‘Is she indeed? I haven’t met your mother yet, but she seems to have perked Douglas up no end. He’s my brother, in case you didn’t know.’
I held out my hand for a bone-crushing squeeze.
‘Nice to meet you. I have heard about you – from Theo. He says you rescued the donkey, Heathcliff.’
She roared with laughter.
‘Yes, that’s me. It’s the only thing Theo’s remotely interested in about me, good boy. Where is he?’
‘He’ll be somewhere with Alexander,’ replied Coco. ‘We haven’t seen them yet. Are you going to have a go at some blackjack? Come and join us.’
‘Maybe later – far easier to wipe the floor with everyone when they’ve all had a few drinks. See you shortly.’
She turned abruptly and marched away. Coco grinned at me.
‘She’s a character, isn’t she? I’m glad she’s here, she’ll be staying now until Christmas. She livens the place up no end and Theo adores her.’
‘I didn’t know she was coming today.’
‘Nobody ever knows for sure when she’ll turn up. She’s an archaeologist and is always disappearing off around the world to dig up something fascinating. Her husband, my Uncle Felix, died a couple of years ago and she nursed him for about six months. It was very hard on her – as you can imagine – but now she’s determined to keep working and travelling as much as she can. Anyway, shall we go and try another game?’
We spent the next hour or so going from table to table, losing almost all our chips.
‘I’m out,’ said Coco finally, ‘and I need the loo. See you in a few minutes?’
I nodded and contemplated the few chips I had left in my hand – just ten pounds. I thought I might as well blow it, so Iwent over to the roulette table and watched for a few minutes as the wheel spun mesmerically.
‘What number are you going for?’
I turned to see Alexander standing next to me, wearing a black suit painted with bones.
‘I like your outfit,’ I said. ‘Casino Royale?’
‘You do know your Bond films – I didn’t realise you were a fan.’
‘Not like your father, but I enjoy them. And seeing as Mum was in one for a millisecond, I’ve had to sit through more than most people as she talks about all her dearest friends that she met on set.’
He laughed.
‘It sounds exciting, but I can imagine that it wears after a while. Now come on, which number are you going to choose?’
‘I think I’m just going to put it all on eight – for my birthday,’ I said.
‘Mine too!’ he replied. ‘I’m in March.’
‘I’m in July. It had definitely better be eight then.’
I leaned over and placed my chips, then waited with rising excitement as the wheel spun and clicked round.
‘Thirty-two red!’ shouted the croupier and I turned to Alexander and pulled a face.
‘Ah, well,’ he said, grinning ruefully, ‘at least it’s not real money. Would you like to top up your drink as consolation?’
I nodded, and followed him to the bar, where we hitched ourselves up onto stools and accepted glasses of champagne.
‘Cheers’, he said, and we clinked glasses. ‘Are you enjoying the party?’
‘Yes, I’ve been with Coco – she’s brilliant.’
