‘So emotional,’ someone says.
‘Tragic,’ says Theresa, shaking her head.
‘Moving. It’s written so beautifully,’ says Theresa’s husband.
Everyone agrees that the story is beautifully written, and we discuss the topics of grief and the life of a housemaid. Eventually, the conversation moves on to who is due to choose next month’s book. A woman in cream flared trousers, braces and a striped shirt announces that it is her turn.
‘I suggest Wilbur Smith?’
‘Ah, we did Wilbur Smith last time it was your book. Every time you say the same thing. Do you not have any other authors you read?’ says someone.
‘No. He’s my favourite author.’
‘Can you have a think about a new author? We need some variety,’ says Beatrix.
‘If you don’t like my suggestions, why don’t you ask Sandy to choose? She’s our new member here,’ says the woman wearing the braces.
Everyone in the room turns to look at me.
‘Would you like to choose something?’ asks Beatrix.
‘Umm, yeah. I’d love to, if that’s okay. I know this might not be to everyone’s taste, but would you mind if I suggest a classic to shake things up a bit?’
Everyone around the room nods and smiles politely.
‘The Canterbury Talesby Geoffrey Chaucer. What do you think?’
‘A wonderful classic. I think it’s a great idea. Something we can get our teeth into,’ says Abe.
Beatrix nods her head in agreement, and everyone happily accepts my choice. For the rest of the evening, we enjoy our drinks, eat all the crisps and mingle with each other. Abe puts his arm around me as we move to chat with a professor and her husband. She tells me that she teaches history at the local university. Someone else I meet works in an antiques store on one of the streets near the canal, and the woman in the braces works in fashion. I love how so many different people are under one roof here thanks to their love of books. It is a grown-up and civilised evening as we all have adult conversations about subjects ranging from politics to the latest television adaptation of Jilly Cooper’sRivals, which we all agree was wonderful. Theresa, especially so.
By ten p.m. we say our goodbyes and the lovely people I’ve met tell me how wonderful it was to meet me. I feel as though I am part of a whole new social circle, and I look forward to our meeting next month.
‘That was a great evening. Thank you for introducing me to so many great people,’ I say to Beatrix.
‘You’re so welcome. I’m glad you could be here. It’s great to see my kid brother so happy.’
‘Hey, I’ve told you, I’m fifty-eight. When will you stop calling me your kid brother,’ teases Abe.
The three of us laugh and Beatrix and I hug each other goodbye before Abe and I head back out into the night. The street lights reflect down on the water in the canal as Abe puts his arm around me and we snuggle in close all the way home.
‘Thanks for such a great night, as usual, Abe.’
‘Anytime. I love being with you, besides, I need to keep up my English,’ says Abe, jokingly.
‘You put me to shame. I need to practise more of my Dutch. I should have used it tonight, but I’m never brave enough. Besides, I’ve another few weeks of classes yet. I’m spending the day catching up on my homework tomorrow.’
‘Ah, does that mean I won’t see you?’
‘Hmm, studying or seeing you? Please don’t give me such a hard decision.’ I playfully tap his arm.
‘Well, I’d hope it would be an easy decision,’ he says with a big, teasing smile as we reach my houseboat.
‘Yeah, it is.’
Abe pulls me to him and kisses me outside my front door. I return the kiss and hold him tight, although something has been nagging at me all night.
‘I guess I should get home but, if you have a chance, I hope I’ll get to see you tomorrow,’ says Abe.
