by Cat Hogan
Scott excused himself from the table as everyone finished their desserts.
Then, as coffee was being poured, they heard him announcing: ‘Everybody! I would like to introduce my mystery guest to you.’
They all turned in the direction of his voice.
‘Everyone, say hi to Clara.’
They all chimed out a greeting, except for Doc.
‘Oh Jesus! Sorry about that.’ He had jumped up out of his seat and, red in the face, was mopping at his coffee which he had spilt on the carpet.
‘Doc, leave it. No use in crying about it, the damage is done now, old chap.’ Scott was smiling down at him, Clara on his arm. ‘Clara, this is Doc. He is a musician.’
Clara smiled and Doc nodded.
Scott led Clara to her place and then, standing beside her chair, completed the introductions, beginning with his mother and going around the table from there.
Clara turned to Doc, who was seated on her left, when Scott was finished. Everyone else had settled back into their conversations.
‘Nice to meet you, Doc, you look very familiar. I’m sure I may have come across you before somewhere?’
‘Nice to meet you, Clara.’ He didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. There she was, in the same room as his pregnant wife, and she looked as though she was enjoying every minute of it.
Soon after he excused himself.
Scott followed him out to the hall.
‘I know you’re getting cold feet about our little business arrangement, Doc. Doesn’t work like that, chum. I don’t like people letting me down and Clara doesn’t like to be let down either. She came to me, heartbroken, after you finally dumped her the other evening.’
‘Scott, man, you don’t understand. Tess is pregnant, and Jen knows I was having an affair. This shit has to stop. I have to be real about it.’
‘No, you don’t, Doc. You can have your cake, and eat it. Clara wants in on our deal as well, so now you have an assistant. I can’t be dealing with heartbroken mistresses with big mouths. You will preserve the status quo, and you will leave that Jen to me. Here’s a little present for you to take the edge off your nerves.’
For the first time, Doc felt intimidated by another man. He was a good deal taller than Scott, but he was afraid of him. He could ruin everything. He had no choice but to take the little package of cocaine.
‘Now, Doc, go back inside, keep your mouth shut, and your wife happy. She isn’t drinking tonight and is a sharp woman. Don’t fuck this up.’
Doc did as he was told, and went back to join the party.
Livia suggested they retire to the drawing room where after-dinner drinks were to be served. The room had been prepared to receive them. The drapes were drawn and even though it was an early summer’s evening, the fire was lit. The room had a lovely relaxed feel to it. The women gravitated towards each other and took their seats on various embroidered chairs and armchairs, while the men took a stand round the fireplace.
Doc went and took a large brandy from the waiter at the drinks cabinet. He wanted to get shitfaced and forget about it all, but unfortunately had to keep his wits about him.
Tess beckoned him over to the group of women.
‘Are you all right, Doc? You look as though you’ve seen a ghost.’ She took his hand.
‘Love, I’m fine. I’m just embarrassed about spilling coffee all over myself and on the fancy carpet.’
‘You big, clumsy lug! Give me a kiss.’
He bent down and kissed her.
‘Ah, that’s so sweet – how long have you guys been married, Tess?’ Clara asked.
Doc wanted the ground to open up and swallow him. He would have to get her out of here somehow.
‘Years, Clara. Bless him, sure he’s the love of my life, isn’t that right, Doc?’
‘Whatever you say, love.’
He went back over to his brandy and the boys.
‘He hates it when I wind him up like that – not a one for public displays of affection.’ Tess was smiling as he scurried off like a scalded rat. ‘What about you, Clara? Is there a Mr Clara on the scene?’ She glanced sidelong at Sal as she waited for an answer.
‘There is indeed, but he was otherwise occupied tonight. He’s not one for commitment and social engagements, but he’s a keeper and I won’t be letting him go anytime soon.’
‘So it’s not Scott then? I assumed you were his date for the evening?’
