Chapter 9
NINE
As we went downstairs, I was glad to see that, although there were plenty of people in the hallway, they were all looking at each other and not at us. We had an excellent view from the top of the stairs, and I was impressed with what the organisers had achieved in such a short time. Gold shimmered everywhere, and there were cut-outs of every actor who had played Bond, not just the Sean Connery I had seen earlier. People were posing with them for photos, enjoying themselves before they had even reached the main party area. When we got downstairs, I couldn’t resist and stood slinkily next to Roger Moore, his eyebrow arched, while Coco snapped away on my phone.
‘Do you want me to do one of you?’ I asked. ‘Which Bond do you fancy?’
She laughed.
‘Not my thing, I’m afraid. If there’s one of Ursula Andress, though, I’ll be first in line.’
‘Don’t tell my mother that,’ I said in a stage whisper. ‘She met Ursula at a do once and was furious when she didn’t know who the great Jacqueline Honeywood was.’
We giggled and I started to feel more excited about the party, now that I had a friend to go with. We took a glass of champagne – although I was going to take it easy tonight after finally shaking off last night’s headache – and went through to the Great Hall, which had been transformed into a casino, complete with various gaming tables and a mirrored bar.
‘Are these real?’ asked Coco. ‘I can’t imagine the residents of Lingfoss having many skills on the poker table.’
‘They won’t be,’ I replied. ‘I’ve set up a few parties like this, and it’s all just for fun – you get given chips to play with, but the only thing you win is bragging rights.’
‘Sounds good to me,’ she replied. ‘Shall we get stuck in?’
We went over to a table covered with plush red velvet and were each given a pretend thousand pounds’ worth of chips.
‘I’m tempted to put them all on one spin of the roulette wheel,’ I said, ‘but maybe it would be more fun to eke them out. What do you want to try first?’
‘Let’s play blackjack,’ said Coco. ‘At least I can count to twenty-one, which must be something of an advantage.’
We joined some other people at the table and started playing, betting small amounts and promptly losing them. I was just wondering whether to have another turn or try my luck elsewhere when Coco suddenly shouted:
‘Aunt Constance!’
I looked up to see a short, squarely built woman in a brown jacket, flat cap and plus fours – dressed, I assumed, as Goldfinger – approach the table. She smiled broadly when she saw Coco and came over, bending to envelop her in a huge hug.
‘Hello, niece, I wasn’t expecting to see you here. I see Douglas has produced as vulgar a party as ever, but none the less enjoyable for that. Who’s this?’ She peered at me. ‘Your latest?’
‘No, Constance, sadly not. I’m single at the moment. This is Fallon – she’s Jacqueline Honeywood’s daughter.’
‘Is she indeed? I haven’t met your mother yet, but she seems to have perked Douglas up no end. He’s my brother, in case you didn’t know.’
I held out my hand for a bone-crushing squeeze.
‘Nice to meet you. I have heard about you – from Theo. He says you rescued the donkey, Heathcliff.’
She roared with laughter.
‘Yes, that’s me. It’s the only thing Theo’s remotely interested in about me, good boy. Where is he?’
‘He’ll be somewhere with Alexander,’ replied Coco. ‘We haven’t seen them yet. Are you going to have a go at some blackjack? Come and join us.’
‘Maybe later – far easier to wipe the floor with everyone when they’ve all had a few drinks. See you shortly.’
She turned abruptly and marched away. Coco grinned at me.
‘She’s a character, isn’t she? I’m glad she’s here, she’ll be staying now until Christmas. She livens the place up no end and Theo adores her.’
‘I didn’t know she was coming today.’
‘Nobody ever knows for sure when she’ll turn up. She’s an archaeologist and is always disappearing off around the world to dig up something fascinating. Her husband, my Uncle Felix, died a couple of years ago and she nursed him for about six months. It was very hard on her – as you can imagine – but now she’s determined to keep working and travelling as much as she can. Anyway, shall we go and try another game?’
We spent the next hour or so going from table to table, losing almost all our chips.
