The Canal Boat Girl by Sheila Everett

Author:Sheila Everett
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bonnier Publishing Fiction

TWENTY-ONE

Here they were, tying up Pili Pala under Drago’s direction, for all days, dreaded or looked forward to, come round inevitably, don’t they, and it was late afternoon on the celebration day.

‘Eluned says you must come rather earlier than suggested, as she thinks it will be so much more convenient for you to change into your costumes in the house. A bedroom for the ladies, my changing room for you, Barley, and the bathroom are completely at your disposal,’ he told them. ‘You must also feel free to try out the piano in the drawing room before dinner. We are both so pleased you could come.’ He was looking directly at Ruth Owen as he said this.

There was an awkward silence for a moment or two. Then Bay said, ‘Go and help Daisy, Clemmie, collect up our clothes in the cabin.’

Startled, Clemmie obeyed without question for once.

Bay stepped forward, so that he was between Ruth Owen and Drago. The three of them stood at the very edge of the long flight of steps up to the house.

He said, ‘I must tell you, Drago, that I am now aware that you were the cause of some unhappiness for my wife when she was a student of yours . . . I was unaware of this when I accepted your invitation.’ They stared at each other for a tense minute.

‘It was all a very long time ago.’ Drago’s voice was grave.

‘It has caused me pain ever since.’ Ruth’s reaction was quick. ‘I haven’t yet been able to face telling my husband the whole of it.’

Bay brought her within the circle of his arm, firm round her slender waist. He was protecting her, she realised. It was a good feeling.

‘We would prefer to keep this as a purely business arrangement,’ Bay continued. ‘I ask you to respect that decision. We will honour our commitment, that is all. However, we thank you for the invitation to dinner and for the amenities offered, which we accept.’

Bay, you old rogue, Ruth thought gratefully, your pomposity is standing you in good stead today.

‘Having made this clear,’ Bay went on, ‘I promise you we shall perform to the very best of our ability this evening. Thank you. We will come up to the house shortly.’

Without another word Drago turned abruptly and went swiftly up all the steps of Ty-Gyda-Cerded.

‘You were wonderful, Bay!’ she exclaimed and she stretched up and gave him a kiss.

As they gathered up their things, Daisy counselled Pompom. ‘Be good, little Pom. Here’s an osborne biscuit, as eaten by the Queen. I’ll pop back during the evening to allow you to stretch your legs, eh?’

‘It doesn’t look as if Jem is coming, does it?’ asked Clemmie.

‘No, it doesn’t,’ Daisy answered regretfully.

‘I wish we could have some news of her,’ Ruth added. It was strange how responsible they felt for the girl after such a short acquaintance.

‘House of Many Steps – here we are!’ Ruth actually sounded cheerful as Clemmie raced ahead of them and pulled the bell so hard, it must have echoed through all the house.

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