‘Oh, god yes. I really don’t think I could look Dad in the eye knowing he is such a hypocrite – they both are – trying to discourage you, and Layla, from a career on the stage. I understand it, if he’s just trying to protect his daughter and granddaughter from the financial uncertainties of acting. I imagine that’s why he got a well-paid job in London instead. But still, to keep it a secret and act as though he didn’t like theatre. I still can’t get my head around why.’
It wasn’t the first time that Bridie wondered if his abrupt change in career wasn’t just about money. She was thinking of Isobel Raine again. Although something did occur to her. ‘Perhaps he was so upset at letting go of his dream job that he didn’t want to step into a theatre ever again, if he couldn’t act on the stage.’
She could certainly empathise. It was something she’d always thought she might struggle with once she could no longer work in productions on the stage. But she’d imagined she had a lot more time before she found herself out of work.
‘So,’ Kate said, falling in step with Bridie as they walked along the promenade, steeling themselves against the January cold. Although it was now dark, there were streetlamps along the promenade and light coming from windows in pretty cottages and Georgian townhouses.
‘What did you have in mind, Bridie? Because after what I’ve just found out, like I said, it’s going to be pretty hard facing Mum and Dad this evening, and keeping my mouth shut.’
‘I’ve got a spare bedroom at the flat. It’s quite small, but it is quiet, and it would be convenient for work. And you could meet Reggie one evening, have a chat about his past life with his best friend, Rufus, on the stage.’
Bridie looked at Kate’s face. ‘Sorry, that was a silly suggestion. You won’t like it up there above the shop. It’s very small, and poky, and the furniture is all old-fashioned, and worn, and I know how much you don’t like second-hand—’
‘I’d love it.’
‘Really – why?’ She stopped, holding her hood up against the wind, and looked at her sister, thinking she must be being sarcastic.
Kate stopped too. ‘No, truly. And as you said, it will be a breeze nipping next door to the bridal shop to start my new job.’
‘It would be easier for you and Andy to meet on more neutral ground to iron things out too,’ Bridie tentatively suggested. ‘And he could meet Hannah, and see what she says about another vacancy at her bridal shop?’ Bridie looked at her expectantly.
‘You know, you’re full of such brilliant ideas.’
‘So are you.’ Bridie was thinking of her suggestion to take an inventory and wondering what it would have been like if it had been her sister investing in the theatre and working on it with her rather than Jack. Her sister had immediately recognised the importance of having people with experience in restoring period property, whereas with Jack she had a feeling it was going to be an uphill battle to get things done the way she wanted.
‘But will Hannah mind me staying at the flat? I don’t think I’ll be able to contribute to the rent just yet.’ Kate had to speak up to be heard over the wind.
‘That’s all right,’ Bridie said, taking her arm. ‘It’s a peppercorn rent anyway, and besides, you’re my guest. Hannah won’t mind. Come on, let’s hurry up and get back.’
Kate clutched her arm and together they walked quickly along the promenade, holding on to the hoods of their coats.
Bridie felt so happy at this unexpected turn of events; she kept glancing at her sister. She’d never thought she’d ever share herdreams with Kate, or that Kate would confide in her that her life wasn’t as rosy as everyone thought.
It had started to rain by the time they turned into Cobblers Yard, both running to the shop. Bridie was about to put the key in the lock. She turned to Kate. ‘What about your things? Are you going back to Mum and Dad’s to collect your stuff?’
‘Oh, god. I didn’t think of that. I don’t want to.’
Bridie wasn’t surprised. ‘I can go. My car is parked just outside. Here, take the key.’
Kate cocked her head to one side. ‘I bet you don’t want to see them either.’
‘No, I don’t.’
Kate said, ‘I’ve got an idea. I need to phone Andy, tell him where I am. I can’t wait to tell him that I’ve got a job and that he might have one too.’
‘You’re going to ask him to pop over to Mum and Dad’s and collect your bag.’
‘Yep, then he can tell them where I’m at. I don’t even want to speak to them right now.’
That didn’t surprise Bridie one bit. She said, ‘Sounds like a plan,’ as she opened the shop door.
The moment she stepped inside, a howl pierced the silence and a man’s muffled voice could be heard from upstairs. ‘Barney, we’ll have none of that, thank you very much.’
Bridie had forgotten about Barney and her pup-sitter. Did her sister even like dogs? They’d never got their children a puppy even though Andy was a stay-at-home dad and could have looked after one. ‘I forgot about Barney. Sorry.’
‘Oh, don’t apologise. I love dogs and did suggest getting the kids a puppy when Andy gave up work, but he didn’t want one –said he’d have enough to do looking after the children without a puppy too.’
‘Oh, that’s a shame.’
