The Afternoon Tea Club

by Jane Gilley

  ‘Okay. Thanks, Marvin.’

  Well, that felt better. The nail chewing could stop. She’d done her bit. Peter was so lucky to have such an understanding partner. Even so, she was still worried as to what would happen at their door. How would her father actually greet Marvin?

  Her doorbell rang at 9.35 a.m. and her mother was standing on the mat.

  ‘Your father’s outside, so are you ready?’

  ‘Look, Mum. Come in a minute. Now, exactly what is going to happen here? What’s happening with Dad? He was furious last time. I mean I don’t want this visit to be awful, too, with everyone tippy-toeing around, you know. I feel it’s all my fault for putting you in that situation when you came to mine last time. But I wasn’t being awkward towards Dad. It was to try and get everybody to come together to try and understand each other.’

  ‘I know that Stacy. Look, okay, let’s have a quick chat, before we go. Let me tell you about how things have been. You might understand a little better then,’ her mother said with a sigh. ‘Right, so I have lived with your father for a long time. We met at a barn dance in the old village hall. He seemed a warmer person then but he was never very affectionate. I have foregone a much better social life to be his wife and work the farm, even though I knew I would inherit it, eventually. But farming is not an easy life. It’s well known that you make sacrifices to live and work on a farm. The hours are very unsociable, for a start. My family struggled with it all their lives. And your dad and I struggled in the beginning, continuing with their animals and then it not working out and changing over to arable farming, which could’ve been a really risky move.

  ‘I went through a period when I certainly wanted to give up. And things weren’t always easy between Jerry and I, but then most couples experience conflict and problems. I even wanted to give up and try a life without your father. Yet I had the two of you to consider and I couldn’t just up sticks and leave because where would we have gone? Anyway, around that uncertain time for us the price per tonne of crops dropped, so your father was working harder than ever to compensate. Then we laid old Jack off, because we couldn’t afford to pay him. Do you remember him? And then my mother died. And then weeks later your father’s parents died in that car crash and he was gutted. So I knew I had to stay and help him cope with all of that. But they were very testing times for us!

  ‘And then Peter walking out of the door, the moment he turned eighteen and then you, a few months after your eighteenth told me something. I knew your father’s stern ways and – yes, if I’m honest – my lack of empathy hadn’t motivated you both. It had sent you both out of the door. But, my God, I was lost without you both. Oh I buried myself in my daily activities, not sure whether to think about leaving again or not. And then my father went into the nursing home and I was given power of attorney. And that finally meant I had some control over our future. Previously, he’d pulled the strings, regarding the farm. But we’ve had a lifetime of that farm and, after the two of you left, I decided I didn’t want it any more. I wanted my father to sell it so we could move to a little cottage near the sea, but we didn’t quite have enough savings for that, so we had a long talk about things – including my wanting to leave. But he persuaded me to stay and I decided to carry on. I stayed with your father and we saved hard. I will admit that I was saving so we could either retire together, if that’s what we decided when the time came, or so I could leave and be by myself, without your father, Stacy.’

  ‘You told me some of that before, Mum. But I didn’t know you wanted to leave Dad.’

  ‘I know. But what I hadn’t told you is that I really think I would like to live in a little cottage, and have a different, more enjoyable kind of life with holidays and days out to see my children and, hopefully, their own families when they eventually marry and settle down. But I’ll do that by myself, without your father, if he cannot conduct himself in a more affable way. Does that surprise you, Stacy?’

  ‘Yes, a little, I suppose. But I certainly hope he doesn’t blame me for starting this all off about Marvin and stuff?’ Stacy said, suddenly feeling guilty and wondering if her father might have a go at her later about the problems he felt she was causing.

  ‘No, love. This is about my relationship with your father. Our relationship as a family unit has suffered because of the problems between your dad and me. But it was only when your grandfather went into that nursing home that I felt empowered to act, you see. And when you came back to us after your fall and we got chatting, and when I reconnected with Peter again and met Marvin, that’s when I realised my children should no longer suffer because of your father and I. However, I can finally admit, now, that we’ve not been great parents and I do apologise for that, Stacy.’

