‘Hi, I’m little bro.’ He flashed his cheeky smile, and everyone smiled back.
Eliza shook her head a little. Eating out of his hand already.
‘I wasn’t sure how to start this speech, so I googled brother quotes. I found this. A brother’s love exceeds all the world’s loves in its unworldliness.’
There were murmured aahs.
‘No idea what that means,’ he said, ‘so I tried again.’
There were chuckles.
‘We know each other as we always were. We know each other’s hearts. We live outside the touch of time.’
Rob’s mother wiped away a tear.
‘Gil, I know your heart, and now it belongs to the lovely Chess. Welcome to the family, gorgeous. You’re far too good for him.’ He winked. ‘Totally the wrong brother.’
Chess blew him a kiss.
He told the requisite embarrassing story, then said, ‘And before we raise our glasses to the happy couple, I’d like to endorse Chess’s choice of bridesmaids. Well done, littlies,’ he said, waving to the flower girls who were playing on the dance floor. ‘And Helena and Eliza . . . ’
But he was looking only at Eliza.
‘Breathtaking.’
The words dried up as he held her gaze.
She couldn’t look away.
Gil coughed, and Rob came out of his trance. ‘Sorry, Gil. Please raise your glasses, everyone . . . ’
‘How did I do?’ he said, as he sat down. ‘Did I embarrass myself?’
‘Slightly, perhaps. But you got the job.’
‘What job?’
‘My sidekick at Rose. One day.’
By the time the dancing started, Eliza was approaching the reckless stage of champagne consumption. Sobriety be damned.
Rob had gone to sit with Amy, and Gil hauled Eliza to a table of his civil service workmates. ‘Everyone, meet Eliza. She likes to dance. Chaps, form an orderly queue.’
She did love to dance, and the music was good. She kicked off her shoes and her inhibitions, and wasn’t short of partners.
A slow number came on, and the guy she’d been dancing with – rather sweaty, his fringe plastered to his forehead several inches below hers – pulled her into his arms. She couldn’t help grimacing as he rested his head on her shoulder.
Then she noticed Rob and Amy, a short distance away. Amy was leaning on Rob’s chest, her eyes half closed. Rob’s were on Eliza, and were full of mirth.
She pulled a face.
The dance ended and Rob came over, his arm round Amy’s shoulder.
‘Lizzie, come and meet Amy. Let’s go grab a drink.’
She followed the pair into the bar, and Rob went to order.
‘You two know each other well,’ Amy said, with a hesitant smile. She was quietly spoken, and her face was delicately beautiful, in a . . . forgettable sort of way. Regular features, small nose, wide, light-blue eyes.
‘We do. Our dads are big pals.’
‘Harry Rose. Gosh. Fancy having a dad that famous.’
‘He’s retired now. You’re a nurse, I hear.’
‘That’s right. I love your dress, Eliza. And Chess looks so pretty, doesn’t she?’
‘She does.’
‘So you’re still at university?’
‘Yep.’
‘Are you enjoying it?’
‘I love it. Great course, great people.’
Eliza looked past Amy towards the bar, and saw that Gil and Chess had joined Rob. Catching her eye, Rob beckoned her over.
‘Eliza, we’re leaving soon,’ said Chess. ‘Can you come and help me with the dress?’
They made their way upstairs, and Chess was quiet.
As Eliza undid the tiny buttons down the back of the wedding gown, Chess said, ‘How do you like Amy?’
‘Truth? She’s not what I expected. With Rob being so lively, I mean.’
‘I guess anyone would find it difficult.’
‘Difficult?’
‘Eliza. You and Rob – not the subtlest.’
‘He’s just flirting.’
‘And so are you.’
‘Well, who wouldn’t? Anyway, best man and bridesmaid, it’s expected.’
‘If I was Amy I’d probably stab you,’ said Chess, stepping out of the dress.
‘If I was Amy I’d definitely stab me.’
Chess laughed.
Eliza set about hanging up the dress.
‘Maybe you should stop, though,’ said Chess. ‘I think Amy’s pretty upset.’
