She left a couple of outfits on the bed so she could choose between them later. Maybe she should have bought something new. If she had time at lunch, she would make a trip out to the shops and see if she could find something. Now that Alex was accompanying her, she decided she needed to make a bit more of an effort.
Poppy was full of plans when she met her later in the day.
“Alex has authorised some money we can spend on nibbles and things. We all decided that it might be an idea to get a takeaway sent in for later so we can all enjoy a meal as well and we don’t get too tipsy to drive home again when the time comes. Some of us are driving in together as well. Can you get a lift in? A certain senior partner for instance? Now, do you want me to get you a sandwich?”
“No thanks. I’m going shopping. I need to find something gorgeous to wear for this party on Saturday. Decided my entire wardrobe is looking very tired.”
“Try that little boutique place round the back of cathedral. They had some fantastic things in there. Expensive but at your level in the firm, you can afford it.” Poppy gave her a wicked grin. “And who will be your partner for the evening? Anyone we know?”
“Of course not. How would anyone you know possibly be visiting my parents’ home? Now, must dash or I’ll never find anything.” She hurried out and dashed along the narrow streets to find the boutique Poppy had suggested. She quickly looked along the rails but could see nothing that attracted her.
The trouble was, she hadn’t a clue what she wanted, not even the colour or style. She left the shop and walked back towards the office. In the window of a charity shop, there was a glorious royal blue evening dress. It looked as if it was heavy silk, fairly short and with pretty beading embroidery round the top and with slim spaghetti straps. She stopped and gazed at it. A second hand dress? Could she really buy a second hand dress?
She went inside and asked the size. It was exactly her size. She asked to try it on and it was an excellent fit. Could have been made for her. It was in perfect condition and had been freshly cleaned. She knew this because the dry cleaner’s tag was still attached to the exclusive designer label. Who would know she thought and so what if they did?
“I’ll take it,” she told the assistant.
“It’s a lovely dress and just right with your colouring. For something special is it?”
“My parents are giving me a party. Thought I needed to make an effort. Who on earth would part with something like this? It’s practically brand new.”
“One of our regular ladies. She does a lot of entertaining and doesn’t like to wear the same thing too often. We get the benefit. I’m afraid it’s rather expensive but nothing like the original cost.”
“Well, I was expecting I’d have to pay way over this much for something much less attractive, so I’m very happy with it. I shall come and look in here again. I’d never thought of it but when I saw it in the window, I was delighted. Thanks very much.”
“Let’s see,” Poppy demanded when Sarah got back to the office, clutching her dress bag. “I don’t recognise that bag. Where did you go in the end?”
“An exclusive little place, near the cathedral.”
“Oh great. I knew they’d have something. Come on then. Show me.” Sarah had taken off the dry cleaning labels as she left the shop and so was able to take out the dress without letting on where she had bought it. “Oh wow. That’s fantastic. Just your colour. Makes your eyes look extra blue.” She looked at the well known designer label. “Good grief. It must be some party. This must have cost you a fortune.”
“Just a small one.” She wondered whether to let on but decided against it. You’re turning into a snob yourself, she thought. “I really need some shoes now. I’ll have to look for those tomorrow or after work today, if I finish in time. Must get back now or I’ll be late for my two o’clock.” Feeling very pleased with herself, Sarah settled down to work, reading her notes ready for her next client.
At the end of the day, Alex stopped by her office.
“You never did tell me what I was supposed to wear for this do of yours.”
“Sorry. We somehow forgot. Just a dark suit I should think. I’m not sure what Mum has got planned. Put in something casual as well. Then you’ll have it covered.”
“So, what are you wearing?”
“Something a bit sparkly and evening-ish. Short of course.”
“Sounds good. I also need directions, address and so on. Would you like to go out this evening and discuss everything?”
“I need to get things sorted at home, but thanks anyway. I’ll have to give seeing Major a miss too. Give him a pat from me and I’ll come over early Saturday before I leave.”
“You could always come round to see him now.”
“I shall only stay on again and I do need to get some stuff done. I have a busy morning tomorrow too and need to read up on some files. Then there’s the drinks thing after work. All go, isn’t it?”
“I’ll give you a lift in tomorrow, if you like. Then we only need one taxi home if we have a drink or two.”
“I could bring you. I don’t intend to have much.”
“No. I insist. It isn’t out of my way. You can always drive me over on Saturday to collect my car on your way to your parents. Fair deal?”
It was agreed and she left work reasonably early.
As she arrived back at her cottage, she remembered the shoes she had planned to buy. It was too bad. She needed to have a good rummage through her cupboard and see what she had stashed away.
There must be something that would do. She was turning into a regular skinflint, with her old shoes and charity shop dress. She shook it out of the bag and holding it against her, looked at herself in the long mirror in her bedroom. It was a gorgeous creation and once more, she couldn’t believe how perfect it was. Charity shops were wonderful, she decided.
Sarah felt quite guilty the next day as Poppy seemed to spend much of the day organising what she had seen as her party. Chloe had good naturedly held the fort with phone calls and the typing that was urgent, to leave Poppy free to set things up.
