Masters And Lovers 1-4 novel Chapter 12

“Sir, I thought you would like to know. Since you've been, um, behaving yourself, there's talk of extending your privileges.”

“In what way?”

“Extra exercise time. A pleasanter job.”

“I fucking hate the laundries.”

“Don't blame you, sir.”

“Any chance of the library?”

“I'll see what could be done, sir, but I can't make any promises.”

“I understand…. Any news?”

“Little but wedding arrangements. The two men seem to have it worked out between themselves. One is actually marrying her.…”

“Which one?

“Summerford, sir. The other one is his Best Man.”

“And she’s happy with all this?”

“So I’m being told, sir.”

“Anything else? Did you talk to Baxter?”

“Yes, sir. He says he can move any time you want with around twenty-four hours’ notice.”

“Excellent.”

*****

The day before the wedding… and I feel like a spare part. Limping into the dining room, I find a small buzz of staff, moving efficiently and quietly, overseen by Beth, directing the laying out of the tables.

“Can I help?”