Loris has given so much texture and movement to his hair, Charles can feel the wind brushing his forehead. But what astounds him the most is how right Loris got his eyes, from memory only. Their limbal rings, the hazel sprays encircling his pupils and the blend of blue and green, whose dominant hue changes with the light.
‘What is insane enough for you to make such foul use of your mouth?’
Charles spins around to find his mother’s eyes – similar to his own, but darker at the moment.
‘It’s… George. Some investor made an exorbitant offer.’
‘Does that call for swearing?’
‘No. I apologise.’
‘But good for him.’
Alice’s right nostril twitches, like it does whenever she thinks about George Downes, Starbucks beverages,Top Chefor any topic she’s shamefully torn about. She would prefer to ban them from her life. ButTop Chefis entertaining. Toffee nut lattes are tasty. George is bound to go places and remain useful to Charles.
The Ledwells didn’t plan to condone a kid with a controversial family and questionable attitude in their son’s life. They had no control over their developing bond at school, but they limited the time they spent together outside, ready to take action when Charles would be old enough to understand what was expected of him.
But after tragedy struck and Fred passed away, George took on a task that Milton and Alice were incapable of carrying out themselves. He proved to be the emotional rock Charles needed, so they came to terms with his choice of a best friend and never actively attempted to keep them apart.
‘What is the matter with Elsy?’
‘She doesn’t feel well. She’s cramping. You know…’
‘Take her upstairs. She should be lying down, poor thing. Thank you very much for tonight, Charles.’ Alice kisses his temple. ‘You were delightful.’
In the hallway, Elsy takes off her heels with a rain of swear words that would have made Alice pass out. Charles rubs his cheeks, grossed out by the prints of tea-flavoured lips, and hastens to unlock his phone to reply to Loris.
20:57Insane.
20:57How is the reading going?
‘Texting the Austrian princess you’ll dump me for?’
‘You heard that?’
‘I’m bracing myself to leave the Great Wall of Ledwell Narcissism.’
Elsy gestures at the photos hung alongside the staircase bannister. A collection Charles notices every time it’s rearranged but stops seeing as soon as he’s used to the new layout. Elsy has made it into several photos over the years. The latest is a candid shot of the two of them, taken five months ago at the Buchanan’s annual garden party.
Charles slows down in front of the next frame.
Frederick and Heloise – daughter of family friends – looking royal and infatuated. The original Kate and William of Hampstead.
Heloise deserves a spot on the wall, she was Fred’s girlfriend. He was so in love with her.
Was he, though?
Wasn’t he in love with George’s sister, despite the Ledwells’ active attempts at keeping them apart?
For a fleeting moment, Charles pictures it vividly.
Fred, dancing with Liv Downes in the driveway, their eyes locked, their smiles offering silent promises.
But the footage is already flickering, the vision recedes, and Charles’ head starts spinning so fast, he clasps the handrail.
‘I leave you to the handsome sight of yourself, I have a date with your bathroom.’
‘I’m… I’m coming.’
