HÉLOISE
Chapter 24
Success was in the air.
From the moment the dance had begun, Paula had known the evening was going to be magical.
Everything was exactly right.
The grand ballroom at Claridges had been decorated by the design staff of Harte’s to her specific instructions, and it was stunning. Extraordinary, really. Forsaking the staid, the traditional, she had had them create a colour scheme of silver and white crystal, developed with silver lamé tablecloths, white candles in silver sticks, crystal bowls filled with mixed white flowers. More white flowers—lilies, orchids, chrysanthemums and carnations—were banked around the room in great masses, and spilled out of huge urns standing in various corners.
To Paula the ballroom looked like a winter ice palace, all silvery and glittering, yet it had a neutrality that made a splendid backdrop for the guests in their finery—the women in their colourful, stylish evening gowns and fabulous jewels, the men in their impeccable, well-cut black dinner jackets.
She was delighted that everyone she had invited had come to this very special party. In attendance were a mixture of family and close friends, executives from the Harte stores and Harte Enterprises, honoured guests and celebrities.
Glancing about yet again, she could not help thinking that in particular the women in the family looked especially beautiful tonight.
Her cousin Sally, the Countess of Dunvale, lovely in delphinium-blue taffeta and the famous Dunvale sapphires that exactly matched her eyes… Emily, a vision in dark ruby silk and a superb ruby-and-diamond necklace and earrings Winston had given her for Christmas… Emily’s half sisters, the twins Amanda and Francesca, pert and pretty in magenta chiffon and scarlet brocade respectively… her vivacious red-haired sister-in-law, Miranda, a law unto herself when it came to fashion, striking in a russet-satin column, stark, simple, strapless, worn with a long matching stole and an antique topaz-and-diamond necklace that fell down from her neck in a lacy cobweb of a bib.
Paula’s gaze shifted over to the three sisters.
They were sitting at a nearby table, talking amongst themselves. Her mother, Daisy, dramatic in dark-green chiffon and the magnificent McGill emeralds that Paul had bought for Emma almost half a century ago… Aunt Edwina, the Dowager Countess of Dunvale, in her seventies, white-haired, frail, yet regally elegant in black lace and the Fairley diamond necklace, presented to her by Emma the last Christmas she had been alive.
These two, the youngest and the eldest daughters of Emma Harte, both born on the wrong side of the blanket, bonded together, more than likely, by similar circumstances of birth, and by her mother’s deep compassion for the older woman. And seated between them, the legitimate daughter, the middle one… Aunt Elizabeth. Still a raven-haired beauty and looking half her age, she was positively stunning in silver lamé and a king’s ransom of rubies, diamonds and emeralds.
The three sisters were the only children of Emma Harte who were present tonight. Paula had not invited Emma’s two sons, Kit Lowther and Robin Ainsley, and their wives. They had been persona non grata for years because of their treachery to Emma, and the treachery of their children, Sarah and Jonathan.
A nest of vipers, she thought, remembering something her grandmother had said to her once. How horribly true that statement had turned out to be. Paula pulled her thoughts away from those despicable family members and lifted her glass, took a sip of champagne.
The evening was drawing to a close, and it suddenly struck her that this dinner dance, the first of the celebrations she had planned to mark the sixtieth anniversary of the opening of the Knightsbridge store, was going to be the talk of the town tomorrow. The newspapers would be full of it. The stunning backdrop, the delicious food, the fine wines, the designer clothes and fabulous jewels, the celebrity guests, Lester Lannin and his orchestra… all added up to glamour with a capital G, something the press and the public could not resist.
Paula was pleased. Good publicity was a tremendous boost for the store. She smiled inwardly. It was New Year’s Eve. The end of 1981. The beginning of a New Year. And, she hoped, the beginning of a new and brilliant era of retailing for the chain stores founded by her grandmother.
Leaning back in the chair, she silently made a new year’s resolution: the stores were going to be greater than ever in the coming decade. She owed that to her grandmother, who had had such faith in her, and to her own daughters, who would one day inherit the chain from her.
