The Winds Of Fortune Episode 16
The weather had turned out favourably for their outing, and a pale sun shone down on them from the winter sky.
It was cold and crisp, and brisk walking had helped to keep them from freezing, and now they were snug inside the restaurant that the young men had driven to in town.
She’d enjoyed their visit to an ancient stone circle and their stroll along the beach.
The bracing air had put colour in Pearl’s cheeks, and Minnie had been delighted to see her smiling as she talked to Harry.
He’d been very attentive to Pearl again, helping her over rocks and offering his arm when she seemed tired.
If only Daisy Waddage weren’t in the picture, Minnie would be hopeful that a romance might blossom between Harry and Pearl.
“How about a mimosa before we eat?” Ivor turned to Minnie with a smile.
“That sounds delightful. What about you, Pearl? Would you like one?”
“Yes, please.” Her sister nodded and Minnie’s spirits lifted.
“I hope you are enjoying our outing. I’m sorry it’s the wrong time of year for a picnic.” Ivor looked concerned and Minnie couldn’t help smiling.
“It’s wonderful,” she reassured him. “The stones were so interesting and I’m grateful to see Pearl smiling again.”
Ivor nodded, his face full of compassion.
“You have all gone through so much, Miss Vandunlan, but I am certain that your sister is better than when you first arrived in England.”
Minnie thought so, too, and it was worth having come, for Pearl’s sake.
She wondered why Theo hadn’t written to her, though. He had promised to do so and he was usually a man of his word.
Perhaps there hadn’t been time for a letter to arrive yet – apparently mail from abroad could be very erratic.
“Would you like to dance before we eat?” Ivor was regarding her hopefully and Minnie swallowed.
“Thank you, but I’m worn out from our explorations. I think I need to eat first.”
“Of course.” He looked disappointed, but also concerned.
At that moment, Violet and her beau Alfred joined them.
Alfred was driving Violet today, whilst the others had shared the Rolls.
Considering the speed at which Alfred drove, Minnie found it hard to understand how they’d been the last to arrive.
“Mimosas? Don’t mind if I do!” Violet took one from the waiter’s tray and sat down beside her brother.
Ivor looked annoyed and quietly ordered two more.
Harry passed one to Pearl and then to Minnie.
Minnie thanked him and hoped that the arrival of the others would take Ivor’s attention away from her.
It was Ivor who had suggested today’s excursion, and he had clearly wished to take Minnie out by himself.
She, however, had deliberately misconstrued the invitation and arranged things so that all the young people were involved.
“Sorry we got held up.” Alfred was sprawled back in his chair, grinning.
“After those dull old rocks, Violet and I fancied a bit of a drive to liven things up.”
Minnie wondered what, if anything, interested this young man – apart from his appearance and his car.
She had discovered that he lived on a neighbouring estate a few miles from the Northavens, and that he was part of their social set, but otherwise she knew little about him.
“Do you have much family, Mr Maseley?” she asked him now.
“Lots of uncles and aunts, Miss Vandulan, but I’m an only child.” He laughed.
“How many more offspring could my parents wish for when they already had me?”
Minnie didn’t reply to that, being short of a polite response.
“What are your hobbies?” she enquired instead.
“Aside from a good party, I’m fond of horse-riding and cricket. I’m considered an ace bowler in the county.”
“Indeed.”
“Oh, let’s have a dance, Alfie.” Violet was clearly bored, or else she resented anyone other than herself monopolising Alfred’s attention.
“I’d be delighted.”
The two headed over to the dance floor and lost themselves to the rhythms of jazz.
“What are your hobbies, Miss Vandunlan?” Ivor turned to Minnie with a smile.
“Well, it’s hard to say, Mr Dodson-Smyth. Like Mr Maseley, I’m fond of parties, but I also like walking and tennis.”
“Minnie, don’t sell yourself short.” Pearl was smiling at her. “My sister has oodles of interests, Mr Dodson-Smyth.
“She is fascinated by history, loves to read and is an accomplished artist. She is a talented and intelligent woman.”
“I have no doubt of it.”
Ivor looked at Minnie with such an expression of ardour that Minnie couldn’t help reflecting that her sister’s championing of her had never been more poorly timed.
Harry, however, seeing Pearl’s affection for Minnie, seemed more impressed by her than ever.
His face was animated. Dapper in a smart shirt, jumper and navy jacket, he was gazing at Pearl with more than friendly interest.
At that moment, however, his expression altered dramatically as a pretty girl came over to their table.
She was staring at Pearl with unbridled curiosity, then turned to Harry with a frown.
“I’m glad to see you are having fun, Harry,” she said with a pout. “Perhaps you’d like to introduce me to your companions.”
Harry covered his confusion with a smile.
“Of course, and we’d be delighted if you would join us. Everyone, this is Miss Daisy Waddage.”
To be continued…