Echoes of Grace

by Caragh Bell

  Joe made a face. ‘Yikes.’

  Aurora smiled at the waiter as he placed a cocktail in front of her. She squeezed Laura’s leg and sent her a silent message not to worry. All would be well. The wedding was the last hurdle and then she could tell the world.

  Three cocktails later and they were in great form. Molly joined them, as did Samantha and her husband Craig.

  ‘Hi, I’m Craig, the best man,’ he said, waving to the occupants of the table. His sallow skin had turned darker in the sun and he was casually dressed in a white shirt and navy shorts.

  ‘He’s Luca’s cousin,’ explained Laura. ‘A solicitor. Very nice actually.’

  Samantha still looked sick, her eyes disguised behind large shades. She refused a cocktail and opted for water instead.

  ‘So, have you other brothers and sisters?’ Aurora asked Molly.

  ‘Yep, there are four of us.’

  Colin coughed.

  ‘Well, five if you add on my cousin there.’

  ‘I’m an honorary child,’ he said gravely.

  ‘There’s Sarah,’ Molly went on. ‘She’s the eldest. Her son, Mini Seán – named after his grandfather – is the pageboy.’

  ‘The most well-behaved child in the world,’ said Colin. ‘He’s as disciplined as a North Korean.’

  ‘Colin!’ Molly shook her head. ‘I have to admit, he’s not allowed much leeway, but Sarah’s not an actual dictator.’

  ‘Hmmm,’ said Colin.

  ‘Then there’s Ollie, my only brother –’

  ‘Apart from me,’ said Colin.

  Molly rolled her eyes. ‘Ollie – Mum’s pride and joy. We call him the Son of God in our house.’

  ‘The Messiah,’ said Colin. ‘He Who Walks on Water.’

  ‘Then there’s Lyd, who you know, and of course, moi.’ She sat back. ‘One big happy family. My parents, Helen and Big Seán are pretty funny too. You’ll meet them later.’

  ‘And of course, my parents: Oscar and Diana,’ said Colin. ‘You’ll notice them right away as they’re easily the most stylish people in the wedding party.’

  ‘Sure they are,’ said Molly.

  ‘They are,’ said Colin fiercely. ‘I love Auntie Hel and all, but sometimes I can’t believe she’s my mum’s younger sister.’ He sighed. ‘I’m so gutted that Britney couldn’t come. I mean, all I wanted was a picture of her on a gondola.’

  Samantha groaned. ‘I feel awful!’ she said, fanning her face with Val’s discarded newspaper. ‘I think I need to lie down.’

  ‘Jesus, Sam, you’d better be okay for the church tomorrow,’ said Molly in alarm. ‘You look really pale.’

  ‘Oh, I will,’ she said definitely. ‘I just need to sleep it off.’

  Craig handed her the room key and, with a wave, Sam left.

  ‘I wonder if James is here yet?’ said Aurora.

  Laura checked her phone. ‘Any minute now. Although, knowing him, he probably opted for the vaporetto. Claire would murder him if he wasted their mortgage money on a water taxi.’

  Oscar and Diana, Colin’s parents, popped over to say hello en route back to their room. They were indeed as glamorous as Colin had said: Oscar was tall and distinguished and Diana was sophisticated in a white Chanel suit, with blonde streaks in her wavy hair.

  ‘Did you get to the Guggenheim as I advised?’ said Colin.

  ‘No.’ Oscar was busy checking his emails. ‘Di wanted to go shopping instead. Look at the bags.’

  Colin glanced down at his mother’s feet to see Prada and Louis Vuitton bags. ‘Oh, Mum! You’re a woman after my own heart!’

  ‘I wonder where Christian is?’ whispered Laura to Aurora. ‘I mean, I hope he’s not avoiding me.’ She glanced round the tables.

  She’d been on constant high alert in case he appeared. Aurora noticed her surreptitiously checking her lipstick every five minutes and smoothing her hair. It was odd to see her confident sister so edgy.

  ‘Oh, he’s entertaining the French cousins,’ said Colin, overhearing. ‘They flew in from Paris last night.’

  ‘You must have heard,’ said Laura bitterly. ‘There’s to be no contact between us whatsoever. Luca insisted.’

  ‘What now?’ said Joe, alerted to gossip. ‘No contact between whom?’

  Molly filled him in.

  ‘Oh!’ His eyes sparkled. ‘So there’s a high chance of a showdown between the ex and the replacement?’

