the door again. The argument with Edward had been raging for half an hour, yet still the issue was unresolved. She returned to the kitchen, ready to take up where they’d left off, only to be thwarted moments later when Jennifer appeared.
‘Good morning, dear,’ Edward said, smiling warmly at his daughter.
Jennifer went to sit next to him, her manner subdued. ‘Hello, Dad.’
‘Why the long face?’ he asked.
‘I heard you having an argument. Was it about me?’
‘Of course not, and anyway, it was just a heated discussion. Now cheer up. It’s a lovely day and after breakfast I thought we could all go out for a drive.’
‘You can count me out,’ Delia snapped. ‘I haven’t got time for gallivanting. I’ve got housework to do.’
‘Can’t you leave it for once?’
‘No, I can’t. Look at this kitchen, it’s filthy. Jennifer was supposed to have cleaned it, but as you can see it hasn’t been done properly.’
‘Filthy? Delia, it’s immaculate as usual, as is the rest of the house. Come on, let’s all four of us go out together. It’ll make a nice change.’
‘What will make a nice change?’ Robin asked as he walked into the room.
‘Your father wants us all to go out for a drive.’
Robin frowned and then said, ‘No can do, Dad. I’ve missed two days at college and will have to study all weekend to catch up. If I want to pass my A levels next year I’ve got to get my head down.’
‘Why were you home for two days?’ Edward asked.
‘I had a bit of a fever and sore throat, though I’m fine now.’
‘That’s good, but as I’ve been away for a while I’d like to see something of you. Surely you can spare a few hours this morning?’
‘If Robin wants to study it’s to be commended,’ said Delia, ‘and I for one am proud of his dedication.’
‘I’m proud of him too, Delia.’
‘You don’t show it. Jennifer is the only one you praise.’
‘Look, if you two are going to start rowing again, I’m going back to my room.’
‘Don’t be silly, Robin, we aren’t rowing,’ Delia said quickly. ‘Now sit down and I’ll cook breakfast. What would you like?’
‘A boiled egg would be nice.’
‘Yes, I’ll have the same,’ Edward said.
‘Do you want me to help, Mum?’
‘Of course I do, and don’t use that term. It sounds so lower class and goodness knows what my friends would think if they heard you. I’m Mother, or Mummy. Your father may not object to being called Dad, but I have higher standards. Now lay the table and then butter some bread.’
‘Yes, Mummy.’
Delia saw the look Edward threw her, the disapproval in his eyes, but ignored it. Jennifer wasn’t a child and should earn her keep, help around the house and with the laundry, something she insisted on, whether Edward liked it or not. What he’d forced on her all those years ago had ruined their marriage and if it hadn’t been for her need to maintain her social standing she’d have left Edward years ago. Divorce, however, had been unheard of in their social circle and back then the women at the tennis club would have shunned her, let alone the ladies in the Women’s Institute.
And so she had stayed and played her role, but not any more. The time had at last come when she could get rid of Jennifer and she wasn’t going to let Edward stand in her way. She just had to bring up the subject again and this time she would force the issue whether Edward liked it or not.
Edward hated the way Delia spoke to Jenny; how she was often as cold towards their daughter as she was to him. Delia had been a reluctant mother. She had done what was necessary when Jennifer was a baby, saw that she was clean and fed, but that had been all, any shows of affection brief. Jenny had been a beautiful baby, so easy to love, but instead Delia had rejected her.
‘Daddy, will you be home again for my birthday?’ Jenny asked.
‘I’ve got three branch inspections scheduled, but I’ll do my best.’
‘Edward, if you aren’t here,’ Delia warned, ‘I’ll go ahead with what we’ve been discussing without you.’
‘You’ll do no such thing.’
‘If you aren’t here, how are you going to stop me?’
‘Stop you doing what, Mother?’ asked Robin.
Edward found he was holding his breath, but his fear of Delia blurting it out also forced him to a decision. With no guarantee that he’d be home for Jenny’s birthday, Delia might just carry out her threat. He couldn’t risk it. He’d have to tell his daughter now; at least coming from him the blow might be softened.
‘All right, Delia, you’ve got your own way as usual. However, I will be the one to tell her.’
‘When?’
‘After breakfast,’ Edward said, unable to miss the look of triumph that crossed his wife’s face.
‘Dad, are you talking about me?’ Jenny asked.
‘Yes, darling, but don’t look so worried.’
‘Tell me what?’
‘Let’s eat and then we’ll talk,’ he said, glad of even this small delay.
‘Jennifer, do get a move on,’ Delia urged. ‘I want to get this meal over with.’
When his egg was put in front of him, Edward took off the top while his mind searched for the right words – the easiest and gentlest way to tell Jenny. She had always been a daddy’s girl, but what he was being forced to do now could change their relationship for ever. Would he lose his daughter? God, he hoped not.
If he could reveal the whole truth it might help, but Edward knew that was impossible. After all, even Delia wasn’t privy to it and, despite her accusations, she never would be.
Jenny barely touched her breakfast. The atmosphere was tense, and something was obviously wrong, yet it seemed she hadn’t been the cause of their argument. What was her father going to tell her? She’d known for some time that things weren’t right between her parents, that theirs wasn’t a happy marriage, and now an awful thought crossed Jenny’s mind. Divorce! That must be it. Her parents were getting a divorce.
Jenny looked at Robin, but her brother seemed unconcerned as he mopped up the last
