‘You don’t need to remind me. I had five of the little blighters. I spent my life running for the lavatory. But you’ll soon see it was all worth it.’
They started to move towards the building, passing a few yards away from Mary Helston, who was still in deep conversation with the uniformed man. Evie waved at her friend but didn’t interrupt, pleased that she was evidently having a pleasant time and enjoying the company of the stranger.
Inside, she and Dorothy found a spot with some chairs, secluded behind a line of tall potted ferns, where there was a through draught from the lawns to the open front doors. An enormous ceiling fan was whirling and added to the cooling effect. Seated, they carried on chatting. A waiter brought them drinks – an orange juice for Evie.
Evie thanked Dorothy for recommending the swimming club. ‘It’s my special treat. I try to swim most days.’
‘Lucky girl. When I had my first two we were in the middle of nowhere with no swimming pool within driving distance. I used to fill the bathtub with cold water and sit in it for ages.’ She laughed. ‘Fortunately, when I was expecting my third we were in Singapore and the swimming club there was a godsend.’
‘Here you are! I wondered where you were heading off to.’ Mary Helston emerged from behind the ferns. ‘A nice quiet spot. Away from the throng. Very wise.’ She glanced towards the RAF man who was still accompanying her. ‘May I introduce Frank Hyde-Underwood. You must know his brother Reggie, who works for Mr Barrington. Frank, this is my dear friend, Evie Barrington.’
Evie shook the man’s hand and introduced him and Mary to Dorothy Rogers.
Frank Hyde-Underwood looked nothing like his brother. Older, he didn’t share the florid complexion and tendency to chubbiness of Reggie. Tall, of slim build, with a small moustache, he was a good-looking man. He told Evie he was stationed at the airfield at Butterworth.
Frank and Mary sat on the sofa opposite the two women and the four chatted. Frank was clearly enchanted by Mary – although Mary’s own expression gave nothing away. Evie mentally crossed her fingers that perhaps he might penetrate the teacher’s self-protective armour. Mary Helston deserved to have someone to make a fuss of her.
The ferns parted and Veronica Leighton’s head peered though. ‘Hiding in the corner are you, Evie?’ she said. Her voice was slurred, indicating she’d already had too much to drink. ‘Not that I blame you, in your state. You must be terribly hot having to drag all that bulk around. Are you sure it isn’t twins? You look like a ship in full sail.’ She gave a supercilious laugh.
Frank Hyde-Underwood raised his eyebrows. ‘I think Mrs Barrington looks very elegant.’
‘And who are you?’ Veronica’s voice was arch and flirtatious. ‘How could I have possibly missed such a handsome man? Are you new to Penang? I do so love a man in uniform.’
Before anyone could respond, Veronica had moved around the clump of ferns. When the RAF man rose politely, she slipped onto the sofa between him and Mary Helston. She sat twisted sideways, with her knees touching the airman’s, her back turned on Mary.
Anger rose in Evie. How could Veronica do that? And to Mary of all people. Before she could say anything, Mary was on her feet and, muttering that she had forgotten something, rushed away. Evie hauled herself up to follow her, and saw that Frank was about to do the same, but Veronica had a restraining hold of his arm. As Evie passed her, her foot caught Veronica’s and she slipped, sending the contents of her glass of orange juice over Veronica’s white silk dress.
Evie gasped, ‘Awfully sorry, Veronica, I don’t know how that happened.’
Veronica let out a wail. ‘You clumsy great lump! It’s ruined. My frock is absolutely ruined.’
Dorothy Rogers fished in her handbag and produced a linen handkerchief. ‘Here you are, Veronica. Why don’t we go to the powder room and get some cold water on that. I’m sure we can get most of it off.’
The wailing continued as Dorothy took hold of Veronica’s elbow and marched her away.
Evie turned to Frank. ‘I think I need to make myself scarce. I’d better go and confess what’s happened to Veronica’s husband and maybe you will want to find Mary.’
The man looked grateful. They walked together towards the open French doors. ‘I think I owe you a debt of gratitude for rescuing me, Mrs Barrington.’ He winked at her. ‘What a dreadful woman.’
Arthur was in conversation with a man Evie didn’t know. Uncomfortable about interrupting him, she tried to catch his eye. He looked across and she lifted her hand and beckoned him, hoping that he would be able to extricate himself. A few moments later he was at her side.
‘Are you all right, Evie? What’s the matter?’
‘I’m afraid I had a bit of an accident. I tripped and managed to spill orange juice all over Veronica’s dress. I don’t think she’s too happy and will probably want to go home and change.’
Arthur raised his eyebrows and sighed. ‘I can imagine. Thanks for telling me, Evie. Where is she?’
‘With Dorothy Rogers in the ladies’ room. I’d go and tell her you’re waiting, only I think I’m the last person she’ll want to see.’
‘No problem. I’ll find someone else to fish her out.’ He was about to move off when he asked, ‘Are you all right yourself, Evie? I haven’t seen you for ages.’ His expression was sad.
Evie felt her stomach flip. Why did he always have this effect on her?
‘I’m fine. I didn’t spill the drink deliberately. I caught her foot and tripped.’
‘You mean she put her foot out and tripped you.’
‘Surely not! No. I can’t believe she did that.’ She hesitated. ‘I didn’t intend to spill my drink all over her, but I can’t say I’m unhappy that
