5
SOMEWHAT ASHAMED OF HIMSELF, JAKE NEVERTHELESS worked out an alternative route to W. H. Smith’s, but occasionally lapsed into the habitual one when he was self-absorbed. One day, two weeks later, Ruthy stopped him. Could he meet her at the pub again at five thirty. Yes, why not?
“Pepsi?” Jake asked, intrigued.
“No. I’d like a lemon soda. Canada Dry, if you don’t mind?”
A celery protruded from her string shopping bag. There were also two tins tucked inside, both of them shorn of their labels. Jake ordered a large gin and tonic for himself, two Canada Dry lemon sodas, and settled back to watch.
“I’m engaged,” Ruthy announced haughtily, “or don’t you read the Times social page,” she added with a giggle.
Jake congratulated her.
“He’s a lovely, lovely man. Very well versed in literature and political matters. He reads the New Statesman and Tribune. As a matter of fact, one week he had a poem in the Tribune. That’s an accomplishment, isn’t it?”
“Yes it is.”
“I’m going to need the money, you know.”
“What money?” Jake charged, jolted awake.
“The seven hundred pounds. The money Joseph took from me.”
“But what in the hell do you expect me to do about it?” he asked, bug-eyed as she peeled the labels off the two Canada Dry lemon sodas.
“Tell him I need it. Harry hasn’t had much materialistic success. It doesn’t interest him.”
“Ruthy, for the last time, it’s been years since I’ve seen him.”
“Oh, come off it. Come off it, please.”
“I’m afraid you’ll just have to take my word for it.”
“Maybe you could return the money to me?”
“Why should I?”
“Harry saw your film, but I must say he didn’t care for it. He didn’t think it rang true to life. He says when you direct something about working-class people it is obviously done for the rich to laugh at. In his estimation you’re a self-hater.”
“Is your brother having him investigated?”
“Harry has nothing to hide. His life’s an open book, it is. You want to know the truth about Joseph, why he did a bunk? The plain truth is I consider myself ever so fortunate. I would not have been able to live with him.”
“I wish you and Harry the best of luck. I –”
“Your cousin Joseph was some French nobleman. The truth is he is just this side of being a meths man. He’s an inveterate drinker.”
“Self-hatred, self-destruction. We’re a crazy family.”
“I’m sure I don’t know what scarred him psychologically in his childhood to make him like that. And he must have suffered torments since he fell in love with me, but –”
“I’m sure he did.”
“Oh, that’s nice. That’s ever so nice and gentlemanly. What right have you to talk to me like that?”
“I apologize.”
“That’s why he went away ‘on business’ for a fortnight. It was to drink. Well, thank goodness I found out before it was too late. I don’t hold grudges. I pity him.”
Ruthy leaned back and smiled triumphantly. “Caught you out, didn’t I?”
“Oh, my God. If I ever run into him again, I mean.”
“I caught you out for a common liar. Why don’t you admit it?”
“Damn it, Ruthy, I have not laid eyes on Joey for more than twenty years.”
“He certainly led me a merry dance.”
“Yes, he did. I’m sorry about that.”
“Well, not to worry. Worse accidents happen at sea. Harry’s a very desirable man, you know.”
“I’m very pleased for you.”
“Oh, I’ll bet you are. But this time my brother made me swear I wouldn’t take a chance. No hurrying into marriage in two weeks. He says I should try the water first, if you know what I mean?”
“I see.”
“Cyril says I should try the water first and see if the shoe fits. And he’s right. Victorian times are over, aren’t they?”