Village Gossip (4 page)
Authors: Rebecca Shaw
‘I am. You’re right.’
Peter and Caroline were the last to arrive. Gathered in the sitting room when they went in were Gilbert and Louise Johns, Craddock Fitch, Jimbo’s mother, and Liz and Neville Neal. Their drinks were being replenished by Jimbo.
He broke off to greet the two of them and said ‘Wow!!’ when he saw Caroline’s dress. ‘Give us a twirl! Wonderful! Quite wonderful. Harriet will be jealous. What will you have to drink?’
‘Vodka and orange, please. You like it then?’
‘Like it? I should say.’
Peter said, ‘So do I. It’s revealed a whole new side of my wife, has this dress. I’m beginning to feel old-fashioned.’
‘Well, you’re not darling, you’re just right. Thanks, Jimbo.’ Caroline took her drink and went off to speak with everyone. Grandmama was barely civil, but Craddock Fitch made a great fuss of her and made her laugh which she badly needed.
Harriet came in to say dinner was almost on the table and where was Hugo?
‘Not down yet.’
‘Go give him a call, Jimbo. You know what he’s like.’
‘I’ll just finish in the drinks department and then I will.’
Harriet sorted them out as to where they should sit and Caroline found herself between Gilbert and a vacant chair which she presumed was meant for Hugo. Trust Harriet to place him next to her. She was determined not to let him get under her skin. Never again. She would behave as if their contretemps in the restaurant had never happened.
Just before Harriet served the vichyssoise Hugo came in.
‘So sorry. Am I late? I fell asleep by mistake.’ It wasn’t only Caroline who was charmed by his smile. She noticed Louise go gently pink and despite her misgivings about him Grandmama succumbed too.
Jimbo did the introductions. ‘This is Hugo Maude, who requires no introduction to you. My mother you already know, this here is Louise, sitting next to Caroline is her husband Gilbert, county archaeologist and church choir master, this delightful creature is Liz Neal, wife of Neville Neal, right here, Neville is an accountant and the church treasurer, and of course you’ve met Peter, and last but not least Mr Fitch the owner of the Big House you glimpsed between the trees yesterday.’
Hugo went around the table shaking hands and kissing as he thought appropriate. Caroline’s hand got a small squeeze and she received a kiss on her cheek too.
Jimbo and Harriet were practised hosts, the food delicious, and the evening went by in the most enjoyable way. There was plenty of laughter and Hugo provided that extra bit of zest needed when it was a dinner party where everyone knew everyone else and the conversation might have become moribund. He told some splendid theatrical stories which everyone except Grandmama enjoyed. She was occupied casting scathing glances at Caroline, the last of which Peter had intercepted. Then it was Grandmama’s turn to grow pink, because Peter, who could do no wrong in her eyes, gave her one of his sad smiles. Well, if he didn’t mind Caroline dressing as though she was out to catch a man then who was she to complain. But that gown really was an eye stopper, not at all suitable for someone in her position. What was it Harriet was saying, she’d missed that. She watched her spoon some more raspberries into her mouth and heard her mumble, ‘Don’t you think it would
be a good idea? In all the years we’ve been here we’ve never done a play. Have we?’
An energetic burst of conversation answered her query. Peter’s powerful voice overrode everyone else’s and they all stopped speaking and listened to what he had to say. ‘I think it would be an excellent idea. It might be the beginning of the Turnham Malpas Amateur Dramatic Society. We have the stage in the Church Hall, we have the lighting, it’s all yours for the asking. There’s hardly ever been a show of any kind put on except the Gang Show each year.’
Harriet said, ‘Hands up all the people who would be willing to take part.’
Grandmama refrained from volunteering and so did Mr Fitch. Another notable exception was Louise.
Caroline said, ‘Well, the baby is very young. I can understand you not wanting to be in a play, it takes so much time rehearsing and things.’
Gilbert answered for her. ‘It’s not that. Well, it is in a way. We’re expecting another baby, you see.’
Grandmama was scandalised. ‘Another one. Good heavens, you’ve only just got one.’
‘Congratulations!’
‘That’s wonderful.’
‘You must be pleased.’
‘Oh we are. Gilbert wants four.’
‘Four! Good heavens. Does your mother know?’ Grandmama downed the last of her wine and signalled to Jimbo she needed a refill.
