Chapter Thirty Seven
"So, who have you invited to coffee this morning?" Isobel asked as she and Margaret moved to the drawing room.
"Well, it's not really like that. It's more of a 'drop in if you're passing' occasion amongst a London set of friends. I host it on the second Tuesday of an odd month. There could be any number of people show up, but it's usually about 10 or 12 of us. I'm sure you'll know some of them." Margaret explained "At the very least, Celia said she would be here today." Margaret smiled and patted Isobel's arm.
"It's been a real boon re-connecting with old friends" Isobel smiled. "I left Paris in such a hurry, and then life just took over. I feel quite guilty for how I've neglected everyone really, especially Charlotte"
"Oh nonsense! Everyone had their lives to be getting on with!" Margaret consoled "We all just happen to be co-located is all. It's much more difficult if you're spread around the country. I don't think I've heard hide nor hair of Sarah since I waved her off at the station in '19, and we were the absolute best friends in France! Life happens, you know."
"Oh, I surely know that" Isobel smiled "Thank you"
Just then the first guests started to arrive and Margaret began the introductions.
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"Now, you see! We can just kick back with our choice of papers, good sensible chat and more than acceptable coffee!" Hugh grinned as he and Dickie settled into a couple of wing-backed chairs at the Club "No feminine chatter, no requests for opinions on things that are either too mundane to matter or too complicated to understand! And no mollycoddling either! Just blissful, masculine peace and quiet!"
Dickie smiled as he looked at his surroundings. He remembered how the Club had once been his refuge while in London, but now he would rather be with Isobel regardless of how 'feminine' the chatter was. He shook his head and turned his attention to the papers. There was an article about Greenall's, but he couldn't bear to read any of that and instead turned to the sports pages. He was reading an interesting article about golf when the peace was shattered...
"You've got a nerve! Showing your face in this club!" An angry gentleman that Dickie didn't immediately recognise was heading towards them at speed. He was dishevelled and looked a little the worse for wear even though it was only 11 o'clock in the morning.
"I'm sorry, I don't believe we've been introduced?" Dickie began.
A right fist aimed at his face was the reply. Dickie just about dodged the clumsy attempt, but wasn't able to stop the momentum taking both him and the unknown man to the ground. As he was recovering from the shock, the man beside him began kicking for all he was worth. Dickie rolled away as a couple of Club footmen arrived to try and calm the situation.
"Now, now m'lord" The older footman intoned "There's no need for all that. The committee made their position quite clear after the last time"
"Oh, go to hell!" The man shouted "He started it! I was just defending myself!"
"But.." Dickie began.
"Don't worry m'lord. I saw everything and I know you had nothing to do with this" The footman said to Dickie "I'm sorry your morning has been interrupted"
The violent gentleman was clambering to his feet "Don't apologise to him! Do you know who he is? He's that rat's father! He's just as responsible! It's all his fault!" And with that, he made another attempt to get to Dickie, this time restrained by the footmen before he could get anywhere near him, but Dickie still took a cautionary step backwards.
"I'm afraid I don't have the slightest idea what you're talking about" Dickie replied quietly, although he had a sneaking suspicion "I don't even know you"
"Hah! Your b*tch of a wife made my Sarah's life a living hell whenever they were in Town together. I bet you and Larry revelled in destroying me!" The man spat.
"My first wife and I lived separate lives for the last 25 years of our marriage. If she was unkind to your wife, I can only apologise. But I had no hand in it, or in whatever dealings you had with Larry either. He and I have been estranged for over 2 years." Dickie explained uncomfortably.
"It's true Martlesham" Hugh said seriously from beside Dickie. "Larry and your own greed has got you into this mess. No one else." Dickie didn't think that was an entirely helpful comment, but he was grateful that Hugh was sticking up for him.
"And where is he now, hmm?! Run off with his tail between his legs? Well, you can sort out his mess!" Martlesham threw at Dickie.
"I'm afraid I have no idea where Larry is. I know nothing about his affairs, and I am not about to take responsibility for his actions. They were his alone" Dickie stated firmly. He was aware of a small crowd forming and he wanted everyone to hear his responses. A few looks were exchanged.
"Poppycock! I bet you have contacts overseas who are hiding him!" Martlesham spat "I bet he's living the high life somewhere spending my money!" He pointed roughly to his own chest.
"I honestly don't know anything, and I have no contacts overseas. I'm a country farmer, nothing more" Dickie spread his arms in a show of honesty "Anyone who has been a member of this club for the last 30 years can vouch for me."
"He's right Martlesham." Albright commented from the back of the crowd. "We all know Merton is a decent chap. Too decent. There's no way he's mixed up in all this." Dickie nodded his thanks as a ripple of agreement spread through the crowd.
"You haven't heard the last of this Merton! Mark my words!" Martlesham pointed at him before storming from the room.
"Well!" Said Hugh "So much for a peaceful morning! Are you ready to go home for luncheon?"
-TW- -TW- -TW-
"Well, well, well! Isobel Crawley! As I live and breathe!" Isobel stiffened as the snarky tone cut through the conversation she was having with two ladies she had only been introduced to this morning. She stiffly turned to face the new arrival.
"Good morning Lady Elizabeth. How pleasant to see you again" Isobel gave a small, strained smile to the larger lady in front of her taking in the expensive clothes, heavy jewellery and excessive makeup."You haven't changed a bit."
"Some of us just have the gift of youth." She looked Isobel up and down "You've been working hard I see?" There was an intake of breath behind Isobel at the insult, but Isobel concentrated on trying to remain calm. Losing her temper with Elizabeth had never gone well in the past.
"Not so much. But I keep myself busy with some local good causes" Isobel replied.
"No, you never did have the staying power when the work increased, did you?" Lady Elizabeth raised an eyebrow.
"My son had been injured, if you remember? At least he had the honour to put himself in harms way!" Isobel threw back.
"My boys did their bit!" Lady Elizabeth's eyes flashed "Someone has to do the planning and organising. Didn't get your precious Matthew anywhere in the end, did it?"
"Now, now ladies" Margaret interjected "That's quite enough of that! Lady Elizabeth, Susan was wanting to ask you about plans for the fundraiser at the end of the month.." She shepherded the termagant away from her friend.
Celia quickly stepped in to take her place "Are you alright Isobel?" She asked quietly.
Isobel stood still as stone as a wave of grief gradually subsided. Matthew. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath "I'm fine" She offered Celia a small smile as she exhaled. "I'd forgotten what she's like to deal with."
"Hmm. I always wonder why she comes to these mornings. She never has anything pleasant to say" Celia commented "Come on, let's go and talk to those ladies over there. I think you'll like them" She smiled to try and cajole Isobel along. Isobel returned the smile and followed her friend across the room.