  ‘Okay, Mum. But if you bought a cottage near the sea, somewhere, could I come and stay with you? And could we have more get-togethers with Peter and Marvin? Like a proper family and without walking on eggshells all the time?’

  ‘We could do all of those things, Stacy. But listen, getting back to today. I’ve told him I’m giving him this one last chance to be civil to my boy and Marvin. And he knows that if he isn’t – if one hurtful word comes out of his mouth, today, in any respect – I’ve told him I’m going. He’s such a stubborn man, yet we could have such a wonderful future if he got his act together. So I’m hoping today will turn out fine for everybody.’

  ‘I really hope it works out, too.’

  ‘Right, well, now you know what the situation is between us. So let’s go, Stacy, or he’ll wonder what we’re doing.’

  Stacy closed the door to her flat with a click. Despite what her mother had said, and even though it had made her feel better about things, she was dreading what her father might say to her when they got to the car. She actually felt a little sorry for him. Did he really know what he’d put the family through because of his own lack of empathy? They’d never spoken to each other except for his instructions to them as children. They’d never asked opinions of each other, never discussed their likes or dislikes or garnered any views about politics or anything at all. They were like strangers. Yet where would he be if her mother left him? How would her father cope with that?

  As they approached her father’s old Toyota, Stacy could see he wore a frown. She couldn’t remember ever seeing him with relaxed features. No wonder he had hard lines all over his face, although some of those lines were from squinting in the sun when he’d forgotten to wear his hat, whilst working in the fields.

  ‘What took you so long?’ he grumbled.

  ‘I forgot to pick this up,’ Stacy said, thinking on the spot and then holding up the bottle of red wine she’d got for Peter. ‘So we had to go back.’

  Her father grunted but seemed to accept her excuse.

  Stacy didn’t feel compelled to make small talk whilst they drove along because her mother took care of that. Plus she’d chosen to sit behind her father so she wouldn’t have to make eye contact with him in the mirror. The car’s interior smelled musty and the seats were worn at the edges. Everything about her parents was worn and tired, Stacy realised.

  But she was so relieved it was Peter who opened the door to them when they arrived at his flat. He must’ve seen the look of relief on her face, as he hugged her because he whispered, ‘Don’t worry about it all, sis. We’ve got this,’ before turning to their parents. ‘Hi, Mum, Dad.’

  ‘Wow, it’s beautiful, Peter!’ Stacy said breathlessly, as she walked down the wide hall to the lounge.

  Their flat looked like something straight from the pages of a slick home magazine. The kitchen, lounge and dining room were open plan, opening onto a balcony with distant views of the sea. The walls were a soft aquamarine; the kitchen units and the two large sofas were cream. There was a turquoise throw over one of the sofas and maple-veneered floorboards. Shelving incorporating a desk area and huge TV was along one wall; a colourful Turkish rug graced the floor.

  ‘Good grief,’ Stacy’s mother gasped. ‘It’s amazing. I love it. Oh
I’d love something like this when we move.’

  ‘You’re moving then?’ said Peter, surprised.

  ‘Hope to, love. Time for a change. Time to move on.’

  Their father had shaken hands with Peter at the door because his wife had nudged him in encouragement. He’d walked slowly into the property, looking around himself, nervously. Stacy knew he was half looking around in case Marvin jumped out at him, larger than life.

  ‘Um, Marvin will be here soon. He’s just been to see his mum,’ Peter almost whispered. ‘Go have a look around. There’s two large bedrooms and two bathrooms, similar sort of décor. Marvin’s the interior designer. It’s his trade you see. I’m the computer buff.’

  ‘Well, I can see he’s very artistic,’ said their mother, walking around in wonder. Their father cautiously sat down on one of the sofas. He looked out of place in his tweed suit. Peter went to sit next to him.

  ‘Hi, Dad. Pleased you came. Um, I know this is hard for you. But I just wanted to say that this is the way it is, you see. We’ve, um, we’ve had various reactions over the years. So it’s been hard for me and Marvin, too. But we’re all trying today and I know this is going to be uncomfortable for you. But I must say I’m pleased you made the effort. So thanks for that, Dad.’

  Jerry said nothing. He just sat with his hands in his lap, looking at the floor. Peter had said his piece. There was nothing else he could do. But just at that moment, the front door swung open and Marvin waltzed in with a bag of groceries, followed by a small plump woman in a fitted black dress, short dark hair, hooped gold earrings, a broad smile and a twinkle in her eye.