‘I’m out,’ said Coco finally, ‘and I need the loo. See you in a few minutes?’
I nodded and contemplated the few chips I had left in my hand – just ten pounds. I thought I might as well blow it, so I went over to the roulette table and watched for a few minutes as the wheel spun mesmerically.
‘What number are you going for?’
I turned to see Alexander standing next to me, wearing a black suit painted with bones.
‘I like your outfit,’ I said. ‘Casino Royale?’
‘You do know your Bond films – I didn’t realise you were a fan.’
‘Not like your father, but I enjoy them. And seeing as Mum was in one for a millisecond, I’ve had to sit through more than most people as she talks about all her dearest friends that she met on set.’
He laughed.
‘It sounds exciting, but I can imagine that it wears after a while. Now come on, which number are you going to choose?’
‘I think I’m just going to put it all on eight – for my birthday,’ I said.
‘Mine too!’ he replied. ‘I’m in March.’
‘I’m in July. It had definitely better be eight then.’
I leaned over and placed my chips, then waited with rising excitement as the wheel spun and clicked round.
‘Thirty-two red!’ shouted the croupier and I turned to Alexander and pulled a face.
‘Ah, well,’ he said, grinning ruefully, ‘at least it’s not real money. Would you like to top up your drink as consolation?’
I nodded, and followed him to the bar, where we hitched ourselves up onto stools and accepted glasses of champagne.
‘Cheers’, he said, and we clinked glasses. ‘Are you enjoying the party?’
‘Yes, I’ve been with Coco – she’s brilliant.’
‘She is…but I wish she’d settle to something. I truly am pleased to have her here, but that’s another job she’s jacked in. She doesn’t seem to have much staying power.’
‘I think she wants to set up something of her own,’ I ventured tentatively. ‘She has lots of good ideas.’
He snorted.
‘Ideas are all very well, but you need a lot more than that to get a business going, as I well know.’
‘Maybe you could share some of your newfound wisdom with her?’ I suggested, the champagne making me bold. He frowned briefly, then his face softened.
‘Maybe. Have you spoken to anyone else this evening? Coco won’t be back for a while, since she’s offered to settle Theo into bed – it’s late for him now.’
‘No. I haven’t seen my mother at all, but I did meet your Aunt Constance, the roving archaeologist.’
His face brightened.
‘She’s great. I’m glad she’s here. I never thought she’d come to stay for so long, but apparently, she’s writing a book on some cave sites in Belize where she’s been working. She can help look after that donkey as well. Anyway, I could introduce you to a few people if you like?’
Was he so keen to be rid of me already?
I started to slide off the stool.
‘Don’t worry, I’m sure I can find someone to talk to…’
I was interrupted by him unexpectedly grasping my hand and giving me a startlingly huge smile.
‘Please sit down again,’ he hissed through his stretched lips, and I was about to shake him off when I saw Annabel – she of the floral dress and hearty casserole – closing in from the right. She was wearing a clinging red dress with a plunging neckline and looked stunning. Ignoring me, she enveloped Alexander in a Chanel-scented embrace, then put her hands on his shoulders, effectively blocking me out. I gestured to the bartender for another refill; this clearly warranted one.
‘ Alexander ,’ she said huskily. ‘You look divine.’
‘You look lovely yourself, Annabel,’ he said, trying to peer round her to see me. ‘Have you met Fallon?’
She turned her head to look me up and down.
‘No. Now, Alex, what say we go and put a bet on? I could be your lucky charm.’
‘That sounds like an excellent idea,’ he said, snatching the half-full bottle from the bartender and standing up, ‘but I’m afraid I’ve promised Fallon that I would show her the…er, the minstrels’ gallery. Didn’t I?’
‘Yes, that’s right,’ I said, startled. Recovering, I added, ‘And what better time to see it than with a party in full swing? Lovely to meet you, Annabel.’
Leaving her looking utterly furious, Alexander grabbed my elbow and steered me swiftly through the guests to the little space at the far end of the hall, where he drew aside the curtain that covered the stairway.
