Page 173 of An Unholy Affair
Erica corralled all the residents who’d helped paint the mural into a group to one side of her, then turned to face the throng, a huge smile on her face.
‘Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, I’m absolutely delighted to welcome you to Foxbrooke Haven this afternoon for the official unveiling of our mural…’
Jack gazed from Eveline’s happy face to the sea of smiling ones in front of them.So this is what it feels like to be part of a community.
‘… First proposed by Saint Saviour’s vicar, Eveline Shaw—’
An unprompted round of applause started amongst the residents who’d painted the mural and rippled around the room. Eveline’s cheeks flushed, and Jack grinned, clapping harder.
‘… Her idea was to paint our community at Foxbrooke Haven, and some of the events in the past that have shaped the town and our residents’ lives.’ Erica paused. ‘But we had a problem… Despite us all excelling at most tasks—’ Laughter murmured through the crowd. ‘None of us could paint… However, luckily for us, Eveline found us Jack Newton—a Foxbrooke local and gifted artist who has spearheaded the project. Jack’s been an absolute joy to have around. He’s a fabulous teacher, as well as occasional dance partner, wonderful company and extremely easy on the eye…’
Doris wolf-whistled, setting off whoops, cheers and claps. Jack tried to shrink back, but a beaming Eveline dragged him forward to show him off.
‘Thanks to Jack,’ Erica continued. ‘The mural has been completedaheadof schedule, and today we’re delighted to have the Mayoress of Bath, councillor Karen Hartley here to unveil it to you all…’
As the Mayoress began speaking, Jack gazed at Eveline, his heart full. She looked so happy, so fulfilled. He understood now how rewarding it was to have a life purpose. Hers was making the world a better place. And right now, his was to support her in that mission.
‘… And so, without further ado,’ the Mayoress said. ‘I am delighted to unveil the Foxbrooke Haven mural and see it myself for the very first time. Erica, if you’d like to give me a hand?’
Jack moved with Eveline out of the way, as the two women pulled each section of the makeshift curtain aside to deafening applause as the painting was revealed.
Everyone’s eyes were on the mural, but Jack’s were on Eveline, watching her expression as she took it in. Her mouth was open, her free hand pressed to her chest.
‘Oh, Jack…’
She hadn’t seen it for a while, and definitely didn’t know about the last touch he’d made—a portrait of the two of them standing outside Saint Saviour’s church.
‘It’s…’ She gazed up at him, her eyes shining. ‘You’re incredible.’
‘Come on, you two lovebirds,’ Erica said, bustling up to them. ‘Photo time!’
The next few minutes were spent with the photographer from the local newspaper as he snapped pictures of the mural and everyone who’d been involved in it, as well as individual pictures of each resident next to their portraits.
When the hubbub died down, Jack went to find his mother.
‘Thanks for coming, Mum.’
She nodded at the mural. ‘It’s much bigger than I thought.’
‘Yes. It did take a while.’
‘It’s, er… You’ve done a good job.’
Jack smiled.I’ll take that. ‘Thanks, Mum.’
She indicated her phone. ‘I’ve taken lots of pictures to show Betsy.’ She paused. ‘You know, it must run in the family.’
‘What?’
His mother waved her hand at the painting. ‘A gift for art. Betsy’sextremelyartistic. Very advanced for her age. I’m sure she’ll be doing things like this in no time at all.’
35
‘Wow… Just… Wow,’ said Estelle.
Eveline glanced from her friend to the full-length mirror in front of her. Estelle’s aunt, Simone, had arranged for five wedding dresses from her fashion house in Paris to be sent to Foxbrooke. Simone had also stayed on a week after the Winter Ball to take care of any alterations needed.
Eveline blinked as she stared at her reflection, hardly recognising herself. The dress was a couture masterpiece in ivory silk satin, with ornate crystal beading adorning the bodice and swirling in patterns over the full skirts.
