The Forget-Me-Not Sonata(15)

‘Oh dear, poor Cecil, he must worry terribly about his wayward brother,’ said Rose.

‘Dear Cecil,’ Aunt Edna sighed with a smile. ‘I noticed how taken he was with Audrey the night they came to dinner.’

‘So did I,’ Rose agreed meekly, unable to contain her pride that suddenly flowered across her cheeks. ‘I can’t help but hope,’ she added, shrugging her shoulders anxiously.

Aunt Edna fanned herself with the red gypsy fan that Harry had bought her in La Boca during those heady, newly wed days. ‘Me too. What a good match he would make,’ she gushed. ‘How fortunate he has come to live in Hurlingham.’

‘Isn’t he a bit old for Audrey?’ said Hilda tightly, her voice thin with resentment for Cecil hadn’t yet met her daughters.

‘Oh, Hilda, one can’t dwell on details,’ Aunt Edna snapped impatiently. Aunt Hilda never missed an opportunity to dampen everyone else’s pleasure out of bitterness at the lack of pleasure in her own life.

Aunt Hilda stiffened. ‘But he’s twelve years her senior,’ she protested. ‘Audrey’s far too young to be thinking of marriage. Dear me, my Nelly is already twenty-five and marriage is very far from her mind.’

‘Sour grapes, Hilda,’ Aunt Edna sniffed tactlessly. ‘I do love Nelly but she isn’t the most enchanting of your daughters and she doesn’t help herself. Perhaps if she managed the odd smile occasionally she might encourage the young men to court her.’ Hilda had to admit that for once Edna was right. Nelly was eye-wateringly plain.

‘As if age has ever made a difference in the affairs of the heart,’ said Rose. ‘Anyhow, I did notice the beginning of an affection between them. I just pray it grows into something stronger. I’ve invited both boys to Audrey’s party on Saturday,’ she added. ‘Cecil, because he’s an asset anywhere, Louis out of generosity. One must be kind.’

‘You’re a good person, Rose,’ Aunt Edna declared. But Aunt Hilda was unable to compliment her sister because her jealousy had formed a cork at the top of her throat and the words, as much as they bubbled up, were unable to advance higher.

Audrey retreated into the house, blinking away her tears. She didn’t want a party any more. She didn’t want to see Louis ever again. She wished she had never laid eyes on him. But as her father always said, ‘everything comes to pass’ and in spite of her resistance Saturday dawned, bringing with it the dreadful anticipation of seeing the Forrester brothers.

‘What’s the matter with you, Audrey?’ Isla asked over breakfast. ‘It’s your party tonight, you should be smiling from ear to ear. Just think of all that attention. I’m going to dance until sunrise!’

‘Nothing’s the matter,’ she replied flatly. ‘I just don’t feel like it.’

‘You will by this evening. You’ve just got out on the wrong side of the bed.’ Then she narrowed her green eyes at her sister and grinned knowingly.

‘You’re in love, aren’t you?’ she said. Audrey nearly dropped her cup of coffee.

‘Of course I’m not in love,’ she protested, putting the cup down so as not to expose her trembling hands.

‘Yes, you are,’ Isla laughed. ‘I can tell. You’ve been mooning around all summer. Ever since you met Cecil Forrester.’ Audrey’s shoulders dropped with relief and she sat back in her chair.

‘Is it that obvious?’ she heard herself responding.

‘I’m afraid it is. But only to me, because I know you so well.’

‘You won’t tell, will you?’

‘Of course not. I promise. Why, if you’re in love with Cecil, are you dreading your party?’ Audrey played for time by bending down and pretending to pick up her fallen napkin. Isla had a point; if she was meant to be in love there was little logic to her ill humour.

‘Because my feelings aren’t reciprocated,’ she replied carefully, amazed by her own capacity to lie.

Isla sighed melodramatically. ‘You are so unaware of your own appeal, Audrey,’ she exclaimed. ‘For goodness’ sake, all the boys fall in love with you and Cecil more than anyone. He made it very obvious that night at dinner.’

‘But it’s been weeks, he’s probably forgotten all about me.’

‘I doubt it. Absence makes the heart grow fonder and all that. I bet he’s longing to see you,’ said Isla confidently. ‘He’s very correct. Not like his brother,’ she added, her voice heavy with admiration. ‘You’ll see him today at the Club for sure. Let’s go early, play some tennis and swim. Daddy’s taken the boys riding and Mummy’s got golf with Aunt Edna. We can spend the whole day there. Gosh, isn’t it nice to be back!’