Page 27 of Never
‘Sure. Now go and wash up while I call Ms Judd and then we’ll have dinner –’ she looked at her watch – ‘in fifteen minutes.’
‘Okay.’
Pippa left.
Gerry said: ‘I’ll tell the kitchen.’ He went out.
Pauline picked up the phone. ‘Please call Ms Judd, the principal of Foggy Bottom Day School,’ she told the switchboard operator.
‘Certainly, Madam President.’ The staff of the White House switchboard were proud of their ability to find anyone in the world. ‘Are you expecting to stay in the East Sitting Hall for another minute or so?’
‘Yes.’
‘Thank you, Madam President.’
Pauline hung up and Gerry returned. Pauline asked him: ‘What do you think?’
‘I think you handled that well. You persuaded her to make amends, but she’s not mad at you. It was skilful.’
It was loving, too, Pauline thought, with a touch of resentment. ‘You thought it was a bit cold?’
Gerry shrugged. ‘I’m wondering what this tells us about where Pippa is at right now, emotionally.’
Pauline frowned, not really understanding what Gerry was trying to say; but the phone rang before she could ask him.
‘I have Ms Judd for you, Madam President.’
Pauline said: ‘Ms Judd, I hope I’m not disturbing your evening.’
There were not many people in the world who would mind being disturbed by the President of the United States, but Pauline liked to be polite.
‘Please don’t worry, Madam President. I’m happy to speak to you, of course.’ The voice was low and friendly, though a little wary – which was hardly surprising in someone speaking to the president.
‘First, I want to thank you for the concern you’ve shown for Pippa. It’s appreciated.’
‘You’re welcome, ma’am. It’s our job.’
‘Pippa has to learn that she can’t take control of lessons, obviously. And I’m absolutely not calling you to complain about Mr Newbegin.’
‘Thank you for that.’ Ms Judd began to relax slightly.
‘However, we don’t want to crush Pippa’s idealism.’
‘Certainly not.’
‘I’ve had a talk with her, and I have strongly recommended that she apologize to Mr Newbegin.’
‘How did she react to that?’
‘She’s thinking about it.’
Ms Judd laughed. ‘That’s Pippa.’
Pauline laughed too, and felt she had achieved a rapport. She said: ‘I’ve suggested that Pippa should look for a way to make her point without disrupting the class. For example, she might propose a motion in the Debate Society.’
‘What a good idea.’
‘Of course this is up to you, but I hope you agree with the general principle.’
