‘So, you may get a singing contract of some kind?’ he tentatively asked.
‘Hopefully!’ exclaimed Emma, raising crossed fingers.
Perry looked at Felix for confirmation.
‘I seriously suspect there’s going to be a lot of interest from record companies,’ he reassured, then squeezed Emma’s hand.
‘That’s amazing news, Emma,’ said Perry on the verge of tears. He got up to hug her. Bunty looked on with affection. Something told her that this revelation was far more pleasing to Perry than the one she’d wanted.
When voicing this later that evening, Perry had feigned puzzlement.
‘Don’t know what you mean, Bunty,’ he frowned.
‘Oh, come on. You know perfectly well what I mean,’ she spluttered.
‘What?’ he asked, wide-eyed.
‘Stop pretending, Perry. You thought, as did I, that they were going to announce an engagement.’
‘Well…’
‘You did, Perry. I saw your eyes flicker over Emma’s hand, expecting to see a ring there,’ she replied firmly, arms crossed over her chest.
‘OK, yes, I suspected Felix may have popped the question,’ he admitted, then added, ‘but he didn’t, did he?’
Bunty shook her head in disbelief. ‘No, not on this occasion, but it’shighlylikely that he will at some point,’ she countered, suddenly feeling a spark of irritation at Perry’s attitude. Talk about déjà vu. Then, unable to stop herself, she spoke in a low, menacing tone. ‘You know, you’re beginning to remind me of someone.’
Perry flinched, immediately comprehending what she was insinuating. Hamish Deville, Bunty’s manipulative, selfish, old bastard of a father, who had scuppered any chance of his daughter’s happiness – was this who he reminded her of? Dear God, surely not?
‘That’s a touch harsh, Bunty,’ he replied in a quiet voice.
‘Is it? Is it really?’ She looked straight at him.
‘I’m nothing like your father,’ Perry stated flatly.
‘There’s definitely shades of him in you, or at least there will be, if you don’t change your attitude,’ Bunty told him straight. ‘What is it about Felix you resent?’ she asked in exasperation.
‘I don’t resent him. He’s always been good to Emma…’
‘Then what is it?’ Bunty asked, her voice a little calmer now, seeing the genuine confusion in Perry’s expression.
‘I… don’t know. I’m just scared he’ll…’
‘He’ll what?’
Perry blew his cheeks out. ‘That he’ll hurt her, I guess. It doesn’t help that he spends so much time in London, leaving her in that big house all alone.’
‘Like I was for years, you mean?’ she replied with soft sarcasm.
‘Yes. Exactly like you,’ came the direct reply, making her blink. ‘Only, unlike your father, I don’t want that for my daughter. I want her to be cared for, looked after,’ he raised his voice with passion.
‘But Emmaiscared for by Felix. He’s a rich movie star, for goodness’ sake!’
‘It’s not just about the money, Bunty,’ he argued. ‘It’s about that someone who loves you, being there by your side, all the time.’
‘Yes, and that someone who wants to marry you, to enable that to happen,’ answered Bunty in a patient tone.
Perry, without realising it, had contradicted himself. Their eyes met.
‘Am I being unreasonable?’ He swallowed, the comparison to Hamish Deville still stinging.
‘Only if I let you,’ she laughed gently, glad he’d finally seen sense.
‘Sorry.’ He looked at her with doleful eyes.
‘Oh, come here, Perrywinkle,’ she teased, wrapping her arms around him. Then, pulling back she faced him. ‘Listen, you are a loving, protective father and Emma couldn’t have a better parent, but—’
‘It’s time to let go, let her live her own life, make her own choices and stop worrying,’ he acknowledged dryly.
‘Yes, you’ve finally got it.’ Bunty gave the thumbs-up.
