Rose Beam’s Diary

Rose Beam’s Diary

12th June 1985

Mum has invited the Pembertons round for the vow renewals a week on Saturday. I know that she intends to tout me out like I’m some kind of prize cow for sale − she even gave me a pair of gloves she claimed she wore at some silly debut she had a hundred years ago. Gloves in summer. Christ. It’s not like I can have a tantrum either as she is so looking forward to the party and I don’t want to ruin her light mood. It’s never going to happen with Nigel and me. I’ve tried telling her a million times, but she insists that I give Nigel a chance because he’s a ‘perfect gentleman’ and that the notion that love happens at first sight is ridiculous. Well, I know it’s not ridiculous because I fell in love with Thom the first moment I saw him and he with me. I already know, in my heart, that I’m supposed to be with him. And that’s why I’ve invited him to the vow renewals as my guest. It’s earlier than I would like, but my hand has been forced. And I reckon this will be the easiest scenario in which to introduce him. Such an important party means my parents won’t cause a scene. They’ll be polite enough to really meet him properly. Thom’s nervous, bless him. I wanted to tell him that of course he shouldn’t be, but I’d be lying. I’m nervous too.