Shane, who had been chatting to Jason Rickards and Sir Ronald Kallinski, cut in to her thoughts, when he suddenly turned to her, murmured, ‘You look as though you’re miles away, darling.’ He took hold of her hand, leaned closer. ‘You can relax. The evening’s an assured success, and everyone’s having a wonderful time. It’s a smashing party, Paula.’
She gave her husband a radiant smile. ‘Yes, it is, isn’t it! And I’m so glad I decided on the ballroom at Claridges, rather than a series of private rooms at the Ritz. This has worked so much better.’
Shane nodded. Then he half groaned, half laughed, and exclaimed, ‘Oho! Here comes Michael! Obviously I’m about to lose you again, and you only just sat down a few minutes ago.’
‘They are keeping me busy tonight, aren’t they? Actually, it’s a bit exhausting, but I am the hostess, Shane, and I have my duty to do.’ Her mouth curved up with laughter. ‘I’m doing enough dancing to last me for the whole of 1982. I hope this is it, that we won’t be going to any more dances for a long time. Remind me not to plan any, darling.’ Despite these words, her face was still covered with smiles and her eyes were sparkling.
Shane gazed at her, loving her. Admiration flooded his face. He thought she had never looked more ravishing than she did tonight in all the years he had known her. She wore an elegant evening gown of midnight blue velvet, beautifully cut, but understated with long sleeves, a round neckline and a straight skirt. It had been designed by Christina Crowther especially for her, and it was flattering, emphasized her height and her slenderness. Pinned to one shoulder was the large pansy brooch he had commissioned Alain Boucheron, the Paris jeweller, to make for her. Composed entirely of sapphires, it echoed the bright blue of her eyes, as did the matching sapphire earrings. He had given the set to her on Christmas Eve, had known from the look on her face how much she liked them, how thrilled she was, even though she protested he had been overly extravagant. ‘After all, you had the orchid greenhouse built for me. That is enough,’ she had said. He had grinned, had told her the greenhouse was a present from the kids as well. ‘They all chipped in, darling,’ he had explained.
Michael drew to a standstill next to Paula’s chair. ‘Come on, shake a leg, Paula… you promised me the first slow number, and I have a feeling this one’s it. Possibly for the rest of the evening.’ He grabbed Shane’s shoulder. ‘You don’t mind, do you?’
‘Not half I don’t,’ Shane shot back swiftly, but in a jocular tone. ‘However, since it’s you, okay.’
***
‘Philip’s wife is a beautiful woman,’ Michael said as he steered Paula around the ballroom floor. ‘He’s a lucky chap.’
‘Yes, he is,’ Paula agreed.
‘But his gain is your loss.’
Paula laughed. ‘Too true, Michael, in some ways.’ She looked over his shoulder, focusing on Philip and his new bride gliding ahead of them to the strains of Strangers in the Night. ‘But I’ve never seen him so happy. He adores her. As she does him. I may have lost the best personal assistant I’ve ever had, but I’ve gained a lovely and very loving sister-in-law.’
‘Mmmm,’ Michael murmured, moving nearer to Paula. Instantly he checked himself, pulled back, realizing that he was taking chances, holding her in such an intimate way. Her presence continued to inflame him, and being entwined on the dance floor was dangerous. Physically dangerous, for him at least. Their proximity was far too close. Also, it might cause tongues to wag. And besides, joke though Shane might, his eyes seemed to have been on him all even
ing. If Shane suspected him of being enamoured of Paula, she certainly did not. She was blithely unaware of his romantic interest in her, continued to treat him like an old shoe, the childhood friend, familiar, dependable, trustworthy. And that was the way he wanted it.
Paula was saying, ‘Anyway, Maddy’s going to continue working when they return to Sydney. I’ve made her the managing director of the Australian division of Harte’s. She’ll be supervising the running of the boutiques in Shane’s hotels out there. But I will miss her in New York, no two ways about that, Michael. On the other hand, their happiness is so important to me… it must come first.’ Leaning away from him, she smiled into his face, finished, ‘Those two are madly in love, you know.’
‘That’s patently obvious.’
They danced in silence for a few minutes.
Michael grimaced to himself. He wished he had the same kind of private life and personal happiness as Philip Amory. But he had not been so fortunate. Valentine had been a strike-out as a wife, and he had never found anyone else who had the necessary attributes. He wondered then if he was in love with Paula, or merely turned on by her. There was no doubt in his mind that he was sexually attracted to her, and would like to take her to bed. But love? He wasn’t sure.
