Be Careful What You Wish For (The Clifton Chronicles 4)

“It’s often something as seemingly insignificant as that that can sway someone either to support or oppose you,” sighed Giles.

“Perhaps Harold Wilson has some skeletons in his cupboard that the press will take an interest in,” said Emma.

“None that I’m aware of,” said Giles, “unless you include being awarded a first at Oxford and then coming top in the civil service exam.”

“But he didn’t fight in the war,” said Harry. “So your MC could be an advantage.”

“Denis Healey also won an MC and he might well stand.”

“He’s too clever by half to ever lead the Labor Party,” said Harry.

“Well, that certainly won’t be your problem, Giles,” said Grace. Giles gave his sister a wry smile, as the family burst out laughing.

“I can think of one problem Giles might have to face up to…” They all looked at Gwyneth, who hadn’t spoken until then. “I’m the only outsider in this room,” she said, “someone who’s married into the family, so perhaps I see things from a different perspective.”

“Which makes your opinions all the more relevant,” said Emma, “so don’t hesitate to let us know what’s making you concerned.”

“If I do, I’m afraid it could mean opening a festering wound,” said Gwyneth hesitantly.

“Don’t let that stop you telling us what’s on your mind,” said Giles, taking her hand.

“There’s another member of your family, not in this room, who is, in my opinion, a walking time bomb.”

A long silence followed, before Grace said, “You’re quite right, Gwyneth, because if a journalist were to stumble across the fact that the little girl Harry and Emma adopted is Giles’s half-sister and Sebastian’s aunt, and that her father was killed by her mother after he had stolen her jewelry and then deserted her, the press would have a field day.”

“And her mother then committed suicide, don’t forget,” said Emma quietly.

“The least you can do is tell the poor mite the truth,” said Grace. After all, she’s now at the Slade, and has a life of her own, so it wouldn’t be hard for the press to find her, and if they did before you’d told her…”

“It’s not that easy,” said Harry. “As we all know only too well, Jessica suffers from bouts of depression, and despite her undoubted talent, she often loses confidence in herself. And as she’s only a few weeks away from her midterm exams, now isn’t exactly the ideal moment.”

Giles decided not to remind his brother-in-law that he’d first warned him over a decade ago that there was never going to be an ideal moment.

“I could always talk to her,” volunteered Sebastian.

“No,” said Harry firmly. “If anyone’s going to do it, it has to be me.”

“And as soon as possible,” said Grace.

“Please let me know when you have,” said Giles, before adding, “Are there any other bombshells you think I ought to be prepared for?” A long silence followed before Giles continued. “Then thank you all for giving up your time. I’ll let you know my final decision before the end of the week. I have to leave you now, as I ought to be getting back to the House. That’s where the voters are. If I do decide to stand, you won’t see much of me during the next few weeks, as I’ll be glad-handing, making endless speeches, visiting far-flung constituencies and spending any free evenings I have buying drinks for Labor members in Annie’s Bar.”

“Annie’s Bar?” said Harry.

“The most popular watering hole in the House of Commons, frequented mainly by Labor members, so that’s where I’m off to now.”

“Good luck,” said Harry.

The family rose as one and applauded him as he left the room.

* * *

“Has he got any chance of winning?”

“Oh, yes,” said Fisher. “He’s very popular among the rank and file in the constituencies, although Harold Wilson is the favorite with the sitting members, and they’re the only ones who have a vote.”

“Then let’s send Wilson a large donation toward his campaign fund, cash if necessary.”

“That’s the last thing we need to do,” said Fisher.