The next hour was spent peacefully sipping tea and reading my book, and I was just contemplating getting ready when a brief knock came at the door before it was flung open to once again admit my mother, wearing a lavender silk dressing gown.
‘Oh, darling, haven’t you started getting ready yet? The party starts soon.’
‘I know, but it’s okay, it won’t take me long and Coco’s coming to help with my make-up. Anyway, you don’t look very ready yourself.’
‘Actually, I am.’ With a typically dramatic movement, she threw off the robe to reveal what she was wearing: a skintight red catsuit with a low-slung black belt and attached gun holster. I gawked. ‘Well, what do you think?’ she demanded, twirling around. ‘It’s the original costume from the film. I can still fit in it!’
I had to speak, I knew I had to speak, but what to say?
‘Um, right…wow, well, the original one, eh?’
She pulled her robe back on huffily.
‘Yes, darling, and is that all you’ve got to say?’
‘It looks amazing,’ I replied truthfully. ‘Has Douglas seen it?’
‘Notonme,’ she said. ‘But I had it at the convention, and he admired it then. Don’t look so disapproving, darling, I could have worn the bra top and see-through skirt from the harem scene, then youwouldhave something to be cross about.’
I wasn’t cross or disapproving in the least, but my mother loves to believe that everyone is jealous of her.
‘Actually, Mum, I’m impressed by your chutzpah as much as your figure. I was just surprised, that’s all. You look great.’
‘Thank you. Now, you’d better show me what you’re wearing, and then I need you to help me with my headdress.’
I opened the box I had collected from the Post Office that morning, shook out the long, black dress with its diamanté neckline and held it up against myself awkwardly. Despite everything, I wanted my mother’s approval. She studied me for a moment.
‘Hmm, it’s simple but elegant. I hope it looks all right on. What shoes are you wearing?’
I turned to find them when there was another, gentler knock on the door.
‘Come in!’ I called, lifting the shoe box on to the bed. It was Coco who entered, looking breathtaking in a short, tight blue satin dress with a high neckline. Her hair was piled up on her head and her smoky make-up enhanced her delicate features without overpowering them. ‘Oh wow, you look incredible!’
She grinned.
‘Thanks. I think this is a bit ‘Dr No’ – it’ll do anyway.’ She glanced at Mum’s robe. ‘Is that your costume, Jacqueline?’
My mother narrowed her eyes at Coco, and I tried not to laugh.
‘No, dear, it is not. Anyway, Fallon, if you could help me with the headdress?’
I took the proffered piece of black and gold fabric and a golden cord and looked at them helplessly. Thank goodness for Coco.
‘Here, let me do it. Sit there, Jacqueline, I’ll have you Bond-ready in no time.’
Coco was so skilful, both at arranging the costume and at chattering away in such a friendly and flattering manner that mymother was putty in her hands in no time. By the time they were finished, she was positively glowing.
‘Thank you, darling, it looks wonderful. Now, I must go and arrange some finishing touches. If you can work your magic on Fallon, then I will be even more impressed.’
As the door closed behind her, Coco turned to me and arched an eyebrow.
‘I know, I know,’ I groaned. ‘She can be hard work, my mother, and she thinks I’m a troll.’
‘Well,’ said Coco briskly, ‘she couldn’t be any more wrong – you’re beautiful – but let’s go to town on the glam anyway, shall we?’
I went and put on my dress, then sat as Coco sprayed and rolled and pinned my hair, then whisked around me with brushes, pencils and sticks. It occurred to me that I had no idea if I would like her style, but it was lovely just to sit and submit to her attentions. She talked as she worked, telling me about the kitchens she had been employed in and her dreams of starting her own business.
‘Have you considered doing something with Alexander?’ I asked. ‘He’s just starting out as well, so I’m sure you could help each other.’
