Edie had watched her breath swirl and spiral in the cold air but she’d been well wrapped up and didn’t feel chilly. She was cheered by the fact the meal had been delicious and everyone seemed to have got on well, including Mac and Hannah – in the end.
Perhaps the wine had thawed them out. Jessica’s presence had undoubtedly helped as well. Hannah, especially, had seemed very taken with her and Ralph was clearly impressed, too.
All in all, the day had seemed to go very well. It had reminded Edie of some of the big, happy gatherings they used to have before the children left.
Back at the house, they’d all had tea and cake in the cosy sitting room. The conversation had soon returned to Crete and Jessica had suggested some places to visit.
‘You must go to Knossos, the ancient Minoan capital. It’s not too far from where you’re staying. It’s years since I went but I remember finding it fascinating. I’d love to go back.’
‘I’m surprised you haven’t done a school trip with your pupils,’ Mac had said. ‘Can’t you engineer one?’
‘Maybe.’ Jessica had looked doubtful. ‘The problem is, the school’s cut back a lot on trips. Not many of our parents can afford them and the feeling is, it’s unfair on the kids who can’t go.’
Edie had nodded. ‘It’s true. It’s a real shame. I’d love to take my A-level students to the theatre more. We’re only allowed one or two trips a year, maximum. I remember taking one of my students, Maryam, to seeTwelfth Nightat the National. She’d never been to the theatre before and she was absolutely bowled over. She couldn’t stop talking about it.’
‘Isn’t there a fund for pupils who can’t afford things like that?’ Mac had wanted to know.
‘There is,’ Edie had agreed. ‘But you can only ask better-off parents to pay so much extra to subsidise the other pupils. Otherwise, they won’t be able to afford it either.’
Jessica had sighed. ‘God I’d love to see my students’ faces if I could show them the ancient palace of Minos. I must go back sometime and take lots of photos.’ She’d looked thoughtful. ‘May would be a good time, actually. After that, it gets too hot.’
It was then that Edie had asked if she had any half-term plans and Jessica had said no. By now, it was after 6p.m. and when Edie had got up to feed Dilly, Jessica had taken it as her cue to leave.
After thanking her hosts warmly for a lovely day, she’d said goodbye and she and Hannah had embraced.
‘I’ve really enjoyed meeting you,’ Hannah had said. ‘Hope to see you again soon.’
Edie had stood on the doorstep watching as Jessica put on her helmet and started to pedal away. Just before she was out of sight, Jessica had turned and waved.
‘See you tomorrow!’ she’d called, and Edie had waved back.
‘Thanks for coming!’
Hannah and Mac had been side by side on the sofa when Edie returned and Ralph had offered them all a drink. Edie was tired and felt quite relieved when they’d said no.
‘What an interesting woman!’ Hannah had commented, meaning Jessica. ‘I’ve never met anyone quite like her.’
‘You see!’ Edie had cried triumphantly, turning to Ralph. ‘I told you, didn’t I? She knows something about everything.’
Ralph had nodded. ‘And she hardly even mentioned her dog.’ He’d given a wry grin. ‘I was worried she was going to be in deep mourning.’
‘She moves on quickly,’ Mac had replied, deadpan.
Edie had glanced at him out of the corner of an eye, unsure how to take the comment. But his facial expression had given nothing away.
When Hannah had mentioned inviting Jessica, however, he’d made his feelings clearer, suggesting she’d change the atmosphere.
Hannah’s shoulders had drooped. ‘I knew you’d say no.’
‘I didn’t say no.’
Mac had glared at his wife, his dark eyes glinting dangerously, and Edie had felt herself shrink. She’d wondered if this was how he made Hannah feel if he disagreed with something she wanted. If so, he was out of order.
When she’d pretended to misunderstand his objection, she’d seen his body stiffen and he’d risen abruptly. Sensing his anger, she’d acted as if she hadn’t noticed.
Looking back on it now, though, she wished she’d been braver and called him up on it.
‘You OK, mate?’ Ralph had asked Mac, confused.