The conversation broke up for a moment and it took Harriet some time to get it back to the play. ‘I did think we might ask …’ she nodded her head in Hugo’s direction. ‘How about it, Hugo?’
He’d been preoccupied entertaining Caroline and took a
moment to realise he was being addressed. ‘How about what?’
‘How about helping us with the play? Directing it even? What say you?’
‘Me? It can’t be done in a fortnight, you know, and I wouldn’t want to outstay my welcome.’
Jimbo charitably suggested that if he was helping with a village play then he wouldn’t be outstaying his welcome. He could stay as long as it took.
Harriet, poised on the brink of victory, beamed at him. ‘Well? Say yes. We’d be so proud to have you on board.’
‘What play would you want to do?’
Suggestions flooded out across the dining table. ‘
Blithe Spirit
’, ‘
Absurd Person Singular
’, ‘
Arsenic and Old Lace
’, ‘
Noises Off
’, ‘
The Odd Couple
’. Ideas ebbed and flowed.
‘Well … what do you think?’ Jimbo asked Hugo.
‘Yes, yes, mmmmm, I’ll have to think about it. If I say yes can I be leading man and producer?’
‘If you wish. Why not?’
‘We haven’t asked you to do something which is kind of not the thing for a famous actor to do, have we? I mean, we wouldn’t want to put a spanner in the works or anything.’ Caroline smiled at him.
Hugo smiled back and for a moment the conversation came to a standstill. Caroline recollected herself and picked up her glass of wine intending to take a sip, but Hugo took it from her, held on to her hand and said, ‘My dear Caroline, how thoughtful of you to consider me.’
Grandmama cleared her throat loudly and it broke the moment.
Hugo raised his glass to them all, drank from it, put it down and began speaking. ‘It would be wonderful to do something just for fun. I don’t mean to diminish the idea by making it sound as though I wouldn’t be taking it seriously
because I would, take it seriously, I mean. But just for once to work at something which didn’t demand high profile action on my part would be wonderful. After all it isn’t as if the whole world is going to know, not like they do when it’s Stratford or the West End or something. We can just quietly get on with it can’t we? Money isn’t a problem …?’
‘It certainly isn’t.’ Mr Fitch shook his head. ‘I should be proud to be associated with such an enterprise. Proud, yes very proud and I would like to commit myself here and now. I will underwrite whatever expenses you may incur. Yes, I certainly will. Who knows, this could be the beginning of something big.’ He beamed at everyone around the table and accepted their thanks with delight. ‘Now, Hugo, what do you think to that?’
‘I am humbled by your generosity. Humbled indeed I am. We shan’t be incurring massive expense, I would keep a stern eye on that side, believe me. Now, if I agreed to …’
‘Something quite appalling has occurred to me.’ Caroline’s strangled voice drew their attention. ‘How on earth can we expect Hugo, who has worked with most of the famous names on the British stage, how can we expect him to work with
us
, a load of complete amateurs? What presumption. We ought to be ashamed of ourselves even thinking of it. I’m sorry, so very sorry that we’ve put you in such an embarrassing position. Please accept our apologies. We all got carried away.’
A deathly silence greeted her outburst. Hugo was the first to break the deadlock. Very quietly he said, ‘Please believe me when I say I would be honoured to work with you all. This business of the virus, I did have a virus certainly but it was exacerbated by the fact that I was also having a complete nervous collapse brought on by overwork. This rest I’m having, the media believe it to be because of the virus, which it is but also it’s because I have run out of
steam. After years of working like a maniac it is very difficult for me to do
nothing
, but I daren’t, not yet, go back on the professional stage because it could be the end of not only me as an actor but the end of
me
. Producing this play would be heaven. You’d all be helping me to resuscitate myself. The decision is yours, but I hope you say you will.’
Jimbo raised his glass and toasted Hugo. ‘Thank you for being so frank with us. Neither Harriet nor I had any idea how ill you have been. If we can help in any way then we will, and we’d all be honoured and privileged to work with you.’
‘Coffee. I think I’ll get the coffee. Anyone prefer tea?’ They all wanted coffee. With Caroline’s help Harriet swiftly cleared away the pudding and retreated to the kitchen to attend to the coffee making.
