Chapter 8
EIGHT
I spent much of the rest of the afternoon in my room going through my contacts list and writing emails to set in motion our plans for the Christmas Fayre. As I had hoped, I didn’t feel stressed by it; rather, it helped distract me from worrying about the party that evening. I took regular breaks, too, something I had learned was vital for preserving my energy. Although I spent my working life arranging parties and other large events, they were for other people. I was happy to be at them, working, but when it came to my own social life, I was happiest with one or two friends, or just tucked up at home with Runcible. The fact that Mum would be the main draw for many of the guests tonight was a comfort – nobody would be interested in me. I planned to indulge myself with a bit of people-watching, and maybe get to know Coco better.
When I had finished work for the day, about four hours earlier than I was used to doing in London, I decided to venture downstairs, partly for a cup of tea, partly to see how Runcible was getting on and partly to ask if there was anything I could do to help. As I came out onto the landing, Coco emerged from a room a few doors down.
‘Hello!’
‘Hi there.’ She smiled warmly. ‘I was just going to make a cuppa – do you want one?’
‘You read my mind. I was wondering if they needed any help with the party as well.’
We started walking down the grand staircase.
‘I shouldn’t have thought so,’ said Coco, looking at her watch. ‘According to what Dad said, the party organisers should be here any minute now. We’ll probably be better off in the kitchen.’
I followed her into the Great Hall.
‘I didn’t realise the party tonight was such a big deal. I was imagining washing up a few glasses or something.’
She laughed.
‘Dad loves hosting, but he hates doing anything towards it, other than telling the organisers it’s a Bond theme and handing them a guest list.’ We went through the chilly corridors and into the welcoming kitchen. ‘It’s a pretty good way to do it; he gets to enjoy himself without worrying about the details. I suppose you’re used to being on the other side.’
‘Absolutely. Luckily, I enjoy all the behind-the-scenes stuff. Clients can never believe it, but we’re all different.’ I suddenly noticed a small figure curled up on the armchair in the corner of the room. ‘Oh, Theo, hello. How are you doing?’ His reddened eyes slid away from mine, and he seemed to shrink back into the cushions. Oh no, I hadn’t wanted to upset him . Feeling awkward, I changed tack. ‘I can see that Runcible has had a lovely afternoon with you, so thank you for looking after her. She looks very content curled up there with you.’ I was rewarded with a small nod. ‘Has she been out for a wee? We could take her now if you like. I’ve been working all afternoon, and I could do with some air.’
The boy sat silently – had I been too pushy? All the same, my little dog probably could do with going outside, if she hadn’t already. It was Coco who spoke up next, more briskly than I had.
‘Good idea. Come on, Theo, up you get. I’m putting the kettle on, and we can all have a drink when you come back.’ She picked up his coat from where it had been draped on the back of a chair and held it out to him. ‘You’d better put this on, it’s freezing out there.’ Slowly, and still clutching Runcible like a life ring, he uncurled himself and took the coat. Coco smiled. ‘Good boy. Look, Fallon, Alexander’s left his coat here. Put that on rather than going all the way back to the front for yours.’
I took the wool overcoat a little shyly and pulled it on. There was an intimacy to wearing Alexander’s clothes, and I caught a whiff of his aftershave. Refusing to allow myself even a hint of giddiness, I strode towards the back door and opened it, letting in an icy blast of air that soon put paid to any flickers of feeling beyond gratitude that I had a coat at all.
‘Come on, hurry up, you two,’ chivvied Coco. ‘Don’t let all the heat out. I’ll see you in a minute.’
We stepped outside and Theo hesitantly placed Runcible on the ground.
‘Don’t worry,’ I said. ‘We won’t be out for long. She doesn’t like the cold much, but she’ll be fine for a few minutes, especially if we get moving.’ I started walking. ‘When I take her out for any more than a few minutes in the winter, I put her in little knitted jumpers. She looks so sweet.’
‘Really?’ asked Theo, and I felt a rush of pleasure that I had succeeded in getting him talking.
‘Really. She has a few different ones. Maybe we can take her out tomorrow and she can model one for you.’ He didn’t answer, but turned towards a small pathway which led through some large bushes. I persisted. ‘Of course, she does have a special one for Christmas Day, but we’re saving that. Runcible absolutely loves Christmas. Her favourite thing is playing in the wrapping paper, but she doesn’t like crackers much.’
‘Neither do I,’ said Theo. ‘They make me jump.’
‘Her too. One year I pulled all the snaps out before I put them on the table and everyone was a bit disappointed, but at least she didn’t get upset. I should have got her something to wear tonight – she’d look good in gold sparkles.’
Theo looked up at me and his worried face broke into a brief smile.
‘Or a bowler hat,’ he said. ‘She could totally carry that off.’
‘She could. Are you going to join the party at all?’
He shrugged.
