1970, APRES SKI

‘So who is this girl?’ inquires Diana of her sister Rose. They are in the dining room at Tregethlan, expecting Edward and his cousin home this evening from a skiing trip with her friend, Margaret. Diana offers the Stilton and grapes to Rose and refills their glasses.

‘Clarissa met her at Cheltenham Ladies. Sheʼd been offered a place at the Royal Balletʼs White Lodge but her parents wanted her to have a proper education. Her father has an engineering firm, made Spitfire parts during the war and now with all the package holidays he’s doing really well. There’s such a big demand for aeroplanes.’

‘Where do they live?’

‘They have a house in Shropshire I think it had been poor old Lord Alconburyʼs before he fell on hard times, and a place in Minorca, as well as the chalet in Val dʼIsere. Seem to be able to maintain them all quite happily, not like the old piles that we live in. Our place constantly needs attention that we canʼt afford. I suppose itʼs the same for you. Clarissa adores Margaret, they have such fun together. I think Edwardʼs taken a shine to her too.’

Diana recoils in shock. Edward certainly should be thinking about settling down. He has had so many girlfriends, none seems to last longer than a couple of months – but surely not a girl from that sort of background.

‘I had hoped the Rensburnsʼ girl might make a good match, but he said all she was interested in was horses. And then there was the lovely Alicia, Baron von Langsbergʼs daughter, but sheʼs decided to go off to India with a crowd of hippies. Iʼd love him to marry someone who could help him manage the estate – and with the means to afford to sort out our recurring problems.’

‘He hasn’t changed then?’ says Rose.

‘All he cares about is sailing trips with that dreadful Richard Davenport and dashing off to London to “catch up” with old school and army friends. Goodness knows what he’s doing up there. Is he ever going to settle down?’

‘You have so much on your plate.’ Rose sips her tea.

‘Iʼve had to deal with everything since Tom died. He wasnʼt very capable after his injury and so depressed, and now… well, things are very difficult.’

There is a rattle at the door and in burst three very happy, invigorated young people.

‘Meet Margaret, Mama. Isnʼt she lovely?’ Edward swings the girl around him and then stands with his arm around her tiny waist. She gazes up at him and giggles nervously. Margaret is certainly lovely, petite with soft blonde curls framing a peaches and cream complexion, rosebud mouth and lively green eyes, heavily outlined with mascara. In spite of skiing and a long journey home, her make-up is immaculate. She slips off her quilted down ski jacket to reveal a soft pink angora sweater sliding off one golden shoulder, and tight jeans.

‘Itʼs so lovely to meet you, Mrs Clemens. What a beautiful house.’ Her eyes light up, gazing around the room at the inherited 18th century furniture and ancestral portraits. Clarissa embraces her mother and Diana gives Edward a peck on the cheek.

‘Iʼd better see what we can rustle up for you. Thereʼs some cold pheasant and roast potatoes left that you could have with salad,’ says Diana through with pursed lips, her eyebrows raised.

Edward catches her arm, ‘Mama, Margaret doesnʼt eat meat,’ he explains quietly. Clarissa giggles, ‘Except for the occasional lobster and caviar!’ Edward, Clarissa and Margaret collapse around the dining table and Edward starts filling wine glasses, while the girls laugh and chat happily.

‘Fantastic snow, Mama, and Margaretʼs parents’ place over there is perfect, really close to the best slopes.’

After eating, the youngsters continue drinking and reminiscing, while Diana and Rose retire to bed.

The next morning, Edward is alone at breakfast with his mother, already dressed in a smart tweed suit, ready to go into town.

‘Iʼve got something to say.’ He stands beside the long walnut sideboard, his hand nervously resting on the back of a chair. ‘I want to marry Margaret.’

Shocked, Diana drops her knife and turns to him. ‘Are you sure, darling? Do you have enough in common? I mean, I know sheʼs very pretty but she comes from a very different background.’

‘I knew youʼd think them quite ordinary but theyʼre such amazing people. Their house in Shropshire is always full of interesting friends and they spend spring in Minorca which is absolutely beautiful. They have a 50 foot yacht, Iolanthe, moored here. I love sailing with her father – he says the rest of his family arenʼt very interested. Margaret already has a trust fund and sheʼd love to help to restore this place. You know how run-down it’s become since Father died.’

They are interrupted by the arrival of Clarissa and Margaret, yawning and bed-tousled, still wearing pyjamas and barefoot. ‘Thereʼs kedgeree, if youʼd like it,’ says Diana frostily.

‘Only coffee for me, please,’ replies Margaret and Clarissa giggles, ‘Maybe with Bucksʼ Fizz. Thatʼs how we started each morning in France. Oh, Aunt Diana, it was such fun!’

‘Iʼm sure,‘ replies Diana, leaving the table. She walks haughtily through to her desk in the drawing room. It is strewn with paperwork – overdue bills for repairs, forms to fill in and letters from solicitors and accountants. Something has to change. Is this the answer? If Edward marries this common girl, will it solve all these problems?

Her sister knocks and peeps round the door. ‘Are you alright Diana?’

‘Just a bit of a shock, on top of everything else – look at all of this. I never expected to have to deal with problems like these.’ She scatters the papers and leans her chin on her hands. Rose puts her arm around Dianaʼs shoulder.

‘Darling, you canʼt go on like this. Edward must step up and take some responsibility. If he marries Margaret, thereʼll be a big influx of capital and you can leave them to grapple with the estate.’

‘I suppose youʼre right,’ agrees Diana, ‘it might be easier. I really canʼt manage much longer without the bailiffs arriving.’

They walk back into the breakfast room. Bravely and stiffly, Diana announces, ‘Youʼre right Clarissa, we should celebrate. Edward, bring up some champagne from the cellar to announce your wonderful news.’

Margaret looks around bewildered, as Edward whispers to her ‘Iʼve told her!’ She breaks into a delighted grin and clutches his hand tightly.

Chapter 29