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FIRST EDITION (UK)
(FIRST DRAFT)
P A R T O N E
Chapter one. Finance is very
ENDWICH BANK
Fulham Branch
3 Fulham Road
London SW6 9JH
Ms. Rebecca Bloomwood
Flat 2
4 Burney Rd.
London SW6 8FD
12 September 2000
Dear Ms. Bloomwood:
Further to my letter of 8 September, I have conducted a thorough examination of your account. Your current overdraft limit vastly exceeds the bank’s approved ratios. I cannot see any need for this excessive level of debt, nor that any genuine attempts have been made to reduce it. The situation is little short of a disgrace.
Whatever special status you have enjoyed in the past will not be continuing in the future. I will certainly not be increasing your overdraft limit as you request, and would ask as a matter of urgency that you make an appointment with me to discuss your position.
Yours sincerely,
John Gavin
Overdraft Facilities Director
Six
I ARRIVE AT MY PARENTS’ house at ten o’clock on Saturday, to find the street full of festivity. There are balloons tied to every tree, our drive is full of cars, and a billowing marquee is just visible from next door’s garden. I get out of my car, reach for my overnight bag, then just stand still for a few moments, staring at the Websters’ house. God, this is strange. Tom Webster getting married. I can hardly believe it. To be honest — and this may sound a bit mean — I can hardly believe that anyone would want to marry Tom Webster. He has smartened up his act recently, admittedly. He’s got a few new clothes, and a better hairstyle. But his hands are still all huge and clammy — and frankly, he’s not Brad Pitt.
Still, that’s the point of love, I think, closing my car door with a bang. You love people despite their flaws. Lucy obviously doesn’t mind that Tom’s got clammy hands — and he obviously doesn’t mind that her hair’s all flat and boring. It’s quite romantic, I suppose.
As I’m standing there, gazing at the house, a girl in jeans with a circlet of flowers in her hair appears at the Websters’ front door. She gives me an odd, almost aggressive look, then disappears inside the house again. One of Lucy’s bridesmaids, obviously. I expect she’s a bit nervous, being seen in her jeans.
Lucy’s probably in there too, it occurs to me — and instinctively I turn away. I know she’s the bride and everything, but to be honest, I’m not desperately looking forward to seeing Lucy again. I’ve only met her a couple of times and we’ve never jelled. Probably because she had the idea I was in love with Tom. Still, at least when Luke arrives I’ll finally be able to prove them all wrong.
At the thought of Luke, there’s a painful stab in my chest, and I take a deep, slow breath to calm myself. I’m determined I’m not going to put the cart before the horse this time. I’m going to keep an open mind, and see what he says today. And if he does tell me he’s moving away to New York then I’ll just… deal with it. Somehow.
Anyway. Don’t think about it now. Briskly I head for the front door and let myself in. I head for the kitchen and find my dad drinking coffee in his waistcoat, while Mum, dressed in a nylon cape with her hair in curlers, is buttering a round of sandwiches.
“I just don’t think it’s right,” she’s saying as I walk in. “It’s not right. They’re supposed to be leading our country, and look at them. They’re a mess! Dowdy jackets, dreadful ties…”
“You really think the ability to govern is affected by what you wear, do you?”
“Hi, Mum,” I say, dumping my bag on the floor. “Hi, Dad.”
“It’s the principle of the thing!” says Mum. “If they’re not prepared to make an effort with their dress, then why should they make any effort with the economy?”
“It’s hardly the same thing!”
“It’s exactly the same thing. Becky, you think the chancellor should dress more smartly, don’t you? All this lounge suit nonsense.”
“I don’t know,” I say vaguely. “Maybe.”
“You see? Becky agrees with me. Now, let me have a look at you, darling.” She puts down her knife and surveys me properly, and I feel myself glowing a little, because I know I look good. I’m wearing a shocking pink dress and jacket, a Philip Treacy feathered hat, and the most beautiful black satin shoes, each decorated with a single gossamer butterfly. “Oh, Becky,” says Mum at last. “You look lovely. You’ll upstage the bride!” She reaches for my hat and looks at it. “This is very unusual! How much did it cost?”
“Erm… I can’t remember,” I say vaguely. “Maybe… fifty quid?”
This is not quite true. It was actually more like… Well, anyway, quite a lot. Still, it was worth it.
“So, where’s Luke?” says Mum, popping my hat back on my head. “Parking the car?”
“Yes, where’s Luke?” says my father, looking up, and gives a jocular laugh. “We’ve been looking forward to meeting this young man of yours at last.”
“Luke’s coming separately,” I say — and flinch slightly as I see their faces fall.
“Separately?” says Mum at last. “Why’s that?”
“He’s flying back from Zurich this morning,” I explain. “He had to go there for business. But he’ll be here, I promise.”
“He does know the service starts at twelve?” says Mum anxiously. “And you’ve told him where the church is?”
“Yes!” I say. “Honestly, he’ll be here.”
I’m aware that I sound slightly snappy, but I can’t help it. To be honest, I’m a bit stressed out myself about where Luke’s got to. He was supposed to be ringing me when he landed at the airport — and that was supposed to be half an hour ago. But so far I haven’t heard anything.
Still. He said he’d be here.
“Can I do anything to help?” I ask, to change the subject.
“Be a darling, and take these upstairs for me,” says Mum, cutting the sandwiches briskly into triangles. “I’ve got to pack away the patio cushions.”
“Who’s upstairs?” I say, picking up the plate.
“Maureen’s come over to blow-dry Janice’s hair,” says Mum. “They wanted to keep out of Lucy’s way. You know, while she’s getting ready.”
“Have you seen her yet?” I ask interestedly. “Has she got a nice dress?”
“I haven’t seen it,” says Mum, and lowers her voice. “But apparently it cost ?3,000. And that’s not including
