Chapter Twenty-Two #2
Joy’s cheeks flushed a deeper shade than her dress, and she looked down at her glass. ‘It’s nothing, really,’ she murmured.
Lady Eleanor smiled. ‘Nonsense,’ she said. ‘You were instrumental in developing a curriculum that innovated and modernised home economics at a county level, mentoring student teachers, and helping to shape future education in your field.’
‘Well, it was only in Lancashire …’ Joy gave a modest shrug.
‘That’s not to mention your outreach work,’ Lady Eleanor continued, undeterred.
‘I’ve read that you organised funding for healthy eating initiatives, set up cookery classes in underprivileged areas, and even authored resources tailored for students with special educational needs.
That kind of impact goes far beyond the county lines, my dear. ’
Henry stared at Joy, but she seemed suddenly fascinated by the bubbles rising in her champagne. He felt his heart swell with pride. This quiet remarkable woman, who had never boasted and had downplayed any accomplishment, had achieved so much.
And he hadn’t had the faintest idea.
‘We have much in common, Joy,’ Lady Eleanor continued, ‘you know all about my trust in Ireland and your legacy, like mine, will last long after our days are done.’ She turned as Margaret joined them. ‘Hello, dear,’ she said to the Olympian, ‘you remember Joy? And this is Henry.’
‘Splendid to see you again Joy, and pleased to see you here, Henry.’ Margaret wore a long floaty scarf around her neck and, flicking it to one side, gave Henry a hearty slap on his back.
The glass in his hand wobbled, almost spilling the contents.
‘Good man! You’ve landed a gem there.’ Margaret nodded towards Joy. ‘She’s an MBE don’t you know?’
‘Now, I do know,’ Henry smiled.
But before their conversation could continue, Lucinda Green waltzed into their circle, her diaphanous gown, almost transparent, an explosion of paint-splattered purple tulle, billowing around her. She held her cigarette holder in one hand and had tucked an oversized paintbrush through her updo.
‘Hello Lucinda, dear.’ Lady Eleanor smiled warmly, as Lucinda covered her ladyship’s rouged cheeks in kisses. ‘Do you know everyone?’
‘You must be the mysterious Mr Henry,’ Lucinda said, eyeing Henry and gripping the cigarette holder between her teeth.
‘We wondered who you were when your name popped up on the guest list, but I recognise you now from my art class.’ She raised a heavily painted eyebrow.
‘I hope you’re more interesting than your painting,’ she rudely added.
Henry opened his mouth to speak but wasn’t sure what to say. Lucinda appeared to be naked beneath her gown, and he was having difficulty keeping his focus at eye level.
Lucinda beamed. ‘Speechless already, that won’t last long.
’ Turning to the art on the walls, she swept out an arm.
‘Do you like my paintings? Lady Eleanor is my biggest fan.’ Lucinda stroked Lady Eleanor’s arm then snapped her fingers to a passing steward and scooped up a glass of champagne.
‘I’m taking commissions, do come and see me in my studio.
’ Draining her glass, she looked around for the steward again and moved away.
Henry suddenly understood how, despite her outrageous behaviour, Lucinda managed to keep her job on the ship.
With Lady Eleanor as her patron, the usual rules wouldn’t apply, and Lucinda could get away with near mutiny.
Her position was secured by protection from someone untouchable, and Lucinda brought colour and theatre into the old lady’s life.
‘Oh look, we have more guests,’ Lady Eleanor announced, and everyone turned to see Simon lead a couple into the room. ‘Over here, Simon!’ she called out.
Bringing up the rear, his hair polished and smooth, wearing a Union Jack bow tie and waistcoat beneath his dinner jacket, Kenneth’s expression was smug as he led Barbara towards them.
‘You must be the Montgomery Joneses.’ Lady Eleanor smiled. ‘Dear Simon has told me so much about you both and insisted that you join us.’ She extended her hand to Barbara, the diamonds on her wrist catching the chandelier’s light. ‘Welcome to my modest little soirée …’
No one watching Simon would have noticed the tension in his shoulders, nor his discomfort beneath his immaculate uniform jacket, as he stepped forward, smiling and acknowledging Lady Eleanor.
But behind the polished exterior, his brain seethed as Barbara’s face flashed before him.
It was a sharp reminder of her earlier visit to his office, brandishing the phone in her hand, wearing her cruel little smile.
She hadn’t needed to speak as she turned the screen towards him and watched the colour drain from his face as she made her terms clear.
If only he’d secured the bathroom door at the Sámi camp. If only Kyle hadn’t chosen that moment, to Simon’s shock and surprise, to pull Simon into the narrow space where Kyle had pressed him against the icy cold tiles and fiercely kissed him.
It had been brief and clumsy, fuelled by adrenaline and the thrill of secrecy.
