Page 68 of The Last Night in London
Eva stood at her open bedroom window, wearing only her silk step-in and trying to catch the breeze, looking past the roofs of the park terraces toward Regent’s Park. Throngs of people continued to flock there due to the spell of hot summer weather, and they exposed as much pale skin as decency allowed.
Her thumb rubbed the ivory dolphin Graham had given her, her nail having memorized each curve, each notch. She carried it with her always, even slept with it on her bedside table to keep Graham near. Drawing on her cigarette, she closed her eyes, feeling utterly exhausted.
Ever since the fashion show at Lushtak’s, Eva and Precious had found themselves thrown into a social whirl that neither had anticipated or prepared for. They were in demand at work, too; the number of private showings for which they’d been requested had added to their paychecks as well as to their confidence.
Then there had been the near-nightly entertainments and dinner parties with Graham—when he was available—Sophia, and David. Because of uncertainties in Europe, the newlyweds had postponed their wedding trip, which meant Sophia was available and happy toorchestrate everyone’s social lives. Sophia never wanted Precious to feel like a fifth wheel, so she always included Alexander Grof, ensuring there would be an even number at every dining table. Of course, Eva wanted Precious to be a part of their group, but Alex’s presence always seemed like the fly in the sauce, unappetizing and out of place.
Although, judging by the way Alex joked and conversed with their entire party, Eva was the only one who noticed his silver eyes that missed nothing; who saw the way he always managed to seat himself next to her, close enough that she could smell the starch in his shirts. He was the cat and she the mouse, waiting for him to pounce.
Alex had been at the wedding and the reception at Hovenden Hall, but thankfully there had been enough guests and commotion that he’d managed to get her alone only once, cornering her in the main hall as she’d returned from helping Sophia change. He’d been waiting for her, with the pretense of giving her a glass of champagne. She’d wanted to refuse, to walk past, but she didn’t want to call attention to herself and him. To have him say something she didn’t wish anyone else to hear.
“You’re looking splendid as ever, Eva. Sophia is a beautiful bride, don’t you agree? Of course, she couldn’t hold a candle to you.”
“What do you want, Alex? What could I possibly have that you might find useful?”
He smiled, took a sip from his champagne glass. “Why was Graham in France?”
His question caught her off guard. “What?”
“He just returned from France. I was wondering why he was there.”
“Why would you care?”
“Curious, I suppose. Just curious.”
She drained her glass, then handed it to him. “Excuse me, won’t you?” She walked away, feeling those silver eyes on her back like pinpricks of fire.
For the remainder of the reception, Eva had felt Alex’s stare, seen the mocking grin on his face, the knowing look in his eyes that told her he was aware of her charade and capable of blowing it up into asmany pieces as wedding confetti. She hadn’t been able to eat anything; even a bite of wedding cake had tasted like sawdust in her mouth. She’d been more than relieved when he’d left with the other guests who wouldn’t be staying overnight, grateful for the touch of Graham’s hand on her back as they’d said good-bye.
Eva drew another drag from her cigarette, absently continuing to watch the people in the park, the warm air stagnant and cloying, fitting her mood. They’d been to the Eton–Harrow cricket match at Lord’s earlier in the day, standing in the heat with thousands of well-heeled spectators. Although it was usually a two-day affair, Eva, Precious, and Sophia had opted out of the entire spectacle and made only a Sunday appearance. They were present at the final pitch, when Harrow defeated Eton for the first time in thirty-one years. The resulting brawl would have been amusing if Eva hadn’t had to pretend to be as shocked as Sophia.
Precious knocked on Eva’s door. “Are you decent?”
Eva stabbed out her cigarette in an ashtray. “Yes. Come in.”
Precious entered, already dressed and made-up for the evening. She looked at Eva with surprise. “You’re not ready yet? They’ll be here in less than half an hour. David is bringing his motorcar and driver, so we’ll all fit together. We’ll be like bugs in a rug.” She grinned, then held out a small package beautifully wrapped with pale blue paper and white silk ribbon. “This just arrived for you by messenger.”
“From Graham?” Eva asked as she sat down on the bed and searched for a gift tag.
“Of course,” Precious said. “Who else could it be from?”
Eva’s hands stilled for a moment. “Who indeed?” she said as she pulled on the ribbon and began tearing at the paper. She eagerly lifted the lid of the box inside, smiling with relief. It was a bottle of Vol de Nuit, her favorite perfume. The one she’d told Graham about.
“Is that...?” Precious’s blue eyes widened.
“It is. It’s a large enough bottle, so we can share.” Eva took it out of the box and unscrewed the glass top. After dabbing the perfume behind each ear and on her wrists, she handed the bottle to Precious.
“Are you sure you don’t mind? I know this is your signature scent, and I don’t want to confuse Graham.” Precious grinned.
“I don’t mind sharing with you. We’re like sisters, remember?” Eva smiled up at her friend. “Besides, I do believe Graham is familiar with me by now. I doubt he’ll be confused.”
While Precious applied the perfume to her neck, Eva dug through the box, looking for a card of some sort, wanting to see Graham’s handwriting. A folded ivory-colored linen note lay at the bottom of the box. She reached for it, then froze, remembering another folded note. One that hadn’t been from Graham.
“Is it from him?” Precious asked, leaning over Eva’s shoulder.
Eva pressed the note to her chest. “Of course. And if you’ll give me some privacy, I’d love to read it.”
“Sorry.” Precious managed to look remorseful. “But do hurry—they’ll be here soon.” She placed the perfume bottle on Eva’s dressing table on her way out. Eva waited until she heard her friend’s footsteps disappearing down the hallway before unfolding the note. It wasn’t signed, and there was no salutation, but none was needed.
