The Holiday Home Page 0,50

director with a generous annual bonus, a pension scheme and a family home bought and paid for by the firm. You are not – I’m sorry to be blunt here – my son. You are my daughter’s husband. Two different things.’

Greg looked with fury at his father-in-law and chairman, but wisely kept his temper under control and fought the urge to respond.

Henry continued: ‘In all the years you’ve been coming here, have you ever helped your mother prepare the house for these long, free family holidays? Have you ever offered to pay for the fuel or water bills that you run up so profligately? Or chipped in to help with running repairs?’

He looked around at the guilty faces before him. ‘No. So, if Dorothy and I decide to sell up, go to Las Vegas and put all the money on red, we shall.’

A silence so dense you could see it, fell upon them.

‘I’m sorry, Daddy,’ said Connie, clearly shaken.

‘What can we do?’ asked Pru.

‘You can all start pulling your weight around here and not expecting it to land in your lap. I worked hard for everything you enjoy in life. And my father worked hard before me. I’ve been too soft on you all. I suggest you begin by sorting out the plumbing – which, by the way, you will pay for as a sign of goodwill. Do I make myself clear?’ Henry saw their nodding heads and then turned to leave. When he reached the French doors, he paused and said sadly, ‘You have really disappointed me.’

*

The four adults felt very small indeed.

Francis, who’d been doodling on his shopping list, lifted his head and said quietly but firmly, ‘If we’re not careful we’re going to ruin this holiday for your parents and our children. Henry has a point. We do all take this house and Dorothy’s hospitality for granted.’ He looked around the table. ‘I propose we make a concerted effort to smarten the old place up. And pay for it too. All those in favour, raise their hands.’

Pru sniggered, ‘You’re not at a PTA meeting now, Francis.’

‘Are you saying you are not in favour?’

‘No, I’m—’

‘Then raise your hand.’

Three hands went up and Francis added his. ‘Motion carried. Excellent. Greg? Where’s yesterday’s maintenance list? You and I will do an inventory of work that needs to be carried out on the exterior of the building. Connie and Pru, you go through each room inside the house, noting if anything needs repairing or repainting, and then give everything a good spring clean. OK?’

Everyone nodded, stunned at the transformation in Francis.

‘Yessir!’ said Greg. ‘But let’s have a brew first.’

‘Did I hear you’re making a brew?’ Merlin walked into the kitchen looking rather rough and undeniably handsome in his overalls.

‘Ah, morning, Merlin.’ Francis got up. ‘I could think of one or two other elusive figures you might more aptly have been named after. Houdini for one and the Scarlet Pimpernel for another.’

‘Is that an up-country joke?’ said Merlin with a short laugh.

‘No. You are a West Country joke, Merlin. You are not leaving this house today until you’ve repaired the boiler, fixed the leak under the sink – which was second only to Niagara Falls last night – and replaced the washer in the dripping tap of our en-suite. Do you understand?’

‘Handsome. No worries,’ responded Merlin, the insults rolling off him like mercury on glass.

Pru, glass of cranberry juice in hand, edged her way past Merlin, saying, ‘I’m off to make a start in the drawing room.’ Merlin goosed her as she went by. She scowled at him and called her sister. ‘Come along, Connie.’

Connie hurried past an innocent-looking Merlin. He goosed her too. She gave him a cold glare, but he merely smiled his beatific smile and turned to Greg and Francis. ‘Right, chaps. I’ll start on the bottom and work my way up, shall I?’

*

In the drawing room, Connie and Pru finally spoke to each other.

‘I haven’t seen Dad that angry for a long time,’ said Pru, running her fingers through her hair.

‘I can’t believe Greg got Merlin in to do the work!’ exclaimed Connie.

‘A horrible coincidence,’ agreed Pru.

‘Ghastly,’ replied Connie. ‘And, Pru …’

‘Hmm?’ Pru was gazing around the room, taking in the faded curtains and stained rug.

‘… I’m sorry about yesterday.’

Pru stopped her mental inventory and looked at her sister. ‘Me too. I didn’t mean it to come out that way.’

‘It did, though. And it made me angry.’

‘I know.’

‘So, we’re back on a level playing field? For the house