  ‘Joe!’ Molly wagged her finger at him. ‘Poor Laura’s upset.’

  ‘If only you knew,’ said Laura through gritted teeth. ‘Replacement indeed.’

  Aurora patted her arm. ‘Don’t rise. Think of next week.’

  A loud laugh made them all turn around in the direction of the hotel. There, dressed in a Hawaiian shirt with a beer in his hand, was Tyler Trenton, Luca’s best friend from New York. His red hair flopped over his eyes and his freckles were even more pronounced after a few days in the sun. ‘Tyler in da house!’ he announced lifting his hands above his head. ‘Let’s PARTAY!’

  ‘Oh, Christ,’ said Laura and got to her feet. ‘See you later.’

  Aurora watched her scamper off in confusion. ‘What’s the matter with her?’ she asked Molly.

  ‘I’m guessing it’s because of Tyler, that loud American over there,’ she explained. ‘They had a bit of a thing a couple of years ago and he still holds a torch.’

  ‘At my wedding as I recall,’ said Craig, smiling.

  Aurora looked flabbergasted. ‘Laura and that redhead?’ she said. ‘I find that hard to believe. He’s not her type at all.’ She regarded the American burping loudly and then laughing his head off.

  ‘Yeah, it was weird all right,’ agreed Molly. ‘I think she was pissed. Anyway, he’s been obsessed with her since.’

  Tyler took Laura’s empty seat and winked at Aurora. ‘Hey, you guys,’ he said to the table. ‘Venice rocks, right?’

  ‘It’s wonderful,’ said Aurora amiably. ‘Hello, I’m Aurora, Laura’s sister.’

  ‘Laura, you say?’ He perked up immediately. ‘Is she here?’ He glanced around in excitement.

  ‘She had to pop upstairs for a minute,’ she lied.

  ‘Now that’s one hot girl,’ he sighed.

  Colin snorted. ‘You need to give up there, Tyler. She’s made it quite clear that she has no interest.’

  Tyler smiled happily. ‘Nothing a few vodkas won’t fix.’ He focused in on Aurora. ‘Although, you’re pretty cute.’ He gave her a lopsided smile. ‘Wanna dance at the wedding tomorrow?’

  Aurora blushed. ‘Perhaps.’

  ‘Perhaps,’ he said mimicking her accent. ‘I frickin’ love the British, man.’

  ‘Is Lydia nervous about tomorrow?’ asked Joe. ‘She’s barely mentioned the wedding at work. No Bridezilla behaviour at all.’

  Molly put her head to one side. ‘You never know with Lyd, to be honest. She’s pretty laid back.’

  ‘Of course she’s nervous,’ said Colin briskly. ‘You know how she hates attention. Everyone is going to be looking at her tomorrow.’ He glared at Val. ‘I, however, love attention. I’d be the perfect bride. Do you hear me, Val? Do you?’

  Val whistled loudly, his eyes crinkling in amusement.

  ‘Hello, all.’ James appeared, dressed in a white shirt and beige pants. ‘I’m James.’ He had his Nikon on his shoulder and his sallow skin was already brown.

  Colin looked him up and down. ‘Who?’

  ‘This is Laura’s brother,’ explained Aurora. ‘The photographer.’

  ‘Oh right!’ Colin was instantly friendlier. ‘God, sorry. I thought you were some sad case looking to join our group. No offence intended.’

  ‘None taken,’ said James, smiling. ‘I do have a look of a sad case, I have to say.’

  Colin looked him up and down. ‘Au contraire,’ he said approvingly. ‘I would say quite dishy.’

  Aurora, unable to contain her excitement, pulled James down to sit beside her. ‘I’ve been waiting all day for you to arrive,
’ she said, smiling beatifically.

  ‘Well, I took that vaporetto thing. You know, the public transport boat? It took forever and it was so crowded and hot.’

  ‘But you’re here now,’ said Aurora.

  ‘I am, Borealis.’ He smiled at her.

  ‘Jeez, man, you’re one lucky guy,’ said Tyler. ‘You got two gorgeous sisters. Although, I gotta say, you look more like Aurora. You both got that dark hair going down.’

  ‘That’s fascinating,’ said James with a grin. ‘Especially as I’m no blood relation to Aurora at all. She’s my stepsister.’

  ‘No shit!’ Tyler laughed. ‘I gotta keep my mouth shut.’

  ‘Amen,’ said Colin.

  The sun blazed down, despite the late hour.

