Goodbye,
Farewell and Amen – Part 4
Saturday 12th
November
Noon GMT
The Medley,
Dublin
"So when
will Eve and Aileen get here?" Orion asked Katy as they looked round the
room.
"They are coming over with Aunt Shirley on her private plane,” Katy said
as she looked at her watch, “so they should be here by one at the latest."
"They should be alright then," the Belfast girl looked at the catwalk
and the rest of the venue. "This isn't bad."
"Up one
side, pose, short traverse, pose, back down the other...It looks easy
enough."
"Yeah I've
walked worse."
"The first
half daytime wear, the second half evening stuff," Katy looked at the
running order. "That seems reasonable."
"The
change may be hard, but it should work."
"Will it
offend your Irish soul Emerald if I say I've not heard of any of these
designers?"
"Not at
all," Orion paused, "but it illustrates the problem, to make the 'big
time' designers currently must leave Ireland. Eve and the organizers want to
make this an event that shows off our home based talent, and just hopefully the
world will take notice."
12.45 pm GMT
RTE Studios,
Dublin
“You know how
to get from here to the venue?” Paula asked as Sherry and Mike got out of the
Range Rover at the entrance to the RTE studios.
“I’ll call a
taxi,” Sherry replied, “they promised we will be finished with the interview in
time for us to get to the show.”
“Well if you
need to, phone me and I’ll come and pick you up,” the Duke offered.
“Oh we will be
fine,” Mike smiled. “You guys go enjoy yourselves.”
“Enjoy
ourselves,” Paula gasped, “Michael have you ever seen what models have to go
through on a show day?”
“Can’t say I
have.”
“It’s not much
fun,” the Duke laughed, “my dear wife and sister will be complaining all
afternoon.”
“Well, I think
I prefer this,” Mile said as he closed the door, and they waved the rest of the
party off. He looked at Sherry, in her
jacket and dress, and said “ready?”
“No – but best
to get this done…”
"You know
I'm going to feel positively ancient compared to every other girl walking today
Paula?" Eve sighed, "you say about you being an 'old lady' what does
that make me?"
"Ageless
sister dear," Tom turned and smiled as he waited for the traffic lights to
turn green.
"Thank you brother dearest," Eve smiled back, "but it still
doesn't change the fact that I belong to a completely different generation of
models to every other girl working today."
"Oh maybe
not," Paula laughed as she read a text message.
"Oh?"
Eve lifted an eyebrow. "What's happening?"
"I'm not
going to spoil the surprise," Paula giggled some more.
"Have the
girls arrived?"
"They have
indeed darling. That message was from Shirley saying they all got there
safely."
“Good – well,
let’s go…”
1 pm GMT
The Medley
“Did you check
in at the hotel yet John me bhoy?” Stephen Stone asked as his colleague
wandered in to the reception room that was serving as the press centre for the
fashion show.
“We did,” John
Hammond said with a smile, “and I was rather impressed by the place.”
“Yeah it’s one
of the better places in town,” Stephen said with a smile. So where’s the lovely
Shirley?”
“Escorting your
nieces and a surprise guest backstage.”
“Oh,” Stephen
said with his head to one side, “anyone I should be takin’ an interest in?”
“Maybe,” John
laughed lightly, “and I know your lovely wife will be glad to see her. Has Eve
arrived yet?”
“No I drove in
this mornin’. She’s coming with Paula and the Country Life people. In fact,” he
looked at his watch, “they should be due any time.”
“Okay,” John
glanced round, “is Jack here?”
“He poked his
head in a few minutes ago, but he seemed a bit quiet and off-colour.”
John looked at
his old friend with a concerned expression.
“Don’t say the old hypochondriac is actually sick?”
“Might be, but
looked more like he was distracted.”
“Well as long
as he’s alright. I’ll go and see if I
can find him…”
Juliette stood
in wonder and awe, as Shirley smiled and said “Can we find a place for ‘her’ to
hide till Eve arrives Juliette?”
“Oh I’m sure we
can do something Shirley. Excuse me – could you arrange somewhere for my friend
to wait, and get her a coffee?”
“Of course,”
the assistant said as she indicated the third woman should follow her. As they went off, Juliette said “I can’t wait
to see Eve’s face. How did you arrange this?”
“Well I know
her husband slightly and I rang him to pass on my condolences about Fiona, and
well then the conversation turned to me flying over for these shows, and he
asked was there room on my plane to take someone else.”
“And of course
there was.”
“Exactly.”
“Well I know
Eve will be overjoyed to see her, they go way, way back.”
“So she was
saying on the way over. So, what did you
want to talk to me about, and why did you want to know if Jayes had a report on
a visit to Dublin?”
“Well…”
“Any clue when
Mummy will be arriving Aunt Juliette?” Aileen interrupted.
