42
The atmosphere was tense in Dashford Grange’s dining room.
‘More food, darling?’ Nancy said to Mark.
‘I wasn’t expecting you to kill the fatted calf, Mother,’ Mark said, looking at the array of unfinished dishes on the table. ‘They do have food in Birmingham, you know.’
‘I’m fully aware of how people eat in the Midlands. I grew up there, remember? However, as it’s the first time I’ve seen you and Lucy since you announced your engagement, I thought I’d push the boat out. And it’s a welcome for Klaus, too. I didn’t get a chance to do that properly yesterday.’
Lucy noticed Nancy and Klaus exchanging a knowing look. They seemed very loved up. She suspected Nancy had given Klaus an excellent welcome yesterday, just not a culinary one. Mark must’ve seen the way they looked at one another, too. He seemed deeply uncomfortable.
‘Are you planning to stay long, Klaus?’ he asked, between mouthfuls of Steak Diane.
‘A few months, hopefully. Then perhaps your mother can stop with me in Germany for a while.’
‘I’m looking forward to that.’ Nancy looked genuinely thrilled at the prospect.
‘Is Nigel aware of the latest developments here?’ Mark asked.
Nancy huffed. ‘I’ve been granted a slot in his diary on Friday. His PA told me he was fully booked for the rest of the week, so it’s his problem if he’s the last to find out. I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to hear that Klaus has moved in. He’s always saying I need someone to look after me.’
Lucy smiled at Nancy’s mischievous grin. They all knew full well that Nigel would be horrified and would probably be seeking legal advice immediately. Not that Mark was reacting much better.
‘What I’m baffled by is how you got out of Germany. I thought they locked down earlier than us,’ Lucy asked.
‘They did,’ he said. ‘But I managed to drive into France before they closed the borders. The ferries are still running. I told them I was returning to England to be with my partner. I wasn’t showing any Covid symptoms, so they were happy with that, and I got to Dover without any problems. In fact, I got as far as Devon before anyone stopped me.’
‘Our mutual friend by any chance?’ Mark asked.
Klaus looked puzzled.
‘He means the policeman, not the Charles Dickens book.’ Nancy explained.
‘Ah, yes. He was threatening to repatriate me until I told him my son worked in the German Embassy and it might cause a diplomatic incident.’
‘Does your son work in the German Embassy?’ Mark asked.
‘Yes - in Helsinki,’ he grinned.
Lucy chuckled. She could see what Nancy saw in Klaus.
He carried on with his story. ‘Our mutual friend settled for escorting me here to check I wasn’t lying, which was a relief. I didn’t want to have to outrun him. I’m rusty at all that.’
Mark looked alarmed.
‘More vegetables?’ Nancy said, pushing the serving plate towards him, presumably as a distraction technique.
‘No more, please, Mother. I’m full now, thanks.’
‘I’m sure you’ve still got room for dessert, knowing you,’ she said, collecting his empty plate. ‘It’s your favourite.’
‘Not strawberry blancmange again.’
‘Of course not. I realise you’re 37, not 7. It’s sherry trifle. Will that do?’
‘That would be fantastic. Thank you.’
‘Klaus - give me a hand, will you.’ Nancy shepherded him out of the dining room.
‘You’re going to be like the side of a house if she keeps this up,’ Lucy said to Mark when they were alone in the dining room.
‘Don’t worry. The novelty of mothering me usually wears off after 24 hours.’
‘Feeling more relaxed about Klaus now? He seems very nice.’
‘I’m intrigued why he has previous experience of evading the law. But yes, he does seem ok.’
‘Just ok?’
‘Well, alright. She’s obviously very pleased he’s here.’
‘You don’t begrudge her some happiness in her twilight years, do you? If we’re globetrotting, and Jack and Em are tied up with raising a family, she deserves to have someone of her own to spend time with.’
‘But she’s got her friends.’
‘Not ones who have a twinkle in their eye like Klaus. And her friends are dwindling in number. She’s outlived several of them already. Covid might see off a few more.’
‘Now look who’s being cheery. Klaus is no spring chicken.’
‘He looks quite fit to me.’
Mark glared at her.
‘Not in that way! I meant he looks healthy.’
‘We’ll see how healthy he looks after a few months of living with Mum. ‘