‘What was Rob thinking?’ Eliza said, before she could stop herself. ‘She’s so not his type. He should be with someone sparky. Amy’s so, I don’t know. Colourless.’
‘Been at the champagne again, Eliza?’
‘It’s a wedding, Chess.’
‘Look. Gil and me. We saw you that time, in the park.’
‘Oh. Well, it was just a kiss.’
‘That was not just a kiss.’
She’s right.
‘And he’s married, no matter what the Major says.’
‘Are you ready? You don’t want to be wasting wedding-night time nagging your cousin.’
As the happy couple headed for the waiting car, Chess grinned at Eliza and threw the bouquet at her.
‘Dad paid her to do that,’ said Rob’s voice behind her. ‘Come and dance with me?’
‘Where’s Amy?’
‘I introduced her to Harry. She’ll be happy with him for a while.’
Finally, was Eliza’s only thought as she melted into him on the dance floor. His arms tightened around her; he was warm and smelled musky. She pressed her nose to his chest and breathed in deeply.
Any remaining space between them quickly disappeared, and the sensible thoughts – about Amy, about having to work with Rob in years to come – were swept aside by the sensations flowing through her.
I want Rob. I want to kiss him again. I want to feel his hands on me.
‘Lizzie,’ he said, drawing back. ‘Can we talk?’
She nodded, heart in her mouth.
He led her through the entrance hall, to the shadowy gardens beyond.
It was cold outside, and Rob put an arm around her shoulders, rubbing her bare skin. They walked a short distance, then he stopped.
‘Rob—’
He kissed her. It was briefly tentative, and then they were making up for lost time. The weeks in the office, resisting the pull.
Eliza felt herself falling.
She stopped. It was too much. ‘Rob – what are you doing?’
‘Maybe . . . falling in love?’
‘This is crazy,’ she said. ‘You and me, we’re best mates. How can this be happening?’
‘I know. Who’d have thought? Madness.’
‘And Amy?’
‘Seriously, Lizzie. I’ve tried, but I can’t stop these feelings. I can’t stop thinking about you.’
She took a step back. ‘Same. But I can’t do this. You’re married. And we’d better get back; we’ll be missed.’ She set off walking, her mind in a whirl.
He caught her up.
As they neared the entrance, they saw Harry standing in the porch, watching them.
Oh god.
‘Eliza – a word. Rob, go find Amy.’
‘Right, Harry. I’ll . . . ’
‘Go, Rob.’
‘Dad—’
‘Come with me, Eliza.’
She followed Harry to a corner of a small lounge, where a few guests were enjoying quiet respite from the celebrations.
‘Eliza. John told me today, about Rob’s so-called marriage.’ His expression was grim.
‘Yes, I know. He’s—’
Harry interrupted. ‘John’s opinion on the validity of that aside, what on earth are you doing? Is it the wine and the wedding, or is there something more going on here? Because that girl – his wife – is pretty upset.’
‘It was just a best man–bridesmaid kiss. You know how fond we are of each other.’
‘Don’t
lie. You’re better than this.’
The disappointment in his voice filled her with dismay. Until anger swept it aside. Hypocrite!
‘Am I, Dad? Or is it in my genes?’
Harry looked taken aback. ‘OK. Granted, I haven’t been the greatest role model.’ His expression softened. ‘Funnily enough, my affair with Merry began at a wedding, in full view of Katie. History repeats, as they say. What a fool. But I don’t want you making the same mistakes I did.’
She had no intention of doing so. Any future relationship with Rob would be on her terms. And those didn’t include sharing.
‘Rob says he made a mistake. But don’t worry, no way will I be going there while he’s still married.’
‘Be careful. You know I like Rob, always have. But he’s a wide boy.’
‘Dad!’
‘He is. That lad could talk his way into anything.’ He looked thoughtful for a moment. ‘We could do with him in Sales. But that’s beside the point. If there are problems with Amy, he needs to sort that out before he even thinks of moving on to you.’
‘She’s so not right for him, though. I mean, what was he thinking, Dad?’
