‘And don’t even think you’re going to get out of buying new underwear,’ Jenny had said. ‘Are these mum pants or what?’
‘There is nothing wrong with my underwear,’ Rose protested. ‘Okay, they might be serviceable rather than sexy, but who is going to see?’
‘Seeing, as you put it, isn’t really the point. At least not all of it. If you don’t feel sexy under your clothes, how are you going to look sexy?’
Rose had to laugh. She let Jenny steer her to the lingerie department and allowed her to bully her into buying several lacy bras with matching panties. Rose dreaded to think what her credit-card bill was going to be like. But she had to admit she had plenty money in the bank and it was fun. It was the first time she could remember that she had spent so much money on herself. After all, she reminded herself with a stab, who knew if she would ever have the opportunity to dress up like this again? And right now saving her pennies for a rainy day seemed like an exercise in futility. One thing her illness had done was to free her from the small pointless worries of everyday life.
As she finished putting the finishing touches to her makeup, almost the way the girl at the cosmetics counter had shown her, she had to admit that now she was as far away from prissy as it was possible to be. She giggled. All she needed was a cigarette holder in one hand and a glass of champagne in the other, and she’d look like Mata Hari, even though she didn’t smoke. And while the contacts had settled, she was sure the famous seductress hadn’t blinked quite so often.
She sashayed down the stairs, revelling in the feel of the soft fabric of her dress against her skin.
Her father glanced up when she entered the sitting room and attempted a wolf whistle.
‘Can this really be my little girl?’ he said, his eyes glistening. ‘So grown up and so beautiful?’
Over the last couple of weeks his condition had continued to improve. He was getting about fairly easily with one stick and his speech was less slurred. He was able to manage more of the activities of daily living by himself, even if it still took him twice as long as it used to. Being more independent had cheered him up enormously and Rose knew that soon her parents would be able to cope without her. It lifted some of the burden from her shoulders when she thought about what the future could bring—for them as well as her.
‘Yes, Dad. I know it’s hard to believe.’ She whirled around. ‘I find it hard to believe too.’
‘I’ve never seen you so lit up,’ her mother said quietly. ‘Is it just the night out or is there another reason why you’re glowing inside and out?’ Rose had made sure her mother didn’t see her torment and worry. Around her mother, she forced herself to think only about things that made her happy. Like Jonathan.
He had insisted on sending a car for her. She had tried to protest, saying she’d be quite happy to take the tube, but he had been adamant.
‘You and the rest of the gang are my guests. There is no way I’m going to let you arrive on foot.’ He had smiled down at her and her heart banged against her ribs. ‘Just give in gracefully, kid. For once.’
But she hadn’t expected to find him at her door. He looked jaw-droppingly handsome in his dinner suit and bow-tie. When he saw her, he looked taken aback. He bowed briefly from the waist. Then he whistled. ‘You look absolutely stunning,’ he said. ‘Have you had your hair cut? It suits you.’ Rose felt a wave of pleasure wash over her. Perhaps he was just being polite, but the look in his eyes told her he meant ever word.
‘You don’t look so bad yourself,’ she quipped.
‘I’ll just wish your parents good evening,’ Jonathan said, stepping inside the small hallway. He was so close she could smell the faint scent of his shampoo and the familiar spice of his aftershave. He touched her briefly on her shoulder and a shiver ran down her spine. ‘There are going to be a few women there tonight with their noses severely out of joint. You do know that, don’t you?’ His breath was like a caress on her skin.
After a few brief words with her parents, he ushered Rose out to the waiting car.
Inside the stretch limousine was an over-excited Jenny, as well as Vicki and her husband. It was another new experience for Rose. There were seats along one side as well as a small bar. Jonathan reached into the bar and brought out a chilled bottle of champagne, which he popped with a flourish. When everyone had their glasses filled he toasted them. ‘I hope you all have a great time tonight and remember it’s all for a good cause.’
‘I’m so glad you could manage,’ Rose said to Vicki after she had introduced her husband, Russell. ‘How are you feeling?’