Immediately squashing this thought, clearing his throat, he said, ‘Daisy seems to be over the moon about Philip and Madelana.’
‘She is. Of course, she was disappointed they got married in New York at the beginning of December, and only told the family after the fact. We all were, actually. But Mummy’s relief at knowing her wayward, playboy son is finally hitched has cancelled out the disappointment, I’m absolutely sure of that.’
‘I wanted to give a dinner party for them, but Philip was telling me earlier that they’re leaving in a couple of days. Off on their honeymoon.’
‘Yes. To Vienna, West Berlin, and then down to the south of France and the Villa Faviola.’
‘Pretty coolish in those places right now. I would have thought they’d have chosen somewhere warm. Like Shane’s hotel in Barbados, for instance.’
‘Philip’s always loved the Imperial in Vienna, ever since Grandy took us there when we were children. He and Emily think it’s one of the greatest hotels in the world, and he wanted Madelana to see it. They’re going to be staying in the Royal Suite, which is quite magnificent. It was Maddy who suggested that they then go on to Berlin, ending up at Faviola. She’s heard a lot about it from me and Emily. Anyway, Maddy seems to have an obsession about Grandy, is wildly curious about every blessed home she owned. So naturally Faviola is a must.’
Michael laughed, fully understanding why Madelana was obsessed with Emma Harte. So many people had been, throughout her life, and after her death, which was why she was a legendary lady. Unexpectedly, he felt an easing of the tension within himself. ‘I haven’t had a chance to tell you, Paula, but I think you’ve done Aunt Emma proud tonight,’ he said. ‘This is a fabulous party, one of the best I’ve been to in the longest time, and—’
‘Mind if I take over, old chap?’ Anthony said with a huge grin.
‘Every time I dance with you, one of your male relatives cuts in,’ Michael grumbled, relinquishing her to the Earl of Dunvale. ‘No doubt about it, Paula, you’re the belle of the ball tonight.’
Paula laughed, winked at him mischievously.
Michael stepped to one side, ambled off, went in search of young Amanda.
Anthony took Paula in his arms and whirled her into the middle of the floor. After a couple of seconds, he said against her hair, ‘Any chance of talking you and Shane into coming over to Ireland for a long weekend soon? It’s been ages since you’ve visited Clonloughlin, and Sally and I would love to have you. You could bring Patrick and Linnet with you.’
‘What a lovely idea, Anthony, and thanks for asking us. Perhaps we can make it… at the end of January. I’ll talk to Shane. As far as I know, neither one of us is planning any foreign trips.’
‘What a change that is!’ Anthony answered in an amused voice. ‘You two are worse than a couple of gypsies these days, forever trotting off around the world, wheeling and dealing. I can hardly keep track of you both.’
Before she had an opportunity to answer, Alexander was tapping Anthony on the shoulder, exclaiming, ‘You’re monopolizing the lady. It’s my turn, Cousin.’
So saying, Sandy manoeuvred her into his arms and they swept away from Anthony. The latter stood gaping at them, a surprised look settling on his face.
They danced without speaking at first, enjoying being together on the floor. As children they had favoured each other as dancing partners. They had been in step then, as they were now.
Eventually, Alexander murmured quietly, ‘Thanks so much, Paula.’
She looked up at him in puzzlement. ‘What for, Sandy?’
‘Christmas at Pennistone Royal, and this evening. For a short while you’ve turned the clock back for me, brought back so many lovely memories… of the past… of people whom I truly loved. Gran… my darling Maggie… your father…’
‘Oh Sandy, you sound so sad!’ Paula exclaimed. ‘And I wanted the Christmas holidays and tonight to be happy occasions for all of us. I didn’t—’
‘And you succeeded admirably, Paula! They have been wonderful. And I’m not a bit sad. Quite the contrary, in fact.’
‘Are you sure?’ she asked in concern.
‘Positive,’ he lied smoothly, smiling at her.
