Page 68 of A Night with Damien Spur

When she arrived at Claudia’s house, Sophie’s shiny new red Audi A5 Cabriolet was parked outside the front.

Oh yes, my little princess. Aren’t you the hot potato? Driving around in your sexy racer, while most of the time my clapped-out Mini is stuck outside my house, because I can’t afford the parking and congestion charge.

‘Hi there, Anna.’ Her sister’s sweet voice wafted through the intercom. ‘Come in! We’re in the living room.’

There she goes again, taking over. Why couldn’t Claudiahave let her in? Anna kicked off her kitten heels and padded across the parquet floor.

‘Hi, girls.’ She blew her sister a perfunctory kiss. ‘Hello, Elizabeth. Sorry I’m late, had a mishap with my shoe. The heel came off.’

‘You really should wear trainers or flatties for walking,’ Sophie said. ‘Those spiky things you wear all day are treacherous.’

Anna’s mouth twitched involuntarily, which didn’t suit her. Her sister had started again. Sitting pretty with a glass of wine, making her feel clumsy.

‘Well, I think she looks gorgeous,’ Elizabeth said. ‘Very Audrey Hepburn.’

Anna blushed with pleasure. Such honeyed words. She looked gorgeous, very AUDREY HEPBURN. That would put her little sister in her place.

Anna patted the lapel of the pink woven suit, threaded with silver, that Evelyn had given her.

‘Thank you, one of Mummy’s.’

Oh no! Why did she tell Elizabeth that she was wearing her mother’s hand-me-downs? How gauche!

‘Where’s Claudia?’ she asked quickly.

‘In the kitchen making lunch,’ Sophie replied. ‘Would you like a glass of wine?’

Anna gave a little half smile.Now she’s playing hostess. So easy breezy. Dear little Sophie just fitted in. Carefree. Work was fun, illustrating books. Banker Daniel had left her a wealthy widow.

She stopped short.

Oh, don’t be mean. It’s terrible that Daniel and little Mikey died. Anna Rose, stop your nasty thoughts before they crinkle you up with bitter little wrinkles!

‘Thank you, Sophie, I’d love a glass.’

Claudia had prepared a fabulous spread.

Baked organic asparagus, cherry tomatoes, black olives and capers. Grilled chicken salad with parmesan dressing, smoked salmon, crème fraiche and chive quiche, and a watermelon and feta salad.

Elizabeth tinkered with a small plate of the salad, while Sophie and Anna tucked into every dish.

‘Oh my God, Claudia,’ Anna said. ‘You’ve done it again. The quiche is sublime – and as for the grilled chicken, please, I must have the recipe.’

‘Gosh, I can’t stop eating.’ Sophie took another helping of the salad. ‘I love lunches where you can pick and choose. You really are a wonder. These asparagus are just perfect.’

Claudia was disappointed.

All very well to have the sisters wax lyrical, but she so wanted to impress Elizabeth. Why was she surprised? Her friend had played hostess to so many swanky dinner parties and even then, she seldom ate more than a sparrow’s portion.

‘And now, if the girls have had their fill, let’s discuss the charity ball over coffee,’ Elizabeth said.

‘What would you like us to do, Elizabeth?’ Sophie asked.

‘I would like you both to request donations for the auction. Sophie, you’ve met a gorgeous new man who lives in a sumptuous chateau and owns a vineyard in Bordeaux and thank goodness, he’s single. That could be very useful for the auction. A weekend wine-tasting trip? And you don’t mind me asking Nicholas? You’re still friends, aren’t you? He could donate a painting, or a bronze statuette.’

‘Yes, what good ideas. I’ll be happy to ask Horatio.’

‘Lovely, Sophie. You look like a woman who knows how to pitch and can bring home the trophies,’ Elizabeth said.

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