“She should be
here any minute.”
“Well when she
gets here tell her Eve and I are in the fitting area please.”
“Will do.” As the teenager went off, Juliette said
quietly “how do you feel about a treasure hunt?”
“Where?”
“In a
Government office…”
Backstage was
the usual calm sense of tranquillity.
Not.
"This is
what Mary Clarke says we do actually work for a living," Katy stood
perfectly still while the assistants worked to make the evening dress fit
perfectly.
"Ouch!"
"Sorry
Miss Smith," the young man doing the fitting apologized after he stuck a
pin in Jo.
"Yeah
having to stand perfectly still while they do their thing isn't easy,"
Alice observed.
"First
walk through in 45 minutes ladies," a female voice shouted.
"Is that
enough time Sean?" Katy asked her fitter.
"I'll get
it done Miss."
"How's it
going BS?" Jo asked as Jeannie wheeled herself in.
"Oh the
usual problems of doing fittings on a disabled model. This is always the time I
actually wish I could stand up. It would make it so much easier."
"Yeah it
can't be easy." Jo grimaced as she felt another pin prick.
"Sorry,"
Sean apologized again, "but the instructions are this must be skin
tight."
"I know,
and my body is slimmer than most making it harder."
"When will
Eve get here?" Jeannie Beckmann fretted, "I want to get my interview
with her out of the way."
"She's on
her way is all I know," her producer glanced at his mobile.
"So what
do you make of what you've seen Titi?" Grace asked.
"Some of
it isn't that great,” Jeannie said quietly, “it's pretty derivative, but there
are some outstanding bits as well."
"That's
rather what I thought. One or two of these designers are actually very
talented."
"Yeah,
hopefully this publicity will help their careers."
"Did you
see who Shirley Xavier brought along?"
"Someone
who was always one of my personal idols when I started in this business,"
Jeanne smiled.
"Well when
I came along she was like Eve. Already a living legend."
"That she
was darlin's" Stephen looked up from fitting a lens, "my wife will be
glad to see her."
“Glad to see
who?”
“There you
are,” Grace said with a smile as Paula and Eve came in. “Just in time for fitting – the girls are
through there.”
“On my way,”
Paula said as she walked through the doors, to be greeted by two shouts of
“MUMMY!”
“So you want to
talk to me and Cassandra, Titi?”
“IF you can
find her…”
“Well, this
looks like a completely different side of your life,” Derek Torville said as he
looked round the changing area.
“Well, you did
want to see all areas of my life,” Paula said with a smile, “and this is part
of it. My daughters, Eve and Aileen –
girls, this is Derek Torville of Country Life.”
“Oh yeah – you
want to write about Mum and Dad,” Aileen said with a smile. “Welcome to chaos. Who’s the lady?”
“Siobhan
Roebuck,” the older woman said as she shook their hands, “can I get a picture
of all three of you for the article?”
“Guess so,” Eve
said as they stood either side of Paula, and smiled.
“What’s this –
a new face?”
“Hardly – Luke
Helier, this is Siobhan Roebuck, of Country Life.”
“Ah – a
pleasure,” he said as they shook hands, “so you’re not here for the fashion
show?”
“Not
particularly – I leave that to people like John Hammond and Stephen Stone.”
“And my
partner…”
“Luke, where
are you?”
“Over here –
Jack Linklater, this is…” Luke stopped
as he saw the way both photographers were looking at each other, before Jack
whispered “oh lord – Siobhan?”
The two
photographers stared at each other, neither moving or speaking as Eve, Aileen
and Paula looked at them. Luke was also
studying them, before he quietly said “err…
I take it you two have met before?”
“You might say
that,” Jack said quietly, for once not the flamboyant person he liked to
be. “It’s been a long time.”
“It has indeed
– but you look well,” Siobhan said quietly.
“Are we missing
something here Mummy,” Aileen said as she looked at them.
“Incredibly
good question,” Paula said quietly, “incredibly good question…”
1.15 pm GMT
RTE Studios
Sherry was
feeling less and less comfortable, as the make up girl fussed over her while
she sat in the seat.
“Mrs Babbage?”
She turned and
looked at the well dressed man standing there.
“Derek Curran –
thank you for agreeing to talk to us,” he said as he shook her hand, and then
sat down.
“It’s a
pleasure, although I’m not sure why you have asked me,” Sherry said as he sat
down.
“Don’t worry,
it’s just some background stuff, nothing too heavy,” Derek said with a smile as
he looked at the cameraman. “So take a
deep breath, relax, and we can begin.”
Sherry nodded
as she watched the camera, then looked at Derek as he said “in order to get
some background on the late Viscountess Kildurran, I’m talking to her
granddaughter, the Honourable Sheridan Babbage.