‘Much better. I don’t know how long I’ll last, but I couldn’t miss it. It’s my favourite night of the year. The one and only night I really get to let my hair down.’
Vicki, who had declined the champagne in favour of fresh orange juice, waved her glass at Jonathan. ‘Are you going to be auctioned as usual tonight?’
‘Not if I can help it,’ Jonathan replied. ‘I made a deal with the organisers this year. They’ve agreed I don’t have to take part as long as I match the highest bid for one of the other guests.’
‘Auctioned?’ Jenny said, sounding puzzled. ‘What do you mean?’
‘Every year at this do they ask some of the eligible bachelors to agree to auction a date. They have to parade up and down a catwalk while women bid for a date with them. It can get quite heated. At least, it did last year,’ Vicki replied, grinning.
‘What happened?’
Jonathan was frowning at Vicki, shaking his head from side to side. But she wasn’t to be deterred.
‘It almost caused a riot. The organiser made Jonathan remove his jacket and shirt. He was allowed to leave his bow-tie on. Not that that gave him much to hide behind.’ Vicki chuckled. Jonathan was looking mortified.
Rose almost spluttered into her champagne. The image of a semi-naked Jonathan strolling down a catwalk was almost too much.
‘Who won?’ Jenny asked.
‘That was the best part. It was one of the elderly matrons. You should have seen her excitement when she learned her bid was the highest.’
Everyone, even Jonathan, laughed. ‘She actually bought the date for her daughter. I don’t know who was more embarrassed, her or me. Still, we had a pleasant enough meal. But I will never do that again. No way. Uhuh.’
By this time they were pulling up outside the hotel where the dinner-dance was to be held. Although the hotel was famous, Rose had never been inside before.
As they climbed out of the car, they were swarmed by photographers.
‘Look this way, Jonathan,’ they called out. She pulled back inside the car. She hadn’t expected this. There was no way she wanted to be photographed, even if it wasn’t her they were after.
But she had reckoned without Jonathan. As the rest of the group made their way into the hotel, he jumped back into the car and pulled the door closed.
‘What’s wrong?’ he asked.
‘I don’t want to go out there,’ Rose whispered. ‘I hate having my photograph taken.’
‘I don’t much like it either,’ Jonathan replied, ‘but the best way to cope with it is to pose for a couple of photographs and then walk away.’
‘I can’t.’ Rose shook her head.
‘Yes, you can,’ Jonathan said firmly. ‘They are going to want a picture of the amazingly beautiful woman who has arrived with me.’ He looked regretful. ‘I’m an idiot. If I had thought for one minute that you’d hate the attention, I would have arrived separately. But it’s too late now. The more you hide away, the more curious they’re going to be. There’s nothing else for it. We have to brave the lions in their den.’ He grinned. ‘Just follow my lead and it’ll be over in a few minutes. Okay?’
Rose nodded and, head held high, stepped out of the car. Once again, there was an explosion of blinding flashes.
‘Who is your lady friend, Jonathan? Is it serious? Are you settling down?’
Rose’s heart sank as she realised that her climbing back i
nto the car had only made matters worse. Now they thought she was someone.
‘Hey, guys, give us a break.’ Jonathan kept his tone even. ‘Ms Taylor is just one of several guests I have with me this evening.’
‘Does this mean your relationship with Jessamine Goldsmith is over?’ another reporter asked.
‘Ms Goldsmith and I are good friends and have never been anything more.’
‘So there’s no truth that she dumped you because you refused to name the day?’
‘None at all. Now, if you’ll excuse us,’ Jonathan replied smoothly, ‘I have guests waiting inside.’
‘Could you tell us a bit about yourself, Ms Taylor?’ Another reporter thrust his microphone into Rose’s face and she almost stumbled. As quick as a flash, Jonathan reached out to steady her with one hand while with the other took hold of the microphone and pushed it away. ‘Just carry on walking,’ he said into her ear. ‘I’ll keep them busy.’
