Page 29 of Escape to the Country

‘Shall I get changed?’ she asked.

Megan shook her head. ‘God, no! We need a bit of glamour around here.’

When they arrived at Willow Tree Hall, they found Annie in the drawing room.

‘You always look so pretty,’ said Annie, with a sigh when she saw them. She was wearing her usual skinny jeans.

‘It’s only clothes,’ said Eleanor, with a shrug. She had got so used to wearing her designer armour that she had forgotten how to dress down these days. Even Lucas had expected her to maintain a certain glamour, she realised.

‘Does anybody fancy a gin and tonic?’ asked Annie. ‘Sam said he can always drop you both home. Unless you just want a cup of tea?’

‘Bring on the gin!’ said Megan, her eyes gleaming as her hangover was quickly forgotten. ‘Two school nights in a row. How naughty!’

Whilst Annie went to find the glasses, Eleanor settled down on the sofa, trying to take in the size and style of the drawing room. It was stylish but homely. Modern but scattered with antiques. And the sofas were pretty comfortable too, she thought. It was a large room with high ceilings and a vast fireplace. But it felt used and lived in, as if the family had always gathered there.

‘Who was your interior decorator?’ she asked, when Annie finally returned.

‘A friend of Sam’s,’ Annie told her, placing the tray holding three glasses and a bottle of tonic between them on the coffee table. Then she headed over to a globe, which appeared to house the alcohol. ‘He’s called Alex. A right character.’

‘He’s an absolute hoot,’ added Megan, reaching out to pour them each a large drink. ‘Are you going to invite him to your hen night? It’d be hysterical if he was there.’

‘I haven’t even got that far.’ Annie blew out a sigh. ‘There’s so much to think about.’ She stared at the pile of wedding magazines on a nearby table. ‘I’ve got so many checklists to start on. And it all costs so much money.’ Annie’s voice trailed off. It seemed that stately homes were astronomical to run and that the lavish wedding that she had dreamed about was under threat.

‘Well, at least you’ve got the venue sorted,’ said Eleanor.

‘Even if the ballroom isn’t renovated yet,’ Annie reminded her, biting her lip.

Eleanor wished she could help her friend out. Even staying with Lucas rent-free for the past three months hadn’t freed up any more money. All her resources had been spent on the latest fashion, shoes and make-up. She had used every penny to keep up appearances on a life that, unbeknownst to her, was actually falling apart.

‘You’ll be fine,’ said Eleanor. ‘We’ll help you with organising everything.’

‘Even when you’re back in London?’ asked Annie, looking hopeful. ‘I know you’re busy, but that would be great.’

Eleanor nodded. ‘Of course.’

Here it was. Now was the chance to confess everything to her friends. To tell them that she might not be returning to London for a while, if ever. But before she could speak, they were interrupted by a glamorous older lady sweeping in.

‘Hi Rose,’ said Megan.

‘Hello, darlings,’ said Rose, blowing an air kiss at Megan and Annie. ‘I’m on my way to the village hall. I must show my face, otherwise they’ll have nothing decent to look at.’ She grinned as she turned to face Eleanor. ‘Hello. Have we met?’

Eleanor shook her head. ‘I don’t think so.’

‘This is Sam’s Aunt Rose,’ said Annie. ‘This is Eleanor.’

‘Ah! The famous Eleanor. These girls talk non-stop about you.’ Her eyes gleamed at Eleanor’s silk jumpsuit. ‘Sweetie, that’s beautiful. Prada?’

Eleanor was surprised. ‘Yes. Although it’s a few seasons old now. How did you know?’

‘I used to work in the fashion industry and still keep up with all the latest styles. Well, it’ll be lovely to have someone else as glamorous as me around here.’ She gave Eleanor a cheeky wink.

‘You should see Rose’s wardrobes,’ Annie told her. ‘It’s likeVoguemagazine up there.’

Eleanor had already noted the classic Chanel jacket and trendy flared trousers along with many strings of pearls. This was definitely a lady with style.

Rose bent down to kiss Annie’s cheek. ‘One day I’ll get you dressed up as well.’

Annie blushed. ‘You know I don’t do that very often. Anyway, Eleanor’s always been the smart, fashionable one.’