To Be in England – Part 5
Tuesday 21st June
1 pm
5th Avenue
“Well here we
are darlings – the answer to all your needs,” Kylie said as the cab drew up
outside the boutique.
"So what
does APCO stand for Kylie?" Vicky asked as they got out of the cab.
"Alice’s Personal Company...A...P...CO," Kylie replied as she paid
the driver.
"Oh I get
it,” Vicky said, “that's actually very clever."
"Yes it
is...” Kylie said as she looked at them.
“Alright girls - I have a conflicting set of instructions on this so let’s
see what we can find will please both Mary and yourselves."
"We just
don't want to look like children Kylie." Allison pouted.
"I know
darlings," Kylie drawled, "so let us see what we can do...alright?"
"Alright,"
Suzie nodded.
Smiling, Kylie
opened the door and watched as the three girls walked in, their eyes opening
wide as they looked round.
“Kylie – it is
good to see you again, and I guess I can formally say welcome to New York now,”
the blonde haired manager said as she walked over.
"Hello
Betsey darling," Kylie kissed the store manager on both cheeks. "Allow
me to introduce my three friends - these are Mary's sisters, Vicky, Alison and
Suzie."
"They are
all just as beautiful," Betsey smiled, "welcome to APCO girls."
"Thank
you," Vicky said quietly.
"As I said
on the phone darling, we are shopping with Mary's money."
"Oh I do
remember about Mary and spending money," Betsey nodded.
"Well the
girls do not want to look either like children or poor relatives in France, so
we need to create looks for them that will just about please everyone."
"I
understand Kylie," Betsey pursed her lips, "so shall we start from
the bottom and work up girls? Do you wear heels?"
"We do
when Mary either cannot see..." Vicky answered.
"Or when
she says yes like at the Kentucky Derby." Suzie added.
"And we
all love wearing very high heels," Allison finished off.
"Okay I
get the picture," Betsey laughed, "so let’s look at some shoes shall
we?"
“While you do
that, I will look at the summer collection, and see what I can find,” Kylie
drawled as she looked round.
2 pm
Holiday Inn Express
"So
Veronica,” Eleanor said as she sat in the coffee shop with her old friend, “are
you ready for France again?"
"I am
Eleanor,” Veronica said with a wry smile, “though my superiors are a bit less
than happy."
"Why?"
"Why do
you think? The Chicago gem heist."
"But
they'd already granted you leave before that happened."
"Exactly,”
Veronica said as she shook her head, “and it’s only that technicality that's
allowing me to go."
"So they
still think the stones are in this country?"
"According
to my informants they are, and the thieves are supposedly trying to get them out,
but with the all agencies full-court press on, hopefully we are preventing
that."
"So I had
heard Veronica."
"The
Russian government is desperate for their return, and all shades of political
opinion are barking that they must be found."
"I heard
Trump's speech last night." Eleanor nodded.
“Do not talk to
me about that man,” Veronica said darkly.
“Let’s discuss what we can do in the Medoc…”
“In a minute,”
Eleanor said as she took her phone out, “give me five minutes.”
Leaving the
coffee shop, she answered the call and said “Good evening Madame.”
"Good
evening Mermaid,” she heard the deep, rich voice say, “so are you looking
forward to your next trip to France?"
"Very much
Madame, it sounds as though it will be a memorable weekend."
"I very
much think so as well." Shirley paused. "In the meantime I haven't as
yet thanked you for your part in that recent operation?"
"I would
say that I enjoyed it,” Eleanor said quietly, “but somehow I think those are
the wrong words."
"Yes, but
in many ways I'm glad you have crossed the barrier Mermaid...And as to your
recompense..."
"New York
put the funds into what was an old 'my eyes only' account that I had kept from
the days I worked covert."
"Very
good."
"And may i
look forward to further opportunities to add to that account Madame?"
"Oh I
think I can promise that Mermaid." Madame chuckled.
"And
when?"
"Oh I
think another associate of mine is the one to inform you of that."
"Juliette if I don't miss my guess," Eleanor thought to herself.
"Well I
will hope that this will be very profitable," Eleanor actually said.
"And I
think I can also promise that."
2 pm
APCO, 5th Avenue
The three Clark
girls turned as they looked at themselves in the mirror, Kylie nodding as she
stood with Betsey.
"These matching
nineteen fifties summer dresses of yours are gorgeous Kylie," Allison
sighed.
"Well with
the polka dots in different colours, I designed them to be worn with
different
colour long gloves, hats and shoes."
"They will
be ideal for the Sunday," Betsy ventured.
"Yes I can
see them being worn to church," Kylie pursed her lips. “And I admit, the colours do suit them, but…”
"Can we have them please Kylie?" Vicky practically pleaded.
"Mary will
have a fit you know..."
"But they
are SO sophisticated," Suzie looked at Kylie, "PLEASE?"
"Alright I
give in, but be prepared to hear some words from your sister."
"And now
for the party itself," Betsey started taking outfits from the racks.
10 pm CET
Munich
“My apologies,
Your Highness,” the maid said as she came into the drawing room, “Miss Linda
Evangelista is on the telephone, and wishes to talk to you.”
“Mother? Bit late for her to be calling,” Carina said
as she held Mags, Annie nodding as she held Rudi.
“Well, I’ll see
what she wants,” Juliette said as she put her tablet down and went into the
hallway, taking up the handset. “Hello
Linda, what can I do for you?”
“Sorry for the
late call,” she heard the supermodel say.
"Pelican, is it true that Sister Virtue will be in Rosville?"
"So I
believe Mother."
"Interesting..."
"Okay
Linda,” Juliette said with a laugh, “I've known you long enough to know that
tone in your voice...spill?"
"Well I've
been approached by Nouveau Parisienne to style a retrospective shoot on the
early nineties, and I was thinking of asking some girls who consider themselves
long since retired to pose for it."
"And you
thought of Paula...why?"
"We all
know with more push that she could have been as big as any of us Ju."
"Well I
agree on that,” Juliette said, “but I'm not sure she'd do it."
"Oh I'll
chat to her at Abby's party and see if I can persuade her."
"Who else
do you have in mind Mother?"
"If I can
get you to talk to them..."
"Who
now?" Juliette sighed.
"Diana and
Sandy Richmond, we both know they terminated what would have been star careers
far too early."
"And both
have sworn off modelling forever.
Especially Sandy," Juliette said quietly.
"But
Pelican, Diana did do that mother daughter thing...could you try persuading
them for me?"
"For a rival
publication? Pippa will kill me."
"Not if I
also talk her into posing."
"Oh Linda
darling that is wicked," Juliette giggled.
“Look, I’ll talk to them, but no promises, all right?”
"The other
thing I wanted to mention Ju is that I'm convening a meeting of PTA's Grand
Council for the night before the party."
"So we are
all to bring our robes?"
"Yes...I'm
sending a memo out to all the girls I know will be there."
"Alright,
I'll see if you missed anyone if you send me the list."
"I also
want to induct a couple or so girls."
"Are they
guests?"
"Probably
not, but I am ringing Valeria in the morning and asking her for a huge
favor."
"Well I
know there are several last minute additions Mother, so you can but try."
“So that’s
settled - see you Friday,” Linda said as the line went dead.
“So what do she
want,” Klaus said as she came back into the room.
“Oh, just to
get me to do ten impossible things before breakfast…”
5 pm
The Richmond Mansion
“Well, that’s
nice…”
"Who was
the text from Jo? Curt asked as she put her phone down.
"Hmm? Oh, it was Kits
Mahan-Gaunt."
"Isn't
that the girl who is a Knight?"
"Yes,
she's Eve Gaunt's best friend, and the girlfriend of John Gaunt."
"He I
remember, tall and thin with glasses."
"Yeah
that's Lord Eventon,"Jo smiled, "but Kits was thanking me for asking
Valeria to invite her and her mother to the party."
"Is the
whole world coming?"
"Nearly,"
Jo chuckled, "but Aileen Gaunt is a close friend of Katy and Orion's, and
Clodagh is just a sweetie."
"So how is
the Irish contingent getting to Rosville?"
"Plane
chartered by the Duke, they are bringing Orion and her father too. So they fly from Dublin to London to pick up
the rest of the family, then to France."
“While we all
fly off tomorrow night in a chartered jet?”
“Indeed…”
10 pm BST
Dublin
"Oh God,
how many years since I wore this?" the Duchess of Lardarn said as she shook
out the dusty robe that had been left in a corner of her wardrobe for so long.
"What are
you talking about Dearest?" Tom asked from the bathroom.
"Oh just
something I needed to pack," Paula said as she slipped her robe into her
suitcase. "When do Orion and her father arrive?"
"Late
tomorrow night,” Tom said as he came in, drying his hands, “she has the rest of
the school term off so she can then go to Sydney."
"Her much
dreaded aunt not going then?"
"No her
father will chaperone her the whole trip."
"Well,”
Paula said with a smile, “she will prefer that."
"And our
own dear children fly in first thing in the morning from London."
"Along
with Christine?"
"Yes, and
Tamsin earlier will meet us at the airport and stay the night here, I spoke to
her earlier."
"How are
things at Ballysatten?" Paula asked.
"Pretty
much as normal she says."
7 pm
Mary Thomas’ Brownstone
“So what do you
think,” Vicky said as she, Suzie and Allison walked round the room, Kylie
standing with Mary and Dave Clarke.
"Kylie,”
Mary said quietly, “all those outfits look incredible..."
"I hear a
BUT coming darling."
"BUT even
with my discount they cost just so much,” Mary said as she saw Vicky in the off
the shoulder dress and heels, “and… Well, they make the girls look so much
older."
"Well if
needs be I'll split the costs with you Mary, and yes I know they look older,
but face it darling I'm only 16 myself, and..."
"I know
how you dress Kylie,” Mary said quietly, “I just don't know though about the
girls looking like that."
"Well I
think they look beautiful," Dave smiled, "and I think we can indulge
them on a weekend like this Mary."
“All right
then,” Mary said as she nodded, “I guess they also double as party or prom
dresses. And they do look wonderful
Kylie…”
“Thank
you!” The three girls ran up and hugged
their sister then went to get changed.
“Well, my work
here is done,” Kylie said with a smile, “and so to bed…”
Wednesday 22nd June
8 am CET
Munich
As Klaus left
the breakfast room, Juliette said quietly "Girls, remember to pack your
PTA robes for Rosville."
"I read
Mother's request Moms," Ingrid nodded.
"So did I
Mom." Carina nodded.
"And
Abby?"
"She's
having it expressed from New York, she didn't bring it with her Mom."
"I guess I
should have thought in advance that with so many members gathered in one place,
Linda would call a council meeting."
"So why do
we all need dress up Moms?"
"Because,”
Juliette said as she sipped her coffee, “I guess she wants to really put on a
show for the initiates she wants to bring in Ingy darling."
"I guess that makes sense."
"So,”
Carina said, “any ideas who the new girls will be Mom."
"Not a
clue," Juliette shrugged her shoulders.
