'She'd love that. Cheer her up a bit. Are you all right?'
'I was. Not so sure now, though. Oh, it's so awful ... I don't know what to say. I mean, she will be OK, won't she?' I choked back more tears.
'I'm sure she will; though to be realistic, one can never be too positive about things like this. Cancer is such a bastard. So cruel.' His voice quavered and he cleared his throat. 'Call with the time your train's due and I'll meet you.'
That night turned out to be one of the longest nights I can remember. I couldn't eat, I felt so ill with worry. Alex eventually came in at around eleven to find my bag packed waiting in the hallway.
'What the hell...' I heard him mutter.
I came through in my pyjamas and ran into his arms sobbing. 'It's my mother. She's in hospital... had to have her breast removed. Cancer. Oh, Alex...’
'Hey, come on now, honey!' He took me through to the sitting room. Between sobs, I explained everything to him and that I was catching the earliest train in the morning to see her.
I didn't sleep a wink all night. Alex was sweet, cuddling me and stroking my hair; trying to reassure me, but it was no good. I needed to know that Mum was going to be all right. Thoughts of any discussion with Alex about Susannah were once more completely erased from my mind.
*
Philip met me at the station and took me straight back to Maddock House. There was just time for a sandwich before visiting Mum. He said she had been quite cheerful last night. 'All the more so; knowing you’re coming to see her I think, Anna.' He looked tired and drawn, and like me, I imagined he'd probably had little sleep all night.
Being out of season, the hotel, now open over two years, was quiet with only a handful of guests staying.
On arrival I quickly phoned work to find out if Alex had called them, as I'd asked him to, to explain the reason why I'd had to come to Wales so urgently. Lynda answered. Everything was in hand with nothing at all to worry about. Edward happened to be in the showroom and so I spoke briefly to him also.
'It's OK, Annabel, no problem. I’m so sorry to hear about your mother. You must stay on a few days to comfort her. Lynda can manage. Do wish her well from us all here.'
'Thanks, Edward. I'll let you know when I get back. Should only be two or three days.' I was relieved to know they understood. Things would be fine in my absence. Lynda was now more than capable of holding the fort for me, and I knew she loved the chance to do it.
Mum looked quite cheerful as I arrived clasping a large bunch of yellow and white daisies. In fact it was hard to believe how cheerful she actually was, considering the horrendous operation she'd gone through only the day before.
She smiled softly as I kissed her. 'Darling, how sweet of you to come.' Tears then began spilling from our eyes as we gazed at each other, neither of us quite knowing what to say. Philip handed me some tissues from the side table. I dabbed her face and then my own.
'Come on you two. This isn't good enough. Anna, you're supposed to be here to cheer your mother up, you know.'
'I know. Oh, Mum, I'm sorry. Does it hurt?'
'Actually dear, it's not too painful. Mind you, I'm dosed up to the eyebrows with painkillers. Everyone's very kind though and I'm being well looked after.'
The lady in the next bed gave me a warm smile and an agreeing nod. God, how I loathed the way everyone listens to your private conversations in hospital wards! Anyway, I smiled politely back. I squeezed Mum's hand. No matter how hard I tried, my eyes kept being drawn to the large dressing that protruded from her nightdress, above her right breast area. I felt nauseous, wondering how far they'd had to cut. It was so unfair that she'd had to be mutilated like that. Again and again I felt on the verge of crying.
Philip jogged the conversation along mentioning my work at Courtney's and discussing the forthcoming Christmas. Dare I mention that this year I might not be visiting, because Alex had talked of us taking a skiing holiday in Switzerland? They knew about Alex, but didn't know who exactly he was, other than he was Greek, quite wealthy and travelled backwards and forth between London and New York.
I’d hoped to escape discussing him altogether until Mum suddenly asked, 'Are you still seeing your Greek boyfriend, Alex?'
I nodded. 'Yes. We're still together.'
Then I thought of Susannah. What would my mother think if she knew Alex had a wife in the States and that I was basically his mistress? Far away in London with just the usual twice-weekly phone calls to them in Wales, had avoided the need to go into too much detail before.
