The Simple Rules of Love by Amanda Brookfield

Author:Amanda Brookfield
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780141925615
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Published: 2008-11-13T16:00:00+00:00

Elizabeth arrived at the top of the steps in a turquoise bikini, which fitted well but left no room for charitable guesses as to the extent of her stomach, and hesitated at the sight of her family scattered before her round the pool. She was recovering from a mildly embarrassing encounter with the housekeeper, whom she had run into in the kitchen while on a quest to make Pamela a cup of tea. The woman, whose name was Maria, had been busy at a chopping-board, her knife flashing through onions and tomatoes the size of cooking apples and aubergines with skins as glossy as polished mahogany. Clearly of a similar age, but attired in a sensible grey dress and white apron, the sight of her had made Elizabeth feel both large and exposed. Clasping her towel to her chest, she had explained, in rusty O-level Italian, about the tea, then backed out with as much dignity as the circumstances allowed.

Standing on the terrace now, she attempted to tie the towel in something pertaining to elegance round her chest but then thought, What the hell?, and slung it over one shoulder before setting off down the steps. She loved the bikini in a way she would have found hard to explain. It was fashioned with large bows at the cleavage and the sides of the bottoms and had cost an amount of money entirely disproportionate to its size, even though it was in the sale. Staring at her reflection in the cramped changing room of the department store, Elizabeth had been unable to see beyond the bold display of her ample stomach and the bulge of her thighs. Then she had thought of Keith, recalling the eager affection with which he had explored the same terrain, and the beauty of the bikini had come into her sights at last – the magnificent way its lavish colour cupped her curves – and the purchase had become irresistible.

After the drama of her nephew's reappearance Elizabeth had broken her word and phoned Keith on his mobile. He had told her off – and not to do it again – but sounded pleased. She had jabbered like a teenager, loving the sound of his deep voice, full of common sense, loving the simple verification of his existence. He was still job-hunting but seeing a lot of his boys, he said. He was thinking of doing a computer course. He missed her but he was fine. She had promised not to call again, then longed to break her word the moment their conversation ended.

He is with me, she thought happily, as she trotted towards the pool. Loving him has changed me and made me strong. I have a guiding light at last, no less vivid for being invisible.

‘Elizabeth… everything okay?’

‘Oh, everything's wonderful. I've met our slave – she's called Maria and she's making Mum a cup of tea and all of us some ratatouille for supper. Make way, you lot, I'm coming in.’ Dropping her towel,

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