‘Not necessarily. I had quite a chat to her, and she’s lovely. Shy, but I got her to open up.’
‘Boring, though.’
Harry shook his head, smiling. ‘No doubt at all whose daughter you are, Lizzie.’
‘Yours.’
‘Ana’s.’
‘How do you mean?’
‘The way you’re talking about Amy – it could be your mother talking about Janette. All she saw was her ordinariness. She called her a moron.’
‘Janette was sweet.’
‘Katie was too. They didn’t have your mum’s glamour or charisma, but they were kind, and they had inner strength. Same with Clare. Look, don’t play with people’s feelings, Lizzie. You’re half Ana, half me. That’s quite a combo, if I say so myself. Men will fall at your feet. Don’t smash their relationships just because you can. Fragile people break. Look what happened to your aunt Merry, to Caitlyn. I’m afraid Amy reminds me a little of Caitlyn.’
‘Rob said something like that.’
‘So take a step back. I expect you’ve both had a fair bit to drink, you got carried away with the moment. You’ll be back at Oxford soon, he’ll be in London. Leave him be. Focus on your studies. You don’t need the distraction.’
Harry
‘Eliza’s having a good time,’ said Clare, watching her dancing with one of Gil’s friends.
‘Hm. I just caught her kissing Rob. And we’re not talking peck on the cheek.’
‘Really?’ Clare grinned. ‘Lucky Eliza!’
‘What?’
‘Well, he’s gorgeous! And there’s obviously quite a spark there. You can’t miss it. It’s about time she had some romance in her life. Is he going out with the other girl, or is she just his wedding date?’
‘Amy. They’re married, in fact.’
‘Married? Gosh, the family kept that quiet.’
‘A Bali beach wedding, probably not worth the paper it’s written on. John’s furious; you know what he’s like with his sons. But whatever the legal technicalities, I don’t want Rob messing Eliza about.’
‘Perhaps John’s the reason why Rob and Amy ran away to the beach.’
‘My thoughts entirely. But rebelling against your father isn’t a reason to get married, which Rob’s obviously realized. Idiot.’
‘Poor thing.’
Harry looked over at Eliza, and his heart constricted.
‘Rob’s all right,’ he said, ‘but I don’t want Eliza falling for him. She has zero experience of men, and he’s way more . . . worldly than she is.’
‘Sounds like you at that age. Married, with a roving eye.’
‘A tad unfair.’
‘Harry, you have to let her find her own way, make her own mistakes. Do you honestly think she’s capable of running a business empire, but can’t look after herself when it comes to men? Take a step back, let her get on with it.’
‘I don’t want her to get hurt, that’s all. If Rob’s serious, he needs to sort things out with Amy. And if he’s not serious, he’ll have me to answer to. Plus Eliza’s got finals coming up. She shouldn’t be thinking about anything else right now.’
Clare shook her head. ‘So when you were blazing a trail at Rose back in your twenties, women weren’t a thing for you, Harry?’
He couldn’t help smiling. ‘All right, Barr. Point taken. I should leave her be. But if young Studley puts so much as a toenail wrong . . . ’
Clare squeezed his hand. ‘Being a dad’s hard. But Eliza has her head screwed on. Be there for her, but don’t interfere.’
He lifted her hand and kissed it. ‘God, it’s annoying, how women always know best.’
Eliza
Next day, there was a brunch for relatives at a local cafe. Rob and Amy would be there.
Eliza drove back to Oxford instead. She took the country route, enjoying the wide East Anglian skies and the bare winter fields lit by low sunbeams. The driving time gave her the opportunity to think about yesterday.
She tried a little self-analysis. Why did she find Rob irresistible? There were plenty of obvious reasons: the looks, the charm, the infectious smile. Always fun.
But perhaps it was more about the shared history. With him she felt . . . at home.
By the time she reached Oxford, she’d decided on a way forward. She’d focus on her work, keep Rob at arm’s length, at least until he’d made up his mind about Amy. Zero flirting. Or maybe just a tiny bit. They’d go back to how they’d been before – partners in crime. Mates.
For now.
