Beautiful Strangers

by Ellen Dean

  ‘That’s right. They’ve gone to Cornwall.’ Felicity confirmed.

  ‘How sweet.’ Penny scowled. ‘So sweet, I can feel a cavity starting to develop.’

  ‘Penny!’ Hyacinth looked critically at her. ‘Be nice. Instead of asking questions that are none of your business, go fetch the bubbly and refill our glasses.’

  Penny’s scowl deepened, but obediently she rose and collected a bottle of champagne from one of the coolers set next to the buffet table, dragging her feet as she did so.

  ‘Cristal, H?’ She held the bottle in the air. ‘You are being extravagant.’

  ‘What is wrong with you, Penny?’ H demanded.

  ‘Nothing. If you want to waste your money on Cristal champagne, then that’s up to you.’

  ‘Waste money? Extravagance? What the hell are you talking about woman? You’ve been acting strange all night. You are so full of twist tonight, Penny — have you been sucking lemons?’

  Penny didn’t respond. She started filling Hyacinth’s glass.

  ‘Every one of us here can well afford to drink Cristal champagne every day if we wish . . . and that includes you.’

  Better lighten up, Penny thought. ‘Just ignore me. It’s Bertie. He’s driving me nuts at the moment.’

  ‘Poor you. I don’t know how you put up with him.’ H sympathized.

  ‘Nor do I.’ She finished refilling the glasses, and set the empty bottle down on the floor beside one of the huge potted palm trees H had dotted around the poolroom.

  ‘I was thinking though . . .’

  ‘Oh God! That’s dangerous.’ H cut her off.

  ‘I was thinking about the diamonds.’ Penny said.

  Both Hyacinth and Constance stiffened.

  ‘What about them?’ H said darkly.

  ‘Well, what’s going on? Are we going to start the run again?’ Penny appeared to casually reach for another vol-au-vent. ‘Why did you stop?’

  ‘Pen, darling. No, we are not going to start the run again. The diamonds are finished. I told you before. Now, is that clear? I said FINISHED.’

  ‘But H, I could use . . .’

  ‘Penny what part of the word ‘NO’ do you not understand?’ Hyacinth’s angry words echoed around the pool, as both Constance and Alison got up from their seats to stand on either side of her. ‘Now let that be the end of it. I refuse to discuss it any further. It is finished.’

  Seething she muttered. ‘Sorry, H.’

  Later, going over the night in her mind, still furious at H’s adamant refusal to discuss the diamond situation, she realized Montanna and Felicity had not moved from their places. Perhaps I have some allies there.

  * * * * * * * *

  Early the following evening, Beth returned home from Yorkshire. She rushed into her flat to the sound of the telephone expecting it to be Lou.

  ‘Beth. Hi. Alison Hogan here. How are you?’

  ‘Hello Alison. I’m fine thanks, and you?’

  ‘I could use some company and I haven’t seen you since Davinia’s party. You promised to come to the gym, and you never have. I know how busy hospital life is, but I was wondering if you’re free tonight? It’s exceptionally quiet here.’

  ‘Thanks. Yes, I could do with some exercise. Give me half an hour and I’ll be with you.’

  ‘Great. We can have something to eat afterwards.’

  Beth was on the treadmill when Hyacinth walked into the gym, but continued with her workout pretending she hadn’t seen her. Out of the corner of her eye Beth watched Alison go over to H before they walked casually across to the exercise bikes. She could only assume Alison had called H the moment they had finished their call. She might act the friend, but was she trustworthy?

  A couple of minutes later Alison left H and joined Beth. After a strenuous workout, then a refreshing shower, Beth and Alison went to eat in the Salad Bar.

  ‘This is a great place, Alison.’ Beth said.

  ‘Thanks. Glad you like it. I plan to expand. Maybe go international.’ Alison forked over the green leaves on her plate.

  ‘Sounds interesting.’

  ‘Mind if I join you, darlings?’ H didn’t wait for an answer, but sat down next to Beth. ‘Lovely to see you, Beth. I didn’t know you had a membership.’

  Beth felt uneasy. H was too close for comfort. Their arms were touching and she wanted to push her away, but at the same time it excited her.

  Alison jumped in. ‘Beth is here as my guest, H. I’m hoping she’ll decide to join us.’