Mrs Babbage, thank you for coming in.”
“It’s my
pleasure Derek – and please, I much prefer Sherry,” she said as she started ot
relax.
“Perhaps we can
begin by you telling me some of your earliest memories of your grandmother,
Agnetha Butler?”
“Well, my first
memory was of a very tall blonde haired woman with a wide smile, who held me in
her arms,” Sherry said with a smile.
“So you
remember when you were a baby?”
“I am blessed
in that respect yes,” Sherry said with a smile.
“But my grandmother was always there when I was growing up. I loved spending the summer with her whenever
I could in her home.”
“Kildurran
Manor?”
“That’s right –
a beautiful house.”
“So what did
you know of her work at the time?”
“Not very much
– I knew she worked for the government, and sometimes I saw her when I watched
television with my parents, but that was about all I knew.”
“When you were
growing up,” Derek said quietly, “the government of the United Kingdom and
Ireland were trying to find a solution to end the Troubles. Were you aware of the role your grandmother
played in that discussion?”
Sherry looked
straight at Derek, before she said quietly “as I just said, all I knew was that
she was something in government. She
certainly never told me much of the details of her work.”
“So when she
passed away, you were surprised at the fact Gerry Adams, Ian Paisley and Tony
Blair sent their condolences?”
“I admit, that
did surprise me, but I was a young mother living in London by then. I put it down to her been known by those
people,” Sherry said as she maintained her smile. She could feel a trap was coming, but wasn’t
sure how…
“Did she ever
tell stories of her work during the war, Sherry?”
“The war? I cannot say she ever did, at least not in my
presence…”
“Advance copies
of a new book by Juliette Huntingdown about her aunt, the famed criminologist
Jane Huntingdown, apparently contains some stories of undercover work she did
during the Second World War. Would it
surprise you to learn your grandmother was also involved in such activities?”
“Very much
so. I only remember a kindly old woman
who I loved very much.”
“Sherry
Babbage, thank you very much.”
Sherry watched
as the camera light went off, Derek smiling as he said “thanks for doing that.”
“So why did you
ask about the war?”
“Oh, just
background,” he said with a smile. “We
will let you see an advance copy of the finished program.”
“I look forward
to it,” Sherry said as she left the studio, Mike standing up as she walked
over.
“What happened?”
“I think we may
have a problem,” she said as they walked out.
“I need to call Paris.”
1.30 pm GMT
The Medley
Siobhan, Luke
and Jack were sitting in the refreshment area, the models walking past them as
they each held a coffee.
“Okay,” Jack
finally said with a sigh, “Luke, Siobhan is – well, the one that got away.”
Luke looked at
the grey haired woman, and said “oh – the one you were going to marry, before…”
“Before I
walked into his room and found him with a cute blonde? Yeah, that’s me,” Siobhan said with a
smile. “Did he ever tell you the story,
Luke?”
“A little – but
I for one am glad it turned out the way it did,” Luke said as he took Jack’s
hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, Jack returning it as he shook his head.
“Some year,” he
eventually said, “I go back to Miami for the first time since Gianni’s passing,
become a godfather, and now I bump into you…”
“A
godfather? Well, that is a different
side to the Jack we usually see,” Siobhan said with a smile, “who were the lucky
children?”
“Hmmm… Oh, Rudi and Mags?”
“Twins?”
“Not just any
twins,” Luke said with a smile, “officially, they are their Serene Highnesses,
Prince Rudolf and Princess Margaret von Furstenheim.”
Siobhan looked
at Jack, who smiled and said “Well, we all have to grow up at some point… So you’re here working?”
“Indeed – an
article on the Gaunt family, and I should have guessed you would be here as
well. Do you see much of those of us who
operate outside the fashion world?”
“One or two –
we met Marghereta Olsen earlier in the year in Naples, at another wedding…”
“Marghereta
appeared in public? I thought she was so
dedicated to her work she only checked in with her editors because she has
to!” All three of them started laughing
at that, before Siobhan wiped her eyes and said “so – you two serious?”
“About as
serious as it can get,” Jack said as he looked at Luke. “I mean, I’m not the marrying kind…”
“You were
once.”
Jack looked
over, shaking his head and smiling as he said “true – but it would never have
worked, and – well, fate had another path for me to walk down. Did you ever find anyone?”
“No – but my
career is where I found my happiness. I
have followed yours as well – all of it.”
She put her hand on his before she said “you are a genius, Jack
Linklater, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
“Eve,
Cassandra, thank you for talking to me today,” Jeanne Beckmann said as she
ended the interview, and then indicated the cameras should go off.
“Well, better
get ready to head back to the coal face,” Eve said as she removed the
microphone.
“Oh come on
Bandit – at our age we should always be ready.”
