Barbara Taylor Bradford's 4-Book Collection by Barbara Taylor Bradford

Author:Barbara Taylor Bradford [Barbara Taylor Bradford]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2013-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

‘So you did get a sofa. Finally,’ Gwen said, stepping into the little sitting room from the parlour-kitchen.

‘Yes,’ Audra replied, following sharply on her heels, frowning at her friend’s back.

Gwen marched up to this piece of furniture, which stood in the centre of the room facing the fireplace, and promptly sat down on it. She crossed her legs, settled against the cushions and made herself comfortable.

Audra hovered in front of her, studying her face intently. It was bland, as always, and innocent enough. And Audra knew at once that Gwen had not meant anything mean or unkind by the remark, even though the way she had said finally had sounded a trifle catty, as if she thought they hadn’t been able to afford one before.

‘We bought the sofa two weeks ago,’ Audra volunteered in her usual quiet way. ‘We’d been looking for that particular style for quite a while, since before we were married, actually.’

‘Oh, had you,’ Gwen said and swung around, brought her face closer to the back of the sofa, the three strands of cheap beads rattling as she moved. She sniffed the material. ‘Mmmm. Leather. Very nice too, Audra. I must admit, I do like the genuine thing. Nothing imitation for me, either.’

Audra bit back a smile, walked over to the fireplace. She was amused by the incongruity of this last remark, in view of Gwen’s penchant for fake jewellery. Always dripping in it, and a walking advertisement for Wool-worth’s, she had really outdone herself today. She was bedecked in a curious assortment of coloured rhinestones and paste; none of it matched and she glittered like an out-of-season Christmas tree. But that’s my Gwenny, Audra thought with a rush of real warmth, her deep affection for her friend surfacing. She just wouldn’t be the same without her beads and bracelets and dangling earrings; they’re her trademark, and I don’t suppose I would change her, even if I could.

Smiling, Audra reached for the Swan Vestas on the mantelpiece. ‘It seems to have turned a little chilly,’ she said, crouching in front of the grate, striking a match. She brought the flame to the paper and wood chips and went on, ‘Are you sure I can’t get you a cardigan, Gwen?’

‘No, thanks very much, lovey, I’m all right. At least I will be now that you’re getting the fire going.’ Gwen smoothed her hand over the skirt of her brilliant red silk dress, explained, ‘I should have worn something warmer than this, I suppose, but it’s brand new and I wanted you to see it. Do you like it, Audra?’

‘It’s a lovely frock and it really does suit you,’ Audra answered truthfully. She stood up, glanced approvingly at her friend.

Gwen preened; she patted her blonde hair. ‘And what do you think of my new marcel wave?’

‘I like it, and as a matter of fact I’m considering having one myself next week. Now, shall I make us a cup of tea? Or would you prefer a drink perhaps?’

‘I wouldn’t say no to a glass of sherry.

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