Read Online The Good Wife by Elizabeth Buchan - Free Book Online

squeezed my fingers and then dropped them. ‘What about her?’
    ‘Her and Sacha. I’m a bit concerned.’
    ‘Meg says that’s nonsense. They’re just very close, as cousins sometimes are.’
    ‘You’ve talked to Meg? I’ve been trying to ring you all week, but you were always busy…’
    ‘Hallo, Ted.’ Will transferred his attention smoothly to one of his fellow ministers.
    A good champagne was served in a long, narrow reception room. Obedient to my briefing, I talked about weather and flora to an ambassador who was dressed in a multi-coloured tie, and about wines to a junior consul, who informed me he had been brought up on beer. I took Antonio Pasquale aside and astounded him with my grasp of Italian and Italian wine. When we said goodbye he kissed my hand and I knew I had done a good job.
    Back in the flat, Will made straight for the drinks tray, which was unusual, and poured himself a glass of whisky. ‘I’m whacked. Pasquale’s wife was a nightmare.’
    ‘We ought to eat something.’
    ‘Too tired.’
    ‘So am I.’ I kicked off my shoes and curled up on the sofa. ‘Tell me what’s happening.’
    Will sighed. ‘Haven’t the energy.’
    ‘Oh.’ I studied my feet, encased in their light, evening tights.
    ‘I’m sorry, darling.’
    I reached for the cushion and hugged it. ‘How would you feel if Dad and I went on a trip to Italy?’
    Will snapped to attention. ‘When?’
    ‘While Chloë’s away. September probably. We haven’t settled on anything yet.’
    ‘Without me?’
    ‘Yes.’
    Will put down his glass and came and sat down beside me. ‘Of course you must go. I know what it would mean to you.’ He paused. ‘But do you have to go this year? There is so much on…’ He took away the cushion and put his arm around me. ‘I need you on board.’ I sensed the energy flowing back into him as he concentrated on bringing me back into the fold. ‘Just at the moment, I’m not sure I could manage without you.’ He took another gulp of the whisky. ‘Perhaps I’m being selfish.’ When I did not reply, he said sharply, ‘Fanny, are you listening?’
    I raised my eyes and saw my old Will: the clever, funny, passionate, committed man with whom I had fallen in love, and I wondered what he could see in me, and whether or not he was looking.
    ‘Ours is becoming a curious marriage,’ I heard myself say. ‘I’ve been trying all week to talk to you about your daughter… where do I come in the queue?’
    ‘Don’t be silly.’ This was said with a flash of irritation.
    ‘It’s true.’
    He caught my chin. ‘Is this because I talked toMeg? She just happened to phone at the right time, you idiot.’
    ‘Partly.’ I shook his hand away and started to pick at the braid on the discarded cushion. ‘I mind about that.’
    He sighed. ‘I honestly don’t think there’s any need to worry about Chloë.’
    ‘But I do worry about her. And I worry that I have to worry about her on my own.’
    ‘When she goes to Australia, she’ll forget Sacha; she’ll meet other people. It’s not so odd at her age to have a passion – if she does – for someone unsuitable.’
    He was probably right, but I’d had enough politician’s answers for one evening. I heaved myself to my feet and went over to the window and looked out at the dull summer night. ‘I would like to go away with my father, Will. I don’t think he is all that well, and I’d like to spend some time with him.’
    ‘Rather than with me…’
    I turned round and glared at him. ‘I’m going to forget you said that.’
    Will set his glass down on the table with a snap. ‘Did you really suggest to Meg that she move out?’
    ‘Not exactly,’ I replied. ‘The idea was proposed, but not voted upon.’
    ‘Don’t you think you should have discussed it with me first? She’s upset and unsettled, and it can’t be good for her.’
    ‘Discuss things with you? What an excellent idea. I’ve being trying all week. Shall I see if Mannochie