“ButitsohappensthatIdon’tparticularlywanttomarry.Oncebitten,twiceshy,youknow.

“I’mgoingtobeverycautiousnexttime.Icertainlyshan’tdoanythingassillyasfallinginlovewithoutverycarefulconsiderationfirst.”

Hisblueeyesdancedwithamusement,buthedidn’tsmile.“Iagreewithyou.Compatibilityandfriendshipwithoutheavingpassionaremuchmorelikelytomakeasuccessfulmarriage,especiallyforusolderones.”Heignoredtheindignantsoundshemade.Hewentongently,“IthinkitmightbeagoodideaifyouandImarriedonthoseterms,Prudence.”Heturnedbacktothestudy.“Giveitsomethought,willyou?Goodnight.”

Shefeltshewouldexplodewithindignation.Shehadhadproposalsbefore,butneveronelikethat,offeredcasuallyandwithoutwaitingtofindoutwhatshethoughtaboutit.Thearrogantwretch!

RomancereadersaroundtheworldweresadtonotethepassingofBettyNeelsinJune2001.Hercareerspannedthirtyyears,andshecontinuedtowriteintoherninetiethyear.Tohermillionsoffans,Bettyepitomizedtheromancewriter,andyetshebeganwritingalmostbyaccident.Shehadretiredfromnursing,butherinquiringmindstillsoughtstimulation.Hernewcareerwasbornwhensheheardaladyinherlocallibrarybemoaningthelackofgoodromancenovels.Betty’sfirstbook,SisterPetersinAmsterdam,waspublishedin1969,andsheeventuallycompleted134books.Hernovelsofferareassuringwarmththatwasverymuchapartofherownpersonality.Shewasawonderfulwriter,andshewillbegreatlymissed.Herspiritandgenuinetalentwillliveoninallherstories.

THEBESTOF

BETTYNEELS

NEVERTOOLATE

CONTENTS

CHAPTERONE

CHAPTERTWO

CHAPTERTHREE

CHAPTERFOUR

CHAPTERFIVE

CHAPTERSIX

CHAPTERSEVEN

CHAPTEREIGHT

CHAPTERNINE

CHAPTERONE

THEANCIENTCHURCHofthevillageofLittleAmwellwascrowdedtoitsmassiveNormandoor,itspewsbrimmingoverwithfloweryhats,theirwearerskeepingupasteadymurmurofconversationwhichviedwithMrsBroad,theorganist,asshelabouredthroughaselectionofsuitableweddingmusic.Thegroomwasalreadythere,andhisbestman,itlackedonlythebridefortheceremonytobegin.

Shewasatthedoornow;MrsBroad’ssuddenburstofchordssenteveryheadoveritsshoulderasshebegantheshortjourneydowntheaisleonheruncle’sarmtowhereherbridegroomwaswaitingandherfatherstoodreadytomarrythem.Shewasaveryprettygirl,fair-hairedandblue-eyedandslim,avisioninwhitesilkandlace,followedbyfourverysmallbridesmaids,enchantinginpalebluewithwreathsintheirhair,andbehindthem,shooingthemgentlyalong,cametheonlyotherbridesmaid,atallcurvygirlwithafaceasprettyashersister’s,onlyherhairwasaburnishedgoldenredandhereyesgreen.Shewasinbluetoo,acolourinwhichshedidn’tlookherbest,butsincethebridehadstrongviewsabouttheunluckypropertiesofgreen,shehadresignedherselftopalebluesilkandawide-brimmedhatofthesameshade.Shefollowedslowlydowntheaisle,lookingdemurelyaheadofherandstillmanagingtoseethatoldMrsForbesfromtheGrangewaswearingaquiteastonishingmauvehat,andLadyByronfromtheManorHousewasinhereverlastingbeige.ShesawTony,too,standingonthebride’sside,lookingdevastatinginhismorningcoat;apityhehadrefusedcategoricallytobeoneoftheushers.Hewasmarvellous,ofcourse,butsometimesshewishedhewasn’tquitesoconsciousofhisdignity.Shesupposedthatonceshewasmarriedtohim,atsomenotyetdecideddate,shewouldhavetomendherways;therewereseveralthingsforwhichhehadalreadygentlybutfirmlyreprovedher.

ShecametoahaltbehindNancy,tookherbouquetandhushedtheyoungestofthebridesmaids.Jameswasbeamingathisbrideinamostsatisfactorywayandherfather,whilenotactuallysmiling,waslookingpleasedwithhimself.Andwhynot?shemused.Nancyhaddonewellforherself;JameswassomethingupandcominginthebusinessworldandhadarathergrandflatinHighgateVillage,besideswhichhewasathoroughlyniceyoungman.

Herfatherbegantheserviceandpresently,boredwithstandingstill,thebridesmaidsbegantoplayup.ItwasinthecourseofpreventingoneofthemfromprancingoffdowntheaislethatPrudencebecameawareofthebestman.True,shehadknownthathewasthere,conspicuouseven.Fromthebackhewasalargeman,toppingJamesbyagoodheadandwithmassiveshoulders.Heturnedroundnow,fortheverygoodreasonthatthebridesmaidhadhimbythetrouserleg,andPrudencecouldseehisface—nicelookinginaruggedway,withfairhairalreadysprinkledwithgrey.Heremovedthesmallgirl’sarmsfromhislegandhandedherbackandsmiledatPrudence.Hiseyeswereveryblueandcrinklednicelyatthecorners.NotapatchonTony,ofcourse,buthemightbefuntoknow…Shesmiledback,andthencomposedherfeaturesintosuitablesolemnityasthechoirlauncheditselfinto‘Thevoicethatbreathedo’erEden’,thelittleboyscasttheireyestoheaveninanunlikelypietyandthemenbehindthemrolledouttheirnotesinavolumeofsound.Prudence,fromunderherbrim,watchedMrClapp,thebutcher,bellowinghiswaythroughthehymn;hehadapowerfulvoice,usedfrequentlyinhisshoptocrythevirtuesofhismeat.Shetookaquickpeepatthebestman,althoughtherewasn’tmuchtosee;broadshouldersandaramrodback,andwhenheturnedhisheadslightly,ahigh-bridgednoseandafirmchin.Shelookeddownatherbouquet.Thechoirhadfilledtheirlungsreadyforthelastverse,butshewasn’theedingthem.Traditionally,thechiefbridesmaidandthebestmanpairedoffatawedding;itmightdoTonyalotofgoodifheweretobegivenacold—well,cool—shoulder;hewas,shesuspected,gettingtoosureofher.Shehadn’tmetthebestmanyet;hehadbeenabroad,Jameshadtoldher,andhadonlyarrivedintimetoseethatJamesgotsafelytothechurch.Reallysheknewnothingatallabouthim.Marriedmostlikely,certainlyengaged;itwouldbefuntofindout.

Thechoir,consciousofajobwelldone,subsidedintotheirpewsandherfatherbeganthelittlehomilyhemustknowbyheart,forshehadhearditatcountlessweddingsatwhichhehadofficiated.Byturningherheadveryslowly,shecouldseehermother,stillaprettywoman,wearingaMotheroftheBride’shat,andaslightlysmugexpression.ShecaughtPrudence’seyeandsmiledandnodded.Prudencewaswellawarewhathermotherwasthinking—thatshewouldbethenextbride,withTonystandingwhereJameswasstandingnow.Shewouldhavelikedaquietwedding,buttherewouldbelittlechanceofthat.ItwouldbeexactlythesameasNancy’s,whitesilkandchiffonandmorelittlebridesmaids.Noplanshadbeenmade,ofcourse,butshewasquitesurethathermotherhaditallarranged.ThatladyhadbeenpuzzledanddisappointedthatPrudencehadn’tbeenthefirsttomarryanyway.Shewas,afterall,theeldest,andshewastwenty-seven,withalong-standingengagementbehindher,there

hadseemednoreasonwhysheandTonyshouldn’thavemarriedbeforeNancyandJames,butTonyhadlightheartedlydeclaredthattheyhadplentyoftime,therewasnohurry.Hehadasplendidjobwithabigfirmofarchitects,apleasanthouseontheedgeofLittleAmwellandtheprospectofatriptoNewYorkwithinthenextmonthorso.‘AfterI’mback,’hehadtoldPrudenceeasily.‘Afterall,you’reperfectlycontentandhappyathome,aren’tyou?’

Shehadbeenawareofafaintwarningatthebackofhermind,soabsurdthatshehadignoredit,andthen,intheexcitementandbustleofthewedding,forgottenit.

Butnowitcamebacktoteaseher.ShewasbynomeanscontenttositathomeandwaitforTony;therehadbeennoreasonatallwhysheshouldn’thavemarriedhimmonthsagoandgonetoNewYorkwithhim;somehow,theexcitementofmarryinghimhadfizzledoutlikeakettlegoingofftheboil—andyetsurely,afterthree,almostfouryears,sheshouldknowifshelovedhimornot?Something,shewasn’tsurewhat,wouldhavetobedone.

Herfatherhadfinished,MrsBroadwasthumpingouttheopeninglinesof‘Oh,perfectlove’andthechoirhadsurgedtoitsfeetwiththecongregationhardonitsheels.Thesigningtookonanewleaseoflife;thechoirthinkingoftheirdinner,theguestsofthechampagneandbuffetlunchawaitingtheminthemarqueeerectedontheroomylawnssurroundingthesolidVictorianvicarage.Itwasabitofananticlimaxtositdownagainwhiletheweddingpartytrailedintothevestry,andpresentlyoutagain.Therehadbeentheusualkissingandcongratulationsthere,butbeyondarathercasualgreetingfromthebestman,Prudencehadhadnochancetospeaktohim.Shewentdowntheaislebesidehimpresently,herprettyfaceandvividhairdrawingagoodmanyadmiringglances,noneofwhichcamefromthebestman.BenedictvanVinke—aforeignname.Later,ifhewasdisposedtobefriendly,shewouldaskhimwherehecamefrom.

Butalthoughhewasfriendlyenough,hewasn’tdisposedtotellhermuch.Heparriedherquestionswithlazygoodhumour,smilingatherwithaflickerofamusementinhiseyes.Sheendedupdiscoveringalmostnothing.HewasaDutchdoctor,hetravelledagooddeal,hehadknownJamesforanumberofyears,theyhadinfactbeenatCambridgetogether.Beyondthesesnippetsofinformationhedidn’tgo,andpresentlyshewanderedoff,stillwonderingabouthim,todoherdutybytheotherguests.

Tonyjoinedherpresently,anditpleasedhertoseethathelookedannoyed.Hegaveheraseverelook.‘Evenifyouarechiefbridesmaid,there’snoneedtositinthebestman’spocket.Everyonehereknowsthatwe’regoingtogetmarriedandit’shardlythethingforyoutospendtheentiretimewithhim.’

‘Areyoujealous,Tony?’shewantedtoknow.‘Certainlynot!Jealousyisacompletewasteofgoodsense,Imerely

observedthatotherpeoplemightthink…’‘Youmindwhattheythink?’Prudenceasked,hergreeneyesverybright.‘NaturallyImind.Theopinionofotherpeopleisimportanttoaprofessional

man.’‘Andthat’sthereasonyou’reannoyedwithme?’Prudenceloweredlong

darklashesoverhereyes.‘ImustgoandsayhullotoLadyBrinknell.’Shesaunteredoff,butnottotheladyinquestion.Shefetchedupagain

besideBenedictvanVinke,waitedpatientlyuntilthecouplehewastalkingtowanderedaway,andasked:‘Ifyouweregoingtomarryagirlandshespentalotoftimewithanotherman,atafunctionlikethisone,wouldyoubeannoyed?’

Hesmileddownather.‘Very.’‘Why?’Hiseyeswidened.‘Obviousreasons.Ifsheweremygirl,shewouldn’tbe

allowedtowanderoffwithanyTom,DickorHarryaround.’‘You’dbejealous?’‘Very.’‘Andyouwouldn’tmindwhateveryonesaid?Imean,youwouldn’tobject

justbecauseitmightmakepeoplegossip?’‘Goodlord,no!Whocareswhatotherpeoplethink?It’snoneoftheir

business,anyway.’Prudenceheavedasigh.‘Oh,well—thankyou…’Sheglancedwithout

knowingitinTony’sdirection,andBenedictvanVinkesaidkindly:‘Youmustn’ttakehimtooseriously,youknow.’

Shesaidsharply:‘Idon’tknowwhatyoumean!Itwasapurelyhypotheticalquestion.’

Heonlysmiledandaskedlazily:‘Whenareyougoingtomarry?’Shesaidcrossly:‘Ihavenoidea—andanyway,it’snoneofyourbusiness,’

andthen,quiteforgettingtobeannoyed,addedwistfully:‘We’vebeenengagedforyearsandyears…’

Heignoredthelastbit.‘No,itisn’t,’heagreedequably,‘butafterall,itwasyouwhobroughtthesubjectupinthefirstplace.’

ShewasonthepointofturningawaywhenTonyjoinedthem.HeputaproprietorialarmonPrudence’sshoulder.‘MayIsuggest,’hebegan,andshewishedthathewouldn’tprefacesomanyofhiswisheswiththatremark—’thatyoucirculate,Prudence.LadyByronremarkedtomeonlyafewminutesagothatshe’dbarelyseteyesonyou,andtheForbeses—peopleattheManor,youknow,’heexplainedkindlytoBenedict,‘wereaskingtomeetyou.’

Hisvoiceimpliedthatthiswasanhonourindeed,butthelargemanstandingbeforehim,lookingathimwithatolerantgoodhumourwhichsethisteethonedge,onlysmiledathim.‘I’llbedelightedtomeetthemlateron,’heconceded.‘I’veanumberofoldfriendstochatwithfirst.’

Hemadenoefforttomoveaway;afterasmallsilenceTonytookPrudence’selbowandwalkedheroff.‘It’sfortunatethatvanVinkeisunlikelytoseemuchofus,’heobservedfrostily.‘Idislikethattypeofman.’

‘Whattypeishe?’askedPrudence;shehadherownideasonthat,butitwouldbeinterestingtohearTony’sopinion.

‘Arrogant,conceited,notbotheringtomakehimselfagreeable.Isuggestthatyouavoidhimfortherestoftheday,Prudence—besides,he’saforeigner.’

ShewasstruckdumbbytheappallingthoughtthatovertheyearsshehadallowedherselftobedictatedtobyTony.Afterall,theyweren’tmarriedyet;hehadnorighttoexpecthertoconformtohisideas.Shesaidbaldly:‘Ilikehim.’Shepickedupaglassofchampagnefromthebuffettabletheywerepassing,tosseditoff,shookhishandfromherarmandjoinedagroupofauntsandunclesshebarelyknewexceptfortheexchangeofChristmascardseachyear.Thechampagne,coupledwithherindignantfeelings,gaveherunwontedvivacity,sothatherelderlyrelatives,watchingherassheleftthempresently,remarkedamongthemselvesthatdearPrudenceseemedtohavechangedagooddeal.‘Ofcourse,sheistwenty-seven,’observedthemostelderlyaunt,andpursedherlipsandnoddedherheadwisely,asthoughtwenty-sevenwasadangerousagewhenanythingmighthappen.

Thereception,followingatime-honouredpattern,drewtoitsend.Thebrideandbridegroomdisappeared,toreappearshortlyintweedoutfitssuitablefortheirhoneymooninScotland.ItwasstilllateAugustandwarm,butLittleAmwell,buriedintheheartofSomerset,wasundoubtedlymilderinclimatethanthefarnorthwhereNancyhaddecidedtheyshouldgo.WhenPrudencehadaskedherwhy,shehadsaidsimply:‘Itsoundsromantic.’

Prudence,handingoutbagsofconfettiamongtheguests,rememberedthatremark.OnlythatmorningwhenTonyhadcalledinonhiswaytothechurch,hehadmadesomemeasuredremarkaboutcombiningbusinesswithpleasurewhenheandPrudencewentonhoneymoon.TherewereclientsinHamburgandOslowhowereconsideringgivinghisfirmabigcontract—ashehadsaid,timeenoughtotalkaboutthatwhenhegotbackfromAmerica;shewascontentenoughathome.Suddenlysheknewthatshewasn’t.

Theguestswentawayslowly,stoppingtochat,mullovertheweddinganddiscusseachother’sappearance.Whenthelastonehadgone,Prudencekickedoffherslippers,flungherhatontoachairandwenttothekitchentogiveMabel,

grownoldinherparents’service,ahandwiththetea-tray.Withitinherhands,shekickedopenthecreakingbaizedoorleadingtothe

fronthallandpausedtosayoverhershoulder:‘I’llbebackpresently,Mabel,andwe’llthinkaboutsupper.Didyouenjoythewedding?’

‘Afairtreat,MissPrudence,butyou’lllookjustasprettywhenyourturncomes.’

Crossingthehall,PrudencehadthestrangefeelingthatMabel’swordssoundedlikeadeathsentence.

Herparentswereinthedrawingroom.Notalone,foroldAuntRachel,wholivedmilesawayinEssex,wastostayforadayortwobeforegoinghomebytrain.AndTonywasthere,stretchedoutinoneofthecomfortablerathershabbyarmchairs,looking,thoughtPrudencecrossly,asthoughheownedtheplace.Tomakemattersworse,helookedupandgrinnedatherasshewentin,withoutbotheringtogetupandtakethetrayfromher.Washesosureofheralready?Shedumpeditonthesofatablenearhermother’schairandsatdown,aslowbuildupofill-usagecreepingoverher.Furthermore,herteethweresetonedgebyhiscareless,‘Tired,oldgirl?’

Shewasnothisoldgirl,shearguedsilently,shewashisfiancée,tobecherishedandspoiltalittle,andcertainlynottobetakenforgranted.

Shesaidhaughtily:‘Notintheleast,’andaddressedherselftoAuntRachelforalmostallofthetimetheytookovertea.Andwhentheelegantlittlemealwasfinished,shepickedupthetrayoncemore,observingthatMabelneededahandinthekitchenandaddinginadecidedlyacidulatedtone:‘Andperhapsyouwouldopenthedoor,Tony?’

Shedumpedthetrayonthekitchentableandthenwenttothestove,wheresheclashedsaucepanlidsquiteunnecessarilyuntilMabellookedupfromthebeansshewasstringing.

‘Now,now!Hoity-toity!’saidMabel.Prudencedidn’tanswer;shehadheardMabelsayjustthatwheneversheor

Nancyhaddisplayedillhumoursinceearlychildhood,forMabelhadjoinedtheTrenthouseholdwhenMrsTrenthadmarriedandhadtakenuponherselftheroleofnannyoverandaboveherotherduties,andsinceMrsTrentwasstill,atthattime,strugglingtobetheperfectvicar’swife,Mabelhadtakenalargeshareintheirupbringing,aprocesshelpedalongbyanumberofold-fashionedremarkssuchas‘Littlepitchershavelongears,’and‘Littlegirlsshouldbeseenandnotheard,’and‘Keeplittlefingersfrompickingandstealing.’

AndwhenPrudencedidn’tanswer,Mabelsaidcomfortably:‘Well,telloldMabel,then.’

‘Idon’tthinkIwanttogetmarried,’observedPrudenceinaruminating

voice.‘Andwhatwillyourdearmaandpasaytothat?’‘Ihaven’ttoldthem—yousee,I’veonlyjustthoughtaboutitinthelasthour

orso.’‘Thewedding’sunsettledyou,love—seeingourNancygettingmarried—

girlsalwayshavelast-minutedoubts,soI’mtold.Notthatyououghttohavewithsuchanicelongengagement.Theydosay,“Marryinhaste…”’

‘Repentatleisure.Iknow—but,Mabel,TonyandIhavebeenengagedforsolongtheredoesn’tseemtobeanythingleft.IthinkifImarriedhimI’dregretittomydyingday.IwanttostaysingleanddowhatIwanttodoforachange,notsithereathome,doingthechurchflowersandhelpingwiththeMothers’UniononThursdaysandwaitingforTonytodecidewhenwe’retobemarried.Iwantacareer…’

‘Whatat?’Mabel’svoicewasdry.‘Well,Icantype,can’tI?AnddoalittleshorthandandI’vekepttheparish

accountsforFatherforyears.Icouldworkinanoffice.’‘Where?’Mabelputthebowlofbeansonthetableandwenttothesinkto

washherhands.‘HowshouldIknow?London,Isuppose.’‘Youwouldn’tlikethat.Youlistentome,love.Yougobacktothedrawing

roomandtalktoyourTony,he’sasteadyyoungman,makinghiswayintheworld.’

‘Oh,pooh!’Prudencestartedslowlyforthedoor.‘FortwopinsI’dslipoutofthegardendoor!’

‘Andwhat’sunsettledyou,mylady?’askedMabel.‘Orisitwho?’ButPrudencedidn’tanswer,onlythedoorclosedwithasnapbehindher.Tonywasstilltherewhenshegotbacktothedrawingroomandhebarely

pausedinwhathewassayingtoherfathertonodather.Prudencewentandsatdownbyhermotherandlistenedtothatlady’smullingoveroftheweddingincompanywithAuntRachel.

‘Andwhenisittobeyourturn?’askedheraunt.‘Idon’tknow,’saidPrudence,thenraisedhervoicesharply.‘Tony—Aunt

Rachelwantstoknowwhenwe’regettingmarried.’Tonyhadfrownedslightly;hediddislikebeinginterruptedwhenhewas

speakingandPrudence’svoicehadsoundedquiteshrewish.‘AtthemomentIhavesomanycommitmentsthatit’simpossibletoevensuggestadate.’

HisvoiceheldanoteofcensureforherandAuntRachelaskedinsurprise:‘ButIalwaysthoughtthatthebridechoseherweddingdate?’

Hechosetotaketheremarkseriously,anditstruckPrudence,notforthe

firsttime,perhaps,thathissenseofhumourwaspoor.‘Ah,butI’mreallytheonetobeconsidered,yousee.IhaveanexactingprofessionandPrudence,livingquietlyathomeasshedoes,needonlyfallinwithmywishes,withoutanydisruptionofherownlife.’

MrsTrentlookedupatthatwithalookofdoubtonherfaceandeventheReverendGilesTrent,adreamymanbynature,realisedthatsomethingwasn’tquiteasitshouldbe.ItwaslefttoPrudencetoremarkinadeceptivelymeekvoice:‘NothingmuststandinTony’swaynowthathe’smakingsuchasuccessofhiscareer.’

Shelookedatthemall,hergreeneyessparkling,smilingwidely,lookingasthoughshehaddroppedaheavyburden.Whichshehad—Tony.

Shedidn’tsayawordtoanyone,leastofallTony,who,thedayfollowingtheweddingwentuptoLondon,explainingratherpompouslythattherewasagooddealofimportantworkforhimtodo.‘StuffIcan’tdelegatetoanyoneelse.Ishallprobablybebackattheweekend.’Hehaddroppedakissonhercheekandhurriedoff.

Shewastednotime.Withonlythevaguestideaofwhatsheintendedtodo,shespenteveryfreemomentatthetypewriterinherfather’sstudy,gettingupherspeed,andaftershehadgonetobedeachevening,shegotoutpencilandpaperandworkedhardathershorthand.Shewasn’tverygoodatit,butatleastshehadabasicknowledgeofit,enoughperhapstogetbyinsomeoffice.ShebegantoreadtheadvertsintheTelegraph,butmostofthemseemedtobeforhigh-poweredpersonalassistantswithphenomenalspeeds.Perhapsshewoulddobetteratsomeotherjob,onlyshehadnoideawhatitmightbe.Nursinghadcrossedhermind,butshewasabitoldtostarttraining—besides,althoughshehaddoneherStJohnAmbulancetrainingtosetagoodexampletothevillage,shehadneverquitemasteredbandagingandfinervariationsofthepulsehadalwaysevadedher.Allthesame,shedidn’tloseheart.ShewelcomedTonyattheweekendwhenhecalledafterchurch,andlistenedtohisplansforthetriptoNewYorkwithbecomingattention,whileherheadwasfilledwithvaguehopefulplansforherownfuture.Itwasonthetipofhertongueseveraltimestotellhimthatshehaddecidedthatshecouldn’tmarryhimafterall,butthat,sherealised,wouldbesilly.Shemustwaituntilshehadajob—anyjobthatwouldmakeherindependent.Hewassosureofherthathewouldn’tbelieveher;shewouldneedprooftoconvincehim.

AugustslippedgentlyintoSeptemberandNancyandJamescamebackfromtheirhoneymoontospendafewdaysattheVicaragebeforesettinguphouseinHighgate.ItwasattheendofthisvisitthatNancysuggestedthatPrudencemightliketospendaweekendwiththem.‘Jamesthinksthatweoughttohave

someofhisfriendswhocouldn’tcometothewedding,fordrinksoneevening—it’llbeaSaturday,sowhydon’tyoucomeforacoupleofnights?Idon’tknowmanyofthemanditwouldbeniceifyouweretheretoo.Let’ssee,it’sThursday—whataboutSaturdayweek?ComeuponFridaynightsothatyoucanhelpmegetthingsready.’

Prudencehesitated.‘Itsoundsfun,butwon’tyouandJameswanttobealoneforabit?’

‘Well,wewon’tbealoneifwehaveaparty,willwe?’Nancydeclared.‘AndTony’sofftotheStatesanyway.Sayyou’llcome?’

Soitwasarranged,andTony,whenhewastold,thoughtitaverygoodidea.‘You’llfinditdullwithoutme,’hepointedout.‘Besides,Idaresayyou’llmeetsomepeoplewhomaybeusefullateron.’HepattedPrudenceratherabsentmindedlyontheshoulder.‘Nevermind,oldgirl,I’llbebackinacoupleofweeks.’

Andbythen,thoughtPrudence,I’llhavegotmyselfajob.Foramomentshefeltaguiltypang,borneawayonatideofindignationwhenhesaidcasually:‘There’sachanceI’llhavetogotoPortugalinacoupleofmonths;sometycoonwantsavilladesignedintheAlgarveandhewantssomeoneoverthereforconsultation.Abitofluckforme—theweathershouldbeprettygoodinNovember.’Hepausedandglancedather.‘Idon’tcarefortheideaofawinterwedding,doyou,Prudence?Andthere’snohurry.I’lltakeacoupleofweeksoffinthespring…’

‘Whatfor?’askedPrudenceinaveryquietvoice.‘It’llbeaconvenienttimeforustogetmarried.I’llbeabletogiveyoua

definitedatelateron.Thoughofcourse,ifanythingturnsup…’Hegaveaself-satisfiedsmile.‘Iamratherindemand.’

Prudence’seyesglitteredgreenly.‘Yourcareermeansalottoyou,doesn’tit,Tony?’sheasked.

‘Well,ofcourseitdoes—darling,youdosaythestupidestthingssometimes!Well,Imustbeoff.You’regoingtoNancy’snextSaturday?IleaveontheMondayafterthat,I’llgiveyouaringifIcan’tfindtimetogettoHighgate.’

PrudencedroveherselfuptoLondoninthesecondhandMiniAuntRachelhadgivenherforhertwenty-firstbirthday.Itwasabitbatteredbynow,butitwentwellenough,andshewasagooddriver.TheflatinHighgate,thegroundfloorofanimposingVictorianmansionsetinaroomygarden,hadwelcominglightsshiningfromitswindowsasshestoppedthelittlecarbeforeitsdoor.Nancyhadsaid,‘Comeingoodtimefordinner,’butPrudencehadcutitratherfine,whatwithhavingtotypeherfather’ssermonatthelastminute,androundupthechoirboysforanextrachoirpracticeforHarvestFestival.

Nancywasatthedoorbeforeshehadtimetoringthebellanddraggedherinside.‘Oh,isn’tthisfun?You’relate—Iwasinapanicthatyouwouldn’tbecoming.There’smassesofstuffinthekitchentoseetoreadyfortomorrowevening.’

ShehurriedPrudenceinsideandsweptherintothesittingroomwhereJameswaswaiting,andforatimethekitchenwasforgottenwhiletheysatwiththeirdrinks,talkingoverthehoneymoonandthemarvelsofHighgateandhowmarvellousitwastonipintoHarveyNicholsorHarrodswithabsolutelynotroubleatall.Prudencelistenedwithpleasuretohersister’schatterandpresentlyfollowedhertothebackoftheflat,totheprettyroomshewastosleepin.‘Andwhenyou’vedolledyourselfup,we’llhavedinnerandthendecideabouttomorrow’sfood,’declaredNancyhappily.Atthedoorshepaused,lookingatPrudence.‘Darling,youreallymustgetmarriedsoon—it’ssuchfun!’

TowhichPrudence,livinguptohernameforonce,madenoreply.Theyallrepairedtothekitchenafterdinner.MrsTurner,thedaily

housekeeper,hadgonehomeleavingthewayclearforthemtopreparewhateverwasneededfortheparty,andsinceNancywasratheraslapdashcookandJamesdidnothingbuteatsamplesofwhatwaslaidoutonthetable,itfelltoPrudence’slottomakepastryforthevol-au-vents,chouxpastryforthelittlecreamcakesNancyhaddecidedtoofferherguests,andbakethesausagerolls.Therewastobefarmorethanthese,ofcourse.NancyreeledoffalistofthedelicaciesshehadplannedandthenperchedonthekitchentablewatchingPrudence.

‘You’resuchasupercook,’shesaidpresently.‘Tonydoesn’tknowhowluckyheis.’

Prudencelookedupfromhermixingbowl.‘I’mnotgoingtomarryTony.’Shespokedefiantly.

Thetwoofthemstaredather.‘Notmarry…butwhynot?’ItwasJameswhosaidslowly:‘You’vebeenengagedaverylongtime.’Prudencenodded.‘Yes,that’spartlyit—Imean,we’vehadthechanceto

marry—oh,eversincewewereengaged.It’sgonesour…Tonydoesn’treallywantme;hewantssomeonetobolsteruphiscareer.’

‘Whatwillyoudo?’SheblessedJamesforbeingsomatter-of-factaboutit.‘Getajob.I’vebeenmuggingupmyshorthandandtyping,they’renotvery

good,butIdaresayIcouldmanagesomesortofofficejob.Idon’twanttostayathome.’Sheaddedimpatiently:‘I’mtwenty-seven,youknow.’

‘There’snoreasonwhyyoushouldn’tfindsomething,’observedJamesreasonably.‘Therearejobsgoing—receptionistsandsoon,whereeveniftypingisneeded,it’snotessential—shorthandisalwaysuseful,ofcourse.IfIhearof

anythingI’llletyouknow.’‘You’reanangel,’declaredPrudence.‘IcanquiteseewhyNancymarried

you.’Shebeamedathimandwentbacktohercooking.Thepartywasforhalfpastsixsothatthosewhohadeveningengagements

couldgoontothemandthosewhohadn’tcouldstayaslongastheyliked.Prudence,hairandfacecarefullydone,wearingagreendressthatmatchedhereyes,wentalongtothesittingroomingoodtimetohelpwiththelast-minutechores,andwhenthefirstoftheguestsarrived,meltedintothebackground.Itwas,afterall,Nancy’sparty,andsomeonewasneededtokeepaneyeonthefoodandtrottoandfrotothekitchentoreplenishplates.

Itwasononeofthesetrips,whileshewaspilinganotherbatchofvol-au-ventsontoplates,thatthekitchendooropenedandBenedictvanVinkestrolledin.Hishullowasfriendlyandcasual,andheignoredhersurprise.‘ThoughtI’ddropinforanhour,’heobservedmildly,‘andseehowJamesandNancyaregettingon!Niceparty—didyoumakethesethings?’Heateacoupleofvol-au-ventsandturnedhisattentiontothetinysausagerollsshehadtakenoutoftheoven.

‘Yes,Ilikecooking.Whatalotoffriendsthey’vegot.’Shetookoffherovenglovesandtookasausagerollandbegantoeatit.

‘Where’sTony?’heasked.Shesaidcarefully:‘Idon’tknow—somewhereinLondon,Isuppose.He’s

goingtotheStatesonMonday.Hesaidhemightfindtimetocomeover.’Heopenedblueeyeswide.‘Surelyheallowshimselfafewhoursoffat

weekends?’‘He’sverybusy—he’sasuccessfularchitect,youknow.’‘Yes,Ididknow—hetoldme.’Hisvoicewasdry.‘Andwhatdoyoudo?’askedPrudencesnappily,onedgeforsomereason

shecouldn’tunderstand.‘I’maGP.’Hetookanothersausagerollandpickedupthedish.‘I’llcarry

theseinforyou.’Sheledthewaybacktothesittingroomwithadistinctflounce,quiteoutof

temperathismildsnub.Thelastoftheguestsleftaboutnineo’clock,butBenedictdidn’tgowith

them;Nancyhadinvitedhimtostayforacoldsupperlateron,andPrudenceguessedfromhisunsurprisedacceptancethathewasafrequentvisitor.Indeed,heseemedtoknowhiswayabouttheplacejustaswellashishostandhostess,layingthesmallroundtableinthediningroomandgoingdowntothecellartobringupthewinewhileJamescarvedachicken.

TheywerehalfwaythroughthemealwhenNancyasked:‘Didyoureally

meanthat,Prudence?ImeanaboutnotmarryingTonyandgettingajob?’PrudenceshotalookacrossthetabletoBenedict,whosecalmfaceshowed

nointerestwhatever.‘Yes,ofcourseIdid,’andthenshetriedaredherring:‘Whatasuccessyourpartywas!’

‘Yes,wasn’tit?DoesTonyknow?’‘No.I’ll—I’lltellhimwhenIseehim…’Shewasinterruptedbythe

telephone,andwhenJamescamebackfromansweringit,hesaidcheerfully:‘Well,you’llbeabletodothatalmostatonce—thatwasTonysayinghecan

spareushalfanhour.He’sonhisway.’‘No,’saidPrudenceinstantly,‘Ican’t—howcanI?Ihaven’tgotajob—he’ll

neverbelievemeunlessIcanprovethatI’vefoundwork—Imean,that’llmakehimseethatImeanit.’Shestaredroundatthemall.‘IexpectIsoundlikeaheartlessfool,butI’mnot—I’vefelt—IfeellikesomeVictorianmissmeeklywaitingforthesuperiormaletocondescendtomarryme.’Sheaddedstrongly:‘AndIwon’t!’

‘No,ofcoursenot,’saidJamessoothingly.‘Noonewillmakeyoudosomethingyoudon’twanttodo—butit’sagoodopportunitytotellhim.’Hethoughtforaminute.‘Ifhe’sofftotheStatesit’llmakethebreakmucheasier—tellingpeople,youknow’

Prudencetossedoffherwine,choked,splutteredandsaidbetweenwhoops:‘CouldItellafibandsayI’dfoundajob,doyouthink?’

ForthefirsttimeBenedictspoke.‘Thatwouldhardlybecomeaparson’sdaughter,’heobservedmildly,‘andperhapsthere’snoneed.ItjustsohappensthatI’mbadlyinneedofageneralfactotum—someonetotype—youdotype,Ihope?MyEnglishletters,makesurethatIkeepappointments,dotheflowers,keepaneyeonthehouseholdandmysmalldaughter.Notmuchofajob,I’mafraid,butaverynecessaryone.’

Prudencehadhereyesonherface.Shesaidslowly:‘You’remarried?’Hesmiledalittle.‘Awidower—Sibellaissixyearsold.Iliveinanold-

fashionedramblinghousewhichIamtoldissheerhelltocopewith,inAppeldoorn.’

‘Holland?’queriedPrudence.‘That’sright,’heansweredherseriously,althoughhiseyesweredancing.

‘AlthoughIspendagooddealoftimeoverhere.Youcouldstartatonceorwithinafewdays,justasyouwish.’Andasthedoorbellrang,‘You’llhavetodecidehereandnow;thatsoundslikeTony.’

NancyhadgonetoopenthedoorandTonyfollowedherintotheroom.HiseyesswepttheratheruntidytableandcametorestonPrudence.‘Iseeyou’reenjoyingyourself,Prudence,’heremarked,andnoddedtoJamesandBenedict.

‘Luckylittlegirl,aren’tyou,whileIspendmydayshardatwork!’Shedidn’tanswerhim,shelookedacrossthetableatBenedict.Shesaid

veryclearly:‘Yes.’Beingcalledalittlegirlhadbeenthelaststraw;shestoodfivefeetseveninherstockingsandshewasabiggirl.

JamesbrokethesilencewithsomeremarkaboutTony’stripandtheylistenedtohispompousreplybeforeNancyasked:‘Willyouhaveadrink,Tony?OrI’llmakesomefreshcoffee.JamesandBenedictwerejustgoingtowashupinthekitchen—Iexpectyoutwowouldliketobealoneforabit.’

Prudencecasthersisteratellingglance,butbeforeshecouldanswerTonysaid:‘Astothat,Idon’tgivemuchforthesesentimentalpartingsandIwon’tstayforcoffee—there’samanIhavetoseebeforeIleave…’

‘I’mnotgoingtomarryyou,’saidPrudencesuddenly,andthefourofthemlookedather,NancyandJameswithsympathyTonywithoutragedastonishmentandBenedictvanVinkewithfaintamusement.

‘Don’ttalkrubbish!’saidTonysharply.‘It’snotrubbish.’Prudencetooktheringoffherfingerandputitonthe

table.‘Wecouldhavebeenmarriedadozentimesintheselastfouryears,Tony,andnowit’stoolate.’

‘You’vedecidedtobeadutifuldaughterandliveathome?’heaskedwithafaintsneer.

‘No,I’vegotajob.’‘You’veneverdoneaday’sworkinyourlife—whatcanyoudo?’‘Prudencehasagreedtojoinmyhouseholdasapersonalassistanttomeand

companiontomysmalldaughter.’Benedict’svoicewasquiet,buttherewasahintofsteelinitwhichmadeTonypausebeforeheanswered.

Hesaidstiffly:‘Wedon’tneedanyoneinterferinginouraffairs.I’lltalktoPrudence.’Heturnedtoher.‘Comeintoanotherroomandwe’llsettlethisonceandforall.’

‘Noneed—it’ssettled.I’msorry,Tony,butI’mnottherightwifeforyou—youmustknowthat,becauseifIhadbeen,you’dhavemarriedmeyearsago.’Shepickedupthering.‘Hereyouare.Ihopeyouhaveasuccessfultrip.’

Shewentoutoftheroomratherquicklyandwentintothekitchenandshutthedoor.Eventhoughsheknewshehaddonetherightthing,itwasalittlefrighteningtofindherselfaloneafteralmostfouryears,andnowshehadcommittedherselftoajobsheknewnothingaboutinacountryshehadneverbeentowithamanshehadmetonlyforthesecondtimethatevening.Shefeltlightheadedwithreliefandregretforwhatmighthavebeen,andatthesametimescaredofthefuture.

CHAPTERTWO

PRUDENCEWASvaguelyawareofvoices,thefaintthumpofthefrontdoorclosingandamomentlaterthedoorbehindheropening.

‘Tea?’Benedict’svoicesoundedmatter-of-factashecrossedtothesink,filledthekettleandsetittoboil.Hedidn’tlookatherashewenton:‘YourhabitofdrinkingteaatalltimesisonetowhichIstronglysubscribe.’

‘You’reDutch?’Prudencehadn’tgivenitathoughtuntilnow.‘WhyisyourEnglishsogood?’

‘PerhapsbecauseIspendagooddealoftimeinEngland.IwenttoschoolhereandthenCambridge,butIamstillaDutchman,throughandthrough.’

‘Idon’tknowathingaboutyou.’Andthenbecauseshecouldn’thelpherself:‘Hashegone?’