‘Dad said I could come for a bit if I wanted to, but I don’t know. I don’t want to spoil it.’ I was about to ask him why he thought he might, when he stopped by a fence. ‘There’s someone for you to meet,’ he said, then started calling what sounded like ‘ Heath, Heath, Heath! ’ and banging his hand on the fence. Then, making me jump, a large and very hairy donkey appeared and nuzzled at the boy, evidently pleased to see him.
‘Who’s this?’ I asked, taking a step back and checking to see that Runcible was all right.
‘This is Heathcliff,’ he replied, pulling a carrot out of his pocket and giving it to him. He crunched it up greedily and started looking for another.
‘Is he yours?’
‘Mine and Dad’s and Aunt Constance’s. She’s coming to stay soon too. I like her.’
Much as I wanted to hear about the new addition to the household, I was still intrigued by the donkey.
‘I like the name Heathcliff. Who named him?’
‘Aunt Constance. Wuthering Heights is her favourite book. He was being badly treated and she rescued him. He can’t live with her, so he’s here and she comes to visit him. And us, I suppose, but mostly him. You can stroke him if you want to, he won’t bite.’ I reached out my hand and touched the donkey’s nose. He immediately responded, pushing up into my hand. Encouraged, I stroked one of his long ears.
‘You can give him a carrot too,’ offered Theo.
I barely had time to take it from him before Heathcliff had snatched it away and devoured it. I laughed.
‘They’re your favourite, are they, Heathcliff? I’ll have to get some more next time I go to town.’
Finally, I was rewarded with a proper smile from Theo.
‘I thought you’d like him.’
‘I like all animals, but he is super. He’s very furry.’
‘It’s his winter coat, it’s not so big in the summer.’
‘Talking of winter coats, I’m getting cold, aren’t you?’ He nodded. ‘Shall we go back to the house for that tea Coco’s making?’ He nodded again and I whistled to Runcible, who gladly came running over, giving Heathcliff a wide berth. We set off. ‘I’m sorry to hear that he was badly treated,’ I said. ‘And I’m glad your aunt rescued him. I don’t understand why people are unkind to animals.’
‘Neither do I!’ replied Theo fiercely. ‘Animals are much better than us – they aren’t cruel or confusing.’
There was a slight pause as we trudged over the hard ground.
‘Do you?’ I asked. ‘Find people confusing, that is?’
He shrugged.
‘Sometimes.’ He bent down to pick up Runcible and started muttering into her hairy ear. I sensed that I wasn’t going to get a lot more out of him this afternoon, but at least he seemed happier now. I pushed open the back door to see Alexander sitting at the table with Coco. He jumped up when we came in, a worried expression on his face.
‘Oh, there you are. Is everything okay?’
‘Yes, fine,’ I replied. ‘Shouldn’t it be? Oh, gosh, I’m so sorry, I borrowed your coat. I hope that’s all right.’
I quickly shrugged it off and handed it to him.
‘Thank you, of course I don’t mind. I mean, well, Theo, are you all right?’
He nodded.
‘Yes, I’m okay. I took Fallon to meet Heathcliff and she gave him a carrot. Can I go and watch TV?’
‘Yes, yes, of course.’
Theo disappeared and Alexander turned to me, a look of amazement on his face.
‘What on earth did you do?’
‘Do?’ Had I upset him by going out alone with Theo? ‘Sorry, we just took Runcible out for a quick walk and met that lovely donkey. I’m really sorry if you’d rather I hadn’t.’
I took a very welcome hot cup of tea from Coco and sat down.
Alexander looked at Coco, who raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.
‘No, Fallon,’ he said. ‘It’s not that at all. I’m happy that the two – or should I say three – of you went out. It’s just that, well, Theo had a hard time this morning with his friend, as you know, and it can sometimes take him a couple of days to get over something like that happening. Not only do you seem to have snapped him out of it, but he’s taken you to meet Heathcliff. He never, ever takes anyone there: none of his friends, no one.’
I was starting to feel awkward and stood up again.
‘Well, I’m glad he’s all right. And I didn’t do or say anything special; I wouldn’t know how to. I think I’ll take this upstairs – it’s not long before I need to get ready for the party.’
I nipped out quickly, before I could be asked any more questions about what had just happened. I walked past Theo contentedly watching a programme about hawks, and out into the hallway, which was a different scene from when I had last gone through it twenty minutes ago. Now the front door stood open, and I could see a large van outside, from which people were ferrying crates of glasses, chairs and, unsurprisingly in the circumstances, a life-size cutout of Sean Connery. I swerved around them and jogged up the stairs, grateful that I didn’t have to get involved. As I reached my room, there was a movement by my feet, and I saw Runcible there.
‘Come on,’ I said. ‘Let’s get some rest before tonight.’
The next hour was spent peacefully sipping tea and reading my book, and I was just contemplating getting ready when a brief knock came at the door before it was flung open to once again admit my mother, wearing a lavender silk dressing gown.
‘Oh, darling, haven’t you started getting ready yet? The party starts soon.’
