The Cold Light of Mourning - By Elizabeth J. Duncan Page 0,5
about her that always reminded me of a Hollywood film star you’d have seen back in the 1940s. Every now and then I see an actress in one of those late-night black-and-white pictures that reminds me of her. Beautiful wavy hair, she had, and huge blue eyes. She was always impeccably turned out and carried herself with such dignity. And yet, she came from a simple background, see.” Mrs. Lloyd nodded for emphasis. “Oh yes. Her father was the village blacksmith.” She gave a little snort, and then continued. “A blacksmith! That’s going back a ways. You’ll not find many blacksmiths around these days. Still, even ordinary folk had much better manners in those days and knew how to eat properly and speak respectfully to their betters.”
She thought for a moment, and then withdrew her hand, giving Penny the other one to work on.
“Some people, like Emyr’s mother, are just born with that kind of poise or grace you might call it,” she went on. “I honestly don’t know what she would make of this wedding, but I suspect she would have wanted Emyr to marry a local girl. Still, times have changed, and who from around and about these parts would have suited him? And besides, he’s been away so long, he doesn’t really know anyone from Llanelen anymore. Of course, there is my niece, Morwyn. She and he used to be sweethearts once, but then he left for London.
“Of course, it’s the same all over, now. The young people think they have to go to Cardiff or London or Manchester to get a decent job. What nonsense! There’s plenty of perfectly good jobs to be had in the towns, if only they would consider it.”
“Perhaps it’s more the nightlife they’re seeking,” suggested Penny. “Not everyone likes the quiet life, especially when they’re young. And you must admit, Mrs. Lloyd, there’s nothing to do here in the evenings, except go down the pub. Even the cinema has been closed for years.”
“That’ll be that clubbing you hear so much about,” agreed Mrs. Lloyd. “No one under forty stays home with the telly and a good book anymore. Not nearly exciting enough, I guess.
“Now, that Meg Wynne, I can’t see her settling down to a quiet life in the Hall. Even though Emyr’s mother made a great success of it, you really need to have been brought up to it, been to finishing school so you know how to arrange flowers and sort out a dinner party with the cook and all the rest of it. I don’t think she’s cut out for it, so it’ll be interesting to see what happens.” She gave it a few more moments thought, and then shook her head gravely. “Poor Emyr. No, she’s not the right girl for him. It’ll all end in tears, you’ll see. And as for his chum, that cheeky Williams lad, don’t get me started! Charm to spare, that one, but very short on substance, if you ask me. And I don’t think he’s a very good influence on Emyr. Used to lead him astray something awful when they were young. Emyr was never one to stand up for himself. Needs to grow a backbone, he does.”
She glanced over at the bottles of polish and then brought her attention back to Penny.
“Where was I? Oh yes, Emyr’s friend. Well, I can tell you that some of us—and that includes your Emma—were surprised he turned out as well as he did. He was a real troublemaker. Always up to something but with those good looks of his, he got away with it.”
She looked expectantly at Penny.
“Well, Mrs. Lloyd, to change the subject, what colour would you like today?” Penny asked.
“It’s my bridge night as usual, Penny, so I think a nice rose shade would be appreciated. How about that one?” she said pointing to a bottle in the front row.
“Oh, that would be good, Mrs. Lloyd. It’s just in. Very new. You’ll be the first to have it.”
Mrs. Lloyd leaned forward to watch as Penny carefully applied a base coat, and then followed it with two coats of the chosen lacquer, and finally, a finishing, protective topcoat.
“You know, Penny, I always like to get my nails done on a bridge night. I consider it a gift to the table so everyone can enjoy them!”
“That’s a nice way to look at it, Mrs. Lloyd.” Penny smiled. “The job should hold up for the wedding on Saturday. You are going, aren’t you?”