Page 175 of An Unholy Affair
‘Well, he attends most services, can do basic arithmetic, and is extremely trustworthy.’
Estelle paused, her brow furrowing. ‘All true…’ Her face brightened. ‘And the more he does with the church, the less he can fuck about with the Manor.’
‘Your dad did say that since Henry returned, there was less and less for him to do.’
‘And that’s how it needs to be if we’re going to make the estate profitable. Plus, he has fun doing the living history tours with Libby.’
Eveline smiled. ‘Yes, he says he loves them.’
‘Although he’s still talking about doing a medical-themed one and using leeches and arsenic.’
‘Oh, no!’
‘Don’t worry, Connor gave him a stern talking to, so it’s not going to happen.’
There was a knock at the door.
‘Come in,’ Eveline called. ‘We’re nearly ready.’
Her mother entered and clutched her hands to her chest. ‘Oh, darling!’
Eveline twirled. ‘You like?’
Diana dabbed at the corners of her perfectly made-up eyes. ‘You’re an absolute picture.’
‘Speaking of which,’ Estelle said, smoothing her hands down her long lilac dress. ‘Has the photographer arrived yet?’
‘Yes,’ Diana replied. ‘Just now.’ She lowered her voice. ‘There’s a wholeteamof them down there!’
‘A team?’ Eveline asked.
Estelle grinned. ‘That’s what you get when your mom’s one of the world’s most famous models. She’s hired Davide de Lisa for you.’
‘The… Thefamousone?’
‘How many Davide de Lisa’s do you know?’ Estelle replied with a smirk. ‘He bloody leapt at the chance, probably because he thinks he can persuade Henry to pose for him again. He was the photographer on the shoot Henry did for Aunt Simone’s fashion house.’ Estelle took her bag from the bed and cast her eyes around the room. ‘I think I’ve got everything.’ She squared her shoulders. ‘Right then, let’s get you downstairs so we can immortalise your beauty with the help of a sexy Italian.’
Eveline strolledthe short distance to Saint Saviour’s from the rectory, her father on one side and Estelle on the other, as the sound of ringing bells filled the air.
God, thank you for this day and for bringing Jack back to me. You’ve found me my perfect person and I couldn’t be happier. Please bless this day and all the wonderful people who’ve worked so hard to make our wedding happen in such a short amount of time.
‘Oh, Eveline! Just look at you!’
They were met outside the front doors by Janice, a vicar Eveline had trained with many years ago.
Janice embraced her. ‘You’re absolutely gorgeous! Your mum and sisters are all settled at the front, so we’re good to go whenever you are.’
Eveline’s heart raced with excitement. ‘I’m ready now.’
‘Fabulous. Give me thirty seconds to stop the bell-ringers. When you hear the music, make your way in.’ Janice dashed into the church.
Estelle cast an appraising eye over Eveline’s dress. ‘Perfect,’ she murmured, before giving her a sly grin. ‘Any second thoughts?’
‘About you being my bridesmaid? Never.’
Her friend snorted. ‘Cheeky bug—beautiful bride… Shall I help you with the veil?’
Eveline paused. She knew it was tradition to have it over her face, so her husband-to-be could uncover her when she reached him. But she didn’t want anything to detract from her view of Jack.