‘No, it’s not Scott, ladies – he wouldn’t be my type at all. Too polished, all white teeth and charm. Not for me! I prefer the more down-to-earth type.’
Sal looked so relieved.
Jen was listening to this exchange with real interest. Clara certainly had an air about her, but there was something else – a nervousness or shyness. She seemed really on edge, and Jen assumed it was because she was in the company of strangers.
‘So, how did you and Scott meet, Clara? Have you known him long?’ Jen asked
‘He’s friends with my boyfriend. I haven’t known him terribly long, but I couldn’t miss out on tonight, having heard so much about all of you.’
Scott called her over to join the men, and the three women were left alone.
‘Hmmm, what do you think, girls? Is she sleeping with him?’ Sal said.
‘Does it bother you if she is, Sal?’ Tess asked.
‘Spill the beans, Sal,’ said Jen. ‘What’s going on in that head of yours?’
‘Oh girls, I don’t know. We just get on so well and he’s so nice to me, and he just makes me feel – I don’t know – nice, I suppose.’
‘For feck sake, Sal! You are not sixteen and he’s completely not your type!’ This came out of Jen’s mouth like a dismissal and louder than she had anticipated.
‘Jen, you need to back down on the Scot-bashing here,’ Sal said. ‘Just because you don’t like him doesn’t mean we have to follow suit. I’m getting a bit sick of it now to be honest. What is your problem?’
‘I don’t have a problem, Sal. I simply think he’s an asshole. You’re as bad as Andy – why don’t you get over the hero-worshipping of Scott and remember who your friends are?’
‘Well, Jen, if two people are calling you out on the same thing, maybe you need to look at your own behaviour rather than theirs?’
‘All right, girls. Chill out.’ Tess was speaking, but her eyes were on her husband. He was deep in conversation with Clara.
Sal vacated her chair and went over to join Scott and the others. She looked really pissed off and Jen knew their problem wouldn’t be solved here tonight.
She turned to Tess and found her staring across the room. ‘You OK, Tess?’ She followed Tess’s eye-line to see what she was staring at. ‘Tess, he’s just chatting. They have all had a fair few drinks now. It’s all good.’
‘I’m fine, Jen, I’m just tired. I should probably head off to bed. It’s getting late and I was up at the crack of dawn. You’re right, it’s all good. Being sober with you lot is hard work. Don’t stay up too late, and keep an eye on my husband for me. He doesn’t look like he’s ready to go anywhere just yet.’
She kissed her friend on the top of the head and made her way over to Livia. She thanked her for a wonderful evening, and made her apologies for leaving early. She then joined her husband’s group to say goodnight to them.
‘Stay for an hour, Tess, and then we can both go up together.’ Doc was sitting tuning his guitar which had materialised out of nowhere. It looked alien in the stately room amongst the suits and posh dresses.
‘Doc, I’m going up now. You stay for the hour. It’s OK.’ It wasn’t OK with her really, but she didn’t want to make a scene.
‘Great. I’ll walk you up so.’
Doc propped the guitar against his chair and left with Tess.
Andy joined Jen on the couch.
‘Are you having a good night, Jen? Can I get you a drink?’
‘Another glass of wine would be lovely, thanks.’
He went to the drinks cabinet and Li
via came over to sit beside Jen.
‘Livia, the meal was beautiful. Thanks for having us here.’
‘You’re very welcome, Jen. I’ve always enjoyed entertaining in the house. Tomorrow night will be a great event.’
‘I’m looking forward to it.’
Andy returned with Jen’s wine and, though he noticed the glass of brandy in Livia’s hand, he offered to fetch her a drink. She declined and Andy went back to Scott, Clara and Sal.
Jen and Livia made small talk about opera and parties. Jen felt slightly out of her depth, but from living in Wexford with its rich history of opera festivals, she knew just about enough to maintain the conversation.
Livia drained her drink before standing up.