‘Yes.’Hegaveheralightningglanceandpouredwaterintoateapot.‘There’snotmuchtotell—I’maG.P.MyhomeisinAppeldoorn,aratherpleasanttowninthecentreofHolland—I’vealreadytoldyouthat,haven’tI?’Hefoundamugandfilledittothebrim.‘Drinkthat—wewon’ttalkanymoreaboutittonight,you’renotregisteringanyway.I’llcomeroundtomorrowmorningandwe’llgoforawalkanddiscussyourduties.’Andwhenshelookedathiminapuzzledway:‘Youagreedtocomeandworkforme.’

‘Yes—yes,andImeantit,thatisifyouthinkIcouldcope?’‘Whyshouldn’tyoucope?’hewantedtoknowcoolly.‘There’salmostno

skillinvolved.’Prudencefrowned.‘Thatsoundsrude.’‘It’snotmeanttobe—whatImeanisthatit’sajobthatanysensiblewoman

coulddo,andyouseemsensible.’‘Oh—doI?Well,IcantypeanddoashakyshorthandandIcancookand

keephouseanddosimpleaccounts,andI’vetaughtinSundaySchoolfortenyears.’

‘ExactlythekindofpersonI’mlookingfor.’Hesmiledatherandopenedthekitchendoor.‘Let’sjointheothers.’

NancyandJamesdidn’tsayanything;theyweremakingratherathingofclearingup,anditwasn’tuntilBenedictbeganalightheartedconversationaboutthepartythattheyjoinedin,lookingrelieved.Benedictwentshortlyafterthat

withthecasualremarkthathewouldbealongaboutteno’clockthenextmorning;hewishedNancyandJamesgoodbye,thenstoppedinfrontofPrudence.‘Weallgetourbadmoments,’hetoldherkindly.‘Theydon’tlast,ifthat’sanyconsolationtoyou,thoughthey’retheverydevilwhilethey’rethere.’

Hesqueezedhershoulderwithanenormoushandandshefeltstrangelycomforted.

Shehadn’texpectedtosleep,butshedid,andwokefeelingsuchreliefthateverythingwasalloveranddonewiththatitquitewashedoutanyotherfeeling.NancyandJames,preparedtotreatherwithcautioussympathy,weresurprisedtoseehereatagoodbreakfastandlistentohercheerfulcommentsabouttheparty.‘Andyoudon’thavetoworryaboutme,’sheassuredthem.‘Ioughttohavedoneitagesago—I’msurethatTony’sasrelievedasIam—he’llfindhimselfanAmericanheiress,I’venodoubt.’Shelookedathersister.‘Washeveryupsetwhenhewent?’Hervoicefalteredalittle.‘Ishouldhavestayed,butIjustcouldn’t.’

‘Ofcourseyoucouldn’t,’saidNancywarmly.‘Ifyoumeanwasheunhappyaboutit—no,Idon’tthinkhewas;hispridehadhadanastyjoltandhewasworriedaboutpeopletalking.AreyoureallygoingtoworkforBenedict?’

‘Oh,yes,itsoundsthekindofjobIcanmanagewithoutfallingflatonmyface,hesaidhe’dtellmeaboutitwhenhecomesthismorning.’

‘He’dbetterstaytolunch,’saidNancy.Benedictarrivedatteno’clock,declinedcoffee,enquiredifPrudencewas

readyandwhenshehadgotajackettocoverherjerseydress,walkedherbrisklytoHighgatePonds,acrossParliamentHillandsoontoHampsteadHeath.Hedidn’ttalkaboutanythingmuchuntiltheywereturningbackinthedirectionofHighgatePondsoncemore,andasforPrudence,shewashappytowalkandenjoyhersurroundingsandnotthinktoomuch.

Theyhadbeensilentinacomfortablecompanionshipwayforaminuteortwowhenheaskedtosurpriseher:‘Doyouhaveanymoneyofyourown?’

Shestaredathiminsurprise.‘Me?Yes,asmallincomefromsomemoneymygodmotherleftme.Why?’

‘Itmakesitsomucheasier,’heexplained.‘Ifyoudon’tlikethejobyouwon’tfeelthatyoumuststaybecauseyouneedthemoney.’

‘Ihadn’tthoughtofthat.ButI’msureI’lllikeit;Idowanttodosomething,notjuststayathome.MotherandFatherdon’tactuallyneedmethere,infactMotherhasbeenhintingformonthsthatitwouldbenicewhenTonyandIgotmarried.’

Hemadenocomment,butasked:‘You’resureitiswhatyouwant?It’snotintheleastexcitingandtherewillbenoregularhours—thoughI’llseethatyou

getadaytoyourselfeachweek.Bringyourcaroverifyoulikesothatyoucangetaround.’

‘Thankyou.Ican’tspeakawordofDutch.’‘You’llsoonpickitup,’hedismissedthatairily,‘andyou’llbedealingwith

myEnglishcorrespondence.’‘Yes,butdoesyourlittlegirlspeakEnglish?’‘Afterafashion.I’dbegladifyou’dspeaknothingbutyourownlanguage

withher.’‘Andwhatelsewouldyouwantmetodo?’‘BeaGirlFriday,orifthat’stoofrivolousforyou,aUniversalAunt.’Prudencefrowned;shemightberemovedfromherfirstyouth,butshefelt

thatshewashardlyeligibletobesomethingasstaidasaUniversalAunt.‘Ithinkahouseholdassistantsoundsbetter,’sheobservedcoldly.

‘Whateveryoulike,’agreedBenedictsuavely,‘butIshallcontinuetocallyouPrudence.’

‘ShallIhavetocallyouDrvanVinke?’‘Ithinkitmightbeagoodideaifyou’retakinglettersoriftherearepatients

present,don’tyou?’Theywerealmostbackattheflatandheslowedhissteps.‘Wouldyoulike

metocomedownandseeyourparents?Theydon’tknowme,onlyasJames’friend…’

‘Thatwouldbekindifyoucansparethetime.’‘I’llgiveyouaring.Nowastosalary—howaboutseventypoundsaweek—

ortheequivalentingulden?’‘That’sfartoomuch!’Prudencewasquiteshocked.‘Waituntilyou’veworkedforacoupleofweeksbeforeyousaythat,’he

counselled.‘Ishallexpectvalueformymoney.’Shewasn’tsureifshelikedthat.Shesaidstiffly:‘Ishalldomybest.’Andthatseemedtobetheendofit,forthetimebeingatleast.Overlunchhe

andJamesarguedgood-naturedlyastothebestrouteforhertotakeandbeforehewentheremarkedcasuallythathewouldletherknowmorewhenhenextsawheratLittleAmwell.Hisgoodbyewascasualintheextreme.

HearrivedatLittleAmwellfourdayslater,whichgavePrudencetimetotellherparentswhatsheintendeddoingandallowedthemtorecoverfromtheshock,althoughsherathersuspectedthattheyweren’tundulyupsetaboutherbrokenengagement.Itwas,ofcourse,alittleawkwardhavingtotellpeople,butluckilyinavillagethesizeofLittleAmwellnewstravelledfastifnotalwayswithaccuracy.Mabelwastoldasbefittedanoldfriend,butitwasn’tuntilMrsPett,whoranthegeneralstoresandPostOffice,madeacoyreferencetoTony’s

absencethatPrudenceobservedflatlythatshewasnolongerengagedandwasonthepointoftakingajob.MrsPett’sratherbulbouseyesalmostpoppedfromherhead.‘Mydearsoul—andafterallthislongtime,too!’

‘Almostfouryears,’Prudenceremindedher,andlookedpointedlyatthelistofgroceriesshehadtobuy.‘I’dbetterhavetastycheese,MrsPett,’—sheonlysoldtwokinds,tastyandmild,‘Ishouldthinkhalfapoundwoulddo.’

MrsPettdealtwiththecheese.‘Soyou’regoingaway,MissPrudence—you’llbemissed.’

‘Thankyou,MrsPett.’Prudencewasn’tgoingtobedrawnintodetails;nodoubtMrsPettwouldinventthosewhenshepassedonthenews.Shefinishedhershoppingandwentbackhomeandspenttherestofthemorninggoingthroughherwardrobe,decidingwhatsheshouldtakewithher.ShemustremembertoaskBenedictwhattheweatherwaslikeinHollandandshouldshetakewinterclothesaswellorwouldshebeabletocomehomeandcollectthemlater,ifshestayed.Shemightnotbesuitable—hissmalldaughtermightnotlikeher,hershorthandmightnotstanduptodictation.ShehadthesneakingfeelingthatBenedict,placidandfriendlyashewas,mightpresentquiteadifferentaspectoncehegotbacktohisownhomeandtookupabusyroutineagain.Itwasasoberingthought,andshespentmostofthenextdaytakingdownimaginarylettersandtypingthembacknotalwaysassuccessfullyasshecouldwish.Still,shetoldherself,ifshewastolookafterthelittlegirlandhelparoundthehouse,therewouldn’tbeallthattimetodohiscorrespondence,andanyway,hecouldn’thaveallthatmuchinEnglish.ThethoughtcheeredhersothatsheflunghernotebookdownandtookPodgetheelderlyspanielforanextralongwalk.

WhenshegothometherewasanAstonMartinVolanteoutsidethefrontdoor,darkblue,elegantandpowerful.SheandPodgecircleditslowlybeforeshewentindoors,admiringit.‘Veryexpensive,’saidPrudencetothedog,‘andfast—itmustdrinkpetrollikeIdrinktea!’

InthesittingroomhermotherandfatherwereentertainingBenedict,buttheystoppedtalkingasshewentin.Shegreetedhimunselfconsciously,adding:‘Whatanicecaryou’vegot—Ididn’tknowthatyouhadoneoverhere.’

‘JamesdrovemedownfortheweddingandIdon’talwaysuseitinLondon.Itgetsmearound,though.’

‘SoIshouldimagine.’Prudencelookedathermother.‘I’llhelpMabelwithtea,shallI?’SheturnedtoBenedict.‘Areyoustayingthenight?’

‘Yourmotherkindlysuggestedit,butIcan’t—I’monmywaytoBristol.Butteawouldbedelightful.’Hesmiledashespokeandsherememberedthelasttimetheyhadhadteatogetherandwentalittlepink.

‘I’llgetit,’shesaidtonooneinparticular.OverteaBenedictenlargeduponherduties,moreforthebenefitofher

parentsthanherself,shesuspected;healsodetailedherjourney.‘I’mgoinghomeinacoupleofdays’time,perhapsyoucouldfollow—let’ssee—wouldFridaysuityou?ThatgetsyoutoAppeldoornonSaturday,whichwillgiveyoutheweekendinwhichtofindyourwayaroundandgettoknowSitske,myhousekeeper—herhusband’sthegardenerandoddjobman.Ibelievethey’reknownasmarriedcouplesoverhere—andofcourseSibella,sheknowsyou’recomingtolivewithus,butIwarnyoushe’squiteahandful.IspendasmuchtimewithherasIcan,butnotasmuchasIshouldlike.I’msureyou’llfillamuch-neededgapforher.’

‘Prudencehasawaywithchildren,’declaredMrsTrentcomfortably.‘IfshecankeeptheSundaySchoolclassinordershecancertainlycopewithonelittlegirl.Ithink—weboththink—thatitwillbeveryniceforPrudencetogoawayforawhileandearnherliving—it’squiethere;thatdidn’tmatterwhensheexpectedtomarry,butnowit’sachanceforhertobeindependent.Howprovidentialthatyouhappenedtoneedsomeone,Benedict.’

Heagreedgravely.‘AndhowfortunatethatIhavefoundPrudence.’Hegotuptogopresently,biddingthemquietgoodbyes,addingthathe

wouldseePrudenceonthefollowingSaturday.Shewentwithhimtothedoor,wherehepausedforamoment.‘I’llseeyou

getyourticketsingoodtime,’hepromised,andbeforeshecouldsayanything,hadgotintotheAstonMartinandzoomedaway.

Prudencewatchedthecarturnoutoftheshortdriveandgodownthevillagestreet.Shewasagooddriverherself;shethoroughlyapprovedofthelackoffusswithwhichhehadhandledthebigcar.Tony,sheremembered,couldneverjustgetinanddriveoff;thingshadtobeadjusted,knobsturned,lightstested,windowswoundupordown,shehadn’trealiseduntilnowhowthathadirritatedher.ShethoughtthatonthewholeshewasgoingtolikeworkingforBenedict.Ofcourse,shedidn’tknowhim;hemightbeatyrantinhisownhome,althoughshedidn’tthinkso.

Shewanderedbacktothesittingroom,wishingvaguelythathehadtoldhermoreabouthimself,forinfacthehadtoldherverylittle.Hewasawidower,sheknewthat,andshewonderedhowlonghehadbeenwithoutawife.Perhapshehadtoldherfather.Shefoundthechancetoaskhimduringtheevening,andforsomereasonfeltreliefwhensheheardthathiswifehaddiedsoonafterhisdaughterwasborn.‘Verysad,’observedherfather,andsheagreedsincerely;itwasverysad.

‘Heshouldmarryagain,’sheobserved.‘Itwouldbesomuchnicerforhis

littledaughtertoo.’‘Andforhim,’observedhermotherquietly.‘Itmustbedifficultforhim,

especiallywithachild.Butyouwon’tbelookingafterherallthetime,willyou,dear?HesaidsomethingaboutdealingwithhisEnglishcorrespondenceandgivingahandwhereitwasneededmost.HowveryfortunatethatyouhaveyourStJohnAmbulancecertificate.’

‘IhardlythinkthatI’llbeexpectedtohelpoutinthesurgery.’PrudencelookedupfromthelettershewaswritingtoNancy.‘HeavenhelpthepatientsifIdo!’

ShehadforgottentoaskabouttheweatherinHolland,butsurelyBenedictwouldbebiddableabouthercomingbackhometocollectmoreclothes?Shepackedskirtsandblousesandafewwoolliesandacoupleofprettydresses,andplannedtotravelintheJaegersuitshehadjustbought.SomeonehadtoldherthatitrainedalotinHollandandwasalmostalwayswindy,soshestowedherelderlyBurberryinthebootandaddedahandfulofheadscarves.

‘Nothingfortheevening,dear?’enquiredhermother.Prudencelookeddoubtful.‘Well,Ididn’tthinkso—Imean,I’mnotaguest,

youknow.’‘Butyou’reboundtomeetsomepeople.’Hermothermeantyoungmen,of

course.‘Whynottakeacoupleofthoseprettychiffonblousesandyourblackmoiréskirt?’

Theticketsarrivedtwodayslater—firstclass,shenoticed,andwonderedifshewassupposedtopayBenedictbackoutofhersalary.Therewasnonotewiththem,justaslipfromatravelagency,butthenhehadnoreasontowrite.

ShelefthomeearlyinthemorningtocallfirstatHighgateandsaygoodbyetoNancyandhaveanearlylunchwithherbeforedrivingontoHarwich.Itwasraining,afinedrizzlewhichdulledthecountrysidetoanoverallmudcolour,butPrudencedidn’tallowthattoworryher.True,shehadhatedsayinggoodbyetohermotherandfatherandMabel,andPodge,uncannilyawarethathewouldnolongergetthelongwalksshetookhimeachday,lookedsoforlornthatshefeltlikethrowingthewholethingupandstayingathome.Butshedidn’t—afterall,itwasn’tforever.

BythetimeshereachedNancy’sflatthesun,ratheronthewateryside,hadbrokenthroughtheclouds,whichsomehowmadeallthedifference,andNancymadeherfeelevenbetter.

‘Youknow,Prudence,I’denvyyouifIweren’tmarriedandperfectlyhappy.Justthink,goingtoanothercountryandworkingforsomeoneasniceasBenedict!Jamessayshe’sasplendidman.’

Prudencepickedoverthefruitinthecentrebowlandchoseapeach.‘Well,if

heisn’tIcanalwayscomebackhome!’shesaidflippantly.ShedroveuptoHarwichwithouthaste;inanycasetheMinijustwasn’table

togetupmuchofaspeed,andoncethereshewentunhurriedlyaboutthebusinessofgettingherselfandtheMinionboard,andthatdone,haddinnerandwenttobed.Shewasalevel-headedgirl,despitetheredhair.Agoodnight’ssleepwasessentialifshewastobeatherbestwhenshearrivedinAppeldoorn.Shewokeearly,hadteaandtoastinhercabinandhadanotherlookatthemap.Thetripdidn’tlooktoodifficultandonceshehadreachedthattownallshehadtodowastolookoutforthepalace,HetLoo,taketheleft-handturnatthecrossroadsandturnleftagainupatree-linedavenueborderingtheroyalpark.ShedressedandwentupondeckandfounditrainingagainandHolland’scoastline,flatandgreyasthesky,onlyafewmilesdistant.

Shehadexpectedittobeflat,ofcourse,butafewmoretreeswouldhaveimprovedtheskyline.Shelookedaboutherwithinterestastheferrycreptslowlyintothequaysideandthen,obedienttothepolitevoicerequestingdriverstorejointheircars,wentdowntothecardeck.

CustomsandPassportcontrolwereslowbutfriendlyandshefoundherselfontheroad,lookingforthesignposttoRotterdam.Motorwayforalmostthewholetrip,Benedicthadtoldher,andratherdull,butbyfarthequickestwaytotravel.

Hewasprobablyright,decidedPrudence,sandwichedbetweengianttransportsandveryfastMercedes,buttherewasn’tmuchpleasureinit,anditwasagoodthingthattherewasn’tmuchscenery,forshedidn’tdaretakehereyesofftheroadformorethanafewsecondsatatime.Whatwithdrivingonthewrongsideoftheroadandgettingusedtodarkbluesignpostsandtrafficlightstwiceashighasthoseathome…Butpresently,withRotterdamsafelynegotiated,sherelaxed.Themotorwaystretchedbeforeherandaccordingtohermapshewouldbypassalmosteveryothertownenroute.Thegreyskiesweregettinglighterandpresentlyathinsunshinefilteredthroughtheclouds,turningthefieldsintoabrilliantgreenandbringingtolifethefarmsandvillages.Prudencelookedaboutheranddecidedthatthecountrywascharminginapeaceful,old-fashionedway.Onceoffthemainroads,theremightbeagreatdealtosee.BeyondGoudasherememberedthatshewashungryandpulledinatthenextcafé,whereshehadcoffeeandacheeseroll.ProbablytherewouldbelunchwhenshearrivedatBenedict’shouse.

Mindfulofherinstructions,sheleftthemotorwayjustoutsideArnhemandtooktheroadnorthtoAppeldoorn,andthecountrywasdelightful.Shesloweddownsothatshecouldtakeagoodlookatthewoodsandheathoneithersideoftheroad,andwhenshesawapicturesquerestaurantstandingbackfromtheroad,

stoppedformorecoffee.Thiswaswhereshewouldcomeonherfreedays,shedetermined;therewerecountlessnarrowsandylanesleadingawayintothewoods,justaskingtobeexplored.Shelingeredlongerthanshehadintendedandwasrelievedtofindthatshewasalmostattheendofherjourney.

Shehadn’tbeenparticularlyworriedaboutfindingBenedict’shouse;shewasn’ttheworryingkindandsincethepalace,HetLoo,wasontheoutskirtsofthetown,allshehadtodowaskeephereyesopen.Thepalacestoodwellbackfromtheroad,linkedtoitbylongtree-linedavenuesandvastareasofgrass,andoncepastthis,shecouldseewhereshehadtogo;anotheravenue,alsotree-lined,withtheparkononesideandontheotherrathergrandornatelybuilthouses,eachstandinginlargewellkeptgrounds.Thethirdoneupfromtheroad,Benedicthadtoldher,andsinceitswroughtirongatewasopenshedroveuptheshortsandeddriveandstoppedbeforethemassiveporch.Justforamomentshehadapangofsheerfright,squasheditfirmlyandgotout,rangtheponderousbellbesidethedoorandwaitedcomposedly.

Asmallroundmanansweredthebellsoquicklythatshesuspectedthathemighthavebeenonthelookoutforher.Hewasanyagebetweenfiftyandseventy,quitebaldandimmenselydignified,buthissmilewaswarm.

‘MissTrent,youwillcomein,please,andwelcome.DrvanVinkeisinhisstudyawaitingyou.’

ThankGodhespeaksEnglish,thoughtPrudenceandfollowedhimbrisklydownalongwidehalltoadoorattheend.Hercompanion,afewstepsaheadofher,hadalmostreacheditwhenitwasopenedandBenedictcameout.

Hishullowasfriendlyandcasual—justasthough,thoughtPrudenceratherpeevishly,I’dpoppedinfromnextdoor.‘Noproblems?’heasked,anddidn’twaitforhertoanswer.‘You’dlikecoffeewhileyourbagsaretakenupstairs.Orkwillseetothemandputthecaraway.’Henoddedtotheroundman,whomurmuredsomethingandtrottedoff,whileBenedictledthewaybackacrossthehalltodoubledoorssetinthepanelledwalls,openedthemandinvitedherinside.

Itwasanimpressiveroom,furnishedwithcomfortablechairsandsofas.Somequitebeautifulcabinetsstoodalongitswalls,asatinwoodrenttablebetweenitstwolongwindowsandaverylovelyPersiancarpetonitspolishedwoodfloor.Thevelvetcurtainswereelaboratelydrapedandechoedthemutedcoloursofthecarpetandthevariouschairsandsofas.

‘Comeandsitdown,’invitedBenedict.‘Youhadagoodjourney?’‘Splendid,thankyou,thoughitneedn’thaverainedquitesomuch.’She

smiledathim;itwasnicetoseehimagain,hewasacalmmanandsomehowsoothing,andforsomereasonshewasfeelingruffled.‘It’snicetobehere,Ionly

hopeI’llbeabletomakemyselfuseful.’‘Nodoubtofit.Here’sthecoffeeandthisisSitska,myhousekeeperand

Ork’swife.OrkspeaksEnglishmoreorless,butshedoesn’t—thatwon’tbeaproblemforlong,you’llsoonpickupafewusefulwords.Sibellawillbehomepresently—shegoestomorningschoolandsometimesshegoestoafriend’shousetoplayuntillunchtime.’Andinanswertoherquestioninglooks‘Nextdoor—sheisnotallowedoutonherown.’

Heloungedbackinhischair.‘Dopourthecoffee.’Andwhenshehad:‘I’veroundstodothisafternoonandthenthehospital,ifyouliketounpackafterlunchandgettoknowSibella—takeherforawalk,ifyoulike.Orkwillbringyouteawhenyouwantit,SibellawillbearyoucompanyuntilIgetback,andifwecangetanhourthisevening,we’lldiscussyour—er—duties.’

Hewentontoaskaboutherfamily,puttingherathereasewithhisplacidvoiceuntilthedooropenedandSibellacamein.Shewassmallforherage,withherfather’sblueeyesandfairhair,cutshortwithafringe.Shehadhiscalmtoo,crossingtheroomtokisshimandthenslippingahandinhiswhileshestudiedPrudence.Afteramomentshesaidsomethingtoherfatherandsmiledatthemboth.

Benedictlaughed.‘Shesaysyou’reverypretty.’HegaveheragentlepushandspokeinDutchandthechildwenttoPrudenceandofferedasmallpaw.

‘Hullo,’shesaidgravely.‘Hullo,’saidPrudence,andsmiledassheshookthehandand,wiseafter

yearsofSundaySchoolclasses,didn’tsayanymore.‘IspeakEnglish,’volunteeredSibella.‘Oh,good.Ican’tspeakDutch,notoneword.’‘Ishallhelpyou.’Shewentbacktoherfatherandclimbedontohisknee.

‘Youwillhelpalso,Papa.’‘Oh,certainlyIwill.’HeaddedsomethinginDutchandSibellagotoffhis

knee.‘She’lltakeyoutoyourroom—you’llfindSitskaalreadythere,Ibelieve.’Hegottohisfeet.‘Lunchintenminutes?’

Shemustrememberthathewasabusyman,Prudencetoldherselfassheclimbedtherathergrandstaircasebehindthelittlegirlandthenacceptedthehandheldouttoherastheyreachedthegallerywhichranroundthreesidesofthehall.Theyturnedintoasmallpassagethroughanarchwayandwentintoaroombeyond,andPrudenceutteredacryofdelightwhenshesawit.Itwasafairsize,withabedofmahogany,matchedwithabow-frontedtableholdingatriplemirror.Therewasavastcupboard,twolittleeasychairsandprettyrose-colouredlampsoneithersideofabowloflateroses.Thecarpetwasthickandcream-colouredandthebedspreadandcurtainswereflower-patternedchintz.

‘Oh,thisisdelightful!’saidPrudence,waltzingfromthebedtothemirror-backeddoorleadingtothebathroomandthentothewindowandthebedsidetabletoexaminethebooksthoughtfullylaiduponit.

‘Youlike?’askedSibella.‘Oh,yes,mydear.It’sbeautiful.’Prudencegotoutacombandhermake-up

andmadeshortshriftoftidyingherself,watchedfromthedoorbythelittlegirl.Shewasturningawayfromthemirrorwhentherewasataponthehalfopendoorandthehousekeeperbustledin.Shewasatall,thinwomanwithapleasantfacewhobeamedatPrudenceandthenadvancedtoshakehandswithher.‘Sitska,’shesaid,andadded,‘Welcome’.

Prudenceshookhandsandsmiledandmurmuredaquiteuseless‘Howd’youdo?’thenwavedahandroundtheroom.‘Theroomischarming,’shesaid,andtriedagain:‘Pretty…’

Sibellacametoherrescue.‘Pretty—Iknowthatword.’SheenteredintoalengthyconversationandSitskasmiledandnoddedandthenwavedahandtowardsthestairs.Presumablylunchwasready.

Thediningroomwasontheoppositesideofthehalltothedrawingroom.Itheldalargecirculartablecapableofseatingadozenpersons,aswellasagreatsidetable,chairs,andaWilliamandMarydisplaycabinetwhoseglass-frontedshelveswerefilledwitholdDelftplatesanddishes.

Benedictwasstandingatawindow,aglassinhishand,butheturnedroundastheywentinandofferedPrudenceadrink.‘Sorrytorushyou,butmyfirstappointment’sinhalfanhour;you’llgetusedtomycomingsandgoings—atleastIhopeyouwill.’

‘Itshouldn’tbedifficult,’saidPrudence,‘Father’sjobisn’texactlyninetofive!’

Lunchwasapleasantmeal;coldmeatsandsaladandabasketofbreadsofeverykind,andaccompanyingthese,hotcreamycoffee.Thetalkwaspleasanttoo,mostlyaboutAppeldoornanditshistoryandthesurroundingcountryside.BenedictgotuptogopresentlyandPrudence,withSibellaintow,wentuptoherroomandunpacked.

Thiswasalengthybusiness,sincePrudencehadtoexplainherwardrobegarmentbygarmenttoSibella,who,anxioustobehelpful,toldhertheDutchinreturn.BythetimetheyhadfinishedtherainhadstoppedandBenedict’ssuggestionofawalkseemedagoodone,especiallyastheywerejoinedontheirwaytothefrontdoorbyalargewoollydog,intentonkeepingthemcompany.HewasintroducedasHenry,andaleadhavingbeenfound,ledthembothatabriskpaceacrosstheroadandintothegrassbetweentheavenuesleadingtowardsthepalace.Oncethere,hewasreleasedandsetoffonhisownbusiness,

althoughhewasobedientenoughwhenhewascalled,somethingforwhichPrudencewasthankful.Sibellawasachatterbox,quiteundeterredbyhavingtorepeatalmosteverythingshesaidtwoorthreetimes;herboastthatshecouldspeakEnglishwasn’tquitetrue,althoughbetweenthemtheycarriedonalivelyconversation.Prudencewascarefultokeeptalktogeneralthings;althoughshewaslongingtoaskquestionsaboutBenedictandhisworkandwhetherhewentoutalotorentertained,butevenifshehadslippedinoneortwoleadingquestionsshedoubtedifSibellawouldhaveansweredthem.Thechildwasfriendlyandanxioustoplease,butPrudencehadthefeelingthatshewouldshutuplikeaclamifshewantedto.

TheyracedaroundthegrasswithHenrymakingadelightedthirduntiltheywerealltiredandPrudencesuggestedthattheymightgobackfortea,amealsetreadyfortheminasmallroombehindthediningroom,verycosywithasmallfireburningintheold-fashionedgrateandteasetoutonaroundtablecoveredwithafringedtablecloth;ratherVictorianbutcharming,Prudencedecided,andsatdownbehindtheteapot.

SomeonehaddonetheirbesttoofferthemanEnglishtea;notthemodernversionofacupofteaandabiscuit,butthinbreadandbutter,littlecakesandscones.ThepairofthematewithappetitewhileHenrysustainedhishungerwithcrustsandbitsofcakeandabowloftea.

‘Youdonotfinditbad?’askedSibellaanxiously.‘Goodgracious,no!I’vegotadogcalledPodge,healwayshashisteawith

us.’‘Therearetwocats,also—MiepandPoes.Youlikecats?’‘Verymuch,’saidPrudence,andofferedHenryalastmorselofcakeand

stoodup.‘Whatwouldyouliketodonow?’‘Youcometomy…’Sibella’ssmallfacewrinkledinaheavyfrown,

‘speelkamer,’andwhenPrudenceonlyshookherhead,tookherhandandledherupstairs.

‘Playroom,’saidPrudencethemomentshehadputherheadroundthedoor.‘Whatfun!Whatshallwedo?’

Therewasadoll’shouseonatablebetweenthetwowindows,theypulledupchairsbeforeit,openeditsfrontdoorandbecameabsorbedinitscontents.Itwasasplendidthingwithelectriclights,andfurnisheddowntothelastspoon,andtheywentoveritroombyroom;theywereputtingtheinmatesofthenurseryonthesecondfloorintotheirtinybedswhenBenedictcamequietlyin.

Hekissedhissmalldaughter,pattedPrudence’sshoulderinanabsentmindedfashionandenquiredastotheirafternoon.Sibella,naturallyenough,answeredinDutch.Prudencesaidcarefully:‘I’veenjoyedmyselfverymuch,IhopeSibella

hastoo.’Shestoodup.‘Iexpectyouliketobetogetherforawhilewhenyougethome—ifyoutellmewhenyouwouldlikemetogiveSibellahersupper…?’Itmadehersoundlikeamid-Victoriangoverness,butshefeltratheratsea.

Benedictchuckled.‘You’reright,weusuallyspendanhourtogetheraboutthistime—Iseeprivatepatientsbeforedinner,butthere’susuallytimetosparebeforethen.Wouldyouliketophoneyourmother?Usethetelephoneinmystudy,butdojoinuswhenyou’vedonethat;wemightmanageawildgameofSnakesandLadders,it’llbemorefunwiththree.’

Ork,appearingfromnowhere,ledthewaytothestudy,openedthedoorforher,gaveherakindlysmileandleftherthere.Itwasalargeroomwithapartner’sdeskatoneendofit,loadedwithbooksandpapers,andthreeofitswallswerecoveredwithbookshelves;thethirdhadadarkredpaperandwascovered,too,withpaintings—familyportraits,Prudencedecided,goingfromonetotheother.Stern-facedgentlemenwithwhiskersandhighcollars,mild-facedladiesinrichdresses,andoverthehoodedfireplacealargepaintingofanEdwardianlady.Benedict’smother?No,hewasn’tasoldasallthat.Hisgrandmother,perhaps.Shewasverypretty,andPrudencelookedaroundtofindherhusband.Hewashighuponthewall,nearthedesk;itmighthavebeenBenedictwithaflowingmoustacheandsidewhiskers.Theirchildwouldbetheretoo,somewhereonthecrowdedwall,butshereallyhadn’tthetimetolook.Shesatdownontheleatherarmchairbehindthedeskandmadehercall—aratherlengthyone,forherfatherhadtobefetchedfromhisstudyandhermotherwasn’tcontentwithPrudence’srathersketchydescriptionofthehouseandthepeopleinit.

‘I’llwrite,’promisedPrudence.‘I’llpostittomorrowandyou’llgetitinadayortwo—andI’llgiveyouaringonceaweek.’

Andafterthattheeveningpassedpleasantlyenough.WhileBenedictsawhispatients,PrudencesupervisedSibella’ssupper,thenhelpedherbathandwhenshewasreadyforbed,wentdownstairswithhertothedrawingroomwhereBenedictwassitting,withHenryacrosshisfeet,readingthepaper.HeputitdownastheywentinandSibellaclimbedontohiskneewiththespeedoftime-honouredcustom,soPrudencemurmuredgentlyandleftthemtogether.Dinnerwasateighto’clockandtherewasstillhalfanhourtogo.Shechangedoutofhersuitandputonathinwooldress,didherfaceandhairandgotoutherwritingpad.ShewashalfwaythroughherletterwhenshejudgedittimetogoinsearchofSibellaandwasrewardedbyBenedict’slookofapproval.

‘Didyouknowthisinfantgoestobedattenminutestoeight,orwasitacleverguess?’

‘Aguess—notveryhard,becauseIdidknowthatdinnerisateighto’clock,’

shesmiled.‘Isthereanythingspecialaboutgoingtobed?DoesSibellasaygoodnighthereordoyougoup…?’

‘Oh,here,unlessI’vebeenheldupandnotgothomeearly.’Hekissedhissmalldaughterandsubmittedtoathrottlingembrace.‘Comedownassoonasyou’reready,’headded.‘Wecantalkoverdinner.’

Thedinnertablewaselegantwithlacemats,shiningsilverandsparklingglass.Orkservedthemwithsoup,roastpheasantandachocolatemousseandpouredclaretforthemtodrink.Benedictlivedinsomestyle,butdespitethat,Prudencethought,thehousehadthecasualwelllivedincomfortofhome.Itwasn’tuntiltheyhadgonebacktothedrawingroomthatheabandonedthegentleflowofsmalltalkandsaidbriskly:‘Nowlet’sgetdowntobusiness,shallwe?I’lltellyouwhatIwouldlikeyoutodoandyoucanfindfaultandmakealterationswhenI’vefinished.Wegetupearly—seveno’clock;surgerystartsateighto’clock,andIhavetodrivethere.Sibellahasbreakfastwithmeathalfpastseven,andyouwilltoo,andthentakehertoschool;itstartsathalfpasteight.Youwillfetchheragainataquartertotwelve—shedoesn’tgointheafternoons.Duringthemorningwouldyoumakeyourselfuseful.Dotheflowers,seetoSibella’sclothes,openthepost—I’vegotasecretaryatmysurgery,butagooddealofpostcomeshere.SortitoutandletmehaveitwhenIgetin.I’llskimthroughitanddealwiththeEnglishlettersifthereareany.You’llhavetheafternoonwithSibella—withvariations,ofcourse;shegoestoplaywithfriendsandtheycomehere.You’llhavepreciouslittletimetoyourself,forwhileSibella’satschoolyoucanfitintheletters.Ifyoudon’thavetimethen,it’llhavetobeintheeveningafterdinner.’Hepausedandlookedatherthoughtfully.

‘Toomuchforyou?’heasked.‘Certainlynot.Whatelse?’‘I’vethoughtaboutyourfreetime—howaboutSaturdayafternoonand

Sundaymorning?Wemighthavetochangefromtimetotime,though.’‘Thatwilldonicely.’Prudencegavehimabrightsmile.Shewasgoingto

earneverypennyofhersalary,asfarasshecouldseeshewouldbeonthegofrommorningtonight.Butthatwaswhatshewanted,wasn’tit?Ajob,somethingtodo,somethingusefulanddemandingsothatshecouldfilltheholeTonyhadleft.Shehaddonetherightthing,shetoldherselfsilently,leavingtheplacidshelterofherhome,whereshemighthavestayedfortherestofherlifeifshehadn’tmadeapushtochangethings.Perhapsshehadn’texpectedquitesuchasternroutineasBenedicthadoutlinedinsuchabusinesslikemanner.Itbehovedhertobebusinessliketooandaccepthischallenge.Shelookedupandsawthathewaswatchinghernarrowly.Probablyheexpectedhertowiltattheprospecthehadsetoutbeforeher;ayoungwomanwhohadledapleasant,

easygoinglifeinacomfortablehome.Hergreeneyesshone;shewouldshowhim—achallengewasjustwhatsheneeded!

CHAPTERTHREE

PRUDENCEHADTOADMITtoherselfafterthefirstfewdays,thatinthechallengeshehadwelcomed,shehadbittenoffjustasmuchasshecouldchew.Sundayhadpresentednoproblems;Benedicthadtoldherthatshewasfreetodoasshechoseuntillunchtime,butifshewouldliketoaccompanyhimandSibellatochurchshewaswelcome.Soshehadgonetochurchwiththem,tositinahighpewbetweenthem,withSibellashrillingawayatthehymnsandBenedict,severaloctaveslower,deafeningherontheotherside.Butshehadenjoyedit;theservicewasnotunliketheoneshewasusedto,eventhoughshedidn’tunderstandawordofit,andherfatherwouldbeinterestedtoreadaboutit.Shesatthroughtheverylongsermon,wonderingwhattheafternoonheldinstoreforher.

AdriveroundAppeldoornanditssurroundingssothatshewouldbeabletofindherway,sittingbesideBenedictwithSibellasqueezedbetweenthem.Thetownwasdelightfulwithitsbroadtree-linedstreets,colourfulnowwiththeleavesalreadytintedwithredandyellow,andthesurroundingvillages;Loenenwithitssixteenth-centurycastle,theechoingwellatSoeren,BeekbergenwithitsoldchurchandUgchelenwithitsspringsandwidemoorland.TheystoppedforteainLoenenandtookaroundaboutwayhomesothatPrudencecouldseeasmuchaspossibleastheywent.Andintheeveningtherehadbeenfriendsinfordrinks.Sibella,becauseitwasSunday,wasallowedtostayupforanhourlongerandsatstillasamousebesidePrudence,watchingherfather’sguests.Prudence,quietlyelegantinoneofthewooldresses,madenoattempttodrawattentiontoherself,althoughherredhairandextraordinaryeyescausedagooddealofinterest.Benedictwasmeticulousinintroducinghertoeveryone,butshewassoquietandretiringinhermannerthathisguestsdecidedthatwhileshewasaveryprettygirlandpleasant,shewasn’tveryexciting—exactlytheimpressionshehadwishedtoconvey.ShehadstationedherselfbesideSibella,quietlywatchingthecompany.Thewomenwereforthemostpartyoung,smartandmarriedtotherathersobermenthere.Onlyahandfulstoodoutfromtherest;youngandnotquitesoyoung,dressedinthelatestfashionsregardlessofexpense,theirhairtintedandstyledtoperfection,theirmake-updelicatelyperfect.

Prudenceadmiredthemwithoutenvyandansweredreadilyenoughwhen

oneorotherofthemstoppedtotalktoherforafewminutes.Anyoneofthem,shedecidedwouldmakeanexcellentwifeforBenedict,butheshowednoparticularpreferenceforanyofthem—butthen,shesuspected,sheknewhewasn’tamantoshowhisfeelingsinpublic.

Andafterwards,whenshehadputSibellatobed,listeningtothesoundofcarsbeingdrivenawayfromthehouse,shewentdownstairsagainandfoundthatshewastodinealone.Thedoctor,Orktoldher,hadacceptedalast-minuteinvitationtodinewithsomefriendsandbeggedshewouldexcusehim.

Sosheatehermealatthelargetable,feelinglostintheformalroom,remindingherselfthatBenedictwasperfectlyatlibertytodoexactlywhathewished;indeed,hadn’theemployedhersothathemighthavemoretimeforhimself?Shewenttobedratherearly,afterwishingOrkacomposedgoodnight.

