It Had To Be You. Barbara Hannay

men I’m interested in. I’m still on the lookout for my lovely Englishman. Any advice on where I should hang out to have the best chance of meeting my dream man would be deeply appreciated.

      By the way, I’ve bought a Travelcard and I’ve done heaps of travelling on the Tube now. On my last day off I went to Piccadilly Circus, to explore the hidden courts and passages of St James’s. I found the most amazing, ancient, hidden pub in Ely Street. It’s so tiny and dark and dingy and old, and it has the stump of a cherry tree that Elizabeth I danced around!

      I was rather overcome just trying to wrap my head around all the history contained in those tiny rooms.

      Molly x

      PS I’m such a traveller now. Last night, as I was drifting off to sleep, I kept hearing a voice saying, ‘Mind the gap.’

      To: Patrick Knight <[email protected]>

      From: Felicity Knight <[email protected]>

      Subject: Surprise news

      Dearest Patrick

      I have the most amazing news. Jonathan has asked me (again) to marry him, and this time I’ve said yes.

      Can you believe it? Your mother is getting married and she couldn’t be happier.

      As you know, it’s taken me a very long time to get over the divorce. Actually, it’s taken us both a long time, hasn’t it? I know that’s so, Patrick, even though you won’t give in and talk about it.

      I honestly thought I couldn’t face another marriage after the way the last one ended, but Jonathan has been such a darling—so patient and understanding.

      This time when he proposed I knew it was a case of saying yes or losing him. A man’s pride can only take so many knockbacks.

      Suddenly (thank heavens) the scales fell from my eyes and I understood without a shadow of a doubt that I couldn’t bear to lose him. I simply couldn’t let him go.

      Now that decision’s made such a weight has lifted from my heart. I’m giddy with happiness.

      It’s all happening in a frightful hurry, though. I think poor Jonathan is terrified that I might change my mind. I won’t, of course. I know that as certainly as I know my own name.

      So it’s to be a May wedding, and then a honeymoon in Tuscany. Have you ever heard of anything more romantic?

      Now, darling, I’m including your invitation as an attachment, but Jonathan and I know this writing time is precious to you. You’ve worked far too hard these past couple of years, and I’m so pleased you’ve taken this break, so we’ll understand perfectly if you can’t tear yourself away from your novel. The wedding will be a very small affair. We were lucky enough to book the church after a cancellation.

      Even if you can’t make it, I know you’ll be happy for me.

      Oceans of love

      Your proud and very happy mother xxx

       Patrick Knight The pleasure of your company is requested at the marriage of Felicity Knight and Jonathan Langley on Saturday 21st May at St Paul’s Church, Ealing at 2.00 p.m. and afterwards at 3 Laburnum Lane, West Ealing

      To: Felicity Knight <[email protected]>

      From: Patrick Knight <[email protected]>

      Subject: Re: Surprise news

      Wow! What fabulous and very welcome news! I’m thrilled, and I know you and Jonathan will be blissfully happy.

      You deserve so much happiness, Mother. That’s been my main concern ever since Dad left us.

      I can just imagine Jonathan’s relief. I know he’s mad about you, and tying the knot will put him out of his agony.

      Your plans sound wonderfully spontaneous and romantic. I’m glad you’re just getting on with it and not worrying too much about my presence. That said, I’d love to come back for a quick weekend to join the nuptial celebrations, so I’ll give it serious thought and let you know very soon.

      Don’t fret about my attitude towards my father. I still can’t forgive him for what he did to you, but Jonathan’s made up for his behaviour in spades.

      Love and best wishes to you both

      Patrick

       Private Writing Journal, Magnetic Island, May 3rd

      This isn’t about writing … but my mind’s churning and it might help to get my thoughts down.

       I hate myself for hesitating to jump on a plane and hurry back for my mother’s wedding, especially as I wouldn’t have stalled if the book had been falling into place.

       I’ve tried to breathe life into the damn thing. I’ve even tried Molly’s suggestion of leaping in and simply letting the writing flow. It worked for two days, then I made the mistake of re-reading what I’d written.

       Utter drivel.

       And now, of course, I can’t stop thinking about my father and what a fool he was to leave my mother and take off with his secretary. His actions were a comical cliché to outsiders looking on, and a truly hurtful shock for us.

       I was eighteen at the time, and I’ll never forget how shattered my mother was. I wanted to help her, but I knew there was absolutely nothing I could say or do to heal her pain. I bought a plane ticket to Edinburgh, planning to go after my father and—

       I never was quite sure what I’d do when I found him. Break his stupid, arrogant nose, I suppose. But Mother guessed what I’d planned and she begged me not to go. Begged me with tears streaming down her face.

       So I gave up that scheme, but I was left with so many questions.

       Along with everyone else who knew my parents, I could never understand why he did it—apart from the obvious mid-life crisis which had clearly fried his brains. Actually, I do know that my father worried about ageing more than most. He could never stand to waste time, and he hated the idea of his life rushing him towards its inevitable end. Perhaps it’s not so very surprising that he started chasing after much younger women.

       Fool. I still don’t see how he could turn his back on Mother. Everyone loves her. Molly’s response to meeting her was the typical reaction of anyone who meets her.

       Of course the one thing in this that I’ve totally understood was my mother’s reluctance to enter a second marriage. She didn’t want to be hurt again, and my father is to be entirely blamed for that.

      But her heart is safe in Jonathan Langley’s hands. He’s exactly like Molly Cooper’s dream man—a charming Englishman, a gentleman to the core—and he and my mother share a deep affection that makes the rest of us envious. …

       I wonder if Mother wants me to write to tell Dad. She would never ask outright.

       To be honest, I don’t think I want him to know until Jonathan’s ring is safely on her finger and she’s away in Italy with him. Maybe I’m being overly cautious, but I’m not going to risk any chance that Dad might turn up and somehow spoil this for her.

      To: Patrick Knight <[email protected]>

      From: Molly Cooper <[email protected]>

      Subject: Impossible dreams

      I assume from your silence that you’re not going to pass on any wise advice about how I might find my dream Englishman.