‘It’s William. The friend he’s brought home is absolutely wonderful, but he is so starry-eyed…’
She went off into another peal of laughter, so Xander took up the story.
‘It’s fantastic really, but none of us has ever seen him like that. Daphne is running rings around him with her husky-voiced fabulousness. Do come and meet her.’
‘Oh, I’m not sure. I’m quite tired from posing for Lando for all that time. I might go to bed early with a book.’
‘Oh, please don’t, Pixie. You’re probably desperately low from spending all that time in silence while he chips away. This will be the most terrific mood-lifter, I promise. Even Pilar couldn’t resist; she’s in there pretending to tidy a bookcase. I keep trying to give her a drink and get her to sit down, but she won’t have it – maybe you’d have better luck?’
It was hard to refuse Bunny when she laid her hand on my arm and smiled at me. It was good to see her happier; maybe the combination of this Daphne and William’s besottedness was what I needed.
‘All right, maybe for a bit then.’
We trooped back into the living room. William was sitting next to Daphne on the sofa, listening attentively as she spoke. They both looked up as we came in. Besotted he may have been, but William’s immaculate manners didn’t fail. He stood up.
‘Penny, there you are, how wonderful to see you. Sit down, let me get you a drink and introduce you to my friend Daphne. Are you sure you won’t have something, Pilar?’
She put down her duster as if she were relinquishing the crown jewels and smiled.
‘Bueno, perhaps just a small sherry,graciasSeñor Lord.’
I smiled my thanks to William and gave an awkward wave to the woman on the sofa, but Daphne rose and glided over to me, enveloping me in a warm, powdery-scented hug. For the second time that evening I was draped in fabric, but this time it was the slippery satin sleeves of her flowing, kimono-like robe.
‘Penny, Penny, I’mthrilledto meet you.’
Her voice was deep and slightly raspy, full of warmth and humour.
‘William said that you are already firm friends, so I hope that also means you are a friend of mine.’
‘Oh, thank you, I hope so too.’
It was difficult to imagine this immensely glamorous woman dressed as an elf.
‘Do you really work in the grotto with him?’
She drew me over to the sofa and plumped a few cushions behind my back as I sat down. William handed me a typically gigantic gin and tonic and sat down again on her other side. She took his hand, and he beamed as if he had won the lottery.
‘I do. He is a peerless Father Christmas and I’m merely one of his lowly elf helpers, trying to support his good work.’
They gazed into each other’s eyes adoringly, and I started to see why the others had needed to escape to the hallway to release their giggles. I settled for a slug of my drink, with which I successfully quelled the rising hysteria.
‘So, Daphne, have you done any performing before?’
She and William looked at each other and laughed gently, in that special ‘sharing a secret’ way that lovers have. My bubbling giggles went flat. I was happy for them, but so sad for myself. An image of India obediently came into my mind, but I swiped left. I wasn’t in the mood.
‘Penny, Daphne is adoyenneof the stage. The elf gig is her gift to the children each Christmas. A very gracious one.’
‘I’m sorry, I didn’t realise you were an actress. What are your favourite parts?’
Daphne clutched at my arm, her myriad rings glinting and winking in the firelight.
‘Oh Penny, what awonderfulquestion. Thank you for asking.’
I could see Xander beginning to double up again, but I was genuinely interested in Daphne’s answer.
‘Do you knowAbigail’s Party?’
I nodded. ‘Yes – well, I’ve seen the TV version, anyway.’
