Chapter Forty-Four
Olivier – The Everdene Hotel, Loganbury
If it weren’t for the pretty lights lining the single-track road, Olivier might have been worried he was going to end up the victim of a serial killer in a horror film, it was so quiet and off the beaten track.
The thin layer of frost on the ground made the wheels of his car spin occasionally but someone had gritted the hill, so it was only the odd patch. Finally, he crept up to the top and the trees continued along the side of the driveway but the grounds opened out and there was a beautiful old hotel, something that had probably been a manor house for the peerage to live in once. Gravel crunched beneath the tyres and the view got prettier and prettier, the frost sparkling beneath the strings of lights that dripped from tree to tree.
He pulled up in front of the door and could hear music in the distance. It sounded like a live band playing folk music. There were no spaces for him to park in front of the hotel, so he reversed down the side to what looked like the staff entrance. When he got out, the dips and burbles of animated conversation and laughter joined the sound of the music.
He leaned back against the car and pushed his hands back through his hair. He was about to crash a wedding and he had no idea if he’d be welcomed by Ashleigh at all. Why had he let Romesh talk him into this?
His plan had been to stick around and show Ashleigh that he wasn’t going anywhere, that he was going to be there, no matter how long it took her to let her walls down. Walls that his flitting back off to Paris early, off the back of being let down by her maman again, must have been reinforced.
He shook his head and stood up straight. Well, he was here now, and all he could hope was that she wouldn’t tell him to leave or…or that she wasn’t getting off with the best man. No. That wasn’t likely – Stephen, Noelle’s boyfriend was the best man. But there would be a bunch of other men available who he had no doubt would fall at her feet the moment she clicked her fingers.
He took one more second to straighten his suit and headed for the hotel entrance. The reception desk was empty, but there were voices and chatter coming from doors over to the right. He made his way over to the swinging doors and walked into a bar, warm with the heat of a crackling fire and dozens of people sitting and standing, glasses clutched in hands. He scanned the crowd and couldn’t spot Ash’s fair hair anywhere. She was easy to find usually, being so tall and because he seemed to only have eyes for her when she was in the same room as him.
But…he did hear a familiar laugh and moved further inside to see if he could locate the owner of the loud, spirited chuckle.
Noelle was sitting on a stool at the end of the bar, wearing a blue dress, her red hair piled high and her eyes on Stephen as he leaned over her, one hand resting on the bar behind her. He said something else and she laughed again, screwing her eyes shut for a second and pushing at his shoulder. Olivier felt awkward interrupting them, but he was going to have to.
Well, no, he didn’thaveto – but he knew them, and it seemed to make sense to greet them and find out if they could direct him towards Ashleigh – perhaps give him a heads-up about whether or not she’d paired off with another guest.
He’d drawn close enough that when Noelle opened her eyes and wiped a tear from the corner of one delicately, her gaze snagged on him and she did a double take. ‘Olivier!’
At her exclamation Stephen looked over too and straightened up, automatically offering his hand to Noelle as she moved to jump down from the stool, like he’d read her mind about what she was about to do.
Noelle threw her arms around Olivier, her drink still clutched in one hand and sloshing a little over the back of his suit jacket. When she drew back, Stephen offered his hand to shake.
‘Wow, this is brilliant.’ She discarded her drink onto the bar and took hold of both his arms. ‘You’re supposed to be in Paris aren’t you? But you’re here. This is perfect. You’re looking for Ash right? This wedding is about to get even more romantic, as though that were even possible.’
‘Christ, Noelle, give the man a chance to speak before you decide you know exactly what’s going on.’ Stephen widened his eyes at Olivier apologetically.
‘I’m right though aren’t I?’ she pinned Olivier with her gaze and raised an eyebrow.
‘Iamlooking for Ashleigh.’
‘Iknewit. You guys kept stealing glances at each other the other night after the hen do. It was adorable. I could tell, even though I was drunk.’ She hiccupped. ‘And I’m a teensy bit drunk again. I’m not always, I promise you.’
‘Of course not. It’s a celebration.’ Olivier smiled at her. ‘Do you know where I can find Ashleigh?’
‘Last I saw her she was outside watching the band. D’you want a stiff drink before you go out there?’
Olivier tried not to look too obvious as he swallowed. ‘Do Ineeda stiff drink?’
‘Noelle, quit meddling. You go find her, Olivier. Let us know if you can’t track her down and we’ll help.’ Stephen put his arm around Noelle’s waist and pulled her in close to him. ‘You can get out to the rear garden by the doors in the dining room, that way.’
He heard Noelle squealing behind him as he thanked Stephen and turned to leave, followed by low but firm tones and laughter.
Outside there were more lights, strung around the patio area and every tree or bush or lamp post lining the walkway down the steps and over to a glowing marquee. It was only a modest size and mainly taken up by the band who were playing on the stage. The whole effect was like walking into an ice palace of some kind. But it was as welcoming as the cosy bar because there were small braziers burning around the edges too and people dancing, along with some sitting at tables draped in light blue tablecloths.
Ashleigh would be wearing blue too, like Noelle had been. She’d told him that was the colour Beth had asked all the bridesmaids to wear.
He could see Beth, off to the left-hand side of the dance floor, dancing with Nick. They moved like they’d choreographed and practised every move, their eyes always meeting as Nick spun Beth around. She was still wearing her wedding dress and as she spun the simple, long, pleated skirt whirled out, revealing the rainbow colours of fabric layered beneath. It was so clever and beautiful and the absolutely perfect thing for Beth, who clearly loved to dance – showing her off every time she twirled. He felt that wave of awe and pride for Ash that only seemed to grow and grow.
But he couldn’t see her anywhere.
He could have gone inside and asked Stephen and Noelle to help him find her, but he didn’t want to disturb them any further…and honestly, he wanted to find her and pull her aside quietly if he possibly could. Maybe find a quiet, romantic alcove to speak to her.