"So the
two races in Switzerland girls?" Abby asked as she stood with Molly and
Kelsey in the kitchen.
"They are
both Europa B championship races," Molly looked up from making protein
shakes, "one in Zurich, the other on the Rotsee at Luzern."
"And what
sort of grade is that?"
"Well let
me put it this way Abs if we don't win we have no chance of going to the
worlds." Kelsey sat down.
"And will
you win?"
"We have
raced several of the crews in the past, and yeah we can beat them."
"Even with
a guest cox Molly?"
"Yeah, but
it would have been nice that Specs didn't have to jet round the world to do a
fashion show."
"So when
will she do her first race?"
"Weekend
after you all return to Europe, another Europa B race here in Munich."
"Does she
know Kelsey?" Abby laughed, "you know she gets nervous?"
“So we
noticed,” Molly said, “hence the lack of notice.”
Noon BST
Ascot Racecourse, near Windsor
As the minibus
drove down the tree lined road, Ama looked out and smiled. “A truly beautiful place,” she said as she
looked at her mother.
“Indeed – Royal
Windsor, a truly magical place,” Caroline said with a smile. She was wearing a pale grey jacket over a
knee length sheath dress, a matching hat on her lap with her purse. Ama was wearing a black dress with a white
fern pattern, held by thin shoulder straps, the white hat with a black strap on
her lap.
“First time
here in a while,” Harriet said as she sat next to Grace.
“Since last
June,” Grace said as she looked at the countryside speed past. “Hell of a way to celebrate the year.”
“Could be
worse.”
“How, Sarah?”
“You could meet
Doctor Dalton there…”
Grace looked at
her, and then burst out laughing as she shook her head. She was wearing a grey dress coat with
matching hat and gloves, while Harriet wore a green dress with a cream jacket
and green hat.
“You know, I
can’t believe it’s been a year since we went to the O2 and this crazy journey
began,” Sarah said as she sat with Barbara.
She was wearing a cap sleeved black and white dress, with black heels
and a white hat on her lap, while Barbara was wearing a Yves St Laurent pale
blue trouser suit with white heels.
“I know – it’s
just over two years since Dad came to visit, we were invited to London, and
this whole thing started for us,” Barbara said with a smile as she looked at
Jeannie. She was wearing a white cap
sleeved dress with a rose print, and a small pink hat pinned to her long
hair. The skirt came to just over her
knee, to comply with the dress rules.
“If you had
known what was going to happen, would you have changed your mind?”
Barbara shook
her head as the minibus drove through the gates. “Nope – not a bit of it,” she said as the bus
came to a stop.
“All right,
everyone out,” Grace said as they stepped off the bus. Pepsi was first, in a grey knee length dress
with a wrap effect upper body, and a large grey hat in the same shade, while
Becca had on a peach coloured dress held by a gold collar, and a smaller hat in
the same shade.
They turned and
smiled as Sarah and Caroline lifted Jeannie into the chair. Finally, Nikki was wearing a sleeveless knee
length green dress, with a small white hat.
“So what time
is the first race,” Jeannie asked.
“Two thirty.”
"If it's
that long till the first race why are we here so early?" Jeannie asked.
"Because
protocol says one never arrives after the Queen."
"Unless
you are Joan Collins Grace," Barbara laughed, "I will never forget
that fuss.”
"And I
also want to be sure you all get great views to see the parade."
"I
appreciate that Face," Jeannie smiled.
"So does
everyone have their badges on for the Royal Enclosure?"
The group
nodded as they showed their lanyards holding the cards up, and the group made
their way across the courtyard to the entrance to the Royal Enclosure. The security guards checked their passes, and
then they made their way through to the reception area.
“Ah –
excellent. You made it in time.”
“We did
Shirley,” Grace said as she kissed her friend.
“Where are the others?”
“Hello Ama.”
Ama smiled as
she turned and embraced Nyala, smiling as she looked at her. The teenager was wearing a white dress with a
small floral print, and a thin black belt round her waist, as well as a white
hat on her hair.
“How are you
wnjoiyng your vacation so far,” Ama said quietly.
“Once I
recovered from the journey, I have loved every second, is that not right
Maisha.”
“It is,” Maisha
said as she joined them. The older girl
was wearing a white lace overdress with a floral print, over a shorter white
dress, heels and a pink hat. “How are
you sister?”
“I am well –
have you heard?”
“I have - but I
wanted you to tell Nyala yourself.”
“Tell me what,”
Nyala asked.
“I met Uma.”
Nyala stared at
her, and then said “your sister? She is
alive? And here?”
“She lives in
the town we have been visiting – come, let me tell you everything…”
“Well now – I
see you and your friends have arrived Nicola?”
Pepsi smiled as
she said “we have indeed. Anna, Nikki,
Becca, this is Lady Yvonne Leventhal – she was the lady who very kindly sent
the bouquet to the ball.”
“Very pleased
to meet all of you – especially you Rebecca.
I have heard a great deal about you?”
“You have – who
from?”
“Who do you
think little sis?”
“Oh boy,” Becca
said as she turned to see Bobbi, in a dress with a grey and black snake skin
pattern, her arm round that of Simon in his morning dress and black top
hat. “You certainly dressed for the
occasion – and if you are here then…”
“Don’t worry
Claire – Becca has been the model of helpfulness,” Grace said as she stood with
Tom and Claire Morse. “so who else is
here?”
“Most of the
Debs for this year,” Claire said with a smile, “which means young Becky is
about to get a surprise…”
“Magnificent,
aren’t they?”
“I have to
agree – although I think he could stand a little taller?”
“You two
talking about the men or the horses?”
“What do you
think,” Angel Fitzstuart said as she looked round. She had a black lace dress with short sleeves
over a knee length underdress, a matching hat perched on the side of her head.
“With you, Ang,
I’m never quite sure,” Fi Treharran said as she looked through her
glasses. Her white dress was worn with a
matching bolero jacket, both women wearing high heels in black and white
respectively, Fi wearing a large white hat.
Samantha Gordon
just smiled and shook her head, holding her clutch bag in the same shade of red
as her wrap round dress, the short sleeves coming to just above her
elbows. She had a smaller black hat
pinned to her head, with matching heels.
“So are your
brothers here Angel?”
“Mum and Dad are,
but they will be here for two.”
“I see others
are though,” Fi said as she saw Ama and Maisha talking to Nylala. “Does that mean Caroline is here as well?”
“Must do – on
which note,” Angel whispered to Fi, “did you get the message?”
Fi nodded. “Mummy and I have them packed.”
"So where
is Michael today?" Samantha asked.
"He should
just about be arriving at the venue in Minsk," Fiona said as she looked at
her watch. "He's flying from there to France tomorrow."
"So how
has Nell coped on tour?"
"I hear
her nails are long and red..."
"Eh?"
Angel tilted her head, "why is how she's done her nails important?"
"Because
she hasn't painted them red, that's blood from the girls she's scratched the
eyes out of as they made plays at my dumb brother."
"Now I
understand," Angel laughed softly, I never thought i'd say this about a
New York Slut, but I feel sorry for Nell."
“Why? She always gives as good as she gets…”
"Hello,”
the grey haired gentleman said as he approached the girls, “would you be Anna
Carlton?"
"I might
be...and you are?"
"Oh
sorry," he chuckled, "I'm Robert Patterson, I'm one of the bursars at
Kings College Cambridge, and an old friend of Will and Mandy's."
"Oh sorry
Dr. Patterson," Doc smiled, "Pepsi did mention meeting you last
week." She extended a hand to shake.
"And this
is my wife Edith."
"Hello
Mrs. Patterson." Anna let her kiss her on the cheek. "I'm sorry I was
cautious, but well some friends have had trouble with over zealous fans."
"We
understand dear," Edith nodded.
"So to get
to the point Anna, since talking to Nicola I ran a couple of checks on you, and
I want to ask you have you considered Cambridge University, and particularly
Kings for your pre clinical education?"
"Well
after Pepsi raved about it,” Doc said, “I will admit the thought has crossed my
mind."
"Good,"
the bursar nodded, "can I therefore formally invite you to come visit us
at sometime?"
"Well
that's very nice, but I'm off to France..."
"Oh I
didn't mean now, but sometime in the next year?"
“In that case,”
Doc said with a smile, “I think that can be arranged.”
“I am so glad
you were able to come Francesca,” Shirley said as she stood with Charlotte,
Piet and her mother, “it means a lot.”
“Well, how
could I turn down such an invitation,” Francesca said with a smile. She was wearing a coral pink dress with a
matching bolero jacket, heels and hat, while Charlotte was wearing a dark blue
short sleeved dress with a square collar.
Shirley was wearing a pearl cap sleeved dress which came to just below
her knees, and a matching wide hat. “So
how many people here will we know?”
“More than you
may think – I see Maisha and Nyala have met one, for example. Caroline – how has the trip been?”
“Productive,”
Caroline said as she came over, “Marchesa, Charlotte – how are you both.”
“Getting
bigger,” Charlotte said as she held her small bump, “and looking forward to
July even more.”
“I had a
fascinating call on that during the week – I’ll tell you about it later. In the meantime, have you met Claire and Tom
Morse, Francesca?”
“No – will you
make the introductions?”
“Tom! Claire!
Spare a minute?”
“Of course,”
Tom said as he came over in his morning suit.
“Hello Charlotte, Shirley – and this is?”
“Representative
Tom Morse, may I introduce you to Francesca, Marchesa di Cambrello. Francesca, Tom and Claire Morse.”
“A pleasure,”
Tom said as he kissed Francesca on the cheek, “you are Charlotte’s mother
correct? We accepted your kind
invitation to attend her wedding.”
“And I am
grateful,” Francesca said with a smile.
“You travel tomorrow as well?”
“We do,” Claire
said, “we wanted to break the journey and meet up with our other daughter. Caroline – do you have a moment?”
“Of course,”
Caroline said as she came over, “Marchesa – a pleasure to see you again.”
“And you
Caroline – is your daughter here as well?”
“Indeed – Ama,
come and meet Charlotte’s mother.” The
group watched as the three African girls came over. “Francesca, my daughter Ama, you know Maisha
of course, and this is their mutual friend Nyala from Los Angeles. Girls, this is Francesca, Marchesa di
Cambrello.”
“A great
pleasure to meet you,” Francesca said as she kissed the cheeks of Ama and
Nyala. “I hope you enjoy the day.”
“We hope so
too,” Maisha said, “if you will excuse us, we are going to talk to the other
girls.”
“Stephen, tell
me why we have to dress like this?”
“Tradition,
Rick, tradition,” Stephen Stone smiled as he walked in with Rick and his
grandson. The two men were in morning
dress, with top hats, while Stevie was in a dark suit, running his finger under
the collar of his shirt.
“I know how you
feel,” John Gaunt said as he came in, also wearing morning dress, “but at least
you get excused the tails – unlike me.”
“It just feels
so… Oh my, is that Benedict Cumberbatch
over there.”
