I took a large sip of my champagne. Bertie unzipped his bag and began removing items onto the paving slabs.
‘Whatever is that child doing?’ asked Hugo.
We watched as Bertie removed his T-shirt and hung it on the back of a chair. Next, he took off his shorts, then wrapped a towel around his waist and took off his pants, replacing them with a pair of swimming shorts.
‘It looks as though Bertie fancies a swim,’ I said, picking a cherry tomato from a salad bowl and popping it in my mouth.
‘Young man, you know that pool is out of bounds.’
Bertie stuck his tongue out at Hugo, then ran down the grass verge, whooping and hollering as he dive-bombed the pool. Water sprayed up in the air, Marion’s mouth hanging open as she watched him.
‘Robert, you need to do something. Your son is running wild!’
Rob shrugged, grabbing the bottle of champagne and topping up his glass. ‘There doesn’t seem much point having a swimming pool if no one’s going to use it.’
‘You know the pool rules. What is going on? You’re all behaving very strangely today. Is the heat getting to you?’
‘No, Marion, it’s not the heat. In fact, my mind is clearer than it has been for a long time. Rob has something he’d like to say to you.’
‘Robert? What is all this about?’
‘We’re here to put a stop to your bullying. I can’t stand by and take it anymore. Liv and I are getting a divorce. She is goingback to live at Lowen Farm with Bertie. I’ll see him every other weekend, and at least once during the week, depending on work commitments.’
‘Stop talking nonsense,’ said Marion. She pointed a bony finger in my direction. ‘Has she put you up to this? You’re making a big mistake, young lady. I’ve warned you what will happen.’
I reached into my handbag and smoothed a piece of paper out onto the table. ‘This is a list of all the people who are prepared to support me if you pursue a custody battle, both financially and as character witnesses. In addition, if you do decide to go down the legal route, I’m afraid I can’t guarantee my friends’ discretion. It is highly probable news of your blackmail, and yes, what you’re doing is blackmail, will end up in the national papers. I’m sure your friends at the bridge club would be fascinated to read about how you treat your nearest and dearest.’
‘You wouldn’t dare.’ Marion’s wrinkled skin had turned purple. Her hands shook. Hugo seemed to be drowning his shock under several glasses of champagne, downing each glass in one, before topping it up again.
‘I would dare. Also, you may have forgotten, but my brother-in-law is a police officer. It was silly leaving me copies of those photographs, Marion. I think you’ll find they count as evidence should I choose to report you for blackmail. Jasper has offered his help in creating a case against you.’
‘Robert, stop your wife saying such hateful things. I won’t be spoken to like this in my own home.’
‘I agree with every word Liv has said.’
‘We’ll cut you off,’ spluttered Hugo, his cheeks mottled as the alcohol took effect.
‘Do it, I don’t care anymore. There’s more to life than money and reputation. It may have taken me a long time to realise that, but better late than never.’
‘If we cut you off, you’ll be destitute. No house, no car, no office. You wouldn’t last five minutes without our support.’
‘Actually, I don’t need a house. I’m moving in with Nicola.’
I worried Hugo was about to have a heart attack. He spluttered into his champagne glass, his eyes bulging.
‘I expressly forbid you to see that trollop again,’ said Marion. A lock of hair had come loose and flopped about in front of her eyes. Her mouth was pinched so hard her lips had almost disappeared into her gums.
‘Nicola is a wonderful woman, and I won’t have you calling her names. We’re in love. We’re going to get married.’
‘You’re already married!’ shouted Marion. A piece of potato flew off her spoon, landing with a plop in her champagne glass.
‘The divorce shouldn’t take too much longer. Obviously, you’ll be invited to the wedding. In fact, perhaps we could hold the reception here?’
Rob’s nerves had vanished, and if I weren’t mistaken, I’d say he was enjoying himself. He piled salad and cold meats onto his plate, tucking into his food with gusto.
‘You can forget about getting another penny from us ever again if you go down this foolhardy route.’
Rob shrugged. ‘Fine by me.’ He pierced an olive with his fork and popped it into his mouth.
