Lizzie laughed, determined to change the subject this time. ‘Have you got any news, Gina?’
‘Not really. Life goes on pretty much the same. Enjoyable enough. I want to hear about you! How did you convince your parents to let you stay in London now your course is finished? I’d have thought they’d have been parading you round the social whirl of all of what Surrey has to offer in the way of clubs, dinner dances, garden parties and the like.’
‘Well, I was helped in that they drove me back one Sunday after I’d been home for the weekend. They saw the house where I’m living and were impressed.’ Her parents had never commented on David changing from plumber to butler. It was possible they were convinced by his ‘family retainer’ performance.
‘Also I was able to convince them that if I got jobs waitressing for this catering company my friend works for, I’d meet eligible men.’ She shrugged. ‘All my mother wants for me is to have a nice wedding in the country. A lovely marquee, pretty bridesmaids, the dress of her choosing and of course a bridegroom who’ll keep me in the manner to which I’m accustomed. Dead boring!’
‘So you’re not so keen on the wedding idea?’
‘Absolutely not! I mean, I’m sure if I had a lovely man I wanted to get married to, I’d love it. But as that’s out of the question for the time being, I certainly don’t want to think about it.’
‘Good for you! Being single and independent is very underrated in my opinion.’
Lizzie acknowledged this accolade. ‘But on the other hand, my mother is absolutely delighted that we’ve all been invited to a party at a country house. It’s for the whole weekend. That’s partly why I was so keen to have my hair trimmed and get some material. We may need new dresses.’
Gina leaned forward. ‘Tell me all about it!’
Gina made all the right comments and was reassuring when it came to the right clothes. ‘The upper classes very often have no dress sense at all. As long as you wear different clothes, they probably won’t notice what you’re actually wearing. As long as you don’t frighten the horses.’
Lizzie giggled. ‘My mother seems more worried about me impressing the servants, and says I must leave a little something in my room for the maid.’
Gina nodded. ‘You probably should do that. It reminds me of when I went to stay in Ireland once when I was in my teens. All my evening dresses were rather low-cut. When I went up to change for dinner I found someone – the maid presumably – had sewn net backs and fronts into my frocks.’
Lizzie was amazed. ‘Golly, Gina, did you put up with that?’
Gina nodded. ‘I didn’t really have a choice although I’d have been happier if the inserts had been made of winceyette, frankly. The house was absolutely freezing. All grand houses are the same temperature, winter or summer, and it’s always a lot colder than you’d want. Make sure you take warm clothes with you.’
‘Twin set and pearls?’
Gina nodded. ‘Horribly outdated, I know, but maybe best for the first tea. You’ve been invited for tea?’
Lizzie nodded. ‘Will it be OK to wear slacks in the morning?’
‘I should imagine so. But take a sensible skirt in case. By the time you’ve had tea, dinner and breakfast you’ll know. Do take sturdy shoes. There’ll be walks.’
‘That’s what Alexandra said.’
‘It sounds like you’re in good hands with her to advise you. More sherry?’
Gina held the decanter encouragingly over Lizzie’s glass but she shook her head. ‘No thank you. I should be getting back. But it has been really lovely to see you.’
‘And you! And don’t forget, I’m here if you need advice or help or anything you can’t talk to your mother about.’
Lizzie bit her lip. ‘Which is almost anything!’
‘She’s overprotective but you’re her only chick, and she doesn’t have much else in her life.’
Lizzie knew that Gina and her mother had never really got on and appreciated her understanding. ‘I know. And I do appreciate all they do for me – have done for me – but I need to grow up a bit!’
At the door when they’d said their goodbyes, Gina put a banknote into Lizzie’s hand. ‘Be a proper Chelsea girl. Take a taxi home. You’ll get one as soon as you get into the King’s Road.’
Lizzie kissed her aunt. ‘How very kind. I’d love that!’
Chapter Thirteen
David had very kindly offered to drive the girls down to Vanessa’s house in the country in time for tea on Friday. Although they set off in good time, they got lost several times when trying to find the house.
But at last they saw it. It was on a small rise and the river circled the park that surrounded it.
