‘That would be perfect. I’ll make you a cake to say thank you,’ said Meg. ‘I’ll go and ring my mother now, if that’s all right. I’ll leave some money for the call, of course.’
Lizzie had a flash of inspiration. She thought about her mother’s tea parties, cake, little sandwiches and scones and more importantly, guests. ‘I don’t suppose you’d fancy coming home with me, Alexandra? For tea, this weekend? My mother wouldn’t make a fuss about my hair if you were there, and she’d be so thrilled to meet you, given that we’re going to be flatmates.’ She didn’t add that Alexandra had the sort of confidence that revealed her rather grand roots.
Alexandra made a gesture. ‘I’d love to, especially if it helps your escape plan. I promise to wearsomething conventional. I know all about pulling the wool over the eyes of people who may love you but have no chance of understanding you.’
Lizzie put her hand on Alexandra’s. ‘That sums it up perfectly. Thank you!’
Chapter Five
‘Thank you so much for coming with me,’ Lizzie said again, a few days later. ‘They absolutely loved you!’ She and Alexandra were on their way back from visiting her parents.
In fact, she had been a bit embarrassed at her mother being so obviously impressed by Alexandra’s casual aristocracy, coupled with perfect manners and genuine friendliness.
‘They were sweet! They’re just very concerned for you,’ said Alexandra. ‘And I do agree that Gina should have hung on to you for a bit longer before telling you you had to leave.’
‘But my father did believe her when she said the whole house had to be rewired,’ said Lizzie. ‘Gina didn’t say, “I’m worried that my boyfriend will make a pass at Lizzie because basically he’s a sex maniac.”’
Alexandra laughed, taking off her coat and slinging it over the bottom of the elegant staircase. ‘That would not have gone down well! Now I must go and change. This skirt is a little tight.’
‘I’d be happy to let it out for you if you’d like,’ said Lizzie, not sure if the skirt was a favourite. Being mid-calf-length and full, it was a bit New Look for current fashion.
‘Thank you, but don’t bother. I do have lots of other clothes I’d love your help with, though.’
Lizzie now had the courage to ask what she’d been longing to know since the first day at the cookery course. ‘Don’t your guardians give you a clothing allowance or anything?’
‘They do, but of course everything cost sixpence in their day and all their frocks were “run up” by seamstresses who worked by candlelight for nothing. Besides, I’d rather spend the money on other things.’
Alexandra was poised to run upstairs so Lizzie put her hand on her wrist. ‘What other things?’
‘Junk really, although I prefer to call them antiques.’
By Sunday evening, all three girls were installed in the big house in Belgravia.
David, having brought Meg’s things and her dog over on Friday, collected Lizzie and her things from Gina’s house. David and Gina discovered they had friends in common and so the three of them had enjoyed a glass of sherry together before David drove her back to the house. Gina, possibly feeling guilty for throwing her niece out of the house quiteso soon, handed Lizzie a smart carrier bag full of clothes.
‘These are things that aren’t right for me but I never took back. You’re such a genius with a needle and thread you might be able to make something of them.’
Lizzie looked in the bag. She saw some lovely fabrics and a tangle of interesting belts and scarves. ‘Oh gosh. It looks like there are some really nice things in here.’
Gina shrugged. ‘Some are only from La Boutique Saint-Michel but there are one or two better things. I know you’ll be able to alter them to make them a bit more up to date.’
‘La Boutique Saint-Michel?’ asked Lizzie, aware Gina expected her to know about this apparently famous shop.
David laughed. ‘Oh! Jolly old Marks and Sparks? I shall never call it anything else from now on.’
Now the penny dropped. ‘I do like that, Gina,’ said Lizzie. ‘Although I didn’t get what you meant at first. Being a girl, my vests all had St Margaret in them, not St Michael.’
‘And we mustn’t forget Charles et Antoine,’ said Gina.
David frowned for a moment. ‘C and A! That’s delightful!’
When David was putting Lizzie’s cases in the car, Gina said to Lizzie, ‘He’s a very nice man. He’ll look out for you.’
‘You know he’s …’ Lizzie paused.
‘Homosexual? Yes,’ said Gina firmly. ‘It doesn’t make any difference. I feel much happier casting you out now I know someone like him is sharing the house.’
Lizzie was very pleased. If her father ever got to learn of David and was concerned, she would set Gina on to him. Gina would tell her father what was what.