Itwasn’tdifficulttogetupearlythenextmorning;shehadalwaysdonesoathome—besides,shehadsleptsoundlyallnight.ShewentalongtoSibella’sroomwhenshewasready,andtogethertheywentdownstairstofindBenedictalreadyattable,openingapileoflettersanddrinkingcoffee.Hewishedthembothgoodmorning,beggedhisdaughternottostranglehimasshehuggedhimandtoldPrudencetohelpherselftowhatevershewanted.

Therewasplentytochoosefrom;rollsandtoastandcroissants,cheese,jamandmarmaladeandboiledeggs.SheservedSibellaandherselfandlookedathisemptyplate.

‘Andyou,DrvanVinke?’sheasked.Helookedupbrieflyfromhisletters.‘Oh,anything—I’venotmuchtime.’Soshebutteredtoastandputitonhisplate,cutthetopoffaneggand

pouredhimanothercupofcoffee.Heateanddrankinanabsentmindedfashionandwhenhehadfinishedhislettersobserved:‘Thereareseverallettersforyou,Prudence;there’llbetimetoseetothemdirectlyafterlunch.There’sasmallroomnexttomystudywithadeskandatypewriter—youcanworkthere.’Hegotup,droppedakissonSibella’sheadandlaidthelettersbesidePrudence’splate.‘Getthemsorted,willyou?’

Sohermorninghadbeenfullyoccupied,whatwithgettingSibellatoschool,tenminutes’walkaway,andthenbeingmetinthehallbySitska,whoinsistedthatsheshouldgoroundthehousewithOrktrailingbehindactingasinterpreter.‘Sothatyouwillnotfeellost,’hepointedoutkindly.

Thehousewaslargewithasurprisinglylargenumberofrooms.Prudence,ifshehadn’tbeenworryingabouttheletters,wouldhaveenjoyedherselfenormously.Besidestheroomsshehadalreadyseen,therewasasmallsittingroombehindthedrawingroom,avastconservatoryrunningthewidthofthehouseattheback,alargekitchenwithapantryandutilityroomandaback

stairs,andonthefloorabove,anumberoflargebeautifullyfurnishedbedroomswithdressingroomsandbathrooms.Andstillhigher,severalsmallerroomsreachedbyacircularstaircase,andatthebackofthehouse,theflatwhereOrkandSitskalived.Itwaswellaftereleveno’clockbythetimetheyhadfinishedpeeringintoalltheroom,andPrudence,coffeecupinhand,hurriedtotheroomshehadbeentoldofandsatdownbehindthedesktosortouttheletters.Therewereseveralbills,tworequestsforBenedicttolectureinBristolandEdinburgh,abankstatementwhichsheleftinitsenvelopeandaninvitationfromsomeonecalledThelma,askinghimtostaynexttimehewasinEngland.Shewasabituneasyaboutreadingthisone,butafterall,hehadgiventhemtohertosortout,andthankheaventhathehad;atleastshehadsomeideaoftherepliesshewouldhavetotakedownlateron.

Shearrangedthemneatly,putpaperready,foundanotebookandpencilandtriedoutthetypewriter.Prayheavenhewouldn’tuseanylongwords!

WhattimetherewasleftbeforelunchwascompletelytakenupwithfetchingSibella,smarteningherupforlunchandthengoingdownstairstomeetBenedictcomingintothehouse.

Hekissedhissmalldaughter,askedPrudencetopourhimadrinkandgetoneforherselfandsupposedthatshehadhadaquietmorning.

‘Verypleasant,thankyou,’saidPrudencequietly,andhewenton:‘I’vesomeoneImustseebeforeIgotothehospitalafterlunch—I’dliketo

getthoselettersdealtwithbeforeIleave.’Lunchwasacheerfulmeal,butnotimewaswasted,Sibellawassenttothe

kitchenwithSitskaandPrudencerepairedtoherlittleroom,fetchedthelettersandhernotebookandpresentedherselfinBenedict’sstudy.

Hewasbusinessliketothepointofbrusqueness,butthankheavenhehadnotasteforlongletters.Somehowshehadmanagedtotakedownhisreplies,promised,rashly,tohavethemreadyforhimwhenhegotbacklatethatafternoon,andmadeanoteofthephonecallsthathewishedtomakewhenhegothome.Andoncehehadgone,shewentalongtofindSibella.Itwasafineafternoon,evenifchilly,andawalkwithHenrywasprioritynumberone.

BydintofcuttingherteatimetoaminimumandleavingSibellainSitska’schargeforatime,Prudencewasabletogetthelettersfinished,butonlyjust.WhenBenedictgothome,shewasonherwaytothekitchentofetchSibella,lookingalittleflushedandwithherredhairruffledroundherprettyface.

‘Youlookasthoughyou’vebeenbusy,’observedBenedict.Helookedfaintlydisbelievingashespoke,sothatshewasforcedtodenythatshehadhadanythingmuchtodo,tellingherselfsilentlythatitwouldbemucheasieroncehertypingandshorthandhadimproved.

Herworkhadbeenallright,though,andshehadgonetobedafteranothersolitarydinnerfeelingthatshehadachievedsomething.

Thenexttwodayswereofthesamepattern,exceptthatBenedicthadbeenhomefordinner,aleisurelymealthatshehadenjoyed.Theyhadalotincommon,shehaddiscovered,andonceortwiceshehadquiteforgottenthatshewasworkingforhiminahumblecapacity,and,remembering,hadsufferedacuteuneaseaftersomeparticularlyforthrightstatementindisagreementwithhim.Butshehaddecidednottostaydownstairsafterdinner,andindeed,thedecisionwasunnecessary,becausehedidn’taskherto.Hisgoodnightswerefriendlybutdefiniteandshepresumedthathespenthiseveningsinhisstudyorreading.

Itwasonthethirddaythatthingswerealittledifferent.Therehadbeenmorelettersthanpreviously,soPrudencewashardputtoittogetthemdonebythetimehegothome,andindeed,therewerestilltwototypeandnochancetodothembeforedinner,forSibellahaddemandedthatthethreeofthemshouldplaycardsuntilitwashersuppertime,sothatwhenPrudencecamedownstairsafterputtinghertobedandtidyingherselffortheevening,shewasmetinthehallbyBenedictwithamild:‘Youhaven’tfinishedtheletters?’

‘Twomore—I’msorryIhaven’tgotthemdone.I’lltypethemnowwhileyou’rehavingyourdrink.’

Hesmiledatherverynicely.‘Indeedyouwillnot.Timeenoughafterdinner,surely?Ishan’tbegoingoutthisevening,youcanletmehavethembeforeyougotobed.’Heglancedather.‘I’mnotworkingyoutoohard?Sibellamusttakeupagooddealofyourtime.’

Hewasfartookindtoaskherwhatshedidwithhermorningswhilethechildwasatschool,anditwouldsoundasthoughshewasmakingexcusesifshetoldhimthatshehadtakenoverseverallittlejobsfromSitskaroundthehouse;jobsthatthedailywomanwasn’tallowedtodo;thesilverandglasshadtobecleanedandpolished,andalthoughOrkusuallydidthat,ifhewasbusyinthegardenitlefthimlittleleisureifhehadthewholelottodo.Butofcourse,Benedictwouldn’tknowthatandnoonewasgoingtotellhim.Prudencehadnodoubtthatifandwhenhemarriedagain,hiswifewouldseetoitthattherewasmorehelpinthehouse.Theflowersalonetookhourstodo.

Allthesame,shewasenjoyinglife.Itwaswhatshehadwanted,tobebusy,feelthatshewasneeded,doingsomethinguseful.ShehadagreedquietlytofinishthelettersafterdinnerandgonetositwithBenedictforthepleasantfewminutesbeforedinner—afewminutesshedidfindherselflookingforwardto.

Shewasatherdeskpresently,puttingthefirstsheetintothetypewriter,whensheheardtheclangofthedoorbellandOrkcrossthehalltoanswerthedoor.Thecallerwasawoman.Prudence,typingbriskly,triednottolistentothe

tinklinglaughterandtheratherhigh-pitchedvoicefollowedbyBenedict’sdeeptones.Thevoicesfadedandadoorclosed;theyhadgoneintothedrawingroom.Shefinishedherlettersandthensatforaminuteortwowonderingwhattodo.Leavethemonthedesk?TakethemalongtoBenedict’sstudy?Shehadherhandonthestudydoorwhenhecameoutofthedrawingroom.

‘Finished?Good—Iwasjustcomingtofindyou.ComeandmeetMyraagain—shewasheretheotherevening,butIsuspectthatyouwon’trememberher.’

Prudencerememberedherverywell—atall,curvygirlwithash-blondehair,ratherstartlingeyemake-upandclothesboughtregardlessofexpense.TheyshookhandswarilyandMyralaughedhertinklinglaughandsaid:‘Oh,Irememberyouverywell—yourhair,youunderstand,itissoveryred.’

TowhichPrudencesaidnothing,onlyallowedhergreeneyestolingerontheothergirl’sartfullytintedlockswithaneloquencewhichspokevolumes.Benedicthidhissmile.‘Won’tyouhaveadrink?’heinvited,hisvoiceveryplacid.

‘No,thanks—IwanttogetaletterfinishedbeforeIgotobed,soI’llsaygoodnight,ifyouwon’tthinkmerude.’ShesmiledatMyra.‘Niceseeingyouagain—andwhatisityousay?Totziens.’SheglancedatBenedict.‘Goodnight,Doctor.’

Shewenttothedoorandhewentaheadofhertoopenit.Shedidn’tlookathimasshewentpast,whichwasapity;thelookonhisfacewouldhavegivenherfoodforthought—amusement,gentlemockery?Alittleofboth.

Shemadenoattempttowriteletterswhenshereachedherroom,butwentandsatdowninoneofthearmchairspulleduptothewindow.Thehousewastoosolidlybuiltforhertohearvoicesdownstairs,butthatdidn’tstopherwonderingwhatBenedictandhisprettyvisitorweretalkingabout.‘Brazencreature!’mutteredPrudencewaspishly,andgotuptorunabath,tellingherselfthatitwasnoconcernofherswhoBenedicthadforafriend—indeed,shehadabsolutelynointerestinhimwhatever.Thathewaskindandplacidlygoodnatured,shehadtoadmit,althoughhewasprovingamuchhardertaskmasterthanshehadsupposedhewouldbe,butbeyondthatshecouldn’tcareless.Hehadbeenthemeansofgettingherawayfromatooshelteredlifeathome,andfromTony;shewasgratefulforthat.

Benedictwasn’tatbreakfastthenextmorning;Orktoldtheminhisstrangelyaccented,sparseEnglishthathehadbeencalledoutintheearlyhoursofthemorning.‘Heleavesletterforme,’heexplained.Heshrugged.‘Idonotknowwhenhecomes.’

Hecametenminuteslaterinslacksandasweater,withabristlychinand

linesoftirednessetchedintohisface.Hecameinquietly,wishedthemgoodmorninginhisusualplacidmanner,beggedtobeallowedtoeathisbreakfastbeforemakinghimselfpresentable,andsatdown.

CuriositygotthebetterofPrudence.‘Didyouhavetogotothehospitalorjustapatient?’

Benedictwolfeddownthebestpartofacroissant.‘Apatient—he’sinhospitalnow.’

‘He’llgetbetter?’‘I’llgivehimafifty-fiftychance.’Hepassedhiscupformorecoffeeand

saidmildly:‘Ididn’tknowyouwereinterestedinmedicalmatters,Prudence?’Somethingbehindthemildnessmadeherglanceathim.Shesaidquickly:‘I

don’tmeantobenosey,andIaminterested.’Shelookedawayfromtheblueeyesstaringather.‘Itwasthoughtlessofme;you’retired,thelastthingyouwouldwanttotalkaboutisyourwork…’

‘Onthecontrary,Prudence,youwouldbesurprisedtoknowthattherearetimeswhenIcomehomeandlongforsomeonetotalkto;aneartofillwithmydoubtsandpettyannoyancesandsmalltriumphs.’

Sibellahadbeenlistening,morethanhalfunderstanding.Thenshepipedsomethingurgenttoherfather.Hesmiledkindlyandshookhishead,answeringhergently.

‘SibellaaskswhyIcannotconfideinher—Ihavetoldherthatsheisn’tquiteoldenough…’Hepausedasthechildinterruptedhim.‘Shesuggests,mostsensibly,thatIshouldmarrysomeone—justsolongassheapprovesofher.’Heopenedthefirstofhislettersandglancedupfromit.‘Whatdoyouthinkaboutthat,Prudence?’

Shesaidsedately:‘Iimagineitmightbeanexcellentidea,butIcanhardlyjudge,canI?’AndwhenhepushedthepileofletterstowardshershebegantoopenthemneatlywiththepaperknifeOrkneverfailedtoputonthebreakfasttable,butwhenshepassedtheopenenvelopesbacktohimBenedictpushedthemononeside.‘I’mlatealready,’hesaid.‘Getthemsorted,willyou—keeptheEnglishonesforlaterandleavetheothersonthetableinthehall,I’llpickthemupasIgo.’

Hegotup,kissedSibellaandwithafriendlynodtoPrudence,wentaway.Sibellahadn’tquitefinishedherbreakfast,soshehadtime,butonlyjust,topilethelettersneatlybeforewalkingtoschoolwithher.Benedicthadn’tappearedbeforetheyleft.Prudencesupposedshewouldn’tseehimagainallday;hehadsaidsomethingaboutnotbeinghomeforlunch,aremarkwhichforsomereasonshehadfounddepressing.ShegaveherselfamentalshakeandembarkedononeofthelongramblingconversationswhichSibellasoenjoyed.Walkingback

presently,sheplannedherday.Therewasplentytokeepheroccupied;Sitskahadpromisedtotakehershopping,therewasHenrytotakeforarun,theletterstoattendto,adressofSibella’swhichneededshortening.Itwassurprisinghowmuchsheenjoyedthemundanejobsthatfilledherdays.Notfortheworldwouldsheadmittoherselfthatshewas,justnowandthen,lonely.

Theshoppingwasfun.SinceSitskaspokenoEnglishandPrudence,beyondhalfadozenwords,spokenoDutch,ittookratherlongerthanitshouldhavedone;thedresswouldhavetowaituntiltheevening,shedecidedassheracedacrossthegrasswithHenry,throwingsticksforhisbenefit.Hecameandsatwithherinherlittleroomwhileshesatatthedeskreadingtheletters.Ifsheknewwhattheywereaboutitmadeitmucheasierwhenshecametotakedownthereplies,andBenedictseemedtotakeitforgrantedthatsheshouldseethemall.TheywerealmostalwaysbillsrelatingtotheflatheapparentlyusedwhenhewasinLondon,dry-as-dustlettersfromothermedicalmen,appealsfromcharitiesandrequestsforhimtoattendsomemeetingorother.Abusyman.Shewondered,forallhiscalmmanner,ifhewasahappyone.True,hehadadelightfulhome,enoughmoneyandSibellaandquitepossiblyseveralmoregirl-friendslikeMyra.‘Horridcreature!’declaredPrudenceloudly,andstartledHenryfromhissnoozing.

TheywerehavingtearoundthesmallfireOrkhadlitintheplayroomwhenBenedictwalkedin,followedbySitskawithmoretea.

‘Butteredtoast!’heexclaimed.‘Andsandwichesandcake!JustwhatIcoulddowith.’HetookthecupofteaPrudencehadpouredforhim.‘WhataheavenlytimeHenry’shaving—he’llgetfat.’

‘Well,he’stakenusforalong,longwalkthisafternoon,hereallydeservesabitoftoast.You’vehadabusyday?’

‘Yes.How’sschool,Sibella?’Hisvoicewasfriendlyenough,butshecouldrecogniseasnubwhenshegotone.Shereallymustrememberthatshewasapaidmemberofhishouseholdandactaccordingly.ShesatlisteningtoSibella’schatter,notunderstandingit,concentratingonplansforherhalfdayonSaturday.Shewouldtakethecaranddrivesomewhere,dosomeshoppingandhaveteaoutandperhapsacinemaintheevening.Ifshehadahalfday,wassheallowedtohavedinnerasusualorwasshesupposedtostayout?Andwhoonearthwasshegoingtoaskaboutthat?ShehadbeensopleasedattheideaofhavinghalfofSaturdayandSundaymorningtoherself,buttherewereanumberofthings…whataboutbreakfastandlunchonSunday?…

‘You’relookingworried,Prudence.’Benedict’svoicecutacrossherthoughtsandshesaidinstantly:

‘Well,I’mnot,thankyou.Doyouwanttodothelettersbeforedinneror

lateron—therearen’tmany.’‘Oh,beforedinner,Ithink.PerhapsSibellacouldhavehersupperwith

Sitskawhilewebrushthroughthem.’Hegaveherathoughtfullook.‘Iexpectyou’dlikehalfanhourtoyourselfwhileSibellaandIplayRacingDemon.’

‘Ofcourse.I’lltakethetraywithme.’Sheescapedthankfully.BythetimeshehadgoteverythingreadyforSibella’sbedtime,pinnedup

thedressforsewinglater,andaddedafewlinestothelettershewaswritinghome,itwastimetofetchthelittlegirlforhersupper,andthengoalongtotheoffice,collecthernotebookandpencilandtaponthestudydoor.

Benedictwasalreadytherewritingathisdesk.Helookedupbrieflyandasked:‘Whathavewegot?’andheldoutahand.Prudencesatdownonachairnearthedesk,notebookopenandpencilpoised,looking,shehoped,thepictureofefficiency,andindeed,forthefirstthreelettersshewasinfineform,butthefourthletterwasfromadoctorandBenedict’sreplywasfulloflongmedicaltermsbeyondherprimitiveshorthand.Shehadtostophimtwiceandaskhimhowtospelldiverticulitisand,worse,fibroelastosis.Heansweredherpatiently,butshesawthesmallfrownonhisfacewhichmadeherpanicky,sothatwhenshehadtoaskyetagainifrachitishadtwot’sorone,hepausedinhisdictatingtoobserve:

‘Icanquiteseethatthemedicaltermsaredifficultforyou,Prudence,butsurelythesimplerwordsaren’tbeyondyou?’

Sheputdownherpencilwithahandwhichshook.Tryasshemight,hervoiceshookalittletoo.Shesaidtartly:‘DrvanVinke,I’memployedbyyouasakindofgeneralassistant,notasahighlyproficientshorthand-typist.I’mdoingmybest!’Shealmostadded,Andifyoudon’tlikeityoucansackme,butbitthewordsbackintime.Butotherwordscametumblingout,thingsshehadbeenthinkingandwantedtosay.‘You’reabusyman,andacleverone,Ihavenodoubt,withnotimetospareonmundanethings,butyou’ve—you’veflungmeinatthedeepend.Oh,Iknowyou’vetoldmewhatmydutiesare,butIdaresayyou’venoideahowanyonesetsaboutthemandthetimeittakes.I’mnotwhiningthatIhavetoomuchtodo,butit’sallstrangetome—thelife,thelanguage,workingforsomeone…I’veneverdonethatbefore,yousee,andIexpectthat’swhyI’mslowandawkward.’

Hehadsatbackinhischair,quietlywatchingher.Nowheasked:‘Youregretcoming?Youaren’thappywithus?’

‘Oh,butIam—you’venoidea…SibellaisadarlingandSitskaandOrkaresokind,eventhedailyhelp…andit’slovelytobebusyallday,notjustdoingtheflowersorgoingtothevillageshoportypingFather’ssermonsandknowingthattherewasonlyTony…’ShestoppedandBenedictsaidquietly:‘Goon.’

‘IthinkImeanthatnothingwasexcitinganymore.’Shethoughtforamoment.‘Therewasnothingtogetmyteethinto.’

Benedictgotupandcameroundthedeskandsatonitsedgeinfrontofher.‘I’mgladwe’veclearedtheair,andyou’requiteright,Iflungyouintothedeependwithhardlyabackwardglance.Yousee,Iknewyou’dcope;youarecopingsowellthatIquiteforgotthatyouaren’tafirstclasssecretary,thatyoudon’tunderstandawordofourlanguage,thatyouhavetofindeverythingoutforyourselfwiththeaidofadictionary.Idaresayanyothergirlwouldhavefledscreamingbynow.’Heturnedtolookoutofthewindow.‘I’msorry,Prudence,willyouforgiveme?’

‘Well,Idon’tseethatIhaveanythingtoforgive.Itmustbequiteghastlytohavetostopandspellwordsandanswersillyquestionswhenyou’vesomuchonyourmind.’

Benedictgrinnedather.‘Foragirlwithredhairandgreeneyesyou’vegotalotofcommonsense.’

‘What’ssostrangeaboutthat?’askedPrudence.‘Well,youdon’tneeditreally,doyou?Youcangetbyonyourlooks.’He

addeddeliberately:‘Tonymusthavebeenmadtoletyougo.’‘Ilethimgo,ifyouremember.’‘Andyoudon’tregretthateither?’Shegavehimalevellook.‘No.Wouldyoulikethesebeforedinner?’‘Please.Beforeyougo,Prudence,there’ssomethingyoushouldknow;I

believewe’reinforawhoopingcoughepidemic;therearealreadymorethantheusualnumberofcasesforthistimeoftheyearandsomanyparentshaveneglectedtohavetheirchildrenimmunised.’Hepaused,andPrudenceaskedquickly:

‘Sibella?’‘She’llbeallright,she’shadherjabs,butkeepaneyeonher.Shecanstill

getit,butonlyslightly.’Helookedsuddenlytired.‘It’stheotherchildrenI’msoworriedabout.’

‘Areyouapaediatrician?Ithoughtyouhadapractice…?’‘Oh,Ihave,butI’mnotachildren’sdoctor.Butthereareanynumberof

childrencomingtotheclinic.’Prudencesaid,‘Oh,Isee,’althoughshedidn’treally,andthen:‘I’llgoalong

andseeifSibella’sfinishedhersupper.Isthereanythingelseyou’dlikemetodobeforedinner?’

‘No,thanks.I’llhavetogooutagainpresently,butwe’llhavedinnerfirst.’WhenSibellawassafelytuckedupinbed,Prudencewentalongtoherown

room.Shechanged,asshehaddoneeacheveningsofar,intooneofthewool

dressesandthen,withrathermorecarethanusual,didherfaceandbrushedherfieryheaduntilitgleamed.Shedidn’tlooktoobad,shetoldherreflectioninthelookingglass—notthatBenedictwouldnotice;helookedather,ofcourse,butwithacasualfriendlinesswhichdidnothingforherego.Butthatwasjustwhatmadeworkingforhimsonice,shemused,goingdownstairs.

Overdinnertheytalked;theysharedalotofcommoninterestsandthosetheydidn’ttheyarguedabout,Benedictwithplacidgoodsensetingedwithamusement,Prudenceinherusualhotheadedfashion,anditmadeforaveryenjoyablemeal.TheyweresittingovertheircoffeewhenBenedictasked:‘WhatdoyouplantodoonSaturdayafternoon?’

‘IthoughtI’dtakethecaranddrivearoundabit—Icamethroughsomeveryprettycountry,I’dliketoexploreit.’

‘Agoodidea.Whynottakethewholeday?Andintheevening?’Shehesitated.Shouldsheaskabouthavingdinnerasusualorshouldshesay

thatshewasgoingtostayoutfortheevening?Theprospectoffindingsomewheretoeatandhavingamealonherownwasn’tinviting.

Benedictwaswatchingherface.Hesaidsmoothly:‘Ifyou’renotdoinganythingmuch,I’mhavingafewoldfriendsfordinner,I’dlikeyoutocomeasmyguest.’Hesatbackinhischair.‘SitskawillgetSibellatobedandseetohersupperandsoon.’

Prudencestaredbackathimthoughtfully.‘Areyoujustbeingkind?’shewantedtoknow.

‘Certainlynot,andIthinkyou’lllikethepeoplewhoarecoming.’‘Wellthen—yes,I’dloveto!’Sheaddedwithengagingcandour:‘Iwas

wonderingwhattodoaboutmeals…’‘Ishouldhavethoughtofthat.Comeandgoasyoupleasewhenyouare

free,thoughonceyou’vegottoknowafewpeopleIdaresayyou’llgetaskedoutfromtimetotime.’Hestudiedherexpressivefaceandwenton:‘SibellaandIwerewonderingifyouwouldliketocomewithusonSunday—Iknowthemorningisyourown,butweratherthoughtwe’dgoouttolunch.ThereisaniceplaceontheroadtoAmersfoort?’

‘Thankyou,butwon’tIbe…well,youdon’tgetSibellatoyourselfverymuch,doyou?’

‘Asmuchasanyotherfather,Iimagine.Willyoucome?’Sheagreed.Suddenlytheweekendpromisedtoberatherfun.Theweatherwasturningcolder,buttheskywasblueandthesunshone

whenshegotuponSaturdaymorning.Shewasoutofthehousesoonafternineo’clockwithoutseeingeitherSibellaorBenedict,who,Orktoldher,hadgoneridingtogether.Andthatwasanotherpossibility,Prudencethought,gettinginto

hercaranddrivingcarefullyoutofthetown.Therewereoddsandendsofshoppingsheintendeddoing,andsince

BenedicthadsaidthattheywouldbegoingtowardsAmersfoortonSunday,shechosetogointheotherdirection,toZutphen.Itwasnodistance,twelvemilesorsoalongamainroadwhichstillcontrivedtobedelightful,andonceparkedinthetown,shewanderedarounditstwistingstreets,admiringthegabledhousesandgateways.Andpresently,aftercoffeeinanelegantcafé,shewentalongtoSaintWallburgChurchtoinspectitschainedlibraryandafterwardswenttoahotelclosebyGravenhofforlunch—awildlyexpensivemeal,butafterall,shehadspentverylittlemoneysofar.Shedidhershoppingnext,takinghertimeandthenhavingteabeforedrivingbacktoAppeldoorn.Shehadenjoyedherafternoonanditwasnicetohavesomethingtodowithherevening.

Shegaragedthecarintheconvertedstablesatthebackofthehouse,slidingitcarefullybetweenBenedict’ssupermodelandasmall,notverynewRenault.Therewerebicyclesinonecornertooandalongwoodenshelfagainstthefurthestwallholdinganassortmentoftennisracquets,skates,skis,carefullycovered,andaninflatabledinghy.Exceptfortheskis,theywereallinneedofsmallrepairsandagoodclean.Prudence,peeringatthem,decidedthatoneday,whenshehadthetime,shewouldgivethemallagoodgoingover;theywereallofthemexpensiveanditwasasinfulwastetoleavethemlyingthere.

ItsohappenedthatwhenshewentintothehousethroughthegardendoorshebumpedintoBenedict,onhiswayout.Withthemeresthintofahullosheplungedintothematter.‘Thoseskatesandthingsinthegarage—they’refartoogoodtoleavelyingaround—theyneedaclean…’Shestopped,becausehewaslaughingather.‘What’ssofunnyaboutthat?’shewantedtoknowtartly.

‘Yousoundlikeawife—youseewhathappenswhenamanlivesonhisown!’

‘Butyoudon’t—there’sOrkandSitskaandBetjeandoldMevrouwSmitandthegardenboy…’

‘Andyou,Prudence.You’refillingagapverynicely.’Hesmileddownather.‘Dinner’sateighto’clock,butcomedownfordrinksfirst,won’tyou?Haveyouhadagoodday?’

‘Lovely.Youwentriding?’‘Yes,Sibellahasherownlittlepony—westablehimandmyownhorsejust

outsidethetown.Doyouride,Prudence?’Shewentred.‘Well,yes.’Sheglancedathimthroughlonglashes.‘Iwasn’t

fishing,trulyIwasn’t,andifyousuggestthatIshouldgoriding,I’llrefuse.’‘Sowe’llsaynomoreaboutit,’hesaidgently,tohergreatdiscomfort.‘See

youlater.’

Therewasanenvelopeonthedressingtableinherroomwithatypedstatementandoneweek’swages.ItlookedagreatdealinDutchguldensandforamomentitdivertedherthoughtsfromBenedict,butnotforlong.Agoodmantoworkfor;kindandthoughtful,butremarkablycasualattimes,andalwaysexpectingonetoworkjustthatlittlebitharder.Heworkedtoohardhimself,ofcourse.Heoughttomarryagain,shedecidedasshelayinatoohotbath,butnotthatawfulgirlMyra—someonecalmandsensiblewhowouldloveSibellaandseethathedidn’tovertaxhisstrength.No,thatwassilly.Benedicthadthekindofstrengththatnevergotovertaxed.Prudencebegantodress,thankfulthathermotherhadpersuadedhertoputintheeveningskirtandseveralblouses.Shechoseacreamchiffononewithahighpie-frillneckanddeepcuffedsleeves.Ithadatuckedfrontandtinypearlbuttonsandwasasplendidbackgroundforherhairandeyes.

Shewentdownstairsjustafterhalfpastseven,tofindBenedictinhischairreadinganewspaper,aglassonthetablebesidehim.Hegotupandpulledasmallerchairclosertothecheerfulfire.‘Haveadrink,’hesuggested,‘andI’lltellyouaboutthepeoplewhoarecoming.TheyallspeakEnglish,bytheway,soyouwon’thavetositaroundlookinglikeabeautifulstrandedgoldfish.’Heignoredherlookandwentonblandly:‘Twocolleaguesofmineandtheirwives,mygodmother,anoldladyinfullpossessionofherwits,andaprofessorofsurgeryfromthehospital.They’reallnicepeople,atleastIthinkso,andwesharethesameopiniononanumberofthings,don’twe?’

‘Dowe?Ihadn’tthought.’‘No?Butweagreedwholeheartedlyaboutmenwhoweren’tjealouswhen

theirgirl-friendsspenttoomuchtimetalkingtoothermen.’‘Thereisnoneed…’beganPrudence,hervoiceratherhigh,andwas

interruptedbyOrkatthedoorannouncingDrandMevrouwBrand.TheywereBenedict’sage,theDoctoralittlethinontopalready,hislong

thinfacelightedbyawarmsmile,hiswifemadeupforhisthinlengthbybeinglargeandcosilyplump,witharoundfaceandbrightdarkeyes.WithintwominutesPrudencefeltquiteathomewiththem,anditwasthesamewiththenextgueststoarrive,DrandMevrouwPenninck,agooddealyoungerandbothgood-looking.TheywerealltalkingwiththeeaseofoldfriendswhenMevrouwvanderCulpwasannounced.

Shewassmallandthin,withwhitehairbeautifullydressedandbrightblueeyes,wearingsomethingblackandelegant,herfingerssparklingwithrings.ShekissedBenedictasthoughshereallyenjoyedit,greetedtheothersandlookedatPrudence.‘Introducethisbeautifulcreature,’shecommanded,andBenedictdidso.‘Ihopeyou’llbeveryhappy,mydear,’sheobserved,‘workingforBenedict.

He’saslavedriver,youknow,butyoulookquitecapableofdealingwithhim.’Prudencemurmuredpolitely,notatallsurewhattosay.Theoldladywas

ratheradearandshethoughtshewasgoingtolikeher,butitwouldhardlydoforhertocommentaboutBenedict.Shewassavedfromenlargingonhermumblingbythearrivalofthelastguest.ProfessorHerrismawasofmiddleheightandthickset,withahandsomefaceandgreyinghair.HekneweveryonethereandwhilehewasgreetingPrudenceshehadachancetolookathim.Shelikedwhatshesaw,andshelikedhimevenbetterwhenBenedictintroducedhimtoherandhestayedtotalkforafewminutes.Theydidn’tsaymuch,theusualquestionsandanswersaboutherarrivalandwhethershelikedAppeldoornandwheredidsheliveinEngland,butshewasleftwiththefeelingthatshewouldliketoknowhimbetter.

Thedinnertablebeinground,conversationwasforthemostpartgeneral.Prudence,betweenDrBrandandProfessorHerrisma,enjoyedeverywordofit.Sheenjoyedthefoodtoo,andtheglassofBurgundyshehadwiththeroastpheasantservedtoputherintoexcellentspirits.Allthesame,shemadenoefforttoattractattention:thatwouldneverdo.

Theysataroundandtalkedlater,andnoonewenthomeuntilpastmidnight,andthenreluctantly.AndbythentheywereallcallingherPrudenceandshehadinvitationstogotolunchonthefollowingtwoweekends,andasMevrouwvanderCulpleftshesignifiedherintentionoftakingPrudencetoArnhembeforetheweatherworsened.‘There’sagreatdealtoseethere,child,’shesaidinherclearvoice,‘andsomesplendidshops.Ilivejustoutsidethecity,soitwillbeeasyenoughtocomeandfetchyou.’

‘Ihaveacar,’saidPrudence.‘IexpectIcoulddrivetoyourhomeifyouwouldlikethat.’

‘Excellent.Somethingshallbearranged.’SheturnedtoBenedict.‘GivemylovetoSibella,mydear—youmustallcomeoverforteaoneSunday.’

ProfessorHerrismawentlastofallbecausetherewassomesmallmatterheandBenedictwantedtodiscuss,butwhenPrudencewishedthembothgoodnight,Benedictsaid:‘Don’tgo,weshallonlybeafewminutes.’Soshewentbacktothedrawingroomandsatbythedyingfire,nicelydrowsy.

Theywereasgoodastheirword;theywerebackwithintenminutes,althoughtheydidn’tsitdown.Afterafewminutes’desultorytalkProfessorHerrismabadethemgoodnight.‘Adelightfulevening,Benedict,andmanythanks.’HetookPrudence’shandandshookitcarefullyasthoughitmightbreak.‘Ihopeweshallmeetagain,Prudence.IfyouareinterestedinhospitalsIshallbedelightedtoshowyouroundthesurgicalside—perhapsyoucouldmanageanafternoonnextweek?’Hesmiledintohereyes.‘Anddopleasecall

meEverard—tobecalledProfessormakesmefeelfatherly,andIassureyouthatIdonotfeelintheleastpaternal!’

Prudence,awarethatBenedictwaslistening,smileddelightfully.‘Ishouldlovetogooverthehospital,thoughtheafternoonsareabitawkward.’

ShewasinterruptedbyBenedict’scheerful:‘Oh,I’msurewecanspareyouforacoupleofhours.Doesn’tSibellahavedancingclassonWednesdays?Thatshouldgiveyouacoupleofhours.’

‘Wellthen,thankyouPro…Everard.’ShewascrossingthehalltogoupstairswhenBenedictcamefromtheporch,

shuttingthegreatdoorbehindhim.‘Well,well,’heremarkedwithawickedgleaminhiseyes,‘myoldfriendseemstohavetakenafancytoyou,Prudence.He’sbeenabachelorforthebestpartoffortyyears,butyouseemtohavecaughthiseye.’

Shehadstoppedbythestairs.Forsomereasonshewasputout—morethanthat,furious.‘Don’tbevulgar,’shebeggedhim.‘IthinkEverardisaverynicepersonandI’mgladImethim.AndI’mdelightedthathe’saskedmetogoroundthehospitalwithhim.’

Benedictcrossedthehallandcametostandinfrontofher.‘Whatatouchygirlyouare,’heobservedmildly.‘Isupposeit’stheredhair.’Hebentsuddenlyandkissedhercheek.‘Ithinksomehowyourfutureissettledforyou,Prudence.Nowgotobed.’

Shecouldn’tthinkofananswertothat,soshewent,notlookingback.

CHAPTERFOUR

PRUDENCEDIDN’Tsleepverywell,shewasinfactnicelytired,buttheannoyingthoughtthatBenedicthadn’tsuggestedthatshemightliketoseeroundthehospitalkeptherawake.HehadwelcomedEverard’sinvitationwiththegreatestgoodhumour,butsomehowitrankledthathehadn’tbeenthefirsttosuggestit.Therewasnoreasonwhyheshouldsuggestit,ofcourse.Therewasanotherreasonwhyshecouldn’tgettosleep—whatonearthhadBenedictmeantaboutherfuturebeingsettled?Hesurelywasn’tthinkingthatEverardHerrismawasseriouslyinterestedinher.Loveatfirstsightwassomethingbestlefttonovels;sheandTonyhadbeenfriendsforsometimebeforehehadevenhintedatmarryingher,andalthoughshehadbeenmorethanhalfinlovewithhim,shecouldn’trecallbeingsweptoffherfeet.Thewholeideawasabsurd,andifBenedicthadn’tmadesuchasillyremarkshewouldn’thavegivenitanotherthought;justbecauseyouwereattractedtosomeoneandhetoyouitdidn’tmeanthatyouweregoingtoplungeintomarriageorevenanaffair.

Shesleptatlast,disturbedbydreamswhichtantalisinglyfadedthemomentshewokeup.

AsitwasSunday,breakfastwasarathermoreleisurelymealandsincechurchwasn’tuntilteno’clock,PrudencehadtimetoherselfafterwardswhileBenedictandSibellatookHenryforhiswalk.Shewanderedupstairstoherroom,finishedaletter,pokedatherhairanddidhernailsagain,wishingthatshewaswiththeothers,butshehadn’tbeeninvited,presumablybecauseBenedictsupposedshewantedtobeonherownsinceitwasherfreemorning.Standingatthewindow,watchingthetreesbehindthehousebendingandbowingtothewind,shewonderedifshecoulddosomethingaboutit;itwasstrange,butshefeltalittleaimless.ShelikedthebusydaysandeventhoughshehadenjoyedheroutingtoZutphenshehadfeltratherlonely;itwouldhavebeenfuntohavehadacompaniontotalkto.PerhapsBenedictwouldagreetoherdroppingherfreehalfdaysandjusttakinganhourortwooffforshoppingwhentheycouldbefittedin.

Asubduedbustleinthehallindicatedthattheywereback,andamomentlaterHenrycameracingupstairsandpushedintoherbedroomdoor.FollowinghimcameSibella.

ThechildflungherselfatPrudence.‘Ilikeitwhenyouarewithme.’ShepickedupPrudence’sjacketfromthebed.‘Nowwegotochurch.’

TheydrovethereintheAstonMartin,andaftertheserviceandanintervalofbriefchatamongstpeopleBenedictknewinthecongregation,theydroveoutofthetown,downabroad,tree-linedroadwithglimpsesofcountryhousesoneitherside,theirgroundsmergingintothewoodsbeyond.

Prudence,stretchingherprettynecktoseeeverything,remarkedonthecharmoftheirsurroundings.‘Itmustbelovelytolivehere,butIlikeyourhousetoo,althoughit’stoolargeforyou…’Shestoppedandwentpink.‘Sosorry,Ididn’tmeantoberude.’

Benedictglancedathersideways.Hesaidquietly:‘AnothergoodreasonwhyIshouldtakeawife,andthenbeforeshecouldreply:‘Thathideousbrickhouseonyourleft,aperfectexampleofmid-Victoriantaste,belongstoEverard—nowthere’samanwhoneedsawifetoo.’

Somethinginhisvoicemadeherpeepquicklyathim.Hisprofilewascalmandunsmiling.Allthesame,sheblushedagain.

Therestaurantwasn’tfar.DeEchoputwaswellknownforitsexcellentfoodandmostofthetableswerealreadyoccupied,butBenedicthadbookedandtheywereledtooneatonceinacornerwindowwithasplendidviewoftherestaurantitselfaswellasthecharminggroundssurroundingit.ThatBenedictwasknowntherewasobvious,forSibellawasmademuchof,allowedtochoosewhatshewantedwhetheritwasonthemenuornot,andgivenaglassoflemonadewhilehereldersmadetheirchoiceovertheirowndrinks.EveninDutchmoney,everythingwaswildlyexpensive,andPrudencesearchedfruitlesslyforsomethingreasonable.Benedict,watchingheroverhisownmenu,smiledveryfaintly.‘I’mgoingtohavelobstersoup—andIsuggestthatyouhavethesame,Prudence,andtheydoadeliciousducklinginbrandysauce.Idon’tknowaboutyou,butallthatsinginghasmademehungry!’

