‘What do you mean whenever you’re in George Town?’

‘I’m a planter. That’s where I’ll be most of the time.’

‘But I’ll be there too.’

‘No.’

She shook her head, mystified. ‘What are you talking about?’

‘You’ll live here. You and Jasmine. Not at the estate.’

‘Why not?’

‘It’s a rough and ready place. A place of work. It’s not comfortable. You wouldn’t like it.’

‘I should be the judge of that. I’m very adaptable. Luxurious surroundings aren’t important to me. Besides we can make it more comfortable. I can help make it a home.’

He raised both hands, palms towards her. ‘No. That’s not up for discussion. I don’t want either you or Jasmine there. Far better that you stay here. I promise I’ll come to George Town at least once every two weeks – I have business to deal with here anyway. And Jasmine needs to be at school. I’ve decided she’s not going back to the nuns. She can stay with you and go to school here in Penang. It will do her good to spend time with you. She needs a woman to care for her.’ He paused, before adding, ‘She needs a mother.’

‘Jasmine won’t even speak to me.’

‘She will. Once she gets used to you. That will happen sooner if I’m not around.’

‘But–’

‘No buts. That’s the deal, Evie.’

She felt numb. What should she do? It was a strange kind of marriage if they were to spend most of their time apart. And he was such a cold person. So indifferent to her feelings. Yet returning to England would be an admission of failure. There was nothing there for her to go back to. And maybe, given time, Douglas might start to feel differently about her. Once they knew each other better. He might even become fond of her if she made herself useful to him – indispensable. And in particular if she could give him the son he wanted.

‘But when you wrote to me you said you wanted a companion.’

‘I do. I need you to care for Jasmine and be here when I return. From time to time I have to entertain people to dinner – agents, buyers and inspectors. I’m also expected to turn up for various functions – local Chinese and Malayans as well as ex-pats. I loathe that kind of thing and stick out like a sore thumb as a single man. Having a wife makes it all easier.’

Evie would probably loathe that kind of thing too – especially if it was anything like her experience at the club today. She swallowed and said, ‘All right. I’ll give it a go. But on the condition that if you behave again the way you did today I intend to leave immediately and go home to England. And that includes if you fail to keep your promise to stay in George Town in this house every couple of weeks.’ She paused. ‘And when you’re here you’ll take your meals with me.’