Bums on Seats Read Online Free PDF Page A

it!”
    â€œThank you, Matthew, I’m honoured,” she said, replying as she thought her husband would have wanted. They sat alone at the lamp lit table. From time to time a woman brought more food and drink. Was she one of his wives? The wine was perfect for the food, but quite strong, rather like Barolo she thought. She sipped slowly.
    â€œI enjoyed my years in England. At first I was always cold, but then I learned to wear two rugby shirts and swimming trunks under my clothes. When I was found out, nobody dared cane me for fear of my father’s displeasure! Later, the civil servant charged with my welfare bought me underwear intended for Arctic expeditions, from the Army and Navy Stores.”
    Matthew Nweewe carried on in this entertaining way and Sarah enjoyed it. An hour passed. “Once, as a sixteen year old, I hopped over the barrier around the parade ring at Royal Ascot to inspect the favourite’s genitals before entrusting my ten pounds to its performance.” She laughed out loud at her vision of him and the ensuing consternation. He recalled the occasion at the Royal Festival Hall when, thinking that Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony was ended, he leapt to his feet clapping vigorously, only to hear the orchestra resume a few seconds later towards the true finale. “I blushed deeply. But luckily nobody could tell,” he roared with glee.
    â€œI had some growing-up pains, too, Matthew, literally, actually. When I was eighteen, and not long at university, I was mad about ballroom dancing, which we’d learned at school. Well, there was a boy who was after me and he found out my passion. He told me he had a Bronze Medal for ballroom dancing. I was delighted and nagged him to take me to a posh, end-of-term dance. When the band started to play a dance called a foxtrot, I seized his hand and pulled him out onto the floor. No one else moved; they just looked. The boy couldn’t really dance at all. I took his left hand in my right, put my left hand on his right shoulder and stepped back with my left foot. He put his left foot forward and leaned his full weight on my right foot. He broke two of my toes! I had to be carried off to Casualty!” They both roared with laughter.
    â€œWhat happened to the boy?”
    â€œI don’t know. Happily the fool was sent down after being caught at night in the women students’ hall of residence.” They roared again.
    â€œThat would have been the spirits avenging you – your forebears,” he added.
    A visitor appeared at the rear door of the Chief’s residence and gave the cook a hollowed out gourd – more delicacies.
    â€œWhat do you feel about the dancers then, Matthew?”
    â€œDancers? Oh yes, the tribal dancers, that’s fine. I thought you were inviting me to foxtrot.” They laughed together. “You said ten would be right. Let’s say twelve, just in case anyone breaks their toes!”
    â€œOh, thank you, Matthew,” Sarah was delighted with her success. The woman came to the table with another small carafe of wine.
    The Chief topped up Sarah’s wine and, as if reading her concern, said, “A night-cap. It’s been a very pleasant evening, Sarah, which we should conclude.” He drank no more, having been liberal with his glass during the meal. Her appearance seemed to have changed though. He saw her as more pleasantly rounded, less remote. Perhaps it was the light?
    They talked a little longer and it was time to go. Rising from the table became somehow difficult. She was light-headed and wobbly-kneed. Nweewe came to help. The last thing she remembered was being in the powerful arms of the Chief.
    *************
    Next morning Sarah woke late in the lodge and felt hung-over. The nets were drawn around the bed and she was naked. She sank back on the pillows and tried to think backwards. There was a gap. Snatches of conversation over dinner came to mind and the Chief agreeing