Chapter Two #2
I notice the intricate beadwork along the bust line of Meryl’s green silk off the shoulder gown.
Her blonde hair cascades over her shoulders and frames her natural beauty.
She appears to have very little make-up on and no jewellery apart from her platinum wedding ring.
She is elegant in every way. I notice most of the surrounding women have dressed so beautifully in their evening wear, most of them complimenting the black tie worn by so many of their partners.
Perhaps I’m a little underdressed. It’s quite a formal affair, although a crowded one.
This enormous reception room is getting busier by the time I excuse myself.
I really need to use the bathroom and I can’t hang on any longer.
When I return, the room is alive with conversation and I have a job to get through the throng of bodies.
I look for Daniel, but spot Richard. His finger curls to signal me over.
I take a breath, straighten my back and head towards him with my professional smile. He is with someone I don’t recognise.
“Matthew, this is my assistant, Hannah May. Hannah, this is Matthew Bailey.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Matthew,” I say with a very formal handshake.
“Likewise,” he nods. Matthew is probably around my age, although he could be slightly younger.
He’s tall, smart in appearance with very blonde curly hair.
I smile politely, but I can’t deny my attention is over his shoulder in search of a certain man.
I try to focus on the conversation, but then champagne catches my eye, and I grab a glass from the waiter as he passes.
“Matthew is a fellow Brit, Hannah.” Richard winks.
“He transferred three years ago and is one of our most successful account managers.” I nod my head enthusiastically, “Where did you live in the UK Matthew?”
“I’m originally from Dorset, but ended up in Fulham when I was offered a job at Grants. And you?”
Before I can speak, Richard interrupts. “I’m sorry you two, you must carry on without me.
I’ve noticed an old friend from London.” Don’t leave me, Richard, you arse!
I could kick him at this point. I recognise that glint in his eye.
I watch as he heads nowhere in particular and question who the hell he’s waving at.
I know what’s going on. In his opinion, Matthew is a good distraction for me, but he is very much mistaken.
Matthew has hardly noticed Richard’s departure and is too busy answering his own questions.
“You probably lived in the city, didn’t you?”
“Actually, I lived on the outskirts, Clapham?”
“Oh yes, Clapham, I know it well. I have a sister who lives near Battersea Park.”
“Really? How—”
“I’ve told her she should move out now that she has children, but she doesn’t listen. Would you bring up children in London, Hannah?”
“Well, until I get—”
“I wouldn’t. Not enough green space. You need some green when you’re young, don’t you think?”
“I was lucky enough—”
“And don’t get me started on the pollution.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” I mumble. I’m trying to contribute, but I can’t get a word in edgeways.
His constant interruptions are pressing my buttons so I try a change of subject and hope for a balanced discussion.
I may be on the lookout for Daniel, but I’ve got to keep this going with Matthew until I spot him.
It sounds awful, but I haven’t met anyone else and it’s likely that if I don’t see this conversation through, I’ll be Billy no-mates.
“I wonder why our paths hadn’t crossed. I’m sure we must have a few mutual friends,” I manage to say before he interrupts me again. “In fact, an old friend of mine worked in your department. Simon Jacobs?”
Matthew’s body language changes. He actually stops talking for a second, but doesn’t seem comfortable.
He answers with an uneasy smirk and blushed cheeks.
“I know him. We worked together on some accounts when I first started out,” he stammers, “ but since I’ve been out here, we seem to have lost touch. How is he?”
His words are sharp and his enquiry insincere. It’s no surprise when his eyes shift around the room with disinterest when I answer, “He’s good. Still working hard, as always.”
I’m about to question him further when we’re called for dinner. “May I?” Matthew is quick to offer his arm and I’m relieved he wants to escort me. There’s no sign of Richard or Daniel.
We make our way over to the ballroom entrance, where there’s an easel displaying the table plan.
There are twelve tables of ten people, and I take a minute to spot my name.
When I find it, I’m almost a little disappointed, I’m not next to Daniel or Matthew.
I’m not bowled over by Matthew’s company as yet, but it might change if we manage a decent conversation.
I’m actually next to someone named Henry Silva on one side and luckily, Diana on the other.
I am honoured to be sitting with Mrs Peter Grant.
