'Anne, darling, lovely party,' said a loud voice over Alan's shoulder.
He did not recognise the fare; presumably one of Henry's politician friends. 'How's the little mother - to - be?' continued the effusive voice.
Alan slipped away, hoping that he had bought some time for the bank.
There were a lot of politicians at the party, from City Hall and even a couple from Congress, which made him wonder if William would turn out to be wrong about the big contract. Not that he needed the bank to investigate that: the official announcement from City Hall was due the following week. He said goodbye to his host and hostess, picked up his black overcoat from the cloakroom and left..
'This time next week,' he said aloud, as if to reassure himself as he walked back down Chestnut Street to his own house.
During the party Anne found time to watch Henry whenever he was near Milly Preston. There was certainly no outward sign of anything between them; in fact, Henry spent more of his time with John Preston. Anne began to wonder if she had not misjudged her husband and thought about cancelling her appointment with Glen Ricardo the next day. The party came to an end two hours later than Anne had anticipated; she hoped it meant that everybody had enjoyed thernselves.
'Great party, Anne, thanks for inviting us.' It was the loud voice again, leaving last. Anne couldn't remember his name, something to do with City Hall. He disappeared down the drive.
Anne stumbled upstairs, undoing her dress even before she had reached the bedroom, promising herself that she would give no more parties before having the baby in ten weeks' time.
Henry was already undressing. 'Did you get a chance to have a word with Alan, darling?'
'Yes, I did,' replied Amne. 'He said the books look fine, but as the company can only show one year's figures, he must bring his own accountants in to double check; apparently that's normal banking policy!
'Normal banking policy be damned. Cant you sense William's presence behind all this? He's trying to hold up the loan, Anne!
'How can you say that? Alan said nothing about William!
Udn't he?' said Henry, his voice rising. 'He didn't bother to mention to you that William had lunch with him on Sunday at the golf club while we sat here at home alone? 'What?' said Anne. 'I don't believe it. William would never come to Boston without seeing me. You must be mistaken, Henry!
'My dear, half of the city was there, and I don't imagine thaf William travelled some fifty miles just for a round of golf with Alan Lloyd.
Listen, Anne, I need that loan or I'm going to fail to qualify as a bidder for the city contract. Some time - and very soon now - you am going to have to decide whether you trust William or me. I must have the money by a week from tomorrow, only eight days from now, because if I can't show City Hall I'm good for that amount, I'll be disqualified.
12
Disqualified because William didn't approve of yOUr wanting to marry me.
Please Anne, will you call Alan tOmorrow and tell him to transfer the money?'
His angry voice boomed in Anne's head, making her feel faint and dizy.
gNO, not tomorrow, Henry. Can it wait until Friday? I have a heavy day tomorrow.'
Henry collected himself with an effort and came over to her as she stood naked looking at herself in the mirror. He ran his hand over her bulging stomach. 'I want this little fellow to be given as good a chance as William.'
The next day Anne told herself a hundred times that she would not go to see Glen Ricardo, but a little before noon she found herself hailing a cab. She climbed the creaky wooden stairs, apprehensive of what she might learn. She could still turn back. She hesitated, then knocked quietly on the door.
'Come irL'
She opened the door.
'Ah, Mrs. Osborne, how nice to see you again. Do have a seat.'
Anne sat and they stared at each other.
qbe news, I am afraid, is not good,' said Glen Ricardo, pushing his hand through his long dark hair.
Anne's heart sank. She felt sick.
'Mr. Osborne has not been seen with Mrs. Preston or any other woman during the past seven days.'
'But you said the news wasn't good,'said Anne.
~Of course, Mrs. Osborne, I assumed you were looking for grounds for divorce. Angry wives don't normally come to me hoping I'll prove their husbands are innocent!
'No, no,' said Anne, suffused with relief. usthe best piece of news I've had in weeks!
'014 good,' said Mr. Ricardo, slightly taken aback. 'Let us hope the second week reveals nothing as well.'
~Oh, you can stop the investigation now, Mr. Ricardo. I am sure youll not find anything of any consequence next week.'