  ‘Hello, hello!’ she sang. ‘I’m Marvin’s mum and I thought it was high time we all met, being as we’re all going to be related by marriage soon, eh? Ha, ha!’

  She took the groceries off Marvin and shooed him out of the kitchen area.

  ‘Told them I’d do the cooking. Well, they can probably cook but they prefer to go out or get takeaways. Not the way I’d conduct myself. High calories don’t suit my waistline, as you can see! Right, so is anyone going to introduce me? My name’s Bella. Oh and I can see you’re Jerry! Well, Jezza, you’re going to have to loosen up and start accepting what’s happening here. These two boys love each other and they’re getting married, whether you like it or not. It was a shock to me at first but what can you do? It’s the way of the world, old man. You gotta take it with a pinch of salt. Drinks anyone?’

  Well, Jerry’s face was a picture!

  His jaw fell to the floor; his cheeks flared red. Stacy’s hand shot to her mouth. Was he going to explode? Her mother seemed to be trying her hardest not to burst out laughing at the breath of fresh air who was this astonishing, wonderful woman in front of them.

  And then Stacy knew, in an instant, that Marvin’s mum was going to be the best thing about Sunday lunch that day!

  Chapter 27

  ‘Bye, Marjorie. I should be back in a couple of hours. Yes, I’m going to have a look at that cute flat I told you about with the two bedrooms. It’s a couple of roads over from the community centre. Close to Mum and Philippa. Close to you and Stacy. Crikey, we really will all be neighbours! Too close for comfort did you say? Ha, ha. See you later.’

  It had been really nice having Dora stay these last few weeks. She was very easy to get on with and cleaned up after herself, as well as helping with anything else that needed doing around the flat. She’d cooked on a couple of occasions too. Marjorie had sampled chicken teriyaki as well as Indian potato curry, perfectly warming for the frosty month of November. Dora’s friend Jodie had been around for a meal with them and then they’d gone to the pub, afterwards, for a glass or three. Jodie was a right laugh. She’d been married a couple of times and had a son who lived and worked as a teacher in Australia.

  ‘Yes, I flit between the two countries, each year. Wish he’d get his ass back to Britain and get settled down to be near his old mum, though. But kids, huh? They do what they do. Dora says she’ll come over with me next year and we’re going to play tourists. That’ll be much better for me than hanging around his place awaiting his return from work each day!’

  ‘I know that feeling,’ said Marjorie. ‘My daughter’s a teacher, too. But she’s met a lovely chap – in fact they’ve just gotten engaged! – and they’ve moved away. It was hard for me to settle without her at first. But Dora’s helping me get over that. Oh that reminds me, I haven’t rung my daughter for a couple of weeks! That’s a new record for me.’

  It was true. Dora had helped her a lot. She even showed her how to change a light bulb. And whilst that might seem a silly and easy thing to do, to some people, Marjorie had never changed one before – she didn’t even know there were differences between the bulbs or the stems and whether they were dimmable or not. Then, between them, they mastered the central heating system instructions as well as the hot water tank. In fact, Marjorie hadn’t rung Gracie for any reason whilst Dora had been staying with her.

  And then, just as Dora left the flat, as if on cue, the phone rang. It was Gracie.

  ‘Hi, Mum. It’s me. Haven’t heard from you in a while, so I’m just ringing to check everything’s okay. Dora still there?’

  Marjorie chuckled to herself. Yes, it somehow felt good to be self-sufficient again. And if Dora took the flat nearby she wouldn’t feel lost and lonely any more. Oh, it was nice that Stacy wasn’t far away either but youngsters didn’t have the same aches and pains and anxieties as she and Dora and their friends. It was different. Yet Marjorie had even come to realise it was possible to maintain a friendship with someone young enough to be her granddaughter.

  ‘Oh, Gracie, everything is wonderful, darling. But, you know, if I hadn’t met all the lovely people at the Borough Community Centre I doubt if I would think everything was fine at all. Now that’s a sobering thought, isn’t it. And yes Dora is still here and I’m pleased she is. We’re getting on like a house on fire, which has been great for me and I’ve even been out and about with her and her friend Jodie. I’m starting to come into my own, darling, and not before time either, I might add. How are you and Steven? Set a date yet?’

