Unforgettable (Gloria Cook) - By Gloria Cook Page 0,99
at these times but the embrace today unnerved her. ‘Letty can carry on without me. I only get in her way really and she’s sweet enough to tolerate me. She’s my absolute treasure.
‘Let’s have a large drop of rum to clear the tubes, just the ticket for these colder days. My second husband, or was it my third, was a great believer in it warding off the evils of colds and ’flu. So you’re feeling a bit low, poor darling. Has it something to do with the recent stay of your sister-in-law? I’ve heard via the jungle drums that she’s a bit of a nightmare.’
The last word, apt to the present situation, unsettled Dorrie but Honoria had offered the ideal opening. ‘You’re correct on both counts actually. I do find Camilla very trying.’ While sipping the rum, the exotic smell and taste of the strong nectar giving welcome warmth to her shaky insides, Dorrie sat on the end of one sumptuously plump sofa next to the crackling grate. Honoria lounged like some smouldering screen siren, her feet in fluffy slippers, on the sofa opposite.
Dorrie gave an account of Camilla’s views of Verity’s future, Jack and the wedding. ‘It was such a relief that she’s leaving the arrangements to us, although I have the sneaking suspicion that when we get nearer the date Camilla will come down and interfere with everything. When I mentioned as much to Verity, she scoffed and said her mother had just better not dare do any such thing. I suppose I’m just being silly but I do want Verity to have the perfect day.’
‘You’re never silly, Dorrie. You’re a brick and the most wonderful person. Thank God Verity had you and Greg to turn to when her parents threw her out. In my opinion parents should accept their children exactly as they are and support them through thick and thin.’ Dorrie felt that last was said with feeling. ‘Just make it clear to the old bat that every arrangement made is set in stone and non-negotiable.’
‘Well, I could do but I’m not sure I have the right. Verity is not my daughter.’
‘You’ve been her mother for the last few months and this Camilla has gladly left the wedding schedule to all of you here, so of course you’ve got the right.’ Smoking from a jet cigarette holder, Honoria grinned catlike, with relish. ‘Put the bitch thoroughly in her place. I would. You try to, Dorrie, go on, I dare you.’
Dorrie smiled at the other woman’s mischievous expression. ‘Verity will have the wedding she wants, I swear on that. You’ve encouraged me; I always get a lift from you, Honoria.’
‘It’s what friends and neighbours are for. Another tot of rum, darling?’
‘Just a tot, please.’ While Honoria was reaching for the rum decanter, Dorrie plunged in. ‘Actually, Camilla said that during the war she was with friends in the Dorchester and one of them knew you, mentioned something about you and a relative – um, Chester, I think it was. I can’t say I recall you or Esther mentioning a Chester. Camilla is a prying woman, if she were here she’d question you like a dog gnawing at a bone. I hope I’m not speaking out of turn – I thought perhaps you and Esther might have suffered a sad loss . . .’
Honoria passed over Dorrie’s replenished glass, looking strangely solemn and very sad. She was silent for a while. Dorrie could see she was chewing over something in her mind. Honoria exhaled so deeply Dorrie grew anxious she would pass out, and on that melancholy sigh Dorrie knew she had nothing to fear from her friend.
Honoria shook her head resignedly. ‘I knew this day would come, but at least I know I can trust you, Dorrie. I’m going to reveal something to you that I trust you to take to the grave. There was a Chester. He wasn’t a blood relative. He was Esther’s first husband, and quite frankly, he was an evil bastard. It’s to my lasting sorrow that I introduced him into Esther’s life; he was my lover and when things between us fizzled out he swept poor Esther, who had fallen for him, off her feet. Our parents adored him, he had such charm, and they called him the son they had always hoped for.
‘I didn’t know for years he was cruel and controlling to Esther, and that he was free with his fists. She put a brave face on things and he