindly groped for the door handle. She got in and slammed the door viciously. She had reached the end of the road. No one could say she hadn't tried to please his mother. At first she had given in because she did not want to start off on the wrong foot. But as time went on Judy discovered that she was always giving in. The only way to satisfy Mrs Clarkson was to surrender completely to her wishes. To do this, Judy had found, was very difficult. Her normal light hearted, impulsive, independent spirit had been slowly suffocated.

  The episode this afternoon had shown her quite clearly that Mrs Clarkson had every intention of managing and controlling their lives after they had married. She made that abundantly clear. This morning Mrs Clark-son had been terribly excited when she had discovered the house next door was up for sale. Judy had thought it was only natural for her to be interested as she would have to live next to the new people. When Mrs Clark-son had rushed off to town to keep an un-expected business appointment, Judy hadn't given it a thought.

  Judy felt that she was still numb from the shock of Mrs Clarkson's surprise announcement when she returned home, that she and Bruce had gone to the land agents at lunch

  time and paid a deposit on the house next door. Judy had sat in horrified silence while Mrs Clarkson had burbled on about how wonderful it would be to have them next door. How she would be able to help Judy with the housekeeping, and when the children came she would be able to advise Judy and teach her how to bring them up. Judy had shivered. Without excusing herself she had gone upstairs and packed her bags. She had rung a taxi and booked a room at Coker's Hotel and left She had been lucky to leave without Mrs Clarkson's knowledge. She had felt that the least Bruce was entitled to was that she should tell him first that she was breaking her engagement. If she had said goodbye to Mrs. Clarkson she knew that she would not have been able to control herself. She knew also that his mother would have rung Bruce straight away. That woman . . . ! Angrily she pulled off her engagement ring when she heard Bruce approaching the car. She put it on the seat, then turned to stare out the window her side, while she fought desperately to control her emotions.

  Judy heard the door open and felt rather than saw Bruce slide into his seat. She noticed his momentary hesitation before he got in, so he must have seen the ring. She must be quick before he started to plead or argue. She continued to gaze out the window. It was easier than facing him and seeing the

  hurt look on his face.

  I'm giving you back your ring, Bruce. I'm not going to wear it. I am not going to marry you, next month or any other month. We're finished, all washed up. You're not a man, you're a mouse. You're completely spineless, a jellyfish. Your mother has you tied to her apron strings and she'll never let you go. She may be able to direct you, control your every thought, but I'm damned if she's going to boss me !

  What she did this morning was unforgivable. She went down town and without mentioning a word to me, she got you to pay a deposit on that house. What were you thinking of ? You could have rung me up and asked what I thought of the idea before you paid over the money. But I can bet it was all your mother's idea to give me a lovely surprise. You gormless nit, she knew I would stop you. She knew, and you did too, that our plan was to buy a new ranch-style home out at New Brighton where we would have young married couples for our neighbours.

  ' When she told me about it I couldn't believe it. She's a Dracula, a vampire, a—a parasite living on other people's
lives!' Judy choked, her eyes were full of tears. ' I've packed my bags and moved to a hotel. I'm leaving Christchurch tomorrow, and I won't tell you where I'm going. I can't—I don't even know myself yet. But I'll get a job

  somewhere and I'll never see you again, I hope. Oh, Bruce, how could you let her do this to us ? I'm ashamed of you. I've begged and pleaded for you to make a stand, but you've got no backbone. Well, haven't you got anything to say ?'

  No, nothing really, except that you look quite magnificent when you're in a temper.'

  Judy swung round, her startled eyes meeting the amused gaze of a complete stranger.

  ' Who are you ?' she demanded furiously.

  Well, thank God, I'm not that poor jellyfish Bruce. My name is Mark Palmer. What's yours ?'

  Ignoring his question, she stuttered, Wwh-what are you doing in this car ? Get out at once!'

  Mark laughed, For someone who doesn't like being bossed, you're pretty good at giving orders ! And I'm not going to get out. I'm perfectly entitled to be here. This is my car.'

  It is not. It belongs to Bruce Clarkson. I'm his fiancée.'

