Page 66 of Not So Very Sensible

Sure enough, Mum brightened and instantly launched into how pleased she was that at least her youngest child had found happiness. “Oh! And I got a message from Liv saying she and Liam are happy to host us all there for the wedding. How wonderful is that?”

Ellie nodded and smiled, and somehow, through the stream of rapid chatter and excitement of plans, and Katie’s comment that they should get on a video call immediately and talk to Liv, the shock of the dagger thrust of that Facebook post was numbed by noise and distraction.

It was only much later, when everyone had settled down and she was finally released to have a shower, hop into her pyjamas, and go to sleep, that she was finally quiet enough to hear her soul’s wail. And wonder what was wrong with her, and whether any man would ever see past the blue hair and sensible attitude and love her anyway.

“Ellie, have you got a minute?”

“Of course.” She saved her work and went to Nicola’s office, where her boss gestured for her to take a seat.

“Look, I’ll get straight to it. I’ve received a very odd request from a client.”

“Odder than when you had to design a giant bunny head topiary for a wedding?”

Nicola grimaced. “Odder than that.”

She shrugged. “Well, I can do with something odd.” Anything to distract from this hollow feeling inside.

“Yes, I’ve noticed you’ve seemed a little flat the past few days.”

Hmm. Apparently her acting skills weren’t working well at work.

“Our new client is having a party at her ‘estate’“—Nicola rolled her eyes—”and asked me to attend.”

“Really? That’s unusual.”

“Right? She said it’s because she wants me to get a sense of the vibe of the place so I can tell where the garden features should be maximised and lighting installed, and it would be easier to have us attend than try to describe it herself.”

Ellie paused. “You said ‘us’ attend.”

“Mm-hmm. Then when I said I was busy—because hello, it is short notice, seeing it’s this weekend, after all—I said I could see if you could go, and she nodded and said that would be ideal. Weird, isn’t it?”

“Very weird.” She frowned. “We are talking about Francine Dashwood, right?” She was the only one who talked about her “country estate” in that way.

“The daughter of the state opposition leader, yes.”

“Really? Huh. I didn’t know.”

“Well, that’s not important. What is important is: Can you go?”

“When is it?”

“This Saturday. Seven p.m.”

Ellie scanned her memory, but nothing popped. “I think I’m clear.”

“Great! And thank you. I know it’s a lot to ask, especially on the weekend, but Mrs. Dashwood is an important client and extremely well connected. I’d hate to lose her business.”

“I didn’t think she liked me.”

“Well, she must like you enough to insist on you attending. Don’t worry. We’ll add your hours of attendance to the bill.” Nicola winked.

Fine by her. “Is there a dress code? Do you know what the party is for?”

“She mentioned something about fancy dress.”

“You mean wear a fancy dress or go in costume?”

“I’m not sure.”