Page 24 of Be More Lucy

‘I meant chocolate mousse,’ he laughed.

‘Can that wait?’ she asked, starting to unbutton his shirt.

14

‘What’s that on your finger?’ Nancy asked.

Em had been in the kitchen of the main house for less than 30 seconds. ‘You’re very observant,’ she said, kicking herself for not taking her engagement ring off before she left the flat that morning.

‘Has somebody finally popped the question?’ Nancy asked.

‘It’s supposed to be a secret. We were going to tell you together this evening. ’

‘Is it believable that I wouldn’t notice a ring like that? Nigel might assume I am too old and frail to notice a double-decker bus heading straight for me, but Jack knows I’m still fit and healthy.’ Nancy always seemed annoyed at how her eldest son assumed she was one step away from needing a care home. ‘I’ve been on high alert for any signs of an engagement since we got back from Exeter yesterday.’

‘Was it that obvious? Jack often does the cooking.’

‘But he doesn’t borrow a silver candelabra every time he decides to whip up a stir fry. There aren’t many reasons a man goes to town cooking a special meal for his girlfriend.’

Nancy looked pleased that her suspicions had proved to be correct. ‘Congratulations, my wonderful girl!’

She gave Em a big hug.

‘Do you think you could pretend you don’t know?’ Em asked.

‘Goodness me, no. I’m hopeless at acting. You’ll have to tell Jack I guessed.’

Nancy made herself breakfast while Em settled down at the desk by the Aga to sort out the bookkeeping.

‘When’s the big day?’ Nancy asked.

‘We haven’t set a date yet. Probably May next year.’

‘You’re welcome to have a marquee in the garden here. It will be my wedding present to you both if that’s what you’d like. I’ll cover the catering as well.’

‘Oh Nancy, that’s too much.’

‘Nonsense. It would be a pleasure. And I might get to see Mark. Apart from that flying visit at Christmas, he seems to be permanently stuck in Spain again since he fell out with Lucy. I don’t think his latest girlfriend likes me.’

‘Hannah? Don’t take it personally. I don’t think she likes anyone much - except Mark, of course. And Jack.’

Hannah was an estate agent in Spain specialising in selling properties to Brits. She was always immaculately turned out, even when they were only going for a stroll on the beach. Em got the impression that Hannah disapproved of Em’s more laid-back approach to clothes.

‘Everyone likes Jack. I assume Mark is going to be Jack’s best man?’

‘I guess so. We haven’t discussed that yet.’ Of course, Jack would want Mark as his best man. But that could make things awkward with Lucy. Having them both involved in the wedding could be challenging.

‘You don’t look too happy? Brides are supposed to enjoy all the planning,’ Nancy said.

‘Are we? I find it all quite stressful.’ And not just because of Mark and Lucy. ‘I hated it when I was getting married to Connor. But then he wanted all these over-the-top things that I didn’t want to waste money on. What was Jack’s wedding to Isabella like? I’ve never felt able to ask.’

‘Very lavish.’ Nancy pulled up a chair in front of the desk, cradling a steaming hot cup of tea. ‘When the bride’s father is an Earl, a certain amount of pomp and ceremony is expected to show off his wealth to his friends and family, and Isabella was more than happy to comply.’

Em had only seen one photo from Jack’s wedding to Isabella. He’d been dressed in a morning suit, and Lucy had found the picture on a society website, so Em should’ve realised it wasn’t a quiet affair.

Nancy must’ve noticed the look of horror on Em’s face. ‘I’m not sure Jack had much say in it at all. I very much doubt he’ll want the same for your wedding. He and Isabella got married in the church on the estate. All very formal.’

‘But Jack’s not religious?’

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