Angelique (21 page)

“You’re a lucky lad. Methinks you are a bit of a pro with the cue and are joshing me?”

I answer astounded at my new found skill. “It has to be beginner’s luck I honestly haven’t played much before tonight.”

He replies. “I believe you although thousands wouldn’t.”

He laughs and assures me. “Don’t get upset old chap. I don’t mind losing it’s the thrill of the game I enjoy old chap.”

His referral to me as old chap grates a bit but I suppose it’s just his way. He makes a suggestion. “How about giving me the chance to get my own back?”

I glance at the clock checking the time until dinner. He adds hurriedly. “I know, let’s make it really interesting it might make me play better if there is a bigger prize to win, make it a fiver this time shall we?”

I look at the clock again and note there is about twenty minutes before I have to meet the Ladies for dinner. I agree to play and say. “Set em up again I’ll get the drinks in, do you want the same again?” He nods and begins placing the balls on the table. As I walk to the bar I realise I am enjoying the thrill of the gamble I suppose in a way it is a replacement for the thrill of big business.

As the barman prepares the drinks he asks. “How are you getting on with Ben the Dip Sir, he’s quite a player isn’t he?”

I retort. “Ben the what? I have been playing billiards with Major Kildare.”

He smiles as he places the drinks on the bar in front of me and informs me. “Be careful Sir. Take it from me your companion is known as Ben the Dip around certain parts. I remember him from the last establishment I was employed in. He was barred from there for hustling the clients.

Do you know what a billiard hustler is Sir?”

Puzzled I answer. “Not really I am pretty new to the game.”

The barman informs me. “It is someone that pretends he is a poor player but is really an expert. Are you having a bet on the outcome of the game?” I nod.

He shakes his head disapprovingly and informs me with a grim smile. “I thought as much. Ben is a well known hustler I thought he had moved out of the district. I am willing to bet the only time he did in the army was in the glasshouse.” He laughs cynically. “Major Kildare indeed he has been promoted since I saw him last, he was only a mere Captain Chesterton then and I notice he has cultivated a splendid moustache.”

So I have been playing a con man. I have to smile as I walk back to the table with the drinks. I am surprised to find the bank notes are in the usual place on the corner of the table. He greets me as if we are lifelong friends I enquire. “Well seeing as I’ve won the last few games you have the choice, do you want to cue off Ben?” He looks flustered and replies. “Oh er tell you what my friend. I shall just nip to the latrines before we kick off. I suffer from a bladder problem since I was wounded old chap, be back in a jiffy.” He disappears at speed and that is the last I see of him. As I pick the bank notes up from the corner of the table. I laugh because I’ve gained six pounds out of the villain. Until I check two of the notes they consist of blank paper. Damn I have indeed been outwitted by a villain and I thought I was teaching him a lesson. I definitely have a lot to learn.

Before leaving I thank the barman and reward him with a ten bob note much to his pleasure. Altogether it has been an enjoyable diversion for a couple of hours and worth every penny if only for the educational value.

Dinner time approaches, slightly tipsy I wait for Mother, Emily and Pamela to appear. We eventually meet at the bottom of the Grand staircase I escort the two beautiful Ladies to our table in the usual place I am surprised that Pamela is not accompanying them. The table is set for four Emily takes a seat alongside of her Sister. I have no idea what they discussed in the privacy of Emily’s room but her whole attitude to me has changed, for the better I’m glad to say. We idly gossip about my Wife, my life in France her taste in French wines and perfume.

Never once does she mention my Son. I have to assume my Mother hasn’t mentioned the fact she now has a Grandson as well as myself.

Evidently she hasn’t mentioned Pamela either, I wonder why? Emily enquires who the fourth place is set for when she gasps with admiration at something she sees behind my back. I turn to see Pamela entering the dining room, she is absolutely stunning. The head waiter rushes over to escort her. Mother had informed me Mrs Jones had showered Pamela with gifts and the most expensive clothes before she died, it certainly shows. She stands in the entrance looking around the dining room.

Emily breaks off the conversation in mid sentence and asks in a hushed voice. “Who is that vision of loveliness I must meet her.”