“SPIDER!” Eve smiled as she hugged Jean Doig, and said
“what the heck are you doing here?”
“Seeing old
friends – and this is your daughter?
Jean Doig.”
“Cassandra
Stone – it’s a real pleasure to meet you, Your Ladyship.”
“Oh let’s drop
the titles,” Jean said with a smile, “or we’ll be here all day, Lady Eve. Why don’t you take me backstage to meet some
of the others – especially the ones who weren’t at the funeral…”
“Your
highness?”
Juliette looked
up from the table she was sitting at, and said “Martina, please – you remember
Shirley Xavier?”
“Of course,”
Shirley said with a smile as she stood and kissed the young Kiwi. “Juliette said you wanted to meet with us?”
“I did,” the
blonde said as she sat down. “did you
manage to find anything out?”
“I got the
extract from his diaries – they had an adventure here that actually answered
some other questions, but that is not important right now. Why do I think you found a letter?”
“In my
grandfather’s papers – I was home for a couple of weeks, with nothing to do,”
she said as she drew a browning envelope from her bag, drew out two folded
sheets of A4 paper and carefully opened them, Juliette and Shirley putting on
their glasses and reading the contents.
“Oh my,” Juliette
said quietly, “and the building is still there?”
“It is
currently the home of the Irish Justice Department,” Shirley said quietly, “and
as such, very well guarded.”
“But is it
possible?”
Shirley smiled
as she said “of course it can be done.
It will need a day to get the team together – Juliette, are you happy to
leave this with me?”
“I want in.”
The two women
looked at Martina as she said “I want in – I have some skills to offer as
well.”
“In what way do
you believe you can…”
“Because I know
what your great-aunt and your great-grandmother did,” Martina said quietly,
“and because I am a fully paid up BA member in my own right. So I know Number 16 – and she said to tell
you.”
Juliette looked
at Shirley, as she nodded and said “very well then – we can talk tomorrow, once
my team is here. Now, let us enjoy the
show…”
3 pm CET
The British Embassy
Paris
“Commander
Cornwall?”
Kay looked
round as she heard her official rank, and saw the official standing there.
“Your guests
are waiting in the secure video conference room. If you will follow me…”
“Of course,”
Kay said as she followed him down the corridor, and then into a secure area,
the army officer standing to attention as they went past. He opened a door, and said “we will connect
you in a few minutes” as she went in.
“Kay – I trust
you are well?”
“Of course I
am,” she said as she embraced Francesca di Cambrello, kissing her on both
cheeks, “and I am grateful I could take part in this.”
“Well, as you
were foiled in the reasonable attempts to help, it made sense you were here for
this.”
“Alex, allow me
to present Maria Riva,” Francesca said as she indicated the grey haired woman
sitting in a chair, leaning on a stick.
“Maria, this is Kay Cornwall.”
“Head of the Russian
Desk at the Circus? It is an honour,”
Maria said as she inclined her head.
“The honour is
mine,” Kay said as she leaned over and kissed Maria on both cheeks. “I trust you are in good health.”
“For a woman of
my age, to travel is one of the major signs,” Maria said with a smile, “but I
am well, and it is important I am here for the start of the process. When will we be connected?”
“Now, I think,”
Francesca said as she looked at the screen, the three women sitting as Leader
appeared on the screen. Maria stared at
her, then at Francesca as she said "greetings, Leader. You may recognise Commander Kay Cornwall, but
may I present Her Excellency, Madame Maria Riva, former aide to the Italian
President.”
“An honour,”
Leader said as she inclined her head. “I
apologise for the short delay, but – ah, here she is now.”
Maria smiled as
she saw the second woman sit down.
“Blonde is a new look for you, my dear.”
“A necessary
one,” Alex Green said with a smile.
“Have you
managed to settle,” Francesca said with a smile.
“Once I got
over the shock of how accommodation works here, yeah – not to mention dealing
with the fact I am dead now.”
“For a corpse,
you look remarkable spry,” Kay laughed.
“So where are you anyway?”
“The exact
location is classified, but I am a guest of the Sisters of Maisha at their
training compound. I’m pinch hitting as
best I can, until something more permanent can be sorted out.”
“Well, you
certainly seem to have recovered,” Francesca said. “Did you see your obituary?”
“Yeah – short
on detail, but at least they didn’t say too much. Liz heard through her contacts that Peter and
Hennie closed the file, and kept everything else hush hush.”
“A face saving
measure?”
“Possibly – but
that is the past, and I have been counselled to look forward.”
“Indeed,” Maria
said with a smile, “and Liz?”
“One of the
Sisters’ contacts with South African Intelligence,” Francesca said with a
smile. “So Alex, let’s begin with your
report on how you were outed, and what happened from your perspective.”