“It is,” Cassie
said as she smiled, “so mingle and enjoy yourselves.”
“Eve – you
managed to get everyone here then?”
“Not really
–the girls fly back over with us later today,” Eve Stone said as she greeted
Grace. “What’s this I hear Mother wants
a meeting tomorrow night?”
“So I’ve heard
– no idea who or why, but some new sisters will be inducted.”
“You have
worked hard, Maggie, and you need a day off, so I’m glad you came with me
today, all right?”
“Just promise
me,” Margaret Harker said as she walked with Lady Amelia Ashley, “this is a day
at the races, and not an attempt to bend my ear about something…”
“As surprising
as this may sound coming from me, Maggie, I don’t think there is any more you
can do to convince people one way or the other – you just have to wait and see,
and cast your vote before we leave tomorrow.”
Maggie shook
her head before she said “Well now – you here with the girls Gracie?”
“We are
indeed,” Grace said as she kissed them both on the cheek, “and what’s more,
they let us in here as well?”
“Well, many of
you are real celebrities,” Amelia said quietly, “who is that with Caroline’s
daughter?”
“Ama? The taller girl is Maisha – Shirley Xavier is
her guardian – and the other girl is Nyala.
She came from the same village as Ama, at the same time.”
“Indeed,”
Amelia said with a smile, “and… My lord,
is that the Marchesa di Cambrello? You
must introduce me, Grace darling.”
“Amy…”
“Purely to talk
to, Maggie, nothing more…”
“Uncle Stephen,
Aunt Annabelle – I should have realised you would be here,” Grace said as she
came over to them.
“Grace, my
dear,” Stephen said, “here with friends?”
“There’s a
party of us here – as you well know Uncle Stephen, because Uncle Charlie said
he was going to tell you.”
“I cannot tell
a lie,” her uncle said with a smile, “Colin’s around here somewhere as well if
you wanted to see him.”
“I don’t
particularly – I had words with him last Saturday about what he did,” Grace
said quietly.
“Ah – yes, that
would do it. Well, don’t be too hard on
him,” Annabelle said, “he was…”
“An idiot?”
Stephen and
Annabelle looked at each other, before they nodded…
“What is this,”
Doc said as Pepsi handed her a tall glass.
“Something
called Pims – a bit strange but still it is refreshing,” Pepsi said as she took
a sip. “So – what’s up?”
"You
remember telling me that you met Dr Patterson of Kings College last week
Peps?"
"Yeah,”
Pepsi nodded, “he and his wife were just so nice."
"Well he
sought me out earlier,” Doc said as she took a sip, “and gave me a personal
invitation to go see Kings, and Cambridge, sometimes in the next year."
"The perks
of being a genius," Pepsi laughed.
"Oh come
on...like you are dumb...we are both on academic scholarships, remember?"
"Yes…. but
I'm not the one being invited for the personal tour. You're the one they are
head-hunting."
"Do you
think that?" Doc looked slightly perplexed.
"Yep...I
think they want you badly Doc. Just like most of the universities back home."
"Sheesh - Now
I feel like House must have when he was being recruited to play college
football."
"It's
pretty much the same process...Hey Ama did you hear?"
"That
someone from Cambridge University was trying to tempt Anna to study
there?"
"How the
hell does she do that?" Anna shook her head.
"I don't
know," Pepsi laughed, "I sometimes think she has all carrying
bugs."
“I listen and I
assess,” Ama said quietly. “But it is
obvious – Pepsi visits Cambridge, talks of her friends, and next you are
invited.”
“What about you
Ama – tempted to come here?”
“I have not
given it much thought yet,” Ama said with a smile, “although I know there are
some attractions here for both of you.”
“Like what,”
Pepsi said, before she heard a familiar voice say “Good afternoon ladies.”
“Why, your
lordship, you look particularly dapper today,” Doc said as she saw Jack in his
morning suit.
“Indeed – Miss
Broadhurst, would you care to take a turn around the enclosure?”
“How can I
refuse?”
"Well
aren't we a merry group, darlings?" Mandy languidly drawled as she spotted
her friends and walked over.
"You are
at least a glass of champagne behind Mandy," Caroline smiled as she kissed
her friend, "and didn't we see enough of each other last week?"
"No
darlings," Mandy lifted off her sunglasses, "and besides I'm taking
EVERY opportunity I get to get my dearest other half away from his pigs."
"Hello
again Will?" Caroline let the Marquess kiss her, "she got you away
from Yorkshire again I see."
"Yes,"
he took his top hat off to kiss Caroline, "but this and France will keep
me from fretting too much I suspect."
"So are
the boys here?"
"Well Jack
is trying to find Nicola, but Billy already found Becca."
"And
David?"
"Over
there somewhere with assorted members of the McNally clan." Mandy pointed
in a general direction.
“Well, this is
a day for surprises,” Grace said as a well dressed man smiled and walked over, "What
are you doing here and not in Rosville Guy?"
"I have
been shooed away for the day Grace my darling,” Guy said as he raised his top
hat, “Valeria and Diana said I was cluttering up the place and put me on a
plane this morning, I fly back tomorrow morning."
"Now how
do I know a charming lie when I hear it?" Grace smiled. "For starters
you had to apply in advance for admittance, and secondly my uncle blabbed about
the secret meeting of the Jockey Club and the Breeders Association
tonight."
"Shhh keep
that quiet," Guy's eyes twinkled, "you will blow my cover as they
say."
"I will
try," Grace laughed. "Now there is someone who you'll be surprised to
see here for the first time in many years."
"And who
might that be Grace?"
"This
lady." Grace pulled a sleeve and smiled as Olivia Treherran turned round.
"Olivia
darling," Guy said as he embraced her, "and how the hell did they get
you up here from the depths of Cornwall?"
“Accompanying
Fiona of course – there is a mini reunion of the Europeans Debs today, with
Charley attending.”
“Charley,”
Paula Lardarn said as she joined them.
“Princess Charlotte
– she and her parents have been at Windsor all week,” Olivia said, “you know
Guy of course?”
“Of course –
we’re all looking forward to the weekend, Guy.”
“It is going to
be a very interesting time…”
“Of course – it
recalls the song from My Fair Lady, no?”
“Perhaps – I
see the Queen Anne is filling up as well…”
“We have to
stop meeting like this,” Penny said as she approached the other two women in
the other enclosure.
“We deserve a
day off as well,” Sue said as she and Kay kissed Penny on the cheek. “Not with the boss lady up there?”
“Not today – I
have some business to conduct on her behalf – nothing to do with you two.”
“Anything to do
with me?”
"Not in
the Royal Enclosure Agnes,” Penny said with a smile, “you must know hundreds of
people in there?"
"I do
Penny,” Agnes McAdam said with a smile, “but there is no way they will ever let
the notorious Lady D'eath into their holy of holy's."
"There was a time when THE McAdam of McAdam would have got automatic
entry, and I know that because I've seen your photo album," Penny spoke
quietly.
"Well I have the title, I own a ruined castle, but so called society
quickly forgot a poor lady laird when they found out how I was making a
living...especially when they heard I'd been in prison."
"You did three
months Agnes...that is trivial."
"Yes but
for prostitution offences...” Looking
up, Agnes smiled sadly and said “I have relatives in there would sooner walk in
shit then acknowledge me."
"I know
that feeling," Sue spoke, "look at my ex up there like a preening
peacock."
"You see
up there Paula Lardarn talking with Olivia Treharran...I wonder if they ever
deign to remember we were friends at Benenden?" Agnes shook her head, and
let a tear come.
"Should I
ask them in France tomorrow?"
"No....better
people, even the good ones like them, forget they even knew me Penny."
"You know
for sixpence I'd phone Abby and get all three of you last minute invites to her
party, I know she'd do it for me."
"No,"
Agnes sniffed another tear, "I'm sure so called high society the last
thing it wants is to see ‘Banquo's ghosts’ like Susan and I."
"Why do
you come to Royal Ascot Agnes?" Kay asked quietly.
"To
torture myself by looking over there and seeing people I once counted as
friends. It's the same reason I stand outside the Royal Caledonian Ball each
spring, just to watch people going in."
"Agnes you
were penniless, how did they expect you to put yourself through your Masters
and Doctorate?" Penny asked.
"Well not
becoming a dominatrix," Agnes let a tiny smile escape. "You know who
the biggest hypocrites are?"
"No,"
Penny shook her head.
"Those who
come to my dungeon, they never acknowledge they knew Agnes McAdam, but they are
so so eager to avail themselves of Lady D'eath's services."
"Bastards,"
Sue let the word spit out. "Just like all those people gladly came to my
wedding, and then shunned me when they found out where I'd come from."
“DO not dwell
on what happened,” Agnes said quietly, “that way lies madness…”
"Agnes if
people knew the truth?"
"What
truth Penny? That Daddy died owing many thousands in gambling debts and that I
felt duty bound to clear them."
"Yes...that
you left yourself penniless and homeless in settling up for him, all while
getting a first in your final exams at Oxford." Penny put an arm round her
friend, "if people just knew?"
"No I was
too proud to tell the world Daddy was a wastrel back then, and I'm too ashamed
now of myself to own up." Agnes cried again, "just better i maybe
take the train back home right now."
"No Agnes,
stay with us and enjoy the races," Kay held her arm, "what's that
saying, ‘never let the bastards ground you down?’"
"Yes it is
Kay," Agnes let a tiny smile go.
“Paula,” Olivia
said as she looked into the other enclosure, “your eyes are far better than
mine. The grey haired lady talking to
those young women – does she look familiar to you?”
Paula Lardarn
looked over, and said “she does, but I’m not sure why…”
“Olivia,
Paula,” Grace said as she came over, “can I introduce you to my friends Shirley
Xavier and Francesca, Marchesa di Cambrello?
Shirley, Francesca, this is Lady Olivia Treharran and Duchess Paula
Gaunt.”
“A true
pleasure to meet you,” Paula said as she smiled, “I have heard of you, but what
brings you here?”
“Well, I am
based in London at the moment, and…
Shirley, is that Agnes there talking to Penelope?”
Shirley looked
over and said “yes it is – I did not know she was coming today, or I may have
invited her to join us.”
“Agnes… My god, is that Agnes McAdam? I did not know you knew her, Shirley?”
“I support some
charities she works with, as does Francesca.
But how do you know her?”
“We were in the
same class in Berendean,” Paula said, “I lost touch with her after she
graduated from Oxford. I wonder if I can
get to talk to her…”
8 am
Mary Thomas’ Brownstone
“Hey there,”
Mary said as she saw Mary Clarke come into the kitchen, looking at her phone,
“what’s worrying you? Kylie spend too
much yesterday?”
"No… Mary I need a favor?" Mary whispered.
"And what
might that be love?"
"My PTA
robe is at home, and Mother has called a meeting...you wouldn't know where I
can get hold of one...would you?"
"Ai
actually I do, just leave that with me Mary darling."
"Oh THANK
YOU Merlin, I guess I should have packed it?"
"For a
gathering of the tribe like this, then just maybe you should have."