I stand to greet Pamela, Mother smiles and rebukes Emily in a mocking manner. “Don’t stare Sister dear, it is bad manners, anyway there’s no need to strain your eyes you will get a closer look at her shortly, she is joining us for dinner.”

Emily enquires. “Why, who is she?” Mother answers. “The girl is Pamela Sullivan, Adams personal assistant and nurse maid to your Great Nephew Adams child.” Pamela glides towards us like a professional model demonstrating the latest fashion. It is evident by the expression on Emily’s face that confusion reigns. I can’t understand why Mother has chosen this moment to break the news about my Son to Emily, and why has she given her such a grand title. Maybe I am still under the influence of alcohol and have missed a point but it is all very strange.

Pamela joins us, introductions are made she then takes a seat by my side. What an immediate change in Emily. From a self assured slightly aggressive person to a shy tongue tied girl in seconds. It reminds me of the first time I spoke to Denise in the garden of the chateau during the war.

This unusual trend does not last very long, as the wine flows she soon returns to her old self. The centre of her attention is definitely Pamela.

I begin to feel like an intruder. To be honest Emily’s obvious approaches to Pamela and her responses are causing me some embarrassment.

The courting ritual of one female to another is beyond my experience I find I am looking for an excuse to leave them on their own.

Mother takes it all in her stride I glance at her to see if she is experiencing the same embarrassing feelings as myself.

She smiles back across the table I am taken aback when she gives me a distinct wink.

The opportunity to leave the love sick couple on their own comes when the meal ends the conversation lapses for a moment when suddenly Emily asks. “So when am I going to meet this Great Nephew of mine?”

I am startled by her request it takes Mother by surprise also.

Pamela replies. “Lady Emily I have put baby Mathew down for the night. I am going up to the room now would you like to come with me?

I hope he will be asleep but you may have a peep. He’s a gorgeous happy little boy and a joy to care for.” I feel very proud as she describes my Son in such a manner.

Without hesitation Emily stands up and says. “Righto Pamela my dear lets go shall we.

The sooner I meet the latest addition to the Carstairs family the better. Incidentally my Dear you may address me as just plain Emily except when we are in company other than family.”

Pamela excuses herself, the duo depart chattering as if they have known each other for ages leaving Mother and I alone.

I am gobsmacked at the change in Emily she is behaving in a very odd manner since Pamela arrived on the scene.

Mother and I retire to the lounge for another coffee when I remark on the change in Emily. Mother replies with a smile. “Emily and Pamela have hit it off thank goodness.

I am so glad she has found someone she likes it would be a great relief to me if Emily settles down. Just maybe Emily will drop that crowd she is involved with at the moment. Do you know Adam I was surprised when Emily asked to see baby Mathew. Ever since I have known her she has never shown any interest in children. Maybe just maybe as Mathew is her own flesh and blood her attitude will change for the better and Pamela and Mathew may well be the key to it.”

Mother muses more to herself than me. “My Sister with maternal feelings, wouldn’t that be wonderful?” She adds with a teasing smile. “By the by, I have to ask what do you think of her now that she is your relative rather than your employer?”

I answer hesitantly. “I am sure we will get on eventually, it’s been quite a shock to both of us. Fortunately I have a Sister in law Yvette who reminds me of Aunt Emily. Very outspoken, very forthright and often rude, but on the whole we get on together.”

Mother remarks, “So there are other family members I will eventually meet. I am looking forward to having this extended family”

This is the time to ask the question that has bothered me since our first encounter in Kent.

The intake of alcohol has given me Dutch courage to enquire. “Mother something has been bothering me I don’t want to upset you or to cause you any embarrassment.” I hesitate to go any further and apologies in advance.

She smiles and urges me on. “Out with it my boy, we can’t have something bothering my Son can we?”

It comes out with a rush but not the original question I was about to ask at the last second I lose my nerve and ask. “Mother you are a beautiful lady and a lady of means to boot. Why aren’t you married?”

She replies with a wistful smile. “It’s a long story my boy.”

