Chapter Nine
CHAPTER
NINE
Violet was pleased to meet Felicity on the way to the pillar box a bit later that day. ‘Was it today you were having lunch with Oliver on his barge?’
‘Yes! My mother said I came back smelling like a bonfire because of the stove.’
‘But it was fun?’
‘Oh yes!’
‘Come up and have tea,’ Violet suggested. ‘And tell me all about it.’
‘So, what was the barge like?’ asked Violet a little later. They had their chairs pulled up to the gas fire and were eating hot buttered toast. ‘I see them on the river, of course, but I’ve never been on one.’
‘To be honest, it was all rather dingy and depressing. It did smell of bonfires. The kitchen – galley – was the worst. That smelt quite unpleasant. His friends were nice though. Two of them were actors. They want me to paint some scenery for them. I need to talk my mother round but she likes Oliver so I think it will be all right.’
‘Nice to have something to do in your spare time, too.’ Violet was aware of a feeling of envy. When she lived at home in the country she was never short of something to do, but in London, when in theory she had the bright lights, the shops, culture, she was sometimes a bit at a loss. She had explored more when she’d first arrived.
Felicity put her head on one side. ‘Are you a bit bored too?’
Violet nodded. ‘I’m fine when I’m at work, as I can do what I want to, more or less. But with the days getting shorter, I don’t have the will to go out and explore London or visit art galleries.’
‘Do you like art then?’
‘Oh yes! I know most about old maps and manuscripts because that’s what my father deals with and I’ve grown up with them all my life. But I love visiting galleries. When I was first here, I went round the National Portrait Museum, but I haven’t been anywhere else much.’
‘I like art galleries. We should go together.’
‘That would be fun.’
‘If you don’t mind me saying, you don’t sound as if you think that would be fun.’
Violet laughed. ‘Sorry. I was thinking about tomorrow. I’ve got to go home and see my father.’
‘Don’t you like him?’
‘I love my father! But I don’t like his … I wish I knew how to describe her.’ She paused. ‘His potential new wife,’ she said eventually.
Felicity put down her teacup. ‘Would it make it easier if I came with you?’
‘What, to visit my father?’ It only took Violet a second to decide that having moral support would definitely help. Especially such pretty moral support. ‘Aren’t you seeing Oliver?’
Felicity shook her head. ‘He’s working. I’m not sure at which of his many jobs.’
‘Then I’d be so grateful!’
‘But would it be all right with your father? My own father and stepmother are very informal and accept last-minute visitors without a blink. But my real mother isn’t nearly as relaxed.’ She looked a bit sad, Violet noticed.
‘Do you miss home?’
Felicity considered. ‘In many ways I do, but you are here and that helps. And Oliver, too, of course.’ She laughed softly.
‘I can see that it would,’ said Violet. ‘And to be honest, I don’t know how Kiki will react to an unexpected visitor. But I don’t care either. It’s still my home.’ She smiled, feeling much more cheerful. ‘Will Lucinda mind, do you think?’
‘I’ll have to ask but really, I don’t think so. I happen to know that Gerald is taking her out for lunch. She’ll be pleased to have me safely occupied.’ Felicity paused. ‘I think she’s finding having her daughter with her in London harder work that she expected. She’s never looked after us – me or my brother – on her own before.’
Violet was silent for a moment, thinking of her own mother. ‘You ask and then we can make a plan. I love plans.’
Later that evening, after Felicity had obtained permission and gone back downstairs, Violet got out her writing paper and pen. Dear Jenny, I’m braving the homestead tomorrow, but I’m bringing support. Felicity offered to come with me and I’m delighted. Her presence will put out That Woman more than anything. Although of course my father would never be tempted by such a young woman – at least I hope he wouldn’t be! – I’m sure
TW
isn’t someone who would appreciate youth and beauty in others. Of course I will make careful mental notes but I do wish you could be there. I really want to try and find out if Daddy is completely besotted by her, as it seemed, or if the gilt is going off the gingerbread, so to speak. How is it with you? Is the old man still being overbearing? Could you come home for a holiday? For Christmas, perhaps? As always, this comes from me, and London, with love. xxx