Page 74 of The Importance of Being Emma
When a tall figure in black entered the room carrying two champagne flutes, my heart missed a beat. I soon realised my mistake, however; it was Mark, not Flynn. I gave him a tight little smile and received a curt nod in return. For a moment, I thought he was bringing one of the glasses to me, as a peace offering. But no, he headed for Jane, who was looking about as happy as a turkey on Christmas Eve.
Eventually Flynn appeared in the doorway, heart-stoppingly handsome in a white tux. He came straight over and kissed me lightly on the cheek. I’d been hoping for something rather more passionate, but I curbed my impatience.
‘Sorry, Em, I’m even later than I expected. All in a good cause — I’ve been looking at the seating plan with Kate, to check I’m paired off with you.’
My heart missed another beat; I was sure that, like me, he was thinking of us pairing off for more than the dinner. I gave a little shrug. ‘I know that each table’s round and sits ten, but other than that I’ve kept out of it. I’d probably put the wrong people together — that’s why I told Batty to get Kate to do it.’
He grinned. ‘Kate’s done it for years, hasn’t she? She told me that this time she’s tried a little experiment to get people to mix more. She’s put couples on the same table but given them a different partner to sit with.’
‘Sounds good,’ I said, pleased that Philip and Gusty would have no opportunity to grope each other during the meal and put everyone else off their food. ‘Who are we with?’
‘Let’s have some champagne while I try to remember.’ He took several glasses from a passing waitress and knocked back a couple in succession. I did the same, keeping up with him for the first glass, but sipping my second more slowly. The last thing I wanted was to drink myself into oblivion. Not tonight.
Flynn clinked his third glass clumsily with mine. ‘Cheers, Em. Now, where was I? Of course, how could I forget, Kate’s put us with Philip Elton and his girlfriend Busty, very well endowed apparently.’
I burst out laughing. ‘It’s Gusty, not Busty!’ Then I gave a loud groan. ‘But why’s she inflicted them on me when—’ I broke off as I remembered that Kate knew nothing about my little fiasco with Philip.
Flynn went on, ‘Kate and Dad are on our table too, but I can’t remember the other four.’ He frowned in concentration. ‘Oh yes, we’ve got Mark “I’m God’s gift to Highbury” Knightley and Saint Jane. When I saw that Kate had them paired off, I made her give them other partners immediately — on the grounds of cruelty to dumb animals.’
Kate was certainly on a matchmaking mission; I forced a smile. ‘Who’s the dumb animal — Mark or Jane?’
He shrugged. ‘Either. Both. Look at him talking to her over there.’ His lip curled. ‘He’s probably holding forth about his exploits in India. You know the sort of thing — exciting late night negotiations to purchase biodegradable paper clips for theoffice, thrilling weekends spent sampling cups of tea for Donwell Organics’ new line in Lapsong Souchong.’
‘That’s from China, you idiot,’ I said, with a giggle.
‘I’ll take your word for it, my Darjeeling. But Mark Knightley seems to lead such a dreary life, doesn’t he? Work, work, work — he must be the most boring man on the planet. What a waste of all those years in a place like India.’
I shook my head. ‘Actually, from what I know he had a very busy social life in India. But I agree, over here it seems to have been all work and no play.’
Especially since he split up withher, I added to myself.
Flynn stared across at Mark and Jane. ‘Why do women bother with him?’
‘Isn’t it obvious?’ I risked a quick glance myself, trying to see Mark through the eyes of a stranger. ‘He’s extremely good-looking. Very intelligent. Great company, believe it or not.’
And a sublime kisser.
I allowed my thoughts to wander, just for a moment . . .
Flynn’s edgy laugh brought me back to earth. ‘Strewth! Who’d settle for me when they can have all that?’
I reached up and put my finger to his lips. ‘Be quiet, you know you’re wonderful. Different from Mark, of course, but still wonderful.’
He pulled me to him. ‘And you’re very different from Saint Jane.’
I pressed my body against his, feeling curiously light-headed. His face was so close, I just knew he was going to kiss me. Here. Now. In front of everyone—
‘Emma, your father wants you.’ It was Mark, right beside us, his voice icy with disapproval. ‘According to the agenda for the evening, you should have announced dinner three minutes ago.’
Flynn let go of me with a scowl. ‘Three minutes, is that all? Keep your hair on, mate. Anyhow, looks like some of us have other agendas for this evening, doesn’t it?’
‘Speak for yourself,’ Mark said, tersely.
Without a word, I lifted my chin and stalked off to make the announcement. Inside, I was seething. Trust him to interfere; Big Brother, always watching over me.
Well, he wouldn’t be able to guard me all night, would he?
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