Fortunately, the boardroom was left free for the day and this was the obvious venue for the after-work gathering. Because of the financial constraints, there had been no staff Christmas party this year and they had all felt a bit deprived. On a smaller scale, this was some sort of compensation. There were no wives or partners invited, but most of the staff were staying on. Some of the older, more senior people were just staying for a few drinks and leaving before the food was arriving.
As Poppy said when Alex handed over an envelope containing several notes, “Don’t worry about it, Alex. This is just a good excuse for a bit of relaxation and a bit of a party. It isn’t setting the precedent for a celebration for everyone’s birthdays.”
It was a jolly evening and being the end of a busy week, everyone was rather tired and the party ended by nine o’clock. Charles had done his best to persuade Sarah to go to a club with him but she had resolutely refused, saying she was going away for the weekend and needed an early night. Alex had interrupted their conversation, asking if she was ready to leave.
“Oh, do tell me all. Is there something going on that Uncle Charles doesn’t know about? Some little office affair that hasn’t yet broken cover?”
“Nothing to tell. Alex is a near neighbour of mine. He gave me a lift so I didn’t have to drive home. End of story.”
“Something tells me that fibs are being told here. The way the two of you look at each other belies everything you say. And what’s more, the lovely Sarah is always turning me down. Now if she isn’t seeing someone out office hours, I need an explanation.”
“Could it just be that the lovely Sarah finds you an interminable bore?” Alex said sweetly.
Charles scowled.
“If you weren’t my boss in all but name, I might be compelled to challenge you to a duel.”
“Perhaps you’ve been having too many evenings in watching Robin Hood and t
he like. Don’t think duelling has been a part of British heritage for a good many years. Now, if you’re ready, Sarah?”
“I ought to help clear up,” she suggested. “You go if you want to. I can easily get a taxi.”
Alex rolled up his sleeves and started collecting rubbish into a black sack. Poppy and the others stared. It was unheard of for one of the senior partners to actually do such work. Alex rose highly in their estimation.
Sarah woke early on Saturday morning. She stretched and lay back, luxuriating in those few waking moments when she actually had time to enjoy them. Thirty years old. It was depressing in many ways. A new decade in one’s life is always momentous, she was thinking. The inevitable approach of middle age.
She wondered how her parents must feel. It must be like having extra birthdays oneself each year, or at least another indication of the years passing, as each child had a significant birthday. She flung back her duvet and went along to her shower.
Her early rise habits were too deeply ingrained and even when she had time to be lazy, she was too impatient. She put on her old horse-riding clothes and grabbed a quick coffee. She wanted to go and see Major first thing, before she got ready for her day.
At seven o’clock, she was driving along to Darnley Manor and went into the yard, hoping she wasn’t disturbing anyone. She had brought apples for both horses and went into the stable.
Major whinnied and greeted her happily. He nuzzled her shoulder and she breathed in his scent. His chestnut coat was gleaming and smooth. Someone had been grooming him. Probably Mrs Harper, she thought. Moonlight neighed and she went over to her loose box and gave her an apple too.
“Pleased to have your handsome male back, are you? You’re a very beautiful lady, aren’t you.”
“What a delightful picture,” said a voice from the doorway. “One I could get used to. Happy birthday.”
“Alex. You startled me. Thank you. Hope I didn’t disturb you coming here so early.”
“Not at all. I was up anyway. Have you had breakfast? I’ve got some croissants warming and the coffee pot’s on.”
“Sounds tempting, but I mustn’t linger too long. I said I’d be at my parents’ by ten.”
“Then you’ve plenty of time to enjoy some breakfast. Besides, I wanted to give you your present.”
“Oh Alex, you shouldn’t have bought me anything.”
“All right. I’ll take it back to the shop. I’m sure they’ll exchange it. Come and look first. You may change your mind.”
They went into the warm kitchen which smelled of coffee and croissants. Sarah was glad she had taken up the invitation and noticed the table was set for two. There was a parcel, wrapped in silver foil at one place. It had an elegant bow on top and a card stood beside it. She smiled at Alex and picked it up.
“Go on, open it,” he urged.
She tugged at the ribbon and gently pulled off the pretty paper. It was a box with the name of one of the best local jewellers on top. With trembling fingers she opened it. A beautiful necklace lay on the black velvet lining. It was a shower of brilliant blue stones which would exactly match her new dress.
“Oh Alex, it’s perfect but it’s far too much. I can’t accept this,” she said sadly closing the box and handing it back to him.
“They’re not real stones,” he assured her. “And it wasn’t as expensive as it looks. And I know it will match your dress. I made Poppy tell me what you’d be wearing so this was carefully chosen. Please accept it. A gift between colleagues if you prefer to think of it that way.”
“Well,” she began hesitantly. “You’re right about it being a perfect match for my dress. And I really love it. Thank you, but I am concerned about accepting such an expensive gift.”
“Call it a thank you for all your help and advice over the house.”
She nodded gratefully and accepted his gift.
“Now, let’s get some coffee inside you and some food. You’ve got a long day ahead.”
