The Apartment - K. L. Slater Page 0,54

you see, I never really matched up to him in my parents’ eyes. In fact, I remember the day my father took me to one side and said the best I could do for myself was settle with a man who was willing to look after me, even if there was no romantic love there.’

‘How awful.’ I’m truly horrified. ‘You’re worth so much more than that, Audrey.’

I wonder if this is why she’s seeking affection from the man she was embracing in the apartment? Maybe Dr Marsden isn’t so hot on the emotional side of things.

For the first time, I notice that those same eyes I thought were so icy and incisive are actually quite twinkly beyond the dark liner and mascara she favours wearing.

Under the thick layer of powder and blusher, Audrey’s skin is clear and she has smile lines around her eyes and mouth that soften the artificial, bold colours she always applies to her face and lips.

She’d look perfectly lovely without any make-up at all, just her real, soft self.

‘I wish I could’ve found it in myself to tell my father where to get off, but of course, I didn’t. Things were a lot different in those days, and young women often had to settle for less.’

Is she saying that is what she settled for? That her marriage to Dr Marsden is one of convenience? My first impression of them as a couple was that they appeared to be so close. He seemed to adore her, but that was before I saw her with the other man.

Audrey has obviously now found affection in other quarters.

I can’t possibly pry by asking, so I simply nod and sip my scalding tea.

‘When I look at you, I see a young woman who knows her own mind, as I wish I’d have done.’

‘I don’t know about that.’ I laugh. ‘Most of the time I feel as if I just plough through life hoping for the best. That’s why Adder House is such a wonderful opportunity for us both, to make our fresh start.’

‘And you must remember that, my dear,’ she says thoughtfully, running a fingertip around the top of her china cup. ‘This is your chance, your time to shine. You mustn’t let anyone stop you.’

32

I would never have believed it, but Audrey and I had a perfectly lovely lunch.

She was right, the omelette was delicious, and actually, the prices weren’t as astronomical at Café Musica as I’d imagined. Once I get back to work, I’ll be able to bring Skye here occasionally for a shared treat of a light lunch.

We chatted and got to know each other like friends who’d just met. I really felt that I’d misjudged her entirely.

When we returned to school, Skye seemed subdued when Miss Perkins brought her through to reception.

‘I think she’s had a good day, haven’t you, Skye?’ Skye gives a faint nod but she won’t meet my eyes.

‘She played outside with the children and made a start on her papier-maché owl,’ Miss Perkins continues.

‘I can’t wait to see it.’ I ruffle Skye’s hair but she doesn’t react.

When Miss Perkins returns to her class, Audrey says she has to pop over and see the headteacher about some governor business and will meet us outside in five.

‘What’s wrong, poppet?’ I bend down in front of Skye when we get outside. ‘Was everything OK today?’

‘I don’t think anyone likes me here,’ she says in a small voice.

‘I’m sure that’s not the case.’ I stroke her hair and put on a pantomime outraged voice. ‘Who could possibly not like you?’

Her lips turn up very slightly at the edges at my fooling around, but I can see she’s not happy.

‘It’s hard at first when you don’t know anyone, but soon you’ll have oodles of friends, just you wait and see.’

‘I’ve had a good think and I’ve decided I want to go back to Grove Primary, Mummy,’ she says firmly. ‘Even if we have to get two buses, it’s much nicer there than at St Benjamin Monks.’

‘Has someone in class said something to upset you, Skye?’

She looks at me as if she’s deciding whether to answer me.

‘Is everything alright?’ Audrey appears, taking in my worried expression. ‘Did you have a good time today, Skye?’

‘It was OK.’ She shrugs.

‘Why don’t we go back and sit in the garden?’ Audrey says brightly, shooting me a supportive look. ‘I’ve got some homemade lemonade in the fridge . . . and some chocolate peanut cookies.’

‘Sounds delicious!’ I exclaim, but Skye remains silent.

As we