And where is your husband tonight? Vanessa asked
In Scotland. On business.
How terrible for you. Or, she arched an eyebrow, perhaps lucky. I know Id be euphoric if Phillip went away.
Youve done a wonderful job. Grace shifted the conversation away from herself. Im sure the fundraiser will be a grand success.
I do my best. Wander round, Vanessa suggested with a wave of her hand, turning back to greet some other guests. And buy lots of tickets, girls. Its for the good of Britain. She flashed Grace a little smile. So nice to meet you. Really.
Lets get a drink, Mallory decided, heading for the refreshments table. And I dont mind telling you, I have designs on that gold watch.
Grace put a hand on Mallorys arm. How did Vanessa know about my family?
I dont know. I suppose its common knowledge. Why?
Nothing. Grace frowned. Only theres a family rumour my cousin is going to be forced to sell the estate soon. Rogers quite upset about it. But those old places simply burn money and theres so much debt.
Mallory gave her hand a squeeze. Dont think about that tonight, darling. Its probably just a coincidence that she brought it up.
Grace hadnt expected to enjoy herself but the evening was surprisingly entertaining. Vanessas cattle car policy meant that conversation was immediate and the carnival games created a raucous sense of competitive camaraderie. Mallory lost almost five pounds on the coconut shy before finally landing an up-and-coming Rank starlet in the dunk tank, to the extreme delight of all the men nearby. Grace excelled at horseshoes, eventually being outplayed by the Duchess of Kent. Neither of the girls won the gold watch. Grace discovered a few familiar faces amidst the throng and both she and Mallory devoured several caviar tarts washed down with champagne.
Then Mallory spotted the Mr Memory stall, manned by Phillip Maxwell himself in a top hat and tails, and became even more excited.
Look! We used to play this game all the time as children. She grabbed Graces arm and dragged her across the hall. Im an expert at this. Come on. Ill go against you, one on one.
Ive never played. Grace stared at the row of increasingly larger trays lined up on the stall counter. Each was covered with a cloth. What do you do?
Its the easiest thing in the world, ladies! Phillip Maxwell tipped his hat, giving them an exaggerated bow. Each tray has upwards of fifteen objects on it. I remove the cloth for a minute, cover it again, and you have another minute to record as many objects as you can remember. The person whos able to remember the most objects correctly is the winner.
Thats all? It sounded straightforward enough. All right, Mal. Youre on.
Phillip Maxwell handed them each a pencil and a piece of paper. Now, you cant begin writing your answers until the tray has been completely re-covered, understand? Ready, steady, go!
He lifted the cloth, timing the minute with a stopwatch, then replaced it.
Mallory began furiously jotting down her list.
Grace, however, didnt move.
Time! Maxwell called. Pass me your papers!
Mallory handed hers across then looked at Grace. But you havent written anything.
Grace smiled. I dont need to.
Oh really? And why is that?
I remember, Grace said.
Maxwell and Mallory exchanged a look.
Well, go on then! Mallory crossed her arms in front of her chest. Prove it!
Grace took a deep breath. One thimble; four needles of various sizes stuck into a pincushion in the shape of a green tomato; a small red rubber ball; a box of Bromo; two shillings, one heads side up, one tails; a glass ring, emerald cut; a letter opener with an ivory handle; a letter addressed to the leader of the Labour Party, unopened; a tortoiseshell comb; a leather hunting flask; a bill of sale from Ogdens bookshop in Bloomsbury for two books, totalling one pound, two shillings; a folded road map for Dorset; a used packet of Chesterfields; a token from a fairground ride; a china salt shaker in the shape of a duck; a nail file; and a teaspoon with the letters VM engraved on the handle.
Mallory blinked. She turned to Maxwell, who examined the contents of the tray.
My God, thats uncanny! he said, looking back up.
How can you do that? Mallory asked.
Grace shook her head, her cheeks colouring. I dont know. Its a rather useless talent, actually.
Go on, Mallory pointed to the next larger tray. Do that one.
Again, the tray was uncovered for a minute and then re-covered.
Grace flashed Mallory a smile. Do I get another drink for this?
Absolutely!
A small black leather notebook and a gold pencil; a ball of twine; two horn buttons probably from a sweater Again, Grace proceeded to reel off another twenty objects, in great detail, with eerie accuracy.
By now a small crowd had gathered around them.
By now a small crowd had gathered around them.
Whats she doing?
She doesnt even need to write them down!
Shes cheating! someone shouted out.
Impossible! Mallory turned on them. Shes never even played the game before.
I dont believe it, someone else chimed in. This is a set-up.
Have you hired her, Maxwell? Is this a joke?
Absolutely not, he assured them. Everythings on the up and up.
Like your candidates?
A roar of laughter.
The crowd continued to swell.
