Page 63 of Eight for Losing, One for Loving

“Sorry to have missed you,” Leo replied, shaking his head with amusement as shouts of disapproval and impatient mutterings came from the other players. “It seems you have not been too bored.”

“Yes, yes, I’m coming,” Larkin said, sitting back down. “I’m never bored, Leo. Want a hand?”

Leo shook his head. “No, but I need you, so hurry up and finish that, would you?”

Larkin grinned. “Anything for you, old man.”

Leo sighed and ordered himself a pint and something to eat and waited for his friend to finish his game.

Half an hour later, the two men were sat in a quiet corner making their way through a large pile of ham and pickle sandwiches.

“So, she finally gave in,” Larkin said, regarding Leo with a smile. “Congratulations. I’m happy for you. It’s about time.”

Leo nodded, watching his friend closely. Larkin had gone off the rails for a while, drinking far too much and spending half his time hanging around with people who were as likely to murder him as buy him a drink, and the other half working all hours like a maniac. More recently, he seemed in good spirits, still working and playing hard, but drinking less and laughing more. Larkin had always been rather more romantic and sensitive than the rest of them and had been badly hurt by the woman he’d fallen in love with, who had been less than honest with him. Leo hoped he had put that behind him and was ready to move on, but he felt there was much Larkin wasn’t saying.

“Thank you, though I’m praying the debacle in Newmarket doesn’t come back to haunt us,” he said with a sigh. “If anyone asks, we were married before we left and were on our honeymoon.”

“Of course. You may rely on me to put things straight,” Larkin said, nodding gravely. “She’s a lovely woman, Leo. You’ll be happy, I’m certain of it.”

“So am I,” Leo replied. “But what of you, Larkin? What are you up to these days?”

“Oh, this and that, here and there,” Larkin said with a laugh. “I’ve just finished a marvellous painting. Best thing I’ve done in an age. Going to submit it for the Academy exhibition,” he added, and Leo got the impression he was keen to change the subject.

“That’s good. You’ve not been seen in society for a long time, though. Are you—”

“Another?” Larkin said, getting up and holding his empty glass aloft.

Leo sighed, nodding. Larkin clearly did not wish to talk, and he was not about to force the issue. All he wanted from this day was to marry Vi and make her his wife. He only hoped she would be ready soon.

Vi regarded the mirror Jenny held up, turning this way and that to admire her hair. It had been rather squashed by her bonnet and the journey and Jenny had redone it for the occasion.

“Oh, Jenny, it looks splendid, thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Jenny beamed. “I was going to go to the garden and pinch some rosebuds, but then I thought we’d best not draw attention to the fact you’re not already married.”

Vi laughed and nodded. “A lovely thought, Jenny, but yes, you are quite correct. However, I feel far more like a bride with my hair done so prettily.”

“You look wonderful,” Jenny said, smoothing out the fabric of Vi’s gown.

It was the golden yellow walking dress that Leo had liked so much, and such a sunny colour it made Vi feel happy simply wearing it. Whenever she remembered his words, when he’d first seen her wearing it, she could not keep the smile from her face.

“I have something else for you, though.”

Vi turned back to Jenny, who grinned and revealed a small posy of white roses. “I’ll keep them hidden until we get to the church, but you can’t get married with no flowers.”

“Oh, how sweet of you! Thank you, Jenny,” Vi said gratefully. “I’m so pleased to have you as my maid.”

“Not half so pleased as I am,” Jenny replied with a snort. “Now then, we’d best get going or that man of yours will think you’ve done a runner.”

Vi laughed, happier than she could ever remember being, as she made her way down the stairs. Kitty was waiting for her, beaming happily.

“So beautiful, my darling daughter,” Kitty said, taking her hands and blinking rapidly.

“Mama! Don’t cry. It’s not supposed to be a special occasion, remember?” Vi said, glancing around to see if any of the other guests had noticed.

“Sorry, sorry, yes, I know. I shall save my tears for the church,” Kitty said at once, instantly repentant. “I sent word to Papa and Harbottle to stay at the church so all should be ready,” she added in an undertone.

Vi nodded, suddenly nervous, as she realised she really would be Mrs Hunt in a very short time. She drew in a breath, feeling her heart thud. Kitty gave her a sceptical look.