Читать книгу The Crooked Olive Branch - Frederick Munn - Страница 10

Chapter 2

St. Mary Upperford had the usual complement of gossips, two of whom were helping prepare the pavilion tea under the close eye of Lady Amelia Bridge-Thompson.

Edna was preparing potted beef sandwiches and Freda the cream teas.

“You’d think she would have stayed to watch while Peter was batting.” Freda whispered.

“And wandering off with that American fellah” came a ‘stage whispered’ reply from Edna.

Amelia Bridge-Thompson stiffened and turned to Pamela Avery.

“Pamela, take over will you please while I go to get Penelope to give a hand.”

Without waiting for a reply, she swept out of the door and around the boundary of the cricket field towards the ford where Pen was last seen.

“There she goes, trying to save her investment,” said Freda.

Edna chuckled. “Some chance, Freda. That Genie is out of the bottle and she’ll not get that back in, no matter how.”

“You reckon?”

“You were there Saturday. Saw as well as I did. Almost dropped her knickers at first sight of him.” Edna gave another chuckle. “At her engagement do an’ all.”

Pamela Avery turned, pleading. “Ladies, please.”

“Don’t you get hoity-toity, Pamela Avery. You’re only trying to protect your future.

If the Hon. Penelope Bridge Doo Dah doesn’t marry money, you will all be out on the streets.”

Pamela took a deep breath and paused to control her temper, to collect her thoughts before replying. When she did, she spoke quietly and firmly.

“Peter is a lovely young gentleman and Pen thinks the world of him.”

Edna however was in full flow of ‘informed’ opinion. “Ask me; Lady Toffee Nose and Sir Surgeon Commander are stony. They are spent up. One step from the knacker’s yard. Sending Penny Poo to be presented at court has scuppered them. They’re boracic and the bank manager is in hot pursuit.”

“Do be quiet Edna, you don’t have the first idea.”

“Don’t I now! Well, I know this, they are a pair of jumped up nothings.”

Pamela put down her knife and fixed Edna with a stare.

“You really do know nothing. Lady Amelia is the first born of a baronet.”

“Who was that then? Baron Stoneybroke?” The pair fell about laughing.

Pamela tried again to regain control while looking round anxiously to see where Lady Amelia was.

“I don’t see how anyone can know about another’s financial affairs. How can you possibly know?”

“Well, that’s where you are wrong. My cousin Stan is a postman and the number of letters marked private and confidential are legion.”

“They are most probably just bank statements.”

“Not every week.”

“It’s the bank manager … he’s behind you” shrieked Freda convulsed with laughter.

Pamela realised there was little she could say or do, so she recommenced buttering bread in silence.

“What’s the matter, the cat got your tongue?” Edna, continued to taunt. “See, can’t deny it!”

Pamela remained silent which only encouraged Edna who was now in full cry.

“Time all you high and mighties got your come-uppance. I for one will not be sorry.”

“She’s coming back,” announced Freda, saving further embarrassment.

“Pen’s in tow. Obedient to the last.”

“Treats her like a puppet. Arranged marriages in this day and age! That’s all it is you know.”

“Really Edna, what nonsense you talk,” said Pamela, although she was not entirely sure that it was.