Make her do another one!
Make it harder this time!
Grace reached out for Mallorys hand. Come on, lets go, she whispered.
We cant go now. Youve been accused of cheating. It will look like youre guilty. Besides, youre winning, she added with a grin.
Phillip Maxwell was enjoying the high drama of the occasion too.
Fine, he agreed, tipping the contents of one of the trays out on the counter. We shall give this young woman a real challenge! He whispered in the ear of one of the waiters, who hurried away, returning moments later with an evening bag ornamented with black jet beads.
Maxwell held it up with a flourish. My wife Vanessas handbag, ladies and gentlemen! Who knows what mysteries lurk in its dark depths!
Laughter.
There is no possible way that this girl could know the contents not even I know the contents and, quite frankly, Im not certain I want to!
More laughter and a smattering of applause.
And just to up the stakes, this time Ill uncover the tray for only half a minute! Now, turn around, he instructed Grace, who did as she was told, turning to face the crowd of people who had gathered behind her. She could hear Maxwell emptying the handbag, arranging the objects on the tray.
Finally he gave her the go-ahead.
Mallory took her by the shoulders. Are you ready?
Grace nodded.
Mallory turned her round and Maxwell unveiled the tray. After only thirty seconds he covered it again.
Your time starts now! he said, looking at his stopwatch.
Grace concentrated. A linen handkerchief with the letters VM embroidered in one corner in white silk thread; a green enamel and gold powder compact; a tube of Hiver lipstick; an alligator change purse; a small tin of Wilsons headache pills; a silver cigarette case; a torn Cadburys wrapper with half a piece of chocolate; an empty matchbox from the Carlisle Hotel; a ticket stub for the seven-twenty showing at the Regent Cinema in Edinburgh; a latchkey; a mother-of-pearl and gold cigarette lighter
She stopped, her face suddenly draining of colour.
A mother-of-pearl and gold cigarette lighter, she repeated slowly, with the words Always and Evermore engraved on the side.
The crowd burst into a round of enthusiastic applause.
Its amazing! Maxwell raved. Absolutely incredible! How could you even see what was engraved on that lighter?
But Grace didnt seem to hear him. Im sorry, you said this is your wifes handbag?
The very same, he beamed back at her. Another round of applause for our champion, ladies and gentlemen! Ill be renaming this stall Mrs Memory from now on!
Cheers and applause.
Unseen hands clapped Grace on the back as she pushed her way through the crowds, desperately searching for the exit.
Well done.
Very impressive.
What a clever girl!
Head pounding, palms sweating, she felt unreal, as if she were moving through the distorted landscape of a dream; her mind shrinking in on itself, focusing down to a single terrible point.
It couldnt be true.
It couldnt.
She could see the door now. It was only a few steps away.
Well, you certainly showed them! Mallory caught up with her. Where are you going? She took her arm. Hold on a moment, Im going to buy you a drink Grace, whats wrong?
Let go of me. Grace pulled away. She made it through the doors and just managed to get clear of the pavement before she was sick.
Good God! Whats all this? A case of nerves? Mallory dug around in her evening bag and handed her a handkerchief. Easy does it. And mind you dont get it on your shoes. She stepped back gingerly. Or mine.
When Grace had finished, she wiped her mouth, sinking on to the front steps.
Do you think it was something you ate? Mallory sat down next to her.
No.
Maybe you had too much champagne? Perhaps it was the tarts. Oh dear, she frowned. I had them too.
Mal The words stuck in Graces throat. Thats my lighter.
Im sorry?
It belonged to my father. Its one of the only things I have of his.
What lighter? What are you talking about?
The lighter on the tray.
It took Mallory a minute to place it. Really? Whats it doing in Vanessas handbag?
Grace looked across at her. There was a matchbox as well. From the Carlisle Hotel.
Mallory stared at her blankly.
The Carlisle Hotel is in Scotland, Mal. So is the Regent Cinema. Her voice tightened. Along with my husband.
You mean oh. Mallory finally got it. Oh. I see.
Grace rested her head against her knees.
It was a beautiful, crisp night. Inside, the band played, laughter soared, the party reached a glittering frenzy.
Outside, they sat in silence.
After a while, Mallory stood up. Come on, darling. Its cold. Ill drive you home.
Grace got up too. I want it back.
What?
The lighter.
Mallory stared at her in horror. Grace, be sensible! Let it go!
It was my fathers. Graces voice was steely. Mallory had never seen her so determined. Its the only thing I have left of his. She opened the door. I want it back.
Mallory stopped her, barring the way with her arm. Then Ill get it. Do you understand? Let me deal with it. Youve had a terrible shock and you can only make matters worse for yourself. But right now, darling, she took Grace firmly by the shoulders, Im taking you home.