Chelsea Wives

  ‘Ladies!’ Yasmin trilled, her arms outstretched in greeting.

  ‘You’re late,’ Calvary chastised her.

  Yasmin rolled her eyes. Still the same old Calvary, she thought, throwing her arms around her. She hoped she would never change.

  It had been Yasmin’s biggest fear that the women she had come to call her friends over the past eighteen months would turn their backs on her once her story was out, but she needn’t have worried. Imogen had been the first to offer her support and Calvary had been a tower of strength.

  ‘Turn our backs on you, darling? After all we’ve been through together?’ Calvary had said, horrified. ‘Besides, it would be a little foolhardy of me, wouldn’t it?’ She sighed, over-dramatically. ‘Now you’ve got that house in the Hamptons …’

  ‘I hear congratulations are in order,’ Yasmin said, helping herself to the chilled bottle of Cristal. She would allow herself a few glasses tonight, after all, this was a special occasion, but then she was going clean. She was done with drugs and alcohol. It had been time to start seeing the world with clarity.

  ‘Ta-da!’ Imogen produced her Decree Absolute document from her McQueen clutch and waved it in the air triumphantly.

  ‘So, how does it feel to be free, finally?’ Yasmin asked her.

  Imogen made to answer but suddenly stopped herself.

  ‘You know,’ she said, after a long moment’s pause, ‘I thought this day would never come. And now it’s here, it feels like … like I’ve been reborn. That I can finally start living the life I should’ve had, with the man I love and our daughter – just the three of us.’ She had tears in her eyes as she spoke.

  Despite his suspicions, Sebastian’s protests of his wife’s guilt had fallen on deaf ears. Not even he could be saved by his millions this time. And so, keen to avoid yet more unflattering press intrusion into his private life, he had bitterly agreed to a quickie divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences, refuting Imogen’s initial claims of his unreasonable behaviour as ‘absurd’.

  Part of the stipulation for his cooperation, however, was that neither Imogen nor Bryony receive any part of his estate in the divorce settlement. The moment Sebastian had learnt the truth of Bryony’s true parentage was the moment she ceased to be his daughter as far as he was concerned.

  Hurt, though not particularly surprised by such a cold-hearted dismissal, Bryony, in the wisdom she possessed beyond her years, had tried to look upon the situation as not so much as losing a father but gaining a dad. Her real dad.

  Imogen felt her emotions rush to the surface as the realisation dawned upon her. The only time Sebastian Forbes would ever see his ex-wife again would be when he looked up at one of the enormous great bill posters of her face that were currently dotted across the capital.

  Learning the truth about Sebastian’s skulduggery on the L’Orelie test shoot and feeling personally responsible, Lorraine Harlech had promptly signed Imogen up to star in their next major campaign and she had shot the first commercial in Barbados some weeks earlier. Since then, the offers had come rolling in and Cressida, thrilled by the prospect of Imogen’s much-anticipated comeback, had told her it was ‘just the start’.

  ‘Stop it, darling, you’ll set me off.’ Calvary dabbed at her own eyes as she raised her glass of champagne. ‘A toast,’ she said. ‘Well, I think I can speak for all of us when I say it really has been a hell of a year!’

  ‘You can say that again,’ Yasmin chipped in.

  ‘But we made it through – together. Of course,’ she added, ‘with a little help from the indomitable Miss Cressida Lucas!’

  ‘The soon to be Princess Cressida Lucas,’ Imogen added, adopting a regal tone. ‘Can you believe that she’s marrying Prince Saud? I can just imagine the look on Sebastian’s face when he heard that little piece of news,’ Imogen laughed, tickled.

  ‘Did you receive the wedding invitation to Dubai?’ Yasmin enquired. ‘The gold-embossed one encrusted with real diamonds?’ She gave a little whistle.

  Calvary pulled a face.

  ‘Terribly gauche, I thought. Can’t imagine what she’s got in store for the reception. Camels dripping in gold and belly dancers serving the food no doubt.’

  They all began to laugh, enjoying the moment, just three women together, forever bonded by the secrets they shared and their love and respect for one another.