"I know
better for next time. What are you
making?”
"Pancake
batter – big breakfast needed…”
1 pm BST
Ascot Racecourse
“Where is Helen
anyway?”
“In the
office,” Penny said with a smile, “One of my colleagues is heading to Hong Kong
to work with Helen in the next few weeks, and she wanted to outline a few
things to her.”
“Lucky her,”
Agnes said as an official walked over, and handed a slip of paper to
Penny. She glanced at it, then looked
into the other enclosure, before she nodded.
“Girls, Agnes,” she said quietly, “come with me for a minute will you?”
“Where to?”
“Outside for a
minute or two – I’ll explain when we get there,” Penny said as they started to
make their way through the crowds, and into the area which sat behind both the enclosures.
“Penny what are
we…” Agnes stopped as she saw three very
elegant women emerge from the Royal Enclosure – women she recognised instantly.
“Shirley,
Francesca,” Penny said as they walked over, “this is a surprise, may I ask what
has happened?”
“Well…”
“Agnes? Good lord, it really is you,” the third woman
said as Agnes looked over, her face a picture.
“Thanks for stepping out and coming to talk to me.”
“Perhaps a
small introduction to Kay and Susan first,” Shirley said, “girls, this is
Paula, Duchess of Lardarn, and Francesca, Marchesa di Cambrello.”
"And why
would Your Grace wish to talk to me?" Agnes asked quietly as she looked at
Paula.
"You can
knock off the title Agnes we have known each other far too long for that."
Paula looked angry.
“Perhaps,”
Agnes said, “but we hardly move in the same circles any more, do we?”
"Irrelevant,”
Paula said as she looked at the other woman.
“What happened to your hair Agnes?"
"It went
grey while I was in prison Paula, I leave it like this so as to remind me of
that."
Nodding, Paula
said “Okay, I can understand that. And
I’m not going to pretend I wasn’t shocked about what happened – but that was
the past Agnes. Why didn’t you contact
me or Olivia when you got out? We
wondered what happened to you, we wanted to help our old school friend…”
“You were both
at school with Agnes?" Shirley asked in surprise.
"Yes back
in the days when I was the Honourable Paula Addison-Priest, and she was Lady
Olivia Peel, we were friends of Agnes. I
know to the day how old you are Aggie seeing as I was born in the same
hospital, on the same day as you." Paula smiled.
“I know,” Agnes
said quietly, “and I’m not going to pretend I haven’t missed both of you, but
after the case, and my time inside, I knew your world would want no part of
me…”
“No, I suspect
many of them would not – but I did,” Paula did.
“Bad enough Olivia hid herself away in Cornwall – at least we talked and
met from time to time. But you…”
“Can you blame
me? Can you really blame me Paula? I was shunned by everyone after that
newspaper plastered my name over the front pages, and at that time, they closed
ranks!”
“Yeah – I guess
they did,” Paula said quietly, “and I’m personally sorry they did.”
“Besides – when
it comes to you Paula, there is another reason.
Does 'she' ever say anything about me?" Agnes asked in a barely audible
whisper.
"No, and if I've ever tried asking what she's heard about you she just
clams up and changes the subject."
"Well my
disgrace hurt her probably more than it did me."
"Have you
spoken?"
"No,"
Agnes shook her head, "I tried ringing a few times, but as soon as she
heard my voice she hung up."
"I'll be
seeing her later..."
"She's not
here is she?" Agnes looked very panicky.
"No."
Paula shook her head, "she rarely leaves Ireland."
"Who are
you and the Duchess talking about like that?" Penny asked.
"A woman
called Tamsin Mahan-Gaunt...Mrs Tamsin Mahan-Gaunt."
"And who
is she Agnes?"
For a few
seconds Agnes tried to compose herself, and then she said "My
sister."
"You have
a sister?" again Penny looked amazed. "I thought I knew you Agnes,
but all this...?"
“Agnes, I need
to know - why did you do it?" Paula asked softly.
Agnes took a deep breath. "Because
what there was in the way of an inheritance went on paying off my father’s
gambling bills, and I was faced with how did I pay for my own education, how
would I pay school fees, etc. I needed
to rent a flat, provide food and clothing...
Oh life needs some kind of income Paula."
"And how did..."
"I
answered an advertisement in the Evening Standard, not realising that what this
tempting job sounded like was actually working as a dominatrix in a
dungeon." Agnes smiled again, "I guess I was pretty naive back then. Turned out, however, I was good at it – and
so Lady D’Eath was born."
“I can
understand that – and why you kept it secret,” Paula said softly. “Then the weekend that article appeared…”
“My whole world
came crashing down, and I lost everything.
Unlike you Susan, I never even got to the altar, my story broke in the 'News
of the Screws' on the Sunday before the Saturday I was supposed to go down the
aisle."
"You never
told me that Agnes." Penny looked shocked.
"Oh yes -
would you believe someone actually wanted to marry me at one time?"
"Who was
he Agnes?"
"Oh let me
just say I can see him right at this moment over on that side of the barrier
with his wife."
"Goddess
Agnes...That sucks." Sue shook her head.
“From what you
say Paula I have even more sympathy for Agnes then I had before,"
Francesca said grimly, "we both seem to have made fatal choices that we
thought were for the best and just ended up hurting the ones we love, and
ourselves."
“But your
sister,” Shirley said quietly…
"Tamsin
had left Benenden just weeks before Agnes's downfall, she's never forgiven
Agnes for what happened that summer,” Paula said quietly. She fled to Ireland to live with a cousin,
and well she met Christopher and he could see that Tam wasn't her sister, and
he married her."
"Young Kit
is Agnes's niece?" Shirley asked, "I met her in Kentucky."
“Yeah,” Agnes
said, “where is she now?”
“At Benenden –
my oldest girl, Eve, is in the same class as her, and John is dating her.” Looking at Agnes, Paula said quietly “just
how bad was it – inside?”
"That
first night in Holloway was far,far worse then even my first night at boarding
school Paula,” Agnes said quietly. “I
was frightened, scared, desperate...My hair turned grey overnight."
"But...your...work?"
"I wear
wigs or hoods, you obviously get that men don't find grey hair attractive."
Agnes laughed.
“And you’re
still?”
“Providing a
service – yes, but more than that. I
help as many as I can of the runaways in the city – Shirley and Francesca
support me in that. Try to get them out
of that life and better themselves.”
Shirley took
her phone out and looked at it. “I’m
sorry – John and the others are looking for us.”
“Agnes – when I
get back from this trip, the three of us have to meet up. Somewhere quiet. How can I…”
Agnes smiled
and said “I’d like that – especially you two, but no others, please. Shirley knows how to get in touch with me.”
Paula nodded,
and then reached out, embracing Agnes as she did so, and whispered “I never
judged you” before the three walked off.
“Well – that
was intense,” Susan said, and then she stiffened as she heard a voice say
“Susan – is that you?”
Turning slowly,
she said “Charles, Roberta – how are you?”
“We are well,”
Charles Gresham-Fox said as he stood in his morning suit. “We never found out what happened that night,
after Colin…”
“What did he
tell you?”
“That you broke
it off and ran off,” Roberta said quietly.
Susan looked at them, and then said quietly “that is not my
recollection, perhaps you should ask him about the bonfire. Forgive me – I need to return with my friends.”
“Susan…” They watched as Susan walked off with Agnes,
Kay and Penny, and then looked at each other.
“He lied to us,
didn’t he?”
“Again – we
need to talk to him…”
“We need to
take up our positions, girls,” Caroline said as she ushered Ama, Maisha and
Nyala to where Mandy was standing with the family, Pepsi and Nikki.
"So how
was Aggie?" Olivia asked her old school friend as Paula joined her.
"She looks
old,” Paula said quietly, “that grey hair, no makeup, she looks twenty years
older than us."
"It's
probably why we didn't recognise her straight away." Olivia thought for a
second, "why doesn't she dye it?"
"Because
she sees it as being another way of punishing herself...and I'm sorry to butt
in." Francesca spoke.
"Punish
herself?"
"Yes
Olivia," Paula shook her head, "you know she probably did all this
back then just to give Tam what she had had."
"Ah you
caught that reference to school fees, etc." Francesca smiled.
"I
did," Paula nodded. “She loved her
kid sister, and wanted to make sure she wanted for nothing.
"But I'm
confused," Olivia knitted her brows, "what about her
inheritance."
"She paid
off her father’s gambling debts with it...I caught that as well
Francesca."
"His
debts? But why, surely when he died they became invalid?"
"Not to
Agnes," Paula shook her head, "I should have remembered that oh so
strong sense of duty of hers."
"So she
sold everything, and then what?"
"She got a
job...well doing you know what Olivia, and she raised Tam while doing her own
advanced degrees at London University."
"And Tam
never had a clue what she was doing to keep her at Benenden?"
"No
Olivia." Paula shook her head.
“That’s why it was such a shock when the whole mess broke.”
"Why did she never come to us?"
"That same
pride that made her pay her father's debts I guess, and besides we were both
living in Paris at the time."
“But still –
what does she do now?”
“She works in
the city,” Shirley said, “providing support for those who need it most.”
“Actually, that
is the sort of thing she would do,” Olivia said quietly as the group gathered
round.
“Excuse me a
minute – I’ll be right back,” Paula said to Tom as she walked over to another
couple.
“Paula,” the
man said as he saw her coming over, “I thought I saw you earlier.”
“Hello Donald, Catherine
– enjoying the day so far?”
“I am – I’ll be
back in a minute,” the blonde haired woman said as she walked to the toilets.
“Donald do you
see that grey haired woman in the Queen Anne with the three younger
women?"
"Where?"
"Down
there," Paula pointed, "walking towards the rails."
"Yes I can
see," he said as he looked through his binoculars, "Should I know her
Paula, she looks familiar."
"Oh yes
you should know her Donald,” Paula said quietly, “you were going to marry her
at one stage."
"Agnes..."
he let the word hang as he stood there open mouthed.
“I just talked
to her,” Paula said, “and heard the truth of what happened. If you get a chance, go and talk to her…”
“Uncle
Charlie! Aunt Roberta! I didn’t know you were coming over as well!!”
“Well, I was
summoned,” Charles Gresham-Fox said as he kissed his niece on the cheek. “Here with your friends?”
“And some of
our charges,” Grace said with a smile.
“Well, we made
it just in time,” Roberta said, “it’s nearly two o’clock…”
"Do you want
to know the stupid thing girls?" Agnes said as the group stood at the
rails.
"Which is what Agnes?" Kay asked.
"That
despite this wicked, sinful, life that I've led...I'm still a virgin."
"You are
what?" Penny's hand started to shake as she poured the champagne.
"I'm a
virgin Penny," Agnes shrugged her shoulders as she held her glass.
"But they
did you for prostitution..."
"Oh I've
performed plenty of blow jobs, etc during the course of my career...I just
never had sex with anyone."
"Why?"
Penny asked quietly as the grey haired woman drank her champagne.
