Page 77 of Escape to the Country

Chapter 25

Eleanor took Dylan for a walk the following day but he would only head out into the grounds when he had exhausted his search in every single room for Tom.

Having decided to stay for the weekend to stop the dog from howling, she quickly cycled home to pick up some clothes and help her mum with the animals.

Finally, in the middle of the afternoon, she staggered back into the drawing room and slumped on a chair. ‘Well, that was fun.’

‘It doesn’t look like fun,’ Alex told her, peering over his coffee cup. ‘It looks hot and sweaty and not in my favourite kind of way.’

‘Although that skirt is so pretty,’ said Rose, giving her a once-over. ‘Chanel?’

Eleanor shook her head. ‘Topshop.’

‘They’re so clever,’ said Rose, nodding her head in approval. ‘It’s only the quality and the workmanship of the seams that tells the difference.’

‘It looks okay to me,’ said Annie.

Rose stood up. ‘Darling, let this be your first lesson in fashion. Follow me.’

So Eleanor, Annie and Alex followed Rose up to her bedroom. It was a proper lady’s boudoir with luxurious carpets and decadent trimmings such as silver candlesticks and ornate mirrors. Alex had done a tremendous job designing the whole room, which suited Rose perfectly. Eleanor marvelled at the three huge wardrobes all bulging with designer clothes.

‘This is amazing,’ she said, running her hand along the rail.

‘When you work in the fashion industry, there are so many freebies,’ said Rose. ‘And I never could bear to throw anything away. Now, where’s that Chanel?’

Eleanor sat down on the end of the bed with Alex and Annie.

Rose closed one set of wardrobe doors and opened the next one along. ‘Ah, here we are,’ she announced. ‘This is the 1960s and 70s closet. Here’s some Chanel, of course.’ She brought out a black and white checked suit.

‘Lovely,’ said Alex, nodding his head in approval. ‘But the skirt’s a bit long, don’t you think? We need something younger. More edgy.’

‘I agree,’ said Rose, putting the suit back again and bringing out a silver dress that shone in the afternoon sun coming through the window.

‘Wowsa,’ said Alex. ‘That’s hot.’

‘It’s got lots of material missing,’ said Annie, making a face as she reached out to feel the edge of the large round holes cut across the material.

‘Darling girl,’ said Rose, with a sigh. ‘It’s a classic cut-out dress. Very funky, as they said in those days. And perfect in your size.’

‘No way,’ said Annie, shaking her head. ‘I can’t wear that. Half of it’s missing.’

‘Rubbish,’ said Alex. ‘Put it on.’

In the end, realising that they weren’t going to take no for an answer, Annie took the dress into the en-suite bathroom and changed.

Meanwhile, Alex got up from the bed and headed over to an ornate dressing table. ‘Shall we?’ he asked, smiling at Rose.

‘Why not,’ replied Rose. ‘It’s never too early.’

In reply, Alex opened up the cupboard of the dressing table, which was actually a drinks fridge stocked with mini bottles of champagne.

‘This was my little house-warming gift to Rose,’ said Alex, bringing out four mini bottles and matching chilled champagne glasses.

‘Which is why I love him so dearly,’ said Rose, blowing a kiss across the room.

At that moment, Annie came out of the bathroom in the cut-out dress.

Alex wolf-whistled. ‘Looking hot there, skinny jeans girl!’