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mother had to offer. She saw nothing blameworthy in this, although Molly had assured her that Gerald had broken Kitty’s heart. It was even more grave than this: Gerald was responsible not only forKitty’s heart but for her nerves, which were famous. Austin’s task in life, somehow handed on to Mrs May, was to prevent anything from upsetting Kitty. It was possible that she did not wish to see this granddaughter, certainly did not wish to reestablish contact with her erstwhile daughter-in-law. At the same time, Mrs May knew, Kitty liked to keep lines of communication open, always in the hope that a message from Gerald might miraculously come through.
    ‘So she’s getting married from here,’ Kitty’s voice went on, now and then broken by the deprecating little laugh, indicative of keen annoyance. ‘Grandma’s faced with the task of arranging the wedding. The silly girl doesn’t realise how long it takes to plan these things. They’re arriving at the weekend, Ann and David—that’s her young man. It’s not what I’m used to, Thea. Not the way we do things in this family.’
    ‘I can see that. It must all be quite a strain on you.’ For tribute must be paid to Kitty’s nerves whenever an occasion presented itself.
    ‘This is where you come in, Thea. I have a favour to ask.’
    ‘Yes, of course.’
    ‘Ann and David will stay here, unless I can persuade Molly to put David up. I don’t think he’ll be any trouble.’ David was dismissed, a mere accessory ‘The thing is that David’s bringing his best man with him. At least I assume it’s his best man. Ann merely said, “David’s friend.” I’ll be frank with you, Thea; we know nothing about him. We were wondering if you’d help out.’
    ‘I? How?’
    ‘Well, we’ve no room for him here, and I can’t ask Molly to take both of them, and you’ve got all that space …’
    ‘Wait a minute, Kitty. Are you asking me to give house room to a complete stranger?’
    ‘Best, his name is. Steve Best.’
    ‘His name is neither here nor there. I simply don’t want anyone in my flat, let alone an unknown young man.’
    ‘It would only be for a day or two. Until the wedding.’
    ‘And when is that?’
    ‘Next week, some time.’
    ‘That is more than a day or two, Kitty. And anyway it’s out of the question.’
    ‘I thought you’d be glad to help us out,’ said Kitty, her voice stiff. ‘After all, what are families for?’
    ‘What indeed?’
    The question hung in the air between them. Mrs May knew what families were for: they were for offering endless possibilities for coercion. She had become aware of this as soon as she had entered Kitty’s drawing room for the first time, a nervous bride on Henry’s arm. At that time she had not understood why Kitty was so aggrieved, why Henry had to cajole and placate. It had all settled down, of course, but Kitty had never been averse to letting her hurt feelings show. They had won her many a concession, but from men. Mrs May was not of that number.
    ‘I thought you might be glad of the company,’ Kitty’s voice went on, now as mild as milk. ‘All alone in that big flat. Molly and I often wonder why you haven’t thought of taking a lodger.’ This was the insult direct, and was noted as such on both sides.
    ‘I have all the company I want,’ she said. ‘I’m afraid I can’t do anything for your friend. I don’t want a stranger in my flat.’
    ‘Oh. Austin will be very disappointed. “Thea will help us out,” he said. I really didn’t want to ask you; it was Austin who insisted. “It’s too much for you,” he said. “You’ve got the wedding to cope with. I don’t want you overdoing it. If it’s only aquestion of a few days Thea won’t mind. After all, she’s part of the family …” ’
    ‘When exactly do they arrive?’ she interrupted tiredly. ‘And how long is a few days?’
    ‘Sunday or Monday, Ann said. Of course I’ll have to have everything planned by then. The caterers