ThankfullysheagreedandturnedherattentiontoSibella,whocouldn’tmakeuphermindbetweenchickeninacreamsauceorsteaktartare.

‘Ishouldhavethechicken,wehadsteakfordinneronlyadayorsoago.Look,they’vegotaubergines,youlikethose.’

Itwasapleasantmeal,anygapsintheconversationbeinginstantlyfilledwithSibella’schatter,andpresently,sincetheafternoonwasstillfine,theydroveon,turningoffintoasideroadafteramileortwotowardsBarneveldandthentakingacountryroadacrosstheVeluwetowardsDieren.

Benedictdroveslowlythroughthenarrowlanes,sometimeshemmedinonallsidesbydensewoods,sometimeswithnothingbutheathallroundthem.

‘It’sabitliketheNewForest,’saidPrudence.

‘Yes—nice,isn’tit?Andrightonourdoorstep.It’squitesomethinginthewinterwhenwe’vehadsnow.’Thenheturnedtosmileather.‘Shallwehaveteaoutorgohomeandhaveapicnicroundthefire?’

‘Oh,home,’saidPrudence.Benedict’sfaintsmilecameandwent.‘Right.We’llturnoffhereandwanderbackthroughthewoodstowardsHoenderlooandpickuptheroadthere.’

‘Itmustbeeasytogetlosthere,’observedPrudence.‘Ifyouleavethemainroads,yes.HavinglivedhereallmylifeIknowit

well—thereareanynumberoflaneslikethisoneifonlyyouknowwheretofindthem.Mostpeoplekeeptotheroads,andyoucan’tblamethem.’Hesloweddownatatinyvillage.‘Ifyoudrivedownhere,Prudence,askmeforamap.’

Theyhadtheirtearoundthefireinthedrawingroom,withalamportwoandtheflickeringflamesturningtheroomintoalovelyhomelyhaven.ItwasapitythatthepeaceofithadtobebrokenbyBenedict’sbrisk:‘I’llbeoutthisevening,butnotuntilSibella’sinbed.You’llbeabletoamuseyourself,Prudence?’

‘Yes,thanks.I’vegotheapstodo.’‘Good.OrkandSitskawillbeout,butBetjewillbehereifyouwant

anything.’Shewenttobedearly.Thehouse,despitevaguekitchensoundsfromBetje

ontheothersideofthebaizedoor,seemedtooquiet.Shereadforabitandpresentlydroppedofftosleep,tobewakenedbysomeonelaughing.Myra.Prudencesatupinbed,herearsunashamedlystretchedtotheirlimit,butallshecouldhearwasacarstartingupanddrivingawayandamomentlaterthesoundofadoorbeinggentlyclosed.Shelaydownagain,punchedherpillowsintogreatercomfortandremindingherselfthatitwasnoneofherbusiness,anyway,closedhereyesfirmlyandwentbacktosleep.

Thesecondweekwasmuchlikethefirst,onlynowshehadfoundherfeetandthingscamemoreeasily,andonWednesday,truetohisword,EverardHerrismatelephonedandarrangedtomeetheratthehospitalintheafternoon.ThepreviousweekOrkhaddriventhemtothedancinglesson,butnowPrudencedecidedtotakeSibellainherowncar,andafterseeingthechildsafelythere,gotinagainanddroveherselftothehospitalnearby.Shefeltalittlenervousassheparkedandwentalongtotheenquirydesk,butitseemedthatEverardhadwarnedtheclerkthatshewascoming,forafteronlyafewminutesatallverythinyoungmaninawhitecoatarrived,introducedhimselfastheProfessor’shouseman,gavehisnameasPaulvanVliet,castheralookofthegreatestadmiration,andofferedtotakehertoProfessorHerrisma.

HisEnglishwasgood,andbythetimetheyhadgonedownseveral

corridors,upthreefloorsinaliftandalongseveralmorecorridors,theywereonafirmlyfriendlybase.ButonceintheProfessor’soffice,Paulbecameverycorrectandansweredhischiefwithgreatpoliteness,thenmadehimselfscarcebeforePrudencecouldsayanotherword.

AssheshookhandswithEverardsheenquired:‘Isheattachedtoyou?Areyouverystrictorsomething?Iexpectedhimtoclickhisheelsandbow!’

Everardlaughed.‘He’sagoodlad,justqualifiedandverykeen;theyoungonesalltendtothinkofusconsultantsashoaryolddespots.It’sratherembarrassingattimes.’Hepushedforwardachair.‘Dositdownforaminute—didyouhaveanydifficultygettinghere?’

‘None—IdroveSibellatodancingclassandthencameonhereandparked.Imustfetchherinanhour,ifthat’sallrightwithyou?Aren’tyoubusy?’

Hesmilednicelyather.‘Well,yes,butIgivemyselfanhourorsooffwhenIcan.HaveyouseenBenedict?’

‘Here?No.WasIsupposedto?’‘No,no—buthe’sgotateachingroundthisafternoon,Iwonderedifyouhad

methimwithhisstudents.’Hegotupfromhischairbehindthedesk.‘Ifyouareready,shallwestart?’

Prudencehadbeeninhospitalsbefore,ofcourse,butneverbehindthescenes.Shepeeredintosterilizingrooms,dressingrooms,lookedatnurses’dutystationsandhadtheintercomexplainedtoher,metseveraloftheWardSistersandglimpsedthewards.Thehourflewbyandsheenjoyedeveryminuteofit.ShesaidgoodbyewithregretandEverardwalkedwithhertotheentrance.‘Ihopethiswillbethefirstofothermeetings,’hetoldher.‘Perhapsattheweekend?BenedicttellsmethatyouarefreeonSaturdayafternoonsandSundaymornings.’

‘Thatwouldbenice.’Shemeantit,butatthesametimefeltapangofregretthatitwasn’tBenedictaskingher.Sosilly,shetoldherself,gettingintothecarandwavingcheerfullyasshewent.ShewashalfwayacrossthecourtyardwhenshewasawareofBenedictstandingnearthegate,talkingtotwoelderlymen.Helookedupasshepassedandwavedcasually.

Thedayssweptby.Prudencewaswellintoherstridebynow—onexcellenttermswithSibella,acceptedbythestaff,evenmanaginganoddwordofDutchnowandthen.OnlywithBenedictwasshewary.Whentheyhadfirstmetshehadfeltaninstantlikingforhimandshehadthoughthetoohadfeltthesameabouther,butnowshewasn’tsosure.Hetreatedherinacalmandplacidmannerwhichleftheratalosstoknowifhelikedherornot,andalthoughshehadeverycomfortshecouldhavewishedfor,shesoondiscoveredthatshewasexpectedtobereadytofitinwithhisworkevenifitmeanttypinglettersinthe

lateevening,sewingbuttonsonhisshirtsanddrivingroundAppeldoornwithanimportantletterwhichhadtobedeliveredwithoutlossoftime.Notthatsheminded,itwasnicetofeelthatatlastshewasdoingsomethinguseful.

ShehadlunchwiththeBrandsontheSaturday,drivingherselftotheirhouseontheothersideofthetown,andstayingfortheafternoon.Andintheevening,feelingadventurous,shetookherselftothecinema.Sheenjoyedthefilm—anEnglishonewithDutchsubtitles—butshedidn’tenjoybeingonherown.Shewasusedtomenlookingather,herhairalwaysattractedattentionandshewasn’twearingahat,butshehadalwayshadTonywithherbefore.Nowshediscoveredthatshewasfairgame.Sheshookoffseveralhopefulhangers-on,gotintohercaranddrovebacktoBenedict’shouse.Whateverelseshedidinthefuture,shewouldn’tgotothecinema.

Thehousewasquietasshewentintoitthroughthegardendoor,butOrkpoppedhisheadroundthekitchendoorasshewentalongthepassagetothefronthall.‘Youlikedinner,MissPrudence?’heasked.

Shehesitated;shehadeatenacheeserollanddrunkacupofcoffeeaftershehadlefttheBrands’house,butthatwashoursago.Sheshookherheadreluctantly.EvenkindoldOrkcouldn’tbeexpectedtofindahotmealforheratthathour.‘No,thankyou,Ork.’Shehopedhervoicesoundedascasualasshehadtriedtomakeit.‘I’vehadsomething…’

‘Apity,’saidBenedictfrombehindher.‘I’vebeenoutonacaseandI’mfamished.AtleastcomeandkeepmecompanywhileIeat.Ork,I’mreadyinfiveminutes.’

Hesweptheralongwithhimintothehallandgaveheralittlepushtowardsthestaircase.‘Upwithyouandtakeoffyourcoat,I’llbeinthediningroom.’

Itwasterriblewhenshegotdownstairs,thesmellofhotsoupsentherinsidesrumbling.Shedidn’tthinkshe’dbeabletobearit.‘I’msureyou’dratherbeonyourown,’shebegan,withnosuccessatall;shewassatinachairbesideBenedictandOrkladledsoupintoaplateandsetitbeforehismaster.Tryasshemight,shecouldn’tpreventadelicatesniff.

‘Youhaven’thadyourdinner,’saidBenedictblandly.‘Ork,bringanotherplate.MissPrudenceisgoingtohavedinneraswell.’

Prudenceshothimalook.‘Idon’twant…’shebegan,andthenastheplatewassetbeforeher:‘No,Ihaven’thaddinner.Iwenttothecinemainstead.’

‘Onyourown?’Hisvoicewasgentlyenquiring.‘Well,yes.’Shedidn’tlookupfromherplate.‘We’llhavetodobetterthanthat,won’twe?’Heturnedroundtospeakto

Orkandtheoldmanwentawayandcamebackpresentlywithabottleofwine,thenservedthemwithspicedchickenwithapricots.Theyhadalmostfinished

whenBenedictsaidabruptly:‘I’mafraidthewhoopingcoughepidemicisescalating.I’vebeencalledouttothreecasesthiseveningandthereweredoublethenumberattheclinicthisweek.’

‘Aretheyveryill—thechildren?’‘Someofthem,yes.Thethingis,haveweenoughstafftocope?It’salong

illness.Motherswithotherchildrenwon’tbeabletoholdout,sothesickonesmustgointohospitalifit’spossible.’

‘Sowhatdoyoudo?’Helookedatheroverhisglass.‘Tryandkeepastepahead.’PrudencehelpedherselftothetrifleOrkwasoffering.‘It’sasillyquestion,

butisthereanythingIcando?’‘Notatthemoment—ifthereisI’lltellyou.We’dbetterkeepSibellaaway

fromthatdancingclassforthetimebeing—oneofthechildrenwhogoestoitfellillthisevening.Wecanlethergotoschoolforthemoment,she’sinasmallclassandoutsideitshehasn’tmuchcontactwiththeotherchildren.Thechildrennextdoorhaveallbeeninoculated,soshecangotheretoplayandtheycancomehere.Getheroutforagoodbriskwalkeachdayandseethatsheeatsproperly.’Hesmiledsuddenlyather.‘Let’shavecoffeeinthedrawingroom.’

OrkbroughtthetrayinafterthemandPrudencesaidurgently:‘I’llgoandgiveOrkahandclearingthetable—it’ssolate…’

‘You’lldonosuchthing—he’dbedeeplyoffendedandsuspectthatwethoughthewasgettingpasthiswork.Thethreeofthemwillmakeshortworkofthewashingup.Nowtellme,didyouenjoyyourlunchwiththeBrands?’

Sheenjoyedsittingtheretellinghimaboutherafternoon,butshedidn’tstaylong.OnherwayoutoftheroomBenedictcalledafterher.‘TakeSibellatochurchinthemorningwillyou?I’lltakeHenryforhiswalk;I’llhavetobeawayearlyandIprobablyshan’tbeinforlunch.’

Shedidn’tseehimagainuntiltheeveningandthenonlybriefly.Thereweretobeclinicssetup,hetoldher,sothatallthebabiesandsmallchildrencouldbeinoculated;ithadtobeorganisedandstartedstraightaway.

AndSundaysetthepatternoftheweek,withglimpsesofBenedictatonemealortheother,lettersthrustatherwiththerequesttoanswerthemasbestshemight,thephonegoingalmostunceasingly,andwhenOrkorBetjeweren’ttherePrudencefoundherselfcopingaswellasshewasable.NearlyalwaysthepersontheotherendspokesomeEnglish,andshetookcarefulnoteoftheirmessagesandphonenumbersandleftthemonBenedict’sdeskwherehewouldseethemwhenhegotin.

ShecancelledherlunchdatewiththePennicksandwhenEverardphonedputhimoff,regretfully,frominvitingherouttodinner.‘We’reabitbusy,’she

explained,‘andalthoughIcan’thelpmuch,Iamanextrapairofhandsabouttheplace.’

Hehadunderstoodverynicely,theymadeavaguedateforaweekorsoaheadandshehungup.Shewouldhaveenjoyedaneveningout;Benedictwasstillhisusualplacidselfalmostallthetime,butonceortwicewhensomethinghadgonewrongshehadglimpsedawellbatteneddownrageandimpatience.Hewaslookingtired,too,andalthoughhewasexactlyashealwayswaswithhislittledaughterhehadsnappedatPrudenceonceortwice,toapologiseimmediately.

Itwasinthemiddleofthefollowingweekwhenhecamedowntobreakfastlookingthunderous.HekissedSibellabuthisgoodmorningtoPrudencewasveryterse.‘Prudence,I’vegotajobforyou.Whenyou’vetakenSibellatoschoolIwantyoutogotomyconsultingrooms—myreceptionisthasgoneoffsickandI’venotimetogetareplacement.There’sanursethereaswellwhospeaksEnglish,sodothebestyoucan.’Heswallowedacupofcoffee,kissedhissmalldaughteroncemoreandhadgone.

Prudencegapedafterhim;shewaspreparedtomakeallowancesforhimbecausehewasboggeddowninamassofextrawork,butdidhereallythinkthatshecouldcopewithareceptionist’sjobwithoutanywarningwhatsoever?Asillyquestion,shetoldherself,becausepresumablyhedid.Well,ifhegotallthewrongpatientsandtheirnamesmixeduptoboot,thatwashisfault!

ShetookSibellatoschoolanddrovetotheaddresshehadgivenher,stoppingtoaskthewaytwice.Bythetimeshearrivedinthenarrowstreetwithitsrowoftallgabledhouses,shewasfeelingbelligerent.Sheparkedthecarwithafinedisregardfortheboardtellinghernotto,andwentupthenarrowstepstothedoorwithBenedict’snameonit.Thefirstfloor,hehadsaid.Shepoundedupthenarrowstairs,soannoyedthatshequiteforgottofeelanypanic.Thelandingwasverysmallwiththreedoors.Sheexaminedtheminturnanddecidedthat‘Wachtkamer’wasprobablythesafest.TheseconddoorhadDrvanVinkeonitandhemightbeinsidewithapatient,thethirddoorhadPrivate,whichwaseasilyguessable.

Thewaitingroomwassurprisinglyelegant,doneoutinagentlegreyandpalegreenwiththemeresthintofrosepink.Anyonefeelingillwoulddoubtlessfeelbetterattheverysightofit,butPrudencehadnotimeforthat.Therewasadeskoppositethedoor,withnoonesittingatit,andtwopeoplesittingincomfortablechairslookinguneasy.

Prudencemutteredwhatshehopedwasgoodmorning,andcrossedtothedesk;therewasalargesheetofpaperonitwithhernamewrittenlarge.Someonehadwrittenincapitals:‘Knockandcomeinwhenyougethere.’

Therewasanotherdoorbythedesk.Shetappedbrisklyandwentinside.Benedictwasthere,sittingbesideanenormousdeskwriting.TherewerescreensinonecorneroftheroomandPrudencecouldhearvoices.Nurseandpatient,sheguessed,andaddressedherselftoBenedict.

‘I’mhere,’shesaidbaldly.Heglancedupather.‘Andinatoweringrage,’heobserved.‘Gointothe

thirdroomonthelandingandgetintoawhiteoverallyou’llfindthere.Myreceptionistisn’tquiteyourshape,’hepaused,eyeingherperson,‘butyou’llhavetomakedo—pinsorsomething.Thengotothedeskwhereyou’llfindapileofpatients’notesandanappointmentsbook—putthenotesinorder,willyou,andthenlookatthenamesonthenextpageandtakethenotesforthosepatientsoutofthefilingcabinet.’Henoddedbrieflyandbenthisheadoverhiswritingagain.

Prudencedidn’tsayaword.Withoutlookingupheadded:‘StopseethingandshowalittleoftheBritishphlegmsodeservedlyadmired.Ididwarnyouthatyou’dbeageneralhelp.’

Prudencewentoutoftheroom,mutteringtoherself,foundanoverallinthesmallcloakroomleadingoffthelandingandwasinstantlylostinitsamplefolds.Shewasbynomeansaskinnygirl,butBenedict’sreceptionistmusthavebeenasizetwentyatleast.Luckilytherewasabelt;shegatheredinasmuchasshecouldandwentbacktothewaitingroom.

Therewasanotherpatienttherenow,butasshewentinthenursefetchedtheothertwoaway.PrudencemumbledherversionofgoodmorninginDutchandsatdownatthedesk.ShefoundthingsexactlyasBenedicthadtoldher,andreallyitwasn’tintheleastdifficult.Shewasatthefilingcabinetgettingoutthenextlotofpatients’noteswhenthenursecameinagainwithhertwopatients.ShesmiledatPrudence.‘YouwillmakeanappointmentforthefirstweekinNovember?’sheasked.‘Englishisspoken.’

Sheslidawaywiththenextpatientandtwomorecamein.Prudencedealtwiththeelderlyladieswhoneededanotherappointment,usheredthemoutandbentawaryeyeonthenewcomers.Theybeamedbackatherandspoke;ittookherafewmomentstodiscoverthatwhattheyweresayingwastheirname.Theircardwasontopofthesmallpilestillonthedesk.Sheutteredarelievedsighandwentbacktothefilingcabinet.

Themorningworeon,andbytwelveo’clockshewasbeginningtoenjoyherself.ButbythenitwastimetocollectSibellafromschoolandthelastofthepatientshadbeenusheredintoBenedict’sconsultingroom.Itwasthenursewhocameoutwiththemessagethatsheshouldleaveandthatshewouldn’tbeneededagainthatday.

Hecouldatleastsaythankyou,thoughtPrudence,disentanglingtheoverallandrushingdownthestairsandintothecar.Luckilytherewasn’tagreatdealoftrafficinthenarrowsidestreets;shereachedtheschooljustasSibellaemerged.

TherewasnosignofBenedictatlunch.ThetwoofthemateitaloneandthenwithHenryforcompanywentfortheirusualwalk.Itwasturningcolderandtherewasameanwindblowingtheleavesfromthetrees.TheywalkedandranandplayedtigwithHenryobliginglyjoiningin,andSibella’ssmallcheeksglowed.‘PapaisgivingmeabicycleforChristmas,’shetoldPrudenceasshedancedalongbesideher.‘Wewillride,youandme…’

‘I,’correctedPrudenceautomatically.Thiswastobeanotherofherduties,bikingfuriouslyroundAppeldoorn,probablyintheteethofanastywind.‘Canyouride?’sheasked.

Sibellagaveheralimpidlook.‘No,butyouandPapashallteach,isitnot?’Prudenceexplainedaboutnotsaying‘isitnot’andobservedthatPapawould

teachherfarbetterthananyoneelse.Sibellanoddedhersmallhead.‘Butofcourse,butyoucometoo.’Prudencesmileddownather;itwasnicetobewanted.Shethoughtwith

surprisethatBenedicthadwantedhertoo,althoughperhapsnotinquitethesameway.

Benedictdidn’tcomehomeuntilshewasputtingSibellatobed.Hecameintothebathroomwherethelittlegirlwassplashingaroundinthebath,andPrudencewasshockedathistiredface.

Sheaskedurgently:‘Didyouhavelunch?’Hehadgonetositontheedgeofthebath.‘No.’‘Tea,anything?’‘No,butdon’tfuss,Sitska’sgettingmeatraynow.’SheliftedSibellaontothebathmatandbegantodryher.‘Youdon’thaveto

gooutagain,Ihope?’‘Ican’tsay.Youdidagoodmorning’swork,Prudence.Thankyou.’‘Iquite—Ienjoyedit.I’msorryIwasratty.’Hesmiledtiredly.‘Whetheryoulikeitornotyou’llbedoingitforseveral

mornings—andbywayofalittlelightrelief,oneofthewomenhelpersattheclinicthat’sbeensetuphasbothherchildrenillwithwhoopingcough,soyou’llhavetogotherethreeeveningsaweekandhelpout.’

Andatherlook:‘Itisn’tgoingtolastforever,youknow.’Sothepatternofherdayschangedyetagain,andnowshewasbusyfrom

morninguntilbedtime,andonceshehadgotthehangofit,shecopedverywell.Theeveningclinicwaspurelyamatterofcommonsenseonherpartandacapacityforhardwork.Therewaslittleneedtospeak,whichwasagoodthing;

herworkwasmainlyhelpingbabiesandsmallchildrenoutoftheircoats,rollingupsleeves,dryingtear-stainedlittlefacesandusheringthemandtheirmothersoutintothestreetagain.Therewereseveralhelperstodothesemundanetasks,leavingthedoctorsandnursesfreeforthemorespecialisedwork,andPrudencemadefriendsquickly.

Onlywhenthelastsmallpatienthadbeenwrappedupandsenthomeandtheworkofclearingupbegandidshebegintofeeltired.Itwasbliss,whentheywereready,tositdownandwaitforBenedicttocomefromhisofficeandwalkherouttotheAstonMartin.Shesankbackagainsttheleatherandwishedthedrivewouldlastforhoursinsteadofthetenminutesittooktogethome.Andonceindoors,therewasOrkreadywithcoffeeandsandwichesarrangedbeforethefireinthedrawingroom.Whenherthreenightsweredone,shefeltlost,watchingBenedictleavethehouse,wishingsheweregoingwithhim.Asitwas,shewastedherpreciousquieteveningsdoingnothing,sittinginthelovelyroomfollowingtheevening’sworkinhermind’seye.Onceonthefirstoftheseeveningsshestayedupuntilhereturned,onlytobemetbyalookofirritation,quicklysuppressed,andademandastowhyshehadn’tgonetobed.Shehadmadesomeexcuseandsaidgoodnightatonce,andhadtakencaretobeinherroombeforehecamehomeonsubsequentnights.Shehadmadevariousexcusestoherselfaboutit,butdeepdownshewashurt.Shehadwantedtoshowhimthatshewasconcerned,evenifshehadn’tbeenworkingattheclinic,butshehadmerelyannoyedhim.Shedidn’tknowwhy—andcometothat,sheremindedherselfcrossly,shewasn’tinterested.

Itcouldn’tlastforever,ofcourse.AttheendofthethirdweekBenedicttoldherthatthingswereonthemend;therewasnoneedforhertogototheclinicanymore.‘Ishan’tneedtogoeither,’headded,‘andMevrouwPalkwillbebackatmyroomsinthreedays’time,soyou’llbeabletoreturntonormallife.’

Hetoldheroverlunch,andSibella,listeningandunderstandingagooddeal,pipedup:‘NowImayhavemyPrudenceformeagain.Idonotlikeitwhensheisnotwithme.’

Prudencebeamedatthechild,‘Nowisn’tthatnice—Ilikebeingwithyoutoo.Ifyourpapadoesn’tobject,we’llthinkofsomethingexcitingtodotogether,justbywayofatreat.’

SibellawrinkledhersmallbrowandBenedicttranslatedthelastpart,thenaddedinEnglish:‘Aren’tIinvited?’

Sibellashriekedwithjoy.‘Yes,yes,Papa,itwillbegeweldig!’‘Ithinkyoumeansplendidorsomethinglikethat,’saidPrudence.‘Whatdo

youwanttodo?’Sibellagotoutofherchairandclimbedontoherfather’sknee,putherarms

roundhisneckandwhispered.BenedictlookedacrosstoPrudence.‘It’sasecret,’hesaidblandly.‘Ifyoudon’tmindmissingyourfreeSaturdaymorning,we’llgothen.’Hewassilentforamoment.‘Thatisunlessyou’vemadeanydates?’

‘Dates?Me?MevrouwPennincksaidshe’dwaitforafewweeksbeforemakingadateforlunchwithher.’Shewasannoyedtofeelhercheeksgrowwarm.‘AndEverardHerrismaaskedmetogotodinner,butIexplained…’

‘Nodoubthewillphoneagain.Haveanyeveningyouwant,Prudence,afterthisweek.’

‘AreyougoingtomarryProfessorHerrisma?’askedSibella.ShesaiditinDutch,butthemeaningwasclearenough.

‘Certainlynot,’saidPrudencequickly,andadded:‘Anyway,hehasn’taskedme—youdon’tmarryanyoneunlessheasksyoufirst.’

AllofwhichBenedicttranslatedforSibella,hisfaceexpressionless.Itwasnicetoreturntoherhomelylittlechoreseachday;havetimetodothe

flowersandhelpwiththedelicatechinaandsilver,takeHenryforwalkswithouthavingtorushbacktogettotheconsultingroomsintimeandtypeanylettersforBenedictatareasonablehourinsteadofdashingthemoffatanysparemoment.AndaboveallitwasnicetohaveBenedictaroundthehousemoreoften.Hedidn’tlooktiredanymoreeither,althoughshesurprisedathoughtfullookonhishandsomefeaturesfromtimetotimeasthoughhewasworriedaboutsomething—notquiteworriedperhaps,preoccupiedwasabetterword.TherehadbeennosignofMyraduringthelastbusyweekortwo.Perhapsshewasawayortheyhadquarrelled,orperhapsshejustdidn’tcometothehouseanymore.CertainlyBenedicthadgoneoutintheeveningsafterdinnerononeortwooccasionssincehenolongerwenttotheclinic.PrudencetoldherselfthatshewasbecominganoseyparkerandturnedherattentiontotheimportanceofwhattowearonSaturday.

Theyleftdirectlyafterbreakfast,drivingintoagreyblusterymorning,andwhenBenedicthadturnedontotheAmsterdammotorway,Prudenceasked:‘Isthatwherewe’regoing?Amsterdam?’

‘Howcleverofyoutoguess.Sibellahasdecidedthatyoumustbeshownthesights.Weshalldothelot—museums,canaltrip,royalpalace,shops—inmoderation,Ihope—theNieuweKerk,pausingfromtimetotimeforrefreshment.’HeglancedatPrudence.‘Anunsophisticatedday’souting.’

‘Itsoundssuper,’saidPrudence,andmeantit.Theyhadahilariousday.Benedictparkedthecar,notaneasymatterforthe

motoristinthatcityofcanalsandnarrowstreets,butsincehewasanhonoraryconsultantatthelargesthospitalthere,itwasonlyaquestionofparkingthe

AstonMartininitsforecourtandtakingataxitothefirstitemintheirprogramme—thecanaltrip.

Thedaywasariotoussuccess.Prudencewaswhiskedfromonethingtotheothersothatbythetimetheystoppedforlunchshehadakindofkaleidoscopewhirlingaroundinsideherhead.TheywenttotheCaféduCentreatDikkerenThijs,veryelegantand,Prudencesuspected,veryexpensive.Fortifiedbylobsterpatties,ravioliandanenormousicecream,shewasonlytoowillingtobetakenonalightningtouroftheshopsandaslightlylongertouroftheRijksmuseum,notlongenough,shedeclared,beinghurriedalongtoMadameTussaud’sMuseum,atreatSibellashrillydemandedPrudenceshouldbeallowedbeforetheyhadtea.

TheytookataxifromtheMuseumtotheAmstelHotelandhadteaonthecoveredterraceandthenhadanothertaxiridebacktothehospitalwherethecarwasparked.Itwasduskbeforetheywerehome,racingdownthemotorwaywithaspeedthatPrudencefoundexhilarating.Itwasaterriblelet-downtodiscoverwhentheygotbackthatBenedictwasgoingouttodinner.

PerhapsitwasbecauseofherdisappointmentthatsheacceptedEverard’sinvitationtohavedinnerwithhimonthefollowingWednesday.Hephonedafterdinner,asshewasdrinkinghercoffeeinthedrawingroom,andperhapsshehadbeenmoreeagerthanshehadintended.Itwouldbenicetohaveaneveningout,andEverardwasaniceman,butthatwasall.TheremarksBenedicthadmaderankledstill,andPrudencewenttobedwonderingifsheshouldhaverefusedoratleastsoundedabitdoubtful.

ButBenedictshowednodoubtatallwhenshetoldhim.‘Gobyallmeans!Youdeservesomefunaftertheselastweeks,andEverardisagoodcompanion.’Hesmiledatherwithacasualgoodhumourwhichforsomereasonannoyedher.‘Takeahousekeyifyoulike.’

‘Ishan’tbelate,’sheassuredhimstiffly.Itwouldhavetobetheblouseandskirtagain,prettyenoughfordiningout,

butperhapssheshouldwriteandaskhermothertosendhersomethingelse,althoughtherewasnothingtostopherbuyingadress.Afterall,shehadspentalmostnothingofhersalary;shehadn’thadthechance.

EverardcametofetchherandspenttenminutesorsotalkingtoBenedictbeforetheyleftthehouse,EverarddrivingaMercedeswitharegardfortherulesoftheroadwhichannoyedher.Sheimaginedthathewouldneverexceedthespeedlimitonanyaccount,whichfromherbriefexperienceofdrivinginHollandwasanunusualthing.Allthesame,hewasapleasantcompanion.HetookhertothePeppermillinthetown,aquietrestaurantnowthatthetouristseasonwasover,andtheydinedunhurriedly,talkingabouteverythingunderthe

sun.Itwasalmosteleveno’clockwhenhedroveherback,andthehouse,exceptfortheporchlightsandaglimmerfromthehalllamps,wasquietanddark.

‘Benedictout?’askedEverard.‘Well,it’smorethanlikely.Iwon’tcomein.Wemustdothisagain,Prudence.’

Shethankedhimnicely,shookhishandbeforeshesensedthatgivenhalfachancehewouldkissher,andslippedindoorsasOrk,inanswertoherring,letherin.

Thehousewaswarmandpeacefulandlovelytocomehometo.ShesighedandwishedOrkagoodevening,thenstartedforthestairs.ShehadonlytakenasteportwowhenthestudydoorwasopenedandBenedictcameout.

‘Backalready?Ihopeyouenjoyedyourevening?’‘Verymuch,thankyou.’‘Thefirstofmany?’Benedict’svoicewasfaintlymockingandshebristled.‘Ireallydon’tknow.Inanycase,Ihardlyexpecttobefreetogooutjust

wheneverIplease.’‘Quiteright.Butofcourse,ifyou’regenuinelyfondofEverard…’Shegoggledathim.‘Me?Fondofhim?Ihardlyknowhim!He’sadearand

Ilikehim.Youdojumptoconclusions,don’tyou?’‘Perhaps.’Hisvoicewascoolandalittleamused.‘He’dmakeaverygood

husband.’‘Idaresayhewould,’shesnappedbackathim.‘ButitsohappensthatIdon’t

particularlywanttomarry.Oncebitten,twiceshy,youknow.I’mgoingtobeverycautiousnexttime.Icertainlyshan’tdoanythingassillyasfallinginlovewithoutverycarefulconsiderationfirst.’

Hisblueeyesdancedwithamusement,buthedidn’tsmile.‘Iagreewithyou;compatibilityandfriendshipwithoutheavingpassionaremuchmorelikelytomakeasuccessfulmarriage,especiallyforusolderones.’Heignoredtheindignantsoundshemade.Hewentongently:‘IthinkitmightbeagoodideaifyouandImarriedonthoseterms,Prudence.’Heturnedbacktothestudy.‘Giveitsomethought,willyou?Goodnight.’

Shefeltshewouldexplodewithindignation.Shehadhadproposalsbefore,butneveronelikethat,offeredcasuallyandwithoutwaitingtofindoutwhatshethoughtaboutit.Thearrogantwretch!Inthemorningshewouldgivehimapieceofhermind,packherbagsandgohome.Tempertookherupstairstoherroom,wheresheflungoffherclothesandjumpedintobed,stillseething.Indeedsheactuallygotoutagainandstartedtopackacase,tostopinthemiddlebecauseSibella’slittlefacedancedbeforehereyes.Shewouldleave,butnotbeforeshehadconcoctedsomesuitablestorytotellthelittlegirl.Theyhadgrownfondofeachotheranditwasn’tgoingtobeeasytoleave.Apityshe

wasn’tfondofBenedict.Shegotbackintobed,andwenttosleeponawaveofindignation.

CHAPTERFIVE

PRUDENCEWOKEinthesmallhoursandrememberedwiththeclarityofthoughtwhichcomeswiththedeadofnighteverywordBenedicthadsaid.

Shesatupinbed,switchedonherbedsidelightandponderedthematter.Hehadbeenjoking;shedismissedtheideaatonce—Benedictwouldn’tmakethatkindofjoke.Andjustsupposehehadbeenserious?Shelikedhim,sheenjoyedhiscompany,sheadmiredhisabilitytoworkhard,shetrustedhim.Ontheotherhand,hecouldbearrogantwhenitsuitedhimandshesuspectedthatunderthatcalmfacehecontrolledatemper.Notthatthatworriedher;shehadatemperherselfwhichshedidn’talwayscheck…

Shecurledupagainstherpillowsandfellintosupposition,unlikelybutinteresting.Shelikedlivingintheoldhouse;lifewaspleasantevenifitwasbusy,andsurelyifshemarriedhimBenedictwouldseetoitthatsomeonewouldcomeandtakeoverherchores?Shehadlikedhisfriends—well,mostofthem,andshelikedAppeldoornandshehadagenuinefondnessforSibella.Werethosethingsenoughtomakeahappymarriage?shewondered.Hedidn’tloveher;whatwasithehadsaid:‘Compatibilityandfriendshipwithoutheavingpassion,’and,‘Itwouldbeagoodideaifwemarriedonthoseterms.’

Shewasaromanticgirl;nowaycouldsheseeanyromanceinhissuggestion.Itmightnothavebeenajoke,buthecouldn’thavebeenserious.Sheswitchedoutthelightandwentbacktosleep.

Sheoverslept,whichmeantthatshehadtohurryinordertogodowntobreakfastwithSibella,andthatleftnotimeforthinking.EvenifshehadhadtimetogetshyatmeetingBenedictagain,itwouldn’thavemattered.Therehewassittingatthebreakfasttable,lookingasplacidashealwaysdid,wishingthemgoodmorningwithoutatraceofawkwardnessandthengoingbacktohislettersandnewspaper.Presentlyhetossedsomeletterstoherwiththecasualremarkthatshemightanswerthemandhavethemreadyforhimtosignwhenhegothomeforlunch.‘There’snothingIneedtodictate;I’vescribbledacoupleofdatesdown.’Hegotupkissedhisdaughter,noddedcasuallytoPrudenceandwentoutofthehouse.

Hewashomeforlunch,cameinforteawiththembothandafterabriefabsence,backagainfordinner,andnotoncedidheattemptanythingmorethan

casualtalk.ItwasonthetipofPrudence’sforthrighttonguetoaskhimjustexactlywhathehadmeant,butsomehowtherightmomentneveroccurred.Thedayendedwithhisusualplacidgoodnightafterdinner,apolitewayoftellingherthathedidn’twishforhercompany.

‘Theman’smad!’declaredPrudence,sittingbeforehermirror,brushingherfieryhairandfrowningfiercelyatherdelightfulreflection.HecouldexplainhimselfonDoomsdayasfarasshewasconcerned.Allthesame,sheadmittedreluctantly,hewasreallyrathernice;thewayhecameforteaathome,forinstance,declaringthathewasfamished,tossingSibellaintotheair,ticklingheruntilsheshriekedwithlaughter,rompingwithHenry;sheforgotthenthathecouldberemoteandpreoccupiedandeventerse,hewasjustamancominghometohisfamilyandhappytodoso.

Sheputthebrushdownslowly,stillstaringatherface.WouldhecomehometoMyrainsuchafashion?ShedoubtedifthatyoungwomanwouldhaveherteaintheplayroomorallowHenrytoeatcrumpetsandlollinfrontofthefire.ShewouldentertainelegantlyinthedrawingroomandBenedictwouldbeexpectedtojoinherandnevermindSibella.Myrawouldhaveanexcellentgovernessforthelittlegirlandseeaslittleofheraspossible.

‘Allguesswork,’Prudenceinformedherreflection,‘especiallyasIhatethegirl.Allthesame,Sibelladeservesalovingstepmother.’

Shegotupandwanderedovertothebedandslidin.‘Likeme,’sheaddedatlength,‘onlyit’sanimpossibility.Imusthavebeenhavinghallucinationsorsomething.’

Shehadtoeatherwordsontheverynextday.SheandSibellahadcomeinfromtheirwalk,glowing,abitnoisyandalittledampfromthedrizzleblowninalldirectionsbythegustywind.Theywereinthehallpeelingoffcoatsandscarves,discussingtheadvantagesofbutteredtoastoverjamsandwiches,whenBenedictcameoutofhisstudy.Helookedthemoverwithafaintsmile,submittedtoSibella’shugs,beggedhertotakeHenrytothekitchentobedried,andonlythenturnedtoPrudence.

‘Comeintothestudy,Prudence.’Heheldthedooropenandafteramoment’shesitation,shewent.

‘Isiturgent,DrvanVinke?’sheaskedinacoolvoice.‘Orktakestheteatrayuptotheplayroom,’sheaddedpettishly.‘Idon’tlikebeingorderedabout.’

Hedidn’tansweratonce,onlysmiledalittle.‘Sitdown,willyou?AndI’veaskedOrktotakeSibellatothekitchenforafewminutes,soyouneednotworryabouther—teawillkeep.’

Hewentandsatdownbehindthedeskagain,leaningbackinhischair,hiseyesonherface.‘Notaveryromanticplaceinwhichtopropose,isit?’heasked,

andshecouldhaveswornthathewaslaughingsilently.‘ButIdon’tthinkeitherofusfeelsthatway.Ithoughtifwehadasensiblediscussionandironedoutanydifferences…’

‘Youmeantittheotherevening?’Shemanagedtokeephervoicenormal.‘I’vehadproposalsbefore,butneveronelikethat.’

‘Ah,butthecircumstancesareratherdifferent,aren’tthey?Wearenotboggeddowninsentiment,weareabletotalkaboutmarriageunhamperedbythewearingofrose-colouredspectacles.’

Sheglancedathim.Hemustbelaughing,onlyhewasn’t.Hisfaceworeitsusualcalmfriendliness.Shesaidweakly:‘Whatdidyouwanttosay?’

‘Iamawarethatthisisallalittleunusual,buttakingintoaccountourcircumstances,youmustagreethatitisalsomostsensible.Ineedawifetorunmyhome,sewbuttonsonmyshirts,keepaneyeonmyappointmentsandentertainourfriends,Sibellaneedsamotherdesperately,andshealreadyhasaverystrongaffectionforyou.Iamnolongerveryyoung—Ishallbethirty-eightinafewmonths—andyouareoldenoughtoregardmarriageassomethingmorethanswanningoffintothesunset…’

Prudencegaspedandmuttered:‘I’mnotthatold!’Heagreedpleasantly.‘Indeednot,andwhenyou’reracingaroundwith

Sibellayoulooktenyearsyounger.Besides,youareaveryprettygirl.’Hefixedherwithabrightblueeye.‘AsIhavealreadymentioned,wewillleavethe—er—romanceoutofitforthetimebeing,suchfeelingshavetogrowwithoutbeingurged.IthinkIamrightinthinkingthatyou’vehadyourfilloffallinginloveforthetimebeing.Timeenoughforthatlateron.’