Alex nodded as
she said “I was aware of a growing – problem after I met with Francesca in
California – but then I came home that night with Peter, and Hennie was there…”
2.30 pm GMT
The Medley
“I’ll catch up with you in a minute, Mike,” Sherry said as they came
backstage, watching as her husband went to the front of house before she walked
over to where Paula was sitting in a chair.
"Sherry darling you look positively frazzled," Paula observed as
Sherry sat next to her, “what happened?”
"If what I suspect those bloody tv producers are up to is even
half true darling, then I have every right to be,” Sherry said quietly, “and
maybe so do all of 'us'."
"Us?" the duchess asked quizzically.
"Yes us. Us as in the sense of those of us who consider ourselves
Anglo-Irish." Sherry ran her hair
through her head and looked round.
"What do you mean?"
"You remember what those bastards said to you when you had your
home invasion?"
"Yes – not something I’m ever likely to forget. But that was a couple of fanatics, Sherry..."
"Well,” Sherry said as she leaned forward, “I think this producer
wants to rake over past hurts regarding the ascendency, and the fallout from
the civil war and afterwards."
"Oh come on," Paula rolled her eyes, "this is 2016, not
1916."
"Agreed, and the general tone back in the spring celebrating the
anniversary of the rising wasn't too bad, but I think this producer wants to
revisit the past, and he's found out some bits about my Grandmother that I
think everyone hoped were safely buried."
“What sort of things?”
“What role she played then and in the 1917 uprising… Her role in later years, up to and including
the war… IS Juliette around?”
“She’s talking to her book people – why?”
“I need to ask her if she came across my grandmother’s name in her
researches, see what she learned.”
“Sherry,” Paula said quietly, “I know I should not ask, but…”
“Don’t Paula – better if you don’t.
I just wish Kay was here – I need to call Aggie at some point as well,
see what she knows.”
“Take a deep breath, Sherry,” Paula said, “you could be wrong.”
“SHERRY?”
“I’ll go and talk to Mike,” Sherry said as she walked ot where her
husband was standing, and followed him out.
“Hungry?”
“Oh yes,” Paula said, “let’s go next door and eat…”
"Why were you chatting to the duchess in that manner
darling?" Mike asked Sherry as they sat to have tea in the hotel
restaurant.
"In what manner?"
"Oh hushed whispers, waving arms, agonized looks on both your
faces," Mike smiled, "I thought you said the interview went
well?"
“It did – but some old wounds may be about to be opened,” Sherry said
quietly.
“What? Your grandmother? Surely not…”
"Remember back when we were getting started Spider and we had to
do most of this ourselves?" Eve smiled as they started to dry her hair.
"Oh don't remind me. These youngsters think this is all so hard
preparing to do a show, they really have it easy compared to back in our
day."
"Well to be fair, we were told just the same by the 'older
generation' when we were young things," Eve smiled again.
"True."
"You know I could listen to you two chat for hours," Jeannie
looked serious for a second. "One day someone needs write a proper history
of modeling as a profession."
"Maybe it will be you BS?" Eve tossed her head slightly.
"with all that stuff Fiona left you, then you have a treasure trove of
information."
"I guess so, but so much of it is in people memories, not written
down on paper."
"You have a point," Jean looked at her own reflection.
"Maybe you and Titi need start a project to record models memories."
"You know that is actually an idea," Jeannie said quietly,
"a very good idea."
“What is?”
“Hey Jeanne,” Jeannie said, “I’ve got an idea for a new segment for the
Beckmann Report – living history.”
“Oh? Tell me more…”
1 pm
The Burton Apartment
“Who would have thought English Literature would involve so much
history,” Poppy said as she looked across the table at Erica, Lynn, Jess and
Dawn.
“I was forewarned by Doc,” Erica said as she looked at the printed
passages, “but this is certainly a refreshing change and challenge.”
“So when does Bugs get back,” Jess said as she sipped from her glass.
“We go to meet her off the ferry at five on the Sunday normally –
Abby’s going to drive us there tonight, given Ama doesn’t get back until just
before then tomorrow.”
“She’s travelling almost as much as Jeannie these days,” Dawn said with
a smile.
“That’s what happens when the national scouts get you,” Jess said with
a shrug, “regular trips to the homeland for training camps.”
“The homeland?” Jess looked over
at Poppy and laughed as she said “yeah, well – For me yes, for Ama – she’s
tangentially attached, but that bodn does seem to be getting stronger.”
“If Scotland ever played Spain, Jess, what would you do?”
“Play my best – and try to win.
It’s the only thing you can do…”
6 pm GMT
The Medley
“Ladies and Gentlemen,” Cassandra said as the lights went down,
“welcome to the Irish Fashion Guild show, and to start tonight’s show, please
welcome to the stage three generations of Irish modelling history – Eve Stone,
Paula Priest, and Eve and Aileen Priest!”