"Because I
was keeping it for my wedding night...believe it or not." Agnes laughed,
"ridiculous isn't it?"
“Oh I don’t
know,” Kay said, “It sounds a little romantic…”
The sound of
the trumpets made everyone look up, as the announcement came over the loudspeakers.
“Please be
upstanding for the Royal Parade.”
“Sorry – can’t
do that,” Jeannie said as she sat by the rail, Barbara nodding as the girls
stood either side of them.
“Remember
boys,” Will said, “hats off as the cariage goes past.”
“Just follow
our lead,” Guy said as they saw the carriages start to come down the course,
two riders in the red Horse Guards outfit at the front.
As they
approached, Guy removed his hat, the other men following suit as the first
carriage came towards them, drawn by four grey horses and two riders. Ama smiled as the Queen and the Duke of
Edinburgh rode past, accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
“She looks
magnificent,” Shirley whispered to John as she looked at the Queen, in her pale
pink coat dress and floral hat, her white gloves visible as she waved. The Duchess was wearing a white lace effect
dress with a matching hat.
“Kate looks
fantastic as well,” Angel said as the second carriage approached, Rudi and
Theresa waving as they sat on one side, and Charley on the other side. While Rudi was in morning dress, Theresa wore
a dark blue coat dress and white hat, and Charley a cream short sleeved dress
and a large hat.
"Do you
know the Queen of Ruritania Agnes?" Penny asked from their position in the
enclosure, "I've met her socially, she's an old friend of several of my
friends."
"Yes I
know Terri," Agnes again tried smiling, "I roomed with her the term I
spent as an exchange student at Esperance House in Lausanne. She's someone else
I'd rather like to avoid embarrassing by running into."
“If they are
the guests of the Windsors, that won’t be too difficult,” Kay said as the third
carriage came past, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall waving with the Earl and
Countess of Wessex.
“They all look
so regal,” Nyala said as the carriages went past, “so the first race?”
“Once the Royal
Party turn into and enter the Royal Enclosure,” Grace said, “they can make the
preparations for the first race.”
As the last
carriage went past, Guy and the others replaced their top hats, turning to
watch as the first carriage turned left and came into a paddock next to the
enclosure.
The liveried
men got down from the back and opened the doors, folding out the steps as the
Queen stepped to and walked in.
As she and the
Duke of Edinburgh talked to some of the guests, William and Kate followed them
in, and then the Royal Family of Ruritania came in, making a beee line for the
group by the railings.
“Well you are a
sight for sore eyes,” Charley said as she hugged Angel, Sam and Fi. “And it is good to see you as well BS.”
“You too Flavia
– how was it staying in the country?”
“George and his
sister are real cuties – so come on, what have you been up to?”
“Intros first –
you know Pepsi and Anna, but these are the rest of my friends, Nikki Colman,
Rebecca Morse and Ama Jameson, as well as Ama’s friends Maisha and Nyala.”
“Your Royal
Highness,” all the girls said as they curtseyed.
“Right – that stops
right now,” Charley said with a smile.
“I’m Charley, and it’s a real pleasure to meet all of you – now gossip!”
"Who is
that man in the grandstand staring so intently at us though his binocs?"
Sue asked as she looked over.
"I don't
know him," Kay looked.
"Nor
me," Penny shaded her eyes to try and see better.
"It's Lord
Donald Fitzstuart girls,” Agnes said quietly, “and I should have guessed that
Paula would tell him I was here.”
"First," Penny said as she turned to look at her friend, "Is he
related to Will Fitzstuart?"
"He's his
younger brother."
"Secondly
what is he?"
"Last I
heard he was someone in the Foreign Office."
"And
thirdly what is he to you?"
"He was
the man I was going to marry Penny," Agnes's tears started to flow again
as she looked over.
“Donald –
what’s wrong,” Will said as he stood next to his brother.
“Will – cover
for me will you,” Donald said as he turned round.
“Why – Donald?”
“I’ll explain
later,” he said as he walked quickly off.
“What’s got Uncle Donald rattled,” Jack asked as he came over with
Pepsi.
“I have no idea
– your royal highnesses,” Will said as he bowed to Rudi and Terri.
“Okay – don’t
do that today Will. Where are the rest
of your family…”
Walking quickly
down to the entrance to the Queen Anne Enclosure, he had a word with the two
security guards, watching nervously as one of them went inside.
“She has to
come,” he thought to himself, “there’s so much…”
“Is this the
lady, sir?”
Donald turned
and looked at her, grey haired, face lined, but he recognised her instantly.
“Yes it is,” he
said quietly, “Agnes, thank you for stepping out for a minute?”
“Well, I wanted
to put a bet on the first race anyway,” Agnes said quietly as they walked into
a corner. “It’s been a long time Donald – twenty years.”
“Well,” Donald
said quietly, “after what happened, I got the feeling I would be one of the
last people you wanted to see. I didn’t
exactly part on good terms with you, did I?”
“Slight
understatement Donald,” Agnes said quietly, “but then, you were always the
diplomat, the well chosen word… You know
of all the things that happened Donald, what was the most disappointing?"
Agnes tried to smile.
"What was Aggie?"
"That you
did it by letter...I thought you'd have more courage."
"Meaning
what?"
"That
you'd at least be brave enough to come see me and tell me it was off."
"I got as far as your doorstep...and then..." Donald shook his head.
"And you
were wrong in one thing you said in the letter Donald, despite what you
thought, and you might have heard, I was...and for that matter, I still am...a
virgin, just like I promised you I would be all those years ago."
Donald shook
his head and said "Agnes...how can you still be...they convicted you of
being a...pro...pros?"
"Donald
you can say the word. They convicted me of being a common prostitute."
"But
how?"
"Oh you
can perform a lot of sex acts Donald, without losing your virginity
Donald," Aggie laughed bitterly, "I could have made a lot of money
selling my body Donald, but I kept it for you."
"How...how
long were you in prison?"
"I got two
years, but through my solicitor I got a word to someone who knew me from the
Home Office saying I might tell names...They let me out after three
months."
"What was
the reason for letting you go?"
"I was a
wreck, I'd gone grey that very first night in prison...they decided that given
my mental state they should release me...at least that was the official
explanation."
"But you
went back to being...her?"
"Only
after it became clear no company, or no university would hire Lady D'eath
Donald. Tam had fled to Ireland, I had tried going straight, I was existing on
the dole so I thought to myself one night, why not go back?...So I did, and I'm
still there."
"What was
prison like Aggie?"
"Oh a bit
like Benenden,” Agnes said quietly, “but with guards rather than teachers
telling you where you were supposed to be at every hour of the day."
"What did
they have you doing?"
"I worked
in the library, I suspect they hadn't ever thought out what to do with a whore
who not only had a Phd, but was a clan chieftain as well...so they put me where
they thought I'd at least use a little of my brains."
“Aggie… I know I was a coward, and I hurt you, but…”
"By the
way Donald why Catherine? I knew her well enough to know she wasn't the moral
paragon you thought I was."
"Because
Aggie,” he said as he looked away, “she said she was pregnant."
"So your
standards slipped Donald and you had sex with her?" Agnes looked amused.
"Yes...but
it turned out she wasn't."
"Oh you
fell for that old trick...Honestly Donald I hope the other senior men at the FO
have more brains then you," Agnes laughed, "No wonder we might be on
the point of leaving the EEC."
"You
think?"
"Donald
when we were a couple she had the worst crush on you, she even tried to break
us up...No wonder she got in there so quickly after my shaming. So how is
Catherine anyway Donald?" Agnes said quietly.
"She's
doing well Agnes."
"You know
i was at your wedding?"
"Oh?"
"Not
inside the church, but I stood outside crying...people just thought I was a
crazy woman who cried at weddings."
She could see
the regret in his eyes, but said nothing as he said “I… I need to get back, but if you ever need
anything…”
“I survive
Donald – go, be the man you became.”
Nodding, he
whispered “Goodbye Agnes” and walked off, Agnes watching him before she walked
back in.
Will looked
over as his brother walked back, Catherine stopping him and talking to him.
“Is there a
problem Darling,” Mandy said as she looked over.
“I’m not sure –
something’s happened, but I have no idea what.
I’ll see if I can talk to him later.”
“Well, I am
going to collect my winnings from the first race – I’ll be back in a few
minutes,” she drawled as she walked off.
"Girls I
had better go home," a very tearful looking Agnes said as she kissed her
three younger friends."
"But it’s
still early Agnes," Penny replied.
"Yes I know, but I've had my annual bout of envy, self-loathing, and
torture. Time I went before I ruin someone else's life by talking with
them."
"Agnes..."
"No Sue,
you girls be good and back winners...Penny I'll see you probably at
Madame's...Bye girls." Agnes turned and walked away back under the stands.
“Should we…”
“No,” Penny
said quietly, “Better she does this alone.”
Agnes walked
slowly towards the betting area, and handed her ticket in, collecting her
winnings before she turned and saw the grey-red headed woman facing her at the
next booth.
“Oh – forgive
me darling,” she said with a drawl as she looked at Agnes.
“Nothing to
forgive,” Agnes said as she walked off – and then stopped as she felt a hand on
her shoulder.
“Agnes – Agnes
McAdam, is that really you?”
Sighing, she
turned and said “Hello Amanda – it’s been a long time.”
“I know – but
it is still a shock to see you here. Did
you know Donald was…”
“I did – I
talked to him a few minutes ago,” Agnes said quietly. “It’s probably better I slip away before
Catherine hears I am around, and some things are said that are best left
unsaid.”
“Look,” Mandy
said quietly, “the past is the past – and I never agreed with what he did
anyway. If you ever want to visit…”
“No – I am not
part of that world any more Amanda – and I don’t want to upset any others. Excuse me…”
As Agnes walked
quickly off, Mandy watched her leave, wishing there was something she could
have said.
“There you
are,” Will said as she walked back over, “what’s wrong?”
“I… I just literally bumped into Agnes McAdam,”
she whispered.
“You did? That would explain… Let’s not talk about this now, all
right? We can talk later…”
“So how are we
doing girls,” Shirley asked as she walked over.
“Officially or
unofficially,” Pepsi asked. “I cannot
bet of course, but I am ahead with a few well placed tips…”
“And we have
followed her lead Miss Xavier,” Nayla said with a smile.
“Oh? And this would be from the young Viscount?”
“Nope,” Angel
said as she walked over, “he’s been following my tips this week.”
"Why do I
even bother coming to the races Donnie?" Will asked as the horse he had
backed finished back in the back.
"You come
bro because it's what is expected of a Marquess, and because Mandy would kill
you if she couldn't get to strut her stuff in her very best at least for one
week of the year."
"I know, I
know," Will smiled, "but she backs winners...How does she do
it?"
"By
assiduously NOT betting on anything you are Will."
"I
guess," Will shook his head, then whispered, "have you recovered from
the shock of seeing Aggie earlier?"
"No, and
I'm not sure I ever will...She looked so horrid."
