Part 39 (1/2)

'Of course its not Russell, Aunt Julia. It never was Russell. Hes an idiot of course ...

'Thanks, wife.

'And hes been digging his own grave as fast as he can ... go, but no, its not Russell. Apart from yesterday afternoon. Russell, I am so not speaking to you about that. You gave me the worst afternoon of ... my life.

'Im sorry, Jenny. I couldnt think of any other way.

'I know. Never do that again.

'No. Once was enough.

Surprisingly, Daniel Palmer spoke. 'Francesca, please get your things together.

She gaped at him.

'Were leaving now and youre coming home with me.

Russell nodded at him. 'Thank you, Daniel. You should get her away as quickly as possible.

'Get her away? said Francesca. 'Im not going anywhere. Why would I? Stop it, Daniel, youre frightening me.

'Francesca, you have a choice to make. Jenny isnt the only one deciding her future tonight. Ive offered you the protection of marriage, but if you dont come with me now, I may not be able to help you.

'Why? she said to him, bewildered. 'Why must I go?

'Well, Russell, you havent answered my question. If not you, then whom?

'Julia, I wont tell you again. Be silent.

'Daniel? Whats happening?

And just when things were wound up to screaming point, someone knocked at the door.

Everyone looked at everyone else. Russell nodded to Kevin who went off to persuade the front door to open. I heard voices and footsteps approaching.

Christopher walked in.

I hadnt seen him properly for years. Id caught brief glimpses of him occasionally. Not at his bookshop, obviously. He probably wasnt sure where it was. He strutted into the room. A little man making a big entrance.

My first reaction was fear. I dont know why. I wasnt a child any more. What could he do to me in my own home? Yes, he was a bully, but he was a coward too. Both Russell and Andrew loathed him. I was perfectly safe, yet I was still afraid.

Still, it wasnt as if the evening could get much worse ...

Under the table, Andrew took my hand and squeezed hard. I couldnt look at him. I couldnt look at anyone.

Russell made no move to greet him. The silence went on and on.

'Now then, my boy, said Uncle Richard, eventually. 'What are you doing here? Hmm?

Christopher didnt bother replying. His gaze fell on Uncle Richard and then switched to me. I felt suddenly cold.

Russell stood up, abruptly.

Uncle Richard said hurriedly, 'Now, lets find you a chair, shall we? You can sit here, with me and Jenny.

'No, he cant, said Russell. 'I dont want the little runt here at all, but if he is going to stay then Ill have him up near me, where I can make sure hes not stealing the silver or groping the staff. Watch yourself, Kevin.

It was a good effort. For one moment I really did think the three of them would storm from the room, the house, my life, everything. However, wishes seldom come true.

He sat, rather heavily, between Aunt Julia and Russell, drank her wine, and held up her gla.s.s for more. He was ignored.

Still channelling kindly old uncle as fast as he could go, Uncle Richard stood up.

'Well, I can see youre tired, Jenny. Perhaps it was a little ambitious of you to plan such a large party so soon after your accident. Well leave you in peace now. Daniel, I know you wont stay too long. We dont want to tire her out.

He was ignored, too.

Russell played idly with his knife.

Kevin stood behind Christopher.

Mrs Crisp stood behind me.

Sharon stood by the door.

You could have heard a mouse sneeze.

'Francesca, this is the last time I shall say this. The last time Ill be able to look out for you. Look at me. You must leave with me. Now.

She tried to pull her hands away but he held them in a firm grasp.

'Stop. Stop. Look at me.

She stopped struggling, looked at him, looked away, and then looked back as if she was seeing him for the first time. She looked around the table. You could practically hear the wheels turning. The silence lengthened. She opened her mouth to speak. We all held our breath.

Christopher lunged for Russells gla.s.s and knocked the bottle over, sending the contents streaming down the table.

Everyone grabbed their gla.s.ses and plates. Mrs Crisp and Sharon mopped and dabbed. As always, there seemed far more on the table than there could possibly be in one bottle.

Eventually order was restored. We all sat back down again.

I lifted my gla.s.s to my lips.

It was wine. Not water. Wine. Everything crashed into place it had been them all along.

Like the echo of a nightmare, Mrs Crisp reached over my shoulder and took the gla.s.s.

I looked at Russell. He wasnt looking at me.

'Seriously? he said. 'I cant believe you thought that would work a second time.