By nine-thirty, Sarah was driving along the A30 towards her parents’ home. She was going to be later than the ten o’clock she had promised but knowing her mother, saying she needed help was only a ploy to ensure her early arrival. There was more traffic than she had expected so it was a slow journey.
“You’re late,” her mother accused when she finally arrived. “Good job I told you an earlier time than necessary. Beth will be here soon. Happy birthday, darling.”
“Oh it’s lovely to see you. I know I was born at noon so there’s an hour to go.”
“We’re still having a welcome glass of champagne when Beth arrives. I hope you’ve got something decent to wear. I don’t want to see you in old jeans. And when does your man arrive?”
“I need a word about him. Please don’t call him ‘my man’ or ‘boyfriend’ or anything like that. He’s just a colleague. He’s been kind to me looking after Major. Oh yes, Major’s going to be a father. Alex’s mare, Moonlight, is pregnant. They are so sweet together. When I brought Major back to my place, they both pined and went off their food. I think it must be true love.”
“Oh, how lovely. Will the foal belong to you or Alex?”
“Officially to Alex. I suppose I might be entitled to something if he sells it. Not that I would accept anything really.”
“I see. So what are you wearing tonight?” her mother asked.
“I’ve got a new dress. Designer and I think it’s absolutely gorgeous. And Alex gave a wonderful necklace to wear with it. So, come on, where’s my pressie from you?” she laughed.
“We thought your meal and party would do instead of a present,” her father teased.
“Oh well yes, of course. Sorry.”
“Take no notice of him. Of course you’ve got a present as well. But you still have to wait till Beth gets here. Do you want to take your things upstairs?”
She hung her clothes in her old wardrobe and looked round the bedroom where she had lived all her teenage years. It had been re-decorated from the dark purple days when she had gone through that slightly strange phase in her life. It was a bland magnolia now, following the advocacy of all the home improvement gurus on television to keep things neutral.
It was still a pretty room though and her mother had kept it ready for her ever since she had first left home. Dear Mum, she thought fondly. She never stops being a mum even when her chicks have flown. Must go with the job. She heard her sister arriving and ran down the stairs.
“Hi, sister,” Beth called. “Happy birthday.” They hugged each other and Sarah felt the warm glow of family wrapping itself around her. There was the pop of a cork and her father arrived with a tray of glasses and a bottle of cold champagne.
“You are making such a fuss,” Sarah said happily. “It’s only a thirtieth birthday, not a really significant one.”
They handed her presents. A lovely art book from Beth and Mike and a new digital camera from her parents.
“So you can keep us up to date with your life,” her mother suggested. “You can take pictures of the new foal and e-mail them to us.”
They chatted for some time until Sarah asked what needed doing. After all, she had been summoned here early to assist with the preparations for the party.
“After lunch. We’re just having a shepherd’s pie now. It’s warming in the oven.”
“So, tell me all about your new man,” Beth asked. Sarah repeated the warning she had given to her mother. “Yes, yes,” Beth replied. “I’ll believe that one after I’ve met him. Description please.”
“He’s quite tall. Thirty-five, dark hair and grey eyes. Loves horses. Bit of a monster to work for. Too many fundamental differences between us for us ever to become really serious. He’s very ambitious. Almost the most senior of the partners, as far as I can gather.”
“And he lives near you and has a stable for Major. What sort of place does he live in? His own or rented?”
“Nice old place. Needs a lot of work.” She didn’t want to say any more as they were all cer
tain to spend the rest of the weekend speculating.
The afternoon passed in a flurry of activity. Filling eclairs with cream. Filling volau-vents. Decorating the salmon her mother had cooked. Sarah was pretty useless at most of it and was given the task of wrapping cutlery in napkins.
“You can’t mess that up,” Beth told her sister, rudely.
Alex arrived at five o’clock, carrying an enormous bunch of flowers. Mrs. Pennyweather was quite overwhelmed. He also brought a bottle of malt whisky for her father. He too was delighted to be welcomed into their home with great enthusiasm.
“You should stick to this one,” her dad whispered. “Anyone who can choose a decent malt is tops in my book.”
“Dad, don’t you start. Mum and Beth have already got me halfway down the aisle. We’re just colleagues. Nothing more.”
He gave a knowing grin and tucked his bottle away in the sideboard.
“I wasn’t sure how formal we were going to be this evening,” he was saying. “What’s the dress code? Sarah seemed uncertain.”
“Whatever you’re most comfortable with. Smartish, I suppose,” beamed Mrs Pennyweather. This was everything she had hoped for in a prospective husband for her daughter. Whatever Sarah said, she just knew this was the one.
“HE’S CERTAINLY ONE TO KEEP HOLD OF”
It was a splendid party. Sarah received many compliments about her dress and Alex’s necklace was a perfect match and her parents were delighted with everything. Her father had spent much of the evening taking pictures with her new camera so she would have a record of the event. She was too busy to work out how to use it and in any case, he was keen to try it out.
Alex seemed to charm everyone and chatted easily to the other guests. When some of the younger guests started to dance, he took Sarah into his arms and proved to her and everyone watching, that he was an accomplished dancer.
“Many years of being dragged along to hunt balls and other events my parents insisted was essential to my social upbringing,” he whispered to her as they danced.
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