As the audience applauded, John was backstage, smiling as he saw Orion
O’Ryan’s father standing there.
"Hello Mick," John Hammond smiled as he came over, "how
are you?"
"I’m fine John,” Mick said in his soft Belfast accent, “and yerself?"
"Excellent," a small laugh escaped John's lips, "But I think I
maybe need buy you a stiff drink?"
"Why," Mick's eyes narrowed with suspicion.
"Because you may need it when you see what Orion is wearing in the
first half."
"Oh God," Mick paused," too much chest?"
"Nope, a skirt so short it makes her look as though her legs go on
for ever."
"I can live with that I suppose, but just be thankful her Auntie isn't
here to see it."
“We must be grateful for small mercies,” John said as he joined in the
laughter…
"Emerald if you weren't already a superstar, that outfit would
make you one," Jeannie carefully studied her friend as she stood in the
cream linen dress, a thin belt round her waist, her red hair carefully styled
on her head.
"It's not too short is it?" Orion looked hard at herself in the
mirror.
"No you have such great legs," Jeannie smiled, "It would
be wasted on me though because shown sitting down it would lose it's
impact."
"I'm not sure I can sit in it without flashing everything
anyway," Orion shook her head.
“Well, it’s just as well you don’t have to,” Jeannie laughed as Katy
came back, wearing a light blue satin suit.
“And as for you, Lolita?”
“I know – I think I could even make Sands jealous of me in this,” Katy
said as she looked at herself carefully, “still – onwards and upwards…”
She ran to the changing area, passing Barbara as she talked on the
telephone.
1.30 pm
West Central Park
“The usual chaos then?”
“Of course it is,” Barbara said as Janice Carter poured water into the
coffee maker, the phone balanced on her shoulder and held in place with her chin.
"So what is Katy wearing and will I have a breakdown when I see
the pictures?"
"Not really, though you'll maybe think that the evening dress they
have Katy in for the second half is disappointingly bland," Barbara
replied.
"Oh?"
"Yeah it looks like a department store dress that you've seen a
dozen times already. It doesn't have any real impact."
"Is the standard of design that low?" Janice took the phone
in one hand as she poured the coffee with the other.
"No, the very best is wonderful, Katy is making noises she might buy
herself the satin suit they have her in for the first half."
Raising an eyebrow, Jan laughed as she said "My daughter in a suit?"
"Even I can see its pretty special, and that she will have it in her
wardrobe for many years. It's classically tailored, but with just a little
extra special magic."
"Well if she does buy it I might end up borrowing it myself,"
Janice laughed.
"Yes one thing being Models mums, we get to wear THEIR
clothes," Barbara laughed back.
“Right – gotta go, Jeannie’s up next.
See you in a couple of days.”
“Got it,” Jan said as she put the phone down, and carried the mugs into
the main room, where her mother was sitting down.
“Everything okay downstairs Mom?" Janice asked as she offered Katherine
a mug of fresh coffee.
"Yeah I put the fresh groceries away. They have fresh milk and I
left a note saying if they aren't too tired from the flight to come up and have
something to eat."
"Sounds good," Janice sat down, "while you were out I
phoned Barb."
"How is Katy doing?"
"Barb says she's doing fine, she's even considering buying one of
the outfits she is wearing."
"Is it something we are going to hate?"
"No," Janice laughed, "according to Barb it’s a
wonderful suit that Katy will be able to wear for years to come."
"How short is the skirt though?"
"Not too bad," Janice laughed again, "According to Barb it’s
the sort of thing that I might wear myself."
"It sounds good," Katherine sipped her coffee. "On the quiet
Katy actually has a great sense of style."
"Yes she doesn't just dress to shock me. So when does Marina and Kylie's flight
land?"
"In about two hours," Katherine checked her watch.
"I guess I better make myself presentable to go collect
them." Janice stood up.
7 pm GMT
The Medley
"Can someone explain to me why Katy is buying herself that
suit?" Aileen asked as she waited in line to have the curlers taken out of
her hair.
"Because it's an investment for the future darling," Mandy drawled.
"Now you've lost me," Aileen shook her head.
"It's like Merlin was saying about Fiona's way of categorizing
fashion at the cathedral yesterday," Kate Moss smiled, "that suit is
something Lolita will still be wearing 15 years from now."
"I still don't get it?"
"When you've been around the biz a bit longer you will,"
Mandy smiled, "we get an opportunity as models to see and wear clothes
other women can only dream about. I wear stuff that Lee designed over 20 years
ago, that even as a young model I knew would stand the test of time."
"Katy has spotted that that suit certainly will still be stylish
years from now," Kate added, "kudos to her for buying it."