I’m also grateful because Mr Silva has a ring of seniority about him although I’m sure he won’t find me overly fascinating and I’m bound to put my foot in it.
I know I shouldn’t judge a book by its cover or even its name, but nerves will do that to you.
I almost gasp as I walk through the doors to the ballroom.
Huge wooden panels line the walls and surround an enormous marble fireplace which is the grand centrepiece.
To my right, duck egg blue curtains with extravagant swags frame the enormous windows.
Chandeliers set in ceiling roses glisten above me, and although it’s odd to have a room of this size and grandeur at the farm, it works.
Matthew escorts me over to my seat. He may be a pain in the arse, but I can’t fault his manners.
I appreciate his kindness and it’s clear he is keeping me company.
We hover behind the seat which holds my name card and I take a moment to appreciate this beautifully laid table.
Highly polished cutlery, crisp white tablecloths, and an array of different sized wine and water glasses are arranged on the outskirts while a centrepiece of elegant white lilies in a slender silver vase steals the show.
I almost don’t want to disturb the perfection in front of me.
We chat as people filter in, and Matthew is in full flow. I don’t really listen as he goes off on a tangent about himself once again, but it’s better than standing alone.
“Have you had a chance to see much of New South Wales yet, Hannah?”
“Oh no, not yet—”
“It’s fabulous. If you need a guide, I’d be happy to help,” he smiles as if waiting for an answer, but for once I don’t attempt and thankfully he doesn’t wait long. “You must visit the Blue Mountains while you’re here. It’s simply beautiful.”
“Oh yes, if we have time—”
“I’ve been many times,” he says while absentmindedly scanning the room.
“Have you now.”
“I don’t mind going again so shout if you want me.” His broad grin drops as I sense a body behind me. Goosebumps erupt all over my skin and freeze my ability to move. Tall, dark and delicious. It can only be Daniel.
“I’ve been looking for you. It’s time we sat down for dinner.
” He pulls out my chair and sweeps his hand towards it.
As I sit, my fingers find the place cards set in front of me.
Henry Silva’s name is nowhere to in sight.
It’s replaced by Daniel Grant. I quickly turn in my chair when I realise I’ve abandoned Matthew.
I want to introduce him to Daniel, but I’m too late.
“Thanks for keeping Hannah company.” Daniel doesn’t wait for a response from Matthew.
When he takes his seat next to me and smiles my way, poor Matthew turns a bright shade of pink.
It’s obvious he knows exactly which position Daniel holds so he isn’t going to argue.
“No problem… and it was lovely to meet you, Hannah. Perhaps I’ll see you later? ”
As I answer him with “I hope so and thank you,” Daniel doesn’t take his eyes away from Matthew until he is fully out of sight. I wasn’t madly keen on him, but Daniel’s behaviour is incredibly rude. Matthew didn’t deserve that.
I have to consider how to play this. Daniel is part of a prominent family. The family that employs me and that’s a concern. I set my focus on the table in front of me in a bid not to catch eyes around the room.
“Are you all right?”
The low growl of his voice is powerful and rich. I have such a dilemma between what I want to do and what I ought to do. I should take the latter option, so I try.
“I’m okay. Just worried you thought I was being disrespectful this afternoon.”
“Not at all.” He leans back and looks at me, side on.
“Why would you say that?” He takes his napkin and shakes it out with a snap.
His company photographs do not do justice to his impressive features.
They give a stuffy impression, but he is far from that.
He could easily be the gentle cowboy or the stable hand I longed for.
He seems such a normal and down-to-earth guy.
He clears his throat to gain my attention. I’ve been away with the fairies.
“I’m worried what people think.” I clasp my fingers together on my lap and focus. He places one finger under my chin and guides my gaze to hazel eyes that melt my racing heart. “I don’t care what they think. The only thoughts that matter are yours. Tell me what you want to happen here.”
I open my dry mouth. “I…” His warm hand covers mine. It’s unexpected. “I’m not sure I expected anything to happen.” I can’t seem to find the right words. “I mean, we’ve only just met an d I know nothing about you. How old you are, nothing.” Bugger, that must sound rude.
“I’m thirty-two.” His perfect lips rise together in a smile.
“Don’t you want to know how old I am?” I ask.
“Age is just a number, isn’t it?”
“So they say.”