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“As I was saying,” Duncan pipes up, buttering a bread roll. “Simon Matthews is an IT giant, and Samantha’s estranged uncle. The family are back on talking terms, and since he has no children of his own, Samantha has become a big part of his life.”
I recognise that name immediately. Samantha Matthews, Lucian’s ex-girlfriend from the charity gala.
“That’s great,” Lucian says, though his words and tone are contradictory. If anything, he sounds bored.
I make a point of keeping my elbows off the table as I take my first taste of soup. The tomato and basil flavour explodes onto my tastebuds. Looking heavenward, I sink into the chair. “Oh, my God, this is seriously good.”
The corners of Lucian’s mouth quirk up, and he nods in agreement. My cheeks heat, only this time for the right reason, and that being that I love the man sitting across from me. I don’t know when it happened, or how, I just know that I can’t picture my life without him in it.
“As I was saying, Samantha will be at the next charity gala. Simon said she talks about you all the time.”
I choke on the soup, and end up spilling it on my dress.
Glasses rock back and forth as Lucian hurriedly grabs a napkin. “Here, allow me.”
But it’s too late, I have pushed the chair back and am already on my feet. “It’s okay,” I say, and, grabbing a rose-shaped napkin, begin to dab my mouth. I gaze down to be met with mottled red patches. My dress is ruined.
“I’m going to go change.” I don’t look at Lucian’s father, I’m too embarrassed. The pink polka-dot dress I am wearing falls a few inches above my knee with a slit up the right side. The dress is sweet and playful, but not something I’d have worn in Duncan Calloway’s presence.
“Would you like me to join you?” Lucian offers.
“No, no,” I say, tripping as I hurry toward the door. “I’m fine.” I grab the handle and let myself out, not once turning back.
I hurry down the long corridors, power-walk up the stairs and run to my room. Once inside I dart to the walk-in wardrobe and yank open the door.
Hangers clink together as I flick through the long line of gowns. My hands still as I lay my eyes on the most beautiful purple number. The neckline drops to a subtle V. I take the hanger from the rail and hold the dress against my body. The long chiffon skirt falls easily to the floor.
Perfect.
When I have changed, I flash one final glance in the mirror and smile at my reflection. I can’t run, not in this dress, but, walking quickly, I make my way out of the room, down the stairs, and toward the dining room.
I feel like a million pounds in this dress. The right amount of sexy with a hint of sophistication. I plant a big smile on my lips just as my fingers wrap around the cool brass handle.
“What is your problem?”
I freeze on hearing Lucian’s terse words.
“My problem, son, is that I come here tonight expecting to be introduced to a lady, but instead you introduce me to a commoner who dresses like a floozy.”
A floozy? A commoner?I’m not one for eavesdropping, because these are words I am not meant to hear. But as much as I know I should walk away, I can’t prompt my legs to move, not so much as an inch. I lean in closer and press my ear to the door.
“How dare you. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the way she was dressed, and correct me if I’m wrong, but our mother wasn’t born from money.”
“No, but your mother had a business head on her shoulders. We were the perfect team.”
“Were you not listening when I told you Chelsea owns her own business?”
Duncan laughs, but it isn’t with humour. “A rundown backstreet salon is not a business. That I may have been willing to overlook, but she doesn’t want children. No, son, this simply won’t do.”
I can’t listen for a moment longer. I release the door handle and step back, away from the dining room. I spin around, about to go anywhere that isn’t here when I come face to face with Mrs Collins.
Her face appears drawn and her cheeks flushed red. But still she paints on a smile. “I’m sorry, miss, I was just about to see if everyone was finished with their starters.”
I sniff loudly, trying to sniff away all my emotion, but it’s no use. My bottom lip trembles and my eyes become cloudy with unshed tears.
“I’m feeling tired all of a sudden.” I feign a yawn. “I think I’m going to have an early night.” I wipe the tears from my eyes.
“An early night?” Mrs Collins’ voice is high-pitched as she takes my arm. “You’ll do no such thing. Lucian has gone out of his way to make this evening special for you. Now I will not have you disappoint the master.”
