‘What do you think we should do?’
‘Well, given that it’s ten thirty, I think that you should pop upstairs, grab your file of papers and I’ll run you over to the manor, then we’ll see if we can get Rachel on her own for a chat.’
‘Yes, that’s a great idea. Back in a minute.’
Lexie dashed up the stairs to her apartment-cum-office, slipped into the ivory-and-emerald tea dress and a pair of leopard-print kitten heels she’d coveted for months before succumbing to their siren call – much to Pippa’s envy – smoothed back a few escaped tendrils of hair and glanced in the mirror.
‘Oh, God, no!’ she groaned when she realised that she’d spent the whole morning in Theo’s company without a scrap of make-up on. She scrabbled around in her handbag and added a flick of mascara and slash of nude lipstick before sending Freya a quick text to ask for an update on Rachel’s dress. She then ran back down the stairs to Theo’s car where he waited with his head tipped back, his eyes closed, taking in the late spring sunshine – relaxation personified. Her lips twisted into a smile.
‘Ready?’
‘Sure – Dalston Manor here we come!’
***
Theo seemed to relish every manoeuvre necessary to coax the ancient MG around the tight bends in the country lanes, his hand caressing the gearstick as he changed from fourth to third, his biceps tensing as he wrestled with the heavy steering when taking a particularly sharp corner as the car had been built before power-assisted steering had been invented. As they swung through the stone pillars that guarded the manor from unwanted intrusions, Lexie marvelled once again at how comfortable she felt in Theo’s company after such a short period of time, along with a surprise tickle of excitement that they were on a joint mission to ensure that Zara and Jason’s big day went off without a hitch. When the impressive house came into view, she felt like she was playing a role in Midsomer Murders, or an Agatha Christie mystery, and she had to stifle a giggle.
Theo pulled into a parking space at the rear of the house and she jumped out.
‘Thanks, Theo, I…’
In almost comedic unison, they both turned towards the terrace to see Zara in floods of tears being comforted by Audrey and Rachel. Lexie exchanged a quick glance with Theo before dashing towards the group with Theo following, his limp hampering his progress.
‘What’s going on? What’s happened?’
‘Oh, Lexie, thank God you’re here!’
Zara extracted herself from Audrey’s arms to give Lexie a hug of welcome whilst Rachel and Audrey waited for her to explain the reason for her misery. Theo hung back a little at the edge of the terrace, next to the fish pond, clearly unsure whether to stay or to leave the women to it.
‘Tell me what’s happened and we’ll sort it out.’
A whole kaleidoscope of possibilities spun through Lexie’s brain from the wrong colour of cocktail umbrellas or sugared almonds, to the worst-case scenario – something that didn’t bear thinking about – that Jason had called off the wedding. She prayed with every fibre in her body that wasn’t the case because she couldn’t face dealing with that, not after… well.
‘Zara?’
Rachel came to the rescue as Lexie handed Zara a packet of tissues from her handbag and Audrey led them all to the table and chairs overlooking the ornamental pond. Lexie gave an involuntary shiver when one of the koi surfaced and gave her the evil eye and she saw Theo smirk.
‘Come on, Zara, darling, there’s no need to get so upset. We’ll find them. You’ve probably just misplaced them, that’s all. You had them yesterday at the dress fitting so they couldn’t have gone far.’
‘Find what?’ pressed Lexie, experiencing a surge of relief that the emergency had nothing to do with Jason, sending up a quick missive of thanks to the director of her, and Zara’s, fate.
‘My wedding shoes! They’re from the Jimmy Choo wedding collection! I’ve been saving for them for months…’
‘And visiting them in the store every week like they were a pair of pet chihuahuas!’ grinned Rachel, keen to make Zara smile as she dropped down into the seat next to her best friend, and placed her arm around her slender shoulders, whilst Audrey laced her fingers through her daughter’s and gave them a reassuring squeeze. ‘I have to admit they are the most stunning shoes I’ve ever seen. Four-inch heel, ivory satin, double intertwined ankle strap, crystal T-bar – the epitome of elegance and wedding chic. A snip at just under seven hundred pounds!’
Lexie cast a glance at Theo who was gaping at Rachel’s description in disbelief, but when he saw she was watching him, he quickly switched his expression to one of keen interest and deep sympathy for the bride’s predicament – a gesture that made Lexie smile. She couldn’t help thinking of the shoes she’d chosen for her own nuptials up in the Lake District; sensible leather court shoes, not the glitter strewn sandals she’d hoped to splash out on when she’d thought she’d be getting married on a glorious sandy beach somewhere hot, but the thought made her sad so she forced herself to concentrate on the matter in hand.
‘Don’t worry, we’ll find your shoes, Zara. Where did you have them last?’
‘In our suite, definitely,’ said Zara, dabbing away her tears, the colour returning to her cheeks now that Lexie was on the case. ‘I know this might sound ridiculous…’
Zara flashed a look at Theo who simply smiled his encouragement, his eyes wide with innocence, but Lexie knew exactly what was going through his mind. Seven hundred pounds for a pair of shoes! She suspected his MG hadn’t cost that when he bought it. Zara met Lexie’s eyes, before lowering her voice as she picked at the damp tissue she clutched in her hand.
‘I keep them on an embroidered silk cushion I made myself – they’re so beautiful.’
Lexie couldn’t bear to even peep at Theo’s reaction to this snippet of information so she concentrated on trying to work out where the wedding shoes could have got to.
‘Is the cushion still in your room?’
‘Yes, but no shoes!’ Zara’s voice held a dangerous wobble.
‘Well, they can’t have gone far. Okay, leave this with me. Why don’t you and Audrey treat yourself to a spa treatment, maybe one of Christina’s soothing massages with essential oils, and when you’re finished, I guarantee I’ll have located your missing shoes.’
‘Really?’
‘Absolutely.’
‘Okay, thanks Lexie, you’re a complete life saver!’
With their arms linked, mother and daughter made their way across the terrace and back into the manor, chatting about which treatment they were planning to indulge in before the rehearsal dinner that night.
‘God, this wedding will be the death of me! I could do with a couple of stiff gins!’ declared Rachel before realising what she’d said and slapping her palm on her mouth. ‘But, of course, I’ll just make do with a tonic water, a slice of lemon, and lots and lots of ice!’
Lexie exchanged a swift smile with Theo. Now that they had Rachel alone, it was the perfect time to ask her to elaborate on her strange reaction in the library.
‘Rachel, I was wondering if there was anything you’re not telling us?’