'You must bring him to visit sometime, dear. We'd like to meet him, wouldn't we, Philip?'
Philip smiled. 'Good idea. Once you're up and about again, darling.’
'OK, I promise to bring him along on one of my next visits.'
My stay lasted three days. Mum was making a good recovery by this time. However I knew this wasn't all she'd have to go through. There would be radiotherapy later for one thing, which I'd heard could make patients feel quite ill as the repeated radium treatments build up. Then I knew she would have the agony of coming to terms with the dreadful scar, as well the psychological aspect of having only one breast and the need to use a prosthesis. I imagined she would probably cope as well as anyone could. It was nonetheless an appalling experience for any woman to face up to; knowing her body was no longer whole. Would she, I wondered, feel any less a woman?
My heart went out to her and I wished I could be more supportive. But I knew Philip would be. I felt sure that none of this would make the slightest difference to their wonderful relationship; that it wouldn’t suffer in any way… provided of course that Mum pulled through the ordeal satisfactorily
CHAPTER 9
Among other things Philip discussed with me in Wales was the possibility of selling his two Jaspers restaurants.
'With things as they are now, Anna, the less business involvements I have to worry about the better,' he told me. 'This present crisis with Maggie has decided things for me. I'm going to sell. Gordon Valoir, who manages Ealing, will, I think, jump at the chance to buy that one; if not both businesses.'
He seemed to have made his mind up and, under the circumstances; I had to agree it was the wisest thing. He continued. 'Let's face it, your mother and I are not getting any younger. The hotel alone is going to be quite enough to cope with from now on.'
Philip always weighed things up so logically and I knew he'd want to be available during Mum's recovery.
I nodded. 'I think you're absolutely right. None of us can foresee how fit Mum’s going to be from now on. Have you discussed selling the restaurants with her?'
'Yes, of course, and she's happy for me to do whatever I decide is best. Frankly, I think she'll be pleased to be shot of them. She's always disliked the travelling back and forth and loathes me leaving her. I should get a fair market price for them; they're both thriving business concerns. Anyway, I need to invest more into this hotel now; more renovations and improvements are definitely required.'
Selling the restaurants made absolute sense to me; but above all, I wanted what was best for both of them, and for Mum to beat the cancer.
*
Back in London, as I left Paddington Station in the taxi, I decided on an impulse not to go straight home to Eaton Square but instead to drop off at work first. I knew I had said I'd phone first to tell them when I was coming in but it shouldn't make any difference. Lynda wouldn't mind. Alex was in Athens so I had no one to rush home for… apart from the cat. Alex assured me a kind neighbour was feeding her so I asked the driver to head for Grosvenor Street. Work was on my mind again.
There was no one in reception or the showroom when I arrived. So I crossed to the inter-communicating door that led to my office and studio. I could hear noises as I approached; then what sounded like a female groaning in pain. It must be Lynda; something was wrong!
I opened the door, and could see nothing at first. The moaning suddenly ceased. I walked around my desk. On the floor behind lay Edward in a dishevelle
d state of undress with Lynda straddled across him; her skirt up round her waist and her blouse open, exposing two naked breasts. If I hadn't been quite so shocked I think I would have roared laughing.
'Annabel!' they both uttered in unison. Edward's pale face gawping at me was a picture to behold.
'We weren't expecting you,' Lynda gasped, giving me a flustered smile as she quickly buttoned her blouse. She was still seated across him.
I turned away, to save them further humiliation.
‘Obviously not! I only happen to work here that's all,' I said, with a touch of sarcasm, and left the room.
Where the hell were Violet and Zoe? Then I remembered; Violet was having a few days off visiting her son in Clacton, and Zoe didn't work Friday afternoons. No wonder Lynda hadn't minded me disappearing off to Wales! It had given Edward and her a golden opportunity to get up to whatever they wanted together. How long had it been going on, I wondered? Also what about Terry, Lynda's boyfriend in the Army?
