Much married, much divorced movie mogul Ivor Llewellyn (friend of Monty Bodkin), and his long-suffering lawyer Ephraim Trout, find the idea of a support group for bachelors appealing. The members can watch each other's backs, keeping them safe from roving females. With spring in the air, however, romance is never far behind...
One
Mr. Ephraim Trout of Trout, Wapshott and Edelstein, one of the many legal firms employed by Ivor Llewellyn, head of the Superba-Llewellyn studio of Llewellyn City, Hollywood, was seeing Mr. Llewellyn off at the Los Angeles airport. The two men were friends of long standing. Mr. Trout had handled all Mr. Llewellyn's Eve divorces, including his latest from Grayce, widow of Orlando Mulligan, the Western star, and this formed a bond. There is nothing like a good divorce for breaking down the barriers between lawyer and client. It gives them something to talk about
"I shall miss you, I.L.," Mr. Trout was saying. "The old place won't seem the same without you. But I feel you are wise in transferring your activities to London."
Mr. Llewellyn felt the same. He had not taken this step without giving it consideration. He was a man who, except when marrying, thought things over.
"The English end needs gingering up," he said. "A couple of sticks of dynamite under the seat of their pants will do those dreamers all the good in the world."
"I was not thinking so much," said Mr. Trout, "of the benefits which will no doubt accrue to the English end as of those which you yourself will derive from your London visit."
"You get a good steak in London."
"Nor had I steaks in mind. I feel that now that you are free from the insidious influence of California sunshine, the urge to marry again will be diminished. It is that perpetual sunshine that causes imprudence."
At the words "marry again" Mr. Llewellyn shuddered strongly, like a blancmange in a high wind.
"Don't talk to me about marrying again. I've kicked the habit."...
Library : General
Formats : EPUB
ISBN : 9780880292795