‘It’s okay,’ Rose replied, lifting her head again. ‘I can deal with this.’ She took a deep breath and turned to the journalists with the biggest smile she could manage. ‘I’m afraid there isn’t much to tell. I work with Dr Cavendish. I’m his practice nurse. As he’s told you, I’m one of a party of his staff. Now, I know that you are all interested in what this evening is in aid of. Perhaps you’d like me to bring you up to speed with the work of the charity?’
From the corner of her eye she saw the look of surprise on Jonathan’s face, followed by a look of approval. She had made a point of looking the charity up on the Internet during a quiet spell at the clinic. She carried on, inching her way towards the hotel door as she briefly outlined the work of the charity, making sure that she kept smiling. Fortunately it seemed to work. As soon as another car pulled up at the kerb, the reporters turned away to catch the new arrival.
Inside, Jonathan was immediately surrounded by people. Rose left him to greet his friends and acquaintances, and spying Jenny and Victoria from the corner of her eye went over to their table. Jenny’s eyes were alive with excitement.
‘I’ve already spotted at least ten famous people,’ she told Rose. ‘Everywhere I look there is someone whose face I recognise. Isn’t this brilliant? I can hardly believe I’m here.’ She pointed across the room. ‘I saw her film last week. Isn’t she beautiful? Even more than she is in her films? And as for that dress, isn’t it to die for?’
It was overwhelming. Rose felt drab and shy in the presence of so many well-known people, all of whom looked relaxed and confident. In the crowd she noticed Lady Hilton. Although she had a smile painted on her face, Rose could tell instantly, even from a distance, that she was worried. When she thought no one was looking her smile disappeared, to be replaced with lines of worry around her mouth and eyes. Forgetting her shyness, Rose made her way through the throng until she was by her side.
‘Lady Hilton,’ she murmured in her ear. ‘Are you okay?’
‘My dear girl, I didn’t know you were coming. It’s lovely to see you.’ She raised her face for Rose to kiss. Although the older woman’s voice was bright, she didn’t fool Rose.
‘How is Lord Hilton?’ she asked quietly.
‘Much the same as when you last saw him, my dear.’
As promised, Rose had been making regular trips to their estate to check up on Lord Hilton.
‘He insisted I come tonight, even though I told him I’d rather stay with him. But he wouldn’t hear of it. He said that the Hiltons had never missed this fundraiser in twenty years and we weren’t going to start now.’ Sophia smiled wanly. ‘You know how much we both owe you, don’t you, dear? Without your help we would never have been able to keep him at home. Jonathan’s a lucky man. Goodall is with Giles tonight. I’ll stay until the auction then I’ll go home.’ She glanced around the room. ‘Where is Jonathan? I’d like to speak to him.’ Her voice regained some of its familiar strength.
It was kind of Sophia to think Jonathan was lucky to have her as a nurse. But Rose knew that the small help she had been able to give the couple had made a difference to the dark days they were facing. It had helped her too. There was a bitter-sweet poignancy in helping the couple through their last days together.
‘Why don’t you join us at our table?’ Rose suggested. Then felt immediately embarrassed. Lady Hilton was bound to have friends to sit with. But, to her surprise, Sophia looked relieved.
‘Thank you, my dear. I’d like that. It would save me having to answer questions about my Giles. Everyone means to be kind, but it gets a little difficult.’
‘Come on, then.’ Rose smiled. ‘Let’s get you seated and you can rest your feet. Vicki and her husband are at our table too. I’m sure she’d like to see you.’
Lady Hilton seemed glad to see Vicki. Jenny, on the other hand, was struck dumb for the first time Rose could remember. Rose suppressed a smile when Jenny attempted a small curtsy when she was introduced to Lady Hilton, and then, realising what she had done, blushed to the roots of her hair.
‘Apparently the auction is going to start before dinner and continue all the way through,’ Vicki told everyone at the table. ‘There’s a list of what’s being auctioned under the menu.’
Rose picked up the bound, heavy pages of the auction items. There were cars and weeks on private islands, trips on personal Lear jets, diamonds, paintings and—she smiled—the date with one of London’s eligible bachelors. That must be the event Jonathan had told them about. She wished there was something she could afford to bid on, but there was nothing she could afford. She would have to sit back and watch the fun.
