When he released it again he touched the nape of her neck, and Jade tried to think of an ivory-skinned girl with tawny eyes. ‘It’s been nearly an all-day affair,' she murmured, going up to Curepipe.’ ‘Come,' he said, ‘and while you sit on the balcony I will mix you a drink, then we will admire the coral-reef and the sunset before I take you back to the hotel.’ The sea was a mixture of turquoise, changing to amber which finally began to look as if it had been dusted with pearl. The thin, foaming line beyond the sea lagoon was surprisingly quiet and calm, and yet, Marlow had written, there were places where the wild Indian Ocean pounded, unchecked, against black, cane-bordered sea cliffs. ‘Service is swift and polite,’ said Laurent, when he passed Jade a drink. ‘So I see. Thank you.’ Taking the glass from him she watched as he chose one of the cane chairs. ‘It’s perfect here.’ Her eyes went to the fishermen who were busy working on their boats under the palms.
