‘I’ve got the journos here tonight too, so we should get plenty of publicity, especially after your outing in the press the other week.’
‘That’s not something to be celebrated,’ Anna said abruptly.
‘No, of course not. But from what I heard, you and Daniel helped to save lives that night, so you should be proud of yourselves.’
Anna nodded. She didn’t want to be reminded of what had happened — she still had nightmares about it.
‘But tonight, my darling, is all about you. So let’s put our smiles on and go and meet your adoring public.’
And Anna did manage to smile at that, because the thought that little old Anna from Rotherhithe would ever have achieved anything even close to an adoring public was suddenly very funny.
And mingle she did. All night, and as the gallery filled up it became hotter. Her feet began to ache in uncomfortable high-heeled shoes and her head spun from the glasses of champagne that were thrust into her hand.
Daisy was there with Tom, over the moon at her success, enthusing about Anna’s talent and how she’d finally got the acknowledgement she’d always wanted. But the best part was when she saw her dad and Harry admiring the photos. She made her way over to them, delighted that they’d arrived. Her father wasn’t a man who liked to venture out into unfamiliar surroundings. As the night had drawn on, and there’d still been no sign of them, she’d begun to wonder if he’d decided not to come after all. But they were here now and it felt as though her world was complete.
‘I can’t get over these pics, Anna, they’re bloody brilliant,’ her dad said after giving her a hug.
‘Do you think so?’ she asked, suddenly shy in his praise.
‘I certainly do. Look at this one.’ He pointed to a picture of St Mary’s church. ‘I’ve walked past that church nearly every single day of my life and I’ve never once wanted to go inside. But the way you’ve made it look, I want to see more and I’ll definitely be paying a visit the next chance I get.’
‘I knew you were talented,’ Harry said. ‘But I didn’t know you were this talented. Well done.’ He put his arm around her and kissed her on the cheek.
‘I’m sorry that I haven’t taken you more seriously in the past,’ her father added. ‘I should have been encouraging you, not hindering you.’
Anna’s eyes filled with tears at the words she’d wanted to hear for so long.
* * *
Daniel watched as Anna was hugged by two men, one older and one younger, who he presumed must be her father and brother. He was glad they’d come tonight to support her. He knew she desperately wanted them to be proud of her and so they should be. She had incredible talent. Daniel looked around the gallery lit by her photography. The fact that she was self-taught, yet was able to produce such amazing images, was incredible. He hoped he’d taught her something too over the last few months. He knew that, if tonight was going to be the success he suspected it would be, he would once again be looking for a new assistant. He certainly didn’t begrudge her the success, but his life would be poorer without her in it. Although, if he was no longer her employer, would that break down the barrier she had about mixing work with a relationship? He’d thought going away after the explosion would have helped to distance his feelings from her, but he’d spent the whole time thinking about Anna, wondering what she was doing and if she missed him too. And since he’d been back, he’d had to physically keep her at arm’s length — the urge to reach out and pull her into an embrace was overwhelming. He’d caught her staring at him with a frown and knew she must have been wondering why he was being so distant, but it was the only thing he could do to stop himself from crossing a boundary.
He’d barely spoken to her all evening, but now he wanted to tell her how proud he was of her and to let her family know what a huge success she was about to be.
* * *
Anna turned from talking to her family to see Daniel walking towards her. She’d barely seen him all night and was keen to know what he thought about the exhibition. He’d been distant with her since he’d come back from Cheshire and she wondered if she’d done something to offend him. Maybe once tonight was over, they’d be able to sit down and have a proper chat, to fix whatever was wrong between them. Now, though, he was all smiles as she introduced him to her father and Harry.
‘So you’re the man who made all this happen then,’ Andrew said once they’d been introduced.
‘I wouldn’t say that.’ Daniel smiled back at him. ‘My friend Charlotte did all the organising.’
‘Yes, but you’re the one who encouraged her. She has nothing but praise for you.’
‘Dad!’ Anna muttered.
‘Well, that’s very flattering, but it had very little to do with me and more to do with Anna. She’s very talented.’
‘It certainly looks that way, but I don’t know where she gets it from. Neither me nor her mother were artistic. But I’m very proud of her.’
‘We both are,’ Harry added.
Anna felt the heat rise in her face, the praise overwhelming her, and once more she wondered what it would have been like if her mum was still here.
Charlotte tapped her on the shoulder.
‘I’m sorry to interrupt, but can I borrow Anna? I’ve got some people I’d like you to meet.’
Anna allowed herself to be led away. It was typical that just as Daniel came over, Charlotte wanted her to go and mingle. But she knew she had to make the most of this opportunity. Although she was usually awkward about talking to new people, this was easier than she’d anticipated. There was no need tomake small talk with them — everyone was keen to know all about her and it was simply a case of answering their questions.
