The Golden Anklet

by Beverly Hansford

  ‘Oh, I see,’ replied Jane. Gail’s remark seemed to reflect the wealth she and her husband must possess.

  That topic of conversation ended there, as they had arrived at the swimming pool, which was joined to the house by a paved terrace. Jane had not been expecting anything quite so grand. It was much bigger than a normal domestic swimming pool. There were changing booths at one end, and the terrace was furnished with chairs and tables. The umbrellas looked inviting in the heat of the afternoon.

  Gail took command. ‘You go and change, Jane. I’ll see you in the pool. Then we can chat while we wait for the boys.’

  Jane obediently made her way to one of the booths. She was really only obliging out of courtesy. She preferred to swim in the sea with Bob, and ‘girlie’ talk had always tended to bore her.

  She quickly changed into her bikini and joined Gail, who was already in the water. She had to admit that it was cool and pleasant in the pool. She wished she and Bob could share it on their own.

  After swimming a couple of lengths, she came to a stop beside Gail, who had paused in the middle of the pool. ‘It’s a super pool,’ she said enthusiastically.

  Gail nodded. ‘I made Miles build a nice big one. I can’t stand those tiny little pools you get.’

  They swam for another five minutes or so and then Gail appeared to tire of the activity. She made her way to the end of the pool, climbed the ladder and disappeared into one of the changing booths. Jane swam to the other end, left the pool, and walked back along its edge to retrieve her clothes. Once out of the water, she realised how hot the day was. The sun beat down on the tiles, and the heat was almost uncomfortable.

  By the time Jane had changed and hung her bikini in the sun to dry, Gail was already relaxing in one of the chairs under an umbrella, her eyes closed. Jane joined her and sat down. As soon as she arrived, Gail opened her eyes and commenced to chat.

  Jane was bombarded with quite a lot of questions. First Gail wanted to know about her life at the orphanage, and then about her marriage, and finally she turned her attention to Discerning Woman. How long had Jane worked there? What was it like working on a magazine? In the end, Jane felt quite exhausted by the interrogation, particularly as she had had very little opportunity during the conversation to ask Gail any questions about her background. All she had managed to glean was that Gail had once been an actress as well as at one point a personal secretary. She was glad when the conversation changed tack.

  Suddenly Gail asked, ‘Jane – Monday is your last evening here, isn’t it?’

  ‘Unfortunately it is.’ Jane wondered why she had asked.

  Gail was quick to elaborate. ‘Miles’s son Ray is down here for the weekend. He owns a pub and restaurant about twenty miles away. He’s invited us all over on Monday evening. You’ll both come, won’t you?’

  Jane was thrown a bit off balance for a second, but she quickly recovered. ‘I’m sure we’d love to,’ she replied.

  ‘Good. There’s just one thing…’ Gail hesitated.

  ‘What’s that?’ asked Jane.

  Gail screwed up her nose. ‘The boys have decided it’s to be a men’s night.’

  ‘What’s that?’ queried Jane, smiling slightly.

  Gail made another face. ‘The men are free to drink, and we girls have to do the driving and look pretty for them.’

  Jane wanted to laugh, but she retained her composure. ‘Oh, I see,’ she responded with a grin.

  Gail would have continued on the subject, but at that moment Miles and Bob appeared.

  ‘Did you have a nice time playing with your toys?’ asked Gail rather sarcastically.

  ‘Of course we did,’ Miles replied jauntily.

  Gail appeared to give a sniff of disgust and then announced that she was going to the house to arrange for some tea. Miles and Bob sat down with Jane.

  ‘Has Gail informed you of our little plan for Monday evening?’ asked Miles. ‘I’ve told Bob.’

  ‘Yes, she has. We’ll look forward to it, won’t we, Bob?’ Jane looked at Bob for approval.

  ‘Of course we will. It will be a pleasant way to spend our last evening,’ he replied.

  ‘Did you enjoy looking at Miles’s cameras?’ Jane asked Bob.

  ‘It’s a very interesting collection,’ he replied. ‘Miles has some very valuable old cameras.’

  ‘I’ve been collecting for many years,’ Miles chuckled.

