Page 139 of Play On

I nod, finding some comfort in her words.

“Now here’s how I think I can help you,” Amelia says. “I can’t guarantee anything, and I can’t say anything would happen right away, but I think it’s worth trying.”

I try not to be too hopeful from her words. “What are you thinking?”

“My mum is very connected in the London art scene,” Amelia says. “You want the life she wanted me to live. You want London, and you want to work in the arts. You might allow her to fulfil some of the dreams she had for me by helping you.”

“But how? My CV is rubbish on the experience side.”

Amelia grins at me. “Violet. The world of connections is very strong when you have a powerful, wealthy patron expressing her interests. Even more so when she’s got deep aristocratic roots. What I would like to do is explain your situation to Mum. Give her your CV and your proposed art projects. Let’s see what she can do. I think she’d be thrilled to play a role in getting you settled in London. And I think she’d be happy if you’d just go to some lunches with her or attend some charity events in return.”

I bite my lip. “Do you think she would really do it?”

“I think she would. It’s what she wants to do, I’m just not going to fill that role in her life. I want to throw grapes at peacocks and record leaks. But you? You’re a young person she can help, and I think that would make her happy. And making Mum happy will make meveryhappy.”

I squeeze her hand in gratitude and swallow hard before speaking. “I promise you, I will not let her down if she helps me land a position. I will not flake out, I swear to you I won’t. I would never do that to her, or to you, and I want you to know you have my word on that.”

Amelia smiles at me. “I know you won’t.”

I’m so overwhelmed with hope and gratitude that I hug her. “I know nothing is guaranteed, but this at least gives me hope whilst I try to work something out.”

She hugs me back, and then moves out of the embrace. “I have a good feeling about this. Mum has been dying for a protégée for years. It’s a win-win for both of us.”

“Did Nicholas fight with Mum and Dad after I left?” I ask.

Amelia nods. “Oh, yep, he let them have it.”

“I knew he would, and I hate that he did it. I don’t want him to be dragged into this.”

“You know your twin. He’s ferocious about protecting you.”

“I lucked out in the twin department. But I know you and Harry are close,” I say, referring to her older brother.

“Yes, we are,” Amelia says. “And Harry is another example. He ran off to South Africa to sort himself out. He’s going to come back, but he has a lot of growing to do. I think we all do in our own ways, you know?”

Suddenly I get sight of my brother coming up the garden path. “Looks like Nicholas is finished arguing with my parents,” I say, frowning.

Amelia looks up. “He doesn’t know what I’ve offered to do with Mum, but you can tell him. We have no secrets between each other.” She rises. “But I think you two need some time alone. I’m going to head home anyway.”

I give her one more hug before I leave. “I can never thank you enough for trying to help me.”

“No thanks necessary. It’s what friends do. Just like what you did for me, and we weren’t even friends yet.”

I once again think of that moment when Amelia was brave enough to seek her future by asking me for a meeting.

It turns out her bravery changed both our lives.

Nicholas comes to the aviary door, and Amelia rises to unlock it and let him in. “I’m just about to head home,” she says, winding her arms around him. “I’ll message you later. You and Violet have a lot to talk about.”

My brother drops a quick kiss on her lips. “Love you.”

I smile at that.

“Love you too.”

Amelia walks out the door, waving goodbye as she does, and then Nicholas joins me on the bench.

“Don’t you need to lock the door?” I ask.

---