“But of course. We’re engaged.”
“Engaged?” For once Coral had no words. Laura laughed.
“Didn’t you know? I thought you did. I suppose we took it for granted you knew. One does, somehow.”
“But you can’t be engaged.” Coral was quite annoyed.
“What d’you mean—can’t?” said Laura sharply. But as Coral hesitated, she added—“Oh, you mean I’m not good enough for him.” She flushed. “I know that. You needn’t rub it in.”
Coral was genuinely shocked.
“Not good enough? What utter rot! As if I ever dreamed of such a thing! As if a woman weren’t always too good for a man. It’s Justin who’s lucky, I should say!”
Laura put aside the grossness of that insincerity with a polite smile.
“What did you mean then, that we couldn’t be engaged?”
“Only that you don’t behave as if you were. When I think of me and Johnnie, let alone my best boys—goodness me!”