Harriet banged about making the coffee saying as she worked, ‘God! that was awful. I’d no idea.’
‘Awfully brave of him to admit to it, don’t you think? I feel dreadful that I forced him into having to come out with it.’
‘You musn’t, you did right to bring us all up short. It was presumptuous of me. I can’t think what gave me the idea. I must have been mad. I’ve put the cups out on the side there. We just need the spoons, they’re in the cupboard in the dining room.’
‘You have to like him, don’t you?’
Harriet grinned. ‘He’s a darling. An absolute darling, but don’t tell Jimbo I said that. I’m amazed he’s so agreeable to the whole idea.’
‘It must be Hugo’s charm.’
‘Well, he’s certainly got plenty of that, so just watch yourself.’
‘Me? Come on, for heaven’s sake.’
‘Yes, you. Carry the sugar in, will you?’
‘Peter, we can’t both of us be in it, can we? That would be impossible, finding a sitter every time.’
‘No, we can’t, not both of us. But you could.’
‘Do you think so?’
‘Oh yes. With my height I’d be quite out of place on a stage.’
‘Have you ever done anything on stage before?’
‘Never, and I don’t intend to.’
‘Hugo says you have such presence he can’t understand why you’re not an actor.’
‘Well, that’s one bit of his amateur psychoanalysis that is way off the mark.’
‘You think he does that too, do you?’
‘Oh yes. He does. Has he been practising on you?’
She was on the brink of telling him about the incident in the restaurant but stopped herself just in time. ‘I’m nearly asleep. It’s the wine.’
Peter reached over to kiss her goodnight. ‘God bless you.’
‘And you.’ Caroline was nowhere near ready for sleep but not for anything would she tell Peter what had made her leave the restaurant in such anger. Nor did she want to tell him how Hugo fascinated her. Nor that Hugo wanted her to be his leading lady in whatever play he decided upon. Nor that she was looking forward to the rehearsals with more enthusiasm than she had felt about anything for a long time. Not since … well, she wouldn’t think about cancer now. Not now. She would put that right at the back of her mind once and for all and get on with her life.
‘Thanks.’
She came into the study with it in her hand. He watched her tear it open.
‘It’s from Hugo. There’s a meeting about the play on Monday night. You’re free aren’t you, if I remember rightly?’
‘I am. In fact I’ve three evenings free next week. Almost unprecedented. Shall we have an evening out together while we have a chance?’
‘Why not?’
‘There’s bound to be seats going at the Royal. Culworth isn’t exactly at the forefront where theatre-going is concerned, is it?’
‘There might be rehearsals planned. Let’s wait until Monday night before we book. Just in case.’
Peter patted his knee. ‘Come and sit on my knee for a moment.’ With his arms encircling her and her feet tucked into the kneehole of his desk he said, ‘This play is really important to you, isn’t it?’
‘Yes, it is.’
‘I’m glad. Something completely different from church meetings and children. There’s a light come back into your eyes I haven’t seen for a while.’
‘Is there?’
‘Yes. I hope, no, I
know
you’ll do marvellously in this play. I shall be so proud of you. You must throw yourself into it and forget all about us. Go for it, you know. What an opportunity for you and for the village. He’s such a generous man, doing this without a thought for his reputation.’ They sat quietly for a few moments then he said, ‘Love you, must get on.’ He kissed her and tipped her gently off his knee.
Caroline had to make absolutely sure he didn’t mind her being involved with the play.
‘Of course not. Why should I mind?’
‘You shouldn’t, I suppose, I don’t know why I asked. You hold me by the tightest of bonds and yet I am totally free.’
‘Good. That’s how it should be.’
‘Do you feel free?’
He had to smile. ‘No. I’m bound hand and foot to you. I’m not free and never will be, not even in the life hereafter.’
‘Oh God! What a responsibility that is for me!’
‘You musn’t feel like that, because for me it’s pure joy.’
She held his face between her hands, looked deeply into his eyes and briefly saw into his soul; he was alight with
love for her. Right at this very moment, love like his she did not deserve. Why she didn’t deserve it she didn’t rightly know, but there were stirrings inside herself she couldn’t analyse, and what was worse didn’t want to analyse. It was as though she was at a crossroads, not knowing which way she would turn. Unable to find anything to say in reply to the look in his eyes, she tapped him lightly on his shoulder. ‘I’ve some addresses to call at to collect jumble for Saturday, I’ll be a while.’