  From what I heard it doesn't sound like a very permanent position.' The wretched man grinned. 'About the car—I'm afraid you must have been in such a filthy temper that you didn't check very carefully. The car directly behind us is the same colour and make, perhaps that one belongs to Bruce.'

  Judy twisted about in her seat and to her so

  horror realized that the man had spoken the truth. His remark about her temper had not endeared him to her. She had made a complete fool of herself, and the beast looked as if he was enjoying every minute of it. Judy shrugged her shoulders. There was nothing to do but apologize and make as dignified an exit as possible under the circumstances.

  ' I'm terribly sorry, Mr— Mr— ?'

  Mark,' he offered helpfully.

  Judy glared at him, I'm sorry if I've caused you any inconvenience.' Her voice was coldly polite.

  Oh, don't apologize. I found your performance vastly entertaining. I wouldn't have missed it for worlds. It's not every day I find a long-legged beauty waiting in my car for me. This has really made my day.'

  You're insufferable ! ' said Judy as she vainly tugged at her short skirt. 'And leave my legs out of the conversation !'

  Mark looked in the rear vision mirror. Say, would that be your unbeloved Bruce getting into the car now ? Poor blighter, he's for it. After practising on me you should be able to give the second performance with even more vim and vigour.'

  Judy panicked. She couldn't face Bruce at this moment when she was completely demoralized. It had been bad enough saying all those things when she had been in a white-hot rage, but she simply couldn't do it in cold

  blood.

  Oh, take me out of here,' she implored Mark. Drive around the corner and let me out. Please. I can't face him now.'

  I will if you tell me your name.' Mark offered.

  Judy Somers, as if it matters. Oh, please hurry !'

  Right, Judy, crouch down under the dash-board so that he won't recognize you.' He started the car and pulled out into the traffic. He drove through the Square and. down Colombo Street towards the Station until he found a place to park near a well lighted grill-room.

  You can come up for air now,' he told Judy. The only answer he got was a muffled sob. He lit a cigarette and smoked it in silence. When it was finished he spoke to Judy.

  Would you like a loan of my handkerchief ?'

  No.'

  You disappoint me. All the best films have the hero offering the damsel in distress a nice clean handkerchief. Sure you won't change your mind ?'

  He received no reply, but he knew she had. stopped crying.

  That chap Bruce must have been a real clot, not to hang on to a girl like you. Fancy letting his mother get in the way. Me, I'd

  have traded my mother and a couple of aunts

  as well, to get hold of a girl as pretty as you.'

  That brought Judy upright with a jerk. ' You had no right to listen ! It was a sneaky thing to do. Why didn't you say something ?' Her green eyes flashed fire.

  ' Here, be fair,' Mark protested. I didn't have a chance to get a word in edgeways. Naturally I was surprised to find you here. Before I had time to say a word you blew your top. I took note of your red hair and decided that it was a lot safer to sit out the storm.'

  I have not got red hair ! ' Judy shouted.

  ' Well, let's say reddish brown,' said Mark soothingly. Then he spoilt everything by adding, 'And green eyes. Wow, what a combination!'

  I have brown hair and hazel eyes.' Judy glared at him, then looked around her. Where are we ?'

  In Colombo Street, down near the Station.

  Good, I know how to find my way to the hotel from here.'

  I'll drive you wherever you want to go. Which hotel are you staying at ?'

  Coker's. But .there's no need to drive me there. It's just along here. I can walk,' and then she added belatedly, Thanks.

  Would you like a cigarette ?' Mark suggested.

  No, thanks, Mr— er Mr—?'

  Mark. Really, Judy, after all we've been through together you can hardly insist on formality,' he laughed.

  Suddenly the humour of the situation struck her. It was quite crazy. Like a Mad Batter's tea party. Judy's lips trembled, a dimple quirked and then she smiled. She looked at Mark and then they both broke into peals of laughter.

  Oh, the blessed healing relief of shared laughter ! Judy felt that she had shed a straitjacket she'd worn for weeks. Slowly she sobered up.