‘Andsupposingwedon’tever—thatis,ifwejustwanttoremainonafriendlybasis?’

‘Shallwecrossthatbridgewhenwegettoit?’Shesaidhesitantly:‘Ithinkmarriageshouldbepermanent,unlessit’s

hopeless…’‘Iagree.’Hesmiled.‘Weagreeaboutquitealotofthings,don’twe?’Prudencenodded,andthenrememberedsomething.‘WhataboutMyra?I

thoughtshewas—well,yourgirl-friend.’‘Didyouindeed?’Hisvoicewassilky.‘IcanassureyouthatIdon’thave

girl-friends.ShehappenstobesomeonewhomI’veknownforsometime—shewasafriendofmywife’s,butI’veneverhadanydesiretodomorethantakeheroutoccasionallybywayofalittlelightrelief.Indeed,sheisn’ttheonlyyoungwomanI’vedateswith.’Hiseyesheldhersforalongmoment.‘IfyouwillconsenttobemywifeyouwillbetheonlywomanIshalldate,Prudence.’Hesmiledslowly.‘Arethereanymorevexedquestions?’

Sheshookherhead,thensaidalittlestiffly:‘Idon’tknowanythingaboutyou.’Shepaused:‘Imean,yourfamilyandyour—yourwife…’

‘Myparentsaredead,mywifewaskilledinanaccidentwhenSibellawasnotquiteayearold.’Hesaidveryevenly:‘Shefoundlifeverydullbeingmarriedtoadoctor;shelikedpartiesandwintersportsandhavingfun.Shewasyoung—inherearlytwenties—wehadgrownapart.Ihavelostcountofthepeoplewhohaveadvisedmetomarryagain,butuntilImetyoutherewasnooneIcouldbecompletelyeasywith.Youfitintoourlivessowell,Prudence,Ibelievethatwecouldleadacontentedlife,youandIandSibella.Butperhapsyouwouldbecomeboredafteratime.’

‘Bored?HowcouldIpossiblybe?There’salwayssomethingtodo—SibellaandHenry,andofcourseyou…’Shewasn’tlookingathimandmissedtheamusedgleaminhiseyes.‘Andthere’sDutchtolearn,andyourfriends,andtheshopping.’

‘Itsoundsalittletedious.Lifeisn’talwaysashumdrum,though:there’snoreasonwhyyoushouldn’tcomewithmewhenIgotoEngland,andifyoudothenofcourseSibellacancometoo,andItravelroundquiteabit.SibellaandIride—Idon’tknowifyoudo?’Andwhenshenodded:‘I’llgetyouamount,therearesomesplendidstretchesofcountrynottoofaraway.’Hesawherfaceandadded:‘Don’tdecidenow,tellyourparentsorNancyifyouwish,asktheiradvice.’

‘SupposeIrefuse?’‘We’llgoonasweareatpresent.Sibellaisalothappierthanshehasbeen

formonths,OrkandSitskalikeyou,myfriendslikeyou—forthatmatter,Ilikeyou.Ishouldwantyoutostayonas—well,whatareyou?Generalassistant,GirlFriday,governess—Iwouldn’tknow.’

‘You’veforgottentheshorthandandthetyping,’Prudenceremindedhim.‘AndIdon’twanttoaskanyone’sadvice.Funnilyenough,theonlypersonwhoseadviceIwouldtakeisyours.I’llsleeponitandtellyouinthemorning.’

Benedictnodded,gotupandopenedthedoorandwhenshewasinthehall:‘AskOrktotakeuptea,willyou?I’llbeupinafewminutes.’

Prudenceturnedtolookathim.Hewassmilingalittle,hisvoicehadbeencasualandplacidasthoughtheyhadnothingmoreontheirmindsthansomesmallhouseholdproblem.

Whatwasmore,neitherbywordorlookdidhesomuchashintastotheirconversation.Theyhadtea,playedcarswithSibella,andpresentlymetdownstairsbeforedinner,overwhichmealtheydiscussedthevarioustypesofschoolinghehadinmindforSibella.Itwasallalittlefrustrating,thoughtPrudence,goinguptobedafterasuitableinterval,leavinghertodecidesuchan

importantmatterbyherself.Afterall,hewouldbeasinvolvedasshe.Thatthiswasquiteillogicaldidn’tenterherhead,andinanycaseshewasawareinherheartthathermindwasalreadymadeup.Shewouldmarryhim;notforlovebutcertainlyforlikingandbecauseshewantedtoliveinthelovelyoldhouseandsharehisinterests,inthesamewayasfriendsshared.Hewasquiteright,fallinginlovewasnogreatshakes,oneonlyfelloutagainorgottakenforgranted,justasTonyhadtakenherforgranted.Shewouldbecontentandquietlyhappy,anditwouldbefuntowatchSibellagrowup.

Sheundressedandbeforeshegotintobed,wentalongtoseethatthechildwasasleep.Sibellawascurledintoatightballinhersmallbed,andHenrywassprawleduntidilyacrossitsfoot.Heopenedaneyeandwaggedhistail,hewouldgoforhisruninthegardenwithBenedictandsleepinhisbasketatthebackofthehall.ShekissedSibella,tweakedHenry’sear,andpaddedbacktoherownroom.

Lyingwakeful,shereflectedthattheexpression‘tosleeponit’wasaloadofnonsense.Whoeversleptsoundlyonaproblemneededtheirheadexamined!

ButitwasobviousthenextmorningthatBenedicthadnoproblems.His‘goodmorning’wasutteredwithcalm.Thecolossalconceitoftheman!thoughtPrudence,sufferingfromlackofsleep.Herowngreetingwasonthesnappysideandshebarelyglancedathim,awareatthesametimethatherbadtemperwasatvariancewiththefactthatshehadmadeuphermindtomarryhim.Shewashalfwaythroughherfirstcupofcoffeewhenhesaid:‘Sibella,willyougotomybedroomandfetchmypocketbook?I’veleftitonthetallboy.You’llhavetostandonachairtoreachit,sobecareful.’

Sibellaskippedoff,theycouldhearherfeetpatteringacrossthehallandrunningupthestaircase.‘Well?’askedBenedict.‘Youwantedtosleeponit,butIcanseethatyou’vebeenawakeformostofthenight.’

‘Yes,Ihave.’Shethrewhimapeevishlook.‘Quiteunnecessary.Isleptsoundly.’Hesoundedsosmugthatshecould

havethrownsomethingathim.‘Notworththinkingabout,Isuppose,’andthenherilltempercollapsedat

hisgentle:‘Ihadalreadydoneallmythinking,Prudence.Ihadnoproblem.I’veaskedyoutomarrymeandIhopethatyouwillsayyes.’

Smallfeetwerescamperingdownstairs.‘Well,Iwill,’saidPrudence.Therewasnotimetosaymore,becauseSibellacamedancingintotheroom.

‘Justintimeforsomegoodnews,’declaredherfather,andlapsedintoDutch.

Sibellahadbeenstandingbyhischair;nowshecaperedroundtoPrudenceandflungherselfather.‘Nice,verynice!NowyouareMama!’Sheleanedup

andkissedPrudence,thenranbacktoherfathertoflingherarmsroundhisneck.HesmiledatPrudenceoverthesmallhead.‘Wemusttalk,butnotnow.This

evening,Ithink.NowImustcomedowntoearthandgotowork.’HekissedSibellaandgotupandstartedforthedoor,butturnedbackafterafewsteps,bentoverPrudence’schairandkissedher.

‘I’mentitledtodothatnow,aren’tI?’hesaidsoftly.‘Totziens.’Prudencesetaboutherusualmorning’sroutine.Shehadn’tmeanttosay

anythingtoBenedictuntiltherightmoment,certainlynotintwominutesflatinthemiddleofbreakfast.Butitwasdonenow,andshehadtoadmitthatshefeltpleasantlyelatedandjustforthetimebeingshewascontenttobusyherselfwithherchoresandletfutureplanstakecareofthemselves.AndsinceBenedictdidn’tcomehomeforlunchtherewasnoneedtoputanyofherthoughtsintowords.Inanycase,thethoughtswerechaoticandshewouldhavebeenhardputtoittomakeherselfclear.ItwasSibellawhodidthetalking,rattlingoninherstrangemixtureofDutchandEnglish,makingplansforawedding,Christmas,aholidaynextyear,aswellasstatingherwishesaboutnewclothesfortheseevents.

‘It’sabitearly,’protestedPrudence.‘Youwillmarrynow,thisweek?’demandedthelittlegirl.‘Well,no.Yousee,ittakesalittletime—papersandthings,andI’llneeda

dresstobemarriedin…’Sibellalikedtheideaofwhitesatin,atrain,anenormousveilandabunchof

bridesmaids.‘AndIwillbeabridesmaid,’shedeclared.‘No,love—yousee,Ithinkweshallhaveaveryquietwedding,no

bridesmaidsandjustafewpeoplethere.I’llcertainlynotwearwhitesatin.’ToclinchtheargumentPrudenceadded:‘I’mtooold.Whenyougrowupandgetmarriedyoushallhavewhitesatin.’

AredherringwhichkeptSibellahappilyoccupiedfortherestoftheafternoon.

TheywerejustfinishingteawhenBenedictcamein,andSibellafelluponhimatonce,arguinghotlyinfavourofanenormouswedding.Helistenedpatiently,translatingforPrudence,andwhenthesmallvoicehadatlengthpeteredout:

‘Well,ifwedoallthat,it’lltakeatleastsixmonthstogetready,soPrudencecan’tbeyourmamauntilnextsummer.’HelookedatPrudence.‘Butperhapsyouwouldlikeitthatway?’

Shesaidnosohastilythathesmiled,thenbegantotalktoSibellaagain.Thechildlistenedcarefully,thennoddedherhead.‘I’vesuggestedthatthere’sanalternative,’hetoldPrudence.‘We’llgoshoppingandbuyyouasplendiddress

andgiveapartyforallourfriends.Whenwearemarried,ofcourse.’‘Thatsoundsfun.Youdounderstanddon’tyou.Imeanmewearingwhite

satin…’‘Yes,ofcourse.We’lldiscussthedetailslaterwhenthisbossybootshas

gonetobed.HowaboutagameofSnakesandLadders?’Itwasn’tuntilafterdinnerthattheyhadachancetotalk.Orkhadbeengiven

thegoodnewsearlierinthedayandtheyhadhadtosufferhisbenignglancesasheserveddinner—aspecialone,heinformedthem,bywayofcelebration.

‘Andthatmakesmefeelmean,’observedBenedict.‘Ishouldhavetakenyouout,shouldn’tI,tocelebrate.’HesaidsomethingtoOrk,whohurriedaway.‘I’vetriedtomakeamendsbytellinghimtogetsomechampagneupfromthecellar.’

‘I’dratherbehere,’saidPrudence,andmeantit.TheyhadtheircoffeeinthedrawingroomandPrudence,nicelyelevatedby

champagne,listenedtoBenedict’scalmvoiceproposingthisandthat,andfoundherselfagreeingtoallhesaid.Aquietweddingassoonaspossible,andfromherhome,anannouncementtobeputinthepapersatonce,nohoneymoon,forthesimplereasonthathehadmoreworkthanhecouldcopewithforthenextmonthorso,andlastlyherreturntoLittleAmwell.

‘IsupposeImustgo?’sheasked.‘Havingyouinmyemployundermyroofisonething,toharbouryouasmy

fiancéeisquiteanother—yes,youmustgo.Perhapswemightphoneyourfatherpresentlyandaskhimtofindoutthebestwaytogetaspeciallicence.Ishouldn’tthinkitwouldtakemorethanafewdays,inwhichcaseyoucangohomeattheendoftheweekandSibellaandIwillcomeoverforthewedding.ImustwarnyouthatI’muptomyeyesinwork,sowe’llhavetocomestraightbackhereonthesameday.’

‘That’sfine.It’llgivemeachancetogetsomewinterclothes.Dowehavetohaveabestmanandsoon?’

‘I’llbringEverard,andifImaymygodmother.Itoldhertoday,bytheway,andwe’retogotodinnertomorrowevening.’

‘I’venoclothes,’saidPrudence.‘SomeblousesandaskirtareallIbought.’Hesmiledfaintly.‘We’lltakeadaytogetherassoonaspossibleandsettle

thatquestion.InthemeantimeIdon’tthinkMevrouwvanderCulpisgoingtomindwhatyouwear.Youalwayslookverynice.’

Shesaiduncertainly:‘Youdothinkwe’redoingtherightthing,don’tyou?’Hiscalmnessreassuredher.‘Yes,Ido.Ibelieveweshallbeverycontent

together.’Hewaswatchinghercarefullyfromunderlazylids.‘YouhavenoregretsaboutTony?There’salwaysthepossibilitythatyouwillmeetagainsomeday.’

‘Ihaven’tthoughtabouthimforweeks,’saidPrudence.‘Isn’titawfultothinkthatifIhadn’tspokentoyouatNancy’sweddingImightstillbewaitingtomarryhim?’Sheaddedwithasuddenflashofpanic.‘Youdon’tthinkI’mflighty,doyou?’

Heansweredhergravely.‘No,Prudence,Idon’t.Onthecontrary,youhaveamoststabilizinginfluenceonme.’

‘Oh,well,that’sgood.’Sheglancedattheclock.‘I’dbettergotobed,Iexpectyou’vegotworktodo.’

Butasshegottoherfeethestooduptoo.‘Ialmostforgot.’Hefishedaroundinhispocketandproducedalittlebox.‘Yourengagementring.It’sbeeninthefamilyforalongtimeanditseemstomethatitwouldsuityou.’

Prudencetooktheboxandopenedit.Theringinsidewasverybeautiful,alargediamondsetinaclusterofsmallerstones,mountedinanoldfashionedgoldsetting.

‘It’smagnificent.’Shelookedathim.‘Supposeitdoesn’tfit?’Foranswerhetooktheringfromherandslippeditonherfinger.‘Agood

omen?’hesuggested,andbenttokisshercheek.‘Goodnight,Prudence.I’llseeaboutyourticketstomorrowandwe’llphoneyourfatherafterbreakfast.’

Shestoodatherwindow,lookingoutontothegardenbelowforquitesometime.Itwasrainingalittleandwindy,butthehousewassolidandwarmallroundher.‘It’shome,’shetoldherselfhappily;sheneverwantedtoliveanywhereelse,shewassocontent.Perhapstobecontentwasmoreimportantthanbeinginlove.

Shetelephonedherhomedirectlyafterbreakfast,beforeBenedictleftthehouse.Shewasansweredbyhermother.‘Darling,you’renotill—isanythingthematter?Youdon’tusuallyphone…’

‘Everything’sfine,Mother.BenedictwantstospeaktoFather.We’regoingtobemarried.’

Shelistenedtohermother’sspateofexcitedquestions.‘Look,love,I’llphoneyoulaterandwe’llhaveagoodgossip,butcouldyougetFathernow?Benedicthastoleaveinafewminutesandhe’sverybusy.’

Shehandedthephoneoverandsatontheedgeofthedesklisteningtohisplacidvoiceaskingmatter-of-factquestions.Presentlyhehandedthephonebacktoher.‘That’ssettled,’heobserved.‘Imustgo,Iexpectyou’dlikeaword.’

Hesmiledatherandwentoutoftheroom.Hehadn’tkissedher,butperhapsthatwasahabithedidn’tintendtomake.Shemustremembernottoexpectit.Shetalkedtoherfather,answeringhissensible,fatherlyquestions,arrangedtophonelaterinthedayandwenttogetSibellareadyforschool.Adaylikeanyother,onlyshewaswearingaringonherfinger.

Shedressedcarefullythatevening,wishingshehadsomethingmoreelegantinwhichtovisitMevrouwvanderCulp,butBenedict’s,‘Verynice,’asshejoinedhiminthehalldidmuchtorestoreheregoandtheoldlady’skindly,‘YouarejustrightforBenedict,andsoelegant,mydear,’madeherevening.

MevrouwvanderCulphadacharminghouse—toolarge,asshepointedouttoPrudence,butshewastoooldtochangenow.Theyhaddrinksinadrawingroomfurnishedwithaprofusionofoverstuffedchairs,smalltablesandstandardlamps,butafireblazedinthehearthandtheroomhadalived-inairandsuitedtheowner.Thediningroomwassmallincomparison,alldarkoakandredvelvet,butdinnerwassuperb,servedonwhitelinenwithgleamingsilveranddelicatechina.MevrouwvanderCulpmadenosecretofhersatisfactionattheirnews.‘I’vemadenosecretofmywishtoseeyoumarried,Benedict,’shetoldhim.‘IhopeI’mtobeinvitedtothewedding.Whenisittobe?’

‘Yes,ofcourseyouarecoming—itwillbesoon.PrudencegoeshomeonSaturdayandSibellaandIwillfollowassoonasIcanarrangeforsomeonetotakeoverforacoupleofdays.Everardistobebestman.It’stobeveryquiet.Prudence’sfatherwillmarryusfromherhome.’

Theoldladynodded.‘I’msureEverardisdelighted.’SheturnedafadedblueeyeonPrudence.‘Hewasgreatlyattractedtoyou,mydear.’

Prudencereturnedthelookwithapleasantsmile.‘He’saniceperson,isn’the?Wehaddinnertogetheraweekorsoago—Ishallvaluehisfriendship.’

Herhostessbeamedatherandnoddedagain.‘Yes,youwillbeagoodwifetoBenedict.You’rewearingtheVinkering,Isee.Doria—hisfirstwife—dislikedthefamilyjewels,herringwasplatinum,Iremember,withagreattopaz.’

PrudencepeepedatBenedict,buthisfacewasinscrutable;ifhemindedMevrouwvanderCulptalkingabouthisfirstwife,hegavenosign.

TheystayedtalkingforalongtimeandwhentheygotbackBenedictsaidkindly:‘Doyouwantanything?No?Thengotobed,mydear.I’vesomereportstoread.’

Shewishedhimacheerfulgoodnight,madesomelightheartedcommentupontheireveningandranupstairs,holdingbackdisappointment.Evenfriendskissedoccasionally.

Shewashalfwayupwhenheovertookher.‘ItwouldbeathunderinglieifItoldyouIwasquiteoutofthehabitofkissinggirls,butIstillhavetogetintothehabit—adelightfulone—ofkissingyou,Prudence.’

Hiskisswasquitesomethingthistime.Shefoundherselflookingforwardtothenextone.

BenedictdrovethemtoSchiphol,Sibellabetweenthem.Thematterofthe

speciallicencehadbeendealtwith,andtheyweretobemarriedonthefollowingWednesday,whichgaveheralmostnotimeatalltofindsomethingtowearforthewedding.There’sthatniceplaceinSherborne,’shemused.Wecoulddriveover,orTaunton…

‘You’reveryquiet,’saidBenedict.‘Coldfeet?’‘Certainlynot!I’mtryingtothinkofsomewherewhereIcanfindanoutfit.I

willnotbemarriedinaJaegersuit!’Sheadded:‘Therereallywasn’tanytimetofindanythinginAppeldoorn,thoughI’mgladSibella’sgotsomethingpretty.’

Hethrewheraquickamusedglance.‘I’msureyou’lllookcharmingwhateveryouwear.’

Shefeltquitelostoncethey’dsaidgoodbye,andshehadgonethroughCustomsandPassportcontrol.Wednesdayseemedalongwayoff,andshehadgotsousedtoawayoflifewithBenedictandSibellaandtherestofthehousehold.SheacceptedthecoffeeshewasofferedandwatchedHolland’scoastslideawayintothegreyhorizon.

Nancymetherattheairport,bubblingoverwithquestions,fullofadvice,sayingalittlesmuglythatshehadfeltinherbonesthatPrudenceandBenedictwouldhititoff.‘Whatareyouwearing?’Shewantedtoknow.ThesubjectkeptthembusyforthewholeofthedrivetoLittleAmwell.

Hermotherwasjustasexcited,althoughshesaidratherlongingly:‘It’ssuchapitythatyoucan’thaveaprettyweddinglikeNancy,darling.’

‘Mother,Idon’tmind,’Prudencereassuredherparentforthetenthtime.‘Wewantedaquietaffair,andanywaytherewouldbenotime—wehavetogobacktoAppeldoornintheafternoon,Benedict’sgotsomeconferenceorotherhesimplycan’tmiss.’

‘Isheaverybusyman,darling?’Shethoughtofhersolitarydinners.‘Yes,very.’‘Well,Imustsayit’sallverysudden,’beganMrsTrent,intentonworming

outasmuchaspossiblewithoutappearingtodoso.‘Youhaven’tbeenthereverylong…’

‘No,butyouforgetweseeeachothereveryday.Benedict’sverymuchafamilyman…’Shewishedshehadn’tsaidthat,forhermother’seyebrightened.

‘Hownice,darling,’shemurmured.‘I’vealwayswantedtobeagranny—theycancomeandstayintheschoolholidays.’

Prudence’slovelyeyeslosttheirsparkle.‘Somethingtolookforwardto,Motherdear.’

Wednesdaywasuponthembeforetheyknewwheretheywere.PrudenceandNancyhaddriventoSherborneandsearchedthefewboutiquesthereandfoundasmokygreydresswithamatchingquiltedjacketandalittlehatwitha

sweepingbunchofsatinribbonsjauntilyattheback.Shoesandbagandgloves,undiesandmake-up,andPrudenceprofessedherselfsatisfied.

‘Anyway,Benedict’sloaded,isn’the?’observedNancy.‘Jamessayshe’smoreorlessamillionaire.’SheglancedatPrudence’sastonishedface.‘Didn’tyouknow?Probablynot,he’snotonetoairhisprivateaffairs.Niceforyou,love!’

ItquiteupsetMrsTrentwhenBenedictcameknockingonthedooranhourbeforetheywereduetogotochurch.‘Youcan’tseeher,’shesaidagitatedly.‘It’snotlucky.’

ItwasMabelwholedhimupstairstoPrudence’sroom,flungopenthedoorandcried:‘Here’syourintended,MissPrudence—yourmawasn’tlikingtheideaofhimseeingyoubeforeyouwerewed,butmaybeyou’vegotsomethingtotalkaboutatthelastminute.’

Prudenceswungroundfromthedressingtable.‘Oh,Mabel,thankyou,youareadarling!’HereyesslidpastthedevotedpropoftheTrenthouseholdandfastenedonBenedict.Healwaysdressedwell,butthismorninghelookedtheepitomeofelegance—darkgreysuit,silkshirt,Guccitie.HedroppedakissonMabel’scheekandcrossedtheroom,laidtheflowersonthedressingtableandbentandkissedher.Mabel,lingeringattheslowlyclosingdoor,watchedandwentdownstairstoreportthatthebridegroomwasasmasherandkissingthebridewithasatisfyingdegreeofenthusiasm.

MrsTrentwipedawayatear.‘Oh,Mabel,I’msohappy!Ibegantothink—youknow,whenPrudencebrokeoffwithTony—butnowit’sgoingtobeallright.’

Sentimentssharedbyherdaughterasshesaileddowntheaisleonanuncle’sarmtowhereBenedict,withEverardbesidehim,waswaitingforher.Heturnedandlookedatherasshereachedhissideandshewonderedifhewasrememberingthattheyhadmetonthatveryspotnotsolongago.Hemusthavedone,becausehesmiledather,asecretsmile,justforheralone.

Therewasonlyahandfulofguests,withMevrouwvanderCulpinahatwhichviedwithhermother’sandSibellainhernewvelvetcoatandberet,butthechurchwasfullallthesame.Thevillagehadturnedouttoaman;Prudencewaspopularandtheywishedherwell—thewomenwantedtoseewhatshewaswearingandadmirethebridegroom.Besides,therewasnothingmuchdoinguntilChristmas;nowtherewouldbesomethingtotalkaboutfordaystocome.

Therewasasit-downlunchaftertheceremonybeforePrudencechangedintotheJaegersuit,badeeveryonefarewellandgotintothecarwithBenedict.ItsurprisedhertofindthatSibellawastotravelbackwithEverardandMevrouwvanderCulp,andastheyleftthevillagebehindthemsheremarkedonit.

Shewouldn’tadmitdisappointmentwhenhesaidmatter-of-factly:‘Well,thereareoneortwothingstodiscuss,Ithoughtitwouldbeagoodopportunitytogetthemsettledonourown.’

Hesentthecarracingaheadandtheysatincompanionablesilenceforabit.‘We’venevertalkedaboutmoney,’hesaidpresently.‘I’vegotplenty…’

Prudenceinterruptedhim.‘Imeanttohaveaskedyouwhenyoucametomyroom,butsomehowIforgot.Benedict,Nancysaysyou’realmostamillionaire!Ididn’tknow,trulyIdidn’t—Imean,Ihaven’tmarriedyouforyourmoney.Infact,ifIhadknownImightnothavemarriedyou.’

‘Iimaginedthat,that’swhyIdidn’ttellyou.’Shefelthisgreatshouldersshakewithlaughter.‘Don’tbeagooseaboutit,Prudence.Youmusttakeoverthehouseholdmoneywhenwegethome.Sitskawillexpectthat.Idealwiththebigbillsandyou’llhaveanallowance,bothforSibellaandyourself.NowthatIhaveawife,wemustdosomeentertaining.I’veanumberoffriendsandanynumberofacquaintances.Thenthereismywork—I’llexplainthattoyouindetail;there’smyprivatepractice,theclinicwhereIworkseveraltimesaweek,andthehospital.IlectureinHollandandIcometoEnglandfrequently.Ifitdoesn’tinterferewithSibella’sschooling,you’llcomewithme.Ithinkperhapswemusthavemorehelpinthehouse.’Hegaveheralaughingsidelongglance.‘Youmusthavetheleisuretohavecoffeewithyourfriends,goshopping,knit…whateveritiswomendowhenthey’reathome.’

‘I’mnotverygoodatknitting,’observedPrudencemeekly,‘butifyouliketheideaI’llgetsomewoolandneedles.’

Helaughedatthat,andtheywhiledawaytherestofthejourneytalkingaboutthewedding.TheskieshadcloudedoverbythetimetheyreachedtheHovercraftinmid-afternoon,andanearlyduskwascreepingroundthem.

Thereweren’tmanycars,andtheyweregoingonboardwhenPrudencesawEverard’scarbehindthem.Theyjoinedupduringthecrossing,butonceontheotherside,theAstonMartinracedahead.Theywerehomebeforetheothers.Prudencehadhadtimetotidyherself,admirethebuffetsupperSitskahadlaidoutinthediningroomandlookatthecardswaitingforthem.WhenEverard’scarstoppedbeforethedoor,Benedicttookherarm.‘Comeandwelcomeyourguests,mydear,’hetoldher,‘intoyourhome.’

CHAPTERSIX

THETOUCHOFBenedict’shandonherarmsentathrillofpleasurethroughher;thedayhadbeensofull,somuchhadhappenedinitthatshehadn’tquiterealiseduntilthatmomentthatshewasreallyhiswife.ShehadlistenedtoOrkandSitskaandBetjeofferingcongratulations,beenledupstairsbySitskaandshownintoavastbedroominthefrontofthehouse,surprisedtofindhercasesinit,andgonebackdownstairstoBenedict,butbeforeshecouldutteraword,theywerestandingintheporch,sidebyside.ShewasMevrouwvanVinkenow,andthiswasherhome.

Sibellacametumblingoutofthecar,hugeeyesinasmalltiredface,talkingexcitedly.ShekissedthembothandraninsidetofindSitska,whileEverardhelpedMevrouwvanderCulpintothehouse.

‘Westayonlyaveryshorttime,’declaredtheoldlady.‘Youshouldbealone,thetwoofyou.Youmakeaveryhandsomecouple,youknow.Ishalllookforwardtodininghere,butnotjustyet.’

Benedicttookherarm.‘Sitskahaslaidoutsupperforusall—wemustn’tdisappointher,andIforoneamfamished!’

HeledtheoldladyintothediningroomandPrudencefollowedwithEverard.TherewasasplendidbuffetsuppersetoutforthemandPrudencesaid:‘Oh,ImustfetchSibella;shemusthavesomethingbeforeshegoestobed.Whatagorgeousspread—whoseideawasit?’

Benedictsmiled.‘Itseemedtomethatwe’dhavetodosomethingtomarktheoccasion;therewasn’tmuchtimeatyourplace.We’llgiveapartytocelebrate,butthiswillhavetodoforthemoment.’

‘Butit’ssuper!’Shebeamedhergratitudeathim,thengavealittlegaspasSibellacamecarefullyintotheroom,carryingasmallweddingcake.Therehadbeenaweddingcakeatthereception,ofcourse,butthiswasratherspecial.PrudencelookedacrossatBenedict,herlovelyeyessparkling.‘Benedict,howkindofyou!Ican’timagineanicerwaytoendtheday.’Shesmiledrathertremulously,andhesaid:

‘Comeoverhere,mydear,andcutthecake.’Theystoodsidebyside,cuttingthecaketogetherwithOrkandSitskaand

Betjetheretoo,andpresentlytheydrankmorechampagneandfinallytheparty

brokeup.Sibellawasverytiredbynow,shebadeeveryonegoodnightandPrudence,excusingherselfonthepleaofgettingthechildtobed,saidgoodbyetoherguestsatthesametime,andwentupstairswithher.Bythetimeshewentdownagainthehousewasquiet,theremainsofthepartyhadbeenclearedawayandBenedictwassittinginhischair,readinghisletters.

Hegotupwhenshewentin,pulledasmalleasychairtothefireandbeggedhertomakeherselfcomfortable.‘Butifyou’retired,’hesuggestedkindly,‘dogotobed.Haveyoueverythingyouwant?’

Shenodded.‘I’minanotherbedroom…averybeautifulroom…’Heraisedhiseyesbrieflyfromtheletterhewasreading.‘Itwasmy

mother’s,I’mgladyoulikeit.’Hesmiledsuddenly.‘Ifeelasthoughwehavebeenmarriedforalongtime.That’sacompliment,bytheway.’

Prudencesmiledandmurmured‘Thankyou.’Sherathersharedthatfeelingtoo;itdidn’tseemintheleaststrange,sittinghereontheoppositeofthefireplace,justkeepinghimcompany.Shewouldreallyhavetogetsomeembroideryortapestryworkor,betterstill,aDutchphrasebook.Neitherofthesebeingathand,shepickedupacopyofTheLancetandbegantoread.Partsofitwereratheroff-putting,butonthewholeitwasquiteabsorbing.Benedict’samusedvoicecutshortherstudyofsomethingcalledPacini’scorpuscles.

‘Ididn’tknowyouwereinterestedinmywork,Prudence.’Sheremindedhimwithsomedignity:‘I’vegotmyFirstAidbadge,you

know,’andwaitedwhileheroaredwithlaughter.‘WhatisaPacinicorpuscle?’‘Wellnow,that’sperhapsalittledifficulttoexplain,they’rereceptorsinthe

deeperconnectivetissueoftheskin,theyregistervibrationandpressure…Areyoureallyinterested,Prudence?’

‘Oh,yes.I’dliketoknowalotmoreaboutyourwork,sothatwhenyoucomehomeandperhapswanttotalkaboutit,I’llbeabletounderstand.’Shesmiledalittle.‘Andmakeintelligentcomments.’

Benedictstaredatherthoughtfully.‘Youknow,I’vemissedthat,someonetotalkto—andIdon’tmeansocialchat,justsomeonetolisten.’

‘Butyouworkintheevenings,don’tyou?’‘Yes,butonlybecauseitgivesmesomethingtodo.EvenwhenIam

workingitwillbenicetohavesomeonesittingthere,justtolookatfromtimetotime.’

Prudencetookagoodlookathim,sittingthereinamuddleofenvelopesandpaper.Itstruckherthathemusthavebeenlonelysincehisfirstwife’sdeath.Oh,therewerealwaysgirlstotakeoutforanevening,butshequiteunderstoodthatthatwasn’tthesameasgoinghometoyourownfiresidewithawillinglistenertoabsorbyourgrumblesandcommentsabouttheday’swork.AndI’llbea

willinglistener,shepromisedsilently,andagoodwife,seeingthatyourhouseisrunasyoulikeit,andwelcomingyourfriendsandlovinglittleSibella,andbeingafriendtoo.

‘Ifyou’vefinishedtheletters,willyoutellmeaboutyourday’sworksothatIknowexactly…’shebegan.

Benedictputdownthelastoftheletters.‘Eachday’sdifferent;you’llbeagreathelpjottingdownremindersonmydesk—there’salwaysanotebookthere.I’llleaveyouphonenumberssothatyoucanreachmeifyoushouldneedtoandwecanplanmyfreetimetogethersothatwemakethemostofit.Nowthisismyday,moreorless…’

Hetoldherverypreciselysothatbythetimehehadfinishedshehadagoodideaofhisroutine.

‘Butyou’renotalwaysfreeonaSunday?’‘I’mnowoncalleverythirdweekend,whichmeansthatwecangooutand

aboutaslongasthereisaphoneclosebyandI’mnotmorethantwentyminutesorsoawayfromthehospital.’

‘Andatnight?’‘Well,I’monlycalledifit’sreallyurgent.Myregistrarisagoodman,he

copeswithalmostallthecasesathospital,butI’malwaysavailable.Icanbecalledtoprivatepatientsatnight,ofcourse,andoftenam.’Hegaveheraquestioninglook.‘Doyousupposeyou’llbeabletocopewithdelayedmeals,brokendatesandabad-temperedhusbandwhenhe’sbeenoutallnight?’

‘OfcourseIcan.Andwe’resolucky,we’vegotOrkandSitskaandBetje,haven’twe?’Sheglancedathimsobrieflythatshemissedthesuddengleaminhiseyes.‘AndatleastIdocomefromahouseholdwheretherewasagooddealofcomingandgoingatawkwardhours.’

Benedictsaidquietly:‘Ibelievewearegoingtohaveaverypleasantlifetogether,Prudence.’

Shesmiledwidelyathim.‘SodoI.Doyouwanttoworknow?I’vedelayedyou…’

‘Nottonight—everythinghashappenedsoquicklyit’srathernicetohaveabreathingspace.’Hegotupandpulledtheold-fashionedbellrope.‘Let’shavesomecoffee,shallwe?’

Sotheysatandtalked,quiettalkaboutthehouseandSibellaandhisfriends,sothatPrudencefelt,bythetimeshegotreluctantlytoherfeet,thatshereallywasMevrouwvanVinke,abouttoembarkonapleasantmarriedlife.AndBenedict’slightkissasshewishedhimgoodnightclinchedthematter.

Hewas,shedecided,asshegotreadyforbed,theverynicestpersonshehadevermet;shefeltasthoughshehadknownhimallherlife.Soitwaspossibleto

likeamanverymuchwithoutbeinginlovewithhim—Nancyandshehadarguedaboutthatyearsago,whentheywereintheirteensandfullofideas.Shewanderedaboutthelovelyroom,admiringthemahoganyfour-poster,theeleganttallboyandthePembroketablebetweenthewindowswithitstriplemirrorandsilvercandlesticks.Therewasagreatgildedmirrorononewallandfacingitapillowcupboard,andunderthemirrorasteelfireplacewithasmallfireburningandalittlebuttonbackchairdrawnuptoit.Therewereflowerstoo,andpaleapricot-shadedlamps.Presentlywhenshehadhadherbath,shewanderedacrosstotheEmpiresofaandsatdownonittobrushherhair.ThesofawasupholsteredinstripedapricotsilkandwasintheGrecianstyle;Prudencedecidedthenandtherethatshewouldfindadressinggowntomatch,andpresently,nicelytired,stillthinkingabouttheclothesshewouldbuy,sheclimbedintobedandclosedhereyes.‘Myweddingday,’shetoldtheroom.‘Notquitelikemost,perhaps,butI’mhappierthanI’vebeenforalongtime.Iwonderwhy?’

Naturallytherewasnoanswer;shewenttosleep.Shewokeearly.Themorning’sroutinewouldbethesameasanyother,she

supposed,butinthisshewaswrong,forhardontheheelsofBetjewithhermorningteacameSibella,toclimbintobedbesideher,sipteafromhercupandchatter.‘IhaveseenPapa,’shetoldPrudence.‘AlwaysIgotosaygoodmorningtohimwhenIwake,andthenIsayitagainwhenIgodownstairs.NowIshalldoitforyoualso.’

‘Howverynice,’saidPrudence,andmeantit.Theyemptiedtheteapotbetweenthembeforethelittlegirlwentawaytogetdressed,leavingPrudencetoshoweranddressquicklyandgoalongtothechild’sroomtobrushherhairandtiehershoelaces.Thatdone,theywentdownstairstogetherandfoundBenedictalreadythere,eatinghisbreakfastandreadinghisletters.

Hegotup,kissedhisdaughterandthenkissedPrudencewithaplacid:‘Goodmorning,mydear,’andsmiledatthemboth.‘I’minahurry,I’mafraid,Prudence,gothroughthelettersformewillyou?Ifyoucansortthemoutitwouldbeagreathelp.I’llbehomeforlunch.Haveanicemorning?’

Hehadgone,andtheroomseemedemptywithouthim.Thepairofthematetheirownbreakfast,takingtoolongoveritbecausetheytalkedaboutthewedding,sothattheyhadtohurrytoschoolthroughtheblusteryautumnmorning.

‘I’llbehereattwelveo’clock,’saidPrudence,andbenttokissthelittleface.‘We’lltakeHenryforalongwalkafterlunch.Begood.’

Sibellabeamedather.‘Totziens,Mama.’ShescamperedoffandPrudencewatchedherdisappearinsidetheschoolentrancebeforeshestartedbackhome.Oncethere,shewentalongtothelittleroomwhereshehadworkedandbeganto

sorttheletters.Therewerequiteafew;shepuzzledoutthebillsandcircularsandsetthemononeside,madealittlepileoftheletters,thenreadthetwofromEngland.ThefirstaskedBenedicttogivealectureinBristolinsixweeks’time,thesecondwasfromadoctorinLondon,askingforthenotesofapatientBenedicthadseenwhileshewasstayinginHolland.Prudence,hopingthatshewasdoingtherightthing,lookedthroughthefilingcabinetagainstonewall,foundthenotesandputthemwiththeletter.Perhapsshewasoverreachingherself,butDrBaxter’swifeinthevillageathomealwaysdidthepaperworkforhim;shepresumedthatmostdoctors’wivesdid.Anyway,ifhedidn’twanthertodoso,hecouldtellher.

Hewaspleasedandalittlesurprised,andshefeltaglowofpleasurewhenhethankedher.‘Butyoudon’thavetodothis,youknow,’heobserved,‘althoughImustsayitisveryniceforme.’Helaughedathergently.‘You’realadyofleisurenow,whateverthatmeans.DoyousupposeweshouldgetsomeonetohelpwithSibella?Takeheroffyourhands?’

Prudencelookedathiminhorror.‘Heavens,no!She’snotrouble,andwehavesuchfuntogether—besides,whatwouldIdoallday?I’vegotquitequickwithmytypingandI’mbeginningtofindmywayaroundtheshopsandunderstandwhatSitskasays.AndwalkingintheafternoonwithSibellaandHenryissuchfun.’

‘Don’tyouwanttoshop?Forclothes,Imean.Whichremindsme,I’veopenedanaccountforyouatmybank.I’lltakeacoupleofhoursofftomorrowandwe’llgotheretogether.I’mfreethisnextSaturday,we’llgotoArnhem,thethreeofus,anddosomeshoppingthen.’

