Free Soldiers' Wives by Fiona; Field Page B

I’d just arrived, introduced herself as Lizzy and promptly invited me to a lunch party the following week. “Do come,” she said. “I’ve invited everyone in this road.” So I said, “What, even the old farts in the big houses at the posh end?” She just giggled and said that it was come one, come all, so she could hardly not invite them or they’d feel left out. Then she thrust an invite in my hand and told me to ring if I found I couldn’t make it. It was only when she’d gone and I read the invite properly I realised she was Lady Mayhew, wife of General Sir Edward Mayhew, the GOC, chief of the old farts.’
    â€˜And she giggled? Really?’
    â€˜Truly she did. Told me later she thought what I’d said was a hoot. So I’m going to be like her, when I finally have to grow up, and not be stuffy and pompous. Not,’ she added, ‘that Will’ll get to such dizzying heights, but I still don’t want to become like Mrs N.’
    â€˜Oh, me neither,’ said Maddy with feeling, casting a glance in the direction of Susie and Mrs N, now both in earnest conversation. ‘Caro?’ she asked.
    â€˜Hmm?’
    â€˜You know what you said about casual babysitting?’
    Caro nodded. ‘Of course.’
    â€˜Could I ask a huge favour? I mean…’
    â€˜Spit it out.’
    â€˜You know you offered to have Nate, so I could get my hair cut?’
    Caro nodded. ‘And I meant it. Go and ring them now, Zoë’s number is on the noticeboard in the hall. Book an appointment with Jenna. Pick any day except next Thursday, as my mother-in-law is coming for the weekend and I’ll
have
to blitz the house.’
    â€˜Really?’
    â€˜Yes, I really
will
have to do housework. Rumours of me being a slut are all true, but this time I’m going to have to knuckle down.’
    Maddy giggled. ‘That’s not what I meant and you know it.’
    â€˜Just phone them. Now!’
    Maddy disappeared into the hall to find the list of numbers for the garrison facilities. Just as she left the room Nathan began to cry again.
    â€˜Go,’ said Caro, picking up the baby. When Maddy returned, Nathan was giggling.
    â€˜Laughter, not tears – that’s a first. You are a genius,’ she said, although she felt a tiny twinge of jealousy that Nathan was being such a perfect baby for Caro and not for her. She pushed the thought aside. ‘Tomorrow, ten o’clock,’ she said. She held her hands out for Nate, who Caro passed over. It was nice to cuddle a happy smiling child for once.
    â€˜Perfect. Drop Nathan around any time. Now, come and meet Philippa, before we all have to pay attention and learn how to make Christmas cake – not that I’m going to; that’s why we have Sainsbury’s. Honestly, if God had meant me to crochet my own sandals and be an earth mother, He wouldn’t have invented supermarkets. And don’t worry, despite the snotty kids, Philly is one of us and isn’t the least bit khaki-minded.’
    Maddy smiled happily. She was really glad Caro had cajoled her into coming to the Wives’ Club and that she was getting to know more of her neighbours. Life was going to be so much easier with a bunch of friends she knew she could lean on if necessary – even if some of them did have khaki blood running through their veins.
    Lee waited outside the Dismounted Close Combat Trainer, feeling happy that he was going to be spending the second half of the morning playing on what was essentially an enormous video game. And knowing he was going to be busy was going to take his mind off Chrissie. Why had she had that sudden change in attitude? What had he said? Or done? It didn’t add up. One moment she’d been dead keen to run with him and now… Over the past few days he’d sent her texts, asking if she was up for a run sometime during the following week and hadn’t had an