  ‘Looking at your collection has made me want to start one of my own,’ remarked Bob thoughtfully.

  ‘Why not?’ exclaimed Miles. ‘I can put you in touch with one or two people who might be able to help you.’

  Nothing more was said on the subject, because at that moment Gail reappeared carrying a tea tray. She was followed by a middle-aged maid laden with another tray.

  For the next hour or so they sat enjoying tea and conversation. Gail kept offering Jane and Bob more sandwiches and cake, and in the end they had to politely refuse. The conversation was congenial and strayed from antique cameras to the rebuilding of the house and the construction of the swimming pool.

  It was well after five when at last Miles remarked that he had to make some telephone calls. Jane and Bob welcomed the opportunity to take their leave. Gail insisted on showing them round the garden before they departed. Miles rejoined them briefly and goodbyes were said.

  ‘See you on Monday evening,’ Miles called after them as they departed. He added with a wink at Bob, ‘Don’t forget it’s men’s night.’

  The remark brought a look of disdain from Gail. Clearly she was not in favour of the arrangement, but she waved a friendly hand in their direction as they walked away.

  *

  Monday evening seemed to arrive very quickly. As they prepared for their last evening, Bob and Jane became reflective. They were both appreciative of the few days’ relaxation they had enjoyed. Over an afternoon cup of tea, Jane expressed her pleasure.

  ‘I’ve really enjoyed these four days. It seems to have been a bit of heaven.’

  Bob laughed. ‘It’s not completely over yet.’ He became more sombre. ‘But I know what you mean. It makes you realise that you do need to get away from things at times and just relax.’

  Jane was pensive. ‘You know, in a way I’m sorry we agreed to go tonight. On reflection I would have preferred to have a quiet meal together somewhere – just the two of us.’

  Bob smiled. ‘There’ll be other times, he replied. Then he grinned at her. ‘Besides, it’s boys’ night.’

  Jane made a face at him that changed to one of her coy looks. ‘OK. I’ll spoil and indulge you this evening, but you’ll owe me one in return.’

  ‘Agreed,’ replied Bob, adopting a serious demeanour.

  As soon as she had heard about the evening, Jane had been making plans. She did not share Gail’s view of things. If Bob was to be spoiled for one evening, that was fine with her. She knew well enough that her turn would come. All she had to do now was put her plan in place.

  When it came to getting ready, she had everything under control. She had the pretty new white summer dress Bob had not seen yet. It was going to be just right for the evening and for what she had in mind. She took out the new bra and briefs she had bought to go with it. They were skimpy in the extreme, but tonight she was dressing to please Bob. Before leaving the store she had dived into the hosiery department and purchased a pair of stockings to top everything off. The packet, which lay on the bed as she got ready, promised that the contents were ‘sheer and invisible’.

  Unfortunately, even the best-organised plans don’t always work out as expected. When Jane came to put on her suspender belt, she discovered that it had come apart. She kicked herself for not checking it before throwing it into her case when she was packing. After all, she reasoned, she hadn’t worn it for years. A few minutes’ work with a needle and cotton might have saved the day, but she had neither. Perhaps if she had found out earlier, Maggie might have helped out. A drastic change of plan was necessary. She hurriedly g
rabbed the belt and the stockings and hid them in the bottom of her suitcase. The last thing she wanted was for Bob to see what had happened. Her original plans on that front would have to wait until another day. In the meantime she wondered what she could do to spice up her appearance. As she removed the engagement ring from around her neck, she pondered the idea of wearing it on her finger, but again she decided against it. Instead she tucked it safely into the inner pocket of her suitcase. An idea suddenly came to her. In the same pocket of her suitcase was the little gold anklet, which she had put in as an afterthought while she was packing. Now it would come in useful. She had slipped on her dress and was fastening the anklet when Bob appeared. His admiring look told her everything.

  Jane looked up at him with a grin. She jumped up and slipped her feet into her new white shoes, which Bob had seen her wearing only once before. They matched the dress perfectly.

  ‘I’m all ready,’ she announced breezily.

  But Jane was not to know what would be the dramatic outcome of her sudden change of plan.

