A Friend of the Family (38 page)

‘Oh, George.' She took it and slipped her arm around him. ‘I'm so happy, it's terrifying. We're so lucky.'

‘We are indeed, my darling. Drink your wine. We'll have a toast to us.'

‘Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging.' Percy stuck to his guns.

‘He must know the Bible by heart.' Thea smiled a little. ‘I've got
some news actually. I'm pleased you said that about the girls, George. I'm so glad that's how you feel. Because we're going to have another baby. Isn't it wonderful? Maybe it'll be a boy, this time.'

Oh, Thea!'

‘I know. Oh, careful, George! Mind! Let me go. The dinner will burn.'

‘Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a stalled ox and hatred therewith,' observed Percy, continuing to work his way through the Book of Proverbs.

‘Blow the dinner. Put that glass down and come here. Oh, darling, what wonderful news.'

‘Isn't it? Oh, George, I think I'm going to cry. Isn't that silly? I'm so happy really.'

George took her into his arms and began to kiss her whilst Percy eyed them contemptuously. Remembering Polly's habit of quoting from St John's Gospel in moments of duress, he abandoned the Old Testament.

‘Jesus wept!' said the parrot.