Valentine's Dinner?

22. Finding Comfort

Shortly past eleven, Valerie read the incoming text on her iPhone; then she looked up at Avril. "He's found a spot near Door 3 on Basil Street."

Avril pointed along the aisle, then led Valerie, Chloe and the two laden valets to the door, Jason meeting them as they emerged. "The car is just along there, Ma'am."

Valerie remained by the door with Chloe, chatting with Avril while the valets loaded the packages into the boot. Then after parting thanks, she led Chloe across to the Bentley, Jason opening the door as they arrived.

As they drove away, Jason glanced up into the mirror and said, "I hadn't even thought, Ma'am. Hans Crescent is where all the gossip columnists hang out, waiting for stories to arrive."

"Yeah, I also should have thought. Did you get the papers?"

"I did, Ma'am, but you're not going to like them."

"I'm sure. What had Mr Benton told you?"

"Enough to know you're dealing with a very sick and angry man."

"Yeah. That sums it up." She fell silent as she thought. Why now? Now that I'm able to face my past and begin letting it go? I don't want to drag Lorne into this. Smear his image as well. She fingered the fringe of her hijab as she continued thinking. Need to remain out of sight until it blows over.

The two miles went quickly through the quieter streets of Belgravia, and Valerie was surprised from her thoughts when Jason opened the door. Once they had been assisted out, she and Chloe walked to the rear of the car to help Jason remove the bags from the boot.

"There's no need for you to do this, Ma'am. I can handle them in two trips."

"And together, we can handle them in one."

"You're like Mr Benton, Ma'am. He lends a hand whenever possible."

Valerie nodded to herself as she walked toward the house. Yeah, seems like him. Such a kind soul. Don't want to entangle him in this. She paused her thoughts to tap the knocker. A brief wait later, Mrs Forbes opened the door and welcomed them in, and after the bags had been piled on the foyer floor, Jason bade farewell and left.

"Looks as if you had a successful trip," Mrs Forbes said as she surveyed the bags. "And a religious conversion."

"We were accosted by reporters when we arrived, and Chloe thought the scarves would keep us from being so easily recognised." 

"Wise thinking, Chloe. A fine way to avoid those inconsiderate vultures."

Valerie pointed to the bags as she unwrapped her hijab. "Those are for the second and third floors. We'll take them up and sort which is where."

"Mrs Wilkins is upstairs now, ensuring everything is clean and proper."

"Would George be able to hire a small lorry and two men for tomorrow or Thursday? We need to bring my bed and more of our clothes from Chester Square."

"I'm sure he can. I'll put him to it. And what about Chloe's bed?"

"She'll use mine. We have a huge new one coming for ... for me. It's being delivered tomorrow afternoon."

Mrs Forbes nodded as a broad grin spread across her face. "And Chloe, what do you think of all this?"

"I like it. I finally get a grown-up bed. But much better; Mummy finally gets to do grown-up things in hers."

Valerie pursed her lips. "This isn't the sort of thing we mention, Sweetheart. We know about it, and we love it, but we don't talk about it. It's one of the good-to-keep secrets, like the others we've discussed."