The Way We Were_ A Novel - Marcia Willett [60]
In Brook Street, Caroline stopped to buy a copy of the Big Issue and then went into Creber's to choose some marmalade and something delicious for lunch; perhaps a wedge of game pie or some pâté. She was trying to be careful with her diet, though she'd decided not to be too influenced by the shelves of books dedicated to the wellbeing of pregnant women; it was easy to become overwhelmed by so much information. She knew she was lucky to feel so well; being pregnant suited her and she was determined to enjoy every stage.
Outside again, she consulted her shopping list: a birthday card for her brother and moisturizing cream. She crossed the road to Boots the Chemist, where she pottered for some time; she postponed the buying of the card – she'd have a look in Allan Dolan's on the way back to Chapel Street – and decided to take a little rest before walking home.
Splashed with sunshine, the tubs along the edge of the colonnade and the hanging baskets were full of bright flowers; sitting outside Duke's Café, drinking coffee and watching the shoppers passing in and out of the Pannier Market, Caroline sighed with contentment.
By Thursday, when Aunt Em arrived at Penharrow for lunch, Liv was incandescent with fury at Andy's recalcitrance. He stolidly refused to be cowed by her sisterly disapproval, insisting that Cat was a changed being now that she was a sexy, fun thirtysomething. His last email had a finality about it.
To: Liv
From: Andy
We're not kids any more, Liv, and I'd certainly hate to be judged permanently on something I did when I was eight. I expect Zack's forgotten all about it, and anyway Mum always said it was her fault for not telling Zack earlier. Cat's doing brilliantly. She's in futures and earns a packet. We're going to Le Caprice tonight and she's managed to get tickets for Chicago. I can't remember when I had so much fun.
Liv had thumped the table with despair and tried to think of a suitable rejoinder. The trouble was that every response that occurred to her would be unreasonable in Andy's eyes: after all, it was unfair to judge someone on a childish misdemeanour.
‘But it wasn't just what she did to Zack,’ Liv told herself crossly. ‘She was always a beastly child, otherwise we wouldn't have disliked her so much.’
Aunt Em's arrival coincided with two of the visitors leaving amidst cheerful farewells and promises to return. Liv waved a welcome as Aunt Em parked her car and Val came to greet her too, pleased at the visitors’ wholehearted approval for all their hard work.
‘It's nice when people are happy,’ she said. ‘And I like to think of them coming back again. Makes them seem more like friends than visitors.’
Behind Val, Liv raised her eyebrows and rolled her eyes at Aunt Em, surprised at such a positive reaction, wickedly inviting complicity; Aunt Em resolutely ignored her and smiled warmly at Val.
‘I'm so pleased that it's going well,’ she said. ‘I'm sure it will be very rewarding once you've ironed out all the small starting-up problems. It's such a fabulous location. Of course people are going to love it. They'll come back year after year.’
‘Well done, Aunt Em!’ Liv said approvingly, as Val went back to the house. ‘That's the stuff to give the troops. Of course, it'll only last until we get the next problem but it's good to see her smiling. You did well. Very convincing. I almost believed it myself.’
‘You sound jaded,’ complained Aunt Em. ‘Almost cynical. I thought you said she needed encouraging.’
‘Oh, she does,’ said Liv. ‘Lots of encouraging. I'm not really jaded, I'm just having a run-in with Andy and it's getting me down. Come and see Debs. She's made that Mediterranean vegetable lasagne you so enjoyed last time you were here so I hope you're feeling hungry.’
Debs was delighted to see Aunt Em; she was clearly touched that Aunt Em remembered the names of her children and their various histories, and bridled with pleasure at the reception the lasagne was given.
‘Careful, Aunt Em,’ Liv murmured, as Debs turned