  ‘Yes. Ish. Well, I’d like a spring or a summer wedding. So we’re just looking into all that. Think Steven would like us to get married somewhere exotic like Mauritius. Not by ourselves. Just immediate family. How would you feel about that?’

  ‘Oh, darling, that would be lovely. I’ve not been away in years. Good grief, I’ll need to renew my passport, though. I’ve hardly ever used it. I used it once when Oliver and I went to Italy before all his nonsense and then, again, when we won that trip to Paris.’

  ‘Right, well you’d better look into updating it then. And I’ve told Harry about us all. I bumped into him in Waitrose. He’s starting to put on weight and his hair’s going grey. But he had yet another young thing clinging to his arm. He’ll never learn, Mother. What a shame, really. But I’m totally happy with Steven, so that’s that.’

  ‘Okay then, Gracie. Look I must go. My mobile’s ringing!’

  ‘Okay then. Bye, Mum.’

  ‘Bye, darling!’

  Marjorie tapped the green phone button.

  ‘Hello Marjorie Sykes here?’

  ‘Hello, Marjorie. It’s Raymond here. I’m just ringing to see how you’re doing now? I haven’t done much with the community centre recently because I’ve been doing a bit of DIY outside with my Simon. We’ve had those three steps removed and replaced with decking. So it’s only one step down into the garden now. Much easier for me. Oh and I bumped into Dora the other day and we had a natter. So how are you getting on living together?’

  ‘Well, it’s been just delightful really, Raymond. I do enjoy having the company, even though it’s only a temporary arrangement until she finds her own place.’

  ‘I’m very pleased for you both. And she seems a lot brighter too. Right, well the other reason I’m ringing is to ask if you’d like to go out for a little meal with me? Oh and I don’t mean as a date, before yo
u start panicking. I mean a friendship thing where two friends simply go out with each other. There’s a wonderful little pub near where I live and I could pick you up and drop you back afterwards. Would you like to think about it and give me a ring back? I’m free every night apart from Fridays, once a month, when I babysit for the grandchildren.’

  Good grief! Marjorie could not believe it. Nobody had asked her out in a very long time. But Raymond had stressed it wasn’t a date. It was just two friends meeting up for food and a chat. A bit of company. She thought back to how angry Oliver got when she even glanced at another man. She’d rarely lifted her head up to appraise anything or anybody when he was around.

  She even felt a little embarrassed at being asked. What if they didn’t get on for some reason? How embarrassing would that be when they bumped into each other at any of the activities laid on by Eileen? But no, she mustn’t think like that. How often had Gracie told her to rejoice in the fact that men did approach her from time to time and show some interest, even if it was only a smile.

  But Marjorie knew she was a different person now to who she’d been with Oliver. She was even a different person to who she’d been when she was living with Gracie, a matter of months ago. The community centre friends she’d made and subsequent outings and parties had changed her. And, together with Dr Baxley’s encouragement, she felt a lot more confident than she’d ever been in her whole life before. Why only yesterday Dora had dubbed her gregarious!

  So, yes! Dinner between friends sounded absolutely wonderful.

  ‘Are you still there, Marjorie?’

  ‘I certainly am, Raymond. Thank you for asking. I’d love to go for dinner with you. Any night would be perfectly fine. Just tell me when you’d like us to go.’

  ***

  Despite the wonder of supermarkets, Stacy still needed to buy bulky or heavy items like toilet rolls or cartons of milk from the corner shop because struggling on and off the buses with them and then having to carry them home was too problematic. She’d tried it at first because she had a proper shopping bag, albeit rather old. But a week ago it had split as she was getting off the bus; tins of tomatoes and beans plopping onto the pavement, rolling under the bus and then she had to shout for the bus driver to stay put until, red-faced, she emerged from the task of retrieving everything. Never again! It wouldn’t have been a problem if she’d had a partner in her life, she’d suddenly thought; someone to shoulder the heavier loads like these. It was the first time she’d thought like that, about actually wanting to have someone in her life. There hadn’t been anyone since Mike.