by Maggie Brown
Nicolle seemed more than happy enough though, radiant as she danced attendance on Lindsey. “It has indeed been a pleasure showing you my collection, Lindsey. I’m sure you’ll be very happy with your purchases.” Then to Daisy’s surprise, she simpered, “You’re most welcome to come back anytime. As I said, it’s been a real pleasure. And thank you, Daisy, for your recommendation. Drive home safely now.”
Unable to contain herself, Daisy blurted out as they walked to the lift, “Which ones did you buy? Was it only these four? I thought you might have taken a lot more.”
“Did you now?”
“Well, they all looked fabulous on you and there were selections for every occasion.”
The arrival of the lift interrupted their conversation. Lindsey didn’t seem to want to take it up again once inside, which left Daisy stewing. The black Mercedes-Benz was parked outside in the pickup zone when they emerged and she gave an exasperated groan when the parcels disappeared into the boot. Shit! She wasn’t even going to see them until they got home.
“Well, out with it. Which ones did—” Daisy stopped at the phone ringing in her purse. When the ID showed Allison, she shrugged at Lindsey. “Sorry, I’ll have to take this. It has to be an emergency, or my assistant wouldn’t be ringing.”
She pressed talk. “Hi, what’s up, Allie?”
“We have a crisis. The wedding’s only three days away and Jeanette’s been crying on my shoulder for the last two hours,” answered Allison, sounding exhausted.
“Crap. Where are you?”
“At the office.”
“Right. I’ll be there in five minutes.”
Seething, she jammed the phone back into her purse. Jeanette was one of those prima donnas she hated. Everything was always about her. She was lucky to get someone like Ron but didn’t have the wit to see it.
Lindsey eyed her, clearly curious. “Everything all right?”
“Trouble with a client…nothing too serious I hope. I’ll hop out here. My office is only a few blocks away.”
“A little detour won’t be any trouble. Just give the driver your address.”
After Daisy rattled it off, he swung the car into another lane.
“Would you like us to wait?” asked Lindsey.
“No…no. This will take some time, but thanks all the same. I appreciate it. I’ll get a lift out early tomorrow. What say we start at nine?”
“That’ll be fine. I’ll wear one of my new outfits,” said Lindsey, flicking a bit of fluff off her sleeve.
“Sooo…are you going to tell me how many of the clothes you bought or is it a big secret?” asked Daisy peevishly.
“The lot.”
“The lot! You’re telling me you bought everything?”
“Yes.”
“Holy hell! That would have cost you an arm and a leg.”
“It did,” stated Lindsey primly. “But that’s the end of it. No more dress shops, no more buying sprees. Nicolle has also supplied handbags and jewellery and is organizing a range of shoes from various designers to be sent out to try on. As for my glasses that you despise so much, she has arranged frames to try as well.”
Daisy knew it was time to retreat. The lingerie and makeup would have to wait. After all, she had scored a victory today—no need to push it. “You’re going to be really happy with your clothes, Lindsey. Nicolle is one of the leading designers in the country and her creations are popular with the…um…affluent set.” She said conciliatorily, careful with her words.
“She has a definite flare. Have you any of her clothes?”
“God no. I can’t afford her.”
“Apart from her overpriced garments, I found Nicolle to be a very personable woman and most accommodating to deal with. Ah…here’s your stop,” said Lindsey with a wave of her fingers, and as Daisy was about to climb out of the vehicle, added, “she even asked me to have a drink with her one evening.”
Daisy turned quickly to stare at Lindsey. “She asked you out?”
“Yes. For a drink.”
“Huh! And what did—” The question died in Daisy’s mouth when two sharp blasts from a horn pierced the air behind them. Quickly, she scrambled out the door with a “See you tomorrow.” As she watched the Mercedes join the line of cars, she let out a snort. No wonder Nicolle had fawned all over her. Lindsey had just bought, without a blink, nearly a quarter of her summer collection, as well as accessories. What a coup for her label. The news would travel like wildfire through the fashion industry, raising Nicolle to superstar status.
