Page 59 of Love ad Lib
His frown turned into a relieved smile and he held his arms out. ‘Is this good enough for you?’
‘It’ll do. Where did you get it? Primani?’
‘Er.’
She rolled her eyes. ‘Of course, it’s Armani.’
‘Um, actually, this one’s Gucci.’
Libby swished the skirts of her dress. ‘Well, I’ll have you know this little number is from Oxfam, so try and up your game next time, okay?’
Henry grinned. ‘I will.’ He inclined his head. ‘Shall we?’
She nodded. ‘Please don’t leave my side tonight. I’m scared shitless about meeting the rest of your family.’
‘I won’t. I promise.’
‘Can I hold your hand?’
He glanced down the empty corridor. ‘What, now?’
‘It would reassure me. As long as you don’t mind?’
He shook his head and she took his hand. The warmth made her shiver.
‘You okay?’
She nodded. ‘Yep. Let’s do this.’
Entering the opulent dining room,Libby gripped Henry’s hand tighter. The room was full of beautiful people and their eyes were all on her. Estelle, now wearing a sleek black dress, rushed forward and bent slightly to whisper in her ear.
‘Don’t worry. I’ve told everyone you’re gorgeous and perfect and to give you a break. I’ve also given Gram-Gram two sherries to soften her up.’
Estelle broke away, let out a loud chortle and slapped her thigh.
‘Oh, Libby, you’re the best!’ she cried, then leant forward, whispering again. ‘And the Oscar goes to—’
‘Not you,’ Henry muttered.
His sister stuck her tongue out at him then spun on her heels to address the room.
‘Okay, Foxbrookes and friends. You know the rules. No gawking, no mauling, no propositions, and no inappropriate questions. No doubt Henry has drawn up a list of what he thinksisappropriate to talk about and will be passing it out shortly.’
Henry shook his head and led Libby over to a high-backed chair where an old lady was sitting, draped in jewels. Her back was ramrod straight, as if a poker was inbuilt into her genetic code, and her nose was large and aquiline. Despite her seated position, she still managed to look down it at Libby.
‘Gram-Gram, I’d like you to meet Libby.’
‘Humph.’
‘Good evening, my lady,’ Libby said. ‘It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Henry has spoken many times about you.’
The tight wrinkles of her face relaxed slightly. ‘Hashe indeed. And what has he said?’
‘He said…’Oh, shitsticks.
Gram-Gram leaned forward. ‘Yes…?’
‘He said he reminded you of your firstborn son.’
