Page 330 of Winter of the World (The Century 2)

Daisy was thrilled. "Lloyd, that's wonderful!" She put her arms around his neck and kissed him.

"It's too early for congratulations. I've put my name down for Hoxton, the constituency next to Mam's. But the local Labour Party may not pick me. And if they do I may not win. Hoxton has a strong Liberal M.P. at the moment."

"I want to help you," she said. "I could be your right-hand woman. I'll write your speeches--I bet I'd be good at that."

"I'd love you to help me."

"Then it's settled!"

The older guests left after supper, but the music continued and the drink never ran out, so the party became even more uninhibited. Woody was now slow-dancing with Bella: Daisy wondered if this was his first romance since Joanne.

The petting got heavier, and people began disappearing into the two bedrooms. They could not lock the doors--Daisy took the keys out--so there were sometimes several couples in the same room, but no one seemed to mind. Daisy had once found two people in the broom cupboard, fast asleep in each other's arms.

At one o'clock her husband arrived.

She had not invited Boy, but he showed up in the company of a couple of American pilots, and Daisy shrugged and let him in. He was amiably squiffy, and danced with several nurses, then politely asked her.

Was he just drunk, she wondered, or had he softened toward her? And if so, might he reconsider the divorce?

She consented, and they did the jitterbug. Most of the guests had no idea they were a separated husband and wife, but those who knew were amazed.

"I read in the papers that you bought another racehorse," she said, making small talk.

"Lucky Laddie," he said. "Cost me eight thousand guineas--a record price."

"I hope he's worth it." She loved horses, and she had thought they would buy and train racehorses together, but he had not wanted to share that enthusiasm with his wife. It had been one of the frustrations of her marriage.

He read her mind. "I disappointed you, didn't I?" he said.

"Yes."

"And you disappointed me."

That was a new thought to her. After a minute's reflection she said: "By not turning a blind eye to your infidelities?"

"Exactly." He was drunk enough to be honest.

She saw her opportunity. "How long do you think we should punish one another?"

"Punish?" he said. "Who's punishing anyone?"

"We're punishing each other by staying married. We should get divorced, as sensible people do."

"Perhaps you're right," he said. "But this time on a Saturday night is not the best moment to discuss it."

Her hopes rose. "Why don't I come and see you?" she said. "When we're both fresh--and sober."

He hesitated. "All right."

She pressed her advantage eagerly. "How about tomorrow?"

"All right."

"I'll see you after church. Say, twelve noon?"

"All right," said Boy.

iv

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