Chapter Thirty-Eight
CHAPTER
THIRTY - EIGHT
Piers’s birthday party was being held on the upper floor of a pub quite near the latest theatre where Felicity had painted scenery.
She had scanned the room for Oliver within moments of her and Violet’s arrival. To her relief, he wasn’t there. Of course that didn’t mean he wouldn’t turn up later, but as she and Violet were already fairly late, she could probably relax.
The welcome they received at the party was heartening. Although she hadn’t been invited, Violet was welcomed into the group. Only Miranda asked Felicity about Oliver.
‘I know you were going mudlarking with him,’ she said, ‘because you bought the gumboots, but he seems to have disappeared. I wondered if you might know where he was?’
‘Oliver and I aren’t together any more,’ said Felicity, pleased she could say the words without tears clogging her throat.
‘Oh,’ said Miranda. Her expression was resigned. ‘While it’s obviously sad as you seemed to go so well together, it’s probably wise. But a lovely girl like you won’t stay single for long. Piers is very taken, I know.’
Felicity smiled. ‘It was sweet of him to ask me to his party. And to let me bring Violet with me.’
‘Your friend? She seems very nice. And a couple of the other actors seem to think so too!’
Felicity had to ask. ‘Does everyone here know Oliver?’
Miranda nodded. ‘I’m afraid so. He’s a popular boy.’
‘So he might appear at any moment?’
‘He might, but he hasn’t been around for ages so he probably won’t. Have another glass of wine, forget about him, and enjoy yourself. Your friend is! Look, Rupert is writing his telephone number on a fag packet already!’
Felicity felt herself relax. ‘I doubt if she’ll ring him.’
‘Why not? He’s successful and straight. What more can a girl want?’
Knowing there was quite a lot else, Felicity laughed. ‘I think I’ll find a glass of wine.’
‘You were popular!’ said Felicity as they fell on to the back seat of a taxi a couple of hours later.
‘I was surprised! I haven’t been to many parties like that. In the country they tend to be a bit more formal and almost everyone is spoken for.’
‘It proves that you don’t need to hang about waiting for Henry, you could – and should – find a new boyfriend immediately.’
‘And I think exactly the same about you,’ said Violet. ‘Piers is mad for you. It was obvious.’
‘You seem to have forgotten I am going home to Provence as soon as I can. I’m done with Englishmen!’