Page 158 of The Sun Sister
‘There we are, all set to go,’ said Katherine.
‘Holy moly, I’m nervous about tonight. I mean, I’m just not sure what Bill will...expect.’
‘Don’t be, darling. If nothing else, Bill is a gentleman. And he’ll treat you accordingly, I promise.’
‘Are you sure it’s okay for us to live with you while the new house is being built?’ Cecily asked as she stood up from the dressing table and turned to her friend.
‘Darling, of course it is. What are guest rooms for after all? Both you and Bill are welcome there, even though it’s hardly Mundui House. And you’ll be surprised how quickly your own house gets finished. Hopefully in time for the baby.’
‘Yes. And remember—’
‘I promise you, Cecily, I won’t say a word.’
‘Do you think anyone else knows?’
‘If they do, they’re keeping very quiet about it. I’ve not heard a whisper of gossip so far.’
‘Thank goodness. Right then.’ Cecily pulled the jacket – the bottom button of which was straining a little across her ever-extending belly – back into place. ‘Off I go.’
‘Off you go, Mrs Forsythe.’
Downstairs, the guests had gathered around the front door. As Cecily emerged with Bill next to her, they clapped and cheered.
‘Throw your bouquet, Mrs Forsythe,’ shouted Alice. ‘I need a new husband, don’t I, Joss?’ She smiled up at him.
Cecily did so, but it was Joss who caught it.
‘Spoilsport,’ said Alice, sulking as the rest of the crowd gave nervous chuckles. Joss’s wife, Molly, was apparently very near death.
‘Come on then, my dear, off we go,’ said Bill.
Bill’s pick-up had been decorated by Joss and his cronies. Nygasi sat regally on the back of it, surrounded by balloons. Trailing tin cans had been attached to the rear fender.
‘He’s not coming with you into the bedroom at the Norfolk Hotel, is he, Bill?’ shouted someone from the crowd.
‘Very funny,’ Bill replied, as he climbed into the driver’s seat.
‘Congratulations, my darling,’ said Kiki, coming forward and embracing her goddaughter. ‘Your mother would have been so proud of you today. Welcome to Happy Valley, sweetie, you’re truly one of us now.’
As Cecily climbed up next to Bill, she felt a sudden splash land on top of her head, then another on her suit.
‘Good grief! The rains have arrived!’ shouted someone else from the crowd.
‘Inside, everyone!’ called yet another voice.
As the crowd retreated and the rain began to pelt down, Cecily sat there feeling as though she was in a warm bath as Bill and Nygasi worked swiftly to attach the canvas hood to the pick-up.
Nygasi muttered something to Bill as he started the engine.
‘What did he say?’ Cecily asked him.
‘He said that the rain coming on our wedding day is auspicious.’
‘In a good or a bad way?’ Cecily enquired.
‘Oh, good, definitely good,’ Bill smiled at her as they drove off.
Cecily dozed on the journey to Nairobi, exhausted not only from the day but from the preparations leading up to it. Before she knew it, Bill was gently shaking her awake. ‘We’re here, my dear. Have you the energy to go inside or shall we all just sleep in the pick-up?’