"Her hair
is still as long and thick and beautiful as it ever was Donnie, but it being
grey like that makes her look far older then she is."
"Is she
still MY Aggie Will?"
"Underneath
probably bro, but she has had to establish a front to stop herself getting hurt
like that again."
“I can’t say I
blame her,” Donald said quietly, “I just pray Catherine didn’t see her and
recognise her.”
"Alright
I'll accept that there is no room for the likes of me over that side," Sue
spoke softly as she and Kay waited in line to collect their winnings, "but
Aggie is one of them, she has a far posher heritage then most of those bastards
have."
"There are
some who would welcome her back I think," Kay nodded to where they could
see Mandy, Olivia, and Paula collecting their winnings from one of the rails
bookmakers, "but as long as most people just remember Aggie for one thing,
then she will still punish herself."
"And
she'll never be able to go in there again anyway Sue," Penny joined them,
"a criminal record is a permanent disqualifier from admittance to the
Royal Enclosure."
"Personally
I don't see what the big woohoo is anyway," Sue looked across the divide,
"that bloody wanker Colin took me in there for one Royal Ascot, him and
his bloody snobby Oxford friends..."
"That bad
Sue?"
"Oh not
really Kay, they pretended well enough to accept me...but I knew they were
really thinking, get back where you belong whore."
"Why are
Penny and her friends over there?" Doc asked, "while we are over
here?"
"That great divider that is called the British Class System," Jack
looked upset for a second. "on this side we are regarded as ladies and
gentlemen, over there they are just men and women."
"Jack have
you had too much champagne? that makes no sense."
"Oh it
does here in Britain Anna."
"Penny is
far more of a lady then I'll ever be," Anna looked hard down at Madame's
number two.
“I agree.”
“Simon,” Jack
said as Simon Leventhal joined them, “I suspect you feel the same way?”
“Indeed – there
are some parts of our society that just make no sense in the modern world –
that someone like Penelope Harker, who supports charities and is a powerful
businesswoman, cannot enter the Royal Enclosure while certain, shall we say,
less desirable members of society can?
It just is not right.”
“So why do you
tolerate it?”
“Because of
her,” Simon said as he looked at Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. “She is one of the most beloved women in the
country for the right reasons, and so we allow protocol at things like
this. One day, she will pass on, and
then things may change…”
"So how is
the riding going Marnie?" Tony McNally asked as they stood by the parade
ring.
"Sir
William Hyde-Andrews has let us ride work with his string at Newmarket on a
couple of occasions...but don't let Missy hear, or Angel and I will be so deep
in the shit."
"Well he
won't hear from me," Tony smiled. "And I can safely take it that it
was Lady Leventhal made the arrangements?"
"Yes...she's
been wonderful."
"Well
don't let him hear, but Simon is a credit to his parents...and I know he's an
old mate of mine, but Cambridge really seems to have agreed with him. He's
grown up a lot since Harrow."
"Hello
Jimmy, Hello Daffy," Colin said as he shook hands with the man, and kissed
the woman, "are you winning?"
"Just
about," Lady Davina smiled.
"I saw you
both got summoned to the presence earlier?"
"Yes,
protocol said I had to do my bow...silly really when I see the family all the
time and don't have to do that."
"I know
Daffy," Queen Therese joined them, "it's a bloody silly ritual."
"It is
Terry...alright I had better make an introduction, Colin Gresham-Fox meet her
Royal Highness the Queen of Ruritania."
"Your
Majesty," Colin said as he bowed.
"Please
make that the last time young man," Terry smiled, "now are you one of
Grace's brothers?"
"No I'm a
cousin Your Majesty."
"Daffy hit
him for me...Young man my name is Terry, and as the cousin of one of my oldest
friends I think you can safely call me that."
"Alright,
and I'm Colin."
"Good,
first names are just so much friendlier, don't you think?”
“Indeed – so
you are here for the week?”
“No – tomorrow
I like many of my friends here journey to France to attend the eighteenth
birthday ball of the daughter of another dear friend – the Countess de Ros?”
“Ah – you mean
Abigail de Ros? I have, of course, seen
her photographs,” Colin said with a smile.
“Will it be a large gathering?”
“I believe most
of the fashion world, and many family friends, will be there,” Terry said as
she smiled.
"Mister
Gresham-Fox?”
“Yes,” Colin
said as he looked round.
“I have a
message for you?" one of the men in the green coats and top hats said.
"Thank
you," Donald took the piece of paper and read.
"Have you
missed me cretin? Who's that bimbo you are with? She looks about as intelligent
as those idiots raided the house that time. Still I bet she aint a whore is
she...probably gives it away rather then she sells it...Or are you reduced to
buying it now?"
Colin shook his
head, he didn't bother looking for a signature, he recognised both his ex-wives
tone, and her handwriting. He looked
down into the Queen Anne enclosure and saw through his glasses Sue holding two
fingers up in the air looking back at him.
“Will you take
a reply for me – Miss Sue Morgan or Miss Susan Fletcher, whichever will receive
it?”
The attendant
nodded as he took out a slip of paper and a pen.
"Miss
Morgan, or Miss Fletcher darling?" Mandy asked Colin as he gave the
messenger the note.
"She can
be both, she used Sue Morgan as an alias."
"But her
real name is Susan Fletcher?"
"So I'm
assured, but given her past record Mandy, I'm not sure she even told me the
truth about that."
"Well he
got the fucking message," Sue laughed as she saw Colin look away.
"Sue
Fletcher, that was nasty of you," Kay shook her head.
"Well he
bloody well deserves it...and don't tell me he don't Kay...remember?"
"I
remember it all Sue, but is this pecking away at him helping put things to
rest?"
"It's damn
well helping me."
"I'm just
glad that neither he, nor us will be at Rosville this weekend," Kay shook
her head.
"No he and
his Tory pals will be figuring out what to do after the referendum decides we
are going to stay in Europe."
"What side
is Colin on?"
"The
sceptics...shows you how bleedin' stupid he is."
"Are you
Miss Morgan...or Miss Fletcher?" an attendant asked.
"I can be
both...why?"
"I have a
message for you."
"Oh thank
you?" Sue took it and laughed.
"So what
does it say?"
"Drop dead
Sue."
"So is
this the perfect way to finish the British leg of the trip or not?"
Barbara asked.
"I'm
enjoying myself if no one else is." Jeannie smiled. "Everyone has far
too good manners to hassle me."
"I noticed
people recognising you but not saying anything darling... So are you winning?"
"Well Jack
had been placing bets for both me and Pepsi, and I think all three of us are
up."
"Well I'm
not," Nikki joined them, "I heard that last animal was a certainty?"
"You
haven't been listening to my Dad," Pepsi laughed, "there isn't such a
thing."
"So both
your families will be getting set for the flight Peps?"
"Yeah, I
can't wait to see them all… I have so
much to tell them."
"About a
certain magical night in Cambridge," Nikki replied.
"Yes,
especially that." Pepsi blushed. "But above all I must thank Mom
Janice for sending 'Kimberley' those roses."
"Did you
ever see such two doleful men in all your life Grace," Harriet pointed to
the two men looking over the stands railing. "they must both be losing a
fortune."
"No they
haven't been losing much today Harriet," Grace shook her head, "they
are both lamenting old losses."
"And how
do you know that?"
"Because
one is my cousin, the other I've known since we were children."
"So if you
know them so well, why are they both looking so sad?"
"Because
they both chose losers in the Love Stakes..."
"Is that a
big race?"
"For most
people it is, both fell in love with women who got themselves enmeshed in scandal,
and now they are both lamenting the loss of the women they truly love."
"So who is
the stunning blonde who just joined him?' Harriet pointed as she walked over.
"His
wife."
"But
didn't you say he'd lost his love."
"I did
Harriet...and the wicked bitch of the west is who he actually tied himself
to."
"Did I
hear a rumour that the tart was here Donald?" Catherine whispered as she brushed
some lint from his morning coat.
"Not from
me you didn't," Donald tried to make a clever retort.
"Just
remember Darling, I know all about her...”
“If she was
here, Catherine, I hardly think she’d want to talk to me, would she,” Donald
said tersely. She looked at him,
thinking to herself “if I hear you've been sniffing round her...and POOF just
like that I'll re-blacken her name, and you can kiss your ambassadorship
goodbye."
"Hello
Daffy, having fun?"
"More fun
than you seem to be having Donald darling." Lady Davina looked sympathetic
as she joined him. "Penny for
them?"
"Oh my
thoughts aren't worth that much..."
"Oh? Something I don't know about Donald?"
"Long
before your time Daffy, I was just dreaming what might have once been."
"Ah...I
heard about that from Mummy and Daddy when I was growing up."
"Just be
glad you have Jimmy darling, and whatever you don't let him go...Never be as
stupid as I was."
"Are those
tears," Davina said as she retrieved a handkerchief from her
handbag."
"No I just
got an insect in my eye," Donald turned and put a smile on his face,
"well you backed another winner Catherine my love."
“I always do
Donald – Davina darling, how are you?”
“Doing well
Catherine – I hear something is about to be announced?”
“we will see,
we will see…”
For a couple of
hours Agnes sat in the lavatory on Ascot station, crying and telling herself
off for even coming today. All she had accomplished was to make her humiliation
worse, and her heart heavier after seeing so many people she had once loved and
cared for...No correction...people she still loved and cared for.
Donald had
looked so wonderful, even now, and Catherine was stunning. She hoped Donald was
happy and she felt pride that she had heard he might be the next British
Ambassador in Paris. He'd worked so hard in his career, it would be his just
rewards for all he had done...all he had endured because of her.
Olivia, Paula,
and Mandy were all so beautiful...so chic. She looked down at her own outfit
and reflected how bad she looked in comparison, still she had better things
then to buy clothes for herself, this might be fifteen years or more old, but
it was not damaged, and what did fashion matter to her?
Today was
Wednesday, it had been two weeks since Sergeant Bennett had last made his
unwelcome self pop up to harass her. Odds on she'd get a raid in the morning,
she wondered what excuse he would use this time?
"Friday
I'll go back to work." she told herself, "I'll take tomorrow off as
well. maybe go take a long walk in Hyde Park..."
Quietly she let
the tears come again. Tomorrow was Ladies Day here, she remembered the last
Ladies Day before her father died, how proud he had looked of her and Tamsin,
the compliment Her Majesty had paid to her outfit.
"Oh that
was so long ago, and it was another woman," she reminded herself,
"why torment yourself Agnes McAdam?"
Hearing her
train announced, she stood up and slipped out, getting in and sitting down,
hoping nobody saw her…
"Well,”
Kay said as she looked round, “do you want to watch the last race, or go home
Sue?"
"Might as
well go Kay, I'm winning, I annoyed that prat Colin, all in all in its not been
a bad afternoon."
"Who is he
chatting to right now?"
"I don't
know her, probably some toffee nosed bitch."
"Actually
she's one of Madame's people," Penny spoke softly. "Her name is Lady
Davina Hatton...Daffy to her friends."
"Well she
still looks posh."
