After all, one of your great assets has been your exemplary married life.
Everyone has looked up to you.
The public has loved to think of you as such a devoted and united couple.’
‘And so we are, damn it.’
Dolly was growing impatient.
‘But I tell you people are talking.
You can’t be so stupid as not to see that they’re bound to.
I mean, if Julia had had one flagrant affair after another, nobody would take any notice, but after the life she’s led for so many years suddenly to break out like this—naturally everybody starts chattering.
It’s so bad for business.’
Michael gave her a swift glance. He smiled a little.
‘I see what you mean, Dolly.
I dare say there’s something in what you say and in the circumstances I feel that you have a perfect right to say it.
You were awfully good to us when we started and I should hate to see you let down now.
I’ll tell you what, I’ll buy you out.’
‘Buy me out?’
Dolly straightened herself and her face, a moment ago rumpled and discomposed, hardened.
She was seized with indignation.
He went on suavely.
‘I see your point.
If Julia’s gadding about all night it must tell on her performances.
That’s obvious.
She’s got a funny sort of public, a lot of old ladies come to our matin?es because they think she’s such a sweet good woman.
I don’t mind admitting that if she gets herself unpleasantly talked about it might have some effect on the takings.
I know Julia well enough to know that she wouldn’t put up with any interference with her liberty of action.
I’m her husband and I’ve got to put up with it.
But you’re in a different position altogether.
I shouldn’t blame you if you wanted to get out while the going was good.’
Dolly was alert now.
She was far from a fool and when it came to business was a match for Michael.
She was angry, but her anger gave her self-control.
‘I should have thought after all these years, Michael, that you knew me better than that.
I thought it my duty to warn you, but I’m prepared to take the rough with the smooth.
I’m not the woman to desert a sinking ship.
I dare say I can afford to lose my money better than you can.’
It gave her a great deal of satisfaction to see the disappointment that was clearly expressed on Michael’s face.
She knew how much money meant to him and she had a hope that what she had said would rankle.
He pulled himself together quickly.
‘Well, think it over, Dolly.’
She gathered up her bag and they parted with mutual expressions of affection and good will.
‘Silly old bitch,’ he said when the door was closed behind her.
‘Pompous old ass,’ she hissed as she went down in the lift.
But when she got into her magnificent and very expensive car and drove back to Montagu Square she could not hold back the heavy, painful tears that filled her eyes.
She felt old, lonely, unhappy, and desperately jealous.
17.
MICHAEL flattered himself on his sense of humour.
On the Sunday evening that followed his conversation with Dolly he strolled into Julia’s room while she was dressing.
They were going to the pictures after an early dinner.
‘Who’s coming tonight besides Charles?’ he asked her.
‘I couldn’t find another woman. I’ve asked Tom.’
‘Good!