“It’s an adorable town. Antoinette and I went to the church and then wandered around the shops.”
“You’ve yet to see the farm,” said David.
“I don’t think she’d want to see the farm,” Roberta argued. “I can’t believe a girl like Phaedra would be interested in tractors and grain barns.”
“A girl like me?” Phaedra repeated. “What is a girl like me?”
“Well, you just don’t look like the type, in those urban boots and tights.”
“Ah, the country type, you mean?”
“Yes, that’s exactly what I mean.”
“Perhaps I should have worn a tweed suit.”
“I wouldn’t say you have to go that far.” Roberta sniffed. “But dressed like that you’ll scare the pheasants.”
“Are you a country type?”
“No.” Roberta laughed as if the idea was preposterous. “I’m a city girl.”
“Then you’re judging me by your own standards. Which is fine; most people are quick to assume everyone else is like them. But I must correct you, I love the country and am happier here than in any town or city. I’d love to be shown around the farm.” She turned to David. “I absolutely insist that you take me this afternoon.”
“If you insist, I can’t refuse you,” he replied. Then, remembering the deal he had made with Phaedra, he added, “Roberta, you might not consider yourself a country girl, because you’re very sophisticated and urbane, but you adapt very well. Never a piece of clothing out of place, always perfectly pitched.”
“David, I feel you’re making fun of me,” Roberta said tightly.
“Not at all. I’m speaking the truth. You’re one of those people who look the part wherever they are. Don’t you agree?”
“I take trouble, certainly.”
“There, you see? I’m not making fun of you. Josh is lucky to have a wife he can take anywhere and know she won’t let him down. Appearances are important to Josh.”
“What’s that about me?” Joshua cut in.
“I’m just saying you’re lucky to be married to Roberta.” Tom suppressed a chortle, Antoinette looked baffled, Rosamunde watched Roberta’s mouth twist into a small smile. Phaedra was pleased to see that David didn’t flinch.
“You’re right,” said Joshua. “I am lucky to have her.”
Roberta looked embarrassed. “Thank you, Josh. That’s very sweet. Now let’s talk about something else; I’m not used to getting so much positive attention! I could get used to it and then demand it all the time.” The whole table laughed, and for once, Roberta laughed with them.
After lunch Antoinette went upstairs to check on her mother-in-law. She tiptoed to the door and opened it a crack. It was dark, and there was no noise coming from within. She peered inside, but Margaret was facing the other way so she couldn’t see whether or not she was breathing. For a dreadful moment she feared she might be dead. Quietly, she trod across the carpet and around the bed. Margaret lay on her side with her eyes closed, but Antoinette could tell from the rhythmic expansion of her chest that she was breathing.
She was about to leave the room when the old woman woke up. “Is that you, George?”
Antoinette’s heart buckled. “Margaret, it’s me, Antoinette,” she said, returning to the bedside.
“I thought you were George.”
“No, I’m sorry. Just me.”
“George is dead, isn’t he? I quite forgot.”
“I do that, too. I wake up and think that everything is as it should be. Then, as I slowly come to my senses, I realize that nothing is right anymore and never will be.”
“But Phaedra is here?”
“Yes, she’s downstairs.”
“Bring her to me. I want to meet her.”
“Are you sure?”
“Of course I’m sure. I’m the only one in the family who hasn’t met her, and by rights, I should have been the first.”
Antoinette left the room, relieved not to be needed. Margaret had seemed so benign while she slept that Antoinette had almost felt sorry for her. But the old dragon was as fierce as ever when awake. Poor Phaedra, she hoped David had prepared her.
“She’s herself again,” said Antoinette, entering the drawing room.
“I’m so relieved,” Rosamunde replied. “I was very worried. It really was unlike her to be so quiet.”
“Well, she’s not quiet now, and you might regret being relieved,” Antoinette added. “Phaedra, she wants to see you.”
“Sure.” Phaedra got up good-naturedly.