“Now?” Suze looks taken aback. “But I thought you were going to stay for a few days.”
“We’ve got loads to do!” I lift my chin. “Everything’s different for me, too, you know. I’m a married woman now! I’ve got to set up the flat… look after Luke… throw some dinner parties… ”
“Right.” Suze hesitates. “Well, it’s been lovely to see you, anyway.”
“You too! It’s been fun! We must… do it again.”
We sound totally false. Both of us.
There’s silence. My throat is tight. I’m going to cry.
No, I’m not.
“So… I’ll just go and pack,” I say at last. “Thanks for a lovely time.”
I leave the room, pick up my shopping, and walk away. And my bright smile lasts all the way to the stairs.
NETHER PLEATON GYMKHANA
Manor Stables
Pleaton
Hampshire SO20 8EX
Mrs Rebecca Brandon
37 Maida Vale Mansions
Maida Vale
London NW6 0YF
30 April 2003
Dear Mrs Brandon:
Thank you for your letter concerning the Nether Pleaton Gymkhana next month. I confirm that I have withdrawn your name from the following classes:
General Horsemanship
Open Jumping
Senior Dressage
Perhaps you could let me know if you still wish to enter for “Best Kept Pony.”
With kind regards,
Marjorie Davies
“The post’s here,” Luke says, coming into the kitchen. He’s in his suit, since he’ll be going into the office later, and his hair is trimmed all short and businesslike again. He had it cut almost as soon as we got back to London — because, as he said, Italy is one thing, but Britain is another.
I suppose he has a point. But I can’t help feeling a bit wistful every time I see his bare neck. That little untanned patch of skin below his hairline is the only reminder of the way he was on our honeymoon.
“There’s a letter for you,” he adds, handing me an envelope.
“Oh, right!” I take it from him, feeling nervous.
Ever since we got back to London, I’ve been approaching all the big department stores for a job as a personal shopper. I’ve got a great reference from Barneys and everyone’s been really nice to me — but so far all I’m getting told is that there are no openings right now.