Watching. Jeff Edwards

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СКАЧАТЬ it finally arrived, came as a relief to the girls.

      With all the study behind them, they moved into the exam hall for the first exam, expecting the worst, and then pleasantly surprised, when they found questions that they could cope with.

      They began writing confidently, and did not let up until the final bell rang.

      Over the next few days they devoured the exams, until, finally, a week later, they were finished.

      Closing the last book, and handing in the last paper, they emerged from the hall, and let out a loud cheer, while hugging each other in relief.

      ‘I’m so glad its all over,’ bubbled Jade.

      ‘I’d love to do it all over again. I’m sure I could do better a second time.’

      ‘Don’t be silly. Who’d want to go through that again?’

      ‘I suppose you’re right.’

      ‘You know I am. Now, let’s go and celebrate.’

      ‘Where?’

      ‘Oh, didn’t I tell you? I’ve made arrangements for you to come and stay with the Commodore and me, ‘til the results come through.’

      ‘But I’m supposed to go home. They’re expecting me.’

      Jade smiled. ‘The Commodore telegraphed them. Your father has given his permission for you to stay, but just until the results come out.’

      Grabbing Jade by the hand, Rani smiled broadly. ‘That will be absolutely wonderful. Thank you.’

      It was a sad occasion, as the senior class packed their boxes, and suitcases for the last time.

      For years now, the Staunton College for Young Ladies had been their home, and the girls of their year, like sisters. Abiding friendships had been formed, as well as a few of a much deeper nature.

      The staff, as usual, were sad to see the young ladies go, but were gratified by the changes they had been able to bring about in the girls. Each of them was now perfectly suited to take their place in the upper strata of society.

      Mrs McLean knocked on their door and handed Jade a number of envelopes as she was packing. ‘The staff were more than happy to assist.’ She smiled. ‘I hope it works out.’

      The Commodore arrived to collect the girls, and, among many tears and hugs, the bags were stowed in the rear of the car, while the three piled into the front seat for the journey home.

      As Jade watched the college disappear among the trees, she turned to Rani. ‘Do you think you’ll send your daughters there?’

      Rani looked over her shoulder, at the gates of the college: ‘I don’t know. Things are different. Times are changing. It was a good place, but I think it’s rooted too much in the past. I think the school would have to change a lot before I’d send my children there.’

      Jade nodded. ‘I think you’re right. Times are changing.’

      The Commodore made quite a sight over the next few weeks, with his impeccable suit, and thick grey hair. A dashing man, made even more dashing by the sight of two beautiful young ladies on his arm, one a blond English rose, and the other a dark Asian beauty, as he escorted them to the cinema and restaurants.

      Young men turned, and watched the sight of the laughing trio, as they passed. Each would gladly have swapped places with the elderly man, just to get close to two such glorious women.

      The Commodore had allowed Jade to splurge a little of her money on new clothes and cosmetics, for both herself and Rani. He stood patiently outside the shops, watching them cavorting inside, as they tried on numerous costumes. It would have been more comfortable for him inside, out of the weather, but the thought of him trespassing on the female domain was too much for him to contemplate.

      Finally, the examination results were published.

      Shrieks of joy erupted from the girls as they realised that they had achieved their goals. They hugged one another, and the Commodore, in their excitement.

      ‘Well!’ said the Commodore. ‘It looks as though I’ll have to book a table at the most exclusive restaurant I can find,’ he said proudly. ‘And if you both behave yourselves I may even allow you both a glass of champagne, or two, to celebrate.’

      The evening was delightful.

      With the Commodore’s witty banter brightening up the candle-lit table, the excellent food, and glasses of bubbling champagne tickling their noses, the girls giggled their way through the food.

      A small band played, and the Commodore took turns dancing the girls around the small dance floor. It was the first time the girls had danced in public, and they enjoyed the attention they drew from the other diners. It was so vastly different from the cloistered school dances, shared with spotty faced boys from a neighbouring school.

      However, Jade noticed that Rani became more withdrawn as the evening progressed. She knew immediately what was on her friend’s mind, and took Rani by the hand. ‘You don’t have to go back to India if you don’t want to,’ she said.

      Rani returned her look. ‘What do you mean?’

      ‘What would happen if you just ... didn’t go home?’

      ‘My parents would be very upset.’

      ‘What if you told them that you were going to university?’

      ‘They wouldn’t support me. I’d have to go home.’

      ‘What if you did have the money?’

      Rani could see where the conversation was going, and knew she could not accept Jade’s help. ‘I know what you’re about to say, Jade, but I will not accept any money from you — I’m not a charity case. There are far more deserving cases than myself.’

      ‘Don’t be silly. You are by far the most deserving case that I know. Besides which, I have no intention of forcing my money on you. However, I have discussed my finances with the Commodore, and he has agreed that you are a very suitable investment opportunity.’

      ‘You certainly are,’ agreed the Commodore.

      ‘So,’ Jade continued, ‘I have decided to invest in your future. I am going to make sufficient funds available to you, to allow you to do your studies. In return you will pay me back at a suitable interest rate, when you are fully employed.’

      ‘But ... that will be years away.’

      ‘I’m prepared to wait. In the meantime, I’ll be able to get free medical treatment from my very own, fully paid-for, doctor,’ said Jade with a grin. ‘Do you accept my offer?’

      ‘But what about my parents?’

      ‘Perhaps I can be of assistance there,’ offered the Commodore, ‘I think they should receive a well-turned letter from me, pointing out that children are not for sale in these enlightened times. Plus, I will point out that if they were to try to force you to come home, a few pertinent letters in the letters section of The СКАЧАТЬ