She felt Jake stiffen.
'We're engaged, not married,' he said coolly.
'I always thought the permissive society was everywhere in London.' Philip's voice was cold.
'The permissive society is only found among permissive people,' Jake said curtly.
'Oh, dear!' Monica's voice was honey-sweet. 'That does put us in our place, doesn't it, darling?'
Jake pulled Davina to her feet, keeping his arm round her.
'Will you excuse us, please? I must tear myself away. Will you see me out, darling?'
He tightened his hold on her.
'Yes, of course.' Davina moved to the door with him. They both suddenly stopped as Monica gave a loud shriek.
'Philip, have you seen that colossal ring of Davina's? It can't be real, can it? Let's have a look, sweetie.'
Davina flushed bright red as Monica reached for her hand and held it up.
'My God,' Monica breathed in awe, 'it looks like a genuine emerald!' She held Davina's hand up for Philip to see. He seemed mesmerised by the hand and the ring. 'Oh, my, that does put my poor bauble in the shade, doesn't it?' she went on, her voice openly envious. 'Let's have a look at the inscription.'
Jake reached forward quite naturally and took Davina's hand away from Monica, enclosing it in a warm clasp.
'Davina is superstitious about taking it off,' he said lightly, 'and the inscription is very personal.' He smiled charmingly at Monica as he guided Davina out.
In the hall Davina stopped to untangle herself from Jake's hold, her face suddenly chalk white, her eyes dark with pain.
Philip. He still had the power to tear at her heart. She might have an expensive ring that wasn't even her own, but Monica had the man she loved. And she would have given her soul to change places with her sister at this moment. Suddenly the bitterness of it all threatened to overwhelm her.
'Don't look so anguished,' Jake said quietly. 'You're supposed to be in love with me, remember? You can't go into one of your daydreams now, Davina, every time he walks into the room.' He took her by the shoulders and shook her gently.
'I know,' she whispered. They left the house, walking towards the Rolls.
'You may have noticed we're being watched,' said Jake, 'not only from the house, but very likely from the whole road. I can see lace curtains twitching.'
'What are you talking about?' Davina was getting fed up with the whole business and suddenly wished she had never started it.
'I mean, my dear young idiot, if your precious Philip is to believe you're engaged you're going to have to improve very rapidly on your acting performance. At the moment it rates zero. I'm doing all the work. Not that I'm not enjoying it… your mother is quite charming, but I do need some help.'
'Well, you look as though you're enjoying it. Smug and self-satisfied would be a good description of your performance!' Davina was seething with anger. 'Our bargain didn't include making my family fall all over themselves about you… which I'm going to have to cope with when this farce is over. It looks to me as though you're enjoying yourself at my expense. Well, I don't appreciate it. And don't think you can get round me the way you do with other unsuspecting females, because you can't. I work for you, remember, and I know what you're really like.'
He stopped quite still and looked at her.
'Well, well, well, the cool, poised, unruffled Davina Richards showing some spirit at last!' He looked at her flushed face, her heaving breast and angry eyes. 'I knew the wilting lily act couldn't last for long.' His eyes glinted at her. 'Just remember, my girl, you've no reason to feel sorry for yourself. You're beautiful and intelligent and gutsy. Your precious ex-boy-friend is the one to feel sorry for. He's a fool… for letting you go, for messing up his life. And he's stuck with it. You're just waking up from a long dream, and your life is ahead of you. So don't waste precious time looking back. He's not worth it.'
They stared at each other as his voice rose triumphantly to meet her anger. Davina was gripped by a strange excitement she didn't understand, an elation which was pleasurable and quite new to her.
'And now,' he said calmly reaching for her, 'back to the performance for the audience.' He pulled her towards him, tilted her chin with a firm hand and kissed her hard on the mouth.
She was so surprised, for a moment she didn't move. By the time she began to pull away, Jake had released her and was in the car, gears engaged as the Rolls purred away. One arm out of the window waved at her and the next moment he had rounded the corner and was gone.
