Page 11 of The Silent Bride
I don’t want to get drawn into a conversation about work. I always feel like I’m doing pretty well until I talk to my father. He has this knack of making me anxious about my career. Like I’m not tough enough. Not driven enough. Like I don’t measure up to Elizabeth. Although he wasn’t exactly thrilled with my sister’s choice of husband. When Graham was with me, he was a teacher. By the time he got engaged to Elizabeth, he was a deputy head. His recent promotion to headmaster has appeased Dad somewhat. Not enough for him to forgo the Sunday papers in favour of talking to him, though.
I think Dad will be happy about me and Seth, but I still feel slightly nauseous at the thought of telling him. At coming under his scrutiny. I’ve actually enjoyed keeping Seth separate from my friends and family because they’re often too quick to pass judgements on my love life. Especially as they’d been nagging me for years to meet someone. Setting me up on all kinds of inappropriate blind dates that make me cringe when I think about them. In that respect, I was relieved to have met Seth because it meant my family finally stopped interfering in my love life.
‘So, what’s your news, darling?’ Mum says, taking a seat herself, perching on the edge of the uncomfortable chaise.
I feel my face heat up. I realise I should be making this announcement with Seth present. But he couldn’t come down to Ringwood thisweekend and I can’t wait any longer. There are too many other people who already know. Mum would be mortified and Dad furious if they found out about our engagement from someone else. In fact, it’s a miracle they haven’t heard already. The local grapevine is usually way more efficient.
My throat has dried up, so I decide to show them instead. I wait until they’re all looking my way, and then I slide my ring around and show them my hand.
‘Is that an engagement ring?’ Elizabeth asks.
‘Seth proposed?’ Mum says, putting her hands to her cheeks.
‘Why haven’t we met him yet?’ Dad demands.
‘Congratulations, Alice.’ Graham comes over and kisses my cheek.
‘Wow, congratulations!’ Elizabeth turns to give me a hug, then takes my hand to examine the ring. ‘That’s gorgeous.’
‘I’m so happy for you, darling,’ Mum says, her eyes brightening with tears. ‘I can’t believe I’ll have two married daughters. It only seems like yesterday you were at primary school.’
Dad sets down his newspaper. ‘This is the endocrinologist chap, right? Seth Evans.’
‘Yes, he’s based in London right now, but he’s got a job in Southampton Hospital starting next year.’
‘When can we meet him and his family?’ Dad asks.
‘I’ll set something up,’ I reply.
‘Good. Let’s make it sooner rather than later. Don’t let it derail your career, Alice. Remember what I told you girls – you need to be independent. Make your own money. You never know what’s around the corner, so it’s vital you’re self-sufficient.’
Mum puts a hand on Dad’s arm to stop him going off on one.
Normally, he wouldn’t accept that from her, but today he stops lecturing me and clears his throat. ‘Jane, fetch us a bottle of champagne from the chiller cabinet. We’ll have a toast.’
Mum heads off to the kitchen. I’ve given up telling her not to be bossed around by him. She always says she doesn’t mind. But I find it weird that Dad is all for me and Elizabeth being strong, independent women, yet he treats Mum like a skivvy. Okay, maybe that’s a bit harsh. Not a skivvy, exactly, but certainly not as his equal.
‘This is so exciting, Alice!’ Elizabeth takes both my hands and squeezes them. ‘Have you got a date in mind?’
‘We were thinking of next spring or summer.’
She wrinkles her nose. ‘That’s not much time to arrange a proper wedding.’
‘We don’t want anything fancy,’ I reply. ‘As long as we can have it at the church at Ellingham, that’s all that matters. I haven’t got a clue about the rest of it.’
‘You did such a good job as my maid of honour, I’m more than happy to return the favour and help you plan it.’ Elizabeth gives an excited clap.
Thankfully, Mum returns to the lounge with a bottle of Moët to save me from replying. I’d already hinted to Daisy that she would be my maid of honour, but I guess I’m going to have to let her down, despite her knowing more about my life than my sister. Elizabeth will be really offended if I don’t choose her. Family is family, after all.
Dad stands and expertly opens the champagne. He pours us each a half glass, the bubbles fizzing along with the butterflies in my stomach. Graham declines as he’s driving, and toasts with lemonade instead. He seems a bit subdued. I hope everything’s okay between him and Elizabeth.
‘Congratulations, Alice,’ Dad says, raising his glass.
I was hoping for a bit more of a speech. Maybe something inspiring or emotional, or at least a little warm. But ‘congratulations’ is something. I guess I should be thankful he isn’t opposed to it. I only hope he gets on with Seth.
‘Congratulations, Alice!’ everyone toasts.
‘Thank you,’ I reply, relieved and excited.
