A difference of Opinion

 

A large old house on the edge of the green belt, obviously at one time it had been a ‘country gentleman’s’ residence. A drive wound its way through trees, planted to give an added impression of grandeur, and up to the imposing front door. Many windows looked out onto the drive. At one a face could be seen peering out.

 

‘Here’s another one come to join us!’ Sally stopped her singing to shout through the open doorway. There was no response.

‘Did you hear me? Another victim’s come. It’s a woman. She’s wearing a very nice coat and would you believe it a hat! Who wears hats these days? Are you listening you miserable old devil?  If you could  look out of the window you’d see her.’

 

‘Why can’t she leave me alone. What makes her think I care who comes and who goes? There’s only one I’m interested in and I’ll know when she’s here. Why does she have to keep singing, and singing that song? It was her favourite. I always knew when she was happy, that song would blast out, completely out of tune and I swear she changed the words every time she sang it. I could see the look on her face, she was just waiting for me to say something and I always fell for it. I always pointed out where she’d gone wrong. She’d give me that look and carry on singing worse than ever. She even got the kids joining in eventually, all of ‘em singing different words. I was forced to join in in the end, when I could stop laughing. She, on the other hand, sings in tune, which is infuriating. I don’t know why they insist that these doors are left open between ten and twelve. It wouldn’t be so bad if this one wasn’t next to hers.’

 

‘Well I never! Jim! Can you hear me? I know you can, you just don’t want to answer. That old creep Mr Jeremy Kingland Jones has just gone out to greet the newcomer. I don’t believe it he’s going to kiss her hand. Jim! Are you listening? We must be having royalty coming to stay. Jim, do look out of the window. Quick. They’ll be inside before you can see!’

 

‘These people come and go. I’ve no interest in them, nor them in me.

I remember when our house was full all the time.

There weren’t many weekends during the summer when we didn’t have friends for dinner or the kids had some kind of party or other. Vesta was such a great hostess and cook people just wanted to come and visit us.

Food here’s nothing special. I eat just enough to keep body and soul together.’

 

‘And the luggage! All matching. It looks just like that Louis Somebody or Others. You know that really expensive stuff they sell in places like Harrods. I don’t know where she’ll put it all. Maybe she’ll have some of her own furniture moved in. I wonder if that’s her son? She’s holding onto his arm. Seems to have a bit of trouble walking. Mr JKJ is giving her the full deferential treatment. Not like he did when we arrived. I think he spoke to me once in my first month here.’

 

‘Vesta loved our house. We bought it just after Isabelle was born. Needed the space with a growing family. It was a bit of a wreck but we did it up bit by bit. Worth quite a bit when we finished it. Not that that matters now. I did bring a few bits of furniture with me. This chair, Vesta loved to curl up in it and read a book or do her tapestry. She only ever finished one piece that she started. We had it framed and hung it on the wall in the lounge. It seemed to get lost when I moved here. I bought that cabinet as well with most of the bits and pieces we collected over the years.’

 

‘Jim! I’ve just been downstairs to see what’s going on. They’re still outside. Mr JKJ is giving them a tour of the gardens. I couldn’t believe my eyes. The best china’s been laid out in the dining room and there are lovely smells coming from the kitchen. He certainly knows how to lay on a show when he needs to. I’ve been talking to Milly. She says they’ve got that big double room ready. They’ve even put flowers in. Jim! I wish you’d answer me, or at least have a look through the window. I know you can hear me and understand every word I say. I don’t believe them when they say you can’t. Look out of the window. You’ll see what I mean.’

 

‘How can she get so excited about such trivialities? Nothing matters now. We’re all just playing a waiting game.

In our old house we laughed all the time. Well maybe not all the time. Vesta nearly left me once. My fault. Too wrapped up in the business to notice. He came along and charmed her. I could have lost her then but we sorted it. Once the children had grown up and left we seemed to get closer. We just needed each other then.’

