Page 181 of Love ad Lib
‘Fuck off,’ said Leo. ‘Not sheep.’
Summer and Willow changed theirbaa’stomoos.
‘Libby, darling.’ Dervla pulled out a chair. ‘Come sit next to me and Vivi.’
Henry kept hold of her hand as if he never wanted to let go and sat on her other side.
‘Tonight’s normally curry night,’ Dervla continued. ‘But Arthur’s been busy with far more important matters today.’ She paused and winked at her. ‘So we’re having shepherd’s pie instead.’
‘Which one of your girlfriends are we eating tonight?’ Summer asked Leo. ‘Dolly or Baa-braa?’
He flipped her the bird in response as Perry and Arthur carried in trays of food and placed them on the table.
‘There she is!’ said Arthur as he spotted Libby. ‘What an exciting day we’ve had, all thanks to you, my dear.’ He took a seat at the table and gestured at the food. ‘Help yourself, everyone.’ He turned back to Libby. ‘You know, I think I’m going to buy my wig. It’s absolutely splendid. It’s built on a frame and one can fit all kinds of things under it. It could be a man-bag for my head.’
‘A head bag?’ she suggested.
‘Capital name.’ He clapped his hands. ‘And terribly handy for parties. That’s the trouble when you’re naked, there’s just nowhere to put the essentials.’
‘Dad—’ Henry began.
‘And I’ve banned bum bags from Foxbrooke. Revolting things. What do you call them in the States again, Vivienne?’
‘Fanny packs.’
Arthur hooted. ‘That’s right, but we all know that fanny means—’
‘DAD!’ Henry shouted along with the rest of his siblings.
Arthur dolloped shepherd’s pie on his plate. ‘What?’
‘Henry hasjustpersuaded Libby to take him back,’ Estelle replied curtly. ‘But if you don’t rein it in, there’s every chance she’ll change her mind.’
Arthur looked at Libby, his eyes widening. ‘Would you?’
She squeezed Henry’s hand and shook her head. ‘Never.’
Arthur turned to Estelle. ‘There you go. Straight from the horse’s mouth.’
‘Dad!’ said Henry. ‘Please don’t liken Libby to a horse.’
‘Why not? Beautiful creatures. Your sister would marry one given half the chance. Wouldn’t you, Estelle?’
Estelle ignored her father. ‘Dare we ask what your plans are going forward?’ she asked Libby.
Libby hesitated and looked at Henry. Her stomach flipped over as he smiled and nodded.
‘I’m going to hand over the improv nights to a guy called Brandon and not run workshops anymore,’ she began, ‘or at least until Claire’s ready again. And Henry’s leaving Conqueror. We’re moving to Foxbrooke.’
There was stunned silence, then the table erupted with cheers and stamping of feet.
Estelle’s posture relaxed. ‘Thank you,’ she mouthed.
‘This calls for a celebration!’ Vivienne leapt up. ‘Where did we hide the last of Simone’s champagne?’
Arthur pushed his chair back. ‘Priest’s hole?’
‘Isn’t it under our bed?’ Dervla asked.
