Echoes of Grace

by Caragh Bell

  He regarded her short silky ensemble and shook his head. ‘Thank God it was a civil ceremony. I can’t see you being allowed into a church in a nightie.’

  ‘It’s not that bad!’

  ‘I love the Grecian shoes too. Although, you do realise that Aurora was a Roman goddess?’

  ‘I’m no goddess.’

  His face became serious for a moment. ‘You are. You’re beautiful. Don’t ever believe otherwise.’

  Claire appeared and took James’ hand. ‘Here you are again. I often wonder what you two find to talk about.’

  ‘Like Gratiano in The Merchant of Venice, I talk an infinite deal –’

  ‘Of nothing,’ finished Aurora, laughing. ‘You’re so right.’

  ‘I did Romeo and Juliet for my GCSE,’ said Claire icily. She tugged his sleeve. ‘Let’s go for a walk.’

  ‘Where?’

  ‘Just around the grounds. I’ve had too much champagne already and I feel light-headed.’

  ‘But the party is here . . .’

  ‘Just a short walk.’ She tightened her grip on his hand.

  ‘Okay.’ He drained his glass and placed it on a table. ‘See you in a while, Borealis.’

  The whole wedding party later dined on foie gras with a cassis foam, noisette of lamb with a delectable ratatouille, and tiny profiteroles filled with caramel cream. Aurora was seated next to Luca who kept filling her glass with Chablis. Initially tongue-tied, she answered in monosyllables. Then, when the wine took effect, she found that he was easy to talk to and soon they were chatting like old friends. She noticed that he watched Lydia constantly. She was seated with Henry and every so often she would laugh and flick her hair.

  ‘I really enjoyed your wedding,’ she said, mopping up the sauce on her plate with a piece of bread.

  ‘Yeah.’ He filled up her glass. ‘I wanted just me and Lyd on a beach but she liked Venice and the lady always gets what she wants.’

  ‘I envy you,’ said Aurora genuinely. ‘You’re so lucky to have found each other.’

  ‘Hey, it wasn’t easy,’ he argued. ‘We had our troubles. In the beginning she wouldn’t admit that she loved me. That was hard.’

  ‘But why?’

  ‘She wasn’t ready, I guess. Sometimes you can be in love and not realise it.’

  Aurora knew exactly what he meant. Her gaze drifted to James who was laughing with his mother.

  ‘You’ve got to fight for what you want,’ he continued. ‘If you really believe that person is the one, you’ve got to tell them.’

  ‘What if they reject you?’

  ‘Then you live in hope.’ He shrugged. ‘That girl right there broke my heart into a million pieces. I thought we’d never make it, but we did.’ His expression softened. ‘She’s everything I want.’

  Aurora sipped her wine in confusion. James was engaged. That night in the pool was a blur. Sometimes she wasn’t even sure if it had happened. Yet he had hundreds of photos on his computer – photos of her. Sometimes he looked at her in a way that made her legs weak. Maybe he loved her – in that way – but didn’t know it.

  Gloria clapped her hands. ‘Will is on FaceTime,’ she announced, holding up her phone. ‘Everyone wave!’

  ‘Hi, Will!’ chorused the wedding party.

  His blond head filled the small screen. Ella blew a kiss from the background.

  ‘Hello, all,’ said William. ‘Hope your meal was nice. We just had Domino’s pizza.’

  Everyone laughed.

  ‘Any movement?’ asked Gloria.

  William shook his head. ‘Nothing. That baby is perfectly happy in there. Thank the Lord we have Netflix. It’s at times like this that I realise the supreme importance of the humble boxset.’ He smiled. ‘I miss you all. Where’s Lolly?’

  Gloria angled the phone so that he could see his sister.

  ‘Congratulations, little sis. So sorry I can’t be there. It’s all Ella’s fault.’

  ‘Hey!’ protested Ella from the background.

  ‘Let’s go for dinner when I’m back in London,’ said Laura. ‘Surely that child will have made an appearance by then?’

  William nodded. ‘I look forward to it. Congratulations to you both.’ He waved madly. ‘I’ll text if we have news.’

  ‘Good luck!’ said Gloria. ‘Let us know the minute things kick off.’ She sighed as she put down her phone.

