The postman arrives at the gate and I wave at him enthusiastically.
‘Mrs Rook, please,’ says Birch loudly.
‘One minute,’ I say, and walk to the postman. ‘Hello, anything for me?’
The postman nods his head, then gives me a look and points his nose towards the police officers.
‘Oh, my husband tried to kill me,’ I say.
‘Sorry to hear that,’ he says. ‘He always seemed so nice.’
‘Oh, not Stephen, another husband,’ I say.
‘Takes all sorts,’ he says, and gives me a quizzical look as if I’m part of a throuple.
‘I’m expecting good news, actually,’ I say, as he flicks through a handful of letters.
‘Just the one.’ He hands me a beautiful, weighty envelope inscribed with the Adams crest.
I press the envelope to my chest and turn back to the door. ‘Important letter,’ I explain to the police officers, whose expressions are still quite sombre.
‘I’m afraid we’ve got some bad news,’ says DS Birch.
I stare down at the envelope. It’s a gorgeous thick ivory paper. Like something from Buckingham Palace. I can’t imagine that they would send a rejection in such a fine envelope. I nod to the police officers as I pull out the letter. It’s folded so exactly that I delight at the execution. These little touches really matter.
‘Matthew Hollis died in the early hours of this morning,’ says DS Birch.
‘Right,’ I say, hardly listening as I unfold the letter and read. I scan it quickly and feel my organs all seize up at once. I stagger forward. DC Mattoo has to reach out to stop me falling, then I let out an almighty scream.
‘We’re sorry for your loss,’ says DC Mattoo, with a kindly hand to my shoulder.
Adams Preparatory School
Hampstead
Dear Mr and Mrs Rook,
We so enjoyed the pleasure of meeting Nelly over the course of the admissions process. She’s a remarkable young lady with such strength of character and talent. We were particularly impressed by her beautifully sculpted dolphin and her passionate interest in Mary Poppins and taxidermy.
The examination consisted of a mathematics test, and an English test. Our decision is also based on other important factors such as Nelly’s school reference and her social interactions.
It is with enormous regret that we are unable to offer Nelly a school place for 7+ entry. We are grateful for your application and all the work that Nelly has put into her preparation. She should be justly proud of herself.
Although you may be deeply disappointed by this news, please may I take this opportunity to share my personal good wishes for Nelly’s future education.
Yours sincerely,
Penelope Pembury
Chapter82Gloating
‘Dear daughter-in-law!’ says Madeleine, standing on my doorstep, leaning in to kiss my cheek, her teeth flecked with lipstick as if she’s just come from tearing flesh off a carcass.
‘Oh, I’m so sorry. You’re not actually my daughter-in-law, are you?’
‘You’ve come to gloat? How kind.’
‘Not at all. Simply come to offer my sincere condolences. I understand your actual husband died.’