Davina was sitting in front of the dressing table in the blue guest bedroom, brushing her hair. She had had a shower, a change of clothes and a rest, when her mother knocked briefly and came in.
'Hello, love,' she said. 'Had a little rest? I've come for a chat and to get away from that telephone for a while. It just never stops ringing!' She sat down on the bed. 'Monica's making a snack supper for us, since the men will be out at the stag party.'
She looked gravely at her daughter, their eyes meeting in the mirror. Davina sensed her mother was determined to be bright and cheerful.
'Little did I think my youngest would turn into such an elegant young woman,' she smiled. 'And yet sitting here now with your hair down, you don't look a day older than… when you left,' she finished.
Her voice broke and Davina jumped up. Suddenly they had their arms round each other and were hugging tearfully.
'I really can't believe you're here,' Mrs Richards pulled a handkerchief out of her overall pocket. 'It's been so long and I've missed you so dreadfully.' She sniffed inelegantly. 'There, and I swore I wouldn't cry… and anyway, what have I to cry about? One daughter married tomorrow and another engaged. What more could a scheming and ambitious mother want?'
'Oh, Mum, you ambitious and scheming? What a whopper!'
'Now,' Mrs Richards sounded firm and determined, 'you must tell me all about Jake. Where did you meet him? When did you fall in love? How long have you been engaged? When are you getting married?… everything,' she laughed.
'Of course, Mum. I'll tell you everything you want to know. But first I want to know about you… and Dad.'
Her mother's eyes flew to her daughter's face.
'What do you mean?' She was agitated. 'Has Monica said anything?'
'No, Mum, no one has said anything at all. But you are worried about him, aren't you? Isn't that why I'm here even though Monica obviously doesn't want me to be?'
'Now you mustn't blame Monica too much. I know she can be hard, but don't forget she spent her whole childhood watching your father idolising you. We both suffered with that, and it wasn't easy for her. So you mustn't judge her too harshly.'
They sat close together on the bed.
'Dad's not ill, is he?' Davina said anxiously.
'No, not really, but the doctor has said he has to be careful… no more do-it-yourself jobs round the house, only one round of golf a week… that kind of thing. There's a heart condition, but nothing to worry about as long as he doesn't upset himself.'
'I see.'
'But he has changed, in the last two years. It's a bit difficult to explain. After you left, he was shattered. He'd always been so proud of you—your achievements, your ambitions, they were somehow an echo of his own youth. And cancelling the wedding like that at the last moment— well, you know how hard it hit me. I made no bones about that at the time. But he didn't say much, and perhaps it hit him much harder than we realised.'
Her mother sighed.
'As you know, he didn't approve of Philip for you, thought you were too young to know your own mind, that Philip had taken advantage of you. But, strangely, his view of Philip changed.'
She looked closely at Davina and paused rather uncertainly.
'I wouldn't be telling you all this if you weren't engaged to Jake and I know you have him to take care of you. When Monica and I sent that invitation we weren't at all sure how you still felt about Philip, you see… we, thought maybe you wouldn't come because you still…' She laughed li
ghtly. 'Anyway, that doesn't apply any more. As soon as I met Jake I… well, it's obvious he's the right man for you and adores you, so… you are happy, Davina, aren't you?'
'Yes, Mum, of course I am,' she sounded impatient. 'But go on about Dad.'
'Yes, well… he's never really talked about it all even to me, but I think he was surprised when Philip did want to marry you. Somehow he thought Philip would let you down. Then, after the wedding was cancelled, your father saw Philip and realised how much Philip loved you. He did look ghastly, wan and miserable… you know.'
Davina winced. Yes, she thought, she did know.
'Anyway, your father became convinced you'd called off the wedding. And Monica agreed with him. And then he turned against you. He didn't want you in the house, didn't want your name mentioned and… I had to swear not to write to you or contact you in any way.' She was openly crying now. 'It was awful!' she sobbed. 'I thought it would pass, it was just the passion of the moment, but it didn't. And if anyone mentioned your name… you know, the aunts would be here and would ask… well, he went mad, shouting, banging doors… not like himself at all.'
