The Bee's Kiss [antikvár]

Chapter OneLondon, April 1926'1 do all my thinking in the car nowadays. And why? Because, whatever I do or say, I can't get away from blasted Audrey!'A flash of resentment expressed itself in a sharp stab on the accelerator and the red Chrysler two-seater swept smoothly onwards over the Hog's Back and on to London.'Eight years ago she was irmocent, pliable, uninventive but co-operative. And now? Sycophantic, eager to please but having no longer the power of pleasing. She'll have to go! And this time I shan't relent no matter how many damp handkerchiefs she waves before my face. She's completely suffocating me. I should have left her where I found her - second from the right in the chorus of Florodora.'It was a good idea, throwing my luggage in the back and just leaving. I certainly needed to get away, to get away to London to get away from cosy domesticity in the country to the supple hospitality extended by the Ritz. "Your usual suite?" I like that! I like the purring familiar voice, confidential and knowing, so calming in all this storm and stress. But now - what to look forward to? A dreary evening. Cousin Alfred's fiftieth birthday party A roomful of people I hardly know. A roomful of dull nieces and nephews. But - you never know your luck! That little girl who's just got herself engaged to the appalling Monty - she might be quite promising. Might be distinctly prom-