Lawyers and their wives

”

Well, it would have been rude not to invite him in. And he really was a very nice guy, and new businesses have to keep their relationships sweet. He came in and accepted the kind offer of a glass of red wine and to join them for the entrée – it was all just finger food on a big sharing platter, which they ate in the living room. There was no invite for dinner, and Gregory would not have accepted one either, he had people waiting for him back at home.

The living room was arranged with two large sofas facing each other, and a single arm chair between them, completing the third side of the square. A large glass-topped table was between them all, which was already full of wine glasses, canapés, pastries from the oven, dips and batons of various vegetables – all perfect for casually chatting and nibbling.

“So, David – how long have you and Jenny been married? I don’t think we’ve met before…” Gregory said, before he politely extended his hand out, to Rachel, who just happened to be set next to David.

There was a very brief silence. David almost corrected Gregory, pointing out that Jenny was actually on the other sofa, opposite, but, he didn’t want to embarrass the poor guy. He just stayed quiet and waited to see what everyone else said. George’s and David’s eyes met, and a sly expression was shared between them both. There were few things they loved more than a good private joke – something that they would share and find hilarious, but that would go over the heads of everyone else around. With a quick smile to Rachel at his side he looked back to Gregory.

“We’ve been married nearly 3 years now. This month actually, 24^th September.”

From across the table, Jenny almost choked on her wine. She wasn’t sure which surprised her more, her husband claiming to be married to Rachel, partly at the simple fact that he remembered their wedding anniversary. She knew David loved a silly joke from time to time but it seemed he was being a little cruel to poor Gregory.

“well darling… don’t leave Gregory’s hand out in the cold…” David said with a smile, to Rachel, his ‘new’ wife.

“Oh… right, sorry. Hello Gregory, it’s lovely to meet you at last – sorry, I was miles away there!”

“It’s great to final meet you too. David had told me how beautiful you are, but gosh… you two are gonna have some good looking children!” David and Rachel smiled at the compliment, and George, being a great lawyer, simply couldn’t keep his mouth shut.

“well, yes, they are an annoyingly attractive couple aren’t they? I also got way too lucky though – my wife really is far too good for me! I don’t know what she sees in me… probably something to do with my enormous bank account!” He looked at Jenny and gave her cheek a gentle little stroke with his fingers, as if admiring and showing off her beauty. The collective fib was huge fun to him.

George was being self-effacing, but didn’t mean a word of it. The key to British humour… make fun of yourself first. It relaxes the atmosphere, and also allows you to make fun of other people with relative impunity too.

“You’re probably right there George… she is far too good for you!

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