Evie felt herself starting to blush. It was embarrassing explaining her circumstances. ‘Jasmine’s mother died some years ago. Her father thought she’d do better being cared for by the nuns. He’s a rubber planter and his work is very demanding of his time.’
Miss Helston was listening intently. ‘Yes, I know Mr Barrington.’
‘He and I have only just married.’ She hesitated, the blush intensifying. ‘Yesterday in fact.’
‘Oh, my goodness. How terrific! Congratulations.’ Miss Helston’s smile was generous and genuine. ‘I’d no idea.’
‘I’ve only been in Penang a couple of weeks so I’m still feeling my way. And I’m afraid I know little of Jasmine. She’s frightfully shy and I’m trying to gain her trust.’
‘Poor mite! Don’t worry.’ The young woman seemed to sense Evie’s discomfort. ‘She’ll be fine. Children at the school often come and go as their parents get posted elsewhere. Some are only here for a while before they’re packed off to board back in Britain or up in the Cameron Hills. Have you recently arrived from England yourself?’
Evie nodded. ‘My first time out of the country. Well, apart from France.’
‘It must be a bit of a culture shock. I’m British too, of course. Here since I was a small child and I’ve never been back. My father works for the Hong Kong Shanghai bank. Maybe one day I’ll get a chance to see England again.’ She laughed. ‘But enough about me. Let’s talk about Jasmine.’
Evie flushed. ‘I’m sorry but there’s nothing else I can add.’ Deciding to tell the truth she said, ‘To be honest, Miss Helston, just now in the car is the first time I’ve managed to get so much as a word out of her. I imagine her mother’s death was difficult for her and … well, she’s unsure about me and my relationship with her father.’ Jasmine was not the only one unsure about that.
‘Understandable. Don’t you worry. She’ll soon come out of her shell. It’s a very friendly school.’ She twisted round to face Evie fully. ‘Look, why don’t you come to tea one day at our house? I can tell you about Penang and let you know how Jasmine’s settling in. How about next week? Thursday at four?’ She told her the address.
‘That would be lovely. The syce can drop me off after he’s picked Jasmine up.’
‘Bring her too. One of the other girls in her class lives next door to us. They can play together while we chat.’
‘That sounds wonderful.’
‘See you on Thursday.’ Miss Helston hurried away into the school building.
As Evie walked back to the waiting car a weight lifted from her shoulders. A friendly face. A warm person. A similar age to her. So different from those witches at the club. She sent up a silent prayer that maybe she had found a friend.
Returning to the house, Evie found Veronica Leighton waiting for her. Wearing beige linen ‘pyjama’ trousers, her silk blouse emphasised her small frame and the fashionable lack of breasts. As always in encounters with Veronica, Evie immediately felt ungainly in her faded cotton frock, and oversized with her ample bosom. To her irritation her guest behaved as the hostess, summoning Aunty Mimi to bring them lime juices with soda in the garden. Evie smarted, but decided to rein back her annoyance until she knew what Veronica wanted.
Expecting some kind of excuse or apology for the sniping gossip she’d overheard in the ladies’ powder room, Evie should have realised by now that wasn’t Veronica’s style. Indeed it was hard to imagine her ever asking forgiveness of anyone for anything.
Mrs Leighton draped herself over one of the large wicker garden chairs, took out a fan and gave a long sigh. ‘It’s always so damned clammy compared to Africa. I’ll never get used to it. One needs to change clothes at least four or five times a day. Such a bore.’
Evie said nothing, waiting to find out why Veronica was here.
‘The old crow in there said you’d taken the child to school this morning.’ She gestured towards the house. ‘What on earth possessed you?’ She took a silver case from her handbag, snapped it open, removed a cigarette from under the retaining bar, screwed it into her lacquer holder but didn’t light it.
‘I wanted to be with Jasmine on her first day. It’s daunting starting a new school.’
Veronica’s expression was disbelief. ‘She’s a child, Evie. That’s what they do. Go to school. You shouldn’t be doing anything so tedious as that. It’s what the servants are for.’
‘But I’m Jasmine’s step-mother–’
‘Exactly! You’re not even her own mother.’ She leaned forward. ‘My advice, darling – don’t try too hard. You don’t want to seem desperate. Kids sense these things and take advantage. God! Children are so boring. Much better to keep the girl at arm’s length. When she’s older and ready to enter society it might actually become more interesting. You know, helping her choose clothes. Dishing out the advice.’ She paused. ‘But I am Jasmine’s godmother, so I’m probably better placed to do all that.’ Her mouth formed a smile that could only be intended to patronise.
Evie was saved from delivering a response by the arrival of Aunty Mimi bearing a tray. Once the drinks were served, Evie asked, ‘What brings you here this morning? You must have lots more interesting things to do.’
Veronica acknowledged the evident sarcasm with a half smile. ‘I wanted to see how you’re doing, darling. Check you’re all right. You left early last night. And old Dougie was a few sheets in the wind. Arthur had to take him for a swim to sober him up.’
Evie sipped her coffee, holding back from a reply.
Undaunted, Veronica pressed on. ‘Aunty Mimi tells me he headed back to the estate