  ‘I suppose that’ll be the next time we get to see each other again – at Cressida’s wedding,’ Yasmin remarked, a little wistful.

  ‘We should make this dinner an annual thing. Every year, no matter where we are all living, we come home, back to Chelsea,’ Calvary suggested. ‘A celebration to remind us of everything we’ve been through – and how we came through the other end, victorious!’

  ‘I’ll drink to that,’ Yasmin said, raising her glass once more.

  ‘To friends,’ Imogen said.

  ‘To us.’

  *

  As she looked out from the balcony into the inky blackness of the Ibiza night sky, Imogen reflected on her trip back to London.

  It had been a celebration of her emancipation and friendship, but it had also been about moving on.

  Feeling the soft silky touch of his hands upon her shoulders as he approached her from behind, Imogen smiled.

  ‘Mickey,’ she said lovingly.

  ‘So, how was dinner with the girls?’ he asked, wrapping his arms around her waist, looking out towards the sea. Though he could not see it in the darkness, he knew it was there.

  Imogen smiled. ‘It was wonderful,’ she replied, still a little choked up.

  He pulled her into him, enjoying the cashmere feel of her hair against his cheek, the scent of her skin as she rested her head against his chest.

  ‘Bryony and I had supper on the terrace,’ he said. ‘Seafood paella.’

  ‘Mmm, my favourite,’ Imogen replied, smiling at the image of them both, father and daughter together. It meant so much to her that they were forging such a strong, loving relationship.

  ‘I’m so glad to be home,’ Imogen said. And she meant it.

  ‘Me too,’ he said affectionately. ‘I’ve missed you.’ He paused for a moment. ‘So, now that you’re a free woman, there was something I wanted to ask you.’

  She turned round to face him then, watching as he flicked the switch on the wall. Instantly, the small bay below them became illuminated in light.

  ‘Look down,’ he said smiling, enjoying the look of bemused interest on her face.

  Leaning over the balcony, she brought her hand up to her mouth and gasped.

  There, in giant letters in the sand, he had written ‘Marry me?’, decorating the words with stones and shells that Bryony had helped him collect earlier in the day.

  Mickey took her shaking hand and she looked down at the modest and simple diamond platinum band as he slipped it onto her finger. It was not the biggest rock, nor the most fancy she had ever seen, but as far as Imogen was concerned it was perfect, perfect because it had come from him.

  ‘Well?’ Mickey asked, watching the tears as they slid down her smiling cheeks. ‘Is that a yes?’

  ‘It’s a yes! Oh God, yes, yes, yes!’ she squealed as he scooped her up off the ground, twirling her around the balcony, the sound of their laughter ringing out across the bay.

  ‘I love you, Imp,’ he said.

  ‘I love you too, Mickey,’ she replied as his soft lips gently touched her own.

  ‘Imogen McLaren,’ she said aloud, trying the name out for size. And like the ring on her finger, it fitted perfectly. In fact, she thought as she looked up at the stars, nothing had ever sounded so good.

  Sometimes it just feels good being bad … A tale of intrigue, revenge and excess, perfect for fans of Tasmina Perry.

  Buy Wicked Wives

  AN INTERVIEW WITH ANNA-LOU WEATHERLEY

  Where does your inspiration come from?

  Everywhere and everything! People I meet, conversations I have, places I visit, magazines and b
ooks I read, my family and friends. I think I was also blessed with quite a vivid imagination! One of the main inspirations for Chelsea Wives was London – and the women who inhabit it. I used to live near the King’s Road and have always been fascinated by the glamour and wealth there. Chelsea Wives is basically a love letter to the city I grew up in and adore.

  Have you always wanted to become a writer?

  I cannot remember a time when I did not write. As a child I wrote poetry and kept a diary until I was in my early twenties. I was always writing letters to my family and friends too. I knew it would always factor in my life, even if I wasn’t lucky enough to be able to make a living from it. Writing is a compulsion for me and I cannot imagine a life without it.

  What is a typical working day like for you?

