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“Hermitage green, I think the designer called it,” I said.
“After the museum?” Savanah asked.
I nodded, pleased with myself for choosing one of London’s top designers.
“What are you going to do with that section at the back?” Theadora asked. “I’ve noticed there’s a building in progress.”
“Ah, something a bit radical, I’m afraid. Declan knows. Mother doesn’t.”
Savanah jumped in. “He’s offering freebies to women in need.”
Theadora’s eyes popped out.
“For those who need a break but can’t afford it. It was Savvie’s idea. I like it, though.”
She glowed with pride. “I thought it would be a nice touch. All women deserve a little pampering.”
My mother walked over and gave me a nod of approval. “This will work perfectly with Elysium.”
“But this is more rustic-chic,” Savanah said.
“Exactly. It has a certain appealing charm, judging by this turnout.” My mother turned to me, her eyes warm and supportive. I put that down to champagne. Sometimes I wished she drank more, if only to soften her attitude.
“You’ve made me proud. Not like that silly gymnasium.”
“Haven’t you heard? Ethan’s building a wing for women who can’t afford to be here,” Savanah said.
My mother’s face hardened. “Not you too?”
“It’s got nothing to do with you, Mum. And you won’t shut this down like you did the boot camp.” I pushed out my chest. I wasn’t going to have her preach to me the importance of sticking with our own.
Her eyes followed Crisp, which had me again questioning whether she secretly fancied him—a horrible thought.
“Where’s Will?” I asked.
“He’s back at the house, working on staff rosters with Bethany.”
My eyes slid to Savanah, who returned a little smile. We’d noticed how Will looked at Bethany. Our normally eagle-eyed mother seemed the last to see it, which struck me as odd.
“That’s unusual for Will, isn’t it?” Savanah asked.
“It’s one of his many roles at Merivale. How is that design coming along?”
Savanah played with her glossy fingernails. “I’m getting there.”
“You’re not still seeing that hirsute hipster, are you?”
I laughed. My mother had a way with words.
“No. I’m not. I’m single,” Savanah replied as though tired of this conversation.
“Good. You’re too good for all those brutes.”
Savanah shrugged. “Mm…”
I knew my sister well. Whenever she was between boyfriends, she got depressed. She worried me a lot. She didn’t seem comfortable in her own company.
I recognised that in myself because I was once like that. After Mirabel, everything changed—for the better. I still missed her, though. I always would. I only hoped she would let me in some time, if only as a friend.
