Dual Control

From the volume Dead Woman (1975) by Elizabeth Walter (1927 - )

“You ought to have stopped.” “For God’s sake, shut up, Freda.” “Well, you should have. You ought to have made sure she was all right.” “Of course she’s all right.” “How do you know? You didn’t stop to find out, did you?” “Do you want me to go back? We’re late enough as it is, thanks to your fooling about getting ready, but I don’t suppose the Brady’ll notice if we’re late. I don’t suppose they’ll notice if we never turn up, though after the way you angled for that invitation…” “That’s right, blame it all on me. We could have left half an hour ago if you hadn’t been late home from the office.” “How often do I have to tell you that business isn’t a matter of nine to five?” “No, it’s a matter of the Bradys, isn’t it? You were keen enough we should get asked. Where were you anyway? Drinking with the boys? Or smooching with some floozie?” “Please yourself. Either could be correct.” “If you weren’t driving, I’d hit you.” “Try something unconventional for a change.” “Why don’t you try remembering I’m your wife – “ “Give me a chance to forget it!” “ – and that we’re going to a party where you’ll be expected to behave.” “I’ll behave all right.” “To me as well as to other women.” “You mean you’ll let me off the leash?” “Oh, you don’t give a damn about my feelings!” “Look, if it hadn’t been for you, I should have stopped tonight.” “Yes, you’d have given a pretty girl a lift if you’d been on your own. I believe you. The trouble is, she thought you were going to stop.” “So I was. Then I saw she was very pretty, and – Christ, Freda, you know what you’re like. I’ve only got to be polite to a woman who’s younger and prettier than you are – and believe me, there are plenty of them – and you stage one of your scenes.” “I certainly try to head off the worst of the scandals. Really, Eric, do you think people don’t know?” “If they do,