‘I’ll have gone by the time you get back.’
After she’d left, Peter sat gazing out of the window. He watched Vera wave to Sylvia as she passed her house. Saw Jimmy setting out with Sykes at his heels. Caught sight of one of the weekenders in shorts and the briefest of tops setting off to the Store by the looks of the large shopping bag she was carrying. The busy life of the village went on, day in day out, despite the trials and tribulations which beset it. He thought about Hugo who could turn out to be a trial and a tribulation without doubt. Though what a lovely chap he was; friendly, caring, very charming, obviously in need of a respite from his demanding life and what better place was there than here in this village amongst friends? It was ridiculous to worry about the man, but somehow Caroline’s enthusiasm for being in Hugo’s play worried him.
Deep in his heart he became filled with a dark foreboding.
It was the first chance Dicky had had to get a close look at this newcomer they were all talking about. Georgie had swooned over his good looks and his reputation when she’d seen him in the Store, and he could see at first glance that she was right. He was handsome and not half.
‘Good evening, mine host! Drinks all round on me. What shall you have?’ Hugo looked at each in turn and they gave Dicky their orders. Georgie, unable to resist a
chance to speak with such a famous figure, came to give Dicky a hand.
‘Good evening, Mr Maude.’
‘Mr Maude indeed! Hugo, please. I am amongst friends, surely. You are?’
‘Georgie Fields.’
‘Lucky man is Mr Fields, very lucky indeed.’ He grinned at Dicky who let the mistake pass.
‘Let’s put two tables together then we can all sit round. Do you mind, Georgie?’ Under the devastating beauty of his smile Georgie capitulated. Putting two tables together usually meant the group got very rowdy and she normally demurred if the idea was requested. It was the way Hugo’s lips opened so generously, showing those immaculately straight teeth, with just one slightly crooked one which gave him the appearance of a boy, not a man.
‘Of course. Dicky, give them a hand, will you?’
In no time at all Dicky had pushed two tables together and placed the tray of drinks in the middle. There was a lot of laughing and joking and sorting out of where to sit and who’s drink was which. In the middle of it Caroline appeared from the lavatories. Instantly Hugo stood up. His expressive face broke into a warm smile for her which was observed by almost everyone in the bar.
‘Caroline! What would you like to drink?’
‘Just an orange juice, please.’ Harriet pulled up a chair next to her and patted the seat. ‘Sit here, look.’
Caroline’s orange juice arrived in front of her with a flourish. ‘Thank you, Hugo, that’s lovely.’
Harriet nudged her. ‘Well? What do you think?’
‘About what?’
‘The play!’
‘I think it’s going to be brilliant. A wonderful choice.’
‘So do I. And it’s really rather thrilling doing what is its
first real outing on the stage in its present form. If it gets eventually to the West End, well …’
‘Exactly.’ Caroline sipped her drink leaving the others to make all the going with the one liners and jokes. She was in a quandary of the first order. Reading through the script which Hugo had so painstakingly photocopied on Jimbo’s copier she had been appalled at the intimacy between herself and Hugo demanded by the play. Not that she had to be naked or anything like that, after all they couldn’t go that far in a Church Hall. There were limits, even today. But they did have to kiss frequently, and mercifully the curtains closed on the scene where …
Heaven alone knew what the parish would think. If there was a moment to withdraw that moment was right now. This instant. Right now. She’d drop the bombshell immediately. As though in answer to her doubts there was a brief lull in the conversation. She put down her glass and said her piece.
‘I’m afraid I’m going to have to withdraw, or take a different part. I think this part is beyond me. So, I’m sorry, but there we are.’ There were gasps of disappointment all round the table.
Liz Neal said, ‘Oh please, you’re so right for the part, do do it, please.’
Neville agreed, ‘You’re so right for it, Caroline, you can’t let us down.’
‘I can and I will, I’m afraid.’
Hugo said loudly enough for the entire clientele to hear, ‘Afraid. That’s what the problem is. You’ve said far more than you know when you said, “I can and I will, I’m
afraid
.” You are afraid, afraid of the challenge, afraid of Peter, afraid of what the parish will say. Maybe even afraid the bishop might hear what you’ve been up to. Tut tut.’
