章 15: Chapter 15: A dinner date

Equally, Marion Davies had had no intention of being caught on the back foot a second time. She had dressed attractively and responses were gratifying to both parties. Her parents when introduced proved friendly and polite, rising from the family room settee where they were already settled for the evening with Elizabeth and Robin and a stack of DVDs. A young looking couple of the same vintage as their daughter's late husband, John Fletcher was dressed for the occasion in much worn comfortable shorts and voluminous shirt, his skin well tanned and greying hair clipped short. His wife, Therese, Terrie, also wore shorts and shirt, but in a better condition, and was hindering age with exercise and subterfuge. They all sat down for a five-minute chat and a drink, Marion's father reducing the television volume so they could talk without shouting and the kids moving down to the rug closer to the set with single-minded concentration.