  ‘Yes. Alison invited me.’ Suddenly Beth wasn’t hungry. She lowered her knife and fork to her plate.

  ‘How are things coming along with the auction, H?’ Alison said, while waving for a waitress to come to their table.

  ‘Bring coffee for all of us.’ H instructed the waitress. ‘We’ve been let down.’ She told Alison. ‘We need someone to bring one of the most valuable paintings on stage.’

  ‘Doesn’t sound like rocket science. What happened?’ Alison said.

  The coffee arrived. H took charge and poured. ‘Milk, no sugar, if I remember correctly, Beth?’

  ‘Yes.’ Beth took the coffee cup with shaking hands, needing to hold it steady with both hands despite it being hot. She didn’t dare set it down on the saucer she was sure to spill it.

  ‘One of the models has taken ill. So bloody inconsiderate, and with only two days to go before the event.’ H said with no sympathy at all.

  ‘So all you need is a stunner to walk on stage with this painting?’ Alison wiped her mouth with a cream serviette and ran her tongue around her teeth.

  ‘Yes, that is exactly what I need.’

  ‘I know.’ Alison almost shouted. She pointed at Beth. ‘Why don’t you do it? You’d be perfect.’

  ‘Me?’ Beth was aghast. She’d have to spend time with Hyacinth. Revulsion and excitement flooded her. She began to feel hot, and started wafting a menu in front of her face trying to cool herself down. ‘Oh, I couldn’t possibly do that. It’s completely out of my league.’

  ‘Nonsense.’ Alison insisted. ‘You’d be perfect. Wouldn’t she, H?’

  ‘Why yes, Alison,’ H drawled. ‘How clever of you to suggest it.’

  ‘I’m sure H will be happy to supply the gown.’ Alison picked up her coffee cup, and winked at Hyacinth. ‘Won’t you, H?’

  ‘Oh absolutely, darling. I know just the thing.’

  ‘You’ve given me no choice, have you?’ Beth said through gritted teeth. ‘I have to go.’

  Hyacinth caught her arm, ‘Thank you Beth. You are very gracious.’

  Beth pulled her arm away and rose. ‘I’m doing this for the unmarried mothers, H, not for you.’

  Hyacinth’s eyes watched Beth disappear through the Salad Bar door.

  ‘Perfect,’ H gloated. ‘Thanks, Ali. I knew you’d pull it off.’

  ‘My pleasure, H. At your service, as always. Seriously though, do you think the event will be successful for the Unit?’

  ‘Anything is better than another garden party. I told George, very strongly, that I simply would not have another. But because it’s for my Unit, I have to do something. A Celebrity Auction is the perfect alternative. And just look at the way it’s turned out. I will have Beth on my arm now.’ She smiled and flashed her evil eyes.

  * * * * * * * *

  The Auction, held at the beautifully refurbished Quayside Plaza Hotel, was a resounding success, and raised a fortune for Hyacinth’s charity. The event, total glitz and glamour, was attended by the great and good, the likes of which had never been seen on the quayside before.

  The area outside of the Plaza was cordoned off to contain the excited crowd as limo after limo drove up to the red carpet. Photographers swarmed everywhere. Beth, arriving in the pink Cadillac Hyacinth had insisted on sending for her, expected to just walk in, but she caused a sensation. The photographers would not let her go begging for more as she laughingly posed this way and that, looking like a million dollars in her clinging silver dress, the height of
elegance. She loved the attention.

  Later when she walked on stage holding the painting she was promoting, the crowded room erupted and bidding was fast and furious. George, the perfect auctioneer, worked the room until two bidders were left fighting it out. The final bid raised £250,000.

  As the hammer fell to thunderous applause, Hyacinth appeared from nowhere to stand beside Beth putting a possessive arm round her shoulders and gazing intimately into her eyes. ‘Well done, darling. I knew I could rely on you.’ H murmured, ‘You see how they all love you.’ She indicated to the crowd who were still applauding, some shouting and stamping their feet. The event photographers were frantically clicking their cameras.

  ‘I don’t know why, Hyacinth.’ Beth laughed.

  ‘Why . . . it’s because you are beautiful, my darling.’

  Waving to the audience they left the stage arm-in-arm.

