Gabriella was out when Anna arrived, and she had barely finished unpacking when Araminta turned up to whisk Walter off to see Tristan and Isolde at Glyndebourne. Anna noted with a sinking heart the fact that her father now called Araminta ‘my cherub’ and Araminta cloyingly referred to Walter as ‘my sweet’.
‘And have you told Anna our great secret?’ she purred, stroking Walter’s arm as he straightened his bow tie in the mirror in the hall. Anna’s heart missed a beat.
‘Shh now, my cherub, not yet,’ Walter urged her. ‘We must save it until Mallory arrives. When is she coming?’
‘Thursday evening,’ Anna said. ‘And the Musgroves are all coming to the party and taking her back with them.’
‘Splendid, splendid,’ he said, rubbing his hands together. ‘Oh, and just one thing.’ He paused, his forehead puckering in a slight frown. ‘Mallory will be with Charlie, of course, and Gabriella has a delightful new friend – William Buxton. His father is Buxton’s Cider, you know. Anyway, if you’d like to bring anyone . . .’
‘Actually, I might,’ Anna smiled. ‘I met someone who lives near here – his parents have a boat . . .’
She hated herself for mentioning it, but knew that her father would be impressed. Life was much easier when her father approved of what she did.
Not, of course, that she would go through life being obedient; but maybe hanging out with Hugo would serve a double purpose. She could win back her dad’s approval and, at the same time, put Felix well and truly out of her mind.
And it seemed to work. Far from waiting until the weekend, it was early on Thursday that she received a text from Hugo.
Will b at S Harbour 1p.m. Meet u outside Seamoors wine bar?
‘It’s so good to see you,’ he said, giving her a hug. ‘I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind ever since you left Lyme Regis. Drink?’
‘White wine and soda please,’ she replied.
‘And how’s Louisa?’
‘She’s doing OK,’ Anna assured him. ‘The stitches are out but she still looks bruised from her forehead to her cheek. It could have been a lot worse.’
‘And the police? Did they sort out the robbery?’
Anna shrugged. ‘They went to the house apparently, took details but didn’t hold out any hope of finding the cash. Do you know, they didn’t even get there till the Sunday evening?’
‘I guess that they had bigger fish to fry,’ he said, leading her to a table. ‘Annoyed about my iPod though.’ He took a swig of beer. ‘So,’ he said. ‘Lunch here and then what? Movie? Shopping? Whatever you want – I just want to spend time with you and get to know you better.’
For a moment, Felix’s voice, saying much the same thing all those months before, echoed in her head. Stop it, she ordered herself. Don’t think about him.
‘Let’s go up to Beachy Head,’ she suggested hurriedly. ‘It’s such a lovely day.’
‘And tomorrow,’ he said, passing her the menu and beckoning to a waitress, ‘I’ll take you out in the boat. If you’re up for it, that is?’
‘Oh sure,’ she said. ‘I’m up for anything. Anything at all.’
To : [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Hi! How’s it going? How’s Hugo? Is it full on yet? Mia says bring him to the party. Oh, and by the way, you know the guy I told you about? Toby? Turns out Mia’s brother’s best friend knows him and he’s going to fix it that he comes to the party. So watch this space! Miss you. Write or else . . .!
Shannon xx
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Hugo’s really nice. Almost too nice. I’m not sure why I feel that but he’s almost too attentive, too charming . . . and when we bumped into Dad and Araminta on the Waterfront he was positively gushy. And he talks a lot, but he doesn’t actually DO much. Anyway, it’s probably me being stupid. I guess I just keep comparing him to Felix . . .
To : [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Anna Eliot, what are you like? You get someone who’s all over you and all you think about is comparing him with someone who dumped you? Hello?