"So you are saying I will see bits I like?"
"Undoubtedly darling," Mandy spoke languidly as the
hairdresser motioned her that she was next.
“And we need to
ask Mum if she will buy it?”
“Maybe,” Aileen
said to Eve, “Maybe not…”
"So did
you see anything you liked well enough to buy Shirley?" Tom Gaunt asked as
Madame joined him, Mike, and Sherry Babbage at the bar during the interval.
"I did actually Tom, those dress and matching jacket outfits that both
your sister and Jean Doig wore, I can easily see myself wearing to work."
Shirley sipped from her glass of wine. “What
about you Sherry?"
"That beautiful sweater and skirt ensemble that Juliette Huntingdown wore
really caught my eye. It would be perfect for winter days, and with my
husband's recent promotion I can maybe just about afford it."
"She's
spending my salary already," Mike laughed.
"If I
hadn't already splurged on some Fitzstuart sweaters I might be joining you in
that," Shirley smiled, "but I think I now have more than enough
quality woolens."
"Can a
woman have enough great sweaters?" Luke joined the conversation,
"according to my Mother she can't."
"I can see Martha's point," Shirley smiled at the young man.
"Are you not working Luke?"
"I have
been, but I think Jack needs some space to think so I slipped front of
house."
"Nothing
serious I hope?" Tom asked concernedly.
"A ghost
from his past has I think caused my lover to ask himself some questions."
"That's a
rather enigmatic answer," Tom Babbage sipped his beer, "my copper’s
instincts mean I can think of at least a dozen follow up questions."
"I
know," Luke smiled slightly, "but till Jack has sorted things out in
his own mind I think we should all just leave things as they are."
“So what
happened?”
“A past
acquaintance…”
Backstage, the
discussion was around another important matter…
"So Tufty,
did you come up with any ideas of what we can do for Shirley before the
wedding?'
"Not a
clue Pelican darling," the English aristocrat pouted to allow the makeup
artist to pant her lips for the second half. "I'm not even sure if it’s
best to hold the thing in Britain or America anyway.”
"What
about you Caroline?"
"I'd like
to help Ju,” Caroline said as she looked over, “but I'm not sure I can even
make it, the way they are expanding my part, my three weeks in Iceland shooting
this movie may yet stretch to a full month." The very tall blonde looked at
the makeup guy to see if he was finished, "I HOPE I'll make it to the do,
but I'm not going to be much help setting it up I'm afraid. Have you asked
Penny what she thinks?"
"I phoned her last night, and she had no real ideas either."
"Have you
spoken to Aunt Cat?" Eve Gaunt asked, "she's Aunt Shirley's oldest
friend."
"And she's
going to be in court arguing a complicated fraud case. She told me that much as
she'd like to help she is going to be working the day round."
"Well I
might have an idea Mom," Carina spoke up. "I remember overhearing at
the wedding that Shirley loves Italy, and particularly Lake Trevali. How about
we ask Charlotte or Francesca if we can borrow a villa, or even a castle, and
throw her a party there?"
"You know
darling daughter that isn't such a bad idea," Juliette knitted her brows.
"We get everybody there for a long weekend and we can swim, ride, and do a
lot of other things as well as party."
"And who
says my sister who goes to Yale is dumb," Ingrid laughed.
"I'll maybe
ring Francesca later tonight and see what she says."
"That
sounds like a plan Pelican," Mandy drawled.
9 pm ECT
Paris
“Thank you,”
Maria said as she slowly stood up, Kay and Francesca doing so as well. “I hope to see you soon, my dear.”
“I look forward
to it,” Alex said as Kay escorted the elderly Italian woman from the room, and
Francesca sat down.
"So
anything you can tell me about how long the debrief will take and where you see
me going eventually?' Alex asked.
"Aunt
Maria wonders if at first maybe you want to take one of my villas on Lake
Trevali till you decide what you want to do Mouse."
"You think that might work?"
"It's
quiet, very private, and we can give you some very discreet security."
"And my
cover story?"
"Well you
did tell me years ago you wanted to try writing. What better cover then we say
you are a novelist working on a book.'
"It's an
idea, and I'll say I certainly have a couple of ideas that I’d like to
try."
"I'll have
a word with the powers that be then."
“Madame Riva,”
Donald said as he stood, Agnes doing the same as she came in, “we are honoured
that you were able to come and spend the weekend with us. I can only apologise that I have not had the
chance to greet you formally until now.”
“It is all
right, My Lord,” Maria said as he helped her to sit down, “I am aware of what
you had to do today. My fiancée, Doctor
Agnes McAdam.”
“Ah yes, the
McAdam of McAdam. Forgive me if I do not
stand and bow.”
“Of course, and
the honour is mine,” Agnes said as she held the older woman’s hand. “My girls had to retire for the night, or
they would have greeted you as well.”