  Beth left the event as soon as she could. She was anxious to call Lou who was filming somewhere in the heart of France. She couldn’t reach her, as stormy weather was interfering with the telephone lines and the mobile connection was zilch.

  It was four days before they finally spoke. Lou was full of her travel documentary, but when Beth started to talk about the auction, Lou was called back on set. Frustrated, Beth cursed, and then decided the auction event would be better explained face-to-face.

  * * * * * * * *

  Lou stared at the copy of Life in the Spotlight magazine with the stunning photograph of Beth and Hyacinth on the front cover. She felt sure there was a simple explanation. Even so, she didn’t trust that bitch Hyacinth. And Beth was so sweet and gullible, she trusted everyone.

  Chapter 34

  In May Lou’s horses, Charley and Saffy, competed at Badminton Horse Trials, the world’s greatest 3-Day-Event. Lou had been working for years towards this. At first Beth hadn’t appreciated that the horses were top class eventers because Lou’s conversations about them were always low key. Now Beth understood why Lou had pushed her to arrange time away from work. Lou wanted her to be there, to support her.

  The Event took place over several days. In high spirits they travelled to Badminton in Lou’s horsebox, which was more like a luxury mobile home complete with equestrian facilities. Nothing but the best was good enough for Lou’s horses.

  Both horses were seasoned travellers arriving at their destination calm and relaxed. Once Lou had parked up, Fran went to check out the stabling arrangements and soon the horses were settled in the historic light and airy stables at Badminton House.

  Later in the day all horses would be presented for vetting, which Beth discovered, was extremely strict. The trotting-up, as it was called, took place before members of the public and was always well attended because horses could be seen at close quarters.

  After a successful vetting-in, the dressage tests, due to take place the following morning, were paramount in everyone’s mind. Because she could ride the dressage test in her sleep, Lou went with some of the other riders to walk the cross- country course, to check out the shortest, and safest routes.

  Beth discovered the shopping village where she bought everything for Lou’s birthday that took her fancy. She already had Lou’s present, but got the urge to splurge. Hurrying back to the horsebox she set all of her gifts out on the bed carefully pushing her special surprise into a pair of leather riding gloves. Then she made sure the champagne was chilling in the fridge and sat down to wait for Lou.

  Lou was overjoyed with her mountain of presents, exclaiming, ‘But it’s not my birthday until tomorrow.’ She rummaged through the bags with squeals of delight, holding the polo shirt and hacking jacket in front of her and posing for Beth to comment. ‘You’re spoiling me Beth McConnell . . . and I love it.’

  ‘Try these gloves on. I’m not sure I’ve got the right size. If not, I’ll need to pop back and change them.’ Beth handed Lou the gloves.

  ‘These are gorgeous.’ She held the gloves to her nose and sniffed them. ‘I do love the smell of leather, but they feel a bit funny.’ She paused. ‘What’s this?’ She pulled a small black velvet box from inside the left hand glove.

  ‘Open it.’

  Lou flipped the lid on the little box. ‘Beth, it’s beautiful.’

  ‘Happy birthday, darling. I hope you like it.’

  ‘Like it? I love it. I absolutely love it.’ Lou gazed at the sparkling gold and diamond studded horseshoe necklace that Beth had commissioned especially for her. ‘I’ll never take it off,’ she said with tears of joy in her eyes. ‘This will be my lucky charm. I just know we are going to do well this weekend. Have I told you lately how much I love you?’

  ‘Mmm . . . well let me think . . . not for half an hour at least.’ Beth laughed, delighted at Lou’s reaction. ‘Now come on, let’s eat. I think I’ve excelled myself with some special birthday food and I even managed to smuggle in a bottle of your favourite champagne.’

  ‘You devious woman. You’ve thought of everything.’

  * * * * * * * *

  In bed Lou pulled Beth close, breathing her in. ‘Thank God. Alone at last. Thank you again for my birthday presents, especially the necklace.’ She kissed Beth lovingly. ‘I can’t stand this living apart.’

  ‘Nor can I, I absolutely hate it.’

  ‘We really must try to get things organized so that we can live together, but my working schedule is so crazy.’ Lou moaned.

  ‘I know, darling, I know. But I couldn’t have travelled to the hospital over the winter. You do understand how important my work is to me, don’t you?’ Beth suddenly asked herself the same question.