  Christian squeezed Laura’s hand. ‘I know you wanted him here today. I wish I could have made it happen.’

  Sienna threw a piece of bread at Claire and hit her on the cheek. ‘Shit!’ she said, giggling.

  Luca laughed. ‘Hey, sorry about that. She’s crazy.’

  Claire forced a smile. ‘That’s no problem at all. At least it wasn’t ratatouille.’

  Aurora went for a walk after dinner. Her head was spinning and she didn’t know what to do. Luca’s words played on her mind: she had to fight for what she wanted. The problem was that James would probably reject her. Her head told her to say nothing, but her heart was screaming at her to reveal all.

  She was standing on the shoreline with her Jimmy Choo shoes in her hand when James found her.

  ‘There you are, Borealis,’ he said, loping towards her. ‘Gloria’s looking for you. They’re having brandies at the bar.’

  She stared out at the sea which was streaked with orange from the sunset. Warm water lapped at her feet and the evening air was warm.

  ‘Hey!’ he repeated, touching her arm. ‘Are you okay?’

  The Chablis dulled her senses and gave her courage. She turned around slowly and faced him.

  ‘Why is there a folder called “Borealis” on your laptop?’

  He stopped dead. ‘Say again?’

  ‘There are hundreds of photos of me on your computer. Why, James?’ Her brown eyes stared at him steadily.

  ‘I just file everything, that’s all.’ He smiled amiably. ‘Now, come on, we need to go back.’

  ‘Do you have files for Laura? Or Will?’

  He paused for a fraction too long. ‘Of course.’

  ‘No, you don’t. I checked.’ She stood there defiantly. ‘Tell me the truth.’

  ‘What’s this about? Are you angry?’ He ran his fingers through his hair. ‘I don’t know why I have a folder of you. I suppose I started it years ago when I took those pictures in Cornwall and it made sense to keep adding to it.’

  ‘Why me?’

  ‘The camera loves you.’ He shrugged. ‘You’re photogenic. Far better to have your face than William’s ugly mug.’

  Her chest heaved with emotion. ‘James, I . . .’

  ‘What?’ he asked gently. ‘You’re acting really weird.’

  ‘I want to say something.’

  ‘So say it.’

  ‘Remember Venice . . .’

  His expression changed immediately. ‘Not really, no.’ He stepped backwards. ‘We’d better be getting back.’

  ‘No!’ She reached out and grabbed his hand. ‘Don’t leave! I need to say something.’

  He shook his head. ‘I think you need some water. Luca kept filling your glass with wine at dinner.’ He tried to break free but she tightened her grip.

  ‘I’m not a child, James.’

  ‘Come on, Borealis. Gloria wants a family photo.’

  Moving closer, she grabbed his hand and placed it on her waist. His eyes widened in surprise. Her flimsy dress was no barrier and she could feel the heat of his fingers on her skin.

  ‘You touched me like this,’ she whispered, her eyes huge. ‘Do you remember? You pulled me close.’ She took his free hand and put it on the other side of her body. ‘You were about to kiss me . . .’

  ‘Aurora . . .’

  ‘Admit it!’ She reached out and caressed his face. ‘You wanted to kiss me. The reason I know is because I wanted it too.’

  His face was impassive as he stared at her. She couldn’t read what he was thinking but she didn’t care.

  ‘I love you,’ she said simply. ‘Not just as a b
rother but as something more.’

  ‘Aurora . . . you’re just emotional after what happened with that creep.’

  ‘I’m not!’ she said angrily. She felt her eyes well up with tears. ‘I’m in love with you. I can’t stop myself. I need you to kiss me, James. Right now.’

  ‘You need to calm down.’ He backed away slightly. ‘You don’t know what you’re saying.’

  ‘Yes, I do!’ she said, tears rolling down her cheeks. ‘Please don’t go all noble on me, James. I can’t bear it.’

  ‘Borealis,’ he said gently. ‘Come here.’ He pulled her into his strong arms and cuddled her close. ‘You don’t know what you’re saying. I’m too old for you. Plus, I’m your brother.’

  ‘No, you’re not.’

  ‘You know what I mean.’ He stroked her soft hair. ‘You’re so special and beautiful. Any guy would be so lucky to have you.’

  ‘But I don’t want any guy,’ she said, sobbing.

