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“I don’t remember saying always,” said Virginia, as she dropped a slice of lemon in her tea.
Priscilla stood up, folded her napkin, and placed it on the table. She left the room without another word, walked upstairs to the guest bedroom, and began to pack.
* * *
“Dad, you can catch the next plane home.”
“At last. But why now?”
“Mum’s finally come to her senses. She walked out of Lady Virginia’s flat about an hour ago.”
“What makes you think she won’t walk back in again?”
“Because she was lugging three suitcases, and took a taxi to the Mulberry Hotel in Pimlico.”
“I’m on my way to the airport,” said Bob.
Clive put the phone down. “Should I pick Dad up at Heathrow and drive him to the Mulberry?”
“I don’t think so,” said Seb. “You’ll only get in the way. Wait until he calls you.”
* * *
Clive joined his mother and father later that evening for a drink at the Savoy.
“So romantic,” said Priscilla, who was holding Bob’s hand. “Your father has booked the same suite where we spent the first night of our honeymoon.”
“But you’ll be living in sin,” mocked Clive.
“Not for long,” said Priscilla. “We’re off to see Mrs. Justice Havers in the morning. Our counsel seems to think she can sort things out.”
“I have a feeling her ladyship won’t be all that surprised,” said Clive.
“When did you suddenly become so wise?” asked Bob.
“When you left me with no choice but to stand on my own two feet.”
* * *
“There’s a Mr. Bingham on the phone for you,” said the switchboard operator.
“Bob, are you still in London?” asked Seb. “There’s something I need to discuss with you.”
“No, I’m back in Grimsby, reemploying most of my staff. They seem to have enjoyed their extended holiday about as much as I did.”
“I see the share price is up a couple of pence.”
“Yes, but it will be some time before everything’s up and running smoothly again. Perhaps you ought to buy a few shares while the price is so low.”
“I’ve been buying them for the past month,” said Seb. “I now own about four percent of Bingham’s Fish Paste.”
“If I had a board,” said Bob, “I’d put you on it. However, I’m still in your debt, not least for your role as matchmaker. So why don’t you send me a hefty bill for your professional services.”
“Now that we’ve vanquished Lady Virginia, I’d rather seek your advice on another problem I’m facing.”
“Virginia Fenwick won’t be vanquished until she’s six foot under. But how can I help?”
“I want to take over Farthings Bank and rem