  James picked up Aurora’s bare arm for inspection. ‘You’re getting a great tan,’ he said, observing the tawny colour of her skin. ‘I’m so used to the pale look.’

  ‘It’s been so hot in New York,’ she said. ‘I can’t avoid it. Harry keeps berating me about it as pale skin works better in period dramas. It was a sign of status, apparently.’

  ‘How did your audition go last week?’ he asked, referring to a new show about the American Civil War. Harry had insisted she try out for it, claiming it would look great on her resumé when it came to the Scarlett audition.’

  ‘Quite well,’ she answered. ‘It’s only a small part – the younger sister of an abolitionist – so fingers crossed.’

  ‘Your emails make me laugh,’ he admitted. ‘I love hearing about the world of show business. It lifts my dull London life a bit.’

  ‘Any luck with the Beeb?’

  ‘Nothing permanent anyway. Just random jobs here and there. I’ve started taking portraits again so there’s good revenue from that.’

  ‘Will you take me?’ she asked shyly. ‘I could do with some pictures for my portfolio.’

  ‘Oh, God, I don’t know.’ He looked horrified. ‘I don’t think I could do anything with that face.’

  ‘Nice.’

  ‘Right,’ said Molly, standing up. ‘See you all tomorrow. Mum is insisting that we all get an early night. We’re going to order a bite in her room and call it a day.’ She smiled at the group. ‘See you at the church, peeps.’

  Joe got up and stretched. ‘Ciao, all. I met a hot guy called Giacomo at the bar last night and he wants to have a drink. Keep me posted on any goss that may or may not occur while I’m gone.’

  Molly crossed her heart solemnly. ‘I will inform you of everything, Joseph.’

  They walked off arm in arm.

  ‘Okay,’ said Tyler, ‘who’s on for a night on the town? Colin?’

  Colin shook his head. ‘I want to look fabulous tomorrow as I walk up the aisle and I still have a facial to apply.’

  Tyler threw his hands up in the air. ‘Are you serious? You don’t want to party? That sucks!’

  ‘You’re welcome to join me and Luca,’ suggested Craig, straight-faced. ‘We’re going to order room service and work on our speeches.’

  Tyler made a face. ‘That sucks even more. How about you British? Please tell me you’re not calling it a night?’

  Aurora bit her lip. ‘Well, I’m the singer tomorrow, Tyler. I must rest my voice.’

  ‘I have to be up early to take some shots of the canal at dawn.’ James shrugged apologetically.

  ‘Where’s Laura? She might be up for a few drinks.’ Tyler put his hands together in prayer.

  Colin gave him a withering look. ‘You think?’

  Laura, James and Aurora decided to grab a quick bite. Colin had recommended a restaurant near Saint Mark’s Square that he and Val had tried the night before. They dined on homemade pasta, lightly coated with a fresh tomato sauce. Their table overlooked the small winding canal beneath the restaurant and every so often a gondolier would pass, singing ‘O Sole Mio’.

  ‘I’d love to go on one of those,’ said Aurora enviously. ‘It must be so romantic.’

  ‘I’ll go with you if we have time,’ said Laura, texting madly on her phone. ‘I’m not exactly the love of your life but . . .’

  ‘Anyone for a top-up?’ asked James with the bottle of wine poised.

  Aurora held out her glass. ‘Yes, please.’

  The air was balmy and there was a buzz of conversation. They were so close to the canal they could hear the water lapping gently against the stonework. Crowds of people of different nationalities and ages passed by on foot. A candle burned on their table, its light flickering slightly in the breeze.

  ‘Dolce?’ asked the waiter with a smile.

  The girls shook their heads, but James nodded. ‘Sì, gelato, per favore.’

  ‘I didn’t know that you could speak Italian,’ said Aurora in awe.

  ‘I studied it at school,’ he admitted. ‘Before I met you.’ His expression softened. ‘Although, it’s hard to remember life without you, Borealis.’

  Laura, who was still texting furiously on her phone, whooped in delight. ‘Look!’ she said triumphantly, turning the screen around. There was a message from Christian which read: 234.

  ‘So?’ said James.

  ‘I’ll see you later,’ said Laura with a wink. ‘Here’s fifty euros – it should cover my part. Ciao, y’all!’ She took off in the direction of the hotel, just as James’ ice cream arrived.

  ‘Two three four?’ said James. ‘His room number?’

  ‘Obviously,’ said Aurora. ‘She’ll sneak up there, spend the night and be back in time to straighten her hair in the morning.’