Paula offered him a warm and loving smile in return, moved closer into his arms, gave his shoulder a squeeze. Her cousin Sandy had always been very special to her, and she was determined not to neglect him in the future. He needed her as much as he needed his sister, Emily. He was quite lonely, really. She realized that more than ever.
Sandy stared ahead, glad that they were on the floor, which was dim and crowded, since he was no longer able to keep the bleak look out of his eyes, the grim expression from his mouth. But Paula could not see his face, and everyone else was too preoccupied to notice, and for these small mercies he was thankful. They finished the dance, and, to his relief, not once did his step falter.
Sandy was a devastated man, and it was only a matter of weeks before the others knew this. They would have to know. He had no alternative but to tell them. He dreaded the day.
***
‘Well, Paula, what do you think? Can the modern woman have it all?’ Sir Ronald asked, looking at her quizzically, his eyes twinkling. ‘You know—career, marriage and children.’
‘Only if she’s one of Emma Harte’s granddaughters,’ Paula quipped with a wicked grin.
Sir Ronald and the others seated at the table chuckled, and then Paula went on, ‘But seriously, Grandy did teach us to be well organized, and that’s my secret, and Emily’s too. So, my answer is yes, the modern woman can have it all, provided she plans her life properly, and is a master of organization.’
‘There are many who would differ with you, Paula,’ Sir Ronald countered, ‘who say you can have two of those things, but not all three. However, don’t get me wrong, my dear, I applaud the way you and Emily run your lives. You’re both quite remarkable, quite remarkable indeed.’
Paula said, ‘Let’s ask Maddy what she thinks… here she comes now… and if anyone personifies the modern woman of the eighties, then she certainly does.’
Several pairs of eyes focused on Madelana and Philip, who were approaching the table. She was glowing and radiant in a Pauline Trigère evening gown of deep purple chiffon overpatterned with swirls of purple cut velvet. With it she wore a magnificent diamond-and-pearl choker and matching chandelier earrings which had been wedding presents from Philip. Her hair was upswept, and, if anything, she was more striking than ever. Added to her natural gracefulness and poise was a new and lovely serenity.
She clung to her husband’s arm as if never to let him go, and Philip looked equally possessive, proud of her, as they drew to a standstill at the table.
‘Join us,’ Paula said, beaming at th
em.
They did so, and Philip said, ‘Congratulations, darling. This has been a smashing evening, truly remarkable, and it was an inspiration on your part to fly Lester Lannin in from the States.’
‘Thanks, Pip.’ Turning to Madelana, Paula went on, ‘Listen, Maddy dear, Uncle Ronnie just asked me if the modern woman can have it all… marriage, career, babies. And I said who better to answer that than you… the career girl newly married.’
‘I hope I can have it all,’ Madelana laughed, glancing at Philip out of the corner of her eye. ‘Philip wants me to continue working, to have a career, and I think I’d like to do so even after I have a child.’
‘Anything that makes my wife happy is perfectly all right by me,’ Philip announced, endorsing her words. He reached for her left hand on which she wore a platinum wedding band and a thirty-carat diamond that was flawless and blazed in the candlelight.
Madelana returned Philip’s squeeze, looked from Paula to Sir Ronald, said quietly, ‘I think it’s a terrible waste for an educated woman with a career to stop working when she has a baby. I believe one can do both… it’s all a question of juggling. And of course it depends on the woman, to a certain extent.’
Shane exclaimed, ‘This is it! The last waltz!’
He sprang up, walked around the table, took hold of Paula’s arm. Leading her off, he said, ‘I wasn’t going to let anyone else grab you for this one, my love.’
‘I would have refused anyone who asked.’
They moved into each other’s arms, and Shane held her tightly as they waltzed. Paula relaxed against his body, feeling safe and content with him, as she had since childhood. They were lucky, she and Shane. They had so much together. Their deep and abiding love. Their children. Shared interests. A common background. And he understood her so well, understood her immense need to fulfil her destiny as Emma Harte’s heir. She wished she had pointed out to Sir Ronald a few seconds ago that a woman could only really have it all if she were married to the right man. She was. And he was a very special man. He had been a wonderful father to her children by Jim Fairley, treating them as though they were his own, loving them as though he were their natural father.
To Be the Best Page 26