"Sue you
just hate to see him with anyone else."
"Oh like I
give give a damn what bleedin' Colin Gresham-Fox does."
Kay and Penny
looked at each other, shrugging their shoulders as they prepared to leave.
5.30 pm BST
Fountains Abbey, Paddington
Agnes slipped
quietly into the bar, walking up to the bar and ordering her drink before she
went to a quiet table, sitting down and reading the paper she had bought as she
took a sip.
"Good
Afternoon Agnes."
"Oh Lord,”
Agnes said as she looked up at the thin man standing there, casually dressed
but with an air of authority about him, “can't I even have a quiet drink on my
way home from the races Chief Inspector Babbage?" She saw the rueful smile on his face, and indicated
for the plain clothes policeman to sit down.
"What am I supposed to have done this time?"
"As far as
I know nothing Agnes,” the policeman said as he sat opposite her. “Do you have a guilty conscience?"
"What do
you think DCI Babbage?" Agnes laughed, "and since when do you lot
need an excuse to rattle my cage?"
"Aggie
there was a time you called me Mike."
"Well that
was when I was a nice young thing, and you were the guy dating my roommate at
Somerville...a lot has changed since then, including you becoming Inspector
Bloody Morse, and me going to prison." As she finished speaking, Aggie
rolled her eyes and breathed deeply. "I'm sorry Mike,” she eventually said, “that
was bad manners on my part, how is Sherry?"
"She's
fine Aggie, and Alice my oldest is hoping to get into Somerville."
"Good for
her. I'm genuinely happy for you Mike."
"Look
Aggie,” Mike said as he leaned forward, “I'm trying to get that idiot Bennett
off your back, but what you do with those kids, any judge is going to see that
as giving due cause to get a warrant."
"Mike you
know very well I don't run those poor kids lives, all I can do is suggest what
they might try to do... if they end up shoplifting, it isn't me fencing the
stuff for them."
"I know
that, you know that...” He took a sip
from his own drink, and said “but others just look at your 'work' and your
record Aggie, they put two and two together...and?"
"I know
very well the answer they come up with Mike." Aggie whispered.
"Look I've
said it before, and I'll say it again – Agnes, you need to give all this
up."
"Well
Detective Chief Inspector,” Agnes said quietly, “the day I can walk through
Soho and not see some poor girl shivering to death trying to sleep in an
alleyway... Then I will."
"I know
Aggie, it tears my heart out seeing them as well."
"Changing
the subject,” Aggie said as she sipped her own drink, “I saw Donald briefly
earlier."
"At
Ascot?"
"Yes, some
old friends spotted me, and he tried to talk."
"You know,”
Mike said quietly, “that he is probably getting the Paris embassy?"
"I'd heard
the whispers...I'm just so proud of him Mike."
"Well a
friend at mine at Five asked if I had anything on him?"
"Since
when do detectives do vetting?"
"We
don't...but he knew I was an old friend of his."
"Did you
tell him all about me?"
"Yes, I
gave him chapter and verse...” Taking
another sip, he said “It was my duty Aggie, not something I enjoyed."
"Well I've
been out of his life for twenty years Mike."
"I told
them that Agnes."
"Thank you
Mike... if on top all the harm I did, I cost him Paris, I'd kill myself."
Looking at her,
the detective said quietly "You've never stopped loving him have you
Aggie?"
"Who
me? I'm a whore DCI Babbage, we aren't
allowed to love anyone."
"It still
doesn't mean you don't though...does it."
"Just call
it our little secret Mike...Look my cat is going to need feeding, I better get
home."
"It's been
nice chatting Aggie."
"I know
Mike, and for once without you hauling me in for questioning." Agnes
smiled and stood up, "Please say Hello to Sherry for me, and I'll keep my
fingers crossed for Alice."
"Bye
Agnes...Keep safe."
"Oh don't
worry about me Mike," she shook her grey hair, "I'm a bloody
survivor."
“Yeah you are –
but everyone has their limits,” Mike said as he watched her walk out. There had to be something he could do – but
what?”
Ascot
“Well,”
Caroline said as the last race finished, “I think it is about time for us to
head back.”
“I will see you
tomorrow,” Ama said as she hugged Maisha and Nyala, “journey safely sisters.”
“And you sister
– we have a very special weekend ahead of us,” Nylala said with a smile.
“What do you
mean they put the wrong date on the tickets?
Well can it be changed?”
“What’s
happened,” Claire said as she looked at Tom.
“The travel
agency – the bookings we have for our flight are for Friday instead of
Thursday,” Tom said quietly as he put his hand over his phone. “They cannot?
Well, can the hotel extend our booking here and change our booking
there?
“So Rosville is
taken care of? Good – and the Savoy?
“Fine – we’ll
head back there and take it from there.”
“Is there a
problem,” Simon said as he walked over with Bobbi.
“We’re going to
be staying in London for an extra day I’m afraid,” Claire said as Simon’s
parents came over.
“Well, we’ll change
our travel plans as well,” Yvonne said, “I want us to travel over as a party,
if that is all right with you?”
“Sounds good to
me – even if it means little sis gets there a day before us.”
“Oh I think we
can trust to Grace and the others to keep an eye on her…”
"Well our
American and Canadian friends will be collecting at the airport about now
darling?" Mandy drawled very softly as the royal party entered the parade
ring.
“Indeed – I
wonder what they’re thinking,” Grace said as they watched…
1 pm
JFK Airport
“Well, this is
going to be an interesting trip,” Jo said as she went into the private lounge,
Sands and George walking with her.
“Tell me about
it,” George said as he went and looked out of the window, “All of us on the
same plane? If this was a company…”
“They would not
allow it,” his father said as he joined him, Orlanda holding Jennifer’s hand as
she clutched her doll with her spare arm, “but then, this is a very special
occasion, right Princess?”
“Yes Dad,”
Sands said, smiling as she saw Holly come in with Tommy.
“So have you
heard much from her,” Elaine said as she and Bradley walked into the room with
Grant and April.
“Only that they
have had a fun if busy time, and she really enjoyed the ball in Cambridge,”
April said, “and then there is the news about Ama.”
“I know,” Grant
said, “it must have been a huge shock to her to find her sister alive and
well. I hope we get to meet her at some
point.”
“According to
Caroline, they’re hoping to arrange a visit in August,” April said, “when
they’re all off school and the travel pains have eased.”
“I know – she
goes from France to Australia, then back to London, then home? Rather her than me…”
"Joey
settle down," Trina laughed as the petite Canadian model fidgeted in her
chair in the waiting room.
"I know, I
know, but I've had three cups of coffee already this morning."
"Oh is that
what has made you so jumpy.”
"It's just
I want to be awake when we get to France so I can take it all in."
"Joey
darling, me the American, you the European aristocrat, shouldn't it be me
getting excited?" Trina laughed.
"Are they
on board safely Blair?" Sarah asked both quietly and nervously.
"They are,
and stop worrying Sarah, how I've hid them no screening that I know of will see
them."
"Okay,
it's just that I'm not used to trying to get a fortune in 'hot' gems out of the
country."
“I still don’t
believe we’re here,” Eva Eckholm said as she looked round the lounge, taking in
everyone that was sitting there.
“Well, with the
younger kids off at camp, at least we could accept this invitation – amazing as
it is,” Andy said as she sat with his wife and Denice. “But why have we been invited?”
“Well,” Denice
said as she saw Emma Carlton talking to Sandy, “here’s the thing about we
Kirkham parents – and it’s something both I and Emma discovered – we’re part of
the Saints and Sinners, even if it takes a while for us to realise what that
can mean. For me, it was going out for
dinner and meeting some of Juliette’s friends.
For you, it’s an invitation to come to Abby’s party – all expenses
paid.”
“But a
chartered jet there and back?”
“Not to mention
a long weekend in France,” Denice said with a smile. “Then you come back, some of us go to the UK,
some to other places – but look at it another way. You get to meet all the others at one go…”
“Wow – just
wow,” Melinda said as she stood with Erica and Jess, “I’m a kid from the
‘burbs, and suddenly here I am, waiting to get on a plane filled with people
going to the same place…”
“Welcome to the
world of Angels,” Erica said with a smile as she sipped her Coca Cola. “Sinners All.”
“Sinners All,”
Poppy said as she joined them. “Hey
Melinda – glad you could make it.”
“So what is the
plan for the flight over?”
“Depends what
Guy arranged in terms of inflight entertainment,” Poppy said, “but I guess we
play it by ear. There are coaches
meeting us at the airport tomorrow to bring us directly to Rosville.”
“The town is
named after her?”
“After her
family,” Erica said, “but I’m sure it will be fine…”
“Well, here we
are,” Mary Thomas said as the Clarke family looked round, “go and find
somewhere to sit down, gran a drink, relax – they’ll tell us when to board.”
“On you go,”
Mary said as he younger sisters and brothers went to the windows, Dave taking
Sally to the bar as her father looked round.
“David,” Missy
said as she waved, “come with Mary and join us.”
“Go on Pops,”
Mary said, “I want to talk to Trina and the others anyway…”
“Oh wow –
everyone who is anyone is here,” Katy said as she walked in with Janice and
Adam, Katherine following with Eleanor and Veronica.
“Yeah – this is
going to be some flight,” Janice said as she saw the Rochermanns talking to the
van Roons. “And the room is filling up.”
“I just heard
from Rose,” Katherine said, “she’s ready to come tomorrow in the train with
Maeve.”
“I also heard
from mother,” Kylie drawled as she walked over with Marina, “she and the others
will arrive on Friday in time for the party.”
“It really is
coming together,” Eleanor said as she looked round, “and I intend to enjoy this
break.”
“So do I,”
Veronica said, “let’s get a drink and relax.”
7 pm BST
Paddington
Agnes slowly
closed the door behind herself and walked into the small, cramped main room of
her flat, dropping her bag on the old settee and sitting down herself, before
she buried her face in her hands and started crying.
The tears were
real, genuine, and as she sobbed a large grey Persian cat came in from the
kitchen and sat at her feet.
“Hey Tippy
Toes,” Agnes finally said as she looked down, “are you hungry?”
As the cat
purred, she stood up and looked at the pictures on the mantelpiece, showing her
graduation, and with a thin, dark haired girl smiling next to her. Shaking her head, she went through the old
curtain, and then came back with a small bowl of water and a second one of cat
food.
“There you go,”
she said as she stroked the back of the Persian, “I’ll…”
The knock on
the door took her by surprise, as she looked round.
"I'm coming,"
Agnes sniffed back her tears as she went to answer the door, "but if you
are from work I'm going to kill you, this is my day off."
"No I'm
not from work" Francesca smiled as Agnes opened the door, and stared at
her. “I heard you had left in a hurry,
and got your address from Shirley.”
"Oh Marchesa...I mean Francesca, what must you think,” Agnes
said as she wiped her eyes, “I look a total sight."
"You look
fine Agnes. Can I come in?"
“Of course – please,” Agnes said as she stood to the side, Francesca smiling as
she came in. "Can I offer you some tea?"
