And now Ive gathered my coins and slipped out the door, Alex announced to his brothers wife.
Violet! Can you hear me? he shouted before even stepping inside.
Im listening, the woman replied, never looking away from the tablet where she was sketching with a stylus.
Ian and his wife and their little girl are asking for a place to stay!
Violet knew Ian well the younger brother of her husband, a restless lad a couple of years her junior. He seemed born with a camera in his hand, never seen without it. He loved photographing everything, especially women, turning them into models for his endless series. Hed started at a local paper, moved to a London ad agency, and somehow found himself entered in a beauty pageant, which he treated like a gold rush. He never stopped: weddings, product launches, any gig that paid. Even at his brothers wedding he couldnt sit still, darting after the bride, snapping pictures nonstop.
Violet set her stylus aside, straightened up just as Alex entered the room. She smiled at him.
So I give my blessing, she said.
His question about the guests was welcome. They lived by the sea, and everyone seemed eager to drop by. The house was modest, but they had begun building a guest cottage just last year.
The renovations need finishing, she reminded her husband, whose handy skills left something to be desired.
Just a few tweaks left, Alex replied.
When are they arriving? Violet asked.
If theyre all set, I reckon two weeks, he said.
Good, let them come, she answered.
Shall we take a stroll? Alex suggested gently.
Too much work, she replied.
I understand, but perhaps
Violet rarely left the house; only on cool evenings did she tend the garden. Most of her time was spent in her studio, drawing and drawing, counting calories, dieting, then bingeeating, berating herself, and starting over.
Outside the window the sea murmured, roses scented the air. On the sill a fluffy cat naps, opening its eyes only to watch gulls wheel by.
Alex left. Violet rose, massaged her back, stepped onto the scales, and sighed as the needle crept upward.
Again, she thought sadly, having gained half a kilo.
She glanced at the packet of scones shed brought to her desk that morning, half eaten.
Maybe just one more, then Im done, she mused. Her hand reached, then recoiled in shame. She sealed the packet and carried it to the kitchen.
When Violet worked from home she only needed to deliver illustrations for books. Alex, who had opened his own ad firm five years earlier, was often nowhere to be seen. Hed started by buying printing equipment, then a camera, hiring art students, then graphic designers, then writers, and before he knew it the agency had grown. He kept expanding, aware that the advertising world kept shifting. Soon he employed web developers and ecommerce specialists. His staff numbered fifteen fulltime and about the same on contract, bringing in a tidy profit. They had lived up north, but when they spent a summer down south and were about to leave, the landlady announced she wanted to sell.
Alex brushed it off; work consumed him. Violet, however, was enchanted by the idea of a plot of her owna twentyacre hilltop near the Cotswolds, not exactly prime, but enough to dream.
After consulting his father, Alex supported her and sent the money. When the land appeared, Alex realized they needed a proper build. Two years later they had a threeroom house, and when guests arrived they decided to add a small guest cottage.
Although Violet and Alex married before Ian, their daughter Olive was the same age as Milly, Ians daughter. Ian had been a bachelor for years, but eventually Yvonne, his partner, pressed him into marriage.
At the start of summer Violet sent Olive to stay with her mother. Milly, five, was about to start school. Violet wanted the girls to meet, so she told Alex, Ill be quick, in and out, and covered the monitor with a privacy film. Ill lock it up, Alex joked.
With a calm mind Violet set off. A few days later Ian arrived with his wife and Milly.
Wow! Milly exclaimed, having heard countless stories about the brothers house but never visited.
Thats all Violets doing, Alex said proudly, gesturing to the garden.
The garden was mostly wild: a pear, a walnut, apple and plum trees, all a little scattered, while the grass grew so fast Alex could never quite trim it.
Olive, look, theres a cherry tree, Alex whispered, pointing to a lofty branch. The girl sprinted toward it.
Lovely place you have, Ian remarked, hauling his suitcases into the cottage.
What else do you have? Milly asked.
For nearly an hour Alex toured the grounds, pointing out each tree, then they descended the hill and entered the main house. Seeing Violets studio door open, Alex slipped in. Olive, acting like the mistress of the house, pushed aside the privacy film and reached for her stylus.
Stop! Alex said calmly but firmly. Dont touch that.
He took the stylus from her and placed it on a shelf. And really, this room isnt for guests.
Olive darted out, the film fluttering back onto the screen. Alex closed the door tightly behind him.
Is your wife still that plump? Milly asked with a sly grin.
Alex winced. He knew Violet wasnt slim, and comparing her to Milly a former model felt wrong. He tried to be diplomatic.
Not everyone can be as svelte as you, he said.
Milly smirked. But its not something to talk about.
She muttered, To stay thin you just eat less.
Exactly, Alex agreed. Violet has tried many diets, counted calories, but
Eat less, Milly repeated.
Alex realized his hint had gone unheard, so he blurted, Dont say that to Violet.
Milly rolled her eyes, shrugged, and as she left the cottage said, Just eat less, thats all. Dont be a pig.
Alex felt a sting. He didnt understand why these models were so harsh. He encountered them at work; they prided themselves on looks theyd never earned, using natures gifts as weapons against others.
