by Katie Fforde
‘It’s lovely,’ said Scarlet, ‘but it doesn’t seem special enough.’
‘Mm.’ It was no good finding something that smelt right on Scarlet if she didn’t like it on herself. ‘Let’s try something else.’ Caro chose something much more classic from a very old perfume house. ‘What about this?’
Scarlet sniffed and shook her head. ‘It’s a nice fragrance but I don’t want to smell like that.’ She sighed, tired suddenly. ‘Honestly, I’ve tried so many of these here.’
‘And you haven’t liked anything?’ said Caro. ‘As I said to David earlier, I’m quite good at matching fragrance to people. Maybe if I helped you—’
‘What I really want isn’t available any more,’ said Scarlet. ‘I’m crazy to even think of trying to find it.’
‘Maybe you need something made specially for you?’ said Rowan.
Caro caught Rowan looking at her. Alec’s daughter obviously knew what her father was making in that little cottage in the Highlands and she was checking to see if Caro did too.
‘Can I suggest we go somewhere and have tea?’ said David.
Scarlet jumped up and clapped her hands. ‘I love it when you go all British on me, David!’ she said.
‘I had an English grandmother,’ he explained.
‘I’m afraid we’d better be going,’ said Caro again.
‘No, no! We want you to have tea with us, don’t we David? I don’t think tea would be any fun without actual British people to have it with!’
David smiled indulgently. ‘That was what I had in mind,’ he said. ‘Have you two got time for tea?’
Caro had been thinking that Scarlet and David wanted to be on their own but this invitation made it seem they really wanted their company. Rowan was gazing at her pleadingly and Caro really wanted a cup of tea herself. ‘Oh, I think so,’ said Caro and was rewarded by happy smiles of gratitude.
‘Let’s have it in the hotel,’ said Scarlet.
‘We’ll find a cab,’ said David.
But just as they set off for the exit, Caro was aware of a little group of tourists taking pictures of them. It unsettled her and she turned her back and took Scarlet’s arm. She couldn’t help wondering what Skye would say if she ever found out about it. She’d be utterly horrified.
It was fairly glamorous being driven through London in the back of a cab with such a famous couple and Caro could see that Rowan was really enjoying it. Scarlet was enjoying it too and Caro couldn’t help thinking what a nice girl she was. She was living the sort of life other women might dream of, but she still took pleasure in the simple things.
‘So, are you guys related?’ Scarlet asked.
‘Caro is my friend,’ said Rowan. ‘I’m staying with her.’
‘We met when I was looking after her grandfather, in Scotland.’
‘Ah, Scotland!’ Scarlet sighed. ‘I’ve never been. But I long to go!’
Caro saw Rowan open her mouth to suggest Scarlet went and stayed with her in Glen Liddell and then shut it again. The poor girl hadn’t had much opportunity to develop normal social skills so it was good that she realised it wasn’t a brilliant idea to invite people you’ve only known five minutes to stay. Also she might have wondered what her family would make of her new friends.
Eventually the taxi made its way through the traffic and pulled up outside the Ritz.
‘Isn’t the Ritz famous?’ asked Rowan.
‘Yup,’ said Scarlet. ‘David is spoiling me. I like old-fashioned hotels.’
‘We won’t be able to get tea in the restaurant,’ said David. ‘We haven’t booked. But they’ll bring it to us in the suite.’
Caro and Rowan exchanged looks of amazement and joy.
‘I can’t believe I’m in London and about to have tea in a suite at the Ritz!’ said Rowan. ‘It’s amazing!’
‘I know!’ said Scarlet. ‘It’s going to be so fun!’
David ushered his posse of women into the hotel with the aid of the doorman. Then he spoke to the concierge before shepherding them into the lift.
Scarlet showed Rowan the suite: the lavish bedroom, a bathroom and the sitting room. The furnishings were of striped silk, the curtains swagged and draped. There were several separate seating areas with small sofas and armchairs, little tables and lamps. Caro counted at least three antique desks and more than three huge flower arrangements. The lighting was perfect. The rooms were bright but softly lit giving an impression of warmth and luxury.
