Lizzie looked round to see a very soignée young woman, her hair in a chignon, wearing a long, straight dress that made Lizzie’s feel childish and fussy. Although the woman hadn’t addressed her, Lizzie said, ‘Oh, so sorry. Do you want to get by?’
The woman pursed her lips. ‘We all do!’ She pushed past both Hugo and Lizzie and everyone moved on.
Once everyone was seated, Lizzie found it easier to sort people out. There was the woman who’d been so rude on the stairs, who was now lighting a cigarette. Vanessa, who was sitting practically on the lap of the man she’d introduced as Ted; a jolly-looking man with short curly hair who had been talking to Meg and still was; and Hugo, who was sitting next to the rude woman. Alexandra was talking to a man who seemed to be a bit older. She looked interested in her conversation, which Lizziewas pleased about. Alexandra didn’t suffer fools and hadn’t really wanted to come tonight. Then there was a tall girl with a red face and fuzzy hair who didn’t seem to care what impression she gave, who was with a man in a dinner jacket who obviously found her hilarious.
Rich made sure he sat next to Lizzie, which was flattering but then he lit a cigarette which was annoying. He and Ted exchanged bits of conversation which indicated Rich was the friend he was a friend of; he and Ted were mates.
The first course arrived, landing in front of people more or less at the same time. It was half a melon with the melon shaped into balls and surrounded by a dark red liquid.
‘Lovely to have something that isn’t fattening,’ said the girl who was smoking and sitting next to Hugo. She was apparently attached to him and Lizzie had heard that her name was Electra. Electra speared a bit of melon, ate it and then threw down her fork.
‘I don’t like girls who think about diets all the time,’ said the man on Lizzie’s left, the one who laughed easily.
‘I’ve never been on a diet,’ said Lizzie.
‘Jolly good show! No need, after all.’ He glanced at her décolletage, but only briefly. ‘I’m Anthony. I’m a friend of the family. I’ve known Hugo and Nessa all my life.’
‘Lizzie. Vanessa and I go to the same cookery college. I’ve got two friends here. There’s Meg, talking to the man with curly hair …’
‘ Charles,’ said Anthony. ‘Nice chap.’
‘And Alexandra. She’s the one looking a bit like an Edwardian lady.’
‘Right. She’s got stuck with Duncan. Nice enough but obsessed with ancient ruins.’
Lizzie smiled. ‘That might suit Alexandra. She’s very keen on antiques.’
‘So, what do you do, Lizzie?’ Anthony asked.
‘I’m on the same course—’
‘Oh yes. Sorry, wasn’t paying attention there for a minute. Too busy looking into your eyes.’ He laughed to indicate he was joking, but also not joking.
Lizzie began to enjoy herself. The food was lovely – the melon had been drenched in port – and the men on either side of her vied for her attention. She felt attractive, interesting, someone worth talking to. It was very exhilarating.
When the last cigarette had been stubbed out in the last traces of profiterole (Lizzie noticed she was not the only one present who winced at this), the party was led upstairs by Vanessa.
‘Come on, more drinks,’ said Vanessa. ‘I know where the parents keep the good stuff.’
As Lizzie went upstairs, followed closely by Rich, who seemed to have claimed her for the evening,she thought that perhaps Vanessa was behaving differently because she was with Ted, whom she probably wanted to impress. She wasn’t like this when she was struggling to fillet a fish with the rest of them. Alexandra had thought there was a reason that the three of them had been invited tonight and although Lizzie hadn’t worked out what this was, she now definitely agreed with her.
Someone had put on some music and a couple of people were dancing. Rich took hold of her wrist and pulled her into the group. He stood very close but he didn’t put his arms round her. Then he put his hand on her shoulder. He had just leaned in to kiss her when Vanessa’s friend, Ted, called out.
‘Hey, Rich! Are you going to the Earl of Sandwich on Friday night?’
Rich took Lizzie’s hand and led her over to where Vanessa and Ted were standing. ‘I do want to hear a new group who are playing.’ He paused. ‘Come with me, Lizzie?’
‘It’s a very cool place,’ said Vanessa. ‘Not like a usual pub. Me and Ted are going. It’ll be more fun if you come too.’ She made a face. ‘I don’t like being the only girl.’
‘It sounds fun,’ said Lizzie, slightly wary. She liked Vanessa but they weren’t quite on the terms where they could exchange girly confidences in the ladies’ loo.
Rich tipped up her chin with his finger. ‘Do come. I really want to see you again.’
‘You could see her again without taking her to the Earl of Sandwich,’ said Hugo, who had joined the group without Lizzie noticing.
‘It’s a great music venue,’ said Rich.
‘Nothing wrong with the Sandwich,’ Ted agreed.
