Night Over Water - Ken Follett [170]
And this plane was surely the place to confront him. Elizabeth had done it on a train, and that had worked because Father had been obliged to behave himself. Later, in their hotel rooms, he could do anything he liked.
When should she tell him? Sooner rather than later: he would be in his best mood of the day after breakfast, full of champagne and food. Later, as the day wore on and he had a cocktail or two and some wine, he would become more irascible.
Percy stood up and said: “I’m going to get some more cornflakes.”
“Sit down,” Father said. “There’s bacon coming. You’ve had enough of that rubbish.” For some reason he was against cornflakes.
“I’m still hungry,” Percy said; and to Margaret’s astonishment he went out.
Father was dumbfounded. Percy had never openly defied him. Mother just stared. Everyone waited for Percy to return. He came back with a bowl full of cornflakes. They all watched. He sat down and began to eat.
Father said: “I told you not to take more of those.”
Percy said: “It’s not your stomach.” He continued to eat.
Father looked as if he was about to get up, but at that moment Nicky came in from the galley and handed him a plate of sausages, bacon and poached eggs. For a second Margaret thought Father might throw the plate at Percy; but he was too hungry. He picked up the knife and fork and said: “Bring me some English mustard.”
“I’m afraid we don’t carry mustard, sir.”
“No mustard?” Father said furiously. “How can I eat sausages without mustard?”
Nicky looked scared. “I’m sorry, sir—no one has ever asked before. I’ll make sure we have some on the next flight.”
“That’s not much use to me now, is it?”
“I guess not. I’m sorry.”
Father grunted and began to eat. He had taken out his anger on the steward, and Percy had got away with it. Margaret was amazed. This had never happened before.
Nicky brought her bacon and eggs and she tucked in heartily. Could it really be that Father was softening at last? The end of his political hopes, the beginning of the war, his exile, and the rebellion of his elder daughter might have combined to crush his ego and weaken his will.
There would never be a better moment to tell him.
She finished her breakfast, and waited for the others to finish theirs. Then she waited for the steward to take away the plates; then she waited while Father got more coffee. Finally there was nothing left to wait for.
She moved to the middle seat of the divan, next to Mother and almost opposite Father. She took a deep breath and began. “I’ve got something to tell you, Father, and I hope you won’t be cross.”
Mother murmured: “Oh, no ...”
Father said: “What now?”
“I’m nineteen years old and I’ve never done a stroke of work in my life. It’s time I began.”
Mother said: “For heaven’s sake, why?”
“I would like to be independent.”
Mother said: “There are millions of girls working in factories and offices who would give their eyes to be in your position.”
“I realize that, Mother.” Margaret also realized that Mother was arguing with her in an attempt to keep Father out of it. However, it would not work for long.
Mother surprised her by capitulating almost immediately. “Well, I suppose if you’re determined to do it, your grandfather may be able to get you a place with someone he knows—”
“I already have a job.”
That took her by surprise. “In America? How can you?”
Margaret decided not to tell them about Nancy Lenehan: they might talk to her and try to spoil everything. “It’s all arranged,” she said blandly.
“What sort of a job?”
“An assistant in the sales department of a shoe factory.”
“Oh, for goodness’ sake, don’t be ridiculous.”
Margaret bit her lip. Why did Mother have to be so scornful? “It’s not ridiculous. I’m rather proud of myself. I got a job, all on my own, without help from you or Father or Grandfather, just on my merits.” Perhaps that was not exactly the way it happened, but Margaret was beginning to feel defensive.
“Where is this factory?” Mother