‘Are we really going up there?’ I asked.
‘Yes, come on, let’s get a breather. Annabel’s a good sort – we’ve known each other since we were little – but she can be extremely persistent. I don’t think even she would dare follow us up here.’
I picked my way carefully up the narrow, winding wooden stairs to where they opened out to the gallery, in which there were a few mismatched chairs and a small, round table.
‘Do sit down,’ said Alexander. ‘You can see quite a lot from here, but people hardly ever think to look up, so it’s quite private. One year the weather was so rainy that they couldn’t do the Nativity outside, so we offered them the Hall instead. The Angel Gabriel appeared up here and made everyone jump out of their skins.’
I laughed as I relaxed gratefully into a chair covered with tapestry and sipped my champagne, letting the noisy chatter of the party from down below wash over me. Alexander took a seat across the small table.
‘How are you feeling?’ he asked. ‘Dad told me you’d been through quite a lot.’
‘I’m all right, thank you,’ I replied. ‘My business has grown a bit too rapidly and I wasn’t able to keep up, but I’m going to make some changes and being away for a bit will make all the difference. It was good of you to say I could stay.’
He shook his head.
‘Not at all. Dad is clearly besotted with your mother, and I was glad to open up the house. Theo and I are happy here, but I know we can get rather…insular. Now we’ve got both of you, plus Coco and Constance, so I’ve got more than I bargained for. Thank you again for the help you’re giving me with the Christmas Fayre, it’s made a huge difference.’
He smiled at me, and a wave of attraction hit a wave of champagne, which was a heady mix. I smiled back and he held my gaze. I was the one to drop my eyes first, as I searched for some words to fill the silence.
‘I’m happy to help. And, well…I know you don’t need saving – other than from slinky Annabel, of course – but I’m glad to be of use while I’m here.’
‘Hmm, talking of slinky Annabel, I’m sorry she was so rude to you earlier. She’s usually very sweet.’
I waved my glass airily.
‘Oh, don’t worry about that. I just pretended I was my mother for a few minutes, and it all rolled off me.’
Alexander laughed.
‘Do you do that a lot, pretend you’re your mother?’
‘Oh, God no, we’re chalk and cheese and I’m perfectly happy with that.’
He stared at me again, and I foolishly took another sip of champagne, producing the not unpleasant headiness again.
‘Actually, I’m not sure you are that different,’ he said slowly. ‘You’re both smart, beautiful women, after all.’
‘Oh! Er, thank you.’ I was lost for words and started looking everywhere but at those deep blue eyes. Was he flirting with me? Maybe he was just keeping up the pretence in case Annabel suddenly appeared. I stood up and started looking over the party, hoping for a few minutes to compose myself, but he came and stood next to me.
‘Sorry, Fallon, I hope I haven’t offended you?’
I turned to see him looking worried.
‘Oh no, of course not, it’s just…’ It felt so pathetic to admit, but his concerned gaze and the champagne curling through me spurred me on. ‘Well, normally when people compare me to Mum – which they do a lot – it’s to marvel at how utterly different we are and how they can’t believe I’m her daughter. Given that she’s famous for her beauty, talent and drive, I don’t come out of it well.’ I went to have some more to drink, but found my glass empty. Alexander noticed and went to get the bottle from the table. He filled my glass, and his own.
‘Look, I don’t know either of you well. And I’m afraid I know very little about your mother or her career, and maybe that makes me unusual. I was just saying what I have seen in a very short time. I know your mother has legions of fans, but from what I’ve seen of you, Fallon, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be equally admired. You’ve taken a different path – one that doesn’t involve fame and adulation – but is just as impressive. Sorry, I should probably shut up now.’
I smiled, my face now very hot.
‘Not at all, thank you. Now, don’t you think we should join the party again? I haven’t seen Annabel lately; maybe she’s given up and gone home.’
