CHAPTER XXX
NEW BEGININGS
Once again, Daisy had done them all proud, it was a simple meal, beef casserole with vegetables, but with her cooking skills it became more than that. Peggy was again relieved, pleased that she did not have to worry about cooking for so many and for someone new.
At the end of the meal, Dot stood up and started to talk before John had a chance to do so as he usually liked to do.
'I know you all want to know about Tom, more of him in a moment, but thank you once more to Daisy for providing such good food and to John and Peggy once more for their hospitality.' There was much slapping of the table in appreciation and agreement with what Dot had to say. When they had quietened down Dot continued. 'We're here to see the new bathroom of course, the first work carried out by the trust, which brings me to Tom. As you know the arrangement of the trust proved to be too complicated for my solicitor who recommended me to see an old colleague of his, and when Titty and I went to his office it was Tom. I'd been told it was a Mr Dudgeon, but I never thought it would be the same one! But it was and he was so helpful, it is down to him that we have got to this point, and a new bathroom!' She sat down and wondered whether anyone would say anything.
John played host once more.
'Well, you're most welcome Tom, it is strange to meet you after all these years, we heard about you from Dick and Dot when we first met them, their visit to the Broads and then later about how they saved you from criminal charges!' Tom grinned.
'Thank you, it is good to meet you all at long last.' Peggy strode in.
'Why weren't you at Dick and Titty's wedding?' She blushed, suddenly thinking that maybe he wasn't invited. Dick saved her.
'I couldn't find him, we did try, Mrs Barrable had died some years before and nobody else I contacted seemed to have any information. It was a shame.' Tom took up the story.
'Dick and I lost contact during the war, I was posted to India for most of it, and when I got back I went straight to university and finished my law degree. I'd heard the Dick had gone to the USA and I moved around a lot getting started and experience. These day I just do odds and ends of specialised stuff on trusts, which is how I met with Dot. But it was good to work on something that had nothing to do with divorce for a change!' Dot had more to say.
'He was such a help, and it was such a surprise when we met, and he like me was on his own.' Tom looked momentarily sad.
'Yes, fifteen years now, my wife died, and we had no children, so it was good to met someone familiar who I didn't have to 'get to know' if you see what I mean. She hasn't changed much!'
Titty felt uncomfortable, though Dot still confided in her she didn't know how much she had told Tom about Timothy and why he had left her so much money.
'What about this bathroom, when do we get to see the first trust project?' Nancy had leapt up. 'Who's got the scissors for the ribbon?' Peggy disappeared off to the kitchen. Susan was more curious.
'Who's cutting the ribbon?' Nancy glared at her, none to seriously.
'Dot of course!'
'No, I couldn't. Someone else do it, please.' Dick spoke up.
'Dot, you do it, without you it wouldn't have happened, anyway we all just want to have a look, I'm sure John and Peggy have.' Peggy returned with the scissors.
'We haven't actually, John asked the builders to shield it all with black plastic sheeting and then they took it down and shut the door when we were in the kitchen!'
They all trooped out to the hall where the ribbon-bedecked door was waiting.
'Here you are Dot, say something first!' Nancy handed her the scissors.
'Oh! I don't know – God Bless All Who Sail In Her!' with that she cut the ribbon and opened the door while they all applauded.
For a moment there was silence, broken by Dick.
'It looks as thought it has always been there, they've done really well!' This is what John had wanted to hear, it had been Dick that had been most concerned that the new bathroom was in keeping.