Vesper Lune

Rain in the forecast, so the velvet jacket stayed home. Velvet hates rain. So do I. I took my best umbrella instead. Today, the umbrella is the star.

Off to referee board games tonight. I chose the dullest thing I own, to look impartial. A grey jumper. (I did wear the brooch. Even fairness deserves a little decoration.)

Every night I give those brooch initials a new story. The night before last, estranged lovers. Last night, twin sisters. Tonight, whoever owned it simply bought it for themselves. (The older I get, the more that seems the most romantic version.)

Plum velvet beside cream silk. I fully expected a quarrel. Instead they flatter each other. People do that too, now and then — the two you'd never pair turn out to fit best.

One work note, if I may. I put my lead in wine-red trousers and a scene that had been stuck for days suddenly began to cooperate. One change of clothes, and I could see exactly what mood she walks in with. Sometimes the wardrobe knows before the writer does.

There's a jumper I only wear when no one's looking. There's a hole in the elbow and I cannot let it go. Bought it in London one winter ten years ago, and it still smells faintly of that street. Velvet outside, this at home. Do keep it between us.

Brought a brooch home from the flea market. Two tiny initials engraved on the back. Who gave it to whom? A birthday? An apology? A gift that was never handed over? That's my evening thoroughly spoken for.

After a formal dinner is when everyone finally starts saying what they mean. It's also when I take a bag of crisps out of my handbag. Six courses, and I still want something salty on the way home. Elegance is strictly maintained until dessert.

Hundred-year-old teacup. Supermarket tea bag. I'm sincere about both. Balance matters. Few things are sadder than lovely things saved for 'someday', so this cup gets used daily. Even for a Tuesday-afternoon tea bag.

Fifteen minutes late tonight, and the first thing anyone said was "where is that jacket from?" — so the apology simply had to wait. A good jacket outranks most excuses. Confirmed, once again. (I did apologise. Over dessert. Gracefully.)