Unforgettable (Gloria Cook) - By Gloria Cook Page 0,47
help. Oh, I brought over whacks of stuff for the stalls. Your handyman Ellery has unloaded it on the lawn. Would love to come back later and help with the setting up but must slip home, ring Tommy, and get ready for his stay.’
‘Thanks, old girl,’ Esther said gratefully then added dismissively, ‘you wouldn’t be much damned use here anyway. Don’t want the men distracted. See you on Saturday with our special guest. Don’t dare be late.’
Honoria sashayed to the door. ‘I was about to say cheerio but you look as if you’ve got something to say.’
Breathing in seriously, Esther asked, ‘Do you ever regret not finding someone special, that particular someone, your soul mate? You could have had children, Honny. It was never an option for me.’
‘Not in the least,’ Honoria answered with emphatic cheeriness. ‘I wasn’t made for monogamy. Life is to be lived, in my book. As for children, couldn’t have stood the hideous responsibility. Made sure I could never be knocked up. But I like to help others’ children when and where I can. Events like the Summer Fair are important for the children. You have a different reason but we both love to see their happy little faces. And the village hall will be brilliant for them. Must ensure lots of things go on there for the kiddies.’
‘You’ve had a happier life than me but I am happy really. Marrying Sedgewick, as old and as infirm as he was, was perfect for me. He had children with his first wife but they all sadly died in infancy. I would have enjoyed being a stepmother – if they’d grown up and been agreeable.’
‘But it wouldn’t have been wise, Esther,’ Honoria said, showing sadness for her sister.
‘I know, and adopting would have been too tricky . . . but I have my works, Faith’s Fare and the rest. I like having you close by, Honny. I’d hate it if you moved away.’
‘Well, we’ll both have to one day. You couldn’t possibly stay here forever and wherever you go I’ll come too – to make sure everything goes right for you.’
‘I don’t know what I’d do without you.’ Suddenly trembling, Esther leaned over and hugged herself. ‘That awful thing . . . If everyone knew . . . everything.’
‘Esther dear.’ Honoria spoke and smiled stridently. ‘Don’t worry, old thing. I’ve protected you before and if necessary will do so again, whatever the cost.’
Fourteen
‘Well, that’s us done, Mrs Pentecost, we’re completely sold out.’ Dorrie smiled happily as she and the other woman packed up their trestle table on Petherton’s lawn. ‘Not a slice of cake or fruit pie, scone or biscuit left. The village tea tables will be in for a treat this weekend.’
‘Most of it should be tasty despite the use of substitute ingredients for egg, sugar and spices. We’re lucky here, having The Orchards to supply us with all manner of fruit.’ Mrs Pentecost gathered together all the lace doilies, lent from various homes, to take home to launder. ‘No elaborate offerings from Delia Newton this year. When is the silly woman going to pull herself together and get out of her bed? Never known anyone to sulk as long as her.’
‘But isn’t Rebecca a little worried about her?’ Dorrie stacked the plates on to a massive teak tray with high rims, used in the long-ago glory days of entertaining Society at Petherton. She and Mrs Pentecost would take a turn at washing crocks inside in the gloomy, cold-all-year-round, high-ceilinged scullery, then they would be free to enjoy the other stalls and side shows, until the packing up at the end of the day. The children’s country dancing was due to start in forty minutes, always a favourite of both women. ‘It’s the impression I get.’
‘I suppose so. I think tests have been mentioned, but I still think Delia’s trying to get back at us, and I’ll vouchsafe she’s enjoying making poor little Lorna Barbary run about for her.’
‘Hello, ladies, you have done splendidly, gold stars all round, you’re the most reliable of my team.’ Esther pounced on them happily. She was wearing an elbow-length, pleat-fronted dress with a wide diamanté buckled belt, a summery picture hat, and had swirled her hair about her head, adding a sparkly slide, and dark pink lipstick. She looked attractive but rather cumbersome. Her rounded cheeks were flushed with excitement. ‘Were you talking about the suffering lady of the bed with diverse things wrong with her? I would be surprised if