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Yes, OK. I know, I’m crazy. Anyway, he’s coming to Dad’s party. Turns out it’s not a housewarming, that was just a red herring. It’s a publicity thing – because he’s got a job! Presenting a programme for Coast TV twice a week; and what’s more he’s writing a book! It’s going to be his autobiography – well, to be honest, a ghost writer will be doing the hard part. All Dad will have to do is talk his head off about his life. No problem there then! He seems really happy and we’re all over the moon because we thought his ‘little secret’ was going to be that he and Araminta were getting married and that would have been awful. Sorry – phone ringing, must dash.
Loads of love, xxx
‘I’m so so sorry,’ Hugo said apologetically the moment Anna answered the phone. ‘Sailing’s off, I’m afraid. My dad only came down yesterday and took the yacht over to France – birthday surprise for my mum. Not a word to me, of course, till I get a text this morning!’
‘Don’t worry,’ Anna assured him. ‘Another time. We could always hire bikes and go —’
‘Sorry, I can’t,’ Hugo interrupted hurriedly. ‘Dad’s asked me to do all sorts of last minute stuff for him – but I’ll see you at the party tomorrow, right? Seven at the Yacht Club?’
‘Sure,’ Anna said. ‘See you then.’
As she snapped her phone shut, she couldn’t help wondering just why she didn’t feel even the slightest bit disappointed about the last minute change of plan.
‘I am so relieved that Dad and Araminta aren’t getting married,’ Mallory said, as she, Anna and Gaby were getting ready for the party.
‘Well, not yet at least,’ Gaby commented. ‘Dad wants to but you know what?’
Anna and Mallory gasped in horror.
‘Araminta wants a pre-nup to ensure Dad can’t get his hands on her money. Like how selfish is that?’
‘Hey,’ said Anna. ‘I hadn’t credited the woman with that much common sense. Can I borrow your eye-liner?’
‘Well, isn’t this wonderful!’ Marina, who had arrived in Eastbourne a couple of hours before the party and ensconced herself in the Hydro Hotel, surveyed the guests at the Yacht Club with satisfaction. ‘Quite like the old days.’
‘I’m worried though,’ Anna confessed. ‘I mean, can Dad afford all this?’
‘Oh darling, didn’t he tell you?’ Marina asked. ‘The publishers and the TV company between them are footing the bill. Your father’s been offered quite a hefty advance for the book, you know – six figures!’
Anna stared at her in disbelief. ‘You’re kidding, right!’
‘I make it a point never to joke where money is concerned,’ Marina laughed. ‘He’s over the moon – not just about the money, but you know how being the centre of attention suits him?’
She patted her newly coiffeured hair and smiled at Anna. ‘Now then, are you going to introduce me to this new boyfriend of yours? Where is he?’
‘Over there, talking to Charlie Musgrove,’ she said.
‘The tall guy? Oh, Anna, he’s gorgeous, isn’t he?’
‘Marina!’
‘What? I’m just saying – he looks very much your sort of guy. And I’m thrilled for you.’
‘Anna, I have to tell you. If I don’t tell someone, I am going to burst!’
Louisa Musgrove pushed Anna into the Ladies and shut the door. ‘I’m in love!’
Anna felt sick. She forced a smile on to her lips and tried to look happy.
‘I can’t believe it,’ Louisa gabbled. ‘I mean, I’ve thought in the past that I was keen on him – but this . . . I mean, it’s completely different. I just love him so much. I don’t care what Mum and Dad say, he’s right for me. I just know he is.’
‘When did you realise – I mean, wh
en did you fall in love?’
‘When I was in hospital,’ Louisa said. ‘Well, actually, I was beginning to fancy him that day on the Cobb. And then, after the accident, he was so sweet, so attentive.’
‘He is really kind . . .’ Anna almost choked on the words.
‘And then, when I got home, he came to see me every day and . . .’
‘He came to see you? What, all that way?’ Now she felt bitterly jealous.
‘Oh come off it,’ Louisa laughed. ‘Drayton Magna to Kellynch is all of two miles.’
‘Drayton? So who exactly are you in love with?’
‘Didn’t I say? Jamie, of course. Jamie Benwick. I miss him so much – and we’ve only been apart for eight hours!’
