Free Beggars and Choosers by Catrin Collier

remembered Morgan as a runny-nosed child in nappies and enjoyed regaling anyone who held him in awe with tales of his boyhood misdemeanours.
    â€˜I have informed Tomas that this evening is the last time wine will be served in this house.’
    â€˜Until I come of age, Uncle Morgan,’ Geraint amended.
    â€˜By then I trust that you will have learned to respect the teachings of the Christian faith.’
    â€˜Wine is mentioned in the Bible, Morgan. Didn’t Christ himself turn water into wine when there wasn’t sufficient refreshment to serve at a wedding reception?’ Edyth enquired coolly, as if she didn’t already know the answer to her question.
    â€˜Tea, Mr Richards? Mr James? Uncle Morgan? Geraint?’ Sali asked in an attempt to diffuse the tension, but as she poured tea and milk, spooned sugar and passed cups, the strained atmosphere grew even more palpable.
    â€˜Have you had time to look over the marriage settlement, Mr Richards?’ Mansel gave Sali a sly wink as she handed him his cup.
    â€˜Yes, like Mr Watkin Jones’s will, it is quite straightforward.’ Eager to discuss business, the solicitor became quite animated, Sali suspected because as soon as his contribution to the evening was over, he could leave. ‘The marriage can take place after Miss Watkin Jones qualifies, or on, or after, her twenty-first birthday. And as soon as the marriage takes place, the settlement is to be paid.’
    â€˜A wedding is out of the question until Sali has observed mourning for her father. A full year is considered the minimum for a parent. Personally, I think it should be two.’
    â€˜Harry would not have wanted Mansel and Sali to wait any longer than June, Morgan.’ Edyth deliberately softened and lowered her voice.
    â€˜He would have been concerned with appearances, Mrs James,’ Morgan snapped acidly.
    â€˜Harry was always more concerned with right than appearances, and considered the happiness of his children paramount.’ Edyth eyed Morgan over the rim of her cup as she sipped her tea.
    â€˜Nevertheless, I think people will, quite rightly, be shocked if Sali dons a bridal gown before the year is out.’
    â€˜Then perhaps she should consider marrying in black,’ Edyth suggested.
    â€˜That is a preposterous idea,’ Morgan spluttered.
    â€˜If she did, she wouldn’t be the first bride in Pontypridd to marry in full mourning.’
    â€˜No respectable woman –’
    â€˜You don’t consider Mrs John Edwards respectable?’ Edyth questioned artfully, referring to one of the town’s oldest – and leading matrons.
    â€˜Of course.’
    â€˜Then you can have no objection to Sali marrying in black.’ Edyth turned smoothly to Sali. ‘Given the state of your mother’s health, I would be happy to help you select your trousseau and bridal clothes. We have six excellent dressmakers under contract to the store. But if you prefer, we could go to Howell’s in Cardiff.’
    â€˜I would prefer to shop in Gwilym James in Pontypridd, Aunt Edyth.’ Taking comfort from Mansel’s conspiratorial glance, the only thing that prevented Sali from smiling, was the relentless, heart-wrenching pain of her father’s death. She did have allies besides Geraint and Mansel after all. And Aunt Edyth, seventy-five years old and so frail she looked as though a strong wind would topple her tiny, wizened frame, was standing up to her Uncle Morgan – and succeeding in overriding his opinions, when everyone else had failed.
    â€˜I will ensure that our most capable assistants wait on you.’ Mansel opened his cigarette case and offered it to Geraint and Mr Richards before braving Morgan’s surly refusal.
    â€˜Do you really think it necessary for Sali to marry in black, Uncle Morgan?’ Geraint leaned towards Mansel as he struck a Lucifer.
    â€˜If I had my way, she would not be marrying until she had