  With two young children, my writing schedule tends to be a bit haphazard, but I am very disciplined. I have learnt to snatch any spare time whenever possible! I find the best time for me to write is during the early hours of the morning when everyone is asleep and I have some peace and quiet! Writing Chelsea Wives involved lots of weekends nursing lattes in cafés on the King’s Road, lots of late nights in front of my laptop – and lots of red wine! It wasn’t always easy but when I finished writing it, I missed it!

  Do your characters ever surprise you?

  All the time! Like real people, they can act out of character, or take a direction I had not planned for them. They develop a life of their own and I grow to love them all, even the baddies, in fact, especially the baddies! I get to know my characters inside out; what they eat, which side of the bed they sleep on, what they would order in a restaurant, what makes them laugh or cry. I love bringing them to life and am fascinated with developing flawed but ultimately sympathetic characters. For me these are the most interesting and authentic.

  Which five people, living or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?

  Stephen King; he’s such a prolific writer and what an imagination! I’d ask him how he does it. Audrey Hepburn for the glamour and the stories. Derren Brown; if the food was bad he could make the other guests forget. Kenny Everett; he was a comedic pioneer and outrageous for his time; Vivienne Westwood; purely so she could lend me some of her amazing dresses!

  If you were stranded on a desert island, which book would you take with you?

  A long one! Or anything by Daphne du Maurier.

  What’s the strangest job you’ve ever had?

  In my first job as a magazine journalist I was asked to become a nun for a day. Seeing a wedding ring on one of the sister’s fingers I naively queried, ‘but I didn’t think nuns could get married?’ They were lovely people, but I’m not sure they thought I was nun material!

  What can’t you live without?

  Aside from my family and friends, on a completely shallow level it would be Chanel Rouge Coco lipstick; Champagne; my laptop and internet shopping!

  Do you have any secret ambitions?

  I’ve always fancied myself as a Vegas showgirl – I’d love all the camp glamour! I’d also quite like to read the weather too, though geography is not my strongest point!

  When you’re not writing, what are your favourite things to do?

  Spending time with family and friends, shopping and pole fitness! It’s an amazing way to keep fit and brilliant for self-confidence. I’m a qualified instructor now and teach classes in London. I love it!

  When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

  An actress, dancer or a writer (so I guess one out of three isn’t bad!). As a child I appeared in various plays and stage shows in London and did some modelling. I’ve always been a bit of a performer, though I don’t think I would like being famous now. I’d hate to be chased by paparazzi first thing in the morning!

  And what can you tell us about your next novel?

  It’s a sizzling tale of three women who are all linked by one delicious, but dangerous, man. It’s packed full of forbidden lust, secrets and revenge as well as larger than life characters, exotic locations, and of course lashings of glamour!

  Anna-Lou’s Guide to the King’s Road

  The King’s Road. Vibrant, buzzing, and oh-so terribly chic; it’s the jewel in Chelsea’s sparkling crown and a shopper’s heaven. When I die, I want them to erect a blue placard there in my honour: ‘she came; she saw; she shopped!’ Here are a few highlights:

  Fashion – It’s a way of life, darling!

  Austique: 330 King’s Road, SW3 5UR Tel: 0207 376 4555. This stylish high-end boutique is a Chelsea girls’ secret and a life-saver if you’re looking for that perfect one-off number. Think darling dresses by the likes of Alice & Olivia and Markus Lupfer, plus an assortment of gorgeous jewellery and accessories. It’s fabulous for bespoke gifts and a favourite with Grazia girls too.

  Anthropologie: 131–141 King’s Road, SW3 4PW Tel: 0207 349 3110. There is only one word to describe this US fashion and home ware emporium: divine. It’s the building itself that makes Anthro (as those in the know refer to it) such a pleasure to visit. Airy and spacious with wooden floors and colourful tiles that hint at the art deco era; this treasure trove even has its own indoor waterfall and garden complete with trees! Here you can discover an eclectic mix of fashion and interior gorgeousness; from vintage tea dresses, shoes and jewellery to designer denim, artisan glass and bespoke bedding (the Camille range is to die for). Remember to bring your (or your husband’s) Platinum Amex, darlings; you’ll need it!