And now she wanted to see Lindsey on a personal basis. That most certainly would have to be monitored. Not that she disliked the designer. On the contrary, she was a charming woman, but Lindsey was a babe in the woods when it came to dating and romance. This reinforced the role Daisy had to play. She needed to be vigilant with Lindsey in her quest for a wife. And being rich didn’t help. There were plenty of gold diggers out there ready to stick their claws into her.
Now off her champagne high and feeling a bit jaded, she opened the office door. Dealing with this crisis was going to be a giant pain in the neck. When Jeanette spied her, her wailing increased a few decibels. Daisy, ignoring the hysteria, said firmly, “Calm down and tell me what the trouble is.”
Allison dashed to the bathroom for another box of tissues after Daisy took her place on the chair in front the woman. When the sobs subsided into sniffles, Jeanette blew her nose with a loud honk and stuttered, “My parents flew over…sniff…from Perth today and Ron deliberately went off to the football. Sniff. They expect us both to have dinner with them tonight so what am I going to say to them?”
Daisy took a deep breath, wishing she could say what was on her mind. It was obvious why he had disappeared, and she didn’t blame him. She had met the father once, an experience she didn’t wish to repeat. But she was not in the mood to pander to drama, so she shot from the hip. “You know very well what the problem is. You’ve been putting your head in the sand long enough.”
The red-rimmed eyes stared at her. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“Yes, you do, so face it. Your father controls your life and if you continue to let him do it you’ll lose Ron.”
By her expression, she could see Jeanette’s mind was ticking away, formulating a plan that would probably involve her. “Would you—”
“Definitely not,” said Daisy sternly. “This time you’re on your own. I’ve finished with all this rubbish. Now go into the bathroom and wash up. You look like a wreck. If Ron does come home to take you to that dinner with your parents, as I suspect he might, then you don’t want him to see you looking so frumpy. Just remember that your chances are running out. Tonight is the night you stand up to your father. Do you understand me?”
The pout dissolved into misery. “I guess, but it’s going to be hard.”
“If you don’t do it now, you’ll never get the courage.” She patted her hand. “Just remember, when you’re married they’ll be living on the other side of Australia. Now off with you.”
Without a word Jeanette retreated to the bathroom. When she emerged ten minutes later she looked a different person—certainly not the one drowning in tears when Daisy had come in. All traces of smeared mascara were gone and she’d added another slick layer of lipstick. After giving them both a long hug, she vanished out the door.
Allison plonked down on the chair with a long moan. “Thank heavens those theatricals are over. That woman is your worst nightmare. I pity her poor husband.”
“Everything’s a melodrama to her I know, and she’s completely self-centred, but she genuinely does love him. If the father leaves them alone, they have every chance of a happy life.”
“If you say so,” said Allison eyeing her closely. “Your fuse was a bit short, wasn’t it? I realize it did the trick, but I’ve never heard you so forceful with a client before. Something’s gotten under your skin. Come on, out with it. What happened today?”
“All went really well,” said Daisy and r
elated the events of the day.
“So, she bought all the clothes. Nicolle Jane must be laughing all the way to the bank.”
“I’ll say. But that’s not the end of it. She asked Lindsey out for a drink.”
“Why, that’s wonderful.”
“I’m dubious about that, I doubt they’re suited.”
Allison’s brow furrowed. “So? She’s not going to marry the woman, she’s just going to have a drink with her. Let them work it out.”
“I will,” snapped Daisy, “when Lindsey’s ready for the dating scene.”
“Okay, don’t get your knickers in a knot. I got those tickets for My Fair Lady for Wednesday fortnight, by the way.”
“Great. I’ll take them with me.”
“So…is it possible for me to meet her?” asked Allison.
“Tomorrow if you like. I was going to ask you to take me out there early in the morning. I came in with her today. I’ll catch a cab home to my apartment tonight.”