‘I know, but it’s okay, it won’t take me long and Coco’s coming to help with my make-up. Anyway, you don’t look very ready yourself.’
‘Actually, I am.’ With a typically dramatic movement, she threw off the robe to reveal what she was wearing: a skintight red catsuit with a low-slung black belt and attached gun holster. I gawked. ‘Well, what do you think?’ she demanded, twirling around. ‘It’s the original costume from the film. I can still fit in it!’
I had to speak, I knew I had to speak, but what to say?
‘Um, right…wow, well, the original one, eh?’
She pulled her robe back on huffily.
‘Yes, darling, and is that all you’ve got to say?’
‘It looks amazing,’ I replied truthfully. ‘Has Douglas seen it?’
‘Not on me,’ she said. ‘But I had it at the convention, and he admired it then. Don’t look so disapproving, darling, I could have worn the bra top and see-through skirt from the harem scene, then you would have something to be cross about.’
I wasn’t cross or disapproving in the least, but my mother loves to believe that everyone is jealous of her.
‘Actually, Mum, I’m impressed by your chutzpah as much as your figure. I was just surprised, that’s all. You look great.’
‘Thank you. Now, you’d better show me what you’re wearing, and then I need you to help me with my headdress.’
I opened the box I had collected from the Post Office that morning, shook out the long, black dress with its diamanté neckline and held it up against myself awkwardly. Despite everything, I wanted my mother’s approval. She studied me for a moment.
‘Hmm, it’s simple but elegant. I hope it looks all right on. What shoes are you wearing?’
I turned to find them when there was another, gentler knock on the door.
‘Come in!’ I called, lifting the shoe box on to the bed. It was Coco who entered, looking breathtaking in a short, tight blue satin dress with a high neckline. Her hair was piled up on her head and her smoky make-up enhanced her delicate features without overpowering them. ‘Oh wow, you look incredible!’
She grinned.
‘Thanks. I think this is a bit ‘ Dr No ’ – it’ll do anyway.’ She glanced at Mum’s robe. ‘Is that your costume, Jacqueline?’
My mother narrowed her eyes at Coco, and I tried not to laugh.
‘No, dear, it is not. Anyway, Fallon, if you could help me with the headdress?’
I took the proffered piece of black and gold fabric and a golden cord and looked at them helplessly. Thank goodness for Coco.
‘Here, let me do it. Sit there, Jacqueline, I’ll have you Bond-ready in no time.’
Coco was so skilful, both at arranging the costume and at chattering away in such a friendly and flattering manner that my mother was putty in her hands in no time. By the time they were finished, she was positively glowing.
‘Thank you, darling, it looks wonderful. Now, I must go and arrange some finishing touches. If you can work your magic on Fallon, then I will be even more impressed.’
As the door closed behind her, Coco turned to me and arched an eyebrow.
‘I know, I know,’ I groaned. ‘She can be hard work, my mother, and she thinks I’m a troll.’
‘Well,’ said Coco briskly, ‘she couldn’t be any more wrong – you’re beautiful – but let’s go to town on the glam anyway, shall we?’
I went and put on my dress, then sat as Coco sprayed and rolled and pinned my hair, then whisked around me with brushes, pencils and sticks. It occurred to me that I had no idea if I would like her style, but it was lovely just to sit and submit to her attentions. She talked as she worked, telling me about the kitchens she had been employed in and her dreams of starting her own business.
‘Have you considered doing something with Alexander?’ I asked. ‘He’s just starting out as well, so I’m sure you could help each other.’
‘Oh, Fallon, I’d love to, but I doubt he’d want to work with me.’
‘Whyever not?’
‘He’s so serious, and although I am too – about my work – I’m not sure he’d trust me enough to go into business with me.’
‘Well, I don’t know him well enough to say, but I do know that you don’t get what you don’t ask for in life.’
‘Maybe. Anyway, let’s not talk any more about work tonight – you’re ready, Miss Honeywood!’
I smiled at her nervously and stood up to look at myself in the mirror. Gazing back was what I can only describe as an enhanced version of me – I looked natural yet glamorous at the same time as if someone had applied some clever filter on a phone, smoothing out all the tiredness, lighting up my skin, plumping my lips and sparking a little fire in my eyes. My hair fell in smooth, shiny waves that curled elegantly onto my shoulders.
‘Wow. Thank you so much. I look…I don’t know, sort of the same but different.’
‘Well, that is exactly what I was aiming for. It’s like I said, you’re a knockout, so you don’t need disguising or changing in any way. Just a little bringing out, maybe.’
I turned and hugged her.
‘Thank you. I’ll just leave some food for Runcible and put my shoes on, then shall we go down?’
‘Yes, people have started arriving. We can make an entrance on the stairs.’
I’d rather be making myself cosy in bed , I thought, as I kissed Runcible goodbye, but maybe the evening would be more exciting than I anticipated.