 

‘They’re still outside. He’s showing her the roses. I must admit they’re particularly good this year. I did sneak a bunch. Such a shame for them to fade and not be appreciated.

You won’t believe this Jim. I was right. Milly’s just whispered to me. She’s an ‘honourable’ something or other and her family owned this place once upon a time. Please look out of the window. I’ve never seen Mr JKJ looking so proud. Not even when the MP came. I wonder if she recognises the place after all these years. Imagine just one family living here.

 

I did bring that rose bush with me. The one we bought for our anniversary, our last anniversary. They said Isabelle could plant it in the garden. Such a beautiful smell it had, it filled the house with its perfume. I can see them now sitting in the vase on the hall table and she, humming out of tune as she arranges them. It didn’t survive here. Don’t know why, the gardener did his best with it.

She looks so beautiful in that photograph, in spite of the pain I knew she was in. She tried to hide it from me but I knew.

I wish Sally would stop her interminable chatter and leave me to my thoughts and memories. And she’s started singing that song again.’

 

Jim, I’ve met her, the ‘honourable’. I was just going down stairs and she was coming in through the front door. She gave me such a lovely smile, put her hand out and shook mine. Such a lady. You can tell when someone has breeding can’t you? Mr JKJ didn’t look at all pleased, wanted to keep her to himself I think. She said she’d probably meet me again at ‘luncheon’, imagine that Jim, luncheon! Not lunch or dinner, but luncheon. She seems so nice. She said she was looking forward to getting to know me, that we’d probably have a long chat later. Just imagine, me with an ‘honourable’ as a friend. I can’t wait ‘til John and Lois come to visit. I might even phone and let them know tonight.

 

Vesta couldn’t stand people with airs and graces, said you could tell a person by their actions, not by their names or titles. Sally’s a good sort. Vesta would have liked her, even though she’s so gullible. She makes the best of her life here and seems to greet each new day with pleasure, I wish I could. I think they would have got on well together. Maybe if she had still been here with me I could have put up with the place, and with my isolation. Isabelle does the best she can but Cornwall is such a long way to come. I know she phones to find out how I am. Simon is doing so well in Australia, they read his letters to me. They don’t think I understand but I do, every word.

I feel so tired today!’

 

Jim! She’s the ‘Honourable Dorothea Willoughby- Smythe, call me Bunny she said. And she’s had tea with the Queen! She’s not stuck up at all. She asked could she sit with me for ‘luncheon’. Me, having lunch with an ‘honourable’ who knows the Queen. This must be the best day of my life. Milly says she’ll bring your lunch up as soon as she can but Mr JKJ wants everyone there to create an impression. The dining room looks lovely, flowers on all the tables. Mrs Brandon’s already there, complaining about how late things are. I think Bunny and I will sit as far away from her as we can. I’ve just changed into my best dress and I’m going down for ‘luncheon’. I’ll come back and tell you all about it later. Milly’ll be here soon.’

 

‘Peace at last!

I think this place might have been more bearable if I’d not had the stroke. I could have gone for walks, got away from prattling women. Sorry Sally, I don’t mean you! You are kind and I do look forward to your ‘chats’. I think you’re the only one who realises just how much I understand, the rest just don’t seem to see the ‘inner man’.

Vesta would have understood me, she knew me so well. I wish she were with me now. But she would have hated to see me like this as I did her when she was in such great pain. I sometimes think I can hear her voice and even catch a glimpse of her walking through the roses. Sally somehow understood that I wanted to sit in this chair so that I could look out through the window.

Such a fuss they’re making Vesta, all over some minor royal. But then I suppose it relieves the boredom.

I must have nodded off, I thought she was here at my side. Strange how much closer she seems today!

 

 

Jim I had to come and tell you, and bring you a slice of the delicious cake. Bunny is a delight and will make such a        Oh Jim you look so peaceful and I’m sure that is a smile on your face. Sorry you were all alone but at least now you’re with her and you won’t have to keep looking for her.

Bye Jim. Rest well.