September

'Well, there are no children to play with because they're all in school. And he got talking to Willy when he came to cut the grass this week, and Willy invited him to go ferreting. He seemed very keen to go, so I said he could. You don't disapprove, do you?'

Virginia laughed and shook her head. 'No, of course not. It's just rather unexpected. Do you think Henry realizes what ferreting entails? It's quite a bloodthirsty business.'

'I've no idea. We'll doubtless hear all about it when he gets back. Willy will see that he's on time, I know.'

'I always thought you thought the old drunk was quite unde-pendable.'

'He wouldn't dare break his promise to me, and he never gets drunk in the afternoons. Now, how are you? Did you have a good time?'

'A great time. Here…' She thrust a flat package, impressively wrapped, into Violet's hands. 'I brought you a present from the big city.'

'My dear, you didn't need to.'

'It's a thank-you for having Henry.'

'I've loved having him. But he's longing to see you and go home to Balnaid. He was all packed up and ready long before breakfast this morning. Now, I want to hear all about everything. Come and watch me open my present.'

She led the way into her sitting-room and settled herself in comfort in her own fireside chair. It was a relief to get the weight off her feet. Virginia perched herself on the arm of the sofa and watched. Violet undid the ribbon bow and unwrapped the paper. A flat box, orange and brown, was revealed. She removed the lid. Inside, folded and silken beneath the layers of tissue paper, was a Hermes scarf.

'Oh, Virginia. This is far too much.'

'No more than you deserve.'

'But having Henry was a treat.'

'I've brought him a present, too. It's in the car. I thought he could open it here, before I take him home.'

The scarf was all pinks and blues and greens. Just the thing for brightening up that grey woollen dress. 'I can't thank you enough- I'm really delighted with it. And now…' She folded the scarf, returned it to its box, and set it aside. 'Let's have a cup of tea, and you can tell me everything that's happened in London. I want to hear all the details…'

'When did you get back?'

'Yesterday evening, on the shuttle. Edmund met me at Turn-house and we went into Edinburgh and had dinner at Rafaelli's, and after that we drove home to Balnaid.'

'I hope'-Violet fixed Virginia with a firm stare-'that you used the time together to sort out your differences.'

Virginia had the grace to look abashed. 'Oh, Vi. Did it show so much?'

'It was obvious to anyone but a blind man. I didn't say anything, but you must realize that it's very worrying for Henry if you and his father are not on good terms.'

'Did Henry talk to you about it?'

'Yes, he did. He's much upset. I think he feels that going to

Templehall is bad enough, but having you and Edmund at each other's throats is more than he can bear.'

'We weren't exactly at each other's throats.'

'Icy politeness is almost worse.'

'I know. And I'm sorry. And Edmund and I have made it up. By that I don't mean anything's changed. Edmund won't budge from his decision, and I still think it's a dreadful mistake. But at least we've called a truce.' She smiled and held out a slender wrist circled by a wide bracelet of gold. 'Over dinner, he gave me this. It's a welcome-home present. So I'd be churlish to carry on sulking.'

'That is a great relief to me. I managed to persuade Henry that you would both have come to your senses and would be friends again. And I'm grateful to you both, because now I don't feel that I am letting him down. He needs a lot of reassurance, Virginia. A lot of security.'

'Oh, Vi, don't I know it?'

'And there's another thing. He's very bothered about Edie. He's frightened of Lottie. He thinks that Lottie might harm Edie in some way.'

Virginia frowned. 'Did he say so?'

'We talked about it.'

'Do you think he's right?'

'Children are perceptive. Like dogs. They recognize evil where, perhaps, we adults don't see it.'

'Evil is a strong word, Vi. I know she gives me the shivers, but I've always told myself she's just harmlessly dotty.'

'I really don't know,' said Violet. 'But I've promised Henry that we will all keep a weather eye on the situation. And if he talks to you about it, you must listen to him, and try to set his mind at rest.'

'Of course.'

'Now.' With that necessary exchange safely disposed of, Violet steered the conversation into a more cheerful direction. 'Tell me about London. Did you get a dress? And what else did you do? And did you see Alexa?'

'Yes.' Virginia leaned forward to refill her cup from the teapot. 'Yes, I did get a dress, and yes, I did see Alexa. That's what I want to talk to you about. I've already told Edmund.'

Violet's heart sank. What on earth was happening now?

'She's all right?'

'Never better.' Virginia leaned back in her chair. 'There is a man in her life.'

'Alexa has a young man? But that's splendid news! I was beginning to think that nothing exciting was ever going to happen to the dear child.'

'They're living together, Vi.'

For an instant, Violet was silenced. Then: 'Living together?'

'Yes. And I'm not telling tales out of school. She particularly asked me to let you know.'

'And where are they living together?'

'At Ovington Street.'

'But…' Violet, flustered, sought for words. 'But… how long has this been going on?'

'About two months.'

'Who is he?'

'He's called Noel Keeling.'

'What does he do?'

'He's in advertising.'

'How old is he?'

'About my age. Good-looking. Very charming.'

About Virginia's age. A dreadful thought occurred to Violet. '1 hope he's not already married.'

'No. A very eligible bachelor.'

'And Alexa…?'

'Alexa is radiantly happy.'

'Do you think they will marry?'

'I have no idea.'

'Is he kind to her?'

'I think so. I only saw him for a little while. He came home from the office and we all had a drink together. He brought Alexa flowers. And he didn't know I was going to be there, so he didn't buy them to impress me.'

Violet fell silent, trying to come to terms with this astonishing revelation. They were living together. Alexa was living with a man. Sharing a bed, sharing a life. Unmarried. She did not approve but her own opinions were best kept to herself. All that mattered was that Alexa should know that they all would support her, whatever might happen.

'What did Edmund say when you told him?'

Virginia shrugged. 'Not a lot. He's certainly not about to fly to London with a loaded shotgun. But I think he is concerned, if only for the fact that Alexa is a girl of some wealth… she has that house and she has the money she inherited from Lady Cheriton. Which, as Edmund pointed out, is considerable.'