They drove back in silence. Cass was reliving the miraculous moment in the rain forest, alone with her pad and pencil when a chance gust of wind and ray of sunshine revealed the petroglyph.
Just before they turned on to the road that wentalong the coast towards Bastian’s house, Ranulph said, ‘If Austin hadn’t knocked Howard’s camera out of your hand, the petroglyph might not have been discovered.’
Cass gave a wry chuckle. ‘Well, it certainly wouldn’t have been by Austin or even Bastian – I had altered the map when I copied it.’
Ranulph gave her a smile that was heart-melting and made her suddenly regret her decision that they should be just friends for the time being. ‘You’re a very clever woman, Cass. Devious, but clever.’
‘Just as well, hey!’ said Cass glibly, allowing her sprits to fly just for a moment.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
Everyone was on the veranda when they arrived back and Sylvie in particular seemed in high spirits.
‘We’ve decided to throw a party!’ she announced. ‘A local launch to celebrate Bastian winning the bursary and his new book.’
Cass looked at Bastian, who caught her glance and shrugged. ‘Everyone loves a party,’ he said. ‘Loretta and her family will come over from Barbados. Lots of local people will come.’
‘How does Delphine feel about this?’ Cass murmured.
‘She loves a party too,’ he said. ‘And Loretta is insisting on doing the cooking. She’s already told me she will bring a turkey and a ham although it’s not Christmas yet.’
‘Well, that’s good,’ said Cass.
‘It’s kinda good,’ said Delphine from over Cass’s shoulder. Then she came round and handed Cass a glass of punch. ‘But she is one messy cook.’
Bastian smiled. ‘And Loretta’s parents want to come. And her brother. They’ve never been to Dominica before.’
‘They think it’s a backward little island where no one goes,’ said Delphine. Then she huffed in an impressive way and returned to the kitchen.
The following days were a flurry of activity. Sylvie was obsessed with trying to buy pretty paper napkins, Michael was trying to buy enough alcohol to render half the island unconscious, and Ranulph and Bastian spent time rigging up the perfect party venue on the beach. This required a very long table, benches, a shelter for the steel band that was booked, a table for food, and a bar made with a huge cable reel on its side.
Cass and Delphine made rooms ready for the guests who were staying over.
Apparently, the original plan had been for Loretta to come the day before her parents and brother, Delphine explained. Now they were all coming at once.
‘Loretta still has time to prepare for the meal, but we have to entertain her family for a day longer,’ she finished. ‘I don’t know where we’re going to put everyone!’
‘I’ve had a job as a chambermaid,’ said Cass, hoping Delphine wouldn’t comment on the fact that she was not offering to stay with Ranulph to free up a room. ‘I’ll help you make up all the beds.’
Bastian and Cass were in the dog-feeding shack. Cass had offered to boil up the chickens while Bastian was busy building structures on the beach. He had come back so he could feed Friendly himself.
Cass thought she’d take the opportunity to find outmore about Loretta’s parents. ‘Have you met them?’ she asked.
Bastian smiled ruefully. ‘Yes. I don’t think they approve of me as I’m not a millionaire, but they are impressed by my status on the island, apparently.’
‘What does that mean, exactly?’ Cass stirred the chicken and rice, the smell of which was making Friendly very excited.
‘It means they’ll drop my name at every opportunity on the journey and try to get through customs without paying any duty on anything.’
Cass shuddered at the thought. ‘How embarrassing!’
‘Yes. But on the other hand, if anyone discovers that Loretta has a frozen turkey in her luggage, it may be a good thing.’
‘Really? Is it illegal to bring food in, then?’
Bastian shrugged. ‘It might be. Loretta’s mother is worried about it, anyway. She has the ham. Loretta’s brother Clyde will make his famous sweet-potato dish, which includes marshmallows. One thing we can be sure of, there will be enough food.’
‘That’s good! said Cass. ‘This all seems to be cooked. Shall I turn off the gas?’