Hands, hot breath, the rustle of discarded clothing …
And then, just as Simon had let go, he’d heard the unmistakable creak of the outer door.
But it was too late. The flash of Barbara’s camera was swift, before she disappeared into the dark.
The wretched woman had blackmailed her way into the party and unless he wanted the compromising images displayed all over the ship and forwarded to head office, Simon would have to make sure that the Montgomery Joneses were welcomed to the soirée and seated at the captain’s table for the Christmas meal.
Barbara’s smile broadened and she almost dropped into a curtsy as she took Lady Eleanor’s limp hand.
She briefly noted the glint of the dazzling diamonds on the old lady’s wrist, and a quick calculation told Barbara that their worth far outshone her own entire jewellery collection, which was considerable.
‘Charmed,’ Barbara said. ‘Do meet my husband, Kenneth.’
‘How patriotic,’ Lady Eleanor said as she stared at Kenneth’s red, white, and blue waistcoat. ‘But the cruise line no longer holds British Gala Nights.’
‘Such a shame,’ Kenneth said, turning to his wife, ‘Babs and I like nothing more than belting out “Land of Hope and Glory” and flying the flag.’
‘That may be so, but that doesn’t really resonate with non-British guests, does it, dear?’ Lady Eleanor dismissed, ‘Colonial-era anthems are terribly outdated,’ she added.
Barbara gritted her teeth and resisted the urge to kick Kenneth in the shin. But Lady Eleanor had turned to Joy and Henry and was busy making introductions.
‘We’ve met.’ Barbara forced a tight smile. Her eyes dropped to Joy’s dress, and suddenly, her stomach churned. The schoolteacher was wearing the dress! The very one that Barbara had burst out of.
‘I like your dress,’ Joy said kindly. ‘Did you get it from the ship’s boutique? I thought I saw something similar when I was browsing.’
‘Yes,’ Lady Eleanor joined in, ‘navy is so flattering on a fuller figure.’
Barbara’s grip tightened around her glass.
The assistant had insisted the dress would be perfect for the cocktail party, with a low-cut bodice, an empire waist, and a full skirt that bypassed any seams. Barbara had reluctantly agreed, hoping to elevate it with her diamonds.
But now, as she stared at Joy, who wore the coral confection effortlessly, Barbara realised that she’d been totally upstaged.
Worse still, the assistant had flatly refused to credit the damaged dress when Barbara had tried to return it.
‘I’m so thrilled to have an MBE in the room,’ Lady Eleanor ploughed on.
Kenneth sensed Barbara’s mood and felt the need to lighten the conversation. ‘Ah, those awards,’ he chuckled, ‘they hand them out willy-nilly these days, eh, Babs?’ He smiled at his wife. ‘An old boy in our village has one and we all say he Mostly Blagged Everything …’
Barbara closed her eyes and hoped that the parquet flooring would part and swallow Kenneth into the bowels of the ship.
‘Oh, Lady Eleanor, please ignore him. Kenny likes a little joke.’ She fluttered her eyelashes and playfully punched her husband’s arm.
‘Do tell us who has achieved such worthy recognition?’ Her eyes strayed beyond Joy and Henry as she cast her glance around the room.
‘But it’s Joy.’ Lady Eleanor raised her eyebrows. ‘Didn’t you know?’
‘J … Joy?’ Barbara spat out the name. ‘Er … well, how marvellous,’ she stuttered.
But Lady Eleanor appeared tired, and she gently touched Joy’s arm. ‘Do excuse me, my dear, I need to sit down, but please help yourselves to more drinks and canapés and of course, enjoy the music.’
Barbara begrudgingly noted the warm exchange, and as Lady Eleanor moved away, she flung her empty glass out to Kenneth for a refill.
She was damned if she’d ask the schoolteacher what miraculous doings had credited her with such an honour.
She was about to move away and mingle when Margaret cantered across the room to join the group, landing at Barbara’s side.
‘I say, would you believe it – SNAP!’ Margaret yelled and everyone turned. ‘We’re like Tweedledum and Tweedledee!’
Barbara froze. The room had silenced, and there was a mild ripple of laughter.
Margaret was wearing the same dress and was oblivious to the catastrophe she’d just detonated. The same deep navy that Barbara had only agreed to purchase after being assured by two boutique assistants that it was exclusive.
‘You wear it well, despite being so short,’ Margaret bulldozed on, ‘and there’s something about navy that hides all the bumps.’
Kenneth appeared with Barbara’s refill, and grabbing the glass, she half-drained it. Margaret turned to Joy and Henry and was now engaged in conversation.
Barbara narrowed her eyes and searched around the room for Simon. She had another request that he needed to fulfil. Mentally remembering the names of the assistants who’d sold her the navy dress, Barbara vowed they would find themselves unemployed by morning!