Page 16 of Not So Very Sensible

“Well, everything is booked and paid for—thank you.”

He winced. He’d forgotten that. And frugal him hated spending money on things he didn’t use.

“So, I guess I’ll see you tonight,” she said. “Are you sure you don’t want to collect me?”

“I’ll be working late, remember? Besides, there is a train station that is really close.” He sighed.

“Oh, come on Ethan. It’s going to be fun. You’ll have a ball. It’ll be a weekend you’ll never forget.”

“Sure. Can’t wait.”

“You could afford to sound a little more excited.” She coughed again.

“Are you sure you should be going? You sound like you have a cough.”

She cleared her throat. “I’m fine. It’s just a tickle.”

“Are you certain? Because if it’s something infectious, you probably don’t want to be with lots of other people. And you need rest to recover.”

“You’re so sweet to be concerned, but I’ll be fine.”

That sounded more like hope than fact, but whatever. He glimpsed George striding towards him, a scowl on his face. “I’ve got to go. I’ll catch you later then.”

“Bye!”

He ended the call. Returned to his computer. Then felt relief as George swerved to speak to someone else.

Although maybe George would be the perfect excuse to get out of things. It wouldn’t be the first time “work” had gotten in the way of plans Lucinda made.

Regardless, he knew that far from Lucinda’s promise of an unforgettable weekend, this would be one he might well regret. He sighed. Lord, help me.

Chapter 4

Elinor eyed herself in the hotel room’s mirror, a tiny pang creasing her heart as she compared this ensemble with the one she’d seen yesterday.

“Are you ready?” Katie called through the bathroom door.

“Nearly.” She still had to do her makeup—Katie had said she’d do her hair—but the full-length mirror was here in the bathroom, not out there in the room. Weird, but this hotel was old-fashioned and quirky in many regards.

“Come on out. I want to see you.”

“Okay.” She slid open the door then stared at her sister. “Wow, Katie. You look great.”

“I know.” Katie swished her brand-new vintage red flapper dress so the tassels flung out. Then paused. Eyed Ellie critically. “But you …” She winced.

“Wow. Thanks for the support.”

Katie shook her head. “Look, I don’t mean to sound mean, but that dress isn’t a patch on yesterday’s.”

“I know. But I couldn’t afford yesterday’s, so I’m making the best of what I have.”

Katie sighed. “You know, it’s not wrong to want something better than what you have.”

“I’m doing my best to learn to be content.”

“Well, lucky for us, I don’t have that particular problem.”

That was for sure.