Cally smiled politely. 'Thank you. It's lovely to be here.'
The group fell into conversation, discussing the recent race and their plans for the rest of the day. Cally mostly listened, trying to follow the unfamiliar jargon and references to past events.
'I must say, that was quite a thrilling race,' Beatrice commented. 'Midnight Dancer certainly lived up to expectations.'
Logan’s uncle, Reginald, nodded, swirling amber liquid in his glass. 'Yes, he's been in excellent form this season. I had a feeling he'd pull through today.'
Cally glanced at Logan. 'Cally and I actually placed a bet on Midnight Dancer to win,' Logan said, wrapping an arm around Cally’s waist.
Cecilia raised an eyebrow, looking impressed. 'Did you now? Well, congratulations on your win, both of you.'
As they chatted, Alastair arrived. Cally bristled internally. Alastair had a habit he wasn’t even aware of, of rubbing her up the wrong way. Alaistair kissed everyone and grabbed himself a drink from a passing waitress. He then turned to Cally and beamed. 'You look beautiful! Wow! Do you often attend the races?’
Cally felt her stomach flutter with nerves, unsure how to respond. 'Oh, no, this is actually my first time,' she admitted. 'I'm quite new to all of this.'
Alastair frowned and wrinkled his nose. 'First time! What? Really?
‘Yes.’
‘Sorry, I thought you were joking! You’ve never been to the races before! What? Rather odd.’
Cecilia joined in. ‘She’s loving the excitement, all the glamour, and the thrill of it all.'
‘Bet you are.’ Alastair laughed. ‘Can’t actually believe it’s your first time.’
Cecilia touched Cally on the elbow. 'I have a feeling Cally here might be our good luck charm. It's not often that Logan wins a bet.'
Logan feigned offence. 'Hey, I've had my fair share of lucky streaks in the past.'
Cecilia rolled her eyes good-naturedly. 'Of course. But you have to admit, having Cally by your side makes you rather luckier than usual.’
Cally felt a pang in her chest at the mention of luck and fortune. These people didn’t know they were born. Or they did. They very much knew where they were born. On the right side of a big fat silver spoon. One that dripped in liquid gold.
She flicked the switch and smiled at Cecilia, and played along with the banter, hoping what she felt didn't show on her face. 'I'm happy to be anyone's good luck charm.'
Logan squeezed her arm. ‘You’re certainly mine.’
Grr, that’s why you lied to me,Cally said to herself.She had to stop her nostrils flaring and a hiss of steam coming out of her ears. What an actual scumbag. He was making out they were so tight when he’d lied. She bristled inside. If only the stupid Henry-Hicks family knew that she knew the secret. A knife twisted in Cally's gut. How could he say nice things and woo her when he had been hiding such a monumental secret from her? She simply didn’t get it. She smiled, played the part of the happy, carefree girlfriend and thought about how she was going to be the one with all the cards the next day.
'You two make such a lovely couple,' Beatrice said. ‘Rather lovely to see.’
Cally swallowed hard, forcing a smile. 'That's very kind of you to say.'
As the conversation flowed on around her, Cally found herself drifting, her mind consumed with thoughts of Logan and the secret. She tried to focus on the present, but the nagging betrayal lingered. Part of her realised her plan to keep schtum until after the races was complete stupidity. What had she been thinking? She glanced around at the sea of colourful hats and tailored suits, at the gleaming horses, and at the immaculate grounds of the racetrack. It was all so different from the world she knew—such a contrast to her simple, unassuming life.
Beatrice rested her hand on Cally's arm. ‘You must visit us at the estate sometime. We would love to show you around the gardens and introduce you to the rest of the family.'
Cally blinked, surprised by the invitation. 'I’d love that.'
Beatrice nodded enthusiastically. 'Yes, please do come and visit. We could make a whole weekend of it, perhaps have a little dinner party for you and Logan.'
Cally glanced at Logan, who was smiling broadly. ‘Mmm. Thank you.’ She nodded, trying to muster up some enthusiasm for the idea, even though inside, she thought that she wouldn’t be around after the next day.
As the group continued to chat, Cally looked around at her surroundings. A beautiful building looking out over a racetrack surrounded by high society where she actually wasn’t doing too badly at all. She observed Logan for a bit and how he was completely at ease. How he navigated this world and had brought her into it entirely comfortable and confident amongst the wealthy and the privileged. He was fine carrying on when he’d not been truthful. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was a part of him she didn't know, as if he had a secret lifehidden from her. The thought made her heart ache and question everything. Cally did not like that at all. She touched the edge of her hat and pursed her lips. Henry-Hicks would soon be toast. The little façade he’d created would come crashing down around his ears, and she would go back to holding up the sky. Just as she always had.
22
Despite Cally’s feelings, she’d quite enjoyed the races and had held her own well. She’d been fine chatting here and there, and it hadn’t taken her long to work out that her outfit was on point. It was mid-afternoon, and the weather had turned cloudy. Logan had gone off with Alastair to bet, and after standing with Cecilia and Beatrice for a while, Cally had decided to take herself off for a walk. Considering that she had never in her life been interested in fashion or anything like it, she was fascinated by the outfits, hats, and generally just the pomp and dress-up going on around her. She’d made her excuses and fully intended to have a little stroll around, get herself a cup of tea, and have a bit of a people-watch at how the other half lived.
