Page 95 of The Secret Love of a Gentleman
The men set up a game of cricket and because George wanted to play, all the young children joined the game. So, it became a game of fathers holding the hands of their children and helping them bat then picking the little ones up and running with them, while the older children ran for themselves.
Rob helped George hit the ball, hauled him off his feet and ran with him. George had the giggles from then on, and their wicket was hit on the next bat.
When a servant struck a gong to say luncheon would be served, Rob was hungry. He had taken off his morning coat because it was warm in the sunshine while they were running, but he pulled it back on as he walked towards the marquees where the tables had been laid.
George caught up with him and his hand slipped into Rob’s.
Caro was sitting beside Mary on a blanket, holding Iris. Phillip was nowhere in sight. They already had full plates beside them.
The summer gathering at John’s came to mind, when he shared a blanket with her and scared her off. He did not know her at all then.
‘Shall I fill a plate for you, Robbie?’ Jenny offered.
‘That would be kind, thank you. George and I will sit down next to his mama, then.’
Rob sat at the bottom of the blanket, George sat on Mary’s lap. ‘Hello,’ he said cheerily, acting brighter than he felt, denying the jealousy her refusal to travel with him had engendered.
Caro smiled awkwardly, blushing a little.
There was still that sense that something was not right in her behaviour. She was definitely not in a good humour today.
‘Would you like some lemonade, Robbie?’ He looked up. Helen handed him a glass.
‘Thank you.’
Drew was queuing to fetch a plate of food, looking at the blanket where they all sat.
Rob smiled, and Drew smiled too.
‘Did you see me hit the ball, Aun’ie Caro?’ George knew his mother had seen. Mary had whooped and applauded from the sidelines.
‘Yes, I did, George.’
‘And we ran.’
‘I know.’
‘I hit the ball right across the field.’
‘I saw. You were very clever.’
‘And you are wonderfully patient, Rob,’ Mary teased.
‘What is patient, Mama?’ George asked.
‘What everyone needs when they are faced with your energy,’ she replied.
Caro chuckled. Rob smiled, he was not in the mood to laugh.
‘He has always been good with the younger children.’ His father stood behind Rob, with his mother.
‘Shall I shuffle up?’ Mary offered.
‘No, we will sit on the blanket beside this,’ their mother answered.
An uncomfortable prickle ran up Rob’s spine as his sisters’ description of his parents’ conversation came to mind. He did not want them near him, observing him, when he was near Caro.
‘Can I have something to eat?’ George asked, looking at Rob’s plate.
