Page 25 of A Summer Scandal

‘My point, ladies and gentlemen of Swallow Beach, is that our pier has long lived in the heart of our townsfolk and it should be officially given back to us. We could reinvigorate our town’s fortune, rather than line the greedy pockets of a private investor.’

Violet couldn’t help herself, she shot to her feet. ‘Those would be my pockets that you’re talking about, Lady Mayoress, and I’ll have you know that they’re neither greedy nor private.’

A hush fell over the room, and every eye in the place rested on Violet.

‘This isn’t how I wanted to introduce myself to everyone, but I’m Violet Spencer, and I very recently inherited the Swallow Beach Pier from my grandmother, Monica Spencer, who lived here in the bay back in the seventies.’

A low whisper rattled around the room.

‘I didn’t even know the pier existed until a few weeks ago when my grandfather died and willed it to me. He bought the pier,legitimately, when it was put up for sale in 1965. He and my grandmother came here on honeymoon and she fell in love with the place; as far as I know they came for a holiday and stayed here for the rest of her life. I know for a fact that she loved this town, and even though he wasn’t living here my grandpa has always ensured that the pier has been properly maintained, so I hoped that I’d come here and find a friendly welcome, at least.’

Some people nodded, hesitant to be unnecessarily rude to the blue-haired girl in their midst. Gladys didn’t flinch, just stared at Violet, her thin lips puckered cat’s-bum-tight.

‘I admit that I’m not exactly sure what I’m going to do with the pier yet, but—’

‘Exactly! No clue!’ Gladys barked, derisory, throwing her hands out in anI rest my casegesture.

‘But I do want to have the pier open again, if that’s possible,’ Vi said. ‘Make it vibrant to honour my gran’s memory.’

Gladys rolled her eyes. ‘By all accounts your grandmother was quite avant-garde, Violet Spencer, and I don’t mean that as a compliment.’

‘What?’ Vi’s voice shot up, properly annoyed now. ‘You didn’t even know my grandmother, how dare you speak ill of her!’

‘Young lady, the Lido has housed artists and hippies since the 1960s, and it appears that you’re keeping its disreputable tradition alive and kicking with your …’ Gladys’s lips turned down in distaste, ‘dancing.’

Keris stood up beside Violet. ‘Now hang on, Glad—’

‘Oh, don’t you “hang on” me, Keris Harwood, what with you sending out unmentionables in the post!’

Violet looked at Keris, confused, and Barty got to his feet too.

‘I’ll have to ask you not to take that offensive tone, Glad.’

There was a gentle authoritativeness to his voice that seemed to have the desired effect; Gladys looked suitably rebuked and held her tongue, settling for a rattle of her mayoral chains.

‘I for one am gladdened by Violet’s presence in Swallow Beach.’ Barty addressed the people rather than the Lady Mayoress. ‘I’m sure that once she’s found her feet in our community, she’ll be brimming with exciting new ideas for the pier.’

‘Strip club,’ Gladys muttered, earning herself a few frowns from around the room.

‘Did someone say strip club? Count me in.’

Everyone turned around at the sound of a new voice in the room, and Cal strolled down the aisle and dropped into the empty seat beside Violet.

‘What did I miss?’ he asked, looking innocently towards the Mayoress.

Gladys turned puce. ‘You know full well that your presence is unhelpful here, Calvin. Please leave immediately. I’m sure your friends can join you in The Swallow when we’re done.’

Cal smiled genially but stayed exactly where he was. For a second the Mayoress looked as if she might thunder down the aisle, ceremonial chains swinging, and drag Cal out of the parish hall by his unruly dark hair.

‘WhatdidI miss?’ he asked, when Gladys finally stopped eyeballing him like a bull about to be released.

‘The Mayoress hates me,’ Vi whispered. ‘She thinks the Lido is a beacon for disreputables, and that I’m going to turn the pier into a brothel, or something equally unsavoury.’

‘Figures,’ Cal muttered. ‘She’s always been keen to jump to the worst conclusion.’

‘You know her well then?’

‘Just a bit.’ He flicked his eyes to the ceiling and blew out. ‘She’s my mother.’

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