‘Unusual? How so?’ she couldn’t help but dig.
Gareth shot her a sideways glance. ‘Johan has a bit of prolific history when it comes to … beautiful women, but he’s rarely the one who’s pining or pursuing.’
‘That sounds like a one-way ticket to an obnoxiously large ego.’
‘Indeed, but in Johan’s case, I, for one, think it’s justified.’
Ruby turned to Gareth. ‘I think that’s your answer then. I do not think it’s justified, and I suspect that’s exactly what’s getting his knickers in a twist. He’s a good fuck – don’t get me wrong – but that’s about it.’
Gareth looked taken aback, and Ruby had to remind herself of where she was, not in a house party in South London anymore, but in a fucking ballroom, surrounded by people who had probably spent more money on a single outfit for tonight than she’d ever had in her bank account in her life.
‘Excuse the profanity,’ Ruby muttered.
‘Consider yourself excused. I have to admit that I’m quite enjoying your particular brand of outrageous honesty. It reminds me of someone.’ Gareth was looking at her fondly, which Ruby found disconcerting.
‘And who’s that?’
‘Opal.’
Ruby snorted in disbelief.
‘No it’s true, back when we first met, in our university years, before she met Martin and after she’d finally come out from her mother’s shadow, she was a little bit like you: dry, funny, knew her own mind …’ Gareth sounded wistful.
‘What happened?’
Gareth seemed to suddenly realise he’d said too much. ‘Oh you know, life, marriage, expectations. Guess she had to grow out of all that … contrarianism.’
Ruby shrugged. As far as she was concerned she had nevermet anyone less contrarian than Opal Fairfax, but Gareth was entitled to his opinion – even if it was a drunken one.
‘I’m going to find another drink.’ Ruby had had enough of this particular interaction. She was hoping to find some familiar faces, but Noah and Adam had disappeared from view. After getting another drink she wandered aimlessly, scanning the crowd.
‘And who might you be?’
Ruby ignored the voice at first, assuming it was directed at someone else. And then a hand landed on her elbow. ‘I’m talking to you.’
Ruby spun round, at an unwanted touch for the second time that evening. She came face to face with a man she didn’t recognise. ‘I’m sorry, do I know you?’
‘You most certainly can if you’d wish to.’ The man smiled and Ruby was struck by how stained his teeth were. He was standing slightly too close to her.
‘Um, I’m Ruby,’ she said, almost on autopilot, and she searched ever more frantically for someone she knew.
‘Ruby, a jewel, that’s for certain.’
‘I’m here as part of Miss Fairfax’s artists’ initiative … the tournament,’ Ruby was trying to speak over him, to save either of them from having to hear whatever lame pick-up line he might happen upon next.
‘I’m certain you must mean Opal Fortescue? I wasn’t aware she had any sisters.’
Ruby found the whole name thing ridiculous. If this was her damn manor why shouldn’t she call herself Fairfax? She decided to buy herself some time as she planned an exit strategy. They had somehow ended up almost alone in thesmall stretch of corridor between the back of the kitchen and the ballroom. Ruby was beginning to feel claustrophobic.
‘And um, what’s your name?’ Ruby tried to shift her body away from him, but the wall behind her was closer than she’d thought.
‘My name’s Neil Montgomery. I’m a friend of Martin’s.’
‘Well, it’s nice to meet you, Neil.’
‘It is, is it?’ Neil leant in closer. Ruby could smell his breath now, a rancid combination of cigar smoke and rum. ‘You’re a very beautiful girl. You know that, don’t you?’
Ruby looked around and her stomach dropped as she realised that they were now completely alone in the small space.