"I'd prefer coffee."
"It's only
instant," Agnes said as they went into the front area, and she pulled back
the curtain hiding the tiny kitchen space.
"That will
do," Francesca said as she sat down, the cat looking up at her before she
went back to her food.
"Alright –
but don’t say I didn’t warn you," Agnes said as she filled the kettle and
plugged it in, Francesca looking at the books, the photographs, and then the
furniture.
"Agnes,” she eventually said, “even I have to ask, why do you live like
this?"
"Oh this
suits me...and pardon the piles of books everywhere."
"Agnes you
must make a fortune from your dungeon, and yet you live like you are on public
welfare...Why?"
"I don't
know...it leaves more money for important things I guess," Agnes shrugged
her shoulders as the kettle came to a boil.
"Still..."
Francesca took a cup of brown liquid and sniffed it.
"I know
this is awful coffee, but it’s cheap," Agnes looked ashamed as she sat down
and sipped her own coffee, then grimaced.
"Darling… Why?”
“Why what,
Francesca?”
“Why are you
hurting yourself like this?"
"Who says
I'm hurting myself."
"This
coffee? Seriously, though, I do, because
I've done it to myself for so many years, and," Francesca said as she
lifted her sleeve up to reveal fresh scars, "I still do."
"You are a
cutter Francesca?” Agnes put her cup
down and said “but why?"
"Because
even now I can't quite forgive myself for destroying my family, losing the only
man I ever loved, and for 25 years not knowing my daughter, or having a part in
her life. I know I am incredibly
blessed, but still…"
"That's
terrible," Agnes whispered.
"It's why
I became an assassin,” Francesca said quietly, “not to kill others, but to kill
the pain inside myself."
"Oh."
"And I
will bet that killing the pain inside is just what you are doing?"
Francesca smiled, "and at least in part by drinking coffee like
this?"
"I told
you it was cheap," Agnes shrugged.
"I asked a
few questions today, after you had gone, and listened to a lot of people talk
about you."
"And what
did they say? Little good I suspect."
The grey haired woman laughed bitterly as she held her cup.
"Actually
no, you still have some friends Agnes."
"You mean
Paula and Olivia?"
"I also
mean Penny and her friends. And then
there’s Peri…"
“Peri? When did you meet her?”
“She’s my
secretary in my office here.”
"Well,” Agnes said as she looked at one picture, of her with some younger
boys and girls, “they are wonderful girls."
"Shirley
thinks the world of you as well..."
"But she
would never introduce me to John," Agnes interrupted, "I'm not sure
my cousin would be very welcoming anyway even if she did. It's why I teach Maisha when he is away."
Francesca
stared at the other woman, before she said "John is your cousin...Does
Shirley know?"
"Well I've
never told her, and I suspect he has never mentioned me."
"But how?
Why?"
"His
mother,” Agnes said as she took a drink, “was my grandmother’s sister."
"But John
is so amazingly nice, why would he...?"
"Because
even he is ashamed to share blood with me." A tear dropped from Agnes's
eye, "he made that very clear twenty years ago."
"Horrible..."
Francesca shook her head.
"Oh there
was worse, another cousin slapped me several times when I went to ask for
help."
"Well, I
was deported as a spy from South Africa and had to leave behind my husband, and
my 6 day old daughter."
"I had
heard and read that Francesca."
"Did you
know, in the days before he died, he wrote a letter forgiving me?"
"No… That I didn't."
“So perhaps,
having met Paula and Olivia today…”
“And Mandy – I
bumped into her, but ran off before I really started crying.”
“Well, perhaps
there is hope for forgiveness and a fresh start for you as well?”
"Something
tells me Donald will never be as forgiving, and beside he married someone
else...And as for my sister?"
"Donald
Fitzstuart is to you, as my James was to me."
"I suppose
so."
"Agnes,”
Francesca said as she took the mug, and put them both down, “we have both
punished ourselves far too..."
The words were
left unsaid as both women let the tears start to roll out, holding each other
as the cat settled at their feet.
9 pm BST
Dublin
“There you
are,” Eve Gaunt said as she looked up and saw Cassandra come in with the
family, “I was wondering what had happened.”
“We’re here now
Mum – hey Tamsin. Good to see you
again.”
“And you
Cassandra,” Tamsin Mahan-Gaunt said as they hugged each other. Although in her early forties, she was slim
with long brown hair. “Is my daughter
with you?”
“Yes I am
Mummy,” Kit said as she came in with John, still wearing her school
uniform. “The others are just coming in
now.”
“Hey Aunt
Tamsin,” Eve said as she came in with Aileen and Clodagh, “how’s the homestead
been?”
“Quiet without
you,” Tamsin said with a smile.
“Okay you lot,”
Tom said as he put his hat on the table, “everyone up and get changed, and
we’ll sort out some supper.”
“Tam,” Paula
said as she hugged her old friend, “I need to talk to you – in private.”
“I swear, I
haven’t done anything…”
“This is
serious,” Paula said as she indicated that her old friend should follow her
into the drawing room, closing the door behind both of them. “I met an old school friend today at Ascot?”
“Well, it’s not
surprising,” Tamsin said with a smile, “who was…”
“It was Agnes.”
She watched as
her old friend’s face suddenly hardened, before she said “and what was she
doing there?”
“She was there
with friends – at least, that’s what I thought at first, but… Sit down, Tam, I’ll pour us both a drink.”
As she sat
down, Tamsin watched Paula pour two glasses of whiskey out, and hand her
one. “I hardly recognised her, until
some mutual friends told me who it was.”
“So was she
selling herself?”
“No… Tam, I discovered the truth today, about why
she did what she did.”
“Oh – and what
excuses did the whore cook up?”
“None – Tam,
Aggie offered no excuses, in fact she admitted what she has done all these
years."
"She's an
unapologetic whore is she?"
"Tam you
are being too harsh, reading between the lines, I think she did it to support
you.”
“To… To support me? Paula, I know you were at school with her,
but surely…”
“I’m
serious. How do you think your fees,
etc, were paid at Benenden Tam, when she was a postgraduate student, doing her
research?”
“From my trust
fund that Daddy left me.”
“Tam,” Paula
said quietly, “I adored your father, he was a charming old rogue, but he left
relatively little, and what there was Agnes sold to pay off his large gambling
debts.”
“No, No,”
Tamsin said as she shook her head, “he left me well provided for….Agnes told me
so…Paula I can show you the receipts.”
“Darling, that
money comes from Agnes,” Paula blinked back a tear. “She made it look that way to make sure
nobody asked any questions.”
Tamsin stared
at Paula, before she said “but under Daddy’s will, Kit’s fees at school are
also paid from the fund…aren’t they?”
“I don’t think
so Tam, again I think Agnes pays that.”
“Oh no that
idea is too ridiculous for words,” Tamsin shook her head and sipped her drink.
“Is it really
Tam? Look - forget what she’s done to
earn the money and remember Agnes as she once was, isn’t this just the sort of
thing she would do?”
Tamsin stared
at Paula, before she slowly nodded and said “yeah – she always put me first,
even when Daddy was alive…”
“Tam I’m
guessing that the reason she never told you all of this was that she knew you
idolized your father.”
“So… So she made me think for all these years I had
a trust fund, and all these years I’ve been getting her immoral earnings
Paula?”
“If I have
pieced this together correctly then yes Tam,” Paula nodded seriously. “And it’s not just you – whatever else she
does, I learned today she has devoted her life to helping runaways in London
nor get sucked into the worst side of that city.”
“She what?”
“She runs an
unofficial school, makes sure they are educated, know what to do and where to
go, and stay off drugs and out of trouble.”
Sipping her drink, Paula continued “according to my friend Shirley who
seems to know her reasonably well, Aggy lives in a tiny one bedroom flat in
Paddington, with just her cat for company - everything it seems either goes to
help the homeless runaways she nurtures and cares for…or it seems to you.”
“Oh come on
Paula,” Tamsin almost spat out, “talk sense…I know for a fact that she runs an
extremely profitable ‘operation’ in Soho.”
Raising an
eyebrow, Paula said “so you have at least checked her out Tam…Be that as it may
though, I don’t think Agnes is the one who profits from it.”
“Well… Yes, I’ve heard things about her… despite
everything she is my sister.”
“And I bet
you’d not let Kits within ten miles of her?”
“Of course
not…she’s a whore, and I’m surprised you even have to ask Paula.”
“Tam,” Paula
spoke slowly and in a low tone, “Aggie ruined her own life, so as you could
have yours…don’t you get that darling?”
Tamsin slowly
nodded as she said “yeah – yeah it what she would do, but why the hell didn’t
she tell me?”
“Pride – the
stubborn pride we all share. Agnes I
hear is fond of telling people that whatever you may have heard of Lady D’eath
you can never say she has turned a child in need away without offering help.”
“Meaning what
Paula?”
“All that love
which is bottled up inside Agnes goes in giving help and giving those children
just what she herself has not had in twenty years.”
“Dear Lord,”
Tamsin said quietly, “and you’re telling the truth?”
“I’ve met some
of the girls she has helped – you would never know they had been runaways to
look at them.”
“Has she never
had a man in her life?”
“I’ll bet you a
thousand Euros the answer to that is no…Donald was her one and only, and will
always be so. I heard they met today as
well – but she left soon after…”
“You didn’t say
how she looks Paula,” Tamsin said softly.
“The truth?”
Looking at her
glass, Tamsin said softly “Yes please.”
“She looks far
too old for her years Tam, without makeup on, and her hair that colour grey she
looks over 60.”
“My God…she’s
like that?”
“Oh I bet she
can pull it together with wigs and makeup, but the real her, no she’s not a
pretty sight.”
“Have I got her
wrong all these years… Is she a criminal
Paula?”
“I wouldn’t say
directly Tam, but just as she probably knows a lot of customers who come to her
from our side of the tracks, that she knows people who are on the other side as
well.”
“Do men
really…?”
“Go to Agnes to
get their kinky fantasies fulfilled?”
“Yes,” Tamsin
nodded.
“I’d guess
so…no they must do,” Paula corrected herself, “she and her employees will do
all the things our men want to keep secret and hidden.”
“Why doesn’t
that surprise me – we forget how lucky we both are at times,” Tamsin said
quietly. “But what was she doing at
Royal Ascot, if she knew she would be shunned?”
“According to
one of Shirley’s people who I also know slightly, and who knows your sister
very well, then she goes once a year to Royal Ascot just to torture herself
with dreams of days past, and just what might have been.”
“Oh God,”
Tamsin put her hand over her mouth. “She does that?”
“Yes, according
to Penny she also stands outside Grosvenor House and watches people arrive at
the Royal Caledonian.”
“But why?”
“I guess
because all she has left are dreams of what if?” Paula dropped a tear, “she
knows she will never be allowed to come home so to speak, have relatives and
old friends even say hello to her.”
She watched
Tamsin as she drained her glass, and then said “Paula… There’s something I need to do, but I need
your help…”
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