‘Jen, darling. This is an evening for young people. I have a packed schedule tomorrow, so I’m going to retire. It was wonderful chatting to you.’
Jen stood up and they kissed each other on the cheek. Jen liked her.
‘Now for a nightcap to take upstairs with me.’ Livia winked over her shoulder as she made her way over to the brandy decanter.
By now it was getting quite late, and Jen was tired. She didn’t want to be a lightweight, but didn’t relish the thought of listening to Scott’s bullshit any longer. Andy and the two other women were laughing at something Scott had said.
Jen planted a smile on her face and went over and stood beside her man.
Clara seemed to have got over her initial nerves, and was having a great time with Sal. They were drinking brandy like it was water. You can dress them up, Jen thought.
Sal hadn’t forgotten their earlier altercation and made no effort to include her in the conversation.
Scott simply irked her. He was playing the part of lord of the manor very well – monopolising the conversation and enjoying the sound of his own voice. She knew she was going to be seen as being rude, but she didn’t care. At the first opportunity, she was going to bed.
As soon as Scott stopped talking long enough to draw breath, Andy turned to speak to Jen.
‘You’re very quiet there, Jen. Are you tired?’
She could have kissed him. ‘I am wrecked, Andy. The beautiful meal and the wine has done me in. I’m going to head upstairs. You stay here though, and have another drink.’
‘No, I’ll come up with you, babe.’ He placed his glass on the table.
‘Jesus, you two, you’re going to bed now? It’s still early.’ Scott wasn’t impressed.
‘It’s nearly one o’clock, Scott. I was up at seven this morning.’ Jen tried to be light-hearted in her response but it didn’t sound like that.
‘Andy, stay for another brandy?’
Scott was getting quite loud now, and it wasn’t lost on Jen that he hadn’t invited her to stay.
‘You stay, Andy. I’m tired. Scott, thanks for a lovely evening and I’ll see you in the morning.’
‘No, no, I’ll come up with you,’ Andy said.
‘You’re such a lightweight, Jen,’ Sal said. ‘Stay and have a couple of more drinks with us.’
‘I’m sorry, guys. I was up really early this morning and I’m fecked. Tomorrow night I’ll be the last woman standing.’
‘If you insist, then so be it,’ said Scott. ‘Clara? Sal? I assume there is still life in you lovely ladies? You’re not going anywhere?’
‘Hell, no!’ they answered.
Jen and Andy said goodnight and left.
‘Get your arse up to that room, milady.’ Andy grabbed her by the hand. ‘I would like to take your clothes off and ravish you, if you’re not too tired.’
‘I thought you would never ask, Andy. Now come on, before Scott comes out and drags you back for more brandy.’
Doc could hear them giggling as they raced up the stairs. He had tucked his sweet wife into bed before ducking into the little bathroom on the ground floor and snorting a couple of fat lines from the earlier package up his nose. He knew he was in a dangerous position but, as the drug hit his system, he didn’t really care. He just knew he had to speak with Clara tonight, while his wife lay sleeping. He needed to get her out of the house before the morning, but he wasn’t sure if he wanted her to go. He was confused over the whole thing. Clara had bewitched him, and he couldn’t help himself. Sal wouldn’t be a problem – she was pissed and was only interested in Scott. She would be oblivious to everything.
Chapter 22
Jen’s body clock always let her down. She was on a break but her body still believed she had to get up with her boy. Half past six in the morning and they had only been asleep a few hours.
She could feel Andy’s heat beside her, a feeling she was growing used to. She loved him, she knew that, and she wasn’t stopping herself. She could see it in him too and had decided to just let it go wherever it was supposed to. She curled into him and went back to sleep.
What seemed like only a few moments later, her alarm woke them. They pulled themselves out of bed and got ready quickly. Livia had been very clear that everyone needed to be in the dining room at nine sharp.
