Day 27

Pat looked at Julie over the woman’s shoulder. She pulled a face. “Maybe you would like a cup of tea? Julie, perhaps you could make us some tea?” Pat’s eyebrows went North in a meaningful way. Julie got the message – eventually.

She went into the kitchen to make the tea. The dapper man was returning and taking off his leather driving gloves. Julie stared in amazement. Driving gloves – who wears driving gloves?

He stopped at the door and almost blushed. He offered his gloveless hand and said, “We haven’t been introduced have we? I’m Arthur.”

“Julie. Please to meet you.”

The uncomfortable silence seemed to expand and suck in the whole kitchen. The kettle brought them to their senses.

“Tea?”

“Thank you. By the way, I’m Patrick’s father. Did you know him very well?”