“He’s was such a dear lad. So
funny and clever and wise. But he was,
well, sensitive. No, let me be
truthful. He was a little effeminate. But such a joy to be with, so bright and
lovely. And then he started to lose his
sparkle. At first, you know, I didn’t worry.
Teenagers can be so moody. It’s
such a difficult and awkward time. But
it got worse. I guessed he was being
bullied at school. I asked him about it
but I … I didn’t think I should intervene.
I thought he should be toughened up.
Which is another way of saying, “made more manly”. May God forgive me!” She stopped and stared out over the peaceful
vineyards. Very quietly, she said, “ One day he hanged himself.”
“My dear!” said Lucasta softly and put her hand on the other
woman’s.
Jason watched the two old ladies in silence, wanting, as he had the first
time he’d heard the story, to weep, to howl at the universe, to strike and
thump the haters.
The waiter arrived with more champagne, and topped up their glasses.
There was a long silence. At last,
Jason said, “Well you both know about me and Brent.” “My own selfish stupidity!”
Jason didn’t expect either woman to disagree with him. His grandmother wasn’t the kind of woman not
to face facts, and nor was Eleanor. For
all their kindness and compassion there was a bleak resolution at the heart of
their characters, the kind of character strength that comes from loss faced
with courage.
His grandmother said, “We all make mistakes, Jason my dear, mistakes
which we wish with all our hearts we could undo.”
He smiled at her. “I don’t believe
you ever made a mistake in your life, grandam!”
She just smiled at him.
“Come!” she said. “Let us toast
something and be happy. To friends and
family!”
They raised their glasses and echoed her toast. The champagne was pale gold in the flutes,
and caught the afternoon sun which slanted through the French doors nearby.
“You are both, to me,” said Jason, looking in turn at the two women. Very moved, they both raised their glasses to
him, but didn’t speak.
Episodes 1 to 260 (without pictures, 10 episodes per chapter
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