The Younger Wife(79)

‘It is a delight to have you all here tonight,’ he started. ‘If you’re here, it means that, whether you are an old or new friend, you’re among my and Heather’s nearest and dearest. We have had a rather . . . unconventional courtship. And I’ll admit it’s one that took me by surprise.’ At this he looked directly at Heather and smiled so warmly, she found it hard to think of anything but how lucky she was. ‘I have been very fortunate in my life. I’ve known a lot of joy. A couple of years ago, I thought my time for joy had ended. And I was okay with that. It seemed fair, after all the happiness I’d had, that I should know suffering. Now I find that I have a new chapter ahead with this amazing woman . . . I don’t even know how to express my gratitude. So’ – he gestured to Heather – ‘I’d like to raise a glass to my lovely wife-to-be, Heather Wisher. Tomorrow, Heather Aston.’

Heather drained her champagne and collected another glass from a circling waiter.

‘Heather Aston,’ everyone chorused.

Stephen climbed off his chair and came to her side. He pressed his lips against her forehead and she leaned against the solid mass of him. In the past few months, he’d become such a haven for her. Such a comfort. A week ago, after discussing it with Inna, she’d told him the truth about her parents. Inna had convinced her that Stephen wasn’t going to change his feelings for her over it, and after a while she’d come to believe that. Still, she’d been unprepared for his response.

‘I was wondering when you’d tell me.’

Heather had stared at him. ‘You knew?’

He smiled sadly. ‘Your mother was brought into the hospital I worked at all those years ago. Doug Wisher’s name was spoken for months at work. When you told me your surname and said that your parents had died, it wasn’t hard to work out who you were.’

‘But why didn’t you say anything?’

‘I knew you’d tell me when you were ready.’

Heather couldn’t get her head around it. ‘You weren’t worried about getting involved with a woman whose father killed her mother?’

‘Only insofar as it was affecting you. Which it seems it has been these last few months. I’ll admit, I was a bit heavy-handed when it came to the alcohol. I read that your dad was a drinker, and I worried about what that might mean for you. And then, when you started to have the violent episodes and were accusing me of hurting you, I worried more. I assumed you were projecting things, but I didn’t want to push you to face anything you weren’t ready for.’

‘You really are an amazing man,’ she said.

But it turned out that she wasn’t the only one with a confession to make, and Stephen had something he wanted to get out into the open.

‘I was married before Pam,’ he told her. ‘To a woman called Fiona Arthur.’

‘It was a long time ago, while I was in my twenties. Pam and I never told the girls about it, but they got wind of it recently, so I told them. Now that they know, I wanted you to know too.’

Heather had been surprised to learn there’d been a wife before Pam, but she had to admit it paled in comparison to the confession she had just made. And there was something about sharing these secrets that made her feel closer to him.

‘I just need you to know that you are safe with me, Heather. I would never hurt you. I promise.’

‘I know,’ she said.

And as she stood in his arms the night before their wedding, she did.





58


RACHEL


‘Are we having a picnic?’ Mum asked, looking at the manicured grass. It was the fourth time she’d asked in as many minutes. And, indeed, it would have been a lovely day for a picnic. The sun was shining, the sky was blue – it was a perfect spring day.

‘Yes, Mum,’ Rachel said, and Mum beamed. She’d always loved it when she was right about something (even when she wasn’t). The first time she asked, Rachel had explained that they were going to a wedding, to which Mum had of course asked, ‘Whose wedding?’ and Rachel had looked at Tully and they’d both come up blank.

Mum was in a cheery mood, her spirits lifted perhaps by the sunny day and all the people dotted around the grass. As Dad said, Mum had always liked a party. Maybe Dad was right. About everything.

‘Time to go in,’ Tully said, when the last of the guests had entered. Heather hadn’t arrived yet, and they thought it would be wise to get Mum into the chapel before she saw the bride and asked who she was. They’d decided they weren’t going to do the traditional walk down the aisle with Heather, and Rachel was grateful for that. It was going to be a strange enough day without that ceremony, and everyone decided Rachel and Tully would be far more useful looking after Mum.

Still, like good bridesmaids, they’d paid Heather a visit that morning and found her with the typical nerves – her brow a bit sweaty, her hands shaking. Rachel was glad Heather hadn’t insisted that she and Tully wear elaborate matching gowns and have their hair and make-up done. Instead, Rachel had done her own make-up and chosen her own outfit – a long, navy blue dress with cap sleeves and an empire neckline. She had to say, she felt quite beautiful.

‘Show time,’ Tully said.

Tully entered the chapel first, and Rachel followed with Mum on her arm. It wasn’t a formal procession, thank goodness. The music didn’t change and people didn’t stand. But most of the guests were already there and they turned and smiled. The chapel was tiny, and people were stuffed in cheek by jowl. Still, Rachel had to admit it looked beautiful. The flowers were tasteful. There was a harp playing softly.