The Waiting Game by Elizabeth Cadell

Author:Elizabeth Cadell [Cadell, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: v
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

8

The next day, Gianna walked over from Hargreaves House soon after lunch, accompanied by James and Pierre. James apologised for coming uninvited.

“I wanted to phone,” he told Laura, “but Gianna said you wouldn’t mind our dropping in informally.”

“Of course I don’t mind - it’s nice to see you both.” She took Pierre’s violin from him and placed it on a chair in the hall.

“I hope nobody will touch it,” he said anxiously.

“Nobody’ll lay a finger on it. Come and sit down and get warm. I’m glad to see you’re giving yourself a rest from practising.”

He chose the largest chair, sat down and said that he would soon be going to London.

“It is very cold there,” he added.

“I believe it is,” Laura agreed. “I can never make up my mind whether January or February is the coldest month of the year.”

“January,” said James.

“But in Australia, hot,” pointed out Pierre. “In New Zealand also hot, I think.”

“Yes, that’s true. Gianna, sit down − it’s too early to make tea. Alexander’s cake is ready for him.”

“He’s late,” Gianna said. “He should be here by now.”

“You wouldn’t want him to speed in that car of his, would you?” her father asked.

“No. I have decided that he must ask his grandmother to buy him a new one.”

“I’m not looking forward to visiting her,” Laura said. “Are you sure it wouldn’t be better if you went by yourself?”

“Quite sure,” Gianna said firmly. “But I’m also dreading the occasion. She sounds … I don’t know … inquisitive. She has already asked Alexander all about me, why I’m in England, what classes I’m going to, where I’m going to live in London.”

“Naturally she’ll ask questions,” Laura said. “Your father ought to have presented Alexander with a long questionnaire, instead of merely accepting your prejudiced opinion of him. All he knows about his future son-in-law is that he plays good rugby and has no ear for music.”

The telephone rang when they had waited an hour for Alexander’s arrival. Laura handed over the receiver to Gianna and returned to the living room, but it was clear from Gianna’s dismayed comments that he was not coming. She rejoined the others and spoke without emphasis, but Ross felt certain there was anger hidden beneath her disappointment.

“That was Alexander. He was ringing from a house where he’d walked when his car stopped and wouldn’t start again. He says it’s not far from Guildford, but all the garages he tried refused to let him have a taxi because it’s Sunday and Downpass is too far. He says to tell Laura how sorry he is, and we’re to have tea without him.”

James and Pierre looked relieved; now they could eat at last. Laura and Gianna brought two trays into the living room: there were hot scones and the large walnut cake that had been made specially for Alexander. Gianna sat on the hearth-rug as usual. She spoke very little. Ross would have given a great deal to know what she was thinking.

When he and Laura were alone, he asked if she had any clue.

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