Hereyessparkled.‘Oh,Benedict,howsuper!’‘Yes—well,Imustgetbacktowork.I’llbehomefortea,butI’llhavetopay

acoupleofvisitsbeforedinner.’Hedidn’tkissherthistime,andshefeltdisappointed.Itwaschillyoutside;theycameracinginfromtheirwalk,tidiedthemselves

quicklyandjoinedHenryinfrontoftheplayroomfire.Benedictwasdueatanymoment.Prudencefoundherselflisteningforhistreadonthestairsandturnedtosmileathimwhenhecamein.Hestoodbythedoorforamoment,alookonhisfaceshecouldn’tunderstand,thenbenttoswingSibellaintotheairbeforesittingdownbythefire.

‘IsawOrkinthehall,tea’sontheway,’hetoldher.‘Didyouhaveagoodwalk?’

‘Lovely!Henry’sexhausted—hegoestwiceasfaraswedo,ofcourse.’‘We’lltakehimforarunonSundaymorningbeforechurch—allthreeofus.

Wemissedyou,didyouknow?’

Hergreeneyesmethissteadyblueones.‘No,Ididn’t.I’dlovetocomewithyou.’

Orkcameinthenwiththeteaandshepouredforthemallandhandedroundbutteredtoast,sittingbackonherheelslikeasmallgirlwithSibellabesideher.‘Whydoyouhaveaniceold-fashionedEnglishtea?’sheasked.‘MevrouwBrandsaidtheyonlydrankteaandateabiscuit.’

‘BecauseofSibella,Isuppose.Itgavemeachancetoseesomethingofher,andchildrenloveteatime,don’tthey?’

‘Idotoo,don’tyou?Notthefoodonly,butsittingtherelikethis…’‘Ifinditdelightful.’Benedictspokequietly,hiseyesonherdown-benthead.TheytookSibellatoschoolbeforegoingtothebankinthemorning.

Prudencesatinthemanager’soffice,tryingtounderstandwhatwasbeingsaid;true,Benedictdidexplainsomethingtoherfromtimetotime,butshesuspectedthatalotmorewasbeingdiscussedthanshewasbeingtoldabout.Finallyshewasgivenachequebookandtoldthatherfirstquarter’sallowancewasinthebankandthatshecouldtakeoutwhatshewanted.

‘It’salmostexactlylikeyourownbankinEngland,’saidBenedict,‘butyoumightaswellhaveagowhilewearebothhere.’

‘Yes,allright,butI’vestillsomemoneyofmyown.’Shecaughthiseyeanddidn’tgoon,becausehelookedsuddenlyannoyed.Butallhesaidsoftlywas:‘Mymoneyisyoursnow,mydear.’

‘Howmuch?’sheasked.‘Iusedaboutahundredguldenaweekbefore—beforewemarried.’

‘You’llneedmorethanthat.Divideyourallowanceintothirteenifyoulikeandthenyou’llknowroughlyhowmuchyoucanspendinaweek.’Hetoldherhowmuchthatwas,andshegasped.

‘But,Benedict,that’sfartoomuch!WhatevershallIdowith…’‘Exactlywhatyoulike.’Hisplacidvoicehadbecomesuddenlyobdurate.

‘Andpleasedon’targue,Prudence.’Soshemeeklydidasshewastoldandaccompaniedhimoutsideintothe

street.Onceclearofthedoors,shestoppedandlookedathim.‘I’veannoyedyou.I’msorry,butyoudoseemtohaveratheralotofmoneyandI’llhavetogetusedtoit.I’veneverbeenexactlypoor,butI’mabitoutofmydepth.’

Helookedatherunsmilingly.‘I’venointentionofalittlethinglikemoneycomingbetweenus.Westandonamostagreeablefooting—letusremainso,shallwe?’

Shesmiledthen.‘Oh,yes,Benedict.That’sthebestofbeingonsuchgoodterms,isn’tit?Wecanspeakourmindslikeoldfriendsandnottakeumbrage.’Heglancedathiswatchandshesaidatonce:‘Iexpectyouwanttogotoyour

rooms—orisitthehospital?Thankyouforcomingwithme.Willyoubehomeforlunch?’

Hisfirmmouthtwitched.‘Thehospital,’hetoldher.‘Butnotjustyet,andI’llbehomeforlunch.Let’sgetsomecoffeesomewhere—there’saplacejustacrossthestreet.’

Hetuckedahandunderherarmandtogethertheycrossedthestreet.‘Whatareyoudoingthismorning?’hewantedtoknow.‘I’vegottogetsomeflowersandIpromisedI’dgetsomesaladforSitska,to

saveherorBetjegoingoutlater,andIwantsomebuttonsforSibella’sreddress—she’slosttwo—andsomethingtoworkatintheevening’s,andsomestamps.’Shebrokeoff.‘Whatadullrecitalcomparedwithyourmorning!’

Benedictshookhishead.‘No,it’snot.It’ssoothing;halfwaythroughsomemedicaltangleIshallthinkofyoucarefullymatchingredbuttonsandtheworldwillseemrightagain.’

Sheopenedhereyeswideatthat.‘Really,whatanicethingtosay!Ishallthinkaboutyoutoo,notallthetime,ofcourse,butnowandthen.’

Shepouredthecoffeeandpassedhimacup.‘SibellawaschatteringawayaboutSintNicolaaswhenIwasputtinghertobedyesterday—surelythat’sinDecember?’

‘Itis,butit’sratheranoccasionforthesmallchildren.Wemustfindoutwhatshewants.IpromisedherabikeforChristmas,sowe’llhavetothinkofsomethingelse.Adoll?’

‘IfIcouldfindaniceold-fashionedone.I’lldressitandperhapswecouldfindacot…’

Halfanhourhadgoneinaflash.Benedictsignalledforthebillandsighed.‘Weseemfatednevertofinishaconversation.Remindmetotalktoyouaboutapartythisevening.’

Theywentoutofthecafétogetherandstartedtowalktowardsthecar.‘ShallIrunyouhomefirst?’heasked.

‘Mygoodness,no—you’llbelate,besidesifIdon’twalkI’llgetfat.’Hestudiedherwithaleisurelyeyeandsheblushedalittle.‘You’reverynice

asyouare,’heassuredher,‘especiallywhenyoublush.’Hegotintothecarwithacasualwaveanddroveoff,andsheturnedawayoncehewasoutofsightanddidhershoppingandwenthome.Shefeltvaguelyunhappy,althoughshehadnoideawhy,andonceinthehouseandimmersedinhersmallchores,shefeltbetter.Indeed,bythetimeshehadfetchedSibellafromschoolandtheyweredownstairswaitingforBenedicttocomehomeshefeltthatthedaywasquiteperfect.QuiteunaccountablyherhappymoodchangedwhentherewasaphonemessagetosaythatBenedictwouldn’tbeabletogethomeforlunch.Hegaveno

reason,andPrudence,listeningtoSibella’schatterastheyate,becamemoreandmorepreoccupied.Supposing,justsupposinghehadmetMyra—oranyoftheotherwomenhemusthaveknownbeforehehadmetherself—hemightevennow,atthisveryminute,belunchingsomewhere,smilingthatslowsmileofhisatsomewitticismfromhisbeautifulcompanion.ShefrownedsoheavilythatSibellainterruptedherselftosay:‘Youlookangry—youfrown.Youaresick,Mama?’

Prudencegaveherselfametaphoricalshake.‘No,darling,ofcoursenot.Ifyou’vefinishedwe’llgetourthingsonandtakeHenryforhiswalk.It’sgettingverycloudy,we’dbettergoquicklybeforeitstartstorain.’

Ork,seeingthemoutofthehouse,shookhisheadattheloweringsky.‘Itwillrainverymuch,mevrouw,’heobservedworriedly.‘Donotgofar.’

‘Onlytotheothersideofthepark,Ork—itmakesagoodrunforHenry,andwecanalwaysstandunderatree.’

Thewindwassighingandmoaningastheycrossedtheroadandranacrossthegrasstothefirstavenue,andthen,becauseHenrywasalreadyfaraheadofthem,theywalkedontothenextavenue,withthebusyroadwellawayononeside,andHetLooPalaceontheother.Itbegantorainastheyreachedthelaststretchofgrassandthen,withfrighteningsuddenness,therainturnedtohail.Henry,racingroundinhappycircles,stopped,shookhimselfandcametearingbacktowardsthem.Theywereallwetbythetimetheyreachedthefirstofthetrees,andsincetheskywasleadenandthehailbeatdown,Prudencetookrefugeagainstoneofthem,Sibellatuckedunderonearm,Henrycoweringbetweenthem.

Therewasnooneelseinsight,andalthoughthestreetlightsshoneinthedistancetheyseemedaverylongwayoff.‘Assoonasitstopswe’llrunforhome,’saidPrudencecheerfully.‘Wecancutacrossthegrassandbethereinnotime.’

‘Wegonow?’demandedSibella.‘Iamcold,andsoisHenry.’‘We’llallbeaswarmastoastoncewe’rehome,we’llsitbythefireandhave

ourtea.’Prudence’scheerfulvoicemaskeddoubtsastohowsoonthatwouldbe.Thehailstoppedassuddenlyasithadbegun.Laughingandoutofbreath,

theyreachedthehouseandfoundOrkwaitingfortheminthehall.‘Thereisaladyvisitor,’heinformedPrudenceinadisapprovingvoice.‘She

isinthedrawingroom,mevrouw.’‘Oh,lord!’Prudencesweptdamphairoutofhereyes.‘I’lljustgoandtidy

myself.WouldyouaskBetjeifshewouldseetoSibellaforaminute?I’llbetwoticks.’

SheflewupstairsbehindSibella,leavingOrktoshakehiselderlyheadand

smileasheledHenryawaytobedriedinthekitchen.Prudencecamedownstairsfiveminuteslater,hairstillclingingindamp

tendrilsaroundherprettyface,sobercourtshoesinplaceofthebootsshehadbeenwearing.Shewashardlydressedforafternooncalls,shereflectedruefully—atweedskirtandabulkysweaterbeltedatherslenderwaist,eventhoughthebeltwasarathersplendidItalianone,buttherehadbeennotimetochange.SheopenedthedrawingroomdoorandsawMyralounginginoneofthebigchairs,contemplatinghernails.

Shedidn’tgetup,onlysmiledlazilyandsaid:‘Hullo.Doyouactuallygooutwalkinginthisfoulweather?Iwasdrivingthiswayanditseemedagoodideatocallinandoffermyfelicitations.Youstoleamarchonallofus,didn’tyou?Cleveryou!’

‘DidI?’askedPrudencemildly.‘Ididn’tknow.Thankyouforyourgoodwishes.Wouldyoulikecoffee—ortea?’

‘No,thanks.I’monmywaytothehairdressers.IalwayscalledinwhenIwasdrivingthere—beforeyourtime,ofcourse.’Shesmiledwithquiteopenmalice.‘Oh,well,allgoodthingscometoanend,don’tthey?Cosylittlelunchesandhalfanhourroundthefirechatting.IsupposeBenedictcomeshometolunchnow.’

ShelookedsidewaysatPrudence.‘Mostdays,atanyrate—perhapsthecosylittlelunchesaren’tquiteatanend.’

Prudencewatchedher,hertongueheldfirmlybetweenherteeth.NotfortheworldwasshegoingtoallowMyratoannoyher,onlyshewishedshewouldgo.Shepinnedasmileontoherfaceandafterasilencewhichwentontoolongasked:‘You’resureyouwon’thavecoffee?’

Myrauncurledherselffromthechairandstoodup.‘NothankyouPrudence.Ihaditafterlunch.’Shecrossedtheroom,holdingoutahand.‘Benedictalwaysdrinkstoomuchofit,youknow,youmustgethimontoyoursoEnglishtea.Goodbye—Ireallymustfly,I’mlatealready.’

AndasPrudencewentwithhertothedoor:‘Don’tbother,Iknowmywayaroundthishouseratherwell,youknow.’

ShewentpastPrudence,closingthedoorquietlybehindherandPrudencestoodinthemiddleoftheroommutteringtoherselfinwhathermotherwouldhavecalledaveryill-bredmanner.ShestoppedforamomenttolistentoMyra’svoiceandtinklinglaugh—presumablyshewasintentoncaptivatingtheratherdourOrk.

Onlyithadn’tbeenOrk.ThedooropenedagainandBenedictcamein.HecrossedtheroomtowherePrudencewasstanding,droppedaswiftkissonthetopofherheadandasked:‘Whatonearth’sMyradoinghere?’

‘Shecametocallonherwaytothehairdresser.’Prudence’svoicewasstillalittleshrillwithannoyance.‘Wewereout—wehadtowaitunderatreeuntilthathailstopped,andwhenwegothomeshewashere.’

Benedictturnedtolookather,anamusedgleaminhiseyes.‘Intentongettingupyourback,I’llbebound.’

‘Well,shedidn’t,’declaredPrudencerathertooforcefully.‘I’msureyoucanlunchwithhereverydayoftheweekifyouwantto!’

Hedidn’ttakehiseyesoffherbuttheamusementinthemchangedtosomethingelse.Hesaidplacidly:‘That’sverygenerousofyou,mydear.Nowonecanseetheadvantagesofamarriagesuchasours,basedonfriendshipandrespectforeachother’srighttodoasonewishes,’hewentonsmoothly,‘andseehowSibellaisbenefitingfromaharmoniousrelationshipsuchasours.’

Prudencehadshothimaquicklook;hemustbejoking,hehadsoundedsopompous.Buthereturnedherlookwithabenignoneofhisownandwenton:‘Whereisshe,bytheway?’

‘IaskedBetjetotakeherupstairsandchangehersocksandshoesanddryherupabit—weallgotsoakingwet.Ididn’tknowitwasMyra,soIjusttidiedmyhairandcamestraightdownagain.’Shepaused.‘Arewereallyharmonious,Benedict?’

Shehadn’tmeanttosaythat,ithadpoppedoutandshewassorryithad,butsuddenlyshedislikedtheidea;itsavouredofamilk-and-waterexistencewithBenedict,andithadoccurredtoherwiththespeedoflightthatshehadnowishtobeafriend.Harmonyandrespect,asfarasshewasconcerned,couldflyoutofthewindow.Shecontemplatedwithhorrortheideaofbeingtolerantaboutcosylittlelunchesandhalfhoursbythefire.Hergreeneyesflashedattheveryidea,andBenedict,watchingherstill,thoughthowverybeautifulshewaswhenshewasputout.

‘Youmakeitsoundverydull,’heobserved,andtherewaslaughterinhisvoice.‘Icanassureyouthatthereisnoneedforittobe.’

Sheturnedherbackonhimandlookedunseeinglyoutofthewindow.Hewasquiteright,ofcourse.Tobeinharmonywithsomeone,trueharmony,mustbewonderful,butthenofcourseyou’dhavetolovethatperson.LikeIloveyou,Benedict,shecriedsilently,andI’veonlyjustthisveryminutediscovereditandnowwhatamItodo?

TheproblemwassolvedforherbySibella’sentry,talkinghersmallheadoffthemomentsheenteredtheroom,pouringoutthestoryoftheirwalktoherfather,andthenbeggingPrudenceinhercarefulEnglishtohaveteajustalittleearlier.‘ForPapa’shome,andwealwayshaveteawhenheishere.’

‘Anexcellentidea,liefje.Downhereorintheplayroom?’

‘Here,please,Papa,andmayHenrycometoo?Heishungry.’Sotheyspentanhourormorehavingteaandthenplayingcards,allthreeof

themonthefloorwithHenrylollingbesidethemandgettingintheway,whilePrudencetriednottothinkaboutBenedict,soclosetoherandyetsounreachable.PresentlyshetookSibellaoffforhersupperandtobeputtobed,andthen,unwillingtofacehimuntilshehadgotherfeelingsundercontrol,wentalongtoherroom,tochangeoutofthesweaterandskirtintoawooldressanddothingstoherhairandface.Suddenlylifewasfullofproblemsandshewasn’tsurehowtocopewiththem.Andshehadn’tknownthatlovecouldbesooverwhelminglypowerful;thefeelingshehadhadforTonyhadbeennomorethanaschoolgirl’scrush.

AsshewentdownstairsshepromisedherselfthatshewoulddoherbesttomakeBenedictloveher.Shehadnoideahowshewasgoingtosetaboutit,butshewouldthinkofsomething.ShecrossedthehallandBenedictputhisheadoutofthestudydoor.‘Comeinhere,willyou?There’saletterIwantyoutoread.’

Prudencesatdownonthechairhedrewupforher,gladthattheonlylightwasthepowerfuldesklamp,sothatshewasinshadowandcouldblushincomfort.

‘Waitaminute,I’llgetusadrink.’Benedictwentawayandcamebackwithatray.‘Sherry,Madeira?’Hepouredheraglassofsherryandgavehimselfawhisky,satdownathisdeskandhandedhertheletter.

HewasaskedtomakeashorttourofthebiggercitiesofEngland;London,ofcourse,Birmingham,Bristol,Liverpool,Oxford,andinScotland,Edinburgh.Itwastolasttendaysandarrangementswouldbemadeforhim.

‘Butthat’smarvellous,’saidPrudence,‘butwhat’sthishypo…heavens…hypophosphatasia?Somethingyouknowalotabout?’

‘I’vewrittenacoupleofpapersonit.It’sadeficiencyofalkalinephosphatesinbonecells.Doyoureallywanttoknow?’

Shenodded,‘Yes.’Heexplained.Ittooksometime.Orkcametwicetotellthemthatdinnerwas

waiting,butbythenatleastPrudencehadaverygoodideaofwhatBenedictwastalkingabout.Andoverdinnershewentonaskingquestions,becauseshewasscaredthathemightstarttalkingabouttheadvantagesofasensiblemarriage,andshewouldn’tbeabletobearthat.

Butshecouldn’tgoontalkingforever,andwhenshefinallypeteredoutwithherquestionshesaidabruptly:‘We’llbothgo—betterstill,we’lltakeSibellawithus.DoyousupposeNancywouldhaveher?Oryourmother?There’llbequitealotoftravellingforus.Wouldyoulikethat?’

‘I’dloveit.’Shetriednottosoundtooexcited.‘WhataboutSibella’s

school?’‘Afewdayswon’tmatter.I’llhavetofixthingsupatthehospitaland

rearrangemyappointments,andI’vetwoweeksinwhichtodoit.’Theyhadgonebacktothedrawingroomtohavetheircoffeewhenheasked:

‘Butperhapsyou’dratherstaywithyourparents?OrNancy?Perhapsthatwouldbeabetteridea?’

Prudencehadnoideahowclearlyherfeelingsshowedonherface.Shesaidwithcarefulcasualness:‘Oh,no—Imean,Icanvisitthemanytime,can’tI?Ishouldsoliketohearyoulecture.’

‘I’mflattered.Wewon’tsayanythingtoSibellaforafewdaysorshe’llbeunmanageable.’Heloungedbackinhischair,veryrelaxed.‘Doessheneedanyclothes?WemightgettheminArnhem.’

‘Sheneedsanewdressinggownandperhapsslipperstomatch,andifshegoestoanypartieslateronshe’llneedoneortwoprettyfrocks.Velvetisveryfashionableforlittlegirls—she’dlooksweetindarkredorsapphireblue.’

Hesmiledgently.‘Yes—well,getwhatyouthinkisrightforher.Andwhataboutourparty?Couldyoucopewithonebeforewego?Informal,Ithink,sothatwecanphoneinvitations.IfwehaveeveryoneIcanthinkofit’llbeoveranddonewith…’

‘Ithinkyousoundasthoughyoudon’tlikeparties,’Prudencecommented.‘IdaresayI’lllikethembetternowyou’reheretoarrangeeverything.’TheysettledonadateandpresentlyPrudencesaidgoodnightandwentto

bed.Shehadmanagedratherwell,sheconsidered,sittingthereshowingjusttherightamountofinterest,notbeingtooeageraboutgoingtoEnglandwithhim,stitchingawayattheembroideryshehadbroughttoworkatintheevenings.She’dmaderatherahashofitbecauseherhandswouldshakeeverytimeshethoughtabouthim,buthewasn’ttoknowthat.Shewouldhavetounpickitinthemorning.

Shegotreadyforbed,mooningroundtheroom,pickingthingsupandputtingthemdownagain.Ifonlythereweresomeoneshecouldtalktoaboutit!SherememberedtheveryfirsttimeshehadmetBenedictshehadaskedhisadvice;shewouldhavelikedtodothatnow,butthatwouldbeimpossible.Hermotherwouldbebewilderedandquiteunabletounderstand,andNancy,sohappyherself,wouldonlybemadeunhappy.Theprospectofbottlingupherlovefortherestofherlifewasdaunting.Shestaredatherreflectioninthemirror;herunhappyfacestaredbackatherandpresentlyPrudence,whoalmostnevercried,allowedherselftheluxuryofareallygoodweep.

CHAPTERSEVEN

MORNINGWASanotherday,albeitanastydampdarkone.Prudence,puttingonrathermoremake-upthanusualtohideherpinkeyelids,tookherselftotask.Nomorecrying;itwouldn’thelp.Therewasonlyonethingtodo—togoonasshehadstarted,tobeasgoodawifeandcompanionaspossibleandtostayBenedict’sfriendatallcosts.Thatway,whoknew,intime,hemightloveherjustalittle.

Hewasn’tatbreakfast;he’dbeencalledoutduringthenightandhadn’treturnedhomeyet,buthalfwaythroughthemealhephoned.Hesoundedtired.‘I’llbehomeinaboutanhour—couldyougetSitskatohavesomebreakfastreadyforme?I’llshowerandshavefirst.Seetotheletters,willyou?TellSibellatobeagoodgirl.’

PrudencewenttoseeSitskainthekitchen,tookSibellatoschoolandhurriedhome.Therehadbeennotimetolookatthepostandtherewereseveralletters.Shehadgotthroughthemallandarrangedthemonhisdeskbythetimehegothome,andshewentintothehalltomeethimashecamein.

Hewasinasweaterandslacks,unshavenandweary,buthis‘goodmorning’wasutteredinhisusualplacidtones.

‘Showerfirstoracupoftea?’askedPrudence.‘Andwillfifteenminutes’timedoforbreakfast?’

‘Perfect,andI’llhavethatteanow.’Hetookhisbagintothestudyandwentacrossthehalltothesittingroom.‘Haveonewithme?’

‘I’llfetchit,’saidPrudenceandspedaway.‘Whatwasit?’sheaskedwhenhe’ddrunkhalfofhistea.‘Ordon’tyouwant

totalkaboutit?’‘Cardiacarrest—thatwasjustaftermidnight.Iwasjustleavingthehospital

whentherewasasecondoneontheoperatingtable.It’stakenusallthistime…’‘Thepatientswillbeallright?’‘Ibelieveso;it’searlydaysyet,butatleastthey’vegotachance.’Shepouredhimasecondcup.‘Doyouhavetogobackatonce?Couldyou

haveaquicknap?’Heshookhishead.‘Tenminutesatthemost.I’veabusymorningandI’m

runninglatealready.’Hesmiled,afaint,tiredsmilethatwrenchedatherheart.‘I

shan’tbehometolunch—Ishan’tbegoingouteither.’Prudenceblushed.‘I’msorry—Iwashateful,wasn’tI?Iwon’tdoitagain.

It’snoneofmybusinessanyway.’Heliftedaneyebrowandgaveheraquestioninglook,butshejudgedthat

thiswasnotimetoargue.Shepickedupthetray.‘TenminutesandSitskawillbringinyourbreakfast.’

Benedictgotup,laughingalittle.‘I’vebeenunusedtobeingorderedaboutlikethisforyears—Iratherlikeit!’

Hewasbackwithaminutetospare,shavedanddressedwithhisusualelegance,onlyhisfacewaslinedandpale.‘Whendoyouhavetogoagain?’askedPrudence,pouringhiscoffee.

Heglancedatthebracketclockonthewallbehindher.‘Myfirstappointmentisatteno’clock—atmyrooms.I’llhavetoleaveherefiveminutesbeforethat.’

Shenoddedanddidn’tspeakwhilehedevouredtoastandcheeseandcoldham.Whenhehaddrunkhisfinalcupofcoffee,shesaidquietly:‘You’vegotjustovertenminutes.Ifyouliedown,I’llwakeyou.ItoldOrknottocomeinuntilIrang,soyouwon’tbedisturbed.’

Hewasasleepatonce,stretchedoutonthewidehigh-backedsofaalongonewall.Shesatandlookedathim,longingtotouchhim,notmovinguntilitwastimetowakehim.

Hewasalertatonce.‘Tearoundtheplayroomfire?’heasked.Hedidn’twaitforananswer,butdroppedakissonhercheekandwentpastherintothehallwhereOrkwaswaiting.HesaidsomethingtotheoldmanasheopenedthedoorandOrksmiledwidely,thentheybothturnedtolookatherbeforethedoorwasshutandBenedicthadgone.

Prudencedidthelettersthen,rearrangedtheflowersandwentalongtoconsultwithSitskaaboutfoodfortheparty.Theygotonratherwellbynow,andOrkwasalwaysathandtotranslate.Theysettledoncelerystickswithcreamcheese,tinysavourypuffs,vol-auvents,bitterballs,lobsterpattiesandcheesestraws.Therewouldbeicesandlittletriflesandgateauxforthesweet-toothedandbowlsofhotchestnutsforthosewhowantedsomethingabitdifferent.Prudenceleftthekitchensandwentbacktothesittingroom.Shewouldhavehercoffeeandafterwardsdealwiththeletters.Benedicthadleftalistoffriendstobeinvitedandshehadofferedtolookthemupinthephonebookandwritethenumbersbesidethenamessothattheycouldphoneeveryonethatevening.

Shewentandgotthelistnowandfetchedthephonebook,thensatdownatthesmalldeskunderthewindow.Therewerealotofnames,itwouldtakelongerthanshehadthought.

ShewashalfwaythroughwhensheheardtheclangofthefrontdoorbellandOrk’svoiceinthehall.Heappearedafewmomentslateratthedoor.

‘ProfessorHerrismahascalled,mevrouw.’Prudenceflungdownherlistandjumpedtoherfeet.‘Oh,hownice—ask

himtocomein,please,Ork.Everard,whatalovelysurprise!Iwasjustgoingtohavecoffee,dosayyou’llhaveitwithme.DidyouwanttoseeBenedict?He’satthehospital—hewastheremostofthenighttoo.’

Everardshookthehandsheheldoutandsmiledather,aquestioninglookinhiseyes.‘Ididn’texpecttoseehim,butIwaspassingandIcalledtoseeifyouwouldbothhavedinnerwithmeoneevening.’

Prudencesatdownandnoddedtotheotherendofthesofa.‘We’dloveto,’andshebeamedevenmorewidelyathimashesatdownbesideher.‘We’replanningapartyquitesoonandIdon’tknowwhenBenedict’sfree…’

‘HowaboutSundayevening,then?I’llaskMevrouwvanderCulpalongtoo.’HefellsilentwhileOrkputthecoffeetrayonasmalltableclosetoPrudence,butwhenhe’dgoneagainhewenton:‘Idon’tsupposeyou’vegotoutmuchsinceyougotback?’

‘Hardlyatall,’saidPrudencecheerfully,‘butwearegoingtoArnhemonSaturday.’ShealmosttoldhimaboutthetriptoEngland,butshewasn’tsureifBenedictwouldlikethateventhoughheandEverardweresucholdfriends.

ShegaveEverardhiscoffee,happytohavehimtherebecausehewasBenedict’sfriend,andperhapsbecauseofthatshefoundherselftalkingtohimasthoughshehadknownhimallherlife;shetoldhimaboutherhomeandthedifficultiesshewashavingwithhislanguageandhowSibellawasdoingatschool,andbecauseBenedictwasuppermostinhermindshetalkedagreatdealabouthimtoo.AndEverardlistenedstolidly,notsayingmuch,sittingsidewayssothathecouldwatchher.TheywerediscussingdogsandHenryinparticularwhenthedooropenedandBenedictcamein.Prudencestoppedinmid-sentenceandgottoherfeet.

‘Benedict—heavens,isitsolate?ImustfetchSibella…’Hewasathismostplacid.‘Hullo,mydear.Everard,hownicetoseeyou.

Andit’snotlate,Prudence—there’sstillallofhalfanhourbeforeSibellaneedstobefetched.IfoundthatIcouldgetawayafterall.’

Hecrossedtheroomandsatdowninhisbigchair.‘HaveIinterruptedsomeinterestingdiscussion?’HelookedatPrudence,smilingfaintly,andshefrownedalittle.Helookedasplacidasusual,hisvoicewasjustasslowandquiet,butallthesameshehadthenastyfeelingthathewasangry.

‘Dogs,’sheexplained.‘WeweretalkingaboutHenryandPodge.Benedict,you’dlikecoffee,wouldn’tyou?Areyouverytired?’

‘Orkisbringingmesomecoffee,andifyoumeanbytiredthatImightwishtohaveasleepbeforelunch,Idon’t,thankyou.’

Thesmilehegaveher,shedecided,wasn’taveryniceone.‘Everardcalledtoseeifwe’dhavedinnerwithhim.’

‘Idon’tknowifyou’recommittedtoanything,Benedict—ifyou’renothowaboutSundayevening?’

BenedictwatchedPrudencepourhiscoffee.‘Thatwillbedelightful.Anyoneelsegoingtobethere?’

‘MevrouwvanderCulp.Prudencetellsmethatyouwereatthehospitallastnight.Anythinginteresting?’

‘Acardiacarrest;Ithinkwe’vepulledhimthrough—andthenasecondoneintheatre.Dulminwasoperating.Ithoughtwe’dgothimtoo,buthehasn’tmadeit.That’swhyI’mhomeearly.’

Everardstoodup.‘Well,I’dbetterbeonmyway—I’vegotalistthisafternoon…’

‘Whynotstaytolunch?’saidPrudence,andwishedthatshehadn’tassheglancedatBenedict’sface.

‘Yes,whynot?’heechoed,ButEverardrefusedinhisgraveway,shookhandsandlefttheroomwithBenedict.

ItwasalmosttimetofetchSibella.Prudencepickedupthetrayandcarrieditouttothekitchen,tobereprimandedbyOrkfordoingso,andwentbacktothesittingroom.Benedictwasatthedesk,lookingatthelistofguestsfortheirparty,andshesaidguiltily:‘Ihaven’tfinishedit,butI’llhaveitreadybyteatime.’Sheadded:‘I’msorry.’

Benedictturnedawayfromthewindowwherehehadbeenstaringoutatthegarden.‘AmIsuchahardtaskmaster?’heaskedmildly.

‘Heavens,no,butIsaidI’dhaveitreadyforyou,andit’snot.’Sheaddedshyly:‘It’snicethatyou’rehomeearly.’Shewentpinkasshesaiditbecauseshehadspokenherthoughtoutloud,somethingshewouldhavetolearnnottodo.‘I’llfetchSibella.’

‘AndIwillgowithyou.’Shefetchedhercoatandascarfforherhairandfoundhimwaitingforher.

Theywalkedquickly,hisarmtuckedintohers.Shehopedthathecouldn’tfeelhertremblingathistouchandbecauseshefeltshyandawkwardwithhim,shetalkednon-stop,mostlyaboutEverard’svisitandwhattheyhadtalkedabout.AndBenedictlistenedgravely,sayingverylittle,hiseyesthoughtful.

Goingbackhome,ofcourse,itwasSibella,dancingalongbetweenthem,whodidallthetalking.Therewastobeaschoolplayattheendoftermandshehadbeenchosentobeafairy.‘Youwillsewadress,Mama?’shebegged

excitedly.‘JuffrouwSmidsaysitmaybeanycolour…’Shelapsedintoherowntongue,andBenedictobliginglytranslatedandthensuggestedthatPrudenceshouldgoalongandseeJuffrouwSmidandgetthedetailsright.

‘Yes,Iwill,’saidPrudence,‘althoughI’mscaredstiffofher.She’sverylarge,youknow.’

Benedictlaughed.‘Well,don’texpectmetogowithyou.HerEnglishisexcellent.’

‘Iknow,betterthanmine.ImusttakeDutchlessons,mustn’tI?’‘Why,yes.WhynotaskJuffrouwSmidtoteachyou?Shecouldcomeforan

hourorsointheevenings.’Prudenceagreedratherforlornly.Thatwouldmeanthatshewouldn’tseeso

muchofhim;ontheotherhand,thesoonershelearnedtospeakhislanguagethemorechanceshehadofmakingasuccessofhermarriage.

Asheopenedthedoorandstoodasidetoletthempass,shesaid:‘Allright,Iwill.Willittakelong?Imean,tolearnDutch?’

‘It’saverydifficultlanguage,’hetoldherashecrossedthehalltohisstudy.‘I’llseeyouatlunch.’

TheconversationwasalmostentirelyinthehandsofSibelladuringtheirmeal,whichwasagoodthing,forPrudencewasdiscoveringthatitwasdifficulttomaintainhernormalmannerwithBenedict;ofcourseshewouldgetusedtothesituationintime,andthequickerthebetter,andhe,whousuallycarriedonaneasyflowofgeneraltopics,wasstrangelysilenttoo.

Prudencewasconsciousofreliefwhenheglancedathiswatchanddeclaredthathewouldhavetogo.‘Theclinic,’heexplained,‘butI’llbebackintimefortea.’HeruffledSibella’shair,touchedPrudence’sshoulderlightlyashepassedherchair,andamomentlatersheheardthecarleaving.Inthreehours’timehewouldbebackagain,shethought,andsmiledtoherselfsothatSibellawantedtoknowifshewashappy.

‘Yes,darling,’saidPrudence,‘andagainno.’‘Idon’tunderstand,Mama.’‘NordoI,liefje.’BythetimeSaturdaycameshewasnonearergettingherthoughtssorted

out.Shereachedthesensibleconclusionnottospoilthedaybyfillingherheadwithfoolishlongingsbuttoacceptwhatithadtoofferandbehappyaboutit.Anditwasagoodday.TheydrovetoArnhemthroughtheVeluwe,thewoodedcountryoneithersideoftheroadallaroundthem,andsinceitwasstillfairlyearly,notmuchtraffic,tospoiltheillusionthattheyweremilesawayfromanywhere.Arnhem,whentheyreachedit,wasalreadybusy,though.Benedictparkedthecarandtookthematoncetohavecoffeebeforeescortingthem

patientlyfromoneshoptothenext.Therewereanumberofchicboutiques,andpresentlyheobservedmildly:‘Doyouknowwhatyou’regoingtobuy?Thereareoneortwodepartmentstores,butIdaresayyouprefertogetsomethinginoneofthesesmallershops.’

‘Well—yes.’Prudencewasexaminingacolourfulknittedoutfit,flungcarelesslyoverastoolinatinywindow.‘Ilikethat…’

Hesaidinstantly:‘SodoI—let’sgetit.’Ithappenedtofither,andalthoughthepricewasshocking,sinceBenedict

insistedonpayingforit—abirthdaypresent,hesaidvaguely—shefeltnoguiltsquanderingsomuchmoney.TheywentbackintothestreetagainandthistimefoundadressandcoatforSibella.‘Andshoes,’saidPrudenceurgently.‘Yousimplymusthaveanotherpairforschool.’

Theyfoundshoesandwhiletheywerethere,BenedictaddedapairoflittlebronzeslippersSibellahadbeenadmiring,andbythenitwasafternoon,andashepointedout,iftheyintendedtogoonshoppingafterlunchthentheymightaswellgobacktothecar,getridoftheparcelsandgotothehotel.

TheylunchedattheSavoy,overlookingtheriverand,fromaquickglanceatthemenu,wildlyexpensive,thoughtPrudence.Shereallywouldhavetogetusedtohavinglotsofmoney.Herownfamilyweren’tpoorbyanymeans,butlivingonBenedict’sscalewasratherbreathtaking.Shedidinfactloseherbreathentirelywhenhewalkedthemintoasmallshopwithnothingbutaminkhatandachinchillastoleinitswindow,andaskedtoseefurcoats.Ranchmink,hetoldthesalesladyfirmly,andaddedtoPrudence:‘Idon’tcareforanimalsbeingtrapped,doyou?’

Hedidn’twaitforhertosayyesbutturnedtolookatthearmfulofcoatsbeingoffered.‘Whicheveryoulike,mydear,’hetoldher,andPrudencemeeklytriedthemallon,whileSibelladancedaroundbegginghertohavethemall.‘They’repretty,andyouareprettytoo,Mama,’shedeclared,andPrudencewentacharmingpinkwhenherfatheragreed.

Shechoseadarkfurfinally;itmadeherhairglowanddidwondersforhercreamyskin,andwhenamatchinghatwassuggestedshetriedthatontoo,asmallroundaffairwhichperchedmostattractivelyontopofherhead.

Outsideonthepavementagain,shetriedtothankBenedict,buthebrushedherthanksasideverygently.‘Delightedtogiveyouabelatedweddingpresent,Prudence,’hetoldherplacidly.‘Let’sgoandlookatbooks.’

Holland,Prudencehaddiscoveredfromherlimitedexperience,hadsomesplendidbookshops.Thethreeofthemspenthalfanhourandcameoutloaded.

‘It’stoolatefortheopenairmuseumtoday,’saidBenedict,‘butwe’llgonexttimewecomethisway.Let’shaveteanow.’

Alovelyday,thoughtPrudencedrowsilyasshelayhalfasleepthatnight.Benedicthadbeensuchfun,thekindofcompaniononesooftendreamedofandneverfound.Shehadfeltsmuginhiscompany,seeingtheglancesotherwomengavehim.Hewasn’tjustahandsomeman,hewaseleganttoo,andself-assured,thekindofmanonecouldleavetoseetoeverything.Sheclosedhereyesanddreamedofhim;notquitesatisfactorily,forsheawokebeforetheendandwasleftwithavagueelusivefeeling.Dreamsneverturnedoutasyouwantedthemto.

Buttheydidn’tmatteronceshewasupandbreakfasting,withSibellachatteringnon-stopandBenedictrumblinggoodnaturedanswersfromtimetotime.TheywenttochurchlaterandafterlunchtookHenryforawalk.Prudence’sdaywasperfect.ShewouldhavepreferredtohavespenttheeveningathomewithBenedict,butafterall,EverardwasaclosefriendandshelikedMevrouwvanderCulp.

SheputSibellatobed,madesurethatherownhairandfacewereattheirbest,thenwentdownstairstowhereBenedictwaswaiting.Thedrivewasashortone,andsheregrettedthat,fortherewasnotimetodomorethanpassafewdesultoryremarksbeforetheydrewupbeforeEverard’shouse.ItwasnottobecomparedwithBenedict’shome—redbrickandfartoomanyfussybitsofplasterworkabovethewindows.Thefrontdoorwaspainteddarkgreen,andtheywentupstepstoreachitbeforeBenedicttuggedatanold-fashionedbellpullbesideit.Theelderlywomanwhoansweredthedoorsuitedthehouseverywell.Shehadasevereno-nonsenseface,andiron-greyhairrigidlywaved,moreovershewasseverelydressedinblack.ButherfacemeltedintoabroadsmilewhenshesawBenedictandshesaidsomethingdelightedlywhichmadehimlaugh.‘Prudence,thisisNessie,Everard’shousekeeper.We’reveryoldfriends.’

Prudenceshookhandsandmurmured,‘Aangenaam’,andNessiebrokeintofurtherspeechwhichhepatientlytranslated.‘She’scongratulatingusonourmarriageandwishingusallthebest.’

Prudencesmiledatthembothandthenturned,hersmilewidening,asEverardcameintothehall.‘Everard—hullo,’sheglancedroundherattheratheroverpoweringsizeofthesquarehall.‘Whatanenormoushouseyou’vegot!’

