Page 41 of You Only Live Once
‘She certainly is that.’
‘It’s no wonder Jack spent so much time round our house, is it?’
‘No, that all became clear last night. His brother seems nice, though. I’ve never really met him properly before. Not to talk to, anyway.’
‘Yeah, Ed’s a good bloke. I think Jack really missed him when he was abroad.’
‘It was mutual from what Edward said last night. I think he’s pleased to have his big brother back in the country.’
‘How did it go last night, anyway? How did Jack seem?’
‘Like he’d rather be anywhere else but there, but he put on a good front, as was expected of him, I’m sure.’
‘Are they still trying to marry him off to the “right” person, then?’
‘From all the looks being directed his way, yes, I think that’s the general plan. His mother was horrified that he brought his landlady with him.’
‘His landlady? Priceless.’ Felix let out of roar of a laugh.
‘I know,’ I said, joining in the laughter. ‘I put her right on that account rather swiftly.’
‘Did you?’ The surprise in his voice was evident.
‘Of course I did. You know the arrangement isn’t like that and just the way she said it was demeaning to both me and Jack.’
‘Still, I’m a little surprised. People don’t usually stand up to Lady CH. She can be pretty intimidating. Especially people who normally barely leave their house.’
‘I don’t know. Maybe that played to my advantage. It’s been so long that I’ve forgotten when I’m supposed to be intimidated.’
‘You should never be intimidated.’
‘She did look rather shocked. I don’t think she’s used to people answering her back, especially common landladies like me.’ We both started laughing again.
‘God, I wish I’d been there. I’m extremely proud of you, I hope you know that.’
‘Thanks.’
‘So where is Jack today?’
‘Literally no idea. He’d gone when I got up and that wasn’t particularly late.’
‘OK. I might send him a message and check he’s all right after last night. And, Lily?’
‘Yep?’
‘I really am pleased you’ve got out today.’
‘Then you’ll be even more pleased to hear that I had a wonderful cooked breakfast at a little tearoom I passed.’
‘Who are you and what have you done with my sister?’
I laughed again and said goodbye to my brother, sending my love on to Poppy and the children, and saying that I would see them in the week, before hanging up and driving the rest of the way home.
13
When I got home, it was to find Jack reading in the kitchen-diner, his long legs stretched out on the sofa, a good proportion of them hanging over the end. Something that smelled yummy was cooking on the hob, simmering under the lid of one of my cast-iron pans.
‘Hi.’
