Miss Purdy's Class by Annie Murray Page A

Gwen could feel the old claustrophobia coming over her. There was something about this house, about her parents’ marriage, that was so static, so dead .
    ‘Actually, I’m rather enjoying it where I am,’ Gwen replied evenly. She felt very tired suddenly. Her mother was keeping her criticism mild while Edwin was present, but was she going to carry on like this for four days? ‘Can we drop the subject now – please ?’
    ‘It’s only that we’re missing you,’ her mother said tetchily. ‘That’s all. And Birmingham sounds so grim .’
    Gwen watched her parents as her mother asked after Edwin’s family. Her father sat silent as ever, in his slippers. He leaned forward to poke the remains of the fire. She could sense him longing to be able to settle down with the newspaper. Her mother had evidently had a cold, which had left her nose pink and sore, and she looked tired. She was such a good woman, Gwen thought guiltily. At least as far as everyone else was concerned. She had a strict sense of propriety, and always did the right thing for her children with little thought for herself. That was how a virtuous woman was supposed to be, wasn’t it? Mummy must love her and Crispin because of all she did for them. So why didn’t it feel as if she did? And why did this kind of virtue feel so tyrannical?
    They chatted about local events and Edwin’s work. Edwin had a go at fitting in some of the jigsaw pieces. Later, they all had cups of cocoa and everyone was yawning. Edwin got up.
    ‘Best be getting back.’ Gwen saw the warmth and approval in her parents’ eyes as they looked up at their son-in-law to be. Edwin, she thought, was the one thing she had ever really done right. She felt very low suddenly. The only way she ever seemed able to get along with her parents was to act as a version of herself that they had decided upon – pretty, biddable and conventional.
    Mr and Mrs Purdy stayed tactfully in the back room as she went to see Edwin out. He put his coat on, and as soon as the sitting-room door was closed and they were alone he took Gwen in his arms.
    ‘Oh, I’ve been waiting for this!’ His good-natured face beamed down at her. It was a thoroughly English sporty face with a pink complexion and kindly blue eyes. ‘I miss you dreadfully, you know that, don’t you?’
    ‘I miss you too,’ she said, smiling up at him. ‘But it’s fun being able to write. And it’s not for long.’
    Edwin pulled her close and held his face against hers with a sound of pleasure. ‘It’s still far too long! It feels pretty bleak around here without you. I’m counting the days.’
    She drew back and looked up at him. ‘Me too.’
    He put his mouth close to her ear. ‘How about coming out into the porch for a moment?’
    Sheltered from the rain, they kissed, holding each other close. ‘That’s my girl,’ Edwin murmured, his hands stroking her sides. ‘Those lovely curves!’ Then, very self-controlled, he drew back. ‘Must go.’ He kissed her cheek. ‘But we’ve got tomorrow. I’ll see you in the morning, darling.’
    He stooped to put on his bicycle clips on, then went round to retrieve his bike. She waved as he swerved off along the road, then stood for a moment thoughtfully, looking at the empty path. Was she counting the days? she asked herself. She turned back into her parents’ warm, orderly house, preferring not to answer that question.
    They walked out to the hills the next day. The rain had stopped, the air was damp and mild and ragged clouds moved swiftly across the sky. As soon as they set out, Edwin took Gwen’s hand, smiling down at her. They were both well wrapped up, Edwin in plus fours and thick socks, Gwen in slacks and both in layers of winter woollies under their coats. Edwin wore a little knapsack with a Thermos and their sandwiches in it.
    ‘Got you to myself at last!’ he said.
    Gwen laughed. She felt rested and more optimistic this morning, setting out with Edwin’s big hand wrapped