‘Toobigforanoldbachelorlikemyself.’Hetookherhandandsmiled,thenturnedtoBenedict.‘Gladyoucouldcome—you’renotoncall?’

Benedictshookhishead.‘Aftermidnight.IsGodmotherhere?’‘Inthedrawing-room.’HewaitedwhileNessietookPrudence’scoat,then

ledthewaytoahalfopendoorandusheredtheminside.Theroomwasvast,high-ceilingedandfurnishedwithold-fashionedheavily

upholsteredchairsandanumberofawkwardlittletables—thekindofroomabachelorcouldliveinforyearsandnotnoticejusthowawfulitwas.Everardneededawife.PrudencecrossedtheroomwithherhostandgreetedMevrouwvanderCulp,whogaveheracheektokiss,askedhowshewas,thenturnedtokissBenedict.Whentheywereallsittingsippingpre-prandialdrinks,theoldladyasked:‘Andwhenisthepartytobe?Ilookforwardtoit.’

‘We’vejustfinishedmakingoutalistofguests,butsinceyou’rebothhereandsucholdfriends,it’sonTuesdayweek.There’llbeaboutthirty,Ishouldthink…’

‘Quitetimetoo,’observedMevrouwvanderCulp.‘It’shightimeyouentertainedagain,Benedict.’Sheadded:‘Ofcourse,youwereyoungerthen.’

Hedidn’treply,andPrudencewasawarethathewasforonceatalossforananswer.Perhapswhenhehadbeenmarriedbefore,heandhisfirstwifehadledasociallife;shefeltasharpstabofjealousyatthethought.

Theeveningwasspentpleasantlyenough.Dinnerwaseateninasombreroom,heavywithdarkoakandagreatchandelierwhichsomehowdidn’tlighttheroomadequately,butifthelightwasdim,theconversationwasn’t.MevrouwvanderCulpwasawittyoldladywithaclevertongue,andbothEverardandBenedictplayeduptoher.

Theywentbacktothedrawing-roomforcoffeeandpresentlyEverardofferedtoshowPrudencethehouse.Astheycrossedthehallhetoldher:‘Ikeepmeaningtoalterthefurnishingsandthecurtainsandsoon,butitdoesn’tseemworththetrouble,livingasIdo,bymyself.IfIweretomarryitwouldbeadifferentmatter,ofcourse.’

Prudencestoppedinthemiddleofasmall,sombresittingroom.‘Haven’tyoueverwantedtomarry?’sheasked.

‘Yes,twice,oncewhenIwasveryyoung,justqualifiedandfullofdreams,andthesecondtime…whenImetyou,Prudence.’

Shewentalittlepale,thenred.‘Oh,mygoodness,Everard,youcan’tmeanthat!’

‘ButIdo.Don’tworry,itwon’tmakeanydifferencetoourbeingfriends.Besides,BenedictandIhaveknowneachotherformostofourlives.Iwouldneverdoanythingtohurthim—oryou.’Hesmiledslowly.‘Youknow,Ithought,justforalittlewhile,thatImighthavehadachancewithyou,butofcourseIsoonsawthatIhadn’t.YouhavenoideahowhappyIamtoseethepairofyoumarried,you’resorightforeachother.’

Sheputoutahandandtouchedhissleeve.‘Everard,I’msosorry,Ireallyam.You’llstaymyfriendaswellasBenedict’s,won’tyou?Whathappenedtotheothergirl?’

Heshruggedhisshoulders.‘Shemarriedandwentabroadtolive.Ihavenoideawheresheisnow.’

‘Whatwashername?’‘Joanne—JoanneWinkeler.Shehadredhairtoo.’‘Andyouarestillinlovewithher,aren’tyou?Ilooklikeher…’Shereachedupandkissedhischeek,andhecaughtherhandsinhis.‘Yes,

greeneyesandglorioushair.’Hesmiledalittle.‘Shehadatempertomatch!’‘SohaveI,Everard.Idothingsonthespurofthemoment.’‘LikemarryingBenedict?’‘Yes.’Sheturnedherheadatafaintsoundfromthedoorway.Benedictwas

there,butwhetherhe’dbeenstandingthereforanylengthoftimeshehadnomeansofknowing.Shethoughtnot,forhesaidinhiscalmway:‘Thereyouare.Everard,thisroomistrulyhideous,youreallymustgetitchanged.Prudence,Godmotherwantstogohome,we’llgiveheralift.ItwillsaveEverardgettingouthiscar.’Hewanderedintotheroom.‘HaveyoutoldEverardthatwearegoingtoEnglandinafewweeks?’

Prudenceblinked;somethinginhisvoicedidn’tsoundlikehimatall.‘No,Ididn’t—Ididn’tthinkofit,andevenifIhadIwouldn’thave,’sheaddedwithafinedisregardforgrammar.‘Everard,thankyouforalovelyevening,we’llseeyouatthepartyperhapsbeforethen—atleast,Iexpectyoutwoseeeachothermostdaysatthehospital.’

ShewenttofindMevrouwvanderCulpandpresentlytheyleft,theoldladystowedcarefullyonthebackseat.Ifshehadbeentiredsheshowednosignofitnow,andindeed,whentheyreachedherhouseandsawherindoorssheassuredPrudencethatsheneverwenttobedbeforemidnight.

‘Ilovegoingoutintheevenings,’shewenton.‘AndI’malwaysthelasttogo.’Shelaughedatherself,kissedapuzzledPrudenceandwentindoorswithalaughingremarktoBenedict,ashekissedhergoodnight.

‘Well,MevrouwvanderCulprecoveredquickly,’observedPrudenceastheydrovebackhome.‘Wasshetiredordidshejustwanttogohome?’

‘Shewasn’tintheleasttired,’saidBenedictcoolly.‘ItwasIwhowantedtoleaveandshegavemetheexcuse.’

‘Oh,Isee.’Shedidn’tseeatall,butshewasn’tgoingtosayso.‘Iexpectyou’vegotsomeworktodo,andyou’reoncallaftermidnight,

too.’Ifshehadhopedthathewouldagreewithhershewastobedisappointed.

Hegruntedsomethingshedidn’tcatchandshestartedonthesafertopicoftheirevening.‘That’saveryold-fashionedhouse,’sheremarked,‘butitcouldbemadequiteashowplace.Everardoughttogethimselfawife.’ButBenedict

didn’tanswerthateither,soshegaveup.Itdidn’tmatterreally,beingsilent;hewasclosetoherandshelovedhimsomuchthatevensittingbesidehimwasajoy.

Itwasn’tlatebythetimetheygotin.PrudencewentupstairstomakesurethatSibellawassleepingandthenwenttothedrawingroom.

‘IaskedOrkifwecouldhavecoffee.You’dlikeacup?’Benedictwasstandingbythefire,readinganotewhichhadcomebyhand

forhim.Helookedupwithoutsmiling.‘Whynot?I’llbeouttomorrow.I’llhavetoleaveearly,soexplaintoSibella,willyou?’

Shesaidsteadily:‘Yes,ofcourse.Willyoubebackbeforeshegoestobed?’‘Idoubtit.’Hewentandsatdownandshepouredtheircoffee.‘Everard

suggestedthatyoudroveovertotheKroller-MullerMuseum.Whydon’tyougivehimaringandsuggesttomorrowafternoon?Sibella’sabityoungforit,butshewouldenjoythedrive.’

Prudencesaidwithouthesitation:‘Oh,no,Idon’tthinkso—itwouldborehertotears.I’lltakemycarandwe’lldrivesomewhereandhaveteaout.Shelikesthat.’

‘Youdon’tlikeEverard?’Thequestionwascasual,andshe,herthoughtsbusyastowhyhehadtospendthewholedayawayfromhomewithoutchoosingtotellherwhy,answeredjustascasually.‘Oh,yes,verymuch—he’soneofthenicestmenI’veevermet.’Shesmiledacrossathim.‘Isn’tthatagoodthing?JustsupposeI’ddislikedhimonsight,orhimme—howawkwarditwouldhavebeenforyou!’

Heglancedupfromhisletteragainwithoutspeaking,hiseyescold,sothatsheaskedquitesharply:‘Issomethingthematter,Benedict—there’ssomethingwrong?’

Shemustbeimaginingthings.His‘Ofcoursenot’wasutteredwithsmilingcalm.

SibellawasinclinedtobeupsetwhenPrudencetoldheratbreakfastthattheywouldbespendingthedayontheirown,butshecheeredupwhenPrudencesuggestedthattheyshouldletherchoosewhattheyshoulddo.‘Churchfirst,ofcourse,butwe’llhavelunchsomewhereifyoulike,thinkaboutitquicklysothatIcanletSitskaknow.’

‘TheZoo,’saidSibellaafterscarcelyamoment’sthought.‘InRhenen,IwentoncewithPapa,andweatetheretoo.’

‘Fine,that’swherewe’llgo,then.Butwe’llcomehomefortea,justincasePapagetsbackearly.’

Theygotoutamapwhentheygotbackfromchurch,andPrudencewasrelievedtofindthatRhenenwasn’tfar—twentymilesorso,andeasyenoughto

getto.TheydroveoffunderthefatherlyeyeofOrk,intoamorningwhichwasgoing,unlessshewasmuchmistaken,toturnintoawetafternoon.

ShetookaquieterroadacrossthecentreoftheVeluwe,avoidingthetownsuntilshecametoEdeandthentakinganevensmallerroadtoWageningenandthenontoRhenen.TheZoowasonthenearsideofthelittletown,andshefounditeasyenoughtoparkthecar,buytheirticketsandtakeSibellastraighttotherestaurant,pleasantlyold-fashionedinanancientwatch-tower,andshewaskeptbusyansweringSibella’squestionsandeatinglunch,whichpreventedherthinkingtoomuchaboutBenedict.Andlater,walkingabouttheZooandthepark,withthelittlegirldemandingthenamesinEnglishofalltheanimals,shebanishedhimfromhermindandjoinedinthechild’spleasure.Theyweredrivinghomeagainwhenshestartedtoworryoncemore,althoughshetoldherselfunendinglythatshehadnoreasontodoso,butwhenSibellaputasmallpawonherkneeandaskedheranxiouslywhyshewassad,sheconjuredupaverycrediblelaugh.‘Notabitofit,darling—wasIfrowning?IoftendowhenI’mdriving.We’vehadalovelyafternoon,haven’twe?SuchapityPapacouldn’tcometoo.’Iwonderwhereheis?sheaddedsilently,andhadheranswerwithinseconds.TheAstonMartinwithBenedictatthewheelandMyrabesidehimslidpastonthemainroadtheywerewaitingtoturninto,andgoingawayfromAppeldoorn,too.Sibellahadn’tseenit.Prudence,feelingsick,joinedthetraffictoAppeldoorn,wishingwithallherheartthatshecouldhaveturnedthecarintheoppositedirectionandfollowedBenedict.Arushoffuryshookher.Nowonderhehadn’tsaidwherehewasgoing!Justlethimwaittillhegotbackhome;therewereafewquestionshecouldanswer…

‘Mama,’shrilledSibella,‘you’vegonepastourroad!’WithaneffortPrudencepulledherselftogether,turnedthecarintheteethof

severalindignantdriversanddrovecarefullytotheirowndoorstep.OrkopenedthedoorbeforeshecouldgetherkeyoutandHenrycametearingfromthekitchentojumpalloverthem.Itwaseasiertothinkstraightinfamiliarsurroundings;PrudencetookSibellaupstairstotakeoffheroutdoorthingsandthenwentwithhertothedrawing-room.Shehadsuggestedthattheyshouldhavetheirteaintheplayroom,butthelittlegirlshookherhead.‘Alwayswehaveteainthedrawing-roomonSundays,andPapawillcome.’

Onlyhedidn’t.Prudence,fillinginthegapbetweenteaandSibella’ssupper,playedcards,LudoandSnakesandLadders,counteringheranxiousenquiriesastowherePapawasbywhatshehopedweresensibleanswers.HestillwasabsentasPrudencehelpedSibellatobed,andalthoughshestayedforawhile,readingtothechild,therewasnosignofhim.

‘Itellyouwhat,’saidPrudence,‘whenPapacomesin,I’llaskhimtocome

hereandkissyougoodnight,evenifyou’reasleep.Howwillthatdo?’ArathertearfulSibellaagreed,andpresentlyshefellasleepandPrudence

wasfreetogodownstairsagain.Shehadherdinneronatray,eatingithastilyandcarryingthebarelytouched

contentsbacktothekitchen,andatSitska’ssurprisedconcern,inventingaheadache.‘I’llhaveabathandgetreadyforbed,’shetoldOrk,‘andthencomedownandreaduntilthedoctorgetsback.Don’twaitup;ifSitskawillleavecoffeereadyandtherestofthesoup,Icanmakesandwichesifheneedsthem.’

Orkdemurred,butshewasfirm.‘We’lllockup—youalwaysgoroundthewindowsanddoorsanyway,don’tyou?Ifyoudothatitwillonlybethefrontdoor.’

Shetookhertimegettingreadyforbedandthen,wrappedinthenewbluequilteddressinggownshehadboughtonlythatweek,paddeddownstairstositbythedrawingroomfire.Orkappearedalmostatoncewiththecoffeetray,fidgetedaroundtheroomforaminuteortwoandthenasked:

‘Mevrouwwillbeallright?Thedoctorwouldnotwishthatyouarealone.’Prudencewastouchedattheoldman’sconcern.‘I’llbefine,Ork,andI

promiseI’llcallyouifIneedto.’‘Youwillnotanswerthedoor,mevrouw?’‘No,Ipromiseyou,Ork.’Theywishedeachothergoodnightandsheheardhimgoingmethodically

fromroomtoroom,makingeverythingsecureforthenight.Presentlythehousewasquietsaveforthetick-tockingofthegreatFrieseclockinthehallandthehurriedtrippingofthecarriageclockonthemantelpieceaboveher.Nowandthenthehouseeaseditselfgentlywithgentlecreaksandfaintwhispers,butpresentlytheyweredrownedbythewindsighingthroughthetreesnearthehouse—allsoundsthatPrudencefoundsoothing.OneofthenovelsshehadboughtinArnhemwasonherlap,sowasaDutchdictionary,butpresentlysheclosedthembothandthenhereyes.

TheclockwasstrikingonewhenshewoketothesoundofBenedict’skeyinthedoor.Sheheardhimpauseinthehall,flinghiscoatdownandthencrossthehall.Ashecamethroughthedoorshesatupright.

‘Iwantawordwithyou,’shebegan,instanttempertakingoverfromsleep.‘Now?’askedBenedictmildly.‘Doyouknowthetime?’‘Youaskmethat?’Shewassoindignantthatshestuttered.‘Andifyouwant

coffeeorsomethingtoeatyou’llhavetogetitforyourself.IsentOrktobedhoursago.’

‘Sothatyoucouldlieinwaitforme?’heaskedsilkily.‘Yes.Isawyouthisafternoon—withMyra…’

‘Iknow.Ihalfexpectedyoutocomeracingafterme.’‘Itneverenteredmyhead,’shelied.‘Ifyouweregoingtospendtheday—

andhalfthenight—withher,whycouldn’tyouhavesaidso?’Heraisedhiseyebrows.‘MydearPrudence,Idon’tthinkthatwouldhave

beenaverywisethingtodo.Youmighthavegotallsortsofideasintothatfieryheadofyours.’

Hehadgonetositdownoppositetoher,mostannoyinglycalm.‘That’saprettybluegown.Itsuitsyou.’

Prudenceallbutgroundherteeth.‘Nevermindthat!’shesnapped.‘ItwasamercySibelladidn’tseeyou!’

‘I’msureyouwouldhavefoundsomeverygoodreasonformy—er—lapse.’Benedictsmiledathergently.‘Ihadnoideayouwouldbeonthatroad.’

Shebouncedwithrage.‘You’reinsufferable!IwishI’dgonewithEverard,andthenIwouldn’thaveseenyou!’

Hisvoicewasasgentleashissmile.‘Ididsuggestit.’Hegotup.‘I’mgoingtogetsomecoffee.Doyouwantany?Andaren’tyougoingtoaskmewhyIspenttheday—thesewereyourwords,Prudence—withMyra?’

‘Ihavenowishtoknow.’Hervoicecameoutrathersqueakilyforshewasontheedgeoftears.‘AndIdon’twantanycoffee.’Shejumpedupoutofherchairandsailedfromtheroomwithoutlookingathimorsayinggoodnight.Itwasagreatrelieftogetintobedandcryhereyesout,althoughshedidn’tbothertoaskherselfjustwhyshewasweeping.Sheonlyknewthatshewasunhappierthanshehadeverbeeninherlife.

CHAPTEREIGHT

MORNINGBROUGHTcommonsensewithit.SheshouldhaveheldhertongueandsaidnothingtoBenedict;theywerefriends,theyhadmarriedwithaveryclearideaofwhattheyweredoingandfriendstrustedeachother;shehaddemonstratedveryclearlythatshedidn’ttrusthim—worse,thatshewasjealous.Shehadbeenafool,andtheonlythingtodowastopretendthatithadneverhappened.ShewentdowntobreakfasthandinhandwithSibella,greetedBenedictcheerfully,andenteredintoanunnecessarilylongandinvolvedaccountoftheirafternoon’souting.Shegroundtoahaltpresently,awarethathewassilentlylaughingather,althoughheappearedtobegivingherhisfullattention.Shecrumbledsometoastandaskedhimbrisklyifhewouldbeinforlunch,notquitelookinghimintheeye,andwhenhesaidthathewould,askabouttheinvitationsfortheparty.‘I’vegottheonesfromthehospitalonyourdesk,’shetoldhim,stillbriskdespitethetwinkleinhiseyes,‘butIdon’tknowwhattodowiththerest.’

‘I’llseetothem,thoughyoucouldphonetheBrandsandthePennicks—anddon’tforgetJuffrouwSmit.Godmothertoo,andofcourseEverard.’

Heleftthehousesoonafter,droppingacasualkissonhercheekashepassedbyherchair.Soeverythingwastobejustasbefore;theunpleasantlittleepisodewastobeforgotten.Nexttime,andshefeltsurethattherewouldbeanexttime,shewouldhavetoseetheandboilbehindafriendly,unnoticingface.ShegaveanindignantsnortattheveryideaandSibellaaskedherifshehadacold.

Therewasn’tanythingmuchforhertodoonaMondaymorning,asmostoftheshopswereshutanyway.ShetookHenryforhiswalk,phonedherinvitationsandthendecidedtogointothetownandpostsomeletters,andsinceitwasagreywindyday,shestoppedforcoffeeatoneofthefashionablelittlecafésinthemainstreet.ShehadboughtaDutchpaper,andnowoverhercoffeeshebegantopickouttheheadlines.Itwasmoreinterestingthanlookingupwordsinadictionary.Shewasbeginningtosayafewwordsnow,thankstoBenedictandSibella’shelp,butthewrittenwordwasanothermatter.Shewaswrestlingwiththesmalladswhensheheardavoicegiveanameshehadneverexpectedtohear.Itwasawoman’svoice,andPrudenceturnedroundcautiouslyandtooka

look.Awomaninherlatethirties,prettystillandwithhairasredasPrudence’sown.Sheglancedup,andPrudencewasn’tintheleastsurprisedtoseethathereyeswerevividlygreen.Everard’sfirstlove,here,onlyamileorsofromhim!Thewomansmiledfaintly,turnedtohercompanionandsaidsomethingandgotuptogo.AsshewentpastPrudence’stable,Prudenceputoutanurgenthand.

‘Please,couldIspeaktoyou?YouareJoanneWinkler,aren’tyou?Iheardyou…’

Thewomanhadstopped.‘Havewemetsomewhere?’sheaskedpleasantly.‘You’reEnglish—perhapsintheStates?’

‘We’venotmet.EverardHerrismatoldmeaboutyou.’Thewomanwentwhite,saidsomethingtohercompanion,whowalkedon,

thensatdownoppositePrudence.‘Heiswell?Stillworkingatthehospital,perhaps?Ionlyarrivedyesterday,I

wasgoingtoenquire…’‘Butnotgoingtoseehim?’askedPrudence.‘No.I—wepartedmanyyearsago,hewillhaveforgottenme.’‘Hehasn’t.He’sasinlovewithyounowashealwayswas.’Prudencemade

thesweepingstatementwithouthesitation.‘It’samiracle,youknow,findingyouhere,rightunderhisnose.’Shehesitated.‘Forgivemeforbeingnosey,butareyoumarried?’

‘Awidow.Icameback…’Joanneshruggedhershoulders.‘Ismashedmydreamallthattimeago,Idon’texpecttopickupthepieces.’

‘Butyou’dliketoseeEverard?’Hercompanion’sfacepuckered.‘Oh,yes,soverymuch!Yousee,Imadea

mistake,andmarriedthewrongman,butIwastooproudtodoanythingaboutit.Andheneverwrote.’

‘No—well,hewouldn’t.Look,I’mnotmeaningtointerfere,butwillyouletmetellEverardthatyou’rehere—gethimusedtotheideabeforeyoumeet?’Prudenceadded,alittlepink:‘I’mmarriedtoBenedictvanVinke.Didyouknowhim?’

‘OfcourseIdid.Everard’sgoodfriendandminealso.’Aguardedlookcameoverherface.‘Hewasmarried…’shebeganuncertainly.

‘Yes,buthiswifedied.Hehadalittlegirl,Sibella.’Joannesaidslowly:‘Theyweren’thappy,youknow.Shewasafeather-

headedcreature.Oneshouldn’tspeakillofthedead,shouldone,butit’strue,andBenedictwasafinedoctoreventhen.They’donlybeenmarried—oh,lessthanayear,whenIleft,andIcouldsee…’Shesmiled.‘I’msureyouareaverygoodwifeforhim.’

‘Itrytobe.Look,I’vejusthadanidea.We’rehavingasmallpartynext

week,justdrinksandtalkforanhourortwo.Willyoucome?AndIwon’ttellEverardyou’rehere…butperhapsI’dbetter,someoneissuretodothat.Anyway,youcouldseehimthere,itmightbeeasierwithalotofpeoplearound.’

‘Yes?Youthinkso?Perhapsyouareright.’Joannelaughed.‘Weshouldagree,shouldwenot,withourredhairandgreeneyes?Iwilldoasyousay.Whatastrangeconversationwearehaving—Idon’tevenknowyourname!’

‘Prudence.It’sasillynameforsomeonewithredhair,isn’tit?’Joannelaughed.‘I’mgladyouweren’tprudent.Youmightnothavetalkedto

me.IsBenedictstilllivinginhisnicehousenearHetLoo?’‘Yes.I’llseeEverardassoonaspossibleandtellhim.I’msureeverything’s

goingtobeallright.Imustgo,IhavetofetchSibellafromschool.’Prudencepaidherbillandtheyleftthecafétogetherandpartedonthepavement,andPrudence,walkingbrisklyintotheteethofthewind,reflectedthatlifecouldbeveryunexpected.Withhindsightsherealisedthatshehadbeenabitimpetuous,buttonholingJoannelikethat;shecouldhavebeenhorriblysnubbed.‘Foolswalkin,’sheremindedherself,andwavedgailytoSibella,comingoutofschool.

ThesightofBenedictsittingoppositeheratlunchdivertedherthoughts,butwhenhehadgoneagainandsheandSibellaandHenrywerehavingtheirwalk,sheresolutelyputhimbehindherandconcentratedonherplanstogetEverardandJoannetogetheragain,andthemomenttheywerebackhomeandSibellahadgoneofftothekitchentohelpgettheteatrayready,shewenttothetelephone.Everardwasn’thome;shehadhalfexpectedthat,sosherangthehospitalandgaveasighofreliefwhenavoicetoldherthathewasthere.

EverardwastalkingtoBenedictintheconsultants’roomwhenhisbleepstoppedhiminmid-sentence.HewenttothephoneinacorneroftheroomandBenedictsaid:‘I’llseeyouontheward,then,’andwentoutoftheroom,onlytoturnroundandcomeinagainbecausehehadforgottenthenoteshehadbeendiscussing.HewasthroughtheopendoorandhishandswereonthenoteswhenheheardEverardsay:‘Prudence,youmeanthat?Wherearewetomeet?Atyourhouse?Icanhardlywait!Don’ttellanyoneyet.’

HehadhisbacktoBenedict,whostoodforamomentlookingathisfriendbeforeheturnedonhisheelandlefttheroomagain.Hehadaroundtodoanddidit,lookingandtalkinginhisusualcalmmanner.OnlytheelderlyWardSisterinMen’sMedical,whohadknownhimforyears,wonderedwhatwasthematterwithhim,andknowinghimsowell,didn’task.

Truetoherword,PrudencesaidnothingtoBenedict,althoughshelongedtodoso.Insteadshetalkedaboutfoodanddrinkfortheguests,thenewdresssheplannedforSibella,andkepthimpostedastothosewhowerecoming.Everyonetheyhadinvited,infact.Prudence,allowingSibellatochoosebetweenarich

darkblueandamulberryredvelvetdress,ponderedherowndress.Somethingsuitable,shedecided.Benedictwaswellknownandwelllikedandhadalargecircleoffriends,evenifnotallofthemwouldbeattheirparty.Somethingdignified,shethought,pearlgreyorblack—sheneverworeblack,butifBenedictthoughtitwouldbetherightthingshewoulddoso.Tohersurprise,whenshesuggestedit,hereactedquiteviolently.‘GoodGod,no—Iloathewomeninlittleblackdresses.Palemauve,ifyoulike,oranicechocolatebrown.’

Soshesearchedtheshopsforeithertheoneortheother,andcamehomewithalilaccrêpewithademurenecklineandacleverlycutskirt.SheboughtkidslipperstomatchandtriedthemforSibella’sbenefit,withthestrictinstructionthatonnoaccountwasherpapatoknowanythingaboutit.

Ontheeveningoftheparty,shedressedSibellaandthenherself,andtheywentdownstairstogether,redvelvetandlilacblendingverynicely.TheywenthandinhandintothedrawingroomwhereBenedictwassittingreadingbythefire.Hegotupwhentheywentinandstoodstudyingthemboth.‘Delightful,’hedelared.‘Youbothlookasprettyaspictures.Mycompliments,Prudence.’

‘Sibellachoseherowndress,’volunteeredPrudence.‘It’spretty,isn’tit?’Henodded.‘I’mproudofmydaughter.’Hedidn’tsaythathewasproudof

hiswife,althoughPrudencehopedthathewould.‘Remember,liefje,yougotobedthemomentMamatellsyouto.’Hesmiled

acrossatPrudence.‘Everythinglooksveryniceindeed,’hetoldher.‘Youmusthaveworkedhard.’

‘No,’notreally.OrkandSitskaandBetjedidmostofit.I’mgladyou’repleased.’Shesmiledbackathim,sodisturbedbecausehewassomehowveryremote.IfSibellahadn’tbeenthereshewouldhaveaskedhimiftherewasanythingthematter.Andanyway,therewasnotime.ThefrontdoorbellclangedandshecouldhearOrkbiddingthefirstoftheirguestswelcome.

ItwassurprisingthenumberoffriendsBenedicthad.ShewentamongthemwithhimandSibelladancingalongbesideherandtheywereallsmilingandfriendly,andsincetheykneweachother,innotimeatalleveryonewastalkingatthetopofhisorhervoice.Thepartywasasuccess.

‘ThisisthefirstsocialoccasionBenedicthashostedforIdon’tknowhowlong,’atallstoutwomanwithaloudvoicetoldPrudence.‘Hisfirstwifedidn’tlikeanyofus,youknow,weboredherstiff,sohegraduallystoppedaskingusround,andwhenshediedhecuthimselfofffromeveryone.’Shelaughedloudlyandquitewithoutmalice.‘Ofcoursehe’sbeennomonk,butyou’dhardlyexpectthat,wouldyou?Weareallsodelightedthathehasmarriedagain,mydear,andtosuchasensiblegirltoo.’

Prudenceansweredpolitely,andpresentlyexcusedherselfasOrkcametowardsher.HemurmuredinherearandherfacelitupsothatBenedictwatchingherfromtheothersideoftheroom,frownedalittle.HesawherslipfromtheroomandpresentlyreturnwithEverard,whomsheleftwithagroupoffriendsbeforerejoiningthepeopleshehadbeentalkingtoo.Shehadn’tlookedinhisdirectiononce.TenminuteslaterOrkappearedagain,andoncemoresheslippedfromtheroom,andthistimeitwasfiveminutesbeforeshereturned.WhenshecamebackshehadJoanneWinkelerwithher.SeveraloftheguestsrecognisedheratonceandcrowdedroundtogreetherbeforeBenedictcouldreachher.Theystoodbackalittleashetookherhandandkissedhercheek.‘MydearJoanne,whatadelightfulsurprise!WeallthoughtyouwereintheStates.Youknoweveryonehere,don’tyou?’HeshotalightningglanceatPrudence.‘IncludingPrudence,’headdedblandly.‘You’vealreadymet,Itakeit?Comeandmeeteveryone…’

PeoplebegantotalkagainandPrudencewalkedaroundwithSibella’shandtuckedinhers,sayingabithereandthere,allthewhilewonderinghowEverardandJoannewouldbehavewhentheywereactuallyfacetoface.Shefeltcheated,shewouldhavelikedtohavebeentheretosee,butBenedicthadJoannebythearmstillandwassteeringhergentlytowardsEverard,talkingtotwoelderlyladies.BenedictdetachedthesefromhisfriendwithpractisedeaseandlefthimandJoannetogether,pausingtomurmurinEverard’searashewent.OutofthecornerofhereyePrudencesawthemgothroughthehalfopendoortotheconservatorybeyond;sofar,sogood.

Thepartywasgettingintoitsstridenow.Benedictwasagoodhost.Groupsformedandreformed,alltalkingatthetopsoftheirvoices,whileOrkcirculatedwithdrinksandBetjehandedthefood.Itwas,Prudencediscoveredreluctantly,timeforSibellatogotobed.Shesentthechildtosaygoodnighttoherfatherandthenmakearoundoftheguests,shakinghandspolitelywitheachone.‘Ihaven’tsaidgoodnighttoOomEverardorthatprettylady!’shrilledSibella,asPrudenceurgedhertothedoor.

‘Theyareveryoldfriends,darling,andtheyhaven’tseeneachotherforalongtime.I’llsaygoodnightandgoodbyetothembothforyou.’

Sibellawasstillalittleexcited.Thenewdresshadtobeadmiredbeforeitwastakenoff,andthedelightsoftheeveningdiscussed,soitwasalmosthalfanhourbeforePrudencewentdownstairsagain.ItwasMevrouwvanderCulpwhoaskedher:‘Wherehaveyoubeen,mydear?Severalofusmissedyou.’

‘I’msorry—Sibellaistoosmalltoputherselftobedandshewasalittleexcited.’Prudenceglancedcasuallyroundtheroomandpaledalittle.Myrawasthere,talkingtoBenedictandDrBrand.Asusual,thoughtPrudencesourly,she

lookedstunning;herscarletdressoutshoneeveryotherwoman’sintheroom.Prudenceinstantlyfeltdowdy.SheleftMevrouwvanderCulpwithMevrouwBrandandmadeherwayacrosstheroom.

‘Hownicetoseeyou,Myra,I’msogladyoucouldcome.’Inherownearshervoicesoundedfalselybright,butittookMyrabysurprise.

Shesaidalittleuncertainly:‘Oh,hullo,IthoughtI’dsurpriseyou.’SheputahandonBenedict’scoatsleeveandglancedupathimthroughfalseeyelashes.

‘Ilikesurprisingpeople,’shemurmured,andsmiledupathim.Benedictglancedatherwithonlypoliteinterest.‘Yes.Youmustexcuseme,

ImusthaveawordwithJuffrouwSmit.Prudence,comewithme,willyou?It’saboutyourlessons.’

TheypausedtotalkastheywentandwhentheyreachedJuffrouwSmit,thatformidableladykeptthemforseveralminutes.SheconfessedherselfintriguedattheideaofteachingPrudenceDutchandtookhertimearrangingsuitabletimesforherlessons.‘You’lllearnquicklyenough,’shedecidedpresently.‘You’reanintelligentyoungwomanandIbelieveyoureallywanttolearn.’

‘Oh,Ido,’Prudenceassuredher.‘IpromiseyouI’llworkhardifyouwillteachme.’Someonejoinedthemandpresentlyshecirculatedagain.Itwasanhourormorelater,whentheguestswerebeginningtogo,whenshesawEverardandJoanne,andevenfromtheotherendofthebigroomshecouldseethattheylookedmightilypleasedwiththemselves.Butshecouldn’tjointhemforthemoment.ShestoodbesideBenedict,shakinghandsandbeingkissedandthenthanked,makingpromisestogotolunch,tea,coffee,anddinnerwhenBenedicthadafreeevening.Shedidn’trememberhalfofthem,shewastooconsciousofBenedictclosebyher.

MevrouwvanderCulpwasamongthelasttogo.SheofferedacheektoBenedict,thenpeckedatPrudence.‘Alovelyparty,mydear—whatablessingyouaretoBenedict!IseethatJoanneandEverardaretogetheragain.Iwonderwhoarrangedthattheyshouldmeethere?’ShebeamedatPrudence.‘Youclevergirl!’

HardonherheelscameEverardandJoanne.TheykissedPrudenceandEverardsaid:‘Icanneverthankyouenough,mydear.Wearegoingtogettoknoweachotheragain.It’slikeamiracle,thatyoushouldhaveheardJoanneinthatcafé,Prudence,anddonesomethingaboutit.’

‘Andkeptitasecret,’interposedBenedictdryly.‘ThatwasbecauseIsaidIwishedit,’saidJoannequickly,‘soyoudonot

blamePrudence,please.’SheputonthecoatthatEverardwasholdingforher.‘AndnowIshallgowithEverardandweshalltalk.’ShekissedPrudence.‘Iwillringyoutomorrow,Prudence.’

TheydroveawaytogetherandPrudenceturnedawayfromthedoorasBenedictclosedit.Shesaidcarefully:‘I’msorryIdidn’ttellyouaboutEverardandJoanne.Shemademepromise—shewasafraidthatEverardwouldn’twantanythingtodowithher,yousee,soIsaidI’dtellhim.’

ShestoppedasBenedictlaughed.‘What’sfunny?’sheasked.‘Youphonedhimatthehospital,didn’tyou?’Andwhenshenodded.‘I

overheard,quitebyaccident,andIthoughtyouandhe…’Hereyesflashedgreenly.‘Youdid?Youthoughtweweremakingadate—or

something?’Hewasleaningagainstawalltable,hishandsinhispockets.‘Thethought

didcrossmymind.’Hesoundedamused.Shestutteredwithrage.‘ButI’mmarriedtoyou—we’veonlybeenmarried

forafewweeks…howcouldyoueventhinksuchathing?’Hesaidsilkily:‘Quiteeasily,mydear,inmypresentstateofmind.’Prudencewaswithoutwordsandsoindignantthatshehardlyheardhim.

‘Andanotherthing,’shewenton,hervoiceshrill.‘WhydidyouaskMyratocome?Youneversaidyouweregoingto.’

Benedictwasstillloungingagainstthetablewatchingher.‘Ididn’tinviteher;Isupposedyoudid.Ispentagoodpartoftheeveningwonderingwhy.’Andassheopenedhermouthoncemore:‘No,don’tsayanythingelse,mydear,Idaresayyouaretired.Itwasaverysuccessfulevening,thankstoyourefforts.Whattimearewedining?’

‘Sitskawillhaveamealreadyatnineo’clock.’‘Splendid.Comeandhaveadrinkfirst.’‘Idonotwantadrink,’saidPrudencedistinctly,‘andIdonotwantdinner

either.I’mgoingtobed.’Shebegantoclimbthewidestaircase.ForsuchalargemanBenedictcouldmoveveryfast;shewasnofurtherthan

thethirdtreadwhenhewastherebesideher.‘You’reangrywithme,’hesaidgently.‘YoubelieveIdon’ttrustyou.I’msorry,butifyouthinkaboutitthereisanothersidetoit,youknow.’

‘Oh,pooh!’Herredhairhadgotthebetterofhergoodsense,shegallopedupstairsandintoherroom,wheresheflungherselfonthebedandburstintotears.

Somuchfortheirsensiblemarriagebasedonfriendshipandtrustandalltherestofthatnonsense,andsomuchforfallinginlovewithhimtoo!Alotofgoodthathaddoneher;he’dactuallythoughtthatshewasencouragingEverard!‘AndservehimrightifIhad,’shemumbledintothepillows,‘andifthat’sallhethinksofmethenI’dbettergoawayandhecangobacktobeingabacheloragain,andIhope,’sheaddedwaspishly,‘thatMyragetsherclawsintohim!’

Herfacewassoddenwithtearsbynow,hereyespuffedupandhernosepink,andpresentlyshefellintoanexhaustedsleep.Shewokeintheearlyhoursofthemorning,verycold,andundressedandgotintobedandstartedtocryalloveragain.

Shelookedterribleinthemorning,andexplainedawayherpuffyeyesandwhitecheekstoSibellawiththeexcusethatshehadacold—apieceofnewswhichSibellalostnotimeinconveyingtoherfatherwhentheyreachedthebreakfasttable.‘Youmustgivehermedicine,Papa,’criedthelittlegirl.‘MamamustbewellenoughtocometoEnglandwithus,mustn’tshe?’

Prudenceputdownhercoffeecup.‘Areweallgoing?’sheasked,hergazefocusedafewinchesaboveBenedict’shead.

‘Naturally.’Hewasstudyingherfacewithinterest.‘Iphonedyourmotherlastnight,aswellasNancy.TheywouldbothliketohaveSibellatostaywhilewearetravelling.’

Prudencetookapieceoftoastandbrokeitintoagoodmanysmallpieces;itgavehersomethingtodo.‘PerhapsIcould…’Shegotnofurther.

‘No,Prudence,youwillbegoingwithme.’Hisplacidvoiceheldasteelynoteshehadseldomheard.

Oh,well,shetoldherselfsilently,that’shislookout.Ishan’ttalkhe’llbesofedupwithmebythetimethetourisover.Theunbiddenthoughtthatshewouldbewithhimforawholetendayscrossedhermind.Atanyothertimeshewouldhavebeenintheseventhheaven.Shecould,ofcourse,fallill…Shefrownedathertoast,decidingonsomethingsuitable;toothache,perhapsmigraine,onlyshe’dneverhadone.Atummybug?Hewouldpounceonthemallandbanishthemwithanantibiotic.Shesighednotquitesilently,andBenedictobservedmildly:‘Itwouldneverdotoalterourplansnow,wouldit,Prudence?Iwouldn’tlikeSibellatobedisappointed.’

Shebutteredafragmentoftoastandputitbackonherplate.Itwassounfair,healwaysgotthebetterofher,andthatwithoutraisinghisvoiceintheveryleast.

Joannetelephonedduringthemorning.Shewasbubblingoverwithhappiness.‘Itisjustasthoughwe’dneverbeenapart,’sheexplained.‘EverardfeelsjustthesameasIdo.Ijustcan’tbelieveit,Prudence,andwecan’tthankyouenough.Andsinceallourfriendssawuslastnightweshan’thavetheawfulbusinessofexplainingtothem.’Shegiggled.‘Fallinginloveissuchfun,isn’tit?’

WhenPrudenceagreedwithsuitableenthusiasmshesaid:‘You’llbothhavetocometodinneroneeveningsoon;we’vesuchalottotalkabout.’

Severalpeoplephonedtothankherforthepartyandenoughflowerscameto

keepherbusyarrangingthemfortherestoftheday.Theyallborelittlethankyoucards,andshereadthemallcarefullyandsetthemononesidesothatshecouldphonetheirsenderslater.ItwasalmosttimetofetchSibellawhenthelastflowersweredelivered—redroses,andtheaccompanyingcardwasinBenedict’shandwriting.‘Thankyouformakingtheeveningsuchasuccess.Benedict.’