I admonish her. “Mother we have time on our hands. Now is as good a time as ever to tell me. I have kept no secrets from you that I am aware of, I hope you will do me the courtesy of taking me into your confidence?”

“Right Adam you have asked for it, sit back and I will reveal all.

There have been no lack of suitors I can assure you of that. Some have been nice fellows but they were not the kind I could vow my undying love to. Others were downright scoundrels with an eye on my possible inheritance. No it was my decision. The General and Mother never pressured me to wed, maybe someday I will find Mr Right, but Adam your Mother is getting on in years. I am afraid a life of spinsterhood is looming. However, now I have you and my grandchild I have two more people to share my love with. Oh, I almost forgot your dear wife Denise. I wish to meet her as soon as possible.”

I take her hand and give it an affectionate squeeze. I love this Lady my Mother despite the past.

She gathers her thoughts and continues revealing another reason she had not married.

“Before the General died I made him a promise. I assured him I would look after Emily and do my best to keep her from harm. The General suffered a great deal when he learned the truth about his Son your Father. He knew his daughter Emily was not as other girls, it became blatantly obvious as she matured. When she returned from finishing school in Switzerland his suspicions were confirmed. She had no time for men in fact she insulted all would be suitors chosen by our parents. Finally my parents gave up trying to match her.

The matter came to a head when she became entangled in a sordid love affair with a famous actress. There is no need to go into further details but it all ended tragically.

My parents were distraught this was yet another blow to the General and Mother.”

At this point I intercede as Mother appears so upset. “Mother you don’t have to go on, why not leave it for another time?”

She declines my invitation to curtail the revelations. “No my boy we need to clear everything up before we return home. I don’t want any skeletons in the cupboard to pop out later.

Did you notice how Pamela and Emily took to each other immediately?”

I reply thoughtfully. “Yes, although I did wonder. I had the impression Emily was the kind of person who doesn’t make friends easily especially with someone she would consider lower class.”

Mother explains. “Pamela and Emily are two of a kind. You must have had some idea Pamela was different to other girls? I have hinted it once or twice my dear.”

Mother assumes I am more knowledgeable in these matters than I really am. She enquires.

“Did you wonder why I didn’t disclose you had a child until I introduced Pamela as your personal assistant?”

Mystified I answer. “I have to admit that did puzzle me.” She laughs and explains. “It’s a kind of game I play with my dear Sister. I guessed she would have eyes only for Pamela.

My sister Emily being. Oh! Let’s admit it, a snob. It seemed the ideal opportunity to break the news to her without a frightful row. It worked well, don’t you think?”

I have to admire her reasoning although I don’t fully understand it. “Without a doubt but where does it go from here? Aren’t you jealous er that Emily has switched her affections er so easily?”

Mother looks shocked at my implications she takes a moment or two before replying.

“Adam you don’t think Emily and I are lovers do you? Why would you assume that?”

I am mortified by her question. The stutter I believed I had mastered returns with a vengeance I blurt out. “Because I saw you kissing Emily that time I took you to Dover in the car. Other people have also hinted. Oh I’m so sorry if I have made the wrong assumptions and listened to the gossip of fools. Mother, please forgive me?”

I desperately scan her face to see her reaction to my statement. For a moment it is difficult to determine how she will respond. After a moment it is with great relief I see her smile. She grasps my hand and says. “I suppose in the light of what you witnessed and the reputation of my Sister I shall forgive you for assuming our relationship is more than normal Sisterly love. You can be assured we never have been and never with be lovers in that sense of the word. She pauses for a moment before enquiring. “Adam I guess you have had little or no experience in these matters?”

I admit. “My education is sadly lacking in many subjects particularly in women and to put it bluntly how they work. To my shame I didn’t know my Wife was pregnant until she lost her baby.” I continue thoughtfully. “Since my marriage I hope I am learning the secrets but the love between two women is beyond me.” I add hurriedly. “Not that I condemn it. When I consider some of the men I have had the misfortune to be associated with I don’t blame some women who would sooner trust and love another woman. If this is the way of life Emily chooses to make her happy then I accept it without hesitation. Who am I to judge her one way or another I have only really known her for an hour or so.”