The surge of joy that coursed through Anna’s veins made her feel almost giddy.
‘Oh Louisa, that’s wonderful! I’m so so happy for you.’
And even more happy for me, she thought.
‘But – I thought – I mean, is he really the one for you?’
‘Definitely,’ Louisa said. ‘I don’t want anyone else.’
‘That’s the most wonderful news I’ve heard in weeks,’ Anna said.
* * *
‘If I don’t get some fresh air, I’ll pass out,’ Anna murmured to Hugo an hour later. ‘And there’s only so much polite small talk a girl can stand. Shall we go outside?’
Hugo winked at her and took her hand. Outside on the quayside, she felt a cool breeze against her skin.
‘This is better,’ she sighed, closing her eyes and turning her face up to the sky and breathing in the sea air.
‘This is much better,’ Hugo repeated. In an instant he had spun her round to face him and was kissing her hungrily on the lips. It took Anna by surprise, but for a moment she responded, telling herself that maybe this was the way to get Felix out of her head and her heart once and for all, since single or not, he clearly had not time for her.
‘I’ve been wanting to do this for so long,’ he murmured, his hands fumbling with the buttons on her shirt as he pushed her into the shadows against the wall. And in the same moment, Anna realised that this was not what she wanted. She tried to pull away, but he was gripping her to him tightly.
‘Hugo, no!’ she gasped.
‘Come off it,’ he muttered. ‘You know you want . . .’
As his hands moved lower, she stamped on his foot with her heel and turned and ran. She wasn’t frightened, she was incandescent – furious with herself for getting into that position and furious with Hugo for assuming that she was that easy.
All at once, she wanted to be alone. Ignoring Hugo’s shouts, she ran across the bridge that spanned the harbour and headed for the apartment.
‘Miss?’ The night porter sounded anxious. ‘Are you all right, miss?’
‘Fine,’ she replied, punching the lift button.
As she pushed open her front door, she saw a letter lying on the doormat. The writing on the envelope was unmistakeable – it was from Felix.
She was ripping it open when her mobile beeped with a text message. That too was from Felix.
Forget what I said in the letter. You’ve obviously found someone else.
Heart racing, she started to read.
Hi. I can’t stand this any longer. I’m due back at my unit in ten days when my physio’s finished and who knows where they’ll send me? I love you, Anna.
Anna gasped out loud – and then glanced back at the message on the mobile still in her hand.
I never stopped loving you, the letter went on. Even when I was angry about all that stuff with your dad and you, I never stopped loving you. I tried to – I even tried to fancy Louisa, but nice as she is, it was always you that I thought about. And then that day when you turned up at Charlie’s place and fell flat on your face, that’s when I knew I still wanted you. Please, say we can try again? Please?
Anna’s mind was racing. This was wonderful except that from his text he thought she’d found someone else and —
‘Oh my God!’ She spoke the words out loud as the full force of what had happened hit her. There was no stamp on the letter. It had been hand delivered. Which meant Felix had been here. Could he have seen her and Hugo? Outside? Just now?
She ran down the stairs, too panicky to wait for the lift. Once outside she looked frantically up and down the walkway, but there was no sign of him. Not that she really expected there would be. She grabbed her mobile.
You’ve got it all wrong. I love you u only u. Where r u?
She dashed back into the block of flats.
‘Did you see a tall guy, delivering a letter to our flat?’ she gabbled at the night porter.
‘Oh, you got it, good,’ he said.
‘Please, did he say where he was going?’ Even as she asked the question, she knew it was unlikely.
The porter shook his head.
‘OK, thanks,’ Anna replied miserably.
‘But he did mutter about needing a drink and I gave him a discount voucher for that new place, Slinky Sam.
‘Thanks!’ Anna belted down the steps and ran full pelt towards the bar.
She found him sitting staring disconsolately into a pint.
‘Felix!’