  Brora: 344 King’s Road, SW3 5UR Tel: 020 7352 3697. And on the eighth day God created … cashmere. Tactile and soft as a new-born’s skin, Brora, the quintessential Scottish cashmere kings, is a must-visit for all your luxury woollen needs. Their selection of scarves, hats, hosiery and blankets is unrivalled.

  Beauty & Pampering – because you are so worth it!

  Gina Conway Aveda: 199 King’s Road, SW3 5ED Tel: 0207 352 3697. The ultimate urban retreat and one of the best places to head for an organic wax (their Hollywood is the best). Perfect for a spot of pampering after a hard day’s shopping. Also worth a mention is boutique beauty salon, Chelsea Day Spa: 69a King’s Road, SW3 4NX Tel: 0207 351 0911. Their New York mani and pedi is totes amaze.

  Richard Ward Hair: 82 Duke of York Square, SW3 5UR Tel: 020 7730 1222. The go-to salon for red-carpet worthy hair. Catering for all your coiffure needs, you’ll leave this award-winning salon feeling pampered and paparazzi ready. Their blow drys are the stuff of legend. Well, if it’s good enough for the Duchess of Cambridge …

  Harbour Club Gym & Spa: Watermeadow Lane, SW6 2RR Tel: 0207 371 7700. Princess Diana’s old stomping ground is absolutely fabulous for bit of celeb-spotting – oh, and keeping fit too. One of the highlights of this iconic health club is the award-winning Amida Spa. Once you’ve finished your tai chi class or a workout with your personal trainer, head off to one of the nine treatment rooms for some serious self-indulgence. They use Elemis and Sisley products – only the best for the women of Chelsea – or you can shave off a few years with one of Jan Marini’s glycolic treatments. Absolute heaven.

  Jo Malone: 150 Sloane Street, SW1X 9BX Tel: 0870 192 5121. Can you imagine what Jo’s house must smell like? Her flagship store filled with signature candles, bath products and body essentials is a welcome assault on the senses. The perfect place to purchase a gift for a girlfriend, (or one’s self) no self-respecting Chelsea home is complete without one of her gorgeous lime, lime basil and mandarin candles.

  Rococo Chocolates: 321 King’s Road, SW3 5EP Tel: 0207 761 8456. If you adore chocolate (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?) then paying a visit to Rococo’s, arguably the most luxurious bespoke chocolatiers in the world, is an absolute must. Here you can indulge your wildest coco dreams with a selection of their bites of joy, all wrapped up in vintage boxes with purple ribbon. Try the artisan bar containing basil and Persian lime. Better than sex.

  Visit

  The Saatchi Gallery: Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Road, SW3 4PY Tel: 0207 811 3082. This beautiful
building is a must-see for all contemporary art lovers – and offers the perfect setting for a clandestine date! Fall in love as you browse the exhibits in the high-ceilinged rooms, take a leisurely stroll in the gorgeous grounds of Duke of York Square or stop for an alfresco skinny latte in the café (weather permitting, of course, you wouldn’t want to ruin your blow dry!).

  Bars & Restaurants – Well, a girl’s got to eat something.

  The Bluebird Restaurant: 350 King’s Road, SW3 5UU Tel: 0207 559 1000. If this King’s Road institution were a person it would most definitely be a woman – and a sophisticated one at that! This warehouse style building houses a restaurant, bar, café, shop, bakery and a spa all rolled into one – it even has a wine cellar! Oh, if only a man could be this multi-talented … The menu is a mix of classic comfort food and modern European dishes and it serves amazing cocktails – perfect to enjoy al fresco as you watch the perennially fashionable of the KR strut by.

  Daphne’s: 112 Draycott Avenue, SW3 3AE Tel: 0207 589 4257. Ah, la dolca vita! Ok, so it’s a cab ride from the King’s Road, but it’ll be worth it, promise. A sophisticated Italian restaurant sandwiched between Chelsea and Knightsbridge, Daphne’s is effortlessly charming and serves heavenly food, (the beef carpaccio starter is gift from God). In summer the front doors open to give it that al fresco feeling; whilst in winter, open brick fires create a cosy intimacy. Perfect for dinner with the girls or a romantic tête-à-tête.