Prudencelookedatthemforalongmoment,thenshecrossedthehalltothegardenroomwheretherestoftheflowerswerewaitingtobearranged.Therewasabininonecorner;shestuffedtherosesintoitandsmasheddownthelid,thenwenttogetreadytofetchSibella.

Benedictwasalreadyhomewhentheygotback.Hecameoutofhisstudyastheywentin,remarkingthathehadtakenthreephonecallssincehe’dbeeninthehouseandabunchofflowersfromMevrouwBrand.‘I’veputthemwiththeothersinthegardenroom,’hetoldher.‘Didyougetmyroses?’

Shehadfeltdreadfuleversinceshehadthrownthemintothebin.Nowshewentquitewhitewhileshetriedtothinkwhattosay.Notthattherewasanychoice.AsSibelladancedofftotakeoffheroutdoorthings,shecrossedthehall.‘Yes,Idid.They’rehere.’

Sheledthewaybacktothegardenroomandtookthelidoffthebin.‘Idon’tknowwhyIdidit,’shewhispered.‘Atleast,Idoinamuddledkindofway,butIcan’texplain.’

Hisvoicewasharsh.‘Youhavenoneedtodothat.Itwasfoolishofmetosendthem.’

Shepeepedupathimandwasshakentoseehisface—sad,resigned,notangryintheleast.Whichmadeitsomuchworse.

Sheturnedawayandwentupstairsandtidiedherselfforlunch,andwhensheeventuallywentdownstairsagainheandSibellawereonthefloorinthesittingroom,withHenrybetweenthem,lookingatabooktogether.

Helookedupasshewentinandhismannerwassoexactlythesameasusualthatshewonderedforamomentifshehaddreamedthoseawfulfewminutes.‘Comeandseethis,’heinvitedher.‘It’sacopyofTheWindintheWillows—inEnglish.IthoughtwemightreadittoSibella.IloveditwhenIwassmall,didn’tyou?’

Shesaidyes,notlookingathim.Shefeltguiltyandincrediblymeanandsoashamedofherself,eventhoughsheremindedherselfthathewastoblamebecausehehadn’ttrustedher,buttwoblacksdon’tmakeawhite,asherfatherusedtosay.ShewentandsatdownbesideSibellaandadmiredMrToadinthedelightfulillustrations.

TherewasnowayofknowinghowBenedictfelt.Hismannertowardsher

duringlunchwasjustasitalwayswas,andyetforamoment,whenshehadtoldhimabouttheflowers,hehadlookedsoterriblethatshehadwantedtoputherarmsroundhimandtellhimthatshelovedhim.Thatwouldhavebeensilly,ofcourse;hewouldn’thavebelievedher,withtheroseslyinginruinsbetweenthem,andevenifhehad,itwouldhaveputhiminafrightfulspot.ItwasareliefwhenhetoldherafterlunchthathewouldbegoingtoUtrechtthatafternoonandwouldprobablynotbehomeuntillateintheevening.‘Don’tkeepdinner—I’llhavesomethingatthehospital.Canyoucopewiththeletters?They’refromfriendsinLondonwhowanttoseeusifwehavethetime.’

‘Whatdoyouwantmetosay?’sheasked.‘We’llringthemwhenwe’rethereandarrangesomething.Oh,andMyra

telephonedthismorningandleftamessage.She’sleavingforItalytospendthewinterthere;shewasalmostanxiousthatIshouldn’tforgettotellyou.’

‘Oh,Iwonderwhy?’Benedict’seyesgleamedwithamusement.‘AndIwastotellyouthatshe

knewwhenshewasbeaten.’‘Ican’tthinkwhatshemeant,’saidPrudencewithaheightenedcolour.She

plungedintoaseriesoffutileremarksaboutnothingatall,andheinhisblandestmannermostobliginglyeggedheron.

ShefilledheremptyeveningplanningtheirtriptoEngland.NowthatSibellawastogowiththemtherewereherclothestoseetoaswellasherown;itkepthernicelyoccupieduntilbedtime.Shestayedawakeforalongtime,thinkingaboutBenedictwithhopelessmisery;fallinginlovewithhimhadcertainlycomplicatedmatters,especiallyashehadshownnoinclinationtodothesamewithher.Nowthechancethathewouldreallyevenfeelafondnessforherwassoremoteastobelaughable.Shedidherbesttocheerherselfupwiththereflectionthattheyhadn’tbeenmarriedlong.Therewereyearsaheadofthem,surelyintimetheycouldachievesomekindof…whatwasitthathehadsaid?Harmony?

ItwasmostfortunatethatJoanneshouldringthefollowingmorningandinsistonthemgoingtodinnerwithEverard.‘Ofcourse,I’llbethere,’shechuckled.‘We’regoingtotalkaboutgettingmarried,isn’titthrilling?’AndwhenPrudencehadaccepted:‘YouheardaboutMyra?Goodriddance,Isay.She,wassetongettingBenedictforherselfeversincehisfirstwifedied;notthatheeverencouragedhertoimagineshemightbeintherunning.’Shedidn’twaitforPrudencetoreply.‘Seeyouboththisevening,then—dinnerwillbeateighto’clock,letusknowifBenedict’sgoingtobeheldup.’

Prudencetoldhimatlunchandheagreedplacidly.‘Ishouldbehomeasusualfortea,’hetoldher.‘Areyoudoinganythingspecialthisafternoon?’

Sheshookherhead.‘We’llgoforawalkwithHenryandthenI’lltakeSibellaintotowntogetherafewthingsshe’llneedbeforewegotoEngland.’

‘Walktotheshops,thenmeetmeatthehospitalatfouro’clock—we’llseewhatwecanfindforhertogiveGrannyTrentandAuntNancy.’

SomethingDutch,Sibellahadinsisted,soafterdeliberation,theyboughtasetofcoffeespoonsinsilver,andDelftchina,abluebon-bondishonasilverstand.TotheseSibella,withherownpocketmoney,purchasedahideouslygaytea-clothandatinofhopjes,akindofhardtoffee.Shehadafewguldenover,sosheboughtapacketofhighlycolouredsweetswhichshegavetoPrudencewiththeinstructionsthattheyweretobesharedfairlybetweenherandPapa.Itwasahappylittleinterlude,andPrudencereflectedsorrowfullythatthatwashowitshouldbeeachandeveryday.

Shechangedintoacalf-lengthdarkgreenvelvetskirtandacreamchiffonblouseforEverard’sdinnerparty.Castingacriticaleyeoverherreflectionwhenshewasready,sheconcededthatshelookednice.Shecaughtupanangorawrapandrandownstairs,ratheronthelateside,tofindBenedictwaitingwithnosignofimpatienceinthehall.

Thedrivetherewassoshortthattherewasnoneedtotalk,andonceinEverard’shouse,Joannetooktheconversationintoherownhands,talkingnon-stopabouttheirplans,whatsheintendedtodowiththehouse,wheretheywouldgofortheirhoneymoon.Shelaughedapologetically.‘I’msofullofme,’shesaid.‘It’slikebeinginalovelydream,I’mterrifiedthatI’llwakeup,andthenIlookatEverardandknowthatit’sforreal.’ShebeamedatPrudence.‘Isn’titamarvellousfeeling,knowingthatyou’relovedwithoutreservations?’

‘Oh,yes,marvellous,’agreedPrudence.‘It’sallsoexciting.’ShelookedatEverard.‘Doyoumindyourhousebeingentirelymadeover?’

Helaughed.‘Notintheleast.IhadnoideaIwassointerestedincarpetsandcurtainsuntilJoannetookmeinhand!’

Theyalllaughedovertheirdrinks,andpresentlywentintodinnerandlatersatroundthefire,thetwowomenengrossedinweddingclothes,themendeepinadiscussionaboutanewtypeofanaestheticmachine.

Joanne,pausinginthemiddleofaseriousdiscussionaboutherweddinghat,said:‘Listentothem—theysoundlikeacoupleofoldbachelors!’

Everardgaveheralovinglook.‘But,darling,untilveryrecentlywebothwere.’

‘Well,it’sagoodthingwecamealongwhenwedid.You’regoingtochangeyourlifestyle.I’veeveryintentionofhavingatleastonebaby,andI’mcertainPrudencewillhavedozens…’

Benedictlaughed:‘Dozens?MydearJoanne,I’mabusymanasitis!’

Prudencejoinedinthelaughterbecauseifshehadn’ttheywouldhavenoticed.Actuallyshefeltmorelikecrying.

Thenextfewdayswentquicklyenough.Shepackedforthethreeofthem,checkedherpassportandmoney,hadalongsessionwithSitska,gaveOrkcarefulinstructionsaboutHenry,whowasalreadylookinggloomyatthesightoftheluggage,andhadcoffeewithvariousladieswhoseinvitationsshehadaccepted.Whatwiththeseactivities,besidesSibellatoplaywithandtheoddlettertotype,shewaskeptbusyenough,sothatwhenBenedictwashometherewereplentyofmundanethingstotalkabout.Heforhispart,sincetheywouldbeawayfortendaysorso,hadafulldayathisconsultingroomsandquiteoftenbroughtworkhomewithhim;notestobewrittenup,notestocolleaguesaboutsharedpatients,notestohisregistrar.Heworkedsteadilyuntillateatnight,apologisingtoherforleavingheralonesomuch.Hismannerwasfriendly,butshesensedawithdrawal,althoughshefounditimpossibletotellifhewereangryorhurtorjustnotinterested.SheforborefromquestioninghimaboutthetriptoEngland.Sheknewwheretheyweretogo,buthehadnottoldheranythingabouttheirschedule.Shesupposedshewouldbelefttoherowndeviceswhilehewaslecturingandpossiblyaccompanyhimtoanysocialeventsthathadbeenplanned.Shewasdeterminedtoputonabravefaceandactthehappywife.Presumablyshewasexpectedtobe.Beyondthatshewasn’tpreparedtothink,notforthemomentatanyrate.

TheyweretogoviatheHoekofHollandtoHarwichandtaketheAstonMartin,sincethatwouldbetheeasiestwayforSibella,anditalsomeantthatBenedictcoulddoafullday’sworkbeforetheyneededtoleaveforthenightboat.Prudencespentthedaykeepinganexcitedlittlegirlascalmaspossible,andtakingHenryforanextrawalktomakeupfortheirabsence.TheyhaddinnerearlywithSibella,loadedupthecarandsetoff.Nowthattheywereactuallyontheirway,Prudencefeltathrillofexcitement.PerhapstherewouldbetheopportunitytohaveatalkwithBenedict,notjustthepolitetalktheyhadbeenexchangingforthelastweekorso,butarealhonesttalkaboutthetwoofthem.Shewasn’tgoingtotellhimthatshelovedhim,butperhapsshecouldlethimseethatshewouldliketostartagain,getbackontotheiroldfriendlyfooting.Itstruckherthatthefeelingofinstantlikingwhichtheyhadhadforeachotherwhentheyfirstmet,insteadofblossomingintosomethingdeeperhaddwindledaway.

Ofcoursetherewasnochancetosayanythingonthejourney,Sibellatalkednon-stopandneededherquestionsanswered,andoncetheywereonboardandPrudencehadputthelittlegirltobed,Benedict,overadrinkinthebar,suggestedmildlythatshemightliketogotobedtoo.

Shewouldhavetobepatientandpicktherightmoment,shedecidedasshegotintothenarrowbedbesideSibella’s.

CHAPTERNINE

ENGLAND,inthedimlightofearlymorningandwithafaintdrizzlefalling,washardlywelcoming.Sibella,standingbetweenPrudenceandBenedictattherails,watchingtheferryberth,remarkedinadisappointedvoicethatitlookedexactlylikeHolland.

‘Andthat’sagoodthing,’observedBenedictmatter-of-factly,‘becauseyou’llfeelathomehere,won’tyou?’

Prudencesqueezedthesmallglovedhand.‘YoulikedAuntNancyatthewedding,didn’tyou?’

‘Yes,butIlikeyoubetter.Willyoubegoneformanydays?’‘No,love,andyou’llhavesuchfunyouwon’tfinditalongwhile.’Theywentdowntothecarpresently,andsincetheferrywashalfemptythey

wereontheirwaywithinhalfanhour.Benedictdrovesteadilyforhalfanhourandthenslowedastheyreachedasmallvillageandstoppedbeforeanoldgabledhotelfrontingthemainstreet.‘Breakfast,’hesaid,‘isamealIcannotdowithout.Let’sseewhatwecanget.’

Theyhadatableinthesmalldiningroom,atabowwindowoverlookingthestreet,andsincetheyhadhadonlyteaandbiscuitswhentheyhadbeencalledonboard,theyatewithhealthyappetites.Theywentonagainpresently,joiningthethickeningstreamoftraffic,andsincethejourneyfromHarwichwasundereightymiles,theywerethreadingtheirwaythroughtheLondonsuburbsbymid-morning.

Prudencehadn’tbotheredtofindoutmuchaboutBenedict’sflatinLondon.ShehadaskedwhereitwasandhadbeentoldthatitwasasmallplaceclosetoWigmoreStreet.HerknowledgeofLondonwaslargelyconfinedtotheshoppingstreetsandNancy’sflat,butshehadguessedvaguelythatitwouldbesomewheretothewestofthecity.Theearlymorningrushhourwaswelloverandthelunchtimetraffichadn’tstarted;theywentcomparativelyeasilyacrossthecityandpresentlyturnedawayfromthecrowdedmainstreetstothecontrastingquietoftheelegantsidestreets.Benedictdroveuponeoftheseandthenturnedoffintoatree-linedculde-saclinedwithtallRegencyhouses.Hepulledupbeforeoneofthese.‘Well,hereweare,’heobserved.‘Theflat’sonthesecondfloor.’PrudenceandSibellagotoutandgazedaroundthem;itwas

remarkablypeacefulandquietandshesaidinsomesurprise:‘It’speaceful!’ShetookSibella’shandandfollowedhimacrossthenarrowpavementandin

throughthefrontdoor.Thesmalllobbyopenedoutintoamuchlargerhallwithastaircaseatoneside.‘Nolift,’saidBenedict.‘IfIwanttoseepatientshereIborrowaroomonthegroundfloor—they’rerentedouttomedicalmen.’Theyreachedalandingandwentupontothenextfloor.Thelandingherewassmallwithonlyonedoor.Benedictopeneditwithakeyandheldthedooropenforthemtogothrough.Theflatwassurprisinglyroomy,withacomfortablesittingroom,asmalldiningroom,acompactkitchenandthreebedroomsaswellasabathroomandashower.Thethirdbedroomwasverysmallindeed,butthefurniturehadbeenwellchosentogiveasmuchspaceaspossible.SibellainstantlyclaimeditforherownandPrudence,usheredintotheroomnexttoit,wasdelightedtofindthatitoverlookedaminutecourtyardatthebackofthehouse.Therewasn’tmuchtosee,butthewallarounditwascoveredwithVirginiaCreeper,glowingredandyellow,andtherewerechrysanthemumsinthesmallcentrebed.

Benedictwentbacktothecartocollecttheluggageandshepeepedintotheotherbedroomandthenintothesittingroom.‘It’sallverycleanandtidy,’sheobservedwhenhecameback.

‘Someonecomesinregularly;she’llbehereinthemorning.Ihadthoughtwemightallgoouttolunchandperhapsyouwouldn’tmindgettingamealthisevening.Thefridgeshouldbewellstocked.’

‘I’dloveto;it’sthemostsuperlittlekitchen.Doyouhavetolectureoranythingtoday?’

Hesmiledalittle.‘No—tomorrowmorningateleveno’clock.Imustmakesomephonecallstoday,though.CallNancyandyourmotherifyouwouldliketo.I’llmakesomecoffeewhileyousettleSibella.’

Whentheyhadhadtheircoffeehespentsometimeonthephone.Heseemedtoknowagreatmanypeopleratherwell,Prudencedecided,tryingnottolistenwhilesheunpackedthethingstheywouldwantfortheirtwodays’stayinLondon.ItwaswellaftermiddaybythetimehehadfinishedandtheywalkedtheshortdistancetoIciParis,acharminglittlerestaurantwhereitseemedBenedictwasinthehabitofeatingwhenhewasinLondon,andsincetherestofthedaywastheirsinwhichtodowhattheywished,theystrolledalongOxfordStreetandthenintoNewBondStreetanddowntheBurlingtonArcade,whereBenedictboughtSibellaashockinglyexpensivedress,andthen,becausePrudencehadadmiredit,acashmeresweaterinexactlytherightshadeofgreentogowithherhair.

Theyhadteapresentlyandthentookataxibacktotheflat,wherePrudence,

verymuchonhermettle,retiredtothekitchen,leavingfatheranddaughtertoamuseeachother,whileshesawtothesupper.

Themealwaspronouncedagreatsuccess,although,asshemodestlyaverred,thesuccesswaslargelyduetothelavishcontentsofthefridge.Sibellawenttobedassoonasthemealwasover,andwhenPrudencewentbacktothesittingroomitwastofindBenedictsittingatadeskbetweenthenarrowwindows,surroundedbypapers.Sheofferedhelpinahesitantmannerandfeltinordinatelyhurtwhenhesaidnoabruptly,sothatshesaidatonce:‘ThenI’llgotobedtoo—it’sbeenquiteaday.I’veleftcoffeeonthestoveforyou.Willbreakfastathalfpasteightdo?’

Helookedupbriefly.‘Yes,thanks.Goodnight,Prudence.’Shedidn’tgotosleepatonce,andwhenshedid,itwasaheavyslumber

fromwhichshewasrousedinthemorningbyBenedictwithmorningtea.Sheshotupinbed,herhairaburnishedtangle.His‘goodmorning’was

casual,butheadded:‘YoulookliketheSleepingBeautyinthatbluesilknightiewithyourhairalloverthepillow.’Heputacupandsaucerdownonthebedsidetable.‘Sibella’sawake;shewantstogetintoyourbed.’

‘Shedoesmostmornings,justforafewminutes.’Prudencetriedtokeephervoiceasmatter-of-factashiswhileshesavouredbeingaSleepingBeautyevenifhehadn’tmeantit.Sibellacameprancinginthen,andBenedictfetchedhisowncupandsatontheendofthebedwhiletheydiscussedwhattheyshoulddowiththeday.‘Youhavetocountmeoutuntilaboutfiveo’clock’heremindedthem.‘HowabouttheZooortheTower?’

TheydecidedontheTowerofLondoninthemorningandafterlunchanothervisittotheshops.‘TakeataxitoHarrodsandspendtheafternoonthere,’suggestedBenedict,‘andtakeataxibackhere.I’llletyouhaveakey.You’llbeallright?’

Theyhadalovelyday.Sibellawastakenround-eyedroundtheTower,givenlunchataquietlittlerestaurantnearbyandthentransportedtoHarrods,wherethepairofthemspentablissfulafternoon.AsPrudenceexplainedafterwards,theyhadn’treallyneededtobuyanything,butanextralipstickwasalwaysusefultohave,sowereangoraglovesforSibellaandasilkscarfforherself,andtheyspentagreatdealoftimefindingapresentforBenedict.SibellachoseabrightyellowballpointpenwithhisinitialstuckonitstopandpaidforitwithherownpocketmoneyfromthelittlebagPrudencehadgivenher.‘YoumustbuyPapaapresenttoo,’sheinsisted,sotheyspentanothertwentyminutesorsolookingateverythingondisplayinthemen’sdepartmentuntilfinallyPrudencedecidedonasmallcalf-boundpocketbook.Probablyhewouldneveruseit,butshewouldnotupsetSibellabybuyingnothingatall.Theyhadteabeforethey

wentbacktotheflat—tinysandwichesandtea-cakesandrichcreamyconfections,andthelittlegirlwaspink-cheekedwithdelight.‘IonlywishPapawashere,’sheconfidedtoPrudence.

Prudencesqueezedasmallhand.‘SodoI,darling,butwe’llseehimthisevening.’

Hewastherewaitingforthemwhentheygotback,readytoaskSibellaalltherightquestionsaboutherdayandtossherintheairanddeclarethathe’dneverhadsuchasplendidpeninhislifebeforeandhe’duseiteveryday.

‘Mama’sgotapresenttoo,’saidSibella,sothatshehadtohandoverthepocketbook.

‘JustwhatIwanted,mydear.NowIcanwriteinitwithmynewpen.’Hehadalecturetogivethenextdaytoo,butnotuntiltheafternoon.‘I’ll

driveyouovertoNancy’sandcollectyouwhenI’mthrough,’hetoldPrudence.‘I’mnotcomingbackhere?Youwantmetotakeeverythingwithme?’Henodded.‘Whynot?I’mdueinBirminghamtomorrow—wecandriveup

thatevening.WeshallbestayingwiththeSeniorMedicalConsultantandhiswife—I’vemetthemboth,they’reacharmingcouple.Ilecturethereinthemorningandwecanleaveafterlunch;it’slessthanninetymilestoBristol,andwe’llbetherefortwodays.’

‘Oh,willwe?’askedPrudencefaintly.‘Andthenwheredowego?’‘Edinburgh,twodaysthere,andthenLiverpoolonlyoneday,backtoOxford

foranothertwodaysandthenacoupleofdayswithyourpeople.’Headded:‘Ofcourse,ifyoufindittooboringortiring,youcangotoLittleAmwellwheneveryouwish.’

Thehastewithwhichsheansweredbroughtagleamtohiseye.‘Oh,no—I’msureIshallenjoyitenormously.’

TheyhadarapturouswelcomefromNancy.‘Jamesiscominghomeearly,he’dhatetomissyou.We’resoexcitedabouthavingSibellatostay.’Shebenttohugthelittlegirl.‘We’llhavesuchfun,andwe’llgotoyourgranny’shouseandbewaitingforMummyandDaddywhentheygethome.’

TheyhadlunchtogetherbeforeBenedictwentbacktogivehislecture.‘Hemustbeacleverdevil,’commentedNancy,‘rushingroundgiving

lecturesoffthecuffwithhardlyapause.Whatdoeshelectureabout,forheaven’ssake?’

TowhichPrudencehadtoreplythatshewasn’tquitesure.Nancygaveheranold-fashionedlook.‘Ah,well,you’llhavenicelongstretchestogetherinthecar.’

ThemenarrivedwithintenminutesofeachotherandtherewasampletimeforteabeforeBenedictsaid:‘Well,we’dbetterbeonourway.It’lltakeacouple

ofhoursandtheSlatersexpectusfordinner.’HepickedupSibellaandgaveherakissandputasmallboxintoherhand.

‘Youmayopenthatwhenwe’vegone,love,AuntNancywillhelpyouwithit.It’llhelppassthetime.’

‘Whatdidyougiveher?’askedPrudenceastheydroveaway.‘Awatch.Oneofthosegaudyredthingschildrenlove.’Heglancedather.

‘She’llbeallright.Jamestellsmethey’vegotsomethingplannedforeverysingleday.’

Theydroveinsilenceforalittlewhile,thenonceontheM1hesentthecaruptoasteadyseventy.‘TheSlaterslivejustoutsidecentralBirmingham—Edgbaston.I’llbedrivinginwithTomSlaterinthemorningandI’llhavelunchatthehospital.You’lllikeMargaret,Ithink.There’llbeafewpeopletherethisevening,bytheway.WeshallleavetomorrowafternoonforBristol.WearetostayattheGrandHotel,andIlectureattheUniversitythere,Ialsohavetogotothechildren’shospitalafterlunch.You’llbeallrightonyourown?Ishouldbebackbyteatime.’

‘Perfectlyallright,thankyou.’Shewasdyingtoaskhimwhyhehadwantedhertocomewithhim.Hetoldherwithouttheneedofquestions,though.

‘Thisisthefirsttimethatwehavebeenalonesincewemarried,Prudence,anditseemedtomethatitwashightimethatwehadalittletimetoourselves.’

Alittletimewasright,consideringtheschedulehehadjustoutlined.‘Why?’sheaskedblandly.Hewentonasthoughshehadn’tspoken.‘Wehavetotalk—aboutus.Inthe

meantimeshallwejustenjoyourselvesasmuchaspossible?’Shesaid‘yes’inaratherbewilderedvoice,andsincehalfaloafwasbetter

thannobreadatall,closedhermindtohermanyproblemsandsaidagainquiteurgently:‘Oh,yes,let’s!’

TheSlaterslivedinalarge,awkwardEdwardianvillawithanicegarden.Itwasfurnishedincomfortandinratheranold-fashionedstyle,butsinceitwasobviousthattheywereperfectlyhappyinitandhappywitheachother,thatwasunimportant.TheywelcomedPrudenceandBenedictwithakindlywarmthwhichsweptthemindoorstothefire,tositforafewminutesbeforeMrsSlaterledPrudenceupstairs.‘Dinner’sathalfpasteight,soyou’vegotmorethanhalfanhour,mydear.You’reinhere,’sheopenedadoorontoalargebedroomfurnishedwithlightoakfurniture,outofdatebutbeautifullypolished.‘AndImadeupabedinthedressingroomforBenedict;heexplainedthathe’dhavetoworkonhisnextlectureanddidn’twanttodisturbyou.Comedownwhenyou’reready.’

Therewereseveralpeoplefordinner.Prudence,shakinghandsand

exchangingcivilities,hopedsilentlythatshewouldpassmusterasaneminentphysician’swife.Asamatteroffact,shedidmorethanthat.Herlooksalonecaughteveryone’seye,andshehadchosentowearamistygreysilkdress,ratherdemureandfrightfullyexpensive,whichdidwondersforherhair.Theeveningpassedpleasantlyenoughandso,forthatmatter,didthenextmorning,gossipingwithMrsSlater.FriendscameinforlunchandbeforesheknewwhereshewasBenedictwasthereagain,suggestingplacidlythattheyshouldleave.

DrivingdowntoBristol,sheaskedifthelecturehadgonewell.‘Ithinkso—Ihopeso.Atanyrate,IrememberedtosayallthethingsI

wantedtosayandIhadnoneofthoseawfulblankmomentswhenonecan’trememberwhatoneistalkingabout.’

Prudenceenjoyedeveryminuteoftheninety-milejourney;theyseemedtohaveslippedbackintotheirfirsteasyfriendshipandtalkingwaseasy.Itwasapitythattheywereabletogothewholewaydownthemotorway,fortheywereinBristolfarmorequicklythanshecouldhavewished,butshecheeredupwhenshediscoveredthattheywouldhavetheeveningtogetheratthehotel.ShechangedintosomethingprettyfordinnerandwentdowntojoinBenedictinthebar.

Thereweretwomenwithhim;elderly,pleasantandself-assured.BenedictintroducedthemasProfessorBlackandDrColes,bothfromtheRoyalInfirmary,whohadbeenkindenoughtocomealongandmakesurethattheywerecomfortable.

Theybeamedather,pliedherwithsherryandthenstayedandhaddinnerwiththem,andafterthatmeal,overcoffeeinthelounge,theybeganadiscussionaboutbloodgroups,sothatpresentlyPrudencewishedthemagracefullywordedgoodnightandwenttoherroom.Andwhen,shethoughtforlornly,wastheregoingtobeanytimetotalk?

CertainlynotinBristol.ShebarelyglimpsedBenedictalldayandwhenhedidreturnatlasthebroughtwithhimProfessorBlack,thistimeaccompaniedbyhiswife.Prudence,sayingalltherightthings,andlookingdelightedtoseethem,satthroughalong-drawn-outdinner,exchangingnothingswithMrsBlackwhilesheheldbackfrustratedrage.

ItwasalongdrivetoEdingburgh;theyleftafterbreakfastanddroveendlesslynorth.‘Threehundredandsixty-fivemilestogo,’Benedicthadtoldhercasuallyastheygotintothecar.‘Saysixhoursdriving,allowingforhold-ups,anotherhourandahalftoeat.Weshouldbetherebyearlyevening.’

‘Andwheredowestay?’‘Ah,yes—withProfessorMacKinandhiswife—twodays,fourlectures.’

Heturnedtosmileather.‘Enjoyingyourself?’

‘Enormously,’shehadsaidvaliantly.‘IphonedSibellayesterday,shesentherlove.’

‘Wemustfindherapresent,mustn’twe?ThatwasaprettygreydressyouworeattheSlaters’.You’remakinganimpression,Prudence.’

Shewentapleasedpink.‘Oh,thankyou;I’mtryingmybest…’Hesaidplacidly:‘Youdon’thavetotryveryhardtohavethemenbuzzing

roundyoulikeflies.’Shedrewaquickbreath.‘Andwouldyoumind?’‘Youaskedmethatquestiononcebefore,doyouremember?Myansweris

thesame.’Heslowedthecar.‘I’mgoingtoturnoffhere;there’sapubsomewherenearherewherewecanlunch.’

Hehadthemostirritatingwayofpreventingherfromaskingquestions.ShewouldhavelikedtohavecontinuedreminiscingaboutNancy’sweddingandtheirfirstmeeting,butitwasevidentthatshewasn’tgoingtobegiventhechance.Nevermind,sheconsoledherself,therewereseveraldaysleft.Shecountedthemsilently.Surelytherewouldbeachanceforthemtotalk—reallytalkaboutthemselves;inthemeantimeitwasheavenjusttobewithhim.

Therewasnochance.ShehardlysawhiminEdinburghandwhentheyweretogethertherewereotherpeoplethere—asmalleveningreceptionwhenshebarelyspoketohimforthewholeevening;alunchpartywhenhewasattheotherendofthetable.Edinburghproveddisappointing,andsodidLiverpool,andshecouldhaveweptwithvexationastheydrovetowardsOxford.TwodaysmoreandtheywouldbeatLittleAmwell.Andalthoughtheyhadtravelledallthosemilestogether,neveroncehadtheytalkedaboutanythingotherthanhiswork,thecitiestheyhadvisitedandthepeopletheyhadmet.Theywereasfarapartasever.

TheyweretostaywithanoldacquaintanceofBenedict’s,oneoftheconsultantsatthehospitalwhereBenedictwasduetolecture,andastheyreachedtheoutskirtsofOxfordPrudencesaidsuddenly:‘Ishouldliketocometoyourlecture—oneofthem,atanyrate.’

‘Areyouinterestedinpolycythaemia?’Benedictsoundedmildlyamused.‘Ihaven’ttheleastideawhatitmightbe,’observedPrudencecoolly,‘butI

shouldliketoattendoneofyourlectures.’‘There’snoreasonwhyyoushouldn’t.’Hewascasuallyhelpful.‘I’lltake

youalongwithmetomorrow,thoughI’mafraidyou’llbebored.’Sherefrainedfromtellinghimthatnothinghedidorsaidwouldeverbore

her.Shethankedhim,adding:‘Andyoudon’thavetobotheraboutmeafterwards.Icangoshoppingorsomethingortakeataxi.’

‘Wecantalkaboutthatlater.Hereweare.’

DrCruickshankwasagooddealolderthanBenedict,andhiswife,aroundcosylittlewoman,treatedPrudenceasthoughshehadbeenoneofherteenagedaughters.WhenBenedictexplainedlateraboutPrudencegoingtoalecture,shesaidatonce:‘Oh,that’snice,you’llenjoythat,mydear.Benedictwillbeabletoarrangeforsomeonetobringyoubackhereforlunch.He’llbegoingtotheconsultants’roomforhis,Iexpect.Andyouwon’tbemissinganything;theydrinkpintsofbeerandtalkaboutthemostrevoltingthings!’

Prudencelaughed:‘ThenI’mgladI’mnotinvited.ButI’msureIcanfindmywaybackhere…’

‘I’msureyoucantoo,Prudence,butI’llgetsomeonetobringyouback.’Benedictspokecasually,butshedidn’targue.Heseldomraisedhisvoiceandattimesonewouldimaginehimtobeeasygoingintheextreme,butshehadlearnedthathelikedthingstobedonehiswayoncehe’dmadeuphismind.

Therewere,inevitably,peoplecominginfordrinks.Prudencewentupstairspresentlytochangeinthecomfortablebedroomwithitssurprisinglymodernbathroomandthedressingroombeyond.‘VeryconsiderateofBenedicttosleepthere,’MrsCruickshankhadcommented,andmeantit.‘Iexpecthesitsupuntilallhourswhenhe’sgotalecturetoputtogether.Itmustbequitehardwork.’

TheeveningwaspleasantandPrudence,inthegreydress,madeahitwiththeguests.Itwasn’tthatshewasjustpretty;shewasagoodlistener,nevertriedtoattractattention,andwasashappytalkingtosomecrustyoldprofessorassomeoneofherownage.

Theyweretoleavethenextday,afterBenedicthadgivenanotherlectureinthemorningandshehadhadanearlylunchattheCruickshanks.Shedidn’tseehimtospeaktoformorethanafewmomentsuntiltheywereinthecardrivingoutofOxford.True,shehadattendedthelecture,andsatburstingwithpridewhilehetalked,notunderstandingawordofit.

‘Well,that’sover,’observedBenedict.‘I’veleftatrailofenviousmenbehindme—notbecauseofmylectures,butbecauseofmybeautifulandcharmingwife.’

Prudencedigestedthiswithpleasureandthenfrowned.‘IsthatwhyIcamewithyou?ToseeifIwassuitabletobethewifeofaneminentdoctor?’

Theyhadstoppedwaitingforthetrafficlightstochange.Heturnedtolookather.Hesaidsilkily:‘It’shightimewehadourtalk,mydear.’

‘Morethantime,’shesnappedback,‘butyou’veleftitabitlate.’‘Nevertoolate.’Thelightschangedandhedroveon,andshedidn’tsay

more,forthetrafficwasheavy,butpresentlysheexclaimed:‘We’renotgoingsouth—you’reontheWarwickroad!’

‘That’sright.That’swherewearegoing.’

‘Anotherlecture?’sheventured,puzzled.‘Ihopenot.’Andwhensheglancedsidewaysathim,hisprofilelookedso

sternshedecidednottosayanythingmoreforthemoment.HedrovefastuptheA423,throughBanburyandthenonagainuntil

Southam,whenhetooktheroadtoWarwick.‘Warwick?’queriedPrudenceatacompleteloss.His,‘Yes,mydear,’offerednoclue.TheydrovethroughWarwickandoutontotheStratford-upon-Avonroad,

butbeforetheyreachedtheoutskirtsofthetownheturnedsharplythroughbigopengatesandwentslowlyuphillbetweentalltrees.‘WarwickCastle?’askedPrudence.‘Whyhavewecomehere?Theycloseintwohours—itsaidsoatthegate.’

‘Twohourscanbealongtime,andwe’vecomeherebecauseitshouldbequiet—Imeanpeacefullyquiet.’Hegaveheraquicksmile.‘Here’sthecarpark.’

Themaninchargewasfriendly.‘Almostnovisitors,’hetoldthem.‘You’llhavetheplacetoyourselves—wecloseatfiveo’clock,mind.’

Theywalkeduptherestofthedriveandthroughthebarbican.Thecastlewasbuiltroundaroughcircleofgrassandthecarattendanthadbeenquiteright.Itwassoquiet,ifPrudencehadhadapinhandy,shewouldhavehearditdrop.

‘Notthedungeons,’saidBenedict,andtookherarm.‘Let’strythePrivateApartments.’

Theywentthroughawidedooratthetopofstonestepsandsteppedintoanotherworld.Twoladieswerechattingjustinsidethedoor,butbeyondwishingthemgoodday,theyleftthemtotheirowndevices.

Therewasalottosee—musicroom,library,boudoir,drawingroom…Prudence,interesteddespiteherself,spokeherthoughts.‘Iwonderiftheywerehappy?’Shegesturedtothefiguresintheirelegant,elaborateclothes,sittinginapparentconversationwhilepowderedfootmenpouredtea.

‘Happy?Ifhappinessmeansgreatwealth,agreatmanyservantsatone’sbeckandcall,cupboardsfullofclothesandmagnificentjewels,probablytheywerehappy.’

Theyhadpausedandwerestandingatawindowwhichoverlookedamagnificentwaterfallbelowthem.ShefeltBenedict’sarmroundhershouldersandtrembledalittle.‘Happinessformeislovingsomeonesodeeplythatthey’repartoflife,sodearthatthere’snolivingwithoutthem.’Heturnedherroundandheldhertight.‘That’showIfeelaboutyou,mydarling.’

Prudencesniffedintothetweedofhisjacket.‘Justnow?Justthisinstant?’sheasked,andfelthimlaugh.

‘Oh,mydearest,I’vebeeninlovewithyousinceIturnedroundatNancy’sweddingandsawyoujustbehindme.’

‘Youcouldhavesaidso.’Hervoicecamemuffled.‘Andyouwouldhaveshiedawaylikeanill-usedlittleanimal,afraidtobe

hurtagain.’Heputahandunderherchinsothatshehadtolookupathim.‘Ithought—

rightlyorwrongly,Idon’tknow—thatifIleftyoualone,treatedyouasafriend,youwouldintimecometolovemetoo.’

Prudencegaveasmallchokingsob.‘I’vebeeninlovewithyouforweeksandweeks.’Sheaddedfornoreasonatall:‘ThatbeastlyMyraandyoubeinghorridaboutEverard…youencouragedme!’

‘IfeltIoughttodoso.Andmydarlinggirl,canyounotforgetMyra?Shenevermeantanything,youknow.’Hesmiledslowly.‘Astothat,whataboutbeastlyTony?’

Shechuckledonasob.‘Whatawasteoftime!’shesaid.‘Wellnow,we’llstartmakingupforthatthisminute.’Hisarmstightenedso

thatshecouldscarcelybreathe.Hekissedhergentlyatfirstandthenquiteroughly,andoneoftheladies,comingsoftlytomakesurethattheyweren’tstealinganything,stoodandwatched,hermouthopen.Shewasasentimentallittlelady,withold-fashionedideasaboutlove;thesetwoelegantpeoplestandingtherewitheyesfornoonebuteachotherwereexactlyassheimaginedlovemightbe,giventherightmanandwoman.Shesighedandslippeddownthestairsagainandtoldhercompanion,whoinherturnwenttohavealook.Whenshegotbackshesaid:‘Wecloseinanhour.Oughtweto—well,remindthem?’

Shewentbackoncemoreandfoundthemstandingveryclosetogetheratthewindow.Ratherataloss,sheobserved:‘Thecastleismostinteresting,isn’tit?There’satea-roominthecellars,ifyouwouldcareforacup—weshutquitesoon.’

‘MywifeandIfindeverythingquite…’Benedictpaused,‘wonderful,andwe’dliketeabeforewego.’

‘Downthispassageandthroughthedooratthebottomofthestairs.’Shewatchedthemgoandhurriedbacktoherfriend.‘Justfancy,they’re

married!’sheobserved.‘Ididn’tthinktheywouldbe,theylookedsoinlove.’Shesighed.‘Shewassoprettytoo.’

PrudenceandBenedictwanderedarminarmalongthepassageanddownthestairs.Atthebottomhetookherinhisarmsagainandkissedher.‘We’llbealittlelateback.I’llphoneyourparents,Sibellacouldstayupforonce,couldn’tshe?We’renotfarfromtheM5,wecanhaveaquickruntojustbelowBristolandcutacrossthroughGlastonbury.’

‘Idon’tmindwherewegoorwhatwedo,’saidPrudence,‘aslongasI’mwithyou.’Sheadded:‘Andthechildrenofcourse.’

Hekissedheragain.‘Ofcourse,’heagreed.‘Alltenofthem.’Hetookherarm.‘Letushavetea,mydearestlove.’

ISBN:978-1-4592-0410-2

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