“I’ll pick you up there about seven.” Her eyes twinkled. “I’m dying to meet her. It’s not often someone’s able to get under your skin.”
Daisy rolled her eyes. “Whatever.”
Chapter Eleven
Lindsey woke up with yesterday’s events churning in her head. The whole experience had been a pleasant surprise. She hadn’t had a clue what to expect but the service had been faultless. Since the accident, all her clothes were sent to her house on appro and her suits were made by the same tailor. Now fourteen years down the track she was more than just a little rusty when it came to fashion—she was a complete pudding head. Thankfully, Nicolle had at once made her feel at ease and her opinion valued. Even though parading the clothes was a novelty, she soon tired of it and gained far more pleasure out of watching Daisy’s face while she studied each item. She was like a kid in a candy store.
Nicolle was certainly an accomplished woman: good-looking, mature, considerate, and talented. An all-round attractive package. Lindsey was surprised when she’d asked her out for a drink, for there was no mistaking from the intimate smile that it was intended as a date. Though she was flattered, the invitation hadn’t evoked any flutters in her breast, but it had been only good manners to accept. She had suggested they could organize something in three weeks’ time, figuring Daisy’s tutorials should be over by then.
After her morning shower, Lindsey went to the cupboard for her usual daywear but then hesitated. What was the point of paying a fortune for new clothes if she wasn’t going to wear them? She dug into the shopping bags for the soft blue jeans, coral shirt, and suede boots. When she examined her reflection in the mirror, she had to admit that the rig-out looked very smart. There was no denying Nicolle knew her trade.
With a spring in her step, she went downstairs. Bernice was in the kitchen preparing breakfast and stared at her in astonishment. Conscious of her old friend’s scrutiny, Lindsey plucked a grape from the fruit bowl on the table.
“Good lord, Lindsey, what have you done to yourself?” exclaimed Bernice.
She bit into the grape, feigning a casual air. “Just updated my wardrobe.”
“That’s an understatement of the year. You look…well…an entirely different person.”
“I can assure you it’s still me.”
“I hadn’t realized you’d grown into such a striking woman,” said Bernice with a hitch in her voice. “You’ve been right there in front of me and I’ve never really seen you.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. It’s the clothes and hairdo. We both know I’m sorely lacking in the looks department. Mother let me know that often enough.”
“Yes, she did. And it was wrong, very wrong to be so cruel, especially to a child. That woman should have been strangled at birth.”
Lindsey’s eyes widened. It was the first time the elderly housekeeper had openly condemned her mother. “Why am I just hearing you say that now?”
Tears sparkled on Bernice’s eyelashes. “I’m your employee and your mother’s before you. It was never my place to criticise your family. As much as I loved you like my own, I hadn’t the right to drive a wedge between you and your mother. I’ve held my tongue over the years while she stripped away your self-esteem one layer at a time, but now I wish I hadn’t been so stupid.”
“Don’t go heaping blame on yourself. You were the one bright spot in my life, for though I loved Dad, he never had the fortitude to stand up to her. Besides, it wasn’t all bad…I had my studies and my career, things she could never take away from me. I inherited Dad’s genes there. Mother’s social standing might have been impeccable but she hadn’t the wit or aptitude to design anything.”
“I often wondered over the years why she was so hard on you. Looking back, I think she resented your talent. You were a genius at making things from a very early age.”
“Let’s face it Bernie, it was because I never fitted the mould. All she ever wanted was a pretty daughter to parade around. Anyhow, I’m free of her now.”
“Yes, you are, but one day you’ll have to face her again you know.”
“It’ll be on my own terms when I do,” said Lindsey firmly.
Bernice looked at her approvingly. “Well spoken. Just remember, time is a great leveller. She’s a lot older now and you’re a lot stronger. Now tell me why Daisy is really here.”
“It’s a…um…top-secret project I have in the pipeline. She’ll be staying for a week or two.”
“Well I think she’s delightful. I can’t imagine how she persuaded you to get new clothes and hairstyle, but good for her.”