  Chapter 38

  In spite of her earlier reservations, Jane was determined to enjoy spending the evening with the Ashingtons, and by the time she had finished getting ready she was really looking forward to it, even down to doing all the driving.

  Just before they left, Bob appeared dressed in his cream summer trousers and lightweight jacket. The pink shirt he wore was perfectly matched by the tie he had chosen. Jane was quite thrilled when she saw him. She knew that he regarded the evening in the same light as she did. She was intrigued to see that he was holding a small box. Her eyes were wide in expectation as he handed it to her.

  ‘A present for you,’ he announced with a wide grin.

  ‘What is it?’ she asked excitedly.

  ‘Open it.’

  She was already lifting the lid of the box. As she peeped inside she gave a gasp of delight. A gold locket nestled in the soft padding. She removed it from its fancy packaging and held it up by the chain. Suddenly her arms were around Bob.

  ‘Darling! It’s beautiful. Just what I need to go with this dress. Please help me to put it on.’

  She stepped back and waited obediently while Bob removed the necklace she was wearing and fumbled with the tiny clasp of the new gold chain. He fastened it around her neck and stood back. Jane ran to the mirror to view her new gift. Three seconds, and she was back and embracing Bob again.

  ‘Thank you, darling.’ She kissed him on the lips several times.

  They embraced for several minutes. Bob had one arm around her, the other gently caressing her back.

  ‘Save it for later,’ Jane whispered, breaking free. She gave a little giggle as she looked at Bob. ‘Now you’ve got lipstick on your face.’

  Bob grinned and disappeared to the bathroom to rectify the situation. Jane scurried into the bedroom to check herself out. A glance in the mirror made her stop to admire the locket. It nestled comfortably between her breasts and was a perfect match for the dress. She had been a bit worried after purchasing the dress that the neckline was too deep, but now it seemed to be just right with the new adornment. A bit sexy, but not showing too much of her. Besides, this was Bob’s treat night and she was determined to make sure he enjoyed it.

  Bob was already waiting for her in the lounge when she reappeared.

  She paused in front of him for a second. ‘How do I look?’ She regarded him, a look of mystique about her.

  Bob smiled at her. ‘You look great.’

  Jane picked up her handbag and car keys. ‘Right. Let’s go. I’m the chauffeur both ways.’

  ‘I could drive there…’ Bob pointed out.

  Jane shook her head. ‘Nope. My treat this evening. You just relax and enjoy,’ she laughed gaily. ‘Besides, you need to find the route and guide me.’

  She closed and locked the door of Barn Cottage, and together they walked towards the BMW, Jane taking careful steps in the high heels. She had already discovered that the shoes were a bit tight and needed a good deal more wear to be comfortable, but she dismissed the problem quickly. This was Bob’s night and she would just have to put up with the discomfort.

  It was about twenty-five minutes’ drive to their rendezvous. Miles had given Bob details of how to get there and they found it quite easily. It turned out to be a village pub that had been extended with a large restaurant. It was clearly a popular venue, because when they arrived the car park was already quite full. Miles and Gail were already there and greeted them as they entered the foyer.

  The formalities of meeting again were hardly over before Miles’s son Ray and his wife, Kylie, arrived. Both were immaculately turned-out, Ray in what looked almost like a dinner jacket without a tie, and Kylie in a dress that was quite revealing and left little to the imagination. She wobbled on high heels, completely losing the effect they should have had.

  Introductions were polite, though perhaps a little over the top.

  ‘So you’re the long-lost member of the Ashington clan,’ was Ray’s greeting to Jane, accompanied by a limp handshake.

  ‘Something like that,’ Jane responded, almost shyly.

  ‘And you’re the great photographer my stepmother keeps talking about,’ went on Ray, turning his attention to Bob.

  ‘A slight exaggeration, I think,’ Bob replied, smiling politely and grasping Ray’s hand.

  It was Miles’s jovial manner that eased the slight tension.

  ‘Now come on, boys and girls. This is a jolly reunion of the Ashington family – and a special welcome to a long-abandoned member!’ he exclaimed suddenly, smiling at Jane.

  His strategy appeared to work, and a more relaxed mood came over the party.

