Signs of Spring
“Hi, Tavares! How’s life in Bridgeport?
“Yes, it’s been much the same here, although does look as though the weather’s brightening up finally. It’s been such a miserable spring… Is L- Maria there?”
“Hi, Emily. I think you’re OK calling me Lou, you know. I’m only ‘Maria Spain’ in public. Well, unless someone’s tapping the phone. In which case, ‘Hi, Nosey! Haven’t you got anything more interesting to do? Get a life!’”
Emily laughed. “How’s the apartment? A penthouse suite, I hear.”
“Only if you’re a really optimistic estate agent. It’s the top-floor flat all right but I wouldn’t call it a penthouse. It was a complete tip when we moved in. Horrible green stuff growing on the windows, peeling paint, rubbish plumbing. Hardly luxurious.”
“You? Moaning about bad plumbing? Just like old times.”
“Yeah, I thought I was long past the toilet-unblocking stage. Although it’s probably been good for us to do some physical work for a change – we’ve enjoyed sorting out the mess. It’s looking pretty good now.”
“Not exactly the rock’n’roll lifestyle.”
“No, not at all. But that’s the point. Escaping from all of that, at least for a while. Who’d expect Louisa to be living in the unfashionable end of Bridgeport? And the place is so full of celebrities and hopefuls trying to get the paparazzi’s attention that it’s pretty easy to be a nobody. The makeover probably helps, too.”
“You had a makeover?”
“Yeah. New clothes, new haircut…”
“But you’ve had that hairstyle forever. What’s it like now?”
“Shorter. I’ll send you a photo. Tavares thinks it’s cute – but then he would.
“Oh, and I bought a keyboard. You remember Will saying how learning to play the piano had changed the way he composed; even the way he thought about music?”
“Yes.”
“He’s right. I’m already starting to have some ideas. It’s hard, though, going from being able to play anything I want to being a complete beginner again. I have to get out a guitar after a few hours of struggling with scales to remind myself that I really am a musician.”
“Lou, I’m so pleased you’re picking up your life again. We were worried about you.”
“Yeah, well, you made me realise that I was being unfair to the rest of you. In fact, I’m doing it again, aren’t I? Talking about myself. How are you?”
“We’re fine. Now that things are quietening down with the orphanage, I’ve started painting again and Kid’s looking around for a new job.
“The kids are growing up: Davey’s the only one left at primary school. He’s decided he wants to go to Smuggsworth, of all places, so Kid’s been tutoring him every evening. Since Opal went to Fort Starch, they’ve all been reading school stories and talking about nothing but boarding schools. Wilhelmina wants to transfer to LeFromage next term. If they both get in, that’ll leave us with only Marabel at home… Did I tell you about Marabel?”
“I remember she was all excited about a Goldbeard marrying into the family.”
“Coral, yes. Marabel thought it was wonderful – took to calling me Auntie Em, on the grounds that we must be related somehow. But then Coral got old and died so quickly. The poor girl was devastated.”
“Do you want me to talk to her?”
“Yes, it might help. She’s a fan of yours, you know. And Deirdra had a word with Grim. He’s promised that Marabel can meet Coral when this is all over.”
“Grim said that? He must be getting soft in his old age. That was nice of Deirdra, though… How is she?”
“Pregnant. The baby’s due in the autumn.”
“Oh, that’s great. Will you pass on my congratulations when you see her? I’d still feel a bit awkward just ringing her up. And what about you? I remember you talking about wanting little ones around again.”
“Well, the house does seem to be emptying… and, not a word to Kid, but I have tickets for a romantic weekend in Champs Les Sims next month.”
“Good luck! I’ve been getting a bit broody myself.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, I think I’m ready for another child – but not quite yet. It wouldn’t be fair to Sam. I’ll wait until he’s back.”
“Lou! You’re talking as though you believe in it.”
“Well yes, I think I do. They’re getting so close now. I’ve even started watching regularly again. I love young Leo. Real chip off the old block, he is.”
“That’s exactly what Kid said. Oh, I nearly forgot. I have a favour to ask you. Could you have a word with your friend Maddy…?”
* * * * *
“Hi, Maddy. It’s Lou.”
“Lou! It’s been ages! How are you? And Tavares…?
“Isn’t it a glorious day? So sunny! It really feels as though summer's coming at last.”
“In Sunset Valley, maybe. It’s trying its best here but it’s still quite grey. The smog, I suppose.
“Anyway, I didn’t ring to chat about the weather. Do you remember Donna Parr-Teague?”
“Donna…?”
“That pink girl you met at the playground in Sunlit Tides. The ex-ghost.”
“Oh, you mean that day when…?”
“When I yelled at Deirdra and spoiled everyone’s holiday. Yes.”
“You had reason. Don’t be so hard on yourself. But yes, I remember Donna. Pink, pretty and brilliant with kids.”
“That’s the one. I’m not sure whether you know that she grew up at a home that Emily – my great-grandmother – runs for orphaned ghost kids. Well, she’s about to finish a teaching degree and she’s got a job at the school in Sunset Valley, assuming all goes well with her finals. Emily asked me to ask you whether you could help find her somewhere to live – somewhere she could afford on a very junior teacher’s pay.”
“Well, I’ve noticed a couple of ‘To Let’ signs recently but I think one place would be too expensive and the other’s pretty run-down. I’ll ask around. Or, I know! Why doesn’t she come and stay with us, at least to start with? If she wants to, that is. We’ve got loads of space…
“Have you been watching our descendants recently? What do you think of Li- Leo…?”
Next chapter of main storyNext interlude
