Best Kept Secret

top table to wish him a happy retirement that he nearly missed the last train back to
Beechcroft. No sooner had he settled down in his first-class compartment than his thoughts returned to Sebastian Clifton. He began to write down a few words for his address to morning assembly:
‘standards’, ‘decency’, ‘honour’, ‘discipline’ and ‘respect’ came to mind, and by the time the train pulled into Beechcroft, he had
completed the first draft.
    When he handed in his ticket, he was relieved to see his wife sitting in the car waiting for him, despite the late hour.
    ‘How did you get on?’ she asked, even before he’d pulled the car door closed.
    ‘I think I can say my speech was well received, given the circumstances.’
    ‘The circumstances?’
    By the time they had reached the headmaster’s house, he had told his wife all about the unfortunate encounter with Clifton that had taken place on the train to London.
    ‘And what do you intend to do about it?’ she asked as he unlocked the front door.
    ‘He’s left me with no choice. I shall announce at morning assembly that Clifton has been expelled, and therefore sadly will not be taking up his place at Cambridge in
September.’
    ‘Isn’t that a little draconian?’ suggested Mrs Banks-Williams. ‘After all, he may well have had a good reason for being on the London train.’
    ‘Then why did he leave the carriage the moment he saw me?’
    ‘He probably didn’t want to spend the whole journey with you, my dear. After all, you can be quite intimidating.’
    ‘But don’t forget, I also caught him smoking,’ he said, ignoring her comment.
    ‘Why shouldn’t he? He was off the premises, and no longer
in statu pupillari
.’
    ‘I made it quite clear that school rules would apply to him until the end of term, otherwise he would have to face the consequences.’
    ‘Would you care for a nightcap, my dear?’
    ‘No, thank you. I must try and get a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow isn’t going to be easy.’
    ‘For you, or for Clifton?’ she enquired before turning the light out.

    Sebastian sat on the end of the bed and told Mrs Tibbet everything that had taken place that day. He left nothing out, even showing her the letter the headmaster had
written.
    ‘Don’t you think it might be wise to go home? After all, your parents will be worried to death if you’re not there when they get back. And in any case, you can’t be
certain the headmaster is going to expel you.’
    ‘Believe me, Mrs Tibbet, Hilly-Billy will have made up his mind, and he’ll announce his decision at assembly tomorrow.’
    ‘You should still go home.’
    ‘I can’t, after letting them down. The one thing they’ve always wanted was for me to go to Cambridge. They’ll never forgive me.’
    ‘I wouldn’t be so sure of that,’ said Mrs Tibbet. ‘My father always used to say, if you’ve got a problem, sleep on it before you make a decision you might later
regret. Things always look rosier in the morning.’
    ‘But I haven’t even got anywhere to sleep.’
    ‘Don’t be silly,’ Mrs Tibbet said, placing an arm around his shoulder. ‘You can spend the night here. But not on an empty stomach, so once you’ve unpacked, come
down and join me in the kitchen.’

30
    ‘I’ VE GOT A PROBLEM with table three,’ said the waitress as she barged through the door and into the kitchen.
    ‘What sort of problem, Janice?’ asked Mrs Tibbet calmly, cracking two eggs and dropping them into a large frying pan.
    ‘I can’t understand a word they’re saying.’
    ‘Ah, yes, Mr and Mrs Ferrer. I think they’re French. All you need to know is un, deux and oeuf.’ Janice didn’t look convinced. ‘Just speak slowly,’ said Mrs
Tibbet, ‘and don’t raise your voice. It’s not their fault they can’t speak English.’
    ‘Would you like me to have a word with them?’ asked Sebastian as he put down his knife and fork.
    ‘Can you speak French?’ asked Mrs Tibbet, placing the pan back on the Aga.
    ‘Yes I can.’
    ‘Then be my guest.’
    Sebastian rose from the kitchen table and accompanied Janice back to the dining room. All nine tables were occupied, and Janice walked across to a middle-aged couple who were seated in the far
corner of the room.
    ‘Bonjour, monsieur,’ said Sebastian. ‘Comment puis-je vous aider?’
    The startled guest gave Sebastian a puzzled look. ‘Somos español.’
    ‘Buenas dias, señ or. Cómo puedo ayudarle?’ said Sebastian.