Page 143 of The Sun Sister

‘Nothing much,’ Cecily shrugged. ‘What can women “do” with their knowledge?’

‘You yourself have just pointed out that all this – the British Empire – was created by a woman,’ he countered.

‘Sadly, I am not an empress. And I don’t wish to be one either.’

‘Well, let me tell you, there are many “empresses” standing in front of you – in their own minds anyway. And some emperors too. But it’s easy to be a big fish in a small pond, as long as there are tiddlers – that’s small fish to you, my dear – swimming around them, prepared to take second place. Look over there, for example.’ Bill pointed at Joss Erroll, with Idina and Alice on either side of him. ‘They’ve all had to learn to share, if you know what I mean.’

‘Yes, I think I do.’

‘Now then, I mustn’t keep you on the grandest social occasion of the year. Although I doubt there’ll be many more to come. I’ve just heard that Germany has invaded Prague. We’re on the brink of another world war. If I were you, I’d scuttle off home to America before it’s too late.’

‘Oh my goodness!’ Cecily looked up at Bill in horror. ‘When did you hear that?’

‘Joss Erroll is a friend of mine and in fact, it was he who convinced me to come over here and settle in Africa. He told me in confidence earlier. He’s the Deputy Director of the Central Manpower Committee and is responsible for planning the distribution of military and civilian personnel. I’m sworn to secrecy, of course – he doesn’t want a word of it getting out to the happy couple on their special day, but...I’m afraid all bets are off. Chamberlain’s “peace for our time” declaration has just been well and truly trounced. So, having shown my face here, I’m going to take my leave and return to my farm to work out how many heads of cattle the British army are likely to requisition for the forthcoming war effort, because I’m more certain than not that war is on its way. Goodnight, Cecily.’

Bill gave her a small bow, then left the way he had arrived – through the hibiscus hedge.

At dinner an hour later, Cecily found she could hardly eat a thing. She had been placed at a table next to a man called Percy, who managed the Shell Oil Company in East Africa. On her other side was Sir Joseph Somebody, who had apparently been the Governor-General of Kenya up until a couple of years ago. It was obvious that word had somehow spread about what Bill had told her in secrecy, for after a few minutes of polite formalities, the two men talked in hushed voices over Cecily’s head. At least Joss Erroll sat opposite her, so she had something pleasant to look at while she was ignored, but he seemed entranced by his neighbour, Phyllis, who had been introduced as the wife of Percy, the Shell Oil man. Not normally prone to being rude about the looks of other women, Cecily couldn’t help but wonder why the heavenly Joss found this woman so fascinating. His hands constantly wandered over parts of her body, yet she was really quite plain and dumpy.

‘How are you settling in, my dear?’

A younger woman – or younger at least than most of the guests – turned to her as the band struck up and half their table left for the dance floor.

‘Oh, I’m doing well, thank you,’ Cecily lied.

‘I’m Ethnie Boyle, and I’m married to William; you may have heard of him – he’s the local doctor.’

‘Oh yes, of course. He has been looking after Alice, hasn’t he?’

‘Trying to, yes, but as I’m sure you know, she’s rather difficult to look after. May I?’ Ethnie indicated the seat vacated by the Shell Oil man.

‘Why of course.’

‘Katherine told me to look out for you tonight. It can be jolly tough facing this crowd, especially when one is alone.’

‘Yes, I’m doing my best to remember who everyone is, but...’

‘It can be awfully confusing, especially as so many of us have intermarried,’ she chuckled. ‘How is your godmother? I saw her here a few days ago and she looked full of her usual high spirits. She’s had such a rotten time of it, one way and another.’

‘She has, yes.’

Maybe it was the cloying heat of the night, or the small glass of champagne Cecily had drunk to toast the happy couple, not to mention the terrible news about Czechoslovakia, but she was feeling extremely unwell. As her head spun, she grasped for her purse to extract a fan.

‘Are you quite well, my dear?’

‘Yes, it’s just so darned hot and...’

‘Let’s get you inside, shall we? William,’ Ethnie called across the table to her husband, ‘this is Kiki’s goddaughter Cecily, and the heat is rather getting to her. Give me a hand, will you, darling?’

To Cecily’s humiliation, husband and wife helped her up from her chair and supported her as they walked into the relative cool of the lounge. A ceiling fan was blowing a cool breeze above her as they sat her in a leather armchair and Dr Boyle fetched her a glass of water.

They probably think I’ve taken too much liquor,Cecily thought in embarrassment as Ethnie fanned her and Dr Boyle fed her sips of water.

‘Feeling a little better, dear?’ he asked.

‘A little, yes. I’m so sorry for the trouble.’

‘Don’t be silly, it’s perfectly understandable. Now, are you staying here for the night or should we call you a driver to take you home?’