Several minutes later they emerged; clothes straightened, they both looked sheepishly at me. Edward ran a hand through his dark lank hair and cleared his throat. But before he could speak, Lynda piped up.
'I say, Annabel, you won't go all judgmental on us, will you, please? It was so unfortunate you walking in at that moment, but...’
'Yes, you could say that! I might have been anyone, you know,' I snapped. Then, eying their discomposure and unable to contain my giggles any longer, I burst out laughing.
'Annabel, don't!' cried Lynda. 'I feel so embarrassed. You're not angry?'
Edward continued to stand transfixed and speechless; his face a perfect picture of humiliation at being caught in flagrante delicto.
'Why should I be? You two can make love wherever you want. It's your affair. But not in here again, please. No, I'd be the last to pour cold water on anyone's love life. Mind you I was mighty tempted to get a large bucket of it a few moments ago!'
Finally we all laughed; Edward too, although he was still clearly flustered… but then who was I to preach? Alex and I had made love in some pretty unconventional places.
They enquired after my mother and I filled them in. Edward then disappeared back to the main Courtney salon and Lynda and I were able to talk more easily and more frankly.
'Well, you're a dark horse!' I exploded finally. 'I'd no idea you even fancied Edward? Isn't he a bit old for you?'
'Actually I didn't realise I fancied him myself until a few day's ago. And no, he's not that old... twelve years difference, that's all. We get along really well. In your absence he's hardly been out of here; using any excuse he could to check everything was all right, if you know what I mean?'
I grinned, raising my eyebrows. 'I can imagine, but how the hell did you end up together on my office floor? No, on second thoughts, don't answer that. Best I don't know.'
Lynda nodded mutely, then… 'I've finished with Terry you know? He's off to Cyprus for two years and we haven't been getting on for some time now. Anyway Edward's really anxious to help me with my career...' She stopped abruptly. 'I'll go and make a cuppa, shall I?'
'Good idea.'
That last bit; about Edward helping her with her career, told me quite a bit. I liked Lynda and we worked well together, but I'd always sensed she coveted my position at Courtney's. Crikey, was she perhaps working towards that end? It seemed to me that having a relationship with Edward was a damn good start in the right direction.
Later, after a cup of tea and a chat about business I called a taxi to go home. I suddenly felt unbearably tired. The long train journey from North Wales plus all the anxiety of the past few days had finally caught up with me. I now wanted more than anything to get back to Eaton Square.
Cleo greeted me in her usual feline way. Alex hadn't abandoned her as he might have done at any other time. The girl in the flat above had agreed to feed her until one of us got back. Alex was obviously still in Athens. Cleo looked fine, anyway.
I was putting my things away and running a bath when Alex phoned.
'When are you returning?' I asked, after telling him briefly how Mum was.
'There are still some problems, but I should be back by tomorrow evening at the latest.'
I was relieved. I desperately wanted two things, a long hot soak in the bath and Alex home as soon as possible.
Later as I lay wallowing in a relaxing bubble bath, I thought about walking in on Edward and Lynda that afternoon. The incongruity of them humping away behind my desk on the office carpet still tickled me no end.
Fancy, Lynda and Edward of all people! They were the last two I would have ever linked romantically. Nonetheless, my amusement soon became intermingled with thoughts of how vulnerable it could make me in my job. Up to now I'd always thought of Lynda as my staunch ally; especially when there was any discord between Edward and me. Where would her loyalties lie now?
I needed to discuss it with someone. So I rang Vanessa, now living in Chelsea. She and Rowley had moved there after their honeymoon; their house was close to the office of the small law firm where Rowley worked.
Rowley answered the phone in his precise cut glass accent. After the usual pleasantries he passed me over to Vanessa.
'Of course, darling, come on over. Rowley's off out soon with some rugger pals. I'll be on my own. It'll be super to see you.'
We hadn't spoken for well over a week as she'd given up her job at Courtney's. Nearly five months pregnant now, she was over all the sickness business, which had inconveniently plagued her earlier on, and whilst it had been at its worst she'd been a bit out of circulation.