  She rested her head on his shoulder and let him hold her. She couldn’t think straight. She had just revealed her innermost feelings to him and she had been rejected. Her cheeks burned with mortification.

  ‘Venice was a once-off. We were both drunk and it shouldn’t have happened.’

  ‘In vino veritas,’ she said in a muffled voice. ‘I truly believe that.’

  It felt so good to be held. Suddenly she knew what to do. Moving to the right, she encountered his neck. Lightly she kissed his skin, moving up towards his ear. He smelled so good – so familiar.

  ‘Aurora,’ he protested, but he didn’t stop her.

  She continued to kiss him with small feather kisses up his neck, up as far as his jaw. Boldly, she took his face in her hands and kissed his lips with a fervour and passion she didn’t know she possessed. His stubble grazed her skin and she relished it. James didn’t react for a moment and she took advantage of his surprise. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pressed up against him, moulding her body to his. For a few seconds, he responded, his mouth crushing hers. His hands moved around her body and she moaned.

  Then, abruptly, he pulled back.

  ‘Fucking hell, Aurora,’ he said breathlessly. ‘I’m engaged.’

  Her eyes glittered and her chest heaved. ‘Say you don’t feel it too,’ she challenged. ‘Say it!’

  He pushed her away gently. ‘That shouldn’t have happened.’

  Her dress was rucked up to mid-thigh and her hair was tousled. ‘It felt good. For you too. You know it did!’

  He kicked the sand. ‘I can’t handle this right now. You need to stop this.’

  ‘Stop what?’

  ‘You’re my sister!’ he shouted. ‘This is fucked up!’

  ‘I’m not your sister! I’m no relation at all. I love you. Why can’t you see that?’ Her eyes flashed. ‘You’re just too stubborn to admit how you feel.’

  ‘I need to get back.’ He started to walk away.

  ‘James, please!’

  ‘Leave me alone, Aurora. This is not right.’

  ‘You don’t mean that!’ Her voice wavered.

  He turned around angrily. ‘Yes, I do. This is impossible.’

  ‘You’re lying.’

  ‘I’m not! I love you as a sister – nothing more. You need to find someone your own age and forget about this fantasy. I’m not your hero. You’ve picked the wrong guy.’

  She gasped in horror and stumbled backwards, his words cutting deep. His face looked deadly serious and, for a moment, she thought that she’d pass out. Grabbing her shoes, she ran away.

  ‘Aurora!’ he yelled. ‘Come back! It’s not safe on your own!’

  She ignored him and kept running, her heart breaking in two. There was no going back now. James didn’t want her and now she had lost him forever.

  Chapter Forty-two

  Claire was waiting on the now deserted terrace when he got back. Her eyes were narrowed as he approached, her foot tapping on the flagstones.

  ‘Where were you?’ she asked coldly. ‘Everyone is asking if you’ve gone to bed.’

  He groaned inwardly. His night had been awful enough without the third degree.

  ‘I just went for a quick walk. Shall we join the others?’

  ‘I saw you,’ she said. ‘I saw you and Aurora on the shoreline.’

  He closed his eyes. ‘Oh?’

  ‘What were you arguing about? Why did she run off?’

  ‘Nothing.’ He ushered her along. ‘Come on, we need to get to the bar.’

  ‘What’s going on between you two?’ she pressed on.

  ‘What are you talking about?’

  ‘Oh, don’t deny it. You’ve always had a soft spot for her.’

  ‘Stop it, Claire.’

  ‘I’m always finding you two together. Take last night for example. I look for you and there you are, in a cosy twosome with her.’

  ‘You’re imagining it.’

  ‘When she’s in trouble, who does she call?’ She laughed bitterly. ‘Then you run like a faithful puppy and do her bidding.’

  ‘Claire, you’re being ridiculous. She’s my sister.’

  ‘Except she’s not your sister, in fact.’ Her eyes flashed.

  ‘Stop it.’ He grew angry. ‘You’re out of order.’

  ‘Oh, I’m not. It’s Borealis this and Borealis that. When she calls, you drop everything. I’m sick of it.’

  ‘I’m going to the bar. Join me if you want.’ He stalked off, but she grabbed his shirt.

  ‘I saw you kiss her on the beach, James.’

