Cochin Fall (The Colonials) by Liz Harris

Author:Liz Harris [Harris, Liz]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Heywood Press
Published: 2022-01-31T20:00:00+00:00

20

Saturday evening

* * *

The Goddards and the Saunders reached the club’s parking area at exactly the same moment.

With much laughter and talking, they climbed from their cars and went into the building together. There they settled themselves in the dining room, choosing a group of tables and chairs that was within easy reach of the room where the dancing would take place and where a late-evening buffet would be laid out.

‘So this where you are,’ Tilly said, coming up to them, with Michael behind her. Seeing a need for more chairs, Michael went to drag two extra chairs to the table.

‘Here, let me help you,’ Lewis said, materialising at his side the moment before a club servant could reach Michael.

He took the second of the chairs from Michael, positioned it in a space that had opened up at the table between Lizzie and Tilly, and started to move away.

‘Why don’t you pull up a chair and join us, Lewis?’ Michael said as he sat down. ‘Unless you’re already attached to a group, that is.’

‘I’m not. I’ve only just arrived. Well, thank you, Michael. I’d be happy to join you.’ He indicated to the nearest servant his need for a chair, and the servant swiftly placed a chair between Michael and Tilly.

‘Oh dear no!’ Lewis exclaimed as he looked at the empty chair. He laughed. ‘Far be it from me to come between a husband and wife.’

Smiling, Michael slid across to the chair next to Tilly, and Lewis sat down between Michael and Lizzie.

Leaning slightly forward, Lizzie glanced beyond George, who was on her other side, and smiled at Clara. Clara raised her eyebrows, and then both turned their attention back to the table, where a waiter was taking the order for drinks.

‘It’s good to see you again, George,’ Lewis said, leaning back in his chair and directing his comment behind Lizzie’s back to George. ‘There was something I wanted to bring up with you, but I won’t do it now, not with this lovely rose between us.’

Lizzie turned towards him. Straightening up as he finished the sentence, he looked at Lizzie and smiled.

She smiled back.

‘If we don’t get a moment today, Lewis,’ George said, speaking across Lizzie, ‘come into the office next week. Our seating makes it difficult to talk at the moment. Although we might get a chance later tonight.’ He glanced at Lizzie. ‘I’m going to leave you to talk to Lewis, Lizzie, as I intend to turn my back on you to take advantage of a rare opportunity to speak to Clara.’

With a smile at them both, he turned to Clara and trailed his fingers down her cheek. She gazed lovingly back at him.

‘You look absolutely beautiful,’ he said, his voice breaking with emotion.

Pink with pleasure, she glanced down at her sleeveless sage green chiffon dress, and looked back at him. ‘I’m glad you like it.’

‘That’s an understatement. I love it. And I love you.’

‘And I love you. You’ve no idea how much I was hoping we’d be able to sit together tonight,’ she said.

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