Part 2 (1/2)

' Your host and hostess will greet you. Just smile and thank them for the invitation. Step aside for the next guests and look around. Do not find the nearest corner and stand there all night.

'But youll be there, surely? You will come with me?

' Of course I will, I just dont want to spend the evening standing in a corner. Now, you look around the room. Smile and nod if anyone catches your eye. Theres no need to say anything. I know you dont think so, but most people are kinder than you think.

I nodded again.

' When youve got your bearings, start to move slowly round the room. Hes got a great art collection and most of the rooms will probably be open so well wander round and have a look. I particularly want to see Checklands portrait of Francesca, dont you?

'Yes, I said, 'and the library will probably be open, too. We can look at the books.

' There you go. That should keep us out of mischief for a while. Then well get something to eat, have another non-alcoholic drink, and go home. Your aunt turns into a pumpkin at midnight.

I laughed, suddenly feeling better about the whole thing. It was a good plan. Shame we never got to use it.

I came nervously down the stairs, wearing a plain black dress. Id tied my mothers lovely purple, blue, and green gla.s.s pendant on a purple ribbon around my neck. Id left off my pony tail and wore my hair loose with a jewelled slide.

My aunt watched me. 'Richard, Im really not sure about this.

Well, at least she hadnt reeled back in horror at my outfit, but she could have said something.

'I think you look lovely, said Thomas softly, behind me.

'My dear, Jenny will enjoy an evening out. Its not as if sh.e.l.l be making a habit of it.

'No, but sh.e.l.l get tired and ...

Im right here, I thought.

'Just tune her out, said Thomas. ' Thats what I do. I havent heard a word shes said in the last ten years. Dont let her upset you. Stay calm.

Not easy. My heart was thumping away and my palms were clammy and I hadnt even left the house yet.

Somehow, Uncle Richard overcame her misgivings and we climbed into the car. I sat in the back and stared out of the window. Perhaps I could just stay in the car until it was time to go home.

'Dont make me come and get you, said Thomas, appearing briefly and then disappearing again. The Ches.h.i.+re Horse.

The Palmers lived in a lovely old house on the other side of Rushford. It was built of soft red brick and had those wonderful twisted chimneys.

I ran over Thoma.s.s instructions. Uncle Richard helped Aunt Julia out of the car and then me. He gave my hand a little squeeze, which I appreciated. Perhaps I could enjoy this after all.

It all went just as Thomas had said. I smiled at the person who took my coat and stood behind my aunt and uncle as they talked to Francesca and Daniel. They moved away and I stepped forward. Daniel was kindness itself. 'Im so glad you came. Look, Francesca, Jennys here.

But Francesca had already stepped aside to talk to more interesting people. My heart sank, but he glossed over it well. 'Never mind, sh.e.l.l catch you later. Most of the house is open tonight, so please feel free to wander around and have a look at my little collection. And I know youll be interested in the library. Francescas portrait is in there.

She called him to her.

'Nip along and have a look if you get the chance, Jenny. And I still want to talk to you later. Enjoy yourself. He disappeared.

Someone approached with a tray of gla.s.ses. 'Fruit punch, madam. Red is alcoholic and green is not.

I took a green. So, I was in. I had a drink and I hadnt yet had to say a word. Excellent!

Remembering Thoma.s.s instructions, I walked slowly around the hall. Soft lights were gently reflected in the wooden panelling and lovely and unusual objects were displayed on the walls. I itched to look more closely. Daniel and his parties were popular and the place was full. People had spilled into the nearby rooms. I could hear bright chatter everywhere. Soft music played. I looked around and did see one or two people whod come to our house occasionally. One woman waggled her fingers which was nice. I smiled back.

I found a quiet spot not a corner and sipped my drink, looking, I hoped, enigmatic and thoughtful. And here came Thomas.

'Dont you like your drink?

'Yes, its lovely. Why?

'You had a funny expression on your face.

'Im doing International Woman of Mystery.

'No, he said. 'Seriously, no.

'Youre a horse, I said. 'You cant even have an expression.

'Well, youre wrong there, clever clogs. Watch. He pulled his lips back and wrinkled his nose, exposing huge horsey teeth.

'Please dont ever do that to small children or pregnant women.

He snorted again. I liked it when he laughed. 'Thats better, he said. ' You look a little more relaxed now. Shall we take a gander round the place?

We moved towards the stairs. I said, 'Upstairs first, then downstairs. Library last the big finish.

'Good plan, he said and we had started up the handsome staircase when we saw headlights flash against the windows.

'Late arrival, said Thomas and we paused to see who it was. The stairs were directly opposite the front door so we had the best view in the house.

The door opened and a single male figure walked into the room. All conversation stopped dead so I could clearly hear his footsteps on the tiled floor.

He stood, seemingly unaware of the consternation he was causing. He looked confidently round the room, seeking his host. Or more likely, his hostess. His tie was askew, his hair rumpled. He dug his hands in his pockets, relaxed and rude. I could hardly believe my eyes and stepped nearer to the banisters for a closer look. The movement must have caught his eye and he looked up. He stood staring up at me for far too long and I was unable to look away.

It was Russell Checkland and he was very, very drunk.

'Oh, wow! said Thomas. 'This is going to be good.

Chapter Two.

For a second n.o.body quite seemed to know what to do. Even Francesca seemed transfixed. She stood in a doorway, slightly behind him so he hadnt seen her yet. The moment dragged on endlessly until Daniel Palmer, wearing the politest smile in the history of the world, stepped forward.

'Russell, how good of you to come. We werent sure if you would be here or not.

I suspected this was Daniel-speak for: 'You werent invited and youre certainly not welcome but lets not make a scene.