‘It’s so British!’ said Scarlet with a sigh, sitting down on one of the sofas and indicating the others should do likewise.
‘Compared to where I come from, it’s amazing,’ said Rowan. ‘I mean, ours – I mean my grandfather’s – is a pretty big house but the carpets are all worn out, and the stags’ heads have got some sort of moth.’
‘But it sounds so romantic! Stags’ heads on the walls!’ said Scarlet.
‘It is in a really beautiful part of the world,’ said Caro. ‘I was only there for a short time, but I completely fell in love with it.’
‘Did you?’ said Rowan. ‘I’m so glad.’ She smiled briefly. ‘Caro lives on a barge here in London.’
‘A barge? That’s pretty amazing,’ said David. ‘Whereabouts is it?’
‘Canary Wharf,’ Caro said. ‘People are always excited when I tell them about it but it’s always been home to me. I sort of take it for granted.’
‘Do you feel safe there?’ asked Scarlet. ‘I mean – don’t you feel a bit vulnerable not having a proper house?’
‘Not at all,’ said Caro. ‘It’s a gated community really. No one can get on to the mooring unless they have the code.’
‘Oh, well, I’d love to see that too,’ said Scarlet. ‘When you go to a foreign country – even when you speak the language – it’s hard to get to know the people. That’s why it’s so cool we met you guys.’ She smiled up at David. ‘Thank you for getting chatting, sweetheart.’
‘I just wanted some advice about your perfume,’ said David. ‘I wasn’t being friendly.’ He laughed as if absolving himself of something bad.
‘We might be able to help you with the perfume,’ said Rowan, looking somewhat anxiously at Caro.
‘Rowan’s father makes it,’ she said.
‘Is he any good?’ said David.
Rowan and Caro looked at each other. Caro made an executive decision which involved taking a lot on trust. After all, she wasn’t a professional, she couldn’t know for a fact how good at perfume-making he was, but she did believe his passion and she wanted to help him if she possibly could. ‘The best. Shall I ring him and ask if he could meet you? He might be able to create a fragrance that is uniquely yours.’
‘Oh, that would be perfect!’ said Scarlet.
‘It would solve the problem of trying to find something that doesn’t exist,’ said David.
‘So should we get in touch with him?’ asked Caro.
‘Yes, let’s,’ said Rowan, delighted by Caro’s support for her father.
Caro observed three pairs of eyes looking at her with faith, faith she knew could be misplaced. But she had confidence in Alec and if this was misplaced, well, so be it.
‘I have to go home in four days’ time,’ said David. ‘Scarlet is staying for about another two weeks – for an acting course. Could he get here by before I leave, do you think?’
‘Scotland’s not that far away,’ said Rowan, slightly defensive.
‘If his sister is home and can look after their father, he’ll come, I’m sure of it,’ said Caro. ‘But he has been quite tied up recently. Shall I call and find out how he’s fixed now?’
‘Yes, do!’ said Scarlet. ‘I have a dream, something he may be able to make come true.’
‘Maybe you should explain further, sweetheart,’ said David.
Scarlet took a moment to prepare what she was going to say. ‘My grandmother was a dresser to an old movie star.’
‘Oh, I didn’t know movie stars had dressers,’ said Caro, excited. ‘I t
hought dressers belonged in the theatre. My mother told me all about them!’ She turned to Rowan. ‘A dresser was like a maid, but for actors. They made sure all their clothes were right, helped with make-up and it often became a very close relationship.’ She paused, smiling. ‘My mother was mad about old actors. She used to read their biographies.’
‘It’s so cool to find someone who knows what I’m talking about,’ said Scarlet.
‘Do go on,’ said Caro. ‘I interrupted you.’
‘Well, when my grandmother was a girl she looked after an actress who became a really big movie star. She had a very rich and powerful boyfriend.’ Scarlet glanced at David and Caro wondered if the look was significant. ‘As a wedding present he had this perfume made for her but no one else was allowed to wear it. The recipe was destroyed so it was only for her.’
‘And I want to recreate that part of the story,’ said David. ‘I’d love for Scarlet to have something no one in the world has.’