Jen and Andy entered, hand in hand, at the prescribed time, to find everyone else already there. Doc, Scott, Sal and Clara looked like they’d been up all night and, judging by the steely look in Tess’s eye, this is exactly what had happened. There was way too much laughter and insider jokes going on between the four of them.
Jen joined Tess at the table, while Andy went to the buffet sideboard for toast and coffee.
‘Morning, Tess. You all right?’
A miserable Tess turned to her. ‘He came up to the room an hour ago, Jen. Up all night partying with the other three and, judging by the state of them all, it was hardcore. Funny thing is, I came down around half five, and there was no sign of life at all.’ Tess was really wound up, and there were tears suddenly in her eyes.
‘Maybe they went out to the gardens or something? Have you asked them where they were?’
‘I don’t have to, Jen. Look at the body language.’
She was right. If a stranger had walked into the room, they wouldn’t be blamed for thinking Clara and not Tess was Doc’s wife. It was the ease and grace two lovers had around each other. It wasn’t the body language of strangers. Jen had a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. They were too close for comfort and Clara couldn’t take her eyes off Doc.
‘Ah, Tess, what is he playing at?’
‘I don’t know, Jen, but I know for sure I’m going home today. I don’t want you to breathe a word. I’ll make up an excuse, but I’ll make a real scene if I have to spend the day with her.’
Jen didn’t argue. It was very clear Doc and Clara had either slept together, or were about to.
‘I’m leaving him, Jen. I am not spending another minute with him. He had me convinced we would be OK, but we won’t be.’
‘I don’t know what to say, Tess, but I wouldn’t be running off and leaving him here to have whatever the fuck he wants for the weekend though.’
‘Morning, girls, how are we?’ Sal asked. She put toast and tea on the table in front of her and just about managed to sit on the chair without falling.
‘Sal, are you still drunk? What time did you go to bed?’ Jen asked.
‘It was about half four I think – or was it later? Gawd, I can’t really remember.’
‘Did you all go up together?’ Jen enquired, trying to sound innocent.
‘Don’t know. I had enough trouble getting myself up the stairs to worry about where the others were. But, to answer your first question, Jen, I’m not still drunk. I’ll be fine once I eat. Are you both coming on the picnic today?’
‘What picnic?’ Jen and Tess looked at each other. It was the first they had heard of it.
‘Apparently the kitchen is preparing picnic baskets for everyone and we’re going down to the lake. Livia is busy getting ready for tonight, and I think she wants us all out from under her feet.’
‘Oh, OK then.’
Tess shrugged her shoulders and then saw that Doc was making his way over to
them, full of smiles and good cheer.
Jan stood up to go to the buffet and Sal excused herself to go to the bathroom – she was the same colour as the linen tablecloth – snow white.
Tess stared at her husband and took a deep breath. ‘Where were you last night, Doc? Where were you until eight?’
‘Tess, I fell asleep in the toilet! Wine kills me, you know that, and we had a few brandies as well. I just passed out in the jacks.’ He looked embarrassed.
‘And what’s the story with you and Clara?’
‘What do you mean “what’s the story with me and Clara”? Jesus, Tess, not this shit again!’
‘You two look very chummy, that’s all.’
‘We are chummy. We had great fun last night – what’s wrong with that, for Chrissake?’
‘All right, Doc, no need to get so agro. I’m only asking.’
Jen arrived back from the buffet and hovered in the background when she heard the last piece of the exchange. What the hell is going on with Tess, she thought. A few minutes ago it was so bloody obvious to her that Doc was up to no good last night, and now she has just let it slide.
Jen had wanted to tell her all about the affair, but how could she now?
After they all had breakfast – or just coffee in some cases – Scott gave them a tour of the house, and even Jen was impressed. It was massive, and still retained so many of the original features. The house was about three hundred years old, and history seeped out of every wall. Scott brought them into an annex, where all their historical prized possessions were kept. He was a real history buff, and filled them in on wars and rebellion. He spoke with real pride about the family history.