‘I don’t want to sound unkind, but I do hope so. I’ve known her a long time and she’s…well-meaning, I suppose, but rather…’
‘Velcro?’ I supplied.
He laughed.
‘Exactly that. She seems to be on a mission, but I’m not going to be worn down. Theo and I are fine just as we are.’
I nodded, trying to ignore the little flash of disappointment that went through me.
‘Of course you are. Let’s drink to being allowed to live the way we want.’
We clinked glasses and drank, then I turned to go towards the stairs.
‘Fallon!’ Alexander caught my arm and I turned, confused. ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. I was just going to say, let me go down first. There’s a dodgy step you don’t notice coming up and I don’t want you to fall.’
I stepped aside to let him pass and he went down carefully, testing each stair and letting me know which one to avoid. I navigated that successfully, but when I was on the very bottom step, as Alexander pushed aside the curtain, the champagne, tiredness and high heels combined dramatically, and I tripped. I clutched at the air helplessly before falling against Alexander, who seized me firmly as he stumbled backwards past the curtain and into the little chamber. I can’t say that the dizziness I felt could entirely be blamed on the shock, as I found my face buried in his warm neck. He was trying to right me, and I stood back shakily. I was just about to thank him when an all-too-familiar voice said in amused tones:
‘Dear me, you two, find a room with a proper door next time.’
There stood my mother, with Douglas beside her, both smiling indulgently.
‘I fell, that’s all!’ I said defensively, then turned to Alexander. ‘Thank you for catching me, I shouldn’t have worn these stupid shoes.’
‘What were you doing behind there?’ asked Mum, not willing to throw me back in the water now I was dangling helplessly on her line. ‘We’ve been looking for you for ages.’
‘I just wanted to show Fallon the gallery,’ said Alexander dismissively. ‘You get a good view, you should take Jacqueline up, Dad. Right, I’m going to go and check on Theo.’
He marched off before anyone could say anything else. Encouraged by his coolness, I straightened my shoulders.
‘And I’m going to see where Coco is. Fantastic party, Douglas.’
For the first time in my life, I left my mother without the last word as I made as dignified an exit as I could on a slightly sore ankle and wearing a dress damp with spilled champagne.
I found Coco with Constance, sitting near the dance floor deep in conversation. I was shy about interrupting them, but seeing as they were the only familiar people at the party, I didn’t feel I had much choice. I needn’t have worried, as they both greeted me warmly.
‘We’ve been talking about Aunt Constance’s book,’ said Coco. ‘It sounds fascinating.’
‘It is,’ said Constance, ‘but it is also not the best topic of conversation for a party, especially when I want to dance. Come on, you two!’
She stood up and strode onto the dance floor as the band struck up ‘Diamonds are Forever’, and Coco and I followed, giggling as we hammed up some foxy moves. That set the tone for the rest of the party, and the three of us danced cheesily, singing along to all the bits we knew, until the band announced it was time for their last song, ironically ‘We Have All the Time in the World’. There were still plenty of guests chatting and drinking, but I was done for the evening.
‘Time to get these shoes off. Thank you both for the dancing.’
‘I won’t be far behind you,’ said Constance. ‘I’ve got a lot of work to do tomorrow, and Theo is bound to want me to trek off and see that donkey.’
‘Sleep tight!’ said Coco. ‘I’ll have breakfast ready by nine, so see you then.’
I hugged them both and slipped off up the stairs, managing to avoid Mum, who would doubtless want either to interrogate me about Alexander or take a ‘survivors’ end of evening selfie with me for her Instagram account, neither of which I could face.
Back in my room, I took off my shoes and put on slippers with glorious relief, then woke up a very sleepy Runcible.
‘Sorry, sweetheart, but you must go out one last time.’
Now seemed like a good moment to try the back stairs by the kitchen and I was soon shivering at the door, wishing I’d put something on over my dress. Thankfully, my dog was as chilly as I was and didn’t hang about, and soon we were back upstairs and tucked up, falling asleep quickly despite my mind being a whirl of music, gambling chips and the feeling of strong arms around me.