All Together Now by Gill Hornby

Author:Gill Hornby
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction / Family Life, Fiction / Contemporary Women
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Published: 2015-07-21T04:00:00+00:00

‘OK,’ said Bennett, taking to the centre of the circle and twirling his specs in his left hand. He was wearing a maroon cardigan for a change, which–deliberately or by happy coincidence–gave him a politico-back-room-boffin sort of air. ‘Two pieces of major political news this evening.’

Lewis harrumphed: ‘Oh yes–you defecting to UKIP? You know the way out…’

‘The first is that next Tuesday there is going to be a significant event down at the London Road site. The protesters are expecting the developers to move in sometime that afternoon, so anybody who can be there, please, please join us. This might be our last chance to fight back. It is a crucial day for the future of Bridgeford, and anyone who can be there should be there.’

Lewis couldn’t argue with that, so he sulked instead.

‘And the second is: tonight is the night for the election of new choir officers. Polling is to take place over in the corner there, on top of the pre-school’s fancy-dress box.’ Bennett looked grave. ‘Ballot papers are available from Pat, our returning officer–thank you, Pat, for giving up your break this evening.’ Pat looked important. ‘And the eagerly awaited results will be announced by Pat in the meeting next week. Is that right, Pat?’

‘I think so, love. I’ll have to take them home with me. I can’t really count all of them tonight and I didn’t bring my proper glasses.’

‘We’ll have Dimbleby and the pundits on the telly before that, though, won’t we?’ shouted a bass. ‘Live from the count? Election Special?’

‘And have those pinkos from the BBC all over my nice kitchen?’ Pat shuddered. ‘I should very much think not.’

‘And what about the exit polls?’

‘I urge you,’ Bennett, still solemn, raised his hand and his voice to quell the hilarity, ‘to ignore all exit polls. They are not to be trusted.’

‘Remember April ’92.’ Lewis was now almost on the verge of tears.

‘Here,’ Jazzy cut in. ‘That’s enough. We’re not all bloody ancient.’

‘Thank you, thank you. Shall we settle down now.’ Bennett’s voice was louder still. ‘Refreshments are available and the polling booth is now… OPEN.’

He came and sat down next to a less-than-impressed Tracey. ‘Great. Masterful. Well done,’ she said, rolling her eyes.

‘Thanks,’ he replied sincerely, before whispering out of the side of his mouth, ‘Just to tip you off, there is competition…’

‘Oh. Yes. Good. Of course.’ She nodded, and then dropped her voice to a hiss. ‘I thought you said there wouldn’t be anybody.’

‘It’s fine. Nothing to worry about. Emma has nominated Edward for leader, and Edward has nominated Emma for treasurer, that’s all. Don’t panic. They don’t even live in Bridgeford…’

‘Right.’ She looked over to the fancy-dress box, where an orderly queue was forming.

‘Real democracy in action.’ He patted her arm. ‘The best man will win.’

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