Page 48 of The Perfect Family
I reach across the table and give her hand a squeeze.
‘Anyway,’ she says, recovering her composure, ‘how are my lovely nieces?’
‘They’re fine. Always talking about their Aunty Amelia.’
‘Has everything settled down now?’
I stare at her blankly for a moment.
‘With Eva, at school? Diane told me about the suspension – her friends teasing her, and then her lashing out.’
‘It was awful,’ I reply with a small shudder. ‘So unlike Eva to do something like that.’ I can’t bring myself to mention that Eva was also involved in mean behaviour herself.
‘But she was provoked…’
‘I know, but the school doesn’t see it like that. Anyway, hopefully it’s all behind us now.’ I change the subject. ‘You and James will have to come over for dinner soon.’
‘Lovely. Just say the word. Diane told me you’ve got a new nanny. How’s that working out?’
‘Really well, actually.’ I hadn’t wanted to talk about Sadie as I’m not sure if Amelia and James know that Diane is paying her wages. It feels a bit awkward.
‘The kids like her then?’
‘They love her. Actually, I’m beginning to think they love her more than they love me.’
‘Never!’
‘It’s true. She’s so good, I’m becoming redundant.’
‘But you were running yourself ragged before. I think it’s great you’ve got someone to help out.’
‘Yeah, I know. I definitely have more time now. I mean, look at me, I’m actually having a social lunch rather than a business one!’
‘Ha! Careful. If you have too much free time, Diane will rope you into helping organise the golf club dinner dance.’ Amelia grins.
‘How’s all that going?’
‘Don’t ask.’
‘Oh. Like that, is it?’
‘No, it’s fine. I don’t mind. Although the closer we get to the big day, the more like a Sergeant Major she’s becoming.’
‘Oh dear. I shouldn’t laugh.’
‘That’s another reason why I’m drinking. This afternoon I have to go and sort out table decorations.’
‘Sounds okay.’
‘It would be if I could just get on with it by myself. But I have to run everything past Diane twenty million times.’
‘Poor you.’
‘I mean I love her, she’s like a second mum, but she does drive me loopy some days.’
I smile, but I don’t comment. I never feel like I can criticise Diane in front of my in-laws. Amelia has known Diane since she was a kid, so it comes off as affectionate. But if I was to bad-mouth her, it would sound too critical. I just nod and laugh instead.
‘So, this nanny?’ Amelia says, her eyes flashing. ‘What’s she like? Is she young and pretty?’