After exchanging loving looks with David, Scarlet went on. ‘But the rest of it is very sad. She was killed in a seaplane accident. She was pregnant.’
‘Was that – Serena Swan?’ asked Caro. ‘I remember that story. It was so tragic.’
‘The perfume originally came in a Lalique glass bottle, shaped like a swan,’ said Scarlet. ‘And that’s the perfume I want. It has so many memories for me: my grandmother telling me the story – all the stories – of Serena Swan who she looked after devotedly. It’s why I wanted to be an actress in the first place.’
‘But how can it be recreated if there’s no recipe?’ asked Rowan.
Scarlet shrugged. ‘I was trying to find a perfume that was near it. But nothing smells the same.’
‘How do you know?’ asked Rowan.
Scarlet looked around as if someone might be eavesdropping. ‘I have a tiny bit of it. My grandmother kept a small bottle. She saved it after Serena died, that and a silk scarf, to remind her.’
‘That’s so beautiful!’ said Rowan. ‘I think I might cry!’
Caro moved to the bedroom to make the call, wondering at how quickly ‘I know someone who makes perfume’ had become her asking Alec to turn Scarlet and David’s dream into reality. Of course, if it came off, it would be wonderful, and if it didn’t, well, no one was any worse off.
Alec answered the phone instantly. ‘Is Rowan all right?’ he said, without even a ‘hello’.
Caro found herself almost laughing. ‘She’s fine. She called you last night; what could have happened to her since then?’ Although quite a lot had happened to her it was all very positive. ‘But I’m not ringing about Rowan, I want to talk to you.’
‘Oh? What about?’
‘Perfume. We met these people – we’re with them now. They’re a lovely couple – he’s a famous film producer and she’s his fiancée. He wants to recreate the perfume that was made for an actress who was around in the thirties – I think. She was killed in a seaplane accident. Her husband said that only she was allowed to wear it. This is the perfume that Scarlet wants.’
‘Serena Swan. I know that story,’ said Alec. ‘It’s famous. But there were no recipes kept. How could I – or anyone – recreate it?’ She could hear that he was interested.
‘Scarlet has a sample.’
‘She has a sample?’ Now Alec was really enthusiastic. ‘Then there’s a chance.’
‘How soon can you get here? David’s got to be back in the States in a few days and he wants to meet you.’
‘Lennie is arriving tonight. I’ll let her recover a bit and then hand over. I could be with you tomorrow night?’
‘Perfect. I’ll email you details of how to get to the barge.’
‘Great.’
There was a tiny pause and then Caro said, ‘Goodbye then!’ and disconnected.
While Caro had been on the phone to Alec, the tea had arrived.
‘Oh wow,’ she said.
There were two silver cake stands on a cloth-covered trolley, every layer packed with finger sandwiches, scones, tiny patisserie, fruit cake and teacakes. The cups and saucers looked as if they were vintage porcelain with a delicate floral pattern and the teapots and hot-water jugs were silver.
‘Isn’t it just darling?’ said Scarlet. ‘I love all this British elegance.’
‘Look at the tiny meringues! And the sandwiches are long and not triangles.’
‘That’s so you can eat them without losing your lipstick,’ said Scarlet. ‘Now, Caro, will you pour the tea?’
‘And I’ll pour the champagne,’ said David. There was another tray with an ice bucket and glasses.
‘Which should I have first?’ said Rowan, looking at Caro.
Caro decided she couldn’t ruin this lovely experience for Rowan by telling her she was too young to drink. ‘I suggest you have a sip of champagne and then drink your tea before it gets cold.’
‘That sounds like good advice,’ said Scarlet. ‘I’m going to do that.’
When everyone had a glass of champagne, David said, ‘Let’s have a toast. To new friends and perfume!’
Everyone clinked glasses. ‘To new friends and perfume!’
Chapter Seven
Feeling very slightly sick after too many cream cakes and sandwiches, Caro got up. ‘We really must go but I do have to say, this is the best treat ever. Thank you both so much.’