  He cursed silently. ‘I didn’t kiss her.’

  ‘It didn’t look like that to me,’ she spat. ‘You’re pathetic. I can’t believe I didn’t see it until now.’

  ‘Stop it, Claire.’

  ‘You’re in love with her! Your bloody sister. No wonder you’re not keen on a mortgage. You had no intention of marrying me.’

  ‘You’ve gone mad! Stop this craziness!’

  ‘On the contrary.’ She laughed sardonically. ‘I’ve finally woken up.’ She stalked off towards the hotel.

  ‘Claire!’ he called after her retreating back. ‘Claire, come back!’

  She ignored him and kept walking.

  ‘Claire! Bloody hell, you’re overreacting!’

  She swung around angrily. ‘I’ll be in our room.’

  James gestured to the barman to fill his glass with Courvoisier. The bar was full of tourists and a mixture of languages could be heard over the soft jazz music in the background. Claire hadn’t come back so he guessed that she was in bed. He knew that he should find her and apologise, but a few drinks at the bar seemed more appealing.

  Lydia sidled up beside him and smiled. ‘Thanks again for those beautiful photos. I absolutely love the one of us on the gondola.’

  ‘It’s my job after all,’ he said with a grin.

  ‘I’m so glad that you came. You left so early after the wedding, I didn’t have a chance to thank you.’ The barman placed a full glass of wine on the counter and Lydia took a seat on a bar stool.

  ‘I had to get back. A job cropped up at the Beeb that I couldn’t refuse.’ He swirled the golden liquid around his glass, his expression sombre.

  ‘Where’s Aurora?’ Lydia asked stealing a glance sideways. ‘I haven’t seen her since dinner.’

  ‘I’ve no idea,’ he answered grimly. He was worried about her and wished she would appear. He kept looking over his shoulder, willing her to arrive, but so far there was no sign. He didn’t like to think of her on the beach all alone. He should never have left her. His rational side told him that she was probably in her room, but he was still concerned.

  ‘When did your mum and Henry get married?’ asked Lydia.

  ‘2002,’ he replied. ‘It seems like yesterday.’

  ‘Aurora must have been about nine or ten.’

  ‘Ten. They moved to London straight after.’

  ‘Have you two always been close?’

  ‘What do you mean?’ he asked sharply.

 
‘I didn’t mean anything,’ she said, holding up her hands. ‘Whoa!’

  ‘Sorry – I’m just on edge.’

  ‘Everything okay?’ Her green eyes were kind. ‘You’ve been sitting here all alone for ages.’

  He said nothing, his countenance gloomy.

  ‘James, I might be overstepping the mark here, but do you need to talk?’

  He sighed. ‘I thought I had it all worked out, Lydia. I have a great fiancée. We’re looking to buy a house. I thought I was happy.’

  ‘Go on,’ she encouraged.

  ‘Now, I don’t know anything any more.’ He took a swig of brandy.

  ‘It’s Aurora, isn’t it?’ she said softly.

  His head snapped up. ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘You have feelings for her.’

  ‘No.’

  She raised an eyebrow. ‘I think that you do. You can’t deal with it because she’s your sister. You think people will think it’s strange.’

  ‘You’re crazy!’

  ‘I don’t think I am,’ she argued. ‘I saw you two at my wedding. It was as obvious as anything. My sister Molly was convinced that you two were together. And Molly is notoriously perceptive.’

  He didn’t answer. Instead he drained his drink and banged the glass on the wooden countertop.

  ‘Love is never easy, James,’ she said in her soft voice. ‘Don’t wait too long or it might pass you by.’

  ‘I’m too old . . .’

  ‘No, you’re not,’ she scoffed. ‘Look at Laura and Christian.’

  ‘I’m engaged.’

  ‘Luca was married before we finally got our act together. People make mistakes.’

  ‘It’s impossible.’

  ‘Nothing is impossible.’ She got up. ‘Think carefully about this. We only get one chance.’

  He drained his drink and winced as it scalded his throat.

  Aurora.

  He had to find her.

  He got up and stalked out of the bar, his face set in a determined line. He would start on the beach and work from there.

  An hour later, Gloria jumped to her feet and whooped. ‘Ella’s waters have broken!’ she shouted in delight. ‘Will just texted.’