I'm sorry you oblige me to put it so bluntly.”
“I hadn't thought of that.”
“No, nor had we to be quite frank.
It was Beaver's idea.”
“You seem to have got me in a fairly hopeless position.”
“It's not how I should have put it.”
“I should like to make absolutely sure that Brenda is in on this.
D'you mind if I ring her up.”
“Not at all, my dear fellow.
I happen to know she's at Marjorie's tonight.”
“Brenda, this is Tony … I've just been dining with Reggie.”
“Yes, he said something about it.”
“He tells me that you are going to sue for alimony.
Is that so?”
“Tony, don't be so bullying.
The lawyers are doing everything.
It's no use coming to me.”
“But did you know that they proposed to ask for two thousand?”
“Yes. They did say that.
I know it sounds a lot but …”
“And you know exactly how my money stands don't you?
You know it means selling Hetton, don't you? … hullo, are you still there?”
“Yes, I'm here.”
“You know it means that?”
“Tony, don't make me feel a beast.
Everything has been so difficult.”
“You do know just what you are asking?”
“Yes … I suppose so.”
“All right, that's all I wanted to know.”
“Tony, how odd you sound … don't ring off.”
He hung up the receiver and went back to the smoking room.
His mind had suddenly become clearer on many points that had puzzled him. A whole Gothic world had come to grief … there was now no armour, glittering in the forest glades, no embroidered feet on the greensward; the cream and dappled unicorns had fled …
Reggie sat expanded in his chair.
“Well?”
“I got on to her.
You were quite right.
I'm sorry I didn't believe you.
It seemed so unlikely at first.”
“That's all right, my dear fellow.”
“I've decided exactly what's going to happen.”
“Good.”
“Brenda is not going to get her divorce.
The evidence I provided at Brighton isn't worth anything.
There happens to have been a child there all the time.
She slept both nights in the room I am supposed to have occupied.
If you care to bring the case I shall defend it and win, but I think when you have seen my evidence you will drop it.
I am going away for six months or so.
When I come back, if she wishes it, I shall divorce Brenda without settlements of any kind.
Is that clear?”
“But look here, my dear fellow.”