‘Can you take this back to the kitchen, please?’
Emma looked startled. ‘Liz? Is everything okay?’
‘That’s what I was about to ask you.’
‘Everything’s fine,’ Emma said. But Liz could see that she was blinking back tears.
‘Did you see Susie?’
Emma nodded.
‘And did you hear what she said?’
‘Yes,’ Emma whispered.
‘Let’s go somewhere a little quieter.’ Liz led Emma out of the main ballroom and into the study, where Lord Weatherton had let them store their belongings. When they’d catered for Lucinda’s engagement party, it had been summer and the theme had been an Edwardian garden-party. But as it was now the middle of February, they’d been given the run of the ground floor for the event, and Liz was glad there was somewhere quiet they could go. Emma sat down on one of the comfortable Chesterfield sofas.
‘Just because Susie wants to see Jay doesn’t mean he’d be interested in her.’
‘Why not? She’s gorgeous.’
‘So are you.’
Emma laughed, but it lacked warmth. ‘Not compared to a model.’
‘I used to think that when Nikki was around. But it’s not all about looks. It’s how you are together. Susie always wanted tohave things her way, just like Nikki, but that’s not how successful relationships work. That’s not how you and Jay work.’
‘He was in love with her once.’
‘He was infatuated with her. But they weren’t compatible — not like you and him. He can see that now. He’d never go back to her.’
‘Wouldn’t he?’
‘No! Of course he wouldn’t. Susie’s a fake and you’re the genuine article.’
‘You said you’d tell him she was here.’
‘I only said that to stop her from going into the kitchen. There’s no way I’m telling him.’
‘Why not?’ Emma asked.
‘Why would I? He doesn’t need Susie in his life again.’
‘But surely that’s his decision to make? And if he does choose her, at least I’ll know one way or another.’
‘Oh, Em. He’s not going to choose her.’
‘Then there’s no harm in telling him, is there?’
‘If that’s what you want.’
Emma nodded. ‘I do.’
‘Okay, I will. If only to prove to you that it’syouhe wants. But, Emma, I have to ask. Is everything okay between you two? It’s not like you to have these doubts.’
Emma sighed. ‘Oh, I don’t know. My head’s a mess. We are in a rut — we’re both so busy that we barely see each other. But I think we can work it out. Or at least we could if there’s no one else to put a spanner in the works.’
‘We have been really busy. Maybe he’s been working too hard.’ Liz felt a pang of guilt. ‘Perhaps I’ll suggest he takes some holiday. Would that help?’
