Page 71 of Christmas off Script
Dervla cupped her cheek. ‘Yes, I can. I know Michelle from years ago. We were mums together at the local playgroup when Summer was a baby. She won’t give me any trouble. You’ve done enough for her today. You need a night off.’
‘But—’
Dervla herded her towards the front door. ‘Let me do this for you, darling. Is this your coat?’
Ella nodded. ‘But—’
‘No buts about it.’ Opening the front door, Dervla gently pushed her outside. ‘You shall go to the ball!’
Before Ella could argue any more, the door was shut behind her.
On the road, a car was parked with the engine running. Willow pushed the passenger door open. ‘Your carriage awaits!’ she cried. ‘Get in!’
Ella did as instructed, her brain struggling to process the change of plan.
Willow eased the car away from the kerb. ‘I know you didn’t have time to pick up a frock, but I rang Summer and she told me to take anything from her wardrobe.’
‘Is she sure?’
‘Yes! Half the stuff in there is unworn as she keeps getting sent things but has no time to even look at them.’
‘Whose idea was this?’
‘Me and Mammy’s. We were helping Leo with the Christmas tree when your message came in.’
‘Is he okay?’
Willow paused before replying. ‘He’ll be fine.’
Ella rubbed her chest. The guilt made it hurt. ‘Does he know I’m coming back?’
Willow shook her head. ‘Me and Mammy didn’t tell him our plan in case you didn’t go for it. He’ll be chuffed to bits when you turn up.’
Butterflies took off inside Ella’s tummy. They seemed to have taken up permanent residence there, reminding her of their presence whenever she thought of Leo or saw him. Suddenly, she was aware of how filthy she was after an entire day at Michelle’s, and how much she wanted to look her best for him.
It doesn’t matter! He won’t notice or care!
‘When we get back, grab a quick shower, then meet me in Summer’s room,’ Willow continued. ‘I’ll blow dry and fix your hair, and we can choose a dress. We’ll probably miss the main course, but I’ll get a couple of plates sent up, then we can go downstairs for pudding.’
‘Thank you,’ Ella said, her voice unsteady.
Willow reached over and squeezed her knee. ‘Anytime. The ball’s not the same without you.’
The entrance hallof the manor was packed with people dressed to the nines, handing coats to attending staff. Unclipping a low rope from the bottom of the main stairs so they could pass, Willow led Ella up to the corridor where their rooms were.
‘I’ll be as quick as I can,’ Ella said to her. ‘Ten mins, tops.’
‘Great. Don’t bother with make-up. I can do it for you once we’ve got you into the dress and done your hair.’
‘Thank you. For everything.’
‘No probs. And don’t be too cross with Leo.’
‘Cross? For what?’
Willow grinned and made for her own room. ‘I’m going to get ready myself. See you in a bit.’ She gave Ella a wink, then disappeared.
What could he have done? Entering her bedroom, Ella stopped just inside the door, her hand flying unconsciously to cover her heart.
