Free The Sleeping Salesman Enquiry by Ann Purser Page B

I’ll toast you instead,” Steven said, patting her on the shoulder. She stiffened, and said she believed someone else did that job. But from what he said, she was sure he would be word perfect by the wedding day.
    “Next,” announced Steven, in a loud voice that carried all round the lounge, to the delight of the other residents, who were watching television with the sound turned down, “next we must talk about a little gift for the bridesmaids. Oh no, no bridesmaids. But perhaps a small gift from the bride to the groom? Are you having rings exchanged, Roy?”
    Roy looked at Ivy. He had not considered such a thing, and it did not appeal to him. Luckily, Ivy answered for him quite fiercely.
    “Good heavens, none of that nonsense. Roy and I have already chosen the ring for the bride—me—and if I consider giving him a gift, it will be private, not for all the world to see.”
    Not in the least abashed, Steven said he had a pal in the jewellery trade who would be delighted to find her something suitable. She had only to say the word, and mention his name.
    “Ten percent off, straight away,” he said.
    “That won’t be necessary,” Ivy said. “And now, if you’ll excuse me, Roy, I have to go upstairs.”
    Steven heaved a sigh of relief, but Roy looked anxious. “Are you sure, my love? You are very welcome to stay.”
    Ivy smiled at him. “I’ll see you later, and you can bring me up-to-date. Good-bye, Mr. Wright. We shall no doubt meet again.” The prospect of this clearly did not please her, and she marched out of the room.
    Steven settled back in his chair and nodded his head at Roy. “Odd choice, Uncle,” he said, attempting to soften his remark with a smile. “A very sharp lady. In the best possible way, of course.”
    “I am a lucky man, Steven. She has given me a new lease of life.”
    “Ah, now, that brings me to a ticklish subject, which I’m sure you won’t mind my mentioning.”
    Oh yes, I know what you mean, young Wright, thought Roy. But you can squirm for as long as possible.
    “It’s really to do with your being a bachelor, well, up to now. And not having a son and heir.”
    “And especially an heir?” said Roy, perfectly relaxed.
    “I suppose so, yes. But I am sure you have thought of all that. Made a will, and so on?”
    “Wills are confidential, until after the will maker’s death.”
    “Oh yes, of course! But you do see that a little advice on the subject would be a good idea for everybody.”
    “I have a very smart adviser in my Ivy,” Roy said, with a soppy smile. “She has tidied up all my affairs, along with my socks and ties.”
    “It is nice to see you so happy, Uncle,” said Steven, beginning to lose patience, “but I mean professional advice. These things can cause a lot of trouble if they are not done properly. You must take the matter seriously.”
    “If you don’t mind my saying so, that is entirely my business. All I ask of you is to turn up on May the fifth and be my best man. You will be asked to meet our new rector, a very pleasant lady and a true Christian, in my opinion.”
    “A woman? Oh God, they’re getting everywhere. Do you know, Uncle Roy, there are now five women on the board of my company! No wonder the country is in such a mess.”
    Roy was too annoyed to answer, and began to struggle to his feet. “I must go and order tea for us,” he said. “And make sure my Ivy is all right. She will share everything, Steven, joys, woes, triumphs, everything.”
    “Including your considerable fortune, Uncle,” muttered Steven, as he watched Roy hobble out of the lounge door.
    • • •
    IVY SAT IN her room, staring crossly out of the window. What a dreadful man! If only she had met him before Roy asked him to be best man. Anyone would be better than him! Family, indeed! Friendship is more important than family, in Ivy’s opinion. Of all the slithy, untrustworthy—!
    There was a soft knock on the door, and she opened it to find Roy standing