He started, and stared at her. ‘I don’t want to hear it,’ he said, standing up and trying to push past her.
‘Felix, listen,’ she urged. ‘You don’t get it.’
‘Oh I get it,’ he said. ‘I saw it with my own eyes. You – and that jerk, Hugo. Kissing.’
‘Please, you have to believe me, I didn’t want him to,’ she said. ‘He —’
‘Come off it,’ Felix said. ‘Are you trying to tell me you gave him no encouragement at all? What do you think I am? Dumb?’
‘OK, OK, please just let me say this, and then – well, then it’s up to you.’
He said nothing, but he didn’t move.
‘OK, for just a moment, I thought that if I – you know, kissed him, it might help me to forget you. Because I thought you didn’t want me and that going out with someone else would help me move on. But it didn’t work, because there’s only one person I want to kiss, and that’s you.’
‘Say that again.’
‘The only person I want to kiss is you.’
Slowly, very slowly, Felix stretched out a hand and touched her cheek. Electric shocks rippled through Anna’s body. Slowly, he wrapped his arms round her and pulled her against him, burying his face in her hair and rocking her gently to and fro.
‘You and me? Can we start over?’ Felix asked gently. ‘I’ll keep a low profile.’
‘No!’
‘What? I thought you said you loved me?’
‘I mean, yes please, we can start over, but no you won’t keep a low profile.’ Anna grabbed his hand. ‘Come on.’
‘Come on where?’
‘We’re going back to the party. I want the whole world to see how much you mean to me.’
‘Anna, that’s asking for trouble . . .’
She shook her head. ‘No. Doing what I was told all those months was asking for trouble. You are the most important person in my life and it’s time everyone knew it.’
Walter was deep in conversation with Araminta, Marina and someone from Coast TV as Anna and Felix edged their way through the guests.
‘Dad,’ Anna said, gripping Felix’s hand. ‘You remember Felix Wentworth?’
‘Congratulations, sir – on the programme and the book,’ Felix said. holding his gaze. ‘You must be delighted.’
For a moment, Walter simply stared at him. Then, slowly, he nodded and then he smiled. ‘Thank you, Felix, I am – it’s a new start for me. It’s time to move on from my past mistakes. You’re a brave, loyal young man. I think we all need new starts from time to time, don’t you?’
He offered Felix his hand and Anna thought she might burst with joy.
‘Well, Anna, what are you waiting for?’ her father asked. ‘Get the poor man a drink. He looks as though he could do with one.’
/> ‘One down, one to go,’ Anna said softly a few minutes later as she and Felix stood on the balcony of the Yacht Club. ‘There’s still someone who’s not going to be happy. You know – that we’re together again.’
‘What do you mean?’ Felix asked, his fingers gently caressing her hair. ‘My mother will be very pleased. She knows she manipulated you, and she felt responsible for us splitting up. I did blame her for quite a while, too. We’re getting on fine now, though.’
‘No, I meant Ruth,’ Anna said. ‘I’m pretty sure she thinks I’m no good for you.’
‘That’s where you’re wrong,’ Felix laughed. ‘She was the one who urged me to come down here. She knew about the party from the Musgroves and she said she was fed up with me moping about. She said if I didn’t get in the car and head down here, she’d drag me here herself!’
‘I can’t believe it!’ Anna sighed. ‘I’m so happy.’ She was silent as she hugged Felix to her.
‘Say, I wonder where Hugo got to?’ she said after a while. ‘I guess to be fair I ought to . . .’
‘Excuse me,’ Felix said, ‘but if you just take a look down there.’ He pointed to the waterfront. Hugo was in animated conversation with one of the girls from Coast TV, and he didn’t look like someone suffering from the pains of rejection.
‘Now if you don’t mind, could we just concentrate on us?’ Felix said. ‘After all, we have got an awful lot of catching up to do.’
And with that, he pulled her towards him and kissed her gently. And Anna knew that this was all she would ever want as long as she lived.
Echoes of Love Page 17