  It was quite clear from the over-attentive behaviour of the staff that Ray was the owner of the establishment. Introductions were hardly over before the head waiter arrived to show them to a table. There was no doubt that it was the best spot in the room. A large, round table in a corner had been selected and marked with a ‘Reserved’ notice. Once everybody was settled, the conversation began to flow a little more easily. Ray replied to Bob’s questions about the restaurant, telling them how he had taken a fancy to the place five years previously, finding it in a rundown state, and had developed it into a sought-after establishment.

  Polite conversation was directed at Jane and Bob, with questions about their stay locally and whether they had done this or that. Jane and Bob could not help noticing that both Gail and Kylie seemed to take a disinterested approach to the evening. Gail only put in a remark here and there and Kylie said very little. Ray appeared to have a gluttonous approach to eating, which no doubt accounted for his overweight appearance. He consumed large amounts at each course, and the wine waiter was continually topping up the men’s glasses. True to her intention, Jane consumed very little alcohol, making one glass of wine last the evening. She noted that Gail was doing the same, although Kylie drank freely.

  On her way back from a visit to the ladies’ room Jane almost bumped into Kylie. ‘Oh, I am sorry!’ she exclaimed.

  ‘It’s all right,’ Kylie replied somewhat offhandedly. She noticed Jane glancing at her bare feet. ‘My shoes hurt,’ she explained.

  ‘Ah, I see.’ Jane was in a similar situation herself, but she felt uncomfortable at the thought of walking round shoeless in an up-market restaurant. She was about to mention her own problem out of sympathy, but at that point Kylie volunteered other information.

  ‘I don’t like it here,’ she announced, screwing up her face.

  ‘Oh. Why not?’ Jane enquired, intrigued.

  Kylie needed no urging. She screwed up her face again. ‘We were supposed to go to my best friend’s party this weekend, but Ray insisted we come down here. I don’t know why. We were only here two weeks ago,’ she grumbled.

  ‘Oh, what a shame. I am sorry,’ replied Jane.

  Kylie nodded. ‘Ray likes his own way,’ she grumbled, looking to Jane for support.

  Jane smiled at her. ‘You’ll have to
try and get your own way more,’ she suggested kindly.

  Kylie sniffed. ‘Chance would be a fine thing,’ she replied miserably. ‘Anyway, I’m a city girl by heart. I don’t like the country.’

  ‘What do you do?’ Jane asked, tactfully changing the subject.

  ‘I’m a model.’

  ‘That sounds interesting,’ Jane responded.

  ‘I know what you do,’ Kyle burst out. ‘You’re with Discerning Woman magazine. I was in a shoot for that once.’

  ‘Small world,’ laughed Jane.

  They chatted for a few minutes more and then Jane remarked that she had better get back to the rest of the party, and they parted their ways.

  As she returned to the table Jane couldn’t help wondering what sort of relationship Ray and Kylie had. It didn’t look as if they were married, and there appeared to be major differences between them. She wondered why Ray had insisted that they come down to this part of the country, on this particular weekend. Was it just to meet her and Bob? Had Miles told them to come? She had no answers to her questions.

  When she returned to the table, she found herself the centre of conversation.

  Ray turned to her. ‘Dad tells me you’re Ann Ashington’s daughter. A direct descendant,’ he remarked, continuing to look at her.

  ‘It seems to be that way,’ replied Jane politely.

  ‘How did you find out you were a member of the family?’

  Once again Jane went into brief details of how she was brought up in an orphanage and had always wanted to know a bit more about her past. Several times Ray interrupted her and asked questions. At times Jane felt she was being interrogated and she was glad when Miles politely changed the subject.

  The time passed quickly and it was already well past eleven when Ray suddenly looked at his watch, mumbled something about having something to attend to and abruptly left the table. It was a sign for the party to break up. Miles glanced at his watch and announced that he and Gail would soon have to leave. Jane was relieved. Though she had looked forward to the evening it had failed to come up to her expectations. From the start there had been a slightly strained atmosphere. Ray had been quite offhand and overbearing at times, Gail had appeared subdued, and Kylie clearly did not want to be there. Only Miles had been a charming host, involving Jane and Bob in the conversation and stimulating it when it flagged.