The next day, as promised, Violet returned with Milly. Alex met her, sighed, sat down and embraced his daughter. Olives cheeks were fuller, lips plump.
Grandma, Violet said protectively.
Nothing, shell be fine after a couple of days of running and swimming, Alex reassured.
What about our guests? Violet asked.
Theyve gone to the sea, will be back soon, he replied.
Did they starve? Only pizza? the housekeeper asked, opening the fridge.
No, Milly cooked something; they didnt die of hunger, Alex said.
Ill whip up dinner, Violet announced, changing into an apron and heading to the kitchen.
An hour later the guests returned. Milly was quiet, but Alex could see she was displeased not just with Violets appearance but also with Olives. She kept her criticism to herself.
The meal was hearty: a meat bake, salads, fruit, and two pies. The children ate everything, but after ten minutes Milly scolded her own daughter, Dont eat so much or youll end up as round as Milly.
Violet and Milly had already stepped outside, yet Alex heard every word. His face flushed with anger, ready to intervene, when Olive burst into the room.
Dad, dad, dad! Can I go up the hill? she asked excitedly.
The cottage sat at the bottom of a slope that led to the hill where Violet had bought the plot, a hillside carpeted with hazel and wild vines. In the mornings birds sang enough to make an alarm clock unnecessary. At first Alex found it irritating, then he grew to love the chorus.
Take Olive with you, Alex suggested.
Olive immediately took Olives hand and said, Come on, Ill show you a nest, theres a cliff and rocks!
Olive turned to her mother, then glared at Milly and declared, I dont make friends with pigs.
Alex lifted Olive, told her to go find her mother who was watering the roses, and watched the angry girl run off.
He turned to Ian, who had been sitting with his family.
You insulted my daughter, Alex said coldly, by calling her a pig.
I didnt say it! Ian snapped.
You both stayed silent, Alex continued, glancing from Ian to Milly and back to Olive. You all called my child a pig.
Milly turned crimson. Ian had nothing to say; hed indeed stayed quiet. Alex stared at the family, then, with a contemptuous sigh, walked out.
That evening, when Violet set the table, Ian arrived with his clan. Alex expected an apology, but they behaved as if nothing had happened. Violet, as hostess, served a wonderful dinner. Ian praised the food, Alex nodded. Milly, having eaten too much, reclined in a chair. Violet fetched tea and biscuits that Alex had promised to buy.
Milly took a biscuit, cut off a piece of cream and began to nibble; Olive did the same. Violet picked up a biscuit, remembered her promise to herself to stop, and set it aside.
Milly noticed, smiled, and whispered, If you dont want to be fat, just dont eat so much.
Alexs hand slammed onto the table. The sudden noise startled Milly, who stared at him, confused.
Go for a walk, Alex told his wife.
She took Olive and stepped outside, leaving the house to the remaining guests.
He returned to Ian, remembering that despite everything, Ian was still his brother.
This time youve hurt my wife, Alex said.
It wasnt like that! Ian protested.
You stayed quiet when she Alex pointed at Milly, said my wife was fat.
But she is, Milly retorted, defending herself.
Alexs palm struck the table again; Milly flinched. He turned to Ian, First you called my daughter a pig.
Enough! Ian pleaded, realizing where his brother was heading.
And now you called my wife fat, telling her to eat less, Alex said.
But shes right, Milly replied, looking at her husband.
I wont let you insult my family in my house, Alex said, silence falling.
Fine, sorry, Milly said disdainfully. Im not to blame for her size
Alex stared coldly and finally said, You may stay the night, but you leave at first light.
What?! Ian shouted.
And thats because Im right?! Milly wailed. Shes fat, and your daughter is too!
One more word Alex rose, leaned on the table and warned, One more word and youll be out of my home this instant.
Milly jumped from her seat, fled to the guest cottage, Olive hurrying after her.
Alexs words were aimed at his brother, who remained silent, likely understanding his wifes nature.
At dawn, skipping breakfast, Ians family hurried to the exit. The air smelled of blooming magnolias, and the sun just began to warm the earth.
Where are they off to? Violet asked Alex, wiping the table with a kitchen towel. Did they dislike the cottage or my cooking?
Everythings fine, Alex replied, hugging his wife and adjusting the curtains.
But why? Violet wondered, sitting on the edge of a chair.
Its how it should be, he answered. How about we head to the sea today and spend the whole day there?
Nodding, lively Milly dashed to her room, returned in a swimsuit with a huge inflatable ring, her steps echoing through the house.
Im ready! she declared, heading for the door, humming a merry tune.
Not so fast! her mother called, also changing clothes.
Alex felt a pang of sadness; he hadnt seen his brother in ages and hoped the two girls would become friends.
Violet, practical and forwardthinking, approached him. Weve packed water, fruit, towels, and sunscreen, she said, loading a large beach bag.
Great, lets go, he replied, shedding the thought of Ians family and heading to his own room to change.
Within five minutes they were descending the hill toward the sea. The southern sun grew hotter, and the salty breeze carried the scent of seaweed.