Chapter 15
Eliza
Eliza spent the Christmas break at Richmond, enjoying family time, catching up with Eddie.
Maria stayed away. She’d phoned Harry to make her excuses and, according to Clare, it hadn’t gone well.
‘I’m afraid your father had something of a meltdown,’ she said to Eliza as they prepared the vegetables for Christmas dinner. ‘I couldn’t help overhearing; he was shouting. I understand why he’s angry – he explained all that business to me, about the vote, and Maria being full CEO now. But if he wants her to listen to him, and not this American, he’s going about it the wrong way.’
‘True. Maybe I should talk to him about it?’
‘He might listen to you. I’ve never warmed to Maria, but the way Harry treats her compared to you . . . well, it’s no wonder things between them are fraught.’
But on Boxing Day, before Eliza had the opportunity for that discussion, Maria’s name flashed up on her phone.
‘Maria!’ she said. ‘Happy slightly belated Christmas.’ She thought it wise to lay on the Christmas spirit – Dad would need her to keep the lines of communication open.
‘And to you, Eliza. God’s blessings on you and the family.’
‘Right. Did you have a good Christmas? Where were you?’
‘Can we meet? I’m back in town.’
What was she up to now?
‘Why don’t you come to Richmond?’
‘Terrible idea. I need to see you, Eliza. Not Father.’
They arranged to meet the following day for lunch, in Covent Garden. Eliza went early to browse the sales, treating herself to a new dress from Agnès B.
As she walked along Floral Street she glanced upwards, then stopped for a moment. Mum’s office. This was where Ana had died. Where she’d been killed.
She saw the sign on the door: IQ Design. It was still going, then. The name had apparently been Terri’s idea, the initials standing for Ana’s nickname: Ice Queen.
The mother she remembered hadn’t been cold at all.
Eliza had walked past here many times before, but today the moment seemed more poignant. After her recent chats with Dad and Terri, her mother had been in her thoughts. She remembered shiny long hair, dark eyes; she’d been beautiful, had always smelled lovely. But most of all she remembered som
eone full of hugs and smiles and love.
At least, until Dad’s car crash.
Then she’d lost the baby she’d been expecting, and the atmosphere in the house had changed. Eliza had a vague memory of Ana being horrible to Harry. Snappy, impatient.
And then Dad had gone.
She looked up at the windows of IQ Design and felt a deep sadness. If only she’d had more time with Ana. And she wished the matter of the loose ends around her death had been resolved.
Reaching the cafe, she saw Maria sitting by the window. Heck! Chess had been right – there were highlights. She’d had her eyebrows done too. It had lifted her face; she looked younger. Happier.
‘Maria! You’re looking so nice. I love the hair.’ She kissed her sister. ‘Bit of cheeky shopping,’ she said, holding up the carrier bag.
‘I like their stuff,’ said Maria, reading the name on it.
What? Talking clothes with Maria?
After discussing Christmas and the weather, Maria said, ‘Eliza, I need you to smooth the path with Father for me.’
She thought carefully about how to respond. ‘I can see that would help. I appreciate you’re doing what you believe is right at Rose, but maybe you could have gone about it differently?’
‘No, it’s more personal than that. Phil and I are getting married.’
Shit!
‘Oh! Wow, um . . . congratulations.’
‘Thank you. There’ll be an announcement this week. Phil’s people are handling it. It won’t be a big wedding, but . . . I’d like the family to be there. Do you think Father will come?’
‘Of course he’ll come. I know things have been tricky, but you’re his daughter. And look – what you did, it’s business, and you did it for what you thought were the right reasons. Dad’s got to respect that; I’m sure he’s pulled similar tricks himself. You don’t get where he did without a spot of ruthlessness.’
‘Thank you. I didn’t want to have to do it that way, but I knew you and he would never agree to my policies. Father was retired, you were away at university – I didn’t want to wait. And . . . I also didn’t expect to, well, develop feelings for Phil.’
‘You seem happy.’
‘I am.’ She smiled. ‘For the first time in so many years, I’m actually happy.’
Sister to Sister Page 11
