Yorkshire Lady

Yorkshire Lady Part 21 and 22

Part 21

Caroline and Andy had agreed very quickly on April being when they stopped living as man and wife ( if they ever really had done in the first place).

Now 11 months on from Greg's 'rose massacre' they finally began divorce proceedings.

It put Caroline into a somewhat ruminative frame of mind.   She reflected that for the first time in their lives Andy was now finally seeing her as a human being.

He'd never think of her as a woman   but it was a vast improvement on being a piece of furniture.  

At school she was 'the embarrassing frumpy daughter of his Mother's friend' and during their marriage she was there solely to run his house and raise his children.

   Caroline had been delighted when John had told Andy that this disrespect must stop but she knew it wouldn't come overnight.

 She had a memory that made her very proud of herself.

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Old habits die hard.   Andy had,  not long after the engagement party,  had a Saturday gathering of friends in London.   On impulse he'd suggested they go to his country house in Yorkshire.

Turning up at  7 pm without notice.   Andy, Rebecca and 4 other couples.

Rick had seen their arrival and had alerted Caroline who was most displeased at the lack of courtesy.   The old Caroline would have meekly catered for them but not now.

Caroline would often cheerfully recall walking out side and greeting them graciously.

 'Hello  Andy, Rebecca.   How lovely of you to pop in as you're passing through'.

Andy had looked puzzled.  'We're staying over with our guests'.   He'd told her.  'I knew you wouldn't mind'. 

Caroline had smiled and led them into the house.  John was looking somewhat annoyed until she gave him a very sly wink.

' Would you get our guests a drink please darling' she'd asked  him.  'I won't be a moment'.

She'd gone into the utility room and emerged with a pile of bedding.   Handing sets of sheets pillow cases and duvet covers  out to each couple with a sweet smile.

'I'll show you to your rooms and you can make your beds'.   She'd announced.

 'There's a very good chippy in the village for your supper and we can recommend the breakfasts at the village tea rooms.  Either that  or you go to the supermarket,  and buy things to prepare for yourselves.   At your own expense of course.

John's face had been a picture of  warm admiration.   Andy Rebecca and their friends one of shock.   'What about hospitality ?'   Andy had asked angrily.   'I don't pay you to expect me and my friends to play chambermaids  and buy our own food'.

' If you'd given me proper notice Andrew',  Caroline had been regally dignified.  'I would have had your bed's prepared and done enough shopping to cater for you.   I can't feed all of you as it stands without depriving those of us living here.   As for making up 5 beds now, you can forget it.  John and I are off duty at this time unless given ample notice of other wise.   If you can't give me a little courtesy please don't expect any in return'.

John had slid an arm around Caroline and given her  a partisan squeeze.

'I did tell you Andy that I expect you to have respect for Caroline now.   She's had a busy week and isn't giving up her own time at a a moment's notice.  Besides,  this is the boys bath time.  If you'll  excuse me.