‘I love it.’ Mary smiled so warmly she almost glowed.
Hattie returned the smile, delighted to see Mary so happy. ‘Well, I must go. Give me a call if you fancy anything particular for supper. I’m aware we have a lot of omelettes.’
‘I like omelettes. You have a good day, darling, and I’ll see you later.’
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Hattie would have preferred not to drive wearing a bias-cut silk gown when she could probably have changed in the hotel room, but she knew Mary was very keen to see her in all her finery. Given that Mary had given her the dress (although Hattie considered it a loan) as well as the one she was wearing the next day, it was the least she could do.
‘So, what do you think?’ she asked, standing before Mary.
Hattie had been to the hairdresser to have her hair put up – just as Leonie had done it for Hattie’s party – and a large silk flower, exactly the colour of the dress, now sat behind her ear. Around her neck was a string of pearls. In her ears were large baroque pearls that made more of a statement than those around her neck.
The dress had a matching stole and evening sandals, but Hattie had declined these, preferring to wear her own, slightly scruffy court shoes which no one would see in the folds of the dress and she knew she could spend all evening in. There was also a matching clutch, but Hattie preferred not to take this either. It would be so easy to leave somewhere. Instead, she had a tinyvintage silver beaded bag on a long strap that she could wear without it interfering with her look.
‘You look…’ Mary took a breath. ‘… so beautiful! And even without the matching bag and shoes, you look as if you should be in the pages ofVogue.’
‘A very old copy,’ said Hattie laughing.
‘You were so clever to find a flower that matched exactly.’
‘I have Rose to thank for that. Her shop has such lovely things. But you don’t think it’s too much?’
‘Don’t be silly! I love your earrings too.’
‘Also from Rose’s shop. I love that they’re not regular and really large. I don’t usually like dainty jewellery, so the pearls round my neck are a bit of a change for me.’
‘It’s perfect. Your neck and décolletage are lovely.’
Hattie looked at herself in the mirror again. ‘You don’t think I’m showing too much cleavage?’
‘I don’t think Luke will think so.’
‘Mary! Of course I want Luke to think I look nice. I want him to be proud of me on his arm, but I don’t want to look – you know…’
‘Slutty?’
For some reason, Hattie was shocked at hearing this word from Mary. ‘Well, yes.’
‘Sexy but not inappropriate,’ said Mary, possibly guessing that Hattie had found her frankness unnerving. ‘Now off you go. You don’t want to be late. Have you packed the car?’
Hattie nodded. ‘Absolutely. And I’ve got everything on my exhaustive list. The table plans, the big table plan so people can find their table. The dietary needs, the place names. A list of people who’ve accepted for myparents – two copies – one each. And some things my sister left behind when she was staying.’
‘Then what are you waiting for? And do send pictures if you can. And don’t get stopped by the police on the journey. You may be arrested for being a runaway countess.’
Hattie rolled her eyes and then kissed her friend goodbye. ‘I’m wearing a jacket for the drive. And flat shoes.’
Hattie pulled into a layby to touch up her make-up and change her shoes. It was a warm day and she was pleased to take off her linen jacket. She pinned the flower in her hair more securely and decided she would have to do.
The hotel had once been the stately home of a local manufacturer. It had extensive grounds and a sweeping drive. The house itself was a fine example of Victorian splendour, with turrets and terrifying carved creatures.
She had parked the car and had just set off with her case on the path towards reception when Luke appeared. He took her case and kissed her cheek.
‘Hattie,’ he said. ‘You look absolutely amazing.’
Hattie looked at Luke. He looked amazing too, she realised. She had never seen him in a suit, let alone a dinner jacket which showed off his broad shoulders and tall frame. His hair was stylishly cut and he smelt of something delicious. She was glad she’d used up the last of her Chanel No. 19 for the evening. She caught her breath but couldn’t speak. She was glad when he took her arm.
‘Come on,’ said Luke. ‘We’ll get your case sent up to the room and then everyone is very keen to meet you.’