  ‘You seem very worldly when it comes to these things. Sneaking into bedrooms indeed.’

  ‘Oh, you have no idea,’ she said, flicking her hair.

  ‘Any love interest in New York?’ he asked casually. ‘Surely you’ve met someone.’

  She traced the stem of her wineglass with her finger. ‘Not really. I went on a few dates but they fizzled out. Actors are dreadful, egocentric bores so I tried a producer. Turns out they’re even worse.’ She laughed. ‘Perhaps I’ll just go for a fireman or a bus driver. Something completely different.’

  He held out his spoon. ‘You’ve just got to try this,’ he said. ‘I think it’s hazelnut.’

  She opened her mouth and let him feed her a spoon of creamy nutty ice cream. She closed her eyes. ‘You’re so right. It’s heavenly.’

  ‘More?’

  ‘No! I have a very tight dress to fit into tomorrow. I’ve already had far too much pasta.’

  He waggled the spoon in front of her. ‘You know you want to,’ he teased.

  ‘Oh, okay.’ She yanked the spoon out of his hand and licked it clean. ‘Now, no more temptation. I need to be good.’

  They strolled through the winding streets, walking up and down steps and over little bridges. The houses looked dreary and derelict from the outside, with shoddy décor and damp walls. Some had boats tied up outside the front door.

  ‘I bet they’re mansions inside,’ said James. ‘Never judge a book by its cover.’

  ‘Pretty expensive real estate,’ she agreed. ‘I would love an apartment here.’

  They approached a small bridge and waited for the crowd to dissipate so that they could cross. A gondolier with a striped shirt and a black hat called out, ‘Gondola!’

  Aurora smiled and shook her head. ‘No, thank you.’

  ‘Gondola! Good price for bella lady.’ He held out his hand. ‘You come on my gondola and you see alla Venezia.’

  She turned away and began to climb the steps when James pulled her back.

  ‘Come on,’ he said. ‘I’ll treat you.’

  ‘Really? Oh, I’d love that!’

  His brown eyes were warm. ‘Then let’s go!’

  She stepped onto the long black boat and took a seat at the back. The cushions were dark-pink with a golden trim and the seat was shaped like a throne.

  ‘You sit with the lady,’ instructed the gondolier and James obeyed. Slowly he pushed the boat off and began to sing in Italian.

&n
bsp; Aurora clapped her hands in delight. ‘I can’t believe that I’m here,’ she said. ‘This is so magical.’

  Using his long oar, the gondolier angled the bow of the boat so that it turned the narrow corner.

  ‘He’s quite skilful,’ said James, watching him expertly manoeuvre the boat past an approaching gondola.

  ‘Just look!’ she said joyfully. ‘He’s taking us out onto the Grand Canal!’

  The water immediately became choppier when they emerged out onto the main waterway of the city. Speedboats passed, leaving a backwash that caused the gondola to sway from side to side.

  ‘Oh! We’ll capsize!’ Aurora grabbed James’ arm.

  ‘Hopefully not,’ he answered, looking in disgust at the murky water. ‘I don’t think we’d survive being submerged in that.’

  She clung to him as they neared the Rialto. The night air was quite chilly and his body emitted heat. The old stone bridge was illuminated in the darkness.

  ‘I take a photo?’ asked the gondolier.

  James handed him his phone.

  The gondolier spread his legs to balance the boat. ‘Look at me and say “Amore!”’

  ‘Amore!’ they chorused.

  They turned back into the winding streets of Cannaregio, the old Jewish quarter of the city. Aurora kept expecting Shylock to appear and call for his ducats and his daughter. It was absurdly quiet compared to the bustle of the canal. The gondolier pointed out Casanova’s house and then Marco Polo’s. Finally, they came to a halt, right back where they started.

  ‘You can let go of me now,’ said James and she jumped. ‘We’re safe.’

  ‘Oh, sorry,’ she said, flushing. ‘I must have stopped the circulation in your arm.’

  ‘It will recover.’ He regarded her fondly.

  The gondolier blew kisses at them as they walked away. ‘Amore!’ he called, winking.

  Chapter Thirty-seven

  The day of the wedding dawned. The chapel Lydia had chosen was at the centre of a small piazza near the Rialto. It had a small doorway and stone walls. Crowds were gathering outside when Laura and Aurora arrived. Oscar and Diana were there looking stylish in a Hugo Boss suit and Roberto Cavalli dress respectively. Luca’s French cousins were smoking cigarettes and talking rapidly with lots of hand movements.