“Huh! She’s bossy…make no mistake about that. Like a pesky kid sister.”
“Oh, she’s hardly that young,” said Bernice. “She has an air of competence that only comes with experience.” The chime of the doorbell made her turn toward the hallway. “Maybe that’s her now.”
Lindsey glanced at her watch. “It’s only ten to eight. She’s not due ’til nine. I’ll get the door so stay there and finish preparing breakfast.”
To her surprise, Daisy was standing on the porch with the attractive woman from the Marigold’s brochure. Lindsey gave Daisy a nod, conscious her new clothes were being studied avidly.
Daisy’s companion stepped forward at once with a friendly smile. “Sorry to just lob up like this, but I’ve driven Daisy out and took the opportunity to meet you. I’m Allison Marsden, the other half of the Marigold Matchmaking Agency.”
The hint of tension in Lindsey subsided. Allison had one of those warm faces that radiated empathy. “Hello. I’m very pleased to meet you. I was just about to sit down to breakfast. You’ve had a long drive and you must have left very early. Would you care to join me?”
“A coffee would be nice,” replied Allison.
As Lindsey ushered them over the threshold, Daisy gave her a nudge with her elbow. “You look awesome.”
Lindsey merely lifted a brow, leaving her to follow as she led them down the hall to the dining room. Bernice promptly appeared from the kitchen with a jug of orange juice. “Hello Daisy. Would you and your friend like some breakfast?”
“I’d love some, Bernice. I only had a cup of coffee before I left. This is my associate Allison Marsden.”
“Hi, Bernice. Daisy told me you’re a great cook,” said Allison with a smile.
“One of my greatest pleasures. You’ll have something to eat as well?”
Allison looked embarrassed. “Are you sure? I don’t wish to impose.”
“Nonsense, there’s plenty. Sit down. I’ll just throw on a few more eggs.”
Lindsey, who watched the exchange quietly from the sideline, said sharply when Bernice bustled off to the kitchen, “Bernice isn’t privy to our arrangement, Allison.”
“Daisy did tell me. Naturally, I’ll be discreet. Confidentiality is strictly adhered to in our business.”
Catching the flush on her face, Lindsey backtracked quickly. “Sorry, that must have sounded judgemental. I didn’t mean anything by it. I’m just a bit antsy
about the whole business.”
“I can quite understand that. It was a big step for you to seek our help and I’m sure it was a decision you didn’t take lightly. I know how difficult it can be to meet people if your work takes up most of your time. We have many busy clients who prefer a more structured way to find a life partner.”
“That does make me feel much better,” replied Lindsey, soaking up the compassionate words. “I’m afraid my work has consumed me to the extent I’ve become quite a hermit.”
“Don’t worry. Daisy will have you out and about in no time.”
“That I can believe,” said Lindsey dryly. “What about you, Allison? Married? Children?”
“My husband Noel and I have two teenage girls.”
“It must be wonderful to have a family.”
Allison chuckled. “Now they’re in their teens I think sometimes they’re like Pod People. I’m the old ball and chain, solely around to stop their fun.”
As Lindsey burst into a spontaneous laugh, Bernice called out, “Breakfast is ready. It’ll be easier if you come in and help yourselves. The plates and cutlery are on the divider.”
Lindsey watched them get up, content to wait until they were served. As business partners, the two women certainly seemed to complement each other well: Allison appeared calm and steady while Daisy had an energetic flair. And from the way they were clearly at ease with each other, there was little doubt they were firm friends. She felt a moment of extreme isolation. That was what she was really missing, a female friend, someone to confide in, someone who cared.
When her mind wandered back to Kirsty, she felt something knot in her stomach. After the accident, her mother had made sure their friendship ended. As Lindsey lay in the hospital for months enduring surgery, skin grafts, and rehab, her mother had forbidden visitors until Kirsty had simply moved on with her life. After graduation, she had travelled overseas, and they had lost contact completely.