She closed her eyes in pain.
When she opened them minutes later it was to focus on a curious little scene being played out down below beside Richard’s car. She’d been so wrapped up in her own suffering she hadn’t heard Richard come out of the house, but he undoubtedly had, also Nicky, and they were now embracing passionately in the moonlight and there was nothing cousinly about it at all.
Then Richard put Nicky away from him, but even from a distance Roz could see the effort it cost him, just as she could see tears glinting on Nicky’s face.
‘Oh!’ she framed the word silently as everything fell into place. Margaret had seen this coming—so had Flavia! It had been Richard and Nicky she’d meant on the night of Roz’s birthday party, not Angelo and his new girlfriend. And the things Nicky herself had said—if only she knew where Adam stood, for example.
Roz blinked rapidly, then moved away from the window because she felt as if she was trespassing, but anyway she heard the car start up and drive. away within moments.
But the question remained—where would Adam stand.
Would he share Margaret’s viewpoint that Richard was not what Nicky should have? Or Flavia’s theory that they were only babies—everyone’s concern no doubt because they were cousins? But they’re not really, she thought, they’re only second cousins. Margaret and Nicky are cousins. That’s not so bad, surely?
But. with a feeling of chill in her heart, she decided that Adam was not going to like the idea of Richard and his sister Nicky, and the thought of it was another burden she took to bed with her.
‘Roz you look pale,’ her mother-in-law said to her the next morning. Roz had forgotten Flavia was coming until Milly had reminded her at breakfast, which Nicky had not come down for.
‘I think I’m missing Adam,’ Roz replied, and winced inwardly as Flavia immediately looked gratified. Then she asked where Nicky was.
‘Still asleep,’ said Roz ruefully.
‘But it’s eleven o’clock!’
‘She had a late night last night and she is on holiday, so I thought I’d let her sleep in. I’m afraid I slept in as well.’
‘She went out?’
‘No. Angelo came down, and Amy and …’
‘Ah, that’s good Flavia pronounced. ‘I like to see them all together, and you know, it amazes me what good friends Angelo and Nicola are now, considering that they fought like little tigers all the time they were growing up. Not that I can believe she’s nearly grown up, but then I’m probably a silly old fool. And thank you for having her to stay, Roz,’ she said warmly, and patted Roz’s cheek. Then she drifted over to the window and added, ‘Goodness me, you have more visitors, Roz! Margaret, by the look of it and—why, yes, It do believe she has Elspeth with her!’
Roz stared and closed her eyes briefly in horror, for it was indeed Margaret, and as she often did, she had brought Aunt Elspeth with her. But I’m sure I told her Flavia was coming today, Roz’ thought distractedly. Because it was a well known fact that Flavia and Elspeth detested each other and at times, less than cordially.
‘Um,’ she said,’ I did mention to Margaret that you were coming today. She must have got the dates mixed up…’
‘Not at all!’ Flavia said sweetly. ‘There’s no reason for Margaret and Elspeth to Stay away because l am here. I shall even go out and greet them!’
‘I’ll … I’ll just have a word with Milly about lunch,’ said Roz, and fled.
‘Oh, Milly,’ she panted breathlessly, bumping into her in the kitchen, ‘help!’
‘What is it?’
Roz told her, and even Milly looked comically concerned for a moment. The she said, ‘You can cope. Just be regal, and mention Adam frequently—that always does the trick, I’ve found. What about Nicky‘? Want me to wake her up?’
‘Yes, her mother will be wondering—but I’ll do it. Would you mind holding the fort while I dash upstairs?’
There was nothing comical about Nicky’s reaction as Roz gently shook her awake and broke the news to her. ‘Oh no!’ she groaned, and pulled the pillow over her head. ‘Oh, God, what have I done to deserve this?’ She thrust the pillow aside and sat up. ‘If they’ve all come to …’
‘They haven’t,’ said Roz, and immediately realised she’d made a slip, but Nicky seemed not to notice, so she went on, ‘I mean, Margaret must have mixed the dates up, because I’m sure she wouldn’t have brought …’