“I saw them
when I came in – delightful looking girls, and I look forward to meeting them
in the morning. Ah – thank you,” she
said as Donald handed her a glass of brandy, and Francesca came in.
“So what
happens next?”
“I need to ask
Aunt Maria to make some arrangements, and we get Alex to one of my castles –
now why does Juliette want a word,” she said quietly as she left the room
again.
Stepping into
the corridor, Francesca put the phone ot her ear and said quietly “Juliette -
how are you?"
"Exhausted Francesca,” she heard Juliette say, “it was a long day, and we
get to do it all again tomorrow in Belfast."
"Ah the
perils of being a top model," the Italian woman laughed. "Anyway what
has you ringing me this late?"
"You know
John and Shirley are getting married in December?"
"I've
already received my invitation."
"Well her
friends want to throw her a party before the wedding, and I'm hoping you can
help."
"Oh in
what way darling?"
"I don't
know if you've ever heard Shirley say how much she has enjoyed taking vacations
in Sentua?"
"I
remember her saying that. She loves Lake Trevali."
"Yes she
does, and well to cut to the chase I was maybe wondering if you might be able
to lend us a place where all her friends can gather for a weekend and give her
a party to remember?"
"Ah, now I
see," Francesca smiled.
"Do you
own anywhere suitable?"
"A couple
of properties come to mind," Francesca paused, "but I think our best
option is my Villa dei Mille Fiora."
"Villa of
a thousand flowers?" Juliette translated.
"It's
actually far more substantial than just the villa Juliette, there are guest
cottages in the grounds, stables, even an indoor swimming pool."
"That sounds like it ticks all the boxes."
“Well then,
call me on Tuesday once you are back and recovered, and we will discuss all
then. Ciao for now.”
"So we
heard you on the phone Francesca," Agnes asked as she and Kay watched her come
back in, "anything serious?"
"Not
really. It was Juliette Furstenheim."
"And what
did she want?" Kay asked.
"She's
organizing a party for Shirley Xavier before she gets married and she rang to
see if she could borrow one of my properties on Lake Trevali."
"Well
that's definitely not official business," Kay relaxed and sat in one of
the huge old armchairs.
"No this
is purely social."
"So do you
have anywhere suitable Francesca?" Agnes started to pour drinks.
"I offered
my own personal villa."
"I hope
I'm now enough of an insider to get invited?" Kay took her drink from
Aggie.
"Me
too," Aggie laughed.
"I suspect
you can both expect invitations," Francesca laughed softly, "and
after all this recent business it's nice to have something fun to look forward
to."
"So this
case that Catriona Cuthbertson is defending Aggie, did you do some work for her
on it?" Kay asked as the three women sat and unwound.
"I did,
and so did Sherry. How did you know about it Kay darling?"
"The
company that's being prosecuted has shall I say done some work on behalf of the
SIS."
"It has?
Well I'm glad I didn't have that nugget of information when Cat got me to look
at their books," Agnes shook her head.
"Don't
worry darling it wasn't 'funny business' we get a lot of work done on contract,
and 99% of the time the people doing the work aren't even aware they are doing
work for the intelligence service."
"We have
always done the same in Italy," Francesca nodded.
"So was
this company aware who they were working for?"
"Not as
far as I know Aggie. One of their subsidiaries was installing new cables and
ducting in the West End.'
"Near certain
foreign embassies?" Francesca lifted an eyebrow.
"You might
say so," Kay laughed, "we just ensured that certain items shall I
call them were installed at the same time. The company didn't even know."
"Good,"
Aggie took a final sip, "because that trial will be complicated enough
without little tidbits like that popping up."
"So just
out of interest was there a fraud?" Francesca asked.
"Well I
couldn't see clear evidence, and Sherry just completed a forensic check on
their accounts using her talents, and neither of us think it was an obvious
thing."
"So will
Cat be calling you as expert witnesses?"
"No Kay,
we were strictly off the record consultants," Agnes laughed. “I think Sigi may be asked to testify, as a
true expert witness however.”
“And Alex
Green?”
“May be in the
same area…”
9 pm GMT
Dublin
The Imperial
Forum Hotel
"So has
your dad cooled down about the length of that skirt yet Orion?" Aileen
asked as a group of the younger models sat round a table in the hotel restaurant
after having eaten a late supper.
"Yeah,” Orion said with a grin, “he knows I have to wear what I'm told
being a professional model..."
"Though he
did have a few choice words to say if Emerald ever wore anything that short in
real life," Katy giggled as she interrupted.
"Really?"
Eve Gaunt spoke.
"Yeah Dad
is determined to protect ma virtue," Orion laughed.
"So has no
boy asked you out yet?' Jeannie finished