Imogen looked at Dylan in hope.
‘Thanks, but that won’t be necessary,’ said Dylan.
‘Gotta say, Ripton High sounds like more fun,’ said Marcus, then let out an ‘Ow!’ as Erin kicked him under the table.
Imogen lowered her eyes, unable to hide the anger and upset that coursed through her. Erin’s daughter, Tilly, would be going to Kingsgate, Marcus’s salary would ensure it. So would Nicole’s daughter, Bella, Rosie’s other friend. Nicole’s parents had offered to pay. For a brief moment she let the question enter her mind about Lara. She didn’t need to think about it; with the money Nancy appeared to have it was a given she would go too. She would take Rosie’s place, just as she seemed to take everything else.
Later, when Imogen and Dylan were clearing up, he took the cloth from her hands and gave her a hug.
‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to go off on one earlier. It’s that man. I know he’s a friend of yours but sometimes he really winds me up. So bloody pompous and condescending.’
‘He was only trying to help.’
‘Thought I was incapable, more like. What, a word from him and the head of Kingsgate is going to be on the phone, offering me a job?’
‘That’s not what he said.’
‘It’s what he implied. I get the feeling he looks down his nose at me. Thinks I need a leg-up, and an education on what’s good for me and my family.’
‘He doesn’t,’ said Imogen. ‘He thinks a lot of you.’
Dylan gave a wry smile. ‘Is that what he says when you guys go on your weekend runs together?’
‘Not exactly...’
‘No. So what do you talk about?’
‘Not much. Usually too out of breath.’ Imogen paused. ‘Why won’t you even consider Kingsgate for Rosie?’
‘It’s not an option,’ said Dylan gently. ‘We can’t afford it. Even if I did go and work at the posh school.’
Deflated, Imogen looked at the clock – it was after midnight. ‘Let’s finish up. I want to go to bed.’
As James and Carol walked home through the village, Carol tucked her arm into that of her husband’s.
‘You’ll have to keep an eye on the kid,’ she said. ‘At school.’
‘Yes. I’ll mention it to her teacher. Don’t want Rosie falling behind after her ordeal.’
Carol stopped. ‘I meant Lara – this new child. It seems perfectly clear that Imogen and Erin have got it in for her and her mother.’
‘You think? Surely this will all blow over.’
‘The woman’s bought Imogen’s house, James.’
‘I know. But Imogen will get back on her feet. She’s that type of person. It’s all new at the moment. Time has a great way of healing things. Trust me, I’ve been teaching for thirty-five years.’ He smiled at her indulgently. ‘You might like to think I know what I’m doing.’
Carol inwardly rolled her eyes.
‘These spats come and go and everything settles down in the end. By Halloween, they’ll be best friends and their kids will be out trick-or-treating together.’
Carol looked up at her husband. Sometimes, for such a smart man, with his wealth of experience, she couldn’t understand how he could be so short-sighted. She thought about pressing the point but knew there was no getting through to him when he was in this mood, so she let it drop.
TEN
Saturday 5 September
‘I can’t sleep,’ said Lara, standing barefoot in the doorway of the living room. Nancy glanced over at Beth, then, pausing the movie, she untucked her legs and got off the sofa.
