Chapter 29
Andrea: B is for Beef Wellington – and also for Bastards
Darlings,
How did it go today? I do hope it wasn’t too windy, and I didn’t end up as grit in your eyes – how amusing would that be?
Do you like the card, by the way? It’s from that set that Joe bought me for Christmas, Rose, with the pretty pictures of British mammals on them. I especially like this hedgehog. He’s rather dashing, don’t you think? I shall call him Henry.
Anyway, not so much space on here, and I am about to turn in for the night, so I’ll keep it brief.
Tonight, my sweets, I’d like you to eat a meal together.
I’ve left you a lovely recipe for Beef Wellington, and my Tinkerbell, Lewis, will have left everything you need in the fridge.
I opted for ready-made pastry; I don’t suspect either of you is in the mood for kneading right now.
No idea how it’ll turn out – Rose, you don’t seem to cook much any more, and Poppy, you barely seem to eat – but give it a go. Cook a splendid meal, and eat it in the Posh Room, and drink some bubbly, and talk.
What I’d like you to talk about, specifically, is Bastards.
We’ve all known them, my loves, even me.
I had a torrid affair with my former manager when I was barely out of my teens, only to discover that not only was he married, but he was screwing half his other clients as well!
Utter Bastard – but he did get me some of my best roles, so I forgave him.
Some, though, are not as easy to forget.
Some leave their mark on everyone around them.
Some simply destroy everything good that crosses their path – and they’re often the ones with the most handsome face, the wittiest of conversation, the most charming of demeanours.
They seem full of life and energy, but they’re secretly empty – and they try to fill themselves up by sucking the life out of the people around them.
Usually women who’ve fallen under their spell.
I think we all know who I’m talking about here, and it’s time it came out into the open. So eat, drink, and be honest – and remember, girls, that Bastards only have power over us if we let them.
And while I’m at it, scoot forward to C now – it’s one line on the ever-efficient index that Lewis will have prepared, and I think it sits magnificently with your dinner.
Bon appetit!
Mum xxx