‘Yes.’ He flashes me a smile. ‘And I’m giving up my car plans. Just for now.’
‘Really?’
‘Like I say. It’s not the moment.’
Now I feel a bit humbled. Luke was planning to get a new car as a celebration as soon as the Arcodas case was over. It was, like, the prize. We’d gone for a test drive in one, and everything.
Well, I suppose if he can do that, I can wear my clothes three times before I go shopping again. It’s not such a hardship.
Anyway, I probably haven’t got that many. I try to visualize my wardrobe. I mean, it’s just a few tops and jeans and dresses, isn’t it? And a few things crammed in at the back. I’ll get through them all in a couple of weeks.
‘We’ll still be able to buy clothes for Minnie, won’t we?’ I look up in sudden alarm. ‘And she can still have her pocket money?’
I’ve got quite used to Minnie having pocket money when we’re out and about. She spent another six months’ advance in the Bambino sale and got the most gorgeous half-price sparkly wellingtons. Plus it’s teaching her financial planning, because I’ve got it all written down in a book.
‘Of course Minnie can have her pocket money!’ Luke laughs. ‘And if she needs new clothes, she needs them. She’s a growing girl.’
‘Fine,’ I say, trying not to feel envious.
It’s all right for children. I wish I grew out of all my stuff every three months and had to replace it all.
‘Anyway, Becky, I thought the Bloomwood style was Make More Money.’ Luke breaks into my thoughts. He pulls out a chair and pours himself a glass of wine. ‘Maybe you could go back to work full-time, now we’re getting a nanny.’
Aargh! No! It’s as though he’s fired a shot into the air with no warning; in fact I feel myself physically recoil. Why did he have to mention the word ‘nanny’, just like that with no preamble? I was going to soften Mum up first, maybe via general chit-chat about au pairs.
‘Nanny?’ Mum’s voice is instantly sharp. ‘What nanny? What are you talking about?’
She manages to make ‘nanny’ sound like ‘serial killer’.
I hardly dare look at her.
‘We just thought … it might be a good idea, to try and get some expert help …’ I cough. ‘I mean …’
‘Minnie’s spoiled,’ puts in Luke flatly. ‘She needs some structure and regulations.’
Mum looks mortally offended.
‘She’s not spoiled by you, Mum, obviously,’ I add hurriedly. ‘It’s just … they have these amazing people called Ultimate Nannies who help to raise a well-balanced, accomplished child. They’re qualified in martial arts and everything.’
‘Martial arts?’ echoes Mum incredulously. ‘What does she need martial arts for, poor little love?’
‘And they’re trained in routines and child development …’ I glance desperately at Luke for support.
‘We think it’s what Minnie needs,’ says Luke firmly. ‘We’re going to interview some candidates next week and I’m sure we’ll all get along marvellously.’
‘Well.’ Mum seems lost for words. ‘Well.’ She takes a swig of wine. ‘I see. Everything’s changing.’
‘Well, of course, arrangements would have had to change substantially anyway,’ begins Luke, ‘bearing in mind that we’ll be— Oof!’ He breaks off as I kick him hard on the ankle and glare at him.
Does he have no tact? Is he just going to blurt out everything, right here, right now?
We can’t tell Mum we’re moving out. Not on top of everything else. It’ll be the final straw. It’ll destroy her. She’ll sink into depression and probably spiral into some kind of breakdown.
‘What?’ Mum looks beadily from face to face. ‘Bearing in mind you’ll be what?’
‘Nothing!’ I say quickly. ‘Um, shall we go and watch telly?’
‘Becky?’ I can see Mum’s face working with alarm. ‘What is it? What aren’t you telling me?’
Oh God, now I’m torn. If we don’t tell her the truth she’ll think something really awful’s happened. And after all, it is a family conference. Maybe this is the right time to break the news.
‘OK.’ I take a deep slurp of wine for courage. ‘Here’s the thing, Mum. Luke and I have found a lovely family house in Maida Vale. And we’ve had an offer accepted. And this one looks like it’s really going ahead. Which means we’ll be …’ I take a deep breath, hardly able to say it. ‘Mum, we’re moving out.’
There’s a stunned, disbelieving silence in the room. No one seems able to speak.
I shoot an agonized look at Luke. This is awful. I knew it would be bad, but I never thought it would be this bad.
‘You’re … going?’ Mum says at last, her voice cracking slightly. ‘You’re actually leaving us?’
She’s devastated. It’s obvious. I can already feel the tears rising inside.
‘Yes, we’re going. In about four weeks’ time, probably.’ I swallow, my throat tight. ‘We have to have our own space. You must understand that, Mum. But we’ll come and visit loads, and you’ll still see Minnie, I promise, and—’
Mum doesn’t seem to be listening.
‘They’re going! They’re going!’ She grabs Dad’s arm. ‘Did you hear that, Graham?’
Hang on. She doesn’t sound that devastated. In fact, she sounds … delighted.