Crampton Hodnet by BarbaraPym

Author:BarbaraPym
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780748126378
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

12

CONVERSATION IN A TOOL SHED

‘I hope my mother will know the right sort of thing to say,’ said Simon uneasily. ‘She isn’t really used to opening church garden parties.’

‘We are very fortunate in having persuaded your mother to come,’ said Miss Doggett rather stiffly. It seemed unnecessary to add that Lady Beddoes would of course know the right sort of thing to say. Ambassadors’ widows who lived in Belgravia were surely equal to any occasion; a church garden party was something they would take very easily in their stride. She was surprised that Simon should seem doubtful.

They were in the Clevelands’ drawing-room, waiting for Lady Beddoes to arrive. It was a fine afternoon, but although the sun was shining there was a feeling of thunder in the air. Miss Morrow was carrying Miss Doggett’s mackintosh cape and umbrella, and Mrs Cleveland had decided that she need not wear the large-brimmed hat which she disliked but which was supposed to be correct for such occasions. She would look much more sensible in her comfortable blue felt if it came on to rain. Anthea was looking charming in flowered chiffon and a hat trimmed with roses, but it was different for the young. They didn’t mind and even enjoyed uncomfortable elegance.

‘What is it in aid of?’ asked Simon. ‘I dare say I could help her with her speech, though’ – he glanced at his watch – ‘there won’t be much time if it’s supposed to begin at three. My mother’s hopeless about time. She may even mistake the day,’ he added alarmingly.

‘Oh, I hope not; I mean, surely she wouldn’t?’ said Mrs Cleveland in an agitated voice. ‘Of course Dr and Mrs Fremantle promised to come,’ she said, as if trying to find a possible substitute for Lady Beddoes should it be necessary. But one could hardly ask Olive Fremantle at the last minute. It would probably have to be herself in her old felt hat. She believed she was the only person who could safely be asked to do anything at the last minute without taking offence.

‘Here’s a car,’ said Anthea, who had been stationed by the window. ‘Come on, Simon, let’s go out and meet her.’

Everyone felt relieved when Lady Beddoes came into the room. They had hardly known what to expect from the hints Simon had given them, but when they saw her they were reassured. She was tall and thin, and although there was a certain vagueness in her manner, she was undeniably elegant. She was really much smarter than anybody they had ever had to open the garden parties, except perhaps old Lady Halkin in the days before she began to have her ‘turns’.

Lady Beddoes was talking so volubly to Anthea that it was some time before she noticed the other women in the room. Anthea had to interrupt her gently so that they could be introduced. She shook hands with them all and said what a good thing it was that it was fine and how glad she was to be coming to open the garden party.

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