As the Crow Flies

“A quorum?”

“The minimum number of people needed to pass a resolution,” explained Becky.

“That used to be just me,” said Charlie wistfully.

“That was probably true of Mr. Marks before he met Mr. Spencer,” said the colonel, “so let’s settle on our next meeting being a month today.”

Becky and Charlie nodded.

“Now if there is no other business I will declare the meeting closed.”

“There is,” said Becky, “but I don’t think such information should be minuted.”

“The floor’s all yours,” said the chairman, looking puzzled.

Becky stretched across the table and took Charlie’s hand. “It comes under miscellaneous expenses,” she said. “You see, I’m going to have another baby.”

For once Charlie was speechless. It was the colonel who eventually asked if there were a bottle of champagne anywhere near at hand.

“I’m afraid not,” said Becky. “Charlie won’t let me buy anything from wine and spirits until we own the shop.”

“Quite understandably,” said the colonel. “Then we shall just have to walk round to my place,” he added, rising from his seat and picking up his umbrella. “That way Elizabeth can join the celebration. I declare the meeting closed.”

A few moments later the three of them stepped out onto Chelsea Terrace just as the postman was entering the shop. Seeing Becky he handed her a letter.

“It can only have come from Daphne with all those stamps,” she told them as she ripped the envelope open and began reading its contents.

“Come on, then, what’s she been up to?” asked Charlie, as they walked towards Tregunter Road.

“She’s covered America and China, and as far as I can tell India’s next,” Becky announced. “She’s also put on half a stone and met a Mr. Calvin Coolidge, whoever he is.”

“The vice-president of the United States,” said Charlie.

“Is that so? And they still hope to be home sometime in August, so it won’t be that long before we are able to learn everything firsthand. Becky looked up to discover that only the colonel was still by her side. “Where’s Charlie?” They both turned round to see him staring up at a small town house that had a “For Sale” sign attached to the wall.

They walked back towards him. “What do you think?” he asked, continuing to stare at the property.

“

What do you mean, ‘What do I think?’”

“I suspect, my dear, what Charlie is inquiring of you is your opinion of the house.”

Becky stared up at the little house that was on three floors, its front covered in Virginia creeper.

“It’s wonderful, quite wonderful.”

“It’s better than that,” said Charlie placing his thumbs in his waistcoat pocket. “It’s ours, and also ideal for someone with a wife and three children who is the managing director of an expanding business in Chelsea.”

“But I don’t have a second child yet, let alone a third.”

“Just planning ahead,” said Charlie. “Something you taught me.”

“But can we afford it?”

“No, of course we can’t,” he said. “But I’m confident that the value of property will soon be going up in this area, once people realize they will have their own department store within walking distance. In any case, it’s too late now, because I put down the deposit this morning.” He placed a hand in his jacket pocket and removed a key.

“But why didn’t you consult me first?” asked Becky.