Chapter 31
Evelyn rang Anna to tell her what she perceived as very good news.
‘Sophie has been looking after Damien,’ said Evelyn. ‘But my intuition tells me there’s more to it than that. They are each other’s confidants. Damien and his obsession with that hard-hearted Elizabeth and Sophie’s unspeakable relationship with that nasty little rat Nicholas will soon run their course and hopefully they will both see the light. They are made for each other. I just know it.’
Evelyn’s monologue had thrown Anna into a state of confusion.
Sophie had usurped her. Not that Anna would have been a good nurse. But Damien turned her on: mind and body. She missed the sex and fun.
Fuelled by a burning curiosity about her relationship with Damien, Anna orchestrated a rendezvous with her sister.
***
They arranged to meet at the Chelsea Physic Garden. One of London’s secret delights.
Its sheltered walls whispered tales of centuries past, bursting with medicinal herbs and edible wonders.
Anna and Sophie greeted each other with an awkward hug.
But after the initial chill, things warmed up as they walked through the peaceful grounds.
Caught up in another world, the vivid colours of summer flowers and sounds of birdsong were enough to distract them for a while.
Sophie caught herself thinking of Damien when they walked past the medicinal herbs.
It was one of his favourite places.
He had taken her there after one of their Sunday lunches, which were usually catch-ups about their respective doomed relationships.
‘I never tire of standing in the midst of all these miracles that are so vital to modern medicine,’ he had said. ‘This is one of Elizabeth’s treasured spots too. As a perfumer, she appreciates the magic of these plants. And she’s as fascinated by their history as I am. Did you know that in Mesopotamia the written study of herbs and botanicals dates back over 5,000 years to the Sumerians, who created clay tablets with lists of hundreds of medicinal plants including myrrh and opium?’
Sophie’s mind wandered back to Damien’s drug-infused foray. She wondered how he was. Perhaps she’d call in later today.
Anna cut into her thoughts. ‘Where are you, Sophie? What’s on your mind? You seem so distracted.’
She shouldn’t have asked. Why torture herself? And, yes, the answer came, just as expected.
‘I’m worried about Damien,’ Sophie said.
‘Oh, so maybe there’s more to your friendship than meets the eye.’ Anna’s mouth twitched involuntarily.
‘I have to say I’m very drawn to him. He’s such a firebrand. But there’s also a vulnerability that brings out the mother in me. Maybe one day we’ll find each other when we both wake up.’
‘Good luck to you,’ Anna said, tight-lipped. ‘He’s a great guy. Tell you one thing, though, he’s a wonderful lover,’ she added smugly.
‘Good to know,’ Sophie replied. She looked away.
‘Anyway, at least he’s free,’ Anna said. ‘Better than having your heart twisted in knots obsessed with somebody else’s husband.’
You’re waiting for me to bite back, Anna, but I won’t , thought Sophie. I’m not going to give you the pleasure of hurting me.
They had walked out of the herb garden, past the climbers. Sophie focused on a butterfly that had attached itself to the ivy.
‘Look. How pretty, Anna.’
‘Seriously.’ Anna’s mouth twitched again. ‘Have things moved on with you and Damien?’
‘Why are you asking?’
‘Because I don’t want the pictures in my head.’
‘But you’re getting married. Aren’t you in love with Justin?’
Anna looked askance at her sister. ‘To be honest, I’m not sure I want to have this deep and meaningful chat just before I get hitched.’
But Sophie continued digging. ‘Just that when you talk about him, I don’t think you’ve ever used the word love.’
‘Look, I’m very fond of him. Justin’s a really good man and I respect him.’
‘But is that enough?’
‘Please, little sister, don’t give me your romantic nonsense. The important thing is he adores me. Propelled me into becoming a leading children’s writer, and what’s more, I know that he would never, ever look at another woman.’
‘I suppose we’re made of different stuff. The earth has to move for me,’ Sophie said. ‘And from the way you’re talking, he doesn’t seem to steam you up.’
‘What are you suggesting? That we don’t have a good sex life?’ Anna stuck out her chin and gave her sister a belligerent look. ‘Are you trying to throw me off course before my marriage just because you’ve had a rough ride? Justin loves me and I feel a great affection for him. Surely that’s better than being the sneaky bit on the side for a married man.’ She punctuated her words with a thin, sarcastic smile.
Sophie wanted to leave. But instead she took Anna’s arm and gently steered her towards the cafeteria.
‘Come on, let’s have a glass of wine. Just think – you’re marrying a guy who is besotted with you. Remember Mummy’s motto: “Always choose a man who loves you more than you love him and then you’ll be a happy wife”.’