Rivals by Jilly Cooper

Author:Jilly Cooper
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Fiction, Aristocracy (Social class), Cabinet officers, Modern & contemporary fiction (post c 1945), General, Fiction - General, General & Literary Fiction, Television programs, Television actors and actresses, Women television producers and directors, Modern fiction
ISBN: 9780552156370
Publisher: Corgi
Published: 2008-03-10T07:00:00+00:00

28

Rupert went back to England slap into a political storm. The dramatic drop in football hooliganism had been a high spot of the Tory administration. Now, after a sickening day of violence, their claims were looking very dubious. With an election in the offing, the opposition were roaring for blood and, in an emergency debate on Monday night, tabled a motion of no confidence in the Minister for Sport and howled for Rupert's resignation. Although Rupert was certain left-wing militants were behind the riots and hinted as much in the House, he couldn't prove it yet and the Government won the debate by the narrowest majority. Some of his own side were not displeased by events; Rupert had been the PM's darling for too long. The Cup Final was not until 11th May, but all Rupert's energies were now channelled into seeing the violence wasn't repeated.

He spent most of the next week trying not to lose his temper with the pack of reporters snarling at his heels as he visited the two devastated football clubs, and comforted those who'd been hurt in the riots. As a result, he didn't get down to Penscombe until late Wednesday afternoon, landing the helicopter on the lawn.

He had only been away a week, but already bluebells were flaming like Bunsen burners in his woods, and the crimson glow of the beeches had turned to a rusty terracotta as green leaves burst out of their narrow brown buds. Although

brilliant sunshine and blue skies welcomed him, across the valley he could see an April shower tumbling darkly out of a huge purple cloud on to The Priory.

However angry he was, returning to Penscombe always soothed him. He was greeted by messages from Gerald that the two stabbed policemen were now off the danger list and that Cameron Cook had rung three times, leaving a number. Instead of calling her, he had a quick shower and drove over to The Priory where the rain had almost stopped, leaving a heady smell of wet earth and nettles. As he walked through the door, he was greeted by an even headier smell of frying garlic and onions. Taggie must be home, which unconsciously soothed him even more. He'd go and see her when he'd reported in. In the library he found Freddie, Bas and Charles giving a slightly unreceptive Declan tips on how to write the application.

'What a focking awful week you're having,' said Declan. 'You poor bastard. You must feel like Sisyphus.'

'I don't know who he is,' said Rupert, 'but I'm sure I do.'

'Get him a drink, Bas,' said Declan.

'Only Perrier,' said Rupert. 'I've got to fly back and vote after this. How did the first Venturer meeting go?'

The others looked at each other. Was the sun shining through the stained glass window or was Freddie blushing?

'It was somewhat hazardous,' said Declan.

'Did you all fall out?' asked Rupert, taking the Perrier from Bas, and trying to find an inch on one of the window seats that wasn't covered with books and tapes to sit on.

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