Caroline almost cringed at his words, they were so close to the truth.
Harriet was livid. ‘Hugo! really. Be quiet, just shut up. If Caroline feels she can’t do the part then that is that, it’s not for you nor anyone else to query her motives.’
‘Why not? This play could be the making of her.’
Harriet snorted. ‘She doesn’t need “making”. Her life has been a complete success without your assistance. Now shut up and find yourself another leading lady.’
‘I only meant the part would give her a chance to face up to herself.’ He took Caroline’s hand in his. ‘My dear Caroline, I’m so sorry if I have upset you. I know I’m outspoken, and I apologise. You’re not used to the cut and thrust of the theatrical world …’
Harriet interrupted. ‘Not “cut and thrust”. Bitchiness would be more accurate. You’re making matters worse, so
be quiet
.’
‘That’s all right, Harriet, I can fight my own battles. I don’t want to do this part because I … well I just can’t do it.’
Hugo, seeing that bullying was getting him nowhere, changed his tactics. ‘Go home and think about it. Sleep on it, as they say. You’re so right for the part, you see. I can’t see anyone else in it.’ He addressed the other members of the cast. ‘When she read tonight I knew it in my bones. You can all see her in the part, can’t you?’
He looked at them each in turn and they half-heartedly agreed with him. ‘You see. They all feel the same.’
Caroline said, ‘I’ll sleep on it then. Yes, I will. Give you a decision tomorrow. Though I’m quite sure Liz or Harriet would be just as good.’
‘Oh no, we wouldn’t.’
‘I’ll leave now, if you don’t mind.’ She stood up to go. ‘Goodnight everyone.’
Hugo followed her out. ‘I’ll see you to your door.’
‘For heaven’s sakes there’s no need for that.’
‘There is. I owe you an apology.’
‘For what?’
‘For trying to bully you. It wasn’t fair.’ He turned to face her and took hold of each of her hands. ‘I know you will be great. You and me together, we’ll make this play. I know it’s only a small-time production, but that’s no reason for not doing the best we can.’
‘If that’s all it is then I will think about it. I’ll tell you in the morning. It’s all very well you saying I ought to ignore my responsibilities to Peter and … the diocese and such, but they’re there and I can’t avoid them.’
By now they’d reached the rectory door. Caroline searched for her key. Hugo took it from her and put it in the lock.
‘There. In you go. Sleep tight.’ He gave her the lightest of kisses on her lips, stroked her arm comfortingly and pushed open the door for her.
‘True as I’m ’ere I saw ’em. He’d been holding her hands and then he kissed her. I wouldn’t be telling the truth if I said he’d made it last a while because he didn’t, but he kissed her, right there under the Rectory lamp, plain as day for all to see.’
Sylvia sat up in bed appalled. ‘Willie, are you sure? It’s dark, you could have been mistaken.’
‘I’m not. Shall I turn out the light?’
‘Yes.’ Sylvia snuggled up to Willie. ‘I can’t believe it of her, though when she went and bought that red dress I knew there was something afoot.’
‘Holding her hands he was. Couldn’t hear what they was saying but actions speak louder than words.’
‘Daresay they would, but what’s he wanting from Dr Harris, that’s what I’d like to know.’
‘Willie! You don’t think …’
‘Maybe. Something to entertain himself with while he recups, or whatever they call it.’
‘Whatever will the Rector have to say?’
‘Whatever it is, he’d better say it quick before it’s too late.’
‘She’s been in a funny mood for a while. That cancer business took her back and not half. It was the children, you see. She couldn’t stand the thought of them being left without her, and her not seeing ’em growing up. She loves ’em that much.’ Sylvia dug under the pillow for her handkerchief and wiped her eyes. ‘And so do I, I love ’em too. I’ve never had a happier time in my life since I went to work there.’
‘’ere ’ere. What about since you married me?’
In the darkness Sylvia smiled. ‘You’re all part and parcel, aren’t you? Went there to work, met you and that. It’s all one and the same. If I suspect he’s up to something more than producing a play I’ll kill ’im. So help me I will. I’ll kill ’im.’
‘Sylvia!’
‘I mean it, and I wouldn’t care how many years I spent in prison, it’d be worth it.’