  ' I really am most awfully sorry to have been such a nuisance to you, M-Mark,' she said shyly. This has been a terrible day for me, as you may have guessed. Then I had to make matters worse by climbing into the wrong car and breaking my engagement with the wrong man. I think you took my whole performance remarkably well.' She gave him her normal wide smile. It was amazing how much at ease she felt with him. She should have felt small and humiliated, but there was something about him that gave her confidence.

  Why, thank you, ma'am, for them kind words. I gather you've had a fairly grim time lately. Now to show that I really am forgiven, will you come and have a bite with me ?'

  No, thank you,' replied Judy quickly,.

  I've got a lot to do.'

  I'll say you have,' said Mark blandly. You've got to see Bruce and break off your engagement That won't be easy. He'll have probably traced you to the hotel by now and be waiting for you. I think you'd be better able to face the difficulties if you had a good meal first. What do you say ?'

  Judy still hesitated. He was probably right about Bruce. By now they would have dis-covered her missing. It was an easy task to ring around the hotels to see if she had registered. She needed more -time.

  `Another thing,' Mark grinned at her. Just a small point, of course, but the next show is going to lack fire if you haven't got your ring to -throw back at him. I'll keep it safely for you until we've had something to eat'

  Judy was appalled. She had completely forgotten about the ring. Wouldn't she have felt terrible if she had jumped out of the car earlier and left the ring with Mark ? How would she have traced him ? How would she have explained to Bruce ?

  ` Goodness me, you wouldn't resort to blackmail to get your own way ? Or would you ?'

  ` I wouldn't hesitate. I'm a desperate character. I would even consider kidnapping if all else failed.'

  ` Then it looks as if I have no option. I'm only a poor defenceless female, entirely at

  your mercy. I will accept your gracious invitation.'

  That's my girl ! But I'm not sure about the defenceless female bit. Sorry I can't take you to dinner, but I haven't much time. I have to get on the road home. I have a two hundred-mile drive in front of me tonight, so let's nip into this grill-room and see what they have to offer.'

  He walked round and opened the door for her. Taking her arm, he led her into the pleasant warmth of the grill-room. She was Surprised to find that she onl
y came up to his shoulder. She was quite tall herself, so he must be about six feet or a bit over. Idly she wondered what he did for a living. She guessed he would be a professional man, or perhaps an up-and-coming business executive.

  They found a table and gave their order, Mark leaned forward and regarded her speculatively. Pardon me for referring to the earlier part of our meeting, but it's of great importance to me—at least one thing you said is. You said that you were going to leave Christchurch and also that you were going to have to find a job. Did you mean that, or were you just saying it to bring Bruce to heel ?'

  ' I meant every word I said.'

  What sort of work did you have in mind ?'

  I'm a trained nurse. I don't suppose it

  would be hard to get a position. I would like to go to some small country district, if possible.'

  ' It's fate, that's what it is ! But I'd better start at the beginning. I'm a farmer. What are you looking so startled for ?'

  You don't look like a farmer,' Judy stated positively.

  Mark shook his head sadly. ' You townies are all the same. Just because a fellow doesn't wear gumboots and chew straw all the time, he doesn't look like a farmer! For your information, I don't wear this suit when I'm milking the cows. Okay, where was I ? Oh yes. I have a farm on the West Coast.'

  What sort of farm ? How big is it ?'

  ' Eight hundred acres. It's a mixed farm. Mainly devoted to town supply milking, but I do have a few hundred ewes and have a few run cattle. I came over today to give a paper at Lincoln College.'

  What was the subject of the paper ?' interrupted Judy.

  Budgeting. How to increase production with only limited capital.'

  I thought all New Zealand farmers were rich.'

  `A few of them are very rich, a lot of them are comfortably off, but the majority of them are like me, scratching for a living. Farming on a shoestring and hoping they don't slip and hang themselves with it. Now don't interrupt. I lose. the thread of my discourse. I have a pair of ten-year-old twins at home, and until six weeks ago my mother stayed to look after them. She has had a lot of worry which I won't go into just now, but the result was that she suffered a slight heart attack. She has been in hospital ever since.