Chapter 30
Lara decided to take a black cab to the V kitten heeled, the colour of peonies.
Lara decided that even if she had to turn up in her underwear she was wearing these shoes to the ball.
Holding up the two dresses she was undecided.
‘Have both,’ Abby said unhelpfully, as she gazed longingly at a pair of blush crystal drop earrings with pearl button tops displayed on the counter by the till.
Reluctantly leaving the earrings behind, Abby decided to take a hand in proceedings.
She ordered Lara to try the first dress on again.
It was deep raspberry-pink velvet and had small straps that sat just off the shoulders and a plunging back.
It hugged Lara’s curves in a most satisfying way, and the bottom of the dress swished when she walked.
It was a head-turner. Lara held the second dress up for Abby to view alongside it.
‘Who do you think about when you are wearing that dress?’ Abby said, pointing to the pink one.
‘Julian,’ Lara said as quick as a heartbeat. ‘I want him to see me and weep,’ she added.
‘And the second dress?’ Abby asked.
Lara smiled, studying it. ‘I think of me.’ The decision had been made. It was that simple.
A few minutes later they were back on the street.
Lara was carrying a pleasingly large and luxurious carrier bag with masses of tissue paper poking out of the top.
‘Now,’ Lara said, beckoning Abby, ‘come with me.’ They headed north and soon reached the outskirts of Hyde Park.
Dodging cars and cyclists, Lara crossed over and led Abby along the bridle path.
Some Horse Guards were out riding along the strip and Lara could feel, as well as hear, their hooves pounding the sand.
‘Thank you,’ Abby said, looking around and remembering all the times she had ridden and driven in this park with friends. ‘I only wish I had brought Balthazar with me today,’ she said wistfully.
Lara had visions of Balthazar on the train and was extremely glad that she had not.