Davina sat grim and silent. The hurt was sudden and painful. So her father had not believed her that the decision to cancel the wedding had been mutual between her and Philip. He had guessed it was her decision. But did he know anything more? She hoped not, and she determined whatever happened over the week-end he would not know.
'What did he say about my coming this week-end?' Davina asked at last.
'Oh, he agreed. We couldn't have sent you the invitation without that. But… well… grudgingly. Oh, darling,' her mother was contrite, 'I don't want to hurt you, but it's better you know before you see him. I wanted to warn you to avoid your being shocked as well… as hurt…' Her voice tailed off miserably. 'Perhaps,' she went on, 'seeing you and meeting Jake will change his attitude. He might just come round, don't you think so?' she said eagerly.
'I don't know, Mum. We'll just have to see. Thanks for telling me,' said Davina dispiritedly.
It was all turning out much more complicated than she had imagined, and the whole arrangement with Jake had turned out to be quite unnecessary. Her father wasn't in the least concerned with her happiness.
'But, Mum, how is he taking the wedding?'
'Yes, well…' her mother said again, 'he doesn't know, of course, that there's a baby on the way, and he doesn't know either that they've been living together in London. He thinks Monica has a job in London, which she has, of course, and that they met up again there and fell in love.'
Davina wondered suddenly how much of the real truth her mother knew. Did she know what happened between herself and Monica that evening two years ago? Somehow she doubted it. But it wasn't important.
Oh, God, she thought, what a muddle!
'I wish I hadn't come,' she now said to her mother.
'No, don't say that. I wanted you to come because your father needs you. Once Monica is married, he'll need you even more. Whatever is between you must be sorted out. As long as you were in London and he never saw you, it couldn't be. I want so much for you both to be reconciled.'
'That's another reason I'm so glad about Jake. Your father will see now that you're happy and settled and that there's no more feeling between you and Philip. That may help. I think perhaps he's been a bit afraid that Philip might still… well, that he might still feel rather strongly about you. I know Monica's been afraid of that too. But of course all that's behind us, so it's good that you're here…' She paused. 'And I don't think I could have gone on much longer without you once Monica was married and gone.'
Davina looked penetratingly into her mother's face. 'You haven't had an easy time, have you?'
'Well, perhaps not. These last two years haven't been the best. But there are always good times and bad… you just remember that, young woman, when you're married.'
The phone shrilled downstairs.
'Oh, dear, I do hope Monica hears that.' Mrs Richards sounded doubtful.
It stopped and then came her father's voice in the hall.
'Anybody home?' and the closing of the front door.
'There's your father now. I must go down.'
'Alison, where are you?'
Her mother turned at the door. 'You will be… patient with your father, won't you?' she asked anxiously.
'Don't worry, Mum, it'll be alright. I'm not a schoolgirl any more, you know!' They smiled at each other and her mother went.
Davina wished she could get an old coat and go on to the dunes for a walk, give herself time to think out everything her mother had said. But she knew she would have to stay and see her father.
The phone rang again. At least, she thought wryly, there would not be much time for problems over the weekend. They would all be much too busy.
'Davina!' it was Monica's voice. 'It's for you.'
Davina went out on to the landing. 'Who is it?'
'I don't know. Can you come down and get it? I'm just in the middle of something for Mum.'
'Yes, of course… coming,' she called down.
Monica's voice sounded suddenly quite normal, and Davina's spirits lifted. Whatever was ahead she was happy to be home, to see her family again. She had not realised in London how terribly she missed it all.
She ran down the stairs, taking the last three in one leap as she always used to do, and felt her depression lift away from her.
'Hello,' she said cheerfully into the phone.
'That sounds better, much better.' It was Jake's voice.
'Oh, it's you.' She sounded serious again.
'Well, don't sound so disappointed. I rang to ask if you could come with me in the morning to buy a wedding present.'
