Masters And Lovers 1-4 novel Chapter 21

“Who’s that?” Ben aims a finger towards the thin figure propping up the bar as he chats happily with one of the Agony Aunts.

“Old friend of Charlotte’s, I believe, Benny. He was in a fix so James did him a favor, gave him a leg up.”

Ben’s brows rise. “What kind of leg up?”

“As I understand it, Benny had a poor upbringing. He was illiterate and so effectively unemployable. James put him on a training program with the company, aiming for an apprenticeship in the maintenance section.”

“But he can’t read? Shouldn’t he clear something like that with you?”

“Charlotte is making the time to teach Benny to read. And James has the full authority of a director in my company.”

*****

Elizabeth nudges me. “I think we should rescue him.”

I twist, scanning. “Who?”

“James.” She tilts her glass toward a corner table.

James, seated at the back and wearing the expression of a man losing the will to live, is flanked to one side by two old biddies: if memory serves from the wedding, it’s Michael’s grandmother and his Aunty Edna.

On the other side, his escape is blocked by some old woman in a vast motorised wheelchair who is simultaneously talking and blowing smoke from a roll-up into his face. Eyes glazed, he nods politely to the old gorgon then takes a large swallow of brandy.

As we watch, two more of the legion of old hens join the group. One wears a bright green trouser suit, sparkly purple shoes, and an orange hat. The other has what appears to be a dead cat draped over her shoulders.

I chuckle. “He does have the knack of attracting them, doesn’t he.” I offer Elizabeth my arm. “As you say, let’s go rescue him.”

James, fanning away curls of blue smoke, sees us approach, his eyes rising to mine like one staring into the abyss. As we draw closer, the voices of the matrons and matriarchs of Michael’s family rise above the general hub-bub.

“… and the doctor said he’d never seen anything like it…”

“Yes, well, he said I should give up smoking. I told him that my father lived to be a hundred and three and…”

“Yes… but my sciatica…”

James gulps at his brandy.

From off-stage, enter Kirstie, making straight for the table. “James, you promised me a dance. You didn’t forget, did you?”

James rises from his seat as though rocket-propelled. “Kirstie, of course I didn’t forget.”

Beside me, Elizabeth chortles behind a hand. “Spot the face of a grateful man.”

Voices rise in protest. “We wuz havin’ such an interesting conversation…”

“But I’ve not told you about my bunion surgery…”

Kirstie smiles sweetly. “You really can’t monopolise James like this, you know. And you wouldn’t ask a gentleman to break his promise, now would you?”

Dark mutterings rise from the table, but James makes his break, weaving between knees, walking sticks and zimmer frames with the agility of a limbo dancer on acid. He bangs a shin on the metal edge of a walking frame and doesn’t so much as wince.

As he bursts free from the group, muttering something to her, he snatches Kirstie’s hand, leading her to me and Elizabeth.

“Did he really promise you a dance?” I ask, talking from the corner of my mouth.

Her lips twitch. “No, but I don’t like seeing a man in pain.”

From the sidelines, Ben watches James laughing and joking with Kirstie, lips pursed, expression sour.

Miserable bastard…

*****

Michael appears at my side, a tray of glasses in hand. “Where have the girls all disappeared to?”

I nod towards the bar. “Last I saw they were headed that-a-way for another round.”

“Ah.” He regards his tray. “Still, don't suppose these are going to go to waste.”

I look down at the collection of pink umbrellas, bouncy butterflies and tinsel on swizzle sticks. “What's Charlotte drinking?” I ask.

”Elderflower fizz.”

“She enjoying it?”

He rocks spread fingers one way then the other. “Sort of. Not sure how nine months of it is going to stand up.”

“A rough ride then?”

“Her choice.” He grins and, tray in hand, heads for the bar.

*****

Charlotte

My Master and Richard amble across. “Enjoying the party, Mitch?” asks Richard. “How are you finding things?”

My mother's answering smile is shy, restrained. “I’m still getting used to the idea of being part of a family again. It’s been so long that…” She swallows and looks away.

Richard lays a finger on her hand. “Yes, it’s been a long time. But you’re here now and you are welcome, not just with Charlotte, James and Michael, but with me too. Remember, my wife is also part of your family and that means that you are a part of mine.”

“I’d not thought of that. We’re sort of brother and sister in law aren’t we?”

Richard lifts her hand, kisses the finger. His voice is very soft. “Yes, Mitch, we are.” Her eyes brim.

Michael’s gaze keeps wandering, scanning the room, watching the door.

“What are you looking for?” I ask.

“Oh, nothing. Just checking on who’s turned up.”

My Master pushes a drink into my hand, another into my mother’s. “Everyone, I’d say.”