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Authors: Rebecca Shaw
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answer. Between us we should be able to do something constructive for the young people in the villages, and that’s what’s important.’
‘Indeed it is.’
Kate and Venetia sighed with relief.
Then Kate launched herself into cementing the relationship. ‘We would be delighted to have your support, and, as I said before, we shall discuss it with the members on Friday, won’t we, Venetia? Another drink, anyone?’
But Mercedes had had enough and began gathering up her smart Chanel handbag from the luxurious carpet and making ready for a rapid retreat.
However, Ford had other ideas. ‘Thank you. I’ll have another gin and tonic, please.’
Whether it was the second gin - though two gins were only starters as far as Ford was concerned - who knew? But Ford came out with the remark to end all remarks, and Mercedes almost fainted when he said it.
‘I think it’s wonderful for your daughter to give time to the village young people. She deserves support. And you, too, Venice.’
Ford blithely carried on sipping his drink, totally unaware that Mr Fitch was on the verge of an apoplectic fit.
Visibly taking a grip on himself, Craddock said graciously, though tight-lipped, ‘Kate is my wife.’
After this the conversation was sustained only just long enough for Ford to finish his second G and T. Then Mercedes actually stood up ready for the off and he had to leave.
Kate saw them to the front door, and then raced up the stairs back to the flat, to find Craddock storming about the sitting room like a maniac.
‘I’ll sort something out for him . Settle him once and for all. My daughter indeed! I’ll give him what for. The bloody little upstart!’
‘Craddock! Really!’ Kate laughed. ‘I don’t care. We’re the ones having a wonderful life married to each other and loving it, and no one can take that from you or from me, whatever they say or think.’
Craddock put his arms round her and kissed her. ‘How right you are. We’re the winners in this, aren’t we?’
‘Exactly.’ She kissed him back, glad the hurt was resolved.
‘But . . . coming here and throwing his money in my face. Who the hell does he think he is?’
‘Someone doing the youth club a very good turn. He’s being generous in the only way he knows. You were unfair.’
‘Do I go round telling everyone, quoting figures, how much money I’ve given to this village? No, I do not. It stuck in my craw listening to his list.’
Kate began laughing. In fact, she rolled about in her chair uncontrollably. Finally she managed to speak. ‘You did used to, before I appeared on the scene. You’ve learned since that giving quietly but with purpose earns you far more Brownie points than making a song and dance about it. You know that, don’t you? Look how much more acceptable you are to the village nowadays. Far more than ever you were. They’re even growing quite fond of you.’
‘Well, he’d better learn fast, or else . . .’
‘Or else, what? She’s nice. A gentle person really.’
‘She rivals Venetia in the taste department.’
‘Now that is cruel. She’s very nervous of you. She has lovely eyes and just needs a little—’
‘OK, OK. But don’t make them part of our social circle or we could come to blows.’
Mercedes didn’t speak all the way home in the car. The whole evening had been torture for her. From a poor working-class background she’d been thrust by Ford’s success into being wealthy and hadn’t yet managed to feel comfortable with it. Glebe House alarmed her for a start. They ought never to have bought it. A nice cosy cottage with a thatched roof and small rooms would have suited her better. She imagined a cat sleeping on the hearth-rug and a bathroom small enough to feel warm instead of that glistening, barn-like bathroom she had to use that was part of the ‘step up’ Ford had dreamed about. She knew he
‘Indeed it is.’
Kate and Venetia sighed with relief.
Then Kate launched herself into cementing the relationship. ‘We would be delighted to have your support, and, as I said before, we shall discuss it with the members on Friday, won’t we, Venetia? Another drink, anyone?’
But Mercedes had had enough and began gathering up her smart Chanel handbag from the luxurious carpet and making ready for a rapid retreat.
However, Ford had other ideas. ‘Thank you. I’ll have another gin and tonic, please.’
Whether it was the second gin - though two gins were only starters as far as Ford was concerned - who knew? But Ford came out with the remark to end all remarks, and Mercedes almost fainted when he said it.
‘I think it’s wonderful for your daughter to give time to the village young people. She deserves support. And you, too, Venice.’
Ford blithely carried on sipping his drink, totally unaware that Mr Fitch was on the verge of an apoplectic fit.
Visibly taking a grip on himself, Craddock said graciously, though tight-lipped, ‘Kate is my wife.’
After this the conversation was sustained only just long enough for Ford to finish his second G and T. Then Mercedes actually stood up ready for the off and he had to leave.
Kate saw them to the front door, and then raced up the stairs back to the flat, to find Craddock storming about the sitting room like a maniac.
‘I’ll sort something out for him . Settle him once and for all. My daughter indeed! I’ll give him what for. The bloody little upstart!’
‘Craddock! Really!’ Kate laughed. ‘I don’t care. We’re the ones having a wonderful life married to each other and loving it, and no one can take that from you or from me, whatever they say or think.’
Craddock put his arms round her and kissed her. ‘How right you are. We’re the winners in this, aren’t we?’
‘Exactly.’ She kissed him back, glad the hurt was resolved.
‘But . . . coming here and throwing his money in my face. Who the hell does he think he is?’
‘Someone doing the youth club a very good turn. He’s being generous in the only way he knows. You were unfair.’
‘Do I go round telling everyone, quoting figures, how much money I’ve given to this village? No, I do not. It stuck in my craw listening to his list.’
Kate began laughing. In fact, she rolled about in her chair uncontrollably. Finally she managed to speak. ‘You did used to, before I appeared on the scene. You’ve learned since that giving quietly but with purpose earns you far more Brownie points than making a song and dance about it. You know that, don’t you? Look how much more acceptable you are to the village nowadays. Far more than ever you were. They’re even growing quite fond of you.’
‘Well, he’d better learn fast, or else . . .’
‘Or else, what? She’s nice. A gentle person really.’
‘She rivals Venetia in the taste department.’
‘Now that is cruel. She’s very nervous of you. She has lovely eyes and just needs a little—’
‘OK, OK. But don’t make them part of our social circle or we could come to blows.’
Mercedes didn’t speak all the way home in the car. The whole evening had been torture for her. From a poor working-class background she’d been thrust by Ford’s success into being wealthy and hadn’t yet managed to feel comfortable with it. Glebe House alarmed her for a start. They ought never to have bought it. A nice cosy cottage with a thatched roof and small rooms would have suited her better. She imagined a cat sleeping on the hearth-rug and a bathroom small enough to feel warm instead of that glistening, barn-like bathroom she had to use that was part of the ‘step up’ Ford had dreamed about. She knew he
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