Page 47 of A Chance in a Million
Together they walked through his large living room and out of a door set in a huge glazed archway. The sun was on the other side of the house and it was refreshing to sit in the shady garden. Dino obviously agreed as he was soon stretched out at their feet, snoring peacefully. Gradually they started to reminisce about their time in the army. For her it wasn’t just the shade that was refreshing. Being able to talk freely about her military career for the first time in two years produced a considerable release of pent-up emotion. From time to time she glanced across at him and got the impression it might be having a cathartic effect on him as well. Finally he made a suggestion that was as welcome as it was unexpected.
‘You know I said I have to go down to Venice tomorrow to see the specialist? Hopefully, he’ll tell me when the next operation will be. Well, I was wondering if you might like to come with me. The appointment’s at eleven, and I thought that afterwards maybe I could offer you lunch in a little place I know to say thank you for saving Dino. What do you think? Fancy a trip to Venice? I can promise you a great meal and I need to say thank you properly.’
Jane would dearly have liked to know more about the nature of the operation he was to have but she could tell he didn’t want to talk about it, but this sounded like the closest thing to a date he had proposed so far and she had no hesitation in saying yes. ‘There’s no need for thanks. You did all the heavy lifting.’ She grinned at him. ‘Not that I’m saying I’m heavy, of course. I’d love to come down to Venice with you, and lunch would be great. I’d just better check with your mum whether she needs me tomorrow.’
‘I think I spotted her in the garden as we were running.’ He stood up and peered through the trees. ‘Yes, I think she’s still there. Come on, let’s go and see what she says.’
He led the way down to the rear garden of the villa. Maria was in the process of serving tea to her employer who was sitting in one of the wicker armchairs with a book. David went over and explained what he was proposing, ending with the words, ‘Jane wanted to be sure you could do without her for a day.’
Veronica looked up with a broad smile. ‘Of course. That sounds like a wonderful idea, although the middle of August means it’s going to be terribly busy down there.’
‘We’ll use the boat so we should be able to keep away from the crowds. I thought I’d take Jane to Burano for lunch – you know,Da Marcello.’
Veronica sighed. ‘Da Marcello– what a super little restaurant. I haven’t been there since before your father died. Maybe when we’re back in Venice in the autumn I might go there again.’
Jane and David exchanged looks. This was most encouraging. Veronica was actually contemplating a trip to a restaurant. Things were looking up and David obviously agreed.
‘You’re very welcome to come with us tomorrow.’
‘Oh, dear Lord, no, not in July. The people, the heat, the insects… No, you two go and enjoy yourselves and then come back and tell me all about it. If Marcello’s cooking’s still as good as ever then I promise I’ll let you take me there when it gets a bit cooler.’ She glanced across at Jane. ‘This reminds me of something I’ve been meaning to say, Jane. When’s the wedding you’re going to in Bath? This weekend, isn’t it?’
‘It’s on Saturday. My flight’s on Friday afternoon.’
‘And what are you going to wear?’
‘I bought a dress when I was last in Venice with David. It’s nothing special, but it should do.’
‘Why don’t you go and put it on?’
‘What, now?’
‘Yes, if you don’t mind. I’d be interested to see it.’
Jane nodded and hurried back to her house, slipped out of her shorts and top and into the dress. It looked fairly good, although her everyday sandals didn’t do it justice. Maybe she should invest in a pair of smart shoes while she was in Venice tomorrow. One thing was for sure: nice as they were, if she were to wear her new really high heels for a full day she would end up lame. Back outside again she found herself standing in front of mother and son, feeling as if she were on the catwalk. Probably noting her discomfort, David was the first to react.
‘That looks lovely, Jane.’
She shot him a grateful look and waited for his mother’s judgment. When it came, it was less effusive, but was followed by a tantalising offer.
‘David’s right, you do look good, but with your long legs and those cheekbones you’d look good in anything. I was just wondering, seeing as you’re going down to Venice in the morning, if you’d like to wear something from my collection.’
‘That’s amazingly generous, but I couldn’t possibly turn up at the wedding dressed in something a film star would wear without the bride attacking me with an axe. It’s her day, not mine and the last thing I’d want to do would be to spoil it.’
Veronica burst out laughing. ‘You’re so considerate. But I’ve got all sorts of dresses, not just ball gowns. Let me think…’
Jane sat down and waited for her decision. The idea of borrowing another piece of cinema history was very appealing but the last thing she wanted to do was to upstage the bride. Finally Veronica came up with a solution. ‘I’ve got it: Audrey Hepburn. It might be a bit of a squeeze – she really was wafer thin – but how about that chic black dress she wore inBreakfast at Tiffany’s? Now, before you ask, I haven’t got the original. Believe it or not, it was sold a few years ago for over half a million dollars. No, but this is by the same designer, Givenchy, and it’s the exact same style but it’s knee-length, not a long gown like the one in the movie. To the best of my knowledge, Hepburn never wore my one, but it’s a lovely dress, and not in the least bit risqué or flashy so you don’t need to worry about being assaulted by the bride.’ She grinned at Jane. ‘This one’s not black but a very subtle cornflower blue colour which, unless I’m very much mistaken, should match your eyes perfectly.’
‘But it must be worth a fortune. What if I damage it or if my bag gets lost at the airport or if somebody spills…?’
Veronica held up a calming hand. ‘Don’t worry about it. Honestly. It’s only a dress.’
‘Only a dress…’ Jane felt almost overcome. ‘I don’t know how to thank you.’
‘No thanks necessary. Now, let me explain where you’ll find it…’
Chapter 26
Next day’s drive to Venice contained far fewer awkward silences than the previous one. Jane and David chatted about all sorts – mostly their shared experiences in the army – and he even laughed out loud on a number of occasions. Jane was delighted for him and pleased for herself at being able to open up to somebody at last. The fact that he had also been in the army and been wounded formed a real bond between them and she found her feelings for him increasing as he became more and more communicative.
