Chapter Twenty-One
As the conversation at the table moved on around them, Isobel turned to Lady Marjorie and asked "Have you had dealings with Larry in the past?"
"Not dealings per se, although Thomas did talk briefly about investing in one of his schemes" Marjorie began "I managed to talk him out of it. Or rather, he said he 'listened to my concerns' and when he didn't get satisfactory answers to some of his questions, decided against" she rolled her eyes.
Isobel smiled "The male ego" Lady Marjorie laughed and they touched glasses.
"I'm glad he didn't" Isobel confessed "Larry has left rather a mess behind and many of his investors may be out of pocket. But keep that under your hat."
"I see." Lady Marjorie looked concerned. "I must admit I've never liked the man. I could never pinpoint why, exactly, and I sometimes wondered if it was because I disliked Ada so much." She took another drink "Strange to think you could be my Julia's mother-in-law one day"
"Julia was never interested in Larry, surely? I thought she was a sensible girl." It was Isobel's turn to look concerned
"She is, mostly" Lady Marjorie sighed "No, not Larry, but she does seem rather taken by Tim"
"I see" Isobel took a drink.
"She seems convinced that he's misunderstood. Just needs looking after" Lady Marjorie raised an eyebrow "I say, will you meet with us tomorrow? You can maybe set her straight on a few things."
"I don't know Tim very well. I've only met him a few times" Isobel warned.
"But you know enough about Ada and the damage she wrought on their family life" Lady Marjorie pleaded. "Maybe you can help her see that she shouldn't be chasing after a lost cause?"
-TW- -TW- -TW-
"There you are! I was thinking of sending out a search party!" Hugh laughed at his own joke.
"I'm sorry Hugh. I had lunch with Tim." Dickie was apologetic "I should have called and left a message. I hope you didn't go without?" Hugh waved his hand to show it was nothing "I could do with a drink now though"
"Good idea! The girls will have had a few drinks at lunch anyway, so we won't get into trouble" Hugh gave him a heavy wink. "Let's see who's in the bar"
As they walked through, Dickie asked "Did you have a successful morning?"
"I did. I think your man may get some more evidence, if not any useful intelligence." Hugh admitted. "Ah! Look who's here…"
The men settled in for a few drinks with mutual acquaintances before heading home for dinner.
-TW- -TW- -TW-
"Ahh, crème brûlée" Charlotte sighed "Such memories"
"Yes, I remember that waiter at the Belle Femme being rather taken with you and finding the ingredients regardless of the shortages, just to carry your favour!" Celia commented to general merriment.
"I don't know what you mean!" Charlotte protested "He was young enough to be my son, for heaven's sake!"
"Didn't stop it being your favourite restaurant though, did it!" Isobel smirked.
"Well, no, but…" Charlotte began to protest but the ladies all laughed at her.
"Ooh, Isobel, I've been meaning to ask you" Barbara cut in "I've been asked by a friend to attend a coffee morning tomorrow at St Thomas's Hospital. It's for student nurses and those considering training. She likes experienced nurses to go along and chat about the realities and opportunities. When Margaret said you were coming I thought it would be great if you could come along. You've done so many different roles."
"I'm always interested in helping young people get started. Sounds like that could be interesting." Isobel replied "We are supposed to be going home tomorrow, but a coffee morning should be fine. What time?"
"I'll meet you on the St Thomas's end of Westminster Bridge just before ten? We can go in together then." Barbara suggested.
"And then Julia and I can meet you for an early lunch. Say midday at the Red Lion? Or we could eat in the House if you'd prefer?" Lady Marjorie suggested.
"I could do twelve at the Red Lion" Agreed Celia "Harriet would enjoy that and I'd like her to meet you."
"I don't see why not. We can still make the two o'clock train" Isobel pondered. "I don't know when we'll be in London again."
"Splendid!" Barbara clapped her hands. "Now, how about a little walk down to the old watering hole before we have to wend our merry ways? Hmm? One for the road?" She winked.
-TW- -TW- -TW-
Margaret and Isobel arrived home in high spirits, recounting stories that are mostly only funny to those who were there.
"Did you have a good luncheon?" Hugh asked.
"Charlotte was so pleased. It was well worth the effort" Margaret smiled "It was such fun, we really shouldn't leave it so long."
"Well, make sure you let me know when anything is organised. I'm sure cousin Dorothy would enjoy being included as well, but I'd need time to convince her." Isobel grinned.
"I don't feel like changing for dinner. Do you boys mind?" Margaret asked
"Of course not." Dickie said, smiling at the obviously inebriated ladies "I'm glad you had a nice time. It's good to share with friends" He took Isobel's hand and kissed it.
"Ugh, newlyweds!" Margaret scoffed in amusement "I'll just freshen up and then we can eat. I'm suddenly very hungry, even though lunch was fabulous" She shimmied out of the room.
"How was your day?" Isobel asked Dickie.
"Mixed" Dickie admitted. "I'll talk to you about it later."
"Did you learn anything from your contacts?" Isobel asked Hugh.
"I was more interested in warning them, I'll be honest. I think some of them may be in quite deep. I didn't ask for details, just pointed them to that Inspector." Hugh walked over to the drinks cabinet "If I don't know anything, I can't be implicated. Drink anyone?"
-TW- -TW- -TW-
"You did what?!" Isobel looked shocked
"Darling, if you'd seen him. He's crushed. I had to do something and all I could think of is taking him home" Dickie tried to explain. "He said he would only come if you said it was alright. He's worried you don't want him in the house."
"Being honest, I'm not sure I do." Isobel admitted "If he once - just once - behaves like he did at that dinner, I will debunk to the Abbey and you can deal with him on your own!"
"I don't think it will come to that. Truly" Dickie tried to sound sure. "I've never seen him like this before. He was in a real state. I think this has made him question everything he was before. I…"
"What?" Isobel prompted.
"I just feel I need to look after him. Be there for him. I think it could make a real difference to who he becomes now. That's all" Dickie took her hands.
Isobel sighed. "Pulling on my heart strings is a low blow. You know I'm a sucker for a lost cause"
"I know you're a loving and generous woman" Dickie pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead "And I love you very much"