Dark Side of the River by Brian Formby

Author:Brian Formby
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 781783068364
Publisher: Troubador Publishing Ltd

CHAPTER TWELVE

Climbing the steps to the front entrance of the hall had been hard enough for Bridle but actually walking through the door was an ordeal. A liveried doorman checked his invitation then opened the inner door to allow him into a classically decorated hall with a high domed ceiling. The room was bustling with people chattering and laughing all dressed in their finery with a glinting display of jewellery. The women sat in groups making small talk while the men stood in circles with well-charged glasses and burning cigars trying to solve the problems of the nation, loudly.

Bridle could hear the dance band playing in the other room and guessed that the event had split into two factions. Those who were happy with the introduction of a dance band and a crooner were dancing in the main room and those who wanted the traditional orchestra were in this room bemoaning it. He recognised one or two of the faces in the crowd and was surprised to see Sir Edward Grant holding court with a group of men at the far end of the room. Bridle picked his way between the guests and glanced around but saw no sign of Lady Grant or his daughter Amelia.

Bridle eased his way into the main ballroom. It was a warm evening and the room was aired from two open doors that led on to a terrace and further on to a wide lawn that was littered with tables and chairs for guests to enjoy the garden. There was no sign of Stella in the room and as he looked around he had that sick feeling in his stomach again. The band played a South American dance number and the over-crowded dance floor swayed to the rhythm. The men looked stiff and formal in their suits but the ladies wore a stunning collection of ball gowns that filled the room with colour.

Even Elizabeth and Caroline looked passable Bridle thought when he saw them dancing with their partners. Malcolm and Gerald darted their eyes in his direction but pretended not to see him. Elizabeth was casting him excited looks and trying at the same time to alert Caroline to his arrival. His attention was drawn to the sight of his father-in-law Sir Nigel dancing with young Amelia Grant. It was obvious Amelia was just excited to be there but Bridle could tell from the covert looks and glances in Sir Nigel’s direction that people were in fear of Amelia’s reputation. Bridle could see his mother-in-law Lady Marion sitting alone and stone faced refusing to see or acknowledge the looks of pity she was receiving from around the room.

Bridle took a glass of champagne from the tray of a passing waiter and made his way toward Lady Marion. She had always treated him coldly but he felt he had to make an effort for Stella’s sake and she did look slightly crestfallen. She didn’t acknowledge him until he reached the table.

‘May I join you?’

She looked up sharply with a feigned expression of surprise but her face soon turned back to stone as she spoke.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.