‘Right scandal that’d be. What would you say when they asked you why you did it?’
Sylvia thought for a moment. ‘I’d say it was a crime of passion, ’cos I’d fallen for ’im and he was ignoring me! It was jealousy, that’s right, that was my motive. Jealousy.’
Willie was affronted. ‘Sounds as though I’m not satisfying you as I should.’
‘You’re all right on that score, it’s just a ruse so I don’t have to tell the truth.’
‘Which is?’
‘I killed him to stop him ruining a very happy marriage. They love each other, at bottom. It’s just that she’s feeling trapped at the moment. If only …’
Willie rolled over and put his arms round her. ‘Never mind, old love. It’ll sort itself out.’
‘Not easily, I’m afraid. You have to admit he’s very appealing, very sexy and so good looking. There’s something about his smile which is so attractive. He’s kind of all male and all man and yet child all at the same time. It makes him very irresistible.’
‘Any more of that and I’ll be doing for ’im miself!’
‘Oooo, Willie! You never would.’
‘I would.’
‘So, darling, what’s this play called? Is it one I know or something Hugo’s dreamt up?’
‘Not dreamt up, no. It’s a play written by a new playwright. It’s been done once in Reading, or somewhere, and it flopped. Badly. It’s been rejigged, bits cut out that didn’t work, et cetera, and now Hugo is convinced the chap’s got it right and he’s dying to have a go with it. I read parts of it last night at the meeting and …’
‘Yes?’
‘Peter.’
‘Yes?’
‘Peter, it’s quite … well, anyway, the part he wants me to take means a bit of kissing and that, and I wondered what you thought about it.’
‘I see. What’s it called?’
‘Mmmmm.’
‘I know I’m being completely ridiculous and if I wasn’t your wife it wouldn’t matter two hoots really, but I am and that means complications and I’ve got to have you on my side before I say yes. Well, I did say yes and then I got cold feet last night in the bar and said I wouldn’t do it.’
‘What do the others think?’
‘Hugo asked them and they kind of half-heartedly said yes, they wanted me to do it, so he took it as a definite yes, which it wasn’t. You know how moral Harriet can get. She told him off.’
‘Would you like to do it?’
Caroline nodded. ‘Yes, I would. It feels like an affirmation that I’m taking life on again. I know it’s only a village play, but …’
‘Then do it, so long as there’s nothing you have to do which will be against everything you’ve ever stood for. There’s no nudity or anything, is there?’
‘Oh no, of course not. There couldn’t be in a Church Hall, could there? There’s the opportunity for naked flouncing about and it probably would be done that way if it got to the West End, but we’re not doing it like that. And we’re cutting out the worst of the swearing because I insisted it couldn’t be said on church premises. Perhaps I’m being overly careful, I don’t know. Nowadays anything seems to go.’
‘Can I see the script?’
Caroline hesitated for a moment and then said, ‘I’ll go get it.’
Peter spent an hour going through the script. He had certain misgivings but that was only when he read it from the point of view of Caroline in the leading part. Otherwise
the play was good, and in a strange, convoluted way had a strong moral theme to it. In the end good triumphed.
Peter could hear Sylvia singing as she worked upstairs, he called out ‘Sylvia, where’s Caroline?’
‘Gone to the Store, Rector, she won’t be long. Is there anything I can do?’
‘No, that’s all right. I’ll speak to her when she gets back.’
Peter had a while to wait before Caroline returned. When she’d entered the Store a sudden silence had fallen and she became aware of sidelong glances at her, which she found puzzling.
‘Jimbo, is Harriet here?’
‘In the kitchens. Go through.’ He raised his straw hat to her as she slipped past the till. At least he was looking her straight in the face if no one else was.
The kitchens at the back of the Store had been made by opening up a series of small rooms to become two big kitchens. One for outside catering and one for making the confectionary and savoury products with which they filled the Store freezers. Caroline herself had been grateful for their homemade quality on more than one occasion when she’d been too busy to cook.
Harriet, wearing her white overalls and the net cap she wore in deference to the hygiene regulations, was elbow deep in a huge mixing bowl.
‘Hi! Come to see me? Won’t be a minute. Go get a coffee from the machine and I’ll be with you in a trice. There’s a couple of chairs in the freezer room. Take a pew there.’