Scarlet got up too. ‘Hey! It was so great meeting you! It’s so lovely knowing British people. I won’t feel so odd when I start my acting course.’
‘Scarlet may feel a little lonely when I go back to the States and she’s here doing her classes,’ said David. ‘And I have to go to a dinner tonight.’
Scarlet smiled in a way that indicated she was not feeling as brave as she sounded. ‘You worry about me too much, David. I’ll be fine staying here,’ she said.
‘Well, you must come and visit us on the barge,’ said Caro.
Just then, the telephone rang. David answered it and then went through to the bedroom so he could talk.
David came back into the room shortly afterwards, looking serious. ‘That was the concierge. Apparently there’s a bit of a paparazzi presence downstairs. We were spotted in Selfridges and now they know where we are.’
‘Oh God!’ said Caro. ‘How horrible! I thought I saw someone taking your picture but I assumed it was just a tourist and didn’t give it much thought.’ She didn’t add that because David wasn’t an actor she hadn’t realised it could be a problem.
‘And I’m afraid it’s not just us who are in the pictures,’ David said to Caro. ‘It’s both of you, too. So the paps think you’re famous!’
‘Blimey!’ said Rowan.
‘What the concierge suggests is that they get you out via the back entrance where a car will be waiting to take you home,’ he said.
‘But what about you and Scarlet?’ said Rowan. ‘Will you have to stay in the hotel until they all go home?’
‘I have to go to this dinner,’ said David. ‘But I’m big enough and ugly enough to handle a bit of press. It’s Scarlet they’re interested in.’
‘Oh, honey!’ said Scarlet. ‘I hate the thought of being here without you, with all those photographers outside.’
‘You’ll be quite safe. This is the Ritz,’ said David.
‘I know I’ll be safe,’ said Scarlet, ‘but I’ll also be lonely.’
There was a tiny pause and then Rowan said, ‘Could Scarlet come with us?’ She glanced between Caro and Scarlet. ‘We could look after her and she wouldn’t be so lonely.’
Scarlet looked at Caro hopefully.
‘Yes, of course, as far as I’m concerned,’ said Caro, suddenly feeling very maternal towards the young woman who superficially had everything but now just needed some friends.
Scarlet looked up at David. ‘I would like to go, but do you think it’s a good idea?’
He nodded. ‘I do actually. I could come and pick you up after my dinner.’
‘It would be an adventure!’ said Rowan. �
�Before I ran away to London to stay with Caro, I never had any excitement.’
Rowan’s habitual shyness had definitely been affected by the champagne, Caro realised.
Scarlet smiled at her sympathetically. ‘It’s overrated, hon, but if you guys would take me in this evening, I’d be delighted.’
‘So will we!’ said Caro, suddenly realising what she’d taken on. ‘Only, of course, if you came in the ordinary way I’d have been cleaning and tidying for days. I seem to remember we just left the barge with the breakfast things still on the side.’
‘But that’s cool,’ said Scarlet. ‘It means you never have to tidy for me. I’ll have seen you at your worst!’
‘And there’s Joe,’ said Caro. ‘He’s my lodger and he’s lovely and a great cook but he’s not very tidy.’
‘I don’t care about things like that.’ Scarlet smiled, obviously delighted at the prospect of mixing with normal people who didn’t live in a showbiz bubble. ‘When can we leave?’
The concierge came up to the suite to lead them through to the back of the hotel where the car would be waiting for them. Rowan was squeaking with excitement and Caro was almost as bad.
‘I’m so sorry about this, Mr Callaghan,’ the concierge said, ‘but there is a way the press don’t know about yet. We wouldn’t want them following you or your friends.’
‘We’re just grateful you found out about it,’ said David. ‘They could have been here for anyone.’
‘We keep an eye on social media for our more high-profile guests,’ he said.
‘It’s so good I’ve got you guys turning this into a fun thing,’ said Scarlet to Rowan and Caro. ‘And not just a great big PITA.’
‘Pain in the arse?’ said Rowan.
‘Yep,’ Scarlet agreed.
‘It is a fun thing,’ said David. ‘I’ll come down with you now, but do please call when you reach the barge safely.’
