Page 56 of Not So Very Sensible

Ellie placed her knife and fork on the side of her plate, next to the gravy remains of her chicken and vegetable pie. “Actually, I did have something happen today. We have a new client. A Francine Dashwood. She’s married to some rich dude from Sydney and wants work done on her country ‘estate,’ as she calls it.”

Mum smiled, clearly relieved to have the subject changed. “These people who think five acres entitles them to ‘estate’ status should go to England. A property like Hartbury Hall, now that’s an estate.” She smiled complacently.

Ellie swapped glances with Katie. They all knew who Mum’s favourite child was. The one with the soon-to-be husband who owned Hartbury Hall. It was a surprise that the conversation had lasted this long without any mention of the wedding.

“So, have you heard anything more from Liv?” Katie asked.

“You mean about where she wants to hold the wedding? Oh, it has to be at the Hall, doesn’t it?” Mum sighed dreamily. “Can’t you just imagine it? All bedecked in glorious silk and candles and flowers.”

Ellie sipped her water. “If she’s still talking about having it at Christmas, it’s going to be the middle of winter, Mum. I’m not sure how many flowers are out at that time of year.”

“Oh, I don’t mean they’ll be out in the garden. But the Hall itself could be spectacular.”

“I didn’t think that Liam was keen on too much fuss.”

“But it’s not about him, now is it? Family comes first, after all.”

“It is his wedding, Mum.”

“Yes, but he’s been married before.”

Something rarely mentioned. The poor man didn’t need anyone focused on his dead wife and her wayward, er, ways.

“And a woman only gets married once—or should, if both parties can possibly help it—so it should be done right.”

Ellie had a strong suspicion that Mum’s and Liv’s ideas on what was right would be very different. “Well, we all know that Liv isn’t showy either.”

Mum sighed. “I don’t know why you’ve decided to be contrary tonight, Ellie. It’s not helpful.”

Ellie rolled her lips together and eyed her sister, who was smirking at her. No doubt Katie was one hundred percent as committed to an amazing spectacle as Mum was. Who cared about the expense? Although, now that she thought about it … “Isn’t the bride’s family supposed to pay for the wedding?”

Mum blinked. Then waved her hand. “Oh, that’s such an outdated rule. I’m sure Liam would be very happy to have the wedding there with no cost to us.”

“Mm, it might be worth checking that.” Ellie glanced at Dad. “Don’t you think?”

He inclined his head. “It’s good you’re here to keep us grounded.”

Huh. She knew he meant it as a compliment, not a criticism, yet couldn’t help but feel a sting. So, she was sensible, practical, and thought through the options rather than diving straight in. It didn’t mean she was bad. And obviously in this family somebody had to keep a level head about things, rather than get caught up in foolishness and fancies.

She pressed her lips together. Proof of just how fanciful she could be would be seen in whether Ethan appeared on Saturday or not.

“And Francine, I’d like you to meet one of our up-and-coming talents, Elinor Bennett.”

Ellie smiled past her nerves as the woman studied her. Why was the woman looking at her so intensely? She looked like she was trying to memorise every detail of her face. “Good to meet you, Francine.”

She sniffed. “It’s Mrs. Dashwood.”

Oh. Okay. “My apologies.” Wow. Ellie’s smile faded as she lifted her chin, her own gaze narrowing as she stared back. The woman definitely had tickets on herself. She couldn’t remember the last client she’d come across who’d insisted on such formality. Had she intended to make Ellie feel like a helpless schoolgirl?

“Hmm. I’m not sure this will do, after all.”

What would do? There were undertones here that she didn’t know about. Why was Nicola looking at her with what seemed to be pleading eyes? She wasn’t used to Nicola feeling intimidated. There was a reason she was known as the best in the business in the Highlands. Ellie glanced at Jackson, who had his own wide eyes.

“Well, let’s go look at the drawings Ellie has done for us. We can go to the consulting room.” Nicola held open the glass door to the office. “Just through here.”

Ellie caught Nicola’s eye and pointed to herself and raised her eyebrows. Nicola shook her head. No, she didn’t want Ellie to join as she might usually. Weirder and weirder.

She shrugged and went back to the computer drawing she’d been tasked to do. Another rich person’s house, complete with a hot tub in a gazebo. Why people thought they’d want to be using a hot tub that would require them to exit their house and run across cold concrete, she didn’t know. But such were the whims of the rich. They had cash to splash and didn’t mind changing their minds a dozen times. Not when they could afford to pay those who charged by the hour.