'Good. By the way, I haven't eaten, so why don't I pick up a Chinese meal for us both?' I said.
'Er, no thanks; not for me. I can't stomach anything like that. It gives me violent indigestion, I’m afraid. But do get yourself some.'
'Sorry, I hadn't thought. Are you sure? I'm starving, and that little Chinese takeaway around the corner from you is so good. I just fancied some sweet and sour, that's all...'
'It's fine, Annabel, honestly. I've already had a light supper, anyway. You go ahead and get what you want.'
'Right. See you later…'
*
While I made short work of my Chicken Chop Suey and Sweet and Sour prawn balls with egg fried rice, I filled Vanessa in on the latest happenings; about Mum's operation, the sale of Philip's restaurants and, of course, the news about Edward and Lynda.
She was as surprised and amused as I had been.
'I don't believe it!' she giggled. 'I'll bet Edward was in a frightful tiz wasn't he, when you found them?'
'You might say that. Oh Vanessa, it was a scream! Can't you just picture it? I didn't know where to look! I reckon our Edward's a bit of a dark horse, you know. Still waters, and all that. Anyway, I never believed all that celibacy rubbish he talked about, did you?’
Vanessa shrugged.’ Who knows, he could be really hot stuff in the sack!'
I pulled a face. 'And on my office floor too, by the look of things!'
'There too,' quipped Vanessa. 'I say, darling, anyone could have walked in! Good job it was only you. Actually, I called in myself, a couple of days ago. No sign of any rumpy pumpy then. Zoe was modelling for a buyer and everything was perfectly in order.'
I turned more serious. 'Tell me, would you think Lynda's relationship with Edward could mean my job might be at risk? I know Lynda would love to have it, you see.'
Vanessa looked thoughtful. 'No, shouldn't think so. Mind you, I suppose it depends how serious they get.'
I explained to her how Lynda had always backed me to the hilt over any disagreements with Edward in the past, and how I was now worried where her loyalty might rest. 'Could make things a bit tricky for me, don't you think? You know how obstinate Edward can be at times. For instance, we'd never have shortened skirts if he'd had it his way. Lynda supported me whole-heartedly over that.'
'Yes, I know she did. Well, you know what the answer is, don't you, darling? I don't know why you haven't don
e it before.'
'What?'
'Leave. Set up you own business.'
'Oh, Vanessa, I'd love to. But the problem is money, or rather the lack of it.' I got up and started to clear away the food cartons.
Vanessa, with coffee pot poised, looked up at me. 'Why don't you ask Alex to back you?'
I went into the kitchen to throw the cartons in the waste bin, and allow myself time to contemplate my answer. To accept backing or even a loan from Alex would be against all my principles.
I returned and sat down. 'No, I don't think that's a good idea. He’s known all along it's what I'd like to do, yet he's never offered and I certainly don't want to ask him. Anyway, I'd much rather avoid that sort of obligation to him. Don't ask me why, but I'd prefer to do it quite independently. My relationship with Alex is too unorthodox. He has a wife and, let's face it; I shouldn't really exist as far as he’s concerned.'
'I know what you mean, darling, but his marriage to Susannah has to be on borrowed time. They're hardly ever together. Mummy says poor little Nikolas barely knows who his parents are, he sees so little of them.' Vanessa huffed as she heaved her feet up onto the sofa.
This was my chance to suss things out with her; to ask about Susannah and Mel and find out what she might know about their friendship?
'You know, of course, that Susannah bought some Miss Courtney from me while you were off swanning round the Greek Islands?'
Vanessa nodded with a snigger. 'That must have been fun for you, darling. Didn't you feel awkward about it?'
I screwed up my nose and shrugged. 'It wasn't too bad, and Lynda went with me to the hotel to help. Do you know Mel, her secretary?
'Yes, vaguely. Nice girl. Why?'
'What do you know about her? You see, I was frankly rather surprised how close she and Susannah seem to be.'
Vanessa looked blankly at me. 'Are they? Still, as her secretary, she must spend a great deal of time with her ... and if they get on well then it follows, I suppose, that they've become close friends.'
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