  ‘Yes, of course I do. Don’t worry. I know one way or another we’ll sort something out.’ Lou hugged Beth tight. ‘I know how well your elegant fingers can work miracles in the operating theatre.’

  Beth ran her fingers over Lou’s warm skin. ‘Not just in the operating theatre . . . ’

  * * * * * * * *

  Early the next morning owners, grooms and teams of helpers were busy tending to their precious equines. It was a dry day, with no rain forecast and the going was good. Fran and Lou had their routine finely tuned and soon it was just a matter of waiting until Charley was due to do his dressage test.

  Standing, people watching, Beth spotted Penny Corday in a crowd. She was dying to go over, but was suddenly apprehensive. Penny turned as if looking for someone, saw Beth and waved for her to join them.

  Shouting to Lou, ‘I’m going to say hello to Penny Corday.’ Beth made her way through the noisy throng.

  ‘How good to see you.’ Penny air kissed Beth, ‘I’ve just heard that both of Lou’s horses stand a good chance today. How exciting. Fingers crossed the weather holds up.’ She looked up at the clear blue sky. Not waiting for a response she quickly introduced Beth. ‘Girls, this is my personal friend, Dr. Beth McConnell. She’s here with Lou Scott.’

  Introductions were made to the group, and then talk continued about horses and riders.

  During a discussion about riding the perfect dressage test, Beth asked discreetly, ‘Did you ever receive any more blackmail letters, Penny?’

  ‘No, but I’ve had a couple of odd telephone calls recently.’

  ‘Odd?’

  ‘No-one spoke, and I know there was someone on the other end of the line. I could hear them breathing. I’m considering having a trace put on my calls.’

  ‘Good idea.’ Beth said, ‘I will mention the phone calls to Lindsay if you wish.’

  ‘Thank you Beth, you are so kind, but there’s no need. You didn’t mention anything to Lou, did you?’

  ‘No, of course not. You asked me not to.’

  ‘Hi.’ Lou’s voice cut into the conversation. ‘How are you Penny?’

  ‘Lou, my dear.’ Penny greeted her like a long lost friend. ‘Good luck. Word has it both of your horses are in fine form.’

  ‘Thank you, it’s very kind of you to say so.’ Turning to Beth she said, ‘It’s almost time for Charley to do his bit.’

  �
�Before you go,’ Penny reached out to hold Lou’s arm, ‘I would love for you both to join me at Ascot next month.’

  ‘We’d be delighted, Penny. Thanks. Let Beth have the details. Sorry, must dash. I’m due to ride.’

  Beth clapped and cheered louder than anyone as Charley executed the complicated dressage test with ease. He was such a show-off. He loved the crowd and played to them.

  Saffy had such style and presence. She floated effortlessly through the test with the panache of a prima ballerina, going out to thunderous applause. Beth found it very moving. But her biggest revelation was Lou’s expertise as a rider. She was amazing. Calm, focused and so elegant Beth cried tears of joy as she watched her sail through the complicated routines becoming as one with the horses.

  Both horses achieved excellent dressage scores. Saffy was in the lead.

  The following day the horses had to tackle the cross country course. Beth was sick with worry for Lou, but couldn’t show it. The enormous jumps, although impressive, didn’t look half so scary when viewed on television. The fearsome water jump made her feel ill.

  Charley and Lou got off to a great start and made good time until they were almost at the water jump where the previous rider had dismounted without permission; both horse and rider were floundering unhurt in the water. A course official stopped Lou until it was safe to continue. When Charley finally got to jump the water, he did it perfectly splashing through with gusto as the adoring crowd cheered him on. He galloped home like a steam train, Lou joyfully punching the air after they crossed the finishing line the current leaders.

  Beth couldn’t imagine how Lou had the strength and energy to go round again, but before she knew it, it was time for Saffy to go. Lou appeared from the horsebox, impeccably dressed — having showered and changed with the speed of an Olympic athlete — then sprang effortlessly into the saddle.

  Saffy danced along to the warm-up area then stood quietly waiting to start. Beth was in awe of the way she tackled the course, never appreciating before how horses could enjoy themselves like this. Saffy performed a faultless round. Not as fast as Charley, whose huge galloping stride covered big areas of ground, yet not far behind his time because she put in a tremendous sprint towards the finishing line galloping flat out. Neither horse had time faults.