Page 125 of Love ad Lib
Libby squeezed her hand. ‘I’ll do it.’
‘You’lldo it? But you don’t know anything about the Manor.’
‘I did my homework when I was researching this jo— researching Henry’s home, and I think I remember a lot of it. If I’m no good, either of you can stop me and take over.’
Libby’s eyes were alight. Henry recognised the same spark from the improv workshop and comedy night.
His sister’s face was a mix of uncertainty and cautious relief. ‘If you’re sure?’
‘Libby will be amazing,’ he said.
Estelle gave him a look. ‘Loving the confidence, Romeo, but have you ever seen her guide a group of pissed off punters around a stately home?’
He hesitated before shaking his head. ‘No, but if anyone can rescue this situation, it’s her.’
Estelle shrugged and sighed. ‘Okay then, Libby, they’re all yours.’
‘Can you hold them at bay for five minutes? she asked. ‘I just need to change.’
His sister glanced at her outfit. ‘What’s wrong with that?’
She squeezed her hand again. ‘Trust me?’
Estelle nodded.
Libby turned to him. ‘Come on, I need your help.’
She sprinted back up the stairs and he followed.
‘What’s your plan?’ he asked as they ran down the corridor.
She’d already pulled off her dress by the time they reached his room. She threw it on the bed and unzipped the garment bag.
‘Living history,’ she replied. ‘But I can’t get this on without help.’
She shimmied out of her bra and he tried not to stare.
‘Come on, Henry! Give me a hand.’
He started doing up the top buttons on the back of the dress as she fiddled with the ones at the bottom.
‘What do you need me to do once you start?’ he asked.
‘Get Perry to bake a batch of biscuits and have the ingredients ready for the group to make a load more. See if she can find a Regency recipe online.’ She pulled on a pair of long white gloves and moved to the door. ‘You don’t have to dress up, but if you do, I want you to channel Mr Darcy.’
He followed her down the corridor. ‘I haven’t started the book yet or watched it on TV.’
She stopped just before the stairs and put her hands on his shoulders.
‘Can you channel aloof and grumpy?’
He raised an eyebrow. ‘Aren’t those my default settings?’
She grinned. ‘Not at all. You’re a sweet ray of sunshine hidden inside a sharp suit.’
She kissed him quickly, turned and ran down the stairs until she got to the first landing. He watched as she drew back her shoulders.
‘Ladies and gentlemen…’ Her voice rang out as clear as a bell.
