Chapter 11
Benedicta's Tom
The final evening of Roger and Rosalin's visit to Abinger Hall was a festive one. Joy Quellyn had organized a dinner for them, inviting the Marchwood family from next door, and Jandy Mac, as their guests, while Joan and Len had an early night with their baby John. Of course, Mary-Dorothy Devine was part of the family, as Joy and Ivor's capable secretary, and the twins were now old enough to join in adult parties. Benedicta, returned from her brief holiday in Norfolk, was also invited, as her acquaintance with the Abbey folk was beyond that of just employee.
Small David, Richard and Maidie-Rose ate earlier and Joy and Ivor always enjoyed being part of their small 'dinner parties', as Margaret-Twin called them. Jen's twins, and small Barbara and Simon stayed at home with their nurses, but Andrew, Tony, and Rosemary joined the adult party, while Katharine and Mike played quiet games with their friends David and Richard in the nursery upstairs, under the careful supervision of one of Joy's nurses.
Rosalin, Roger and Janice had no difficulty avoiding their secret in the animated conversation among such a party of friends. After dinner, Joy played the piano while Elizabeth and Margaret danced the minuet that been part of the earliest story of the Abbey Girls. The spirits of the youthful Joy and Joan Shirley were recreated by the twins, who resembled them both so closely. Then tall Jen suggested a dance for four, and stretched a hand to Rosalin.
"I'm sure you know some of these dances, Rosalin," said Jen, "even if the Scottish versions are slightly different."
Ken Marchwood smiled as his wife, mother of nine, looking scarcely older than when he had first met her in the grounds of the Abbey, walked through the graceful movements of the dance with the twins and Rosalin. A children's dance followed, for Andrew, Tony and Rosemary were all experienced and keen dancers. With Elizabeth and Margaret, and a nervous Benedicta making up the six, an energetic dance took place, to the tune of Jen's pipe which she played using one hand.
Benedicta returned to her seat near Janice, Roger and Rosalin, fanning her face after the exertion. "I must be terribly out of practice," she said. "I haven't been to many dances lately."
"Did you enjoy Norfolk?" asked Janice, remembering their conversation of a few weeks ago.
"Oh yes," said Benedicta, "it is a very beautiful part of the country. So different to here, and to the Chiltern hills."
"One of my best friends lives up there," said Roger. "He and I were at medical school together and I used to visit him sometimes. We would go sailing with his friends. His name is Tom, Tom Dudgeon."
An additional touch of colour appeared in Benedicta's already flushed cheeks.
"I did meet Mr Dudgeon," she said, quite primly. "I was at school with his friends, Nell and Bess Farland, and they introduced me to him. We all went sailing together. He called Nell 'Starboard' and Bess 'Port'." Everyone laughed at the apt nicknames for sailors.
"How is old Tom?" said Roger. "I believe he is going to take on his father's practice when he retires, just as I have done."
"Yes," said Benedicta. "I believe that is his plan. Everyone is very pleased about it. His younger brother is still up at Oxford presently."
"We should invite Tom down for a visit, Rosalin," continued Roger. "He would find this part of the country very different to the Broads. I would like him to meet Len too. He's very interested in therapies for spinal injuries of the type Len has had, and may have some good ideas that may help with his recovery." Benedicta looked at her hands, and said nothing.
Later that evening, Rosalin spoke shrewdly to Roger. "If we do invite Tom Dudgeon to visit, we had better bring him to see the Abbey garden," she said.
"That's a good idea," said Roger, "and we can introduce him to Len and Joan."
"I was thinking that someone else might be pleased to see him," hinted Rosalin.
"I say, do you think so?" whistled Roger. "Is that the way the wind blows in the Broads? Well, it will be interesting to see if anything develops from it."
On the drive home to Kentisbury next day, Roger brought up the issue which both had avoided while staying at the Hall. "Now, what about the garnets, my girl? Do you think we should do anything about them?" asked Roger.
"I would like to show them to Janice and Joan," said Rosalin. "I am really not sure now who should have them. Aunt Effie said they belong to the oldest girl in each generation in our family, but Uncle Geoffrey talks about the jewelled collars being given to Kentisbury brides. I don't really know what the tradition is. If Aunt Effie is right, then should Mrs Fraser – Janice, that is, not Joan - have the collar?"
"I must admit that is what I was thinking," said Roger. "But you are definitely a Kentisbury bride, my girl! Perhaps this is a question for your Uncle Geoffrey. Or should I say, Cousin Geoffrey?"