LITMIR.BIZ

       CHAPTER EIGHT

      MARGARET Haines phoned on Thursday evening. Tom was out, and when Jaime picked up the phone she had already steeled herself to speak to Ben. It was three days since that incident in the kitchen, and she was sure it wouldn’t be another week before they heard from him again.

      However, she was pleasantly surprised to hear Felix’s ex-wife’s voice—even if her thoughts immediately jumped to his present wife’s condition. She should have phoned Maggie, and let her know, she thought unhappily. She deserved to know, and no one else was likely to tell her.

      ‘Long time, no see,’ Maggie remarked, after the initial greetings were over. ‘How are you, Jaime? How’s Tom?’

      ‘Oh, we’re OK.’ Jaime responded quickly, wondering if Maggie had learned that Ben Russell was living in Kingsmere now. Like Felix, she knew that Jaime had been married to Philip Russell at one time, and, also like Felix, she had been told the tale that Tom was not Jaime’s ex-husband’s son. ‘Tom’s looking forward to the holidays, of course. Just another few weeks, and then he’ll consider himself a fifth former.’

      ‘A fifth former! Really?’ Maggie made a sound of amazement. ‘It doesn’t seem any time since he was starting infant school.’

      ‘I know.’ Jaime laughed. ‘But, believe me, it feels like it.’

      ‘Why? Tom’s not a problem, is he?’ Maggie was concerned. ‘He always seems such a nice boy. Unlike some of the tearaways I see walking along Gloucester Road.’

      ‘Oh—well, he is. A nice boy, I mean.’ Jaime had to choose her words with care. Although she was sure Maggie would be sympathetic, she was loath to discuss her present difficulties with anyone. It was foolish, she knew, but talking about it would only magnify the problem.

      ‘So, it’s just old age creeping on, is it?’ Maggie teased her gently. ‘It’s a pity you’ve never let another man into your life. I’ve always thought you were an ideal mother.’

      Jaime’s lips twisted. ‘Thank you.’

      ‘No, I mean it.’ Maggie sounded sincere. She paused, and then added cautiously, ‘Don’t you ever hear from Tom’s father? I mean, he can’t have been such a bad guy. Tom’s far too nice for that.’

      Jaime’s fingers tightened round the receiver. She had to remember that, as far as Maggie was concerned, Tom’s father was the reason she had broken up with Philip. Oh, what a tangled web I’ve woven, she thought ruefully. But before Ben’s reappearance she had been managing more than adequately.

      ‘No,’ she lied now, crossing her fingers as she did so. ‘No, I’ve no idea where he is. In any case, I’m quite happy as things are. As you say, I’m too old to start again.’

      ‘That isn’t what I said, and you know it,’ Maggie retorted drily. ‘These days women are having their first babies when they’re older than you are. It’s becoming quite the fashion—waiting until they’re in their thirties to start a family.’

      It was the ideal opening, and, deciding anything was better than talking about her own life, Jaime took it. ‘I—–’ she began. It wasn’t easy but it had to be said. ‘I—did you know that—that Lacey—–?’

      ‘Is having a baby?’ Maggie finished for her, and Jaime’s breath escaped on a sigh. ‘Yes, I know, my dear. As a matter of fact, Felix told me himself. The old fool thought I might be upset about it. As if I would! It’s exactly what he needs to bring him to his senses.’

      Jaime frowned. ‘What do you mean?’

      ‘Well, I know Felix of old, and he was never what I would describe as a natural father! My dear, when my two were little Felix spent all his time on the golf course. He couldn’t stand changing nappies, or being woken up in the middle of the night. And from what I hear of Lacey I can’t see her letting him get away scot-free.’

      ‘Oh.’ Jaime couldn’t prevent a gurgle of amusement. ‘And here was I worrying about how you’d take it.’

      ‘Yes. Well, Felix obviously felt the same. But don’t worry, Jaime. It is more than two years since the divorce, and believe it or not I’m beginning to appreciate my freedom.’

      ‘I’m so glad.’ Jaime meant it. ‘So—tell me all your news.’

      ‘Well, I will. But, actually, I wondered if you’d like to come to dinner tomorrow evening. It’s ages since I’ve seen you, and I don’t entertain very often. We could have a good old natter, and sink a bottle of booze. What do you say?’

      Jaime had to laugh. ‘I can’t afford to sink any booze,’ she protested hastily. ‘Alcohol contains far too many calories, and I’m trying to cut down.’

      ‘Rubbish.’ Maggie was dismissive. ‘You’re not overweight. You’re just statuesque. Remember all those Rubens nudes? People knew about femininity in those days.’

      ‘Well, it’s nice of you to say so, but I really ought to lose a few pounds. But not tomorrow night,’ Jaime agreed, accepting the invitation. ‘What time do you want me? Half-past seven? Eight o’clock?’

      ‘Half-past seven will do fine,’ said Maggie comfortably. ‘And why don’t you take a cab? That way, you won’t have to worry about having a few glasses of wine. I’d hate you to lose your licence and then blame me!’

      Tom was rather ambivalent about his mother’s proposed outing when she mentioned it at breakfast next morning. ‘But what if anybody phones?’ he exclaimed at once, and Jaime didn’t need to be a mind-reader to guess who he was thinking of. ‘I mean, I’ve promised to take Angie to the disco. There won’t be anybody in if—if anyone should call.’

      ‘Why don’t you come right out and say it?’ Jaime demanded, her own patience wearing a little thin at this point. ‘You’re afraid Ben Russell will phone, and there won’t be anybody here to speak to him. Well, I’m sorry, but we can’t live our lives waiting for—for your uncle to call!’

      Tom hunched his shoulders. ‘Well, he did say he’d ring later in the week,’ he mumbled defensively. ‘I thought he might invite me over there on Saturday.’

      ‘To the Priory?’ Jaime stared at him. ‘Did he say he would?’

      Tom’s jaw jutted. ‘Not in so many words.’

      ‘So it’s really your idea.’

      ‘No.’ Tom was indignant. ‘He did say I could go there again.’ He paused, and then added unwillingly, ‘He said he was thinking of buying some horses. He asked me if I could ride.’

      ‘And, of course, you said no.’

      ‘Well, I can’t, can I?’

      Tom’s expression was sulky, and Jaime wondered if Maggie would still think she was doing such a good job if she could see them now. She sighed. The trouble was, Tom’s

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