‘Are you bidding on anything, my dear? I think I’ll make an offer on one of the paintings. I usually do and then slip it back into the auction the following year. We have far too many paintings as it is.’
‘I’m afraid there is nothing here I can afford,’ Rose admitted.
‘Lady Hilton, Sophia, what an unexpected pleasure.’ Jonathan’s voice came from behind her. ‘And to have you sit with us is a double honour.’
‘I haven’t taken your seat, have I?’ Lady Hilton. ‘If I have, I can easily return to my own table. I’m sure Rose would rather sit next to you than an old lady like me.’ Her eyes slid to Rose and the sadness was replaced with a twinkle. ‘Doesn’t she look beautiful?’
‘Yes, she does,’ Jonathan replied quietly. ‘Easily the most beautiful woman in the room.’
Rose felt a blush steal up her cheeks. But she knew better than to take his words seriously. No doubt it was the way he spoke to all women.
‘Unfortunately, I won’t be needing my seat for the next hour. Despite my best efforts, Lady Somerville has roped me into the bachelor date auction. She won’t take no for an answer.’
Rose stifled a giggle. It was the first time she had seen him look ill at ease.
‘Isn’t that the thing you were telling us about in the car? The one you said you would never do again?’ Jenny leant over, dragging her eyes away from the seemingly endless parade of actresses, models and pop stars.
Jonathan sighed heavily. ‘I tried to tell her that I’d match the highest amount bid for any of the men in the auction, but she wouldn’t hear of it. She says she needs me to make the numbers up, and I was the highest earner last year.’
‘If I had the money, I’d bid for you,’ Jenny said stoutly.
‘Just remember it’s all for a good cause,’ Lady Hilton reminded Jonathan.
A woman was waving frantically from the other side of the room, trying to get his attention.
‘Looks like I’m up. Wish me luck, everyone.’ Then, with a last rueful grimace, Jonathan left them.
‘You should bid for him,’ Lady Hilton told Rose. ‘He could do with a good woman. Someone to settle him down. I know his father worries about him.’
Rose was mortified. Jonathan and her? It was inconceivable. Lady Hilton should know that.
‘I hardly think Jonathan and I are suited,’ she said, keeping her voice mild.
‘Why ever not? Don’t you find
him good looking and charming? He’ll inherit a title when his father dies. Half the women in this room would jump at the chance to be the future Lady Cavendish.’ She peered after Jonathan. ‘What’s wrong with him?’
‘There’s nothing wrong with him.’ Rose wished the floor would open up and swallow her. ‘It’s just that I’m hardly suited to being the lady of the manor, am I?’ And if that wasn’t bad enough, she had no future to offer any man. But she wasn’t going to talk about that.
‘Rubbish, girl. If you think just because you’re a commoner, and he belongs to aristocracy, think again. His mother, the current Lord Cavendish’s first wife, was a commoner too. Things are changing. And for the better, I would say.’ She looked thoughtful for a moment. ‘I don’t think his father ever got over the death of his first wife. She was the love of his life.’
‘What happened to her?’
‘She died when Jonathan was five. Pneumonia, would you believe? The poor mite was devastated. His father sent him away to boarding school just when Jonathan needed him most. I don’t think Jonathan has ever forgiven him and I suspect he blames him for not noticing how unwell Clara was. How can a child understand that Cavendish sending him away was nothing to do with him? That his father just couldn’t cope? The sight of him every day was just too much of a painful reminder. It was the way things were done. I’m not saying it was right. Then his father married again. Within six months. I think it was because he was lonely, but Jonathan never forgave him for that either.’
It explained the tension and anger between Jonathan and his father.
‘Why didn’t Lord Cavendish explain? Tell his son how he felt?’
Lady Hilton looked surprised. ‘Men don’t speak of these things, my dear. At least, not then. Oh, I know these days it’s the done thing to talk about your feelings, endlessly. But that isn’t the way Jonathan and his father were brought up.’
Prince Charming of Harley Street / The Heart Doctor and the Baby Page 12