I couldn’t go to a museum like most people, because for me that would be a busman’s holiday. But, thanks to Simon, who’d told me about Aunt Penelope’s favorite haunts in London, I was able to plunk myself on a park bench by her favorite fragrant flowered path, where I could enjoy the light, sweet air of a warm summer day in London.Then I did a little selective shopping. Mindful of Aunt Penelope, I bought a few good things that I normally would find excuses not to buy: a fine-spun silky cocktail dress with a gold satin evening coat whose lining matched the dress, and a pretty bathing suit with a cover-up.The kinds of things I always wanted but talked myself out of, by buying cheaper versions, for fear that my grubby lifestyle would wear them out and I wouldn’t be able to afford to replace them. All in soft pastels and whites, too, instead of dour and durable black. It may seem a conventional way to try to improve one’s life and appearance, but for me it was a major accomplishment, because I normally hate shopping and do it with grim determination, agony over money, and guilt.
What do You think about A Rather Lovely Inheritance?