Davina thought for a moment. 'I'm not sure. There may be things for me to do here.'
'It doesn't have to be early. Around eleven.'
'They won't be expecting a present, Jake. There's no need.'
'I realise that, but I don't want to arrive with another toast rack or a third glass bowl.' He paused. 'If you could look the presents over this evening, I'd know what to get.'
'O.K.,' she said, reluctant to commit herself. 'I'm still not sure.' She wondered why he was being so persuasive.
'Good. I'll pick you up at eleven sharp.'
'I haven't said I'll come yet.'
'You're only hesitating in case more exciting invitations come up,' he said cryptically.
'That's rubbish,' she retorted rather too forcefully.
'I thought so,' Jake said mockingly, and hung up.
She stood for a moment, realising she hadn't asked after his father.
'Davina!'
She turned to see her father standing in the doorway watching her. She felt a sudden rush of happiness at the sight of him and flew towards him. But she slowed down before she reached him as he did not open his arms to her as he used to do. She stopped. 'Hello, Dad,' she said carefully.
His voice was formal. 'You look wonderful, my dear. Quite grown up and even more lovely.'
'Thank you.' She was near to tears. 'It's good to be home.' She was trying hard to hide her disappointment as they walked into the living room.
'Your mother and I are happy to have you here on such an important day.' His voice was almost stilted.
Davina down on the sofa, feeling suddenly weak.
'Can I offer you a drink, my dear?'
'I'll have a sherry, please, if you have it!'
'We may live in the back of beyond, but we do have sherry.' His voice was dry and slightly bitter.
Davina laughed lightly, determined not to show her hurt at his attitude. 'I may look different, Dad,' she said slowly and deliberately, 'but I haven't changed underneath.'
'Let's hope devoutly that that's not true. There were some things two years ago that could well do with changing.'
She bit her lip, realising how right her mother had been to counsel patience. As he brought her glass, she looked at him carefully. He had aged even more than her mother
. His hair, now receding from his forehead, was completely white at the sides. His eyes, so much like her own, were cool and impersonal as he looked down at her. The lines round his mouth were deep and darkly shadowed, with new furrows on his forehead as he frowned heavily.
This was not the father she remembered. Her mother had said he had idolised her, but not more than she had adored him. His rejection of her had hurt more than she cared to admit to her mother.
'As your mother will have told you, we've been muddling through here without you,' he told her. 'Nothing much has changed. Monica has chosen wisely and has given herself time to be sure of her own feelings, as I once advised you to do. Her feelings have stood the test of time.'
Davina breathed in deeply to clear the constriction in her throat. 'Everyone seems to have worked very hard to make tomorrow a really lovely day,' she said brightly, 'and I'm looking forward to unpacking presents with Monica later.'
'Just as hard as we worked for your wedding,' he remarked tonelessly.
'I hope, Dad, we'll be able to put all that behind us and look forward.' She was fighting the tears threatening to spill from her lashes. 'I'm sure that's what Monica and Mum would wish for her wedding day. Don't you think so?'
He turned his back to her to look out at the garden.
'Not all of us can forget that easily, Davina, even if you can,' he said deliberately.
Davina took a deep breath. 'Dad…' she began.
'Your mother tells me,' he interrupted harshly, 'that you're thinking of marriage again.' He turned round to look at her, but she said nothing. 'I hope this time you've chosen more wisely,' he said. 'I trust also you've been honest with him and told him of your… er… regrettable weaknesses.'
Davina gasped, 'Whatever do you mean?'
'Your tendency to grab what you want doesn't usually make for lasting happiness. Last time you couldn't wait for marriage and Philip allowed you to persuade him to anticipate your wedding night. And then you found you didn't want him after all, and you hurt him badly. Your sister hasn't made the same mistake. She had the patience to wait. I hope you've learned from your mistake. Men don't always respect what they can have too easily. Another time such a course of action might backfire on you—the man might not want to marry you afterwards.'
Wedding in the Family Page 6