Page 24 of Escape to the Country

‘It was only a sprain,’ said Annie quickly, exchanging a quick look with Megan. ‘I mean, nothing for you to worry about.’

Eleanor shifted in her seat. What else didn’t she know?

She tried to recover. ‘And look at you now,’ she said, looking across the table at Annie. ‘You’ve made it. You’re going to be a, what is it again?’

‘A countess,’ said Annie, blushing. ‘But that’s years away. Only when Sam inherits the full title. I’m happy being plain old Mrs Annie Harris in the meantime.’

‘She’s in luurve,’ cooed Megan. ‘But he’s a pretty nice guy, so he gets my vote.’

‘I can’t wait to meet him again,’ said Eleanor. ‘I can barely remember him from when we were younger.’

‘He’s good enough for our friend,’ said Megan in a fake haughty tone, causing them to laugh. ‘And he’s got more blue blood than my Neal.’

‘Yes, but you’re lucky too,’ said Annie, ever the fair one. ‘You’re happily married with three beautiful children.’

‘Yes,’ said Megan with a sigh. ‘Remember we used to go to the health club and sit in the Jacuzzi with a glass of wine and think it was luxury? Now it’s having a bowel movement without someone shouting at me through the door wanting to come in.’

Annie and Eleanor laughed, even though Megan didn’t join in quite so much.

‘Wait a minute. So now I’m best friends with a future countess and mother of the year?’ said Eleanor. ‘God, I’ve just realised. Am I the only unmarried spinster of the parish now?’

‘Probably,’ said Megan, nodding before looking at Annie. ‘So does that make me your maid of honour?’

‘Maid of dishonour, more like,’ said Eleanor, with a smile.

‘Exactly,’ said Megan, laughing. ‘Can’t wait for the hen party.’

‘I don’t care what you call yourselves,’ said Annie. ‘I just want you both with me on the day. And to help with everything before then. There’s so much to plan!’

‘Count me in,’ said Megan. ‘I need some romance in my life.’

‘Me too,’ said Eleanor, nodding.

‘What about Lucas?’ said Annie, with a gleam. ‘I thought you two had moved in together.’

Eleanor sighed and shook her head, deciding to come clean about some of her life. ‘We’re taking a break. His decision.’

‘Oh no! You must be heartbroken,’ said Annie.

Eleanor shrugged her shoulders. ‘That’s the thing. I should be, shouldn’t I? We were together for two years. But I’m not upset. Not really.’

‘Maybe you both need a break to think about what you really want,’ said Annie, giving her hand a squeeze.

Eleanor nodded. ‘Maybe.’

‘And if he’s not the one, then you’re bound to meet some other rich banker the next time you go to one of those Bank of England parties, said Megan. ‘I mean, you’re out every night. I know you have to entertain for your job in the finance sector but even so, I’d kill for your social life.’

Eleanor drained her glass, wondering how to even begin to tell them that she’d lost her job.

‘I can just imagine your flash apartment in the city,’ carried on Megan. ‘I mean, look at what you’re wearing. You’ve got it all. Fashion. Parties. Nightlife. It’s all come together for you. I’m so bloody jealous I could cry.’

Eleanor knew that her apartment had been far from flash. It had been damp and cold. It had also had subsidence. But her friends, just like her mum, had always expected so much from her. Too much. A great career. A wonderful life in the city. She didn’t want to let them down.

‘Yeah, you’re this amazing career girl and all I want is a functioning kitchen!’ laughed Annie.

Eleanor took a deep breath. It was time to confess about her so-called perfect life. But the conversation had already moved onto the wedding once more. Annie looked so excited and it was such a lovely, happy subject that Eleanor didn’t want to bring down their mood. So she decided she would definitely tell them the next time they were together.

Unless she met Tommy King, of course. Because then she could write up her exclusive story on him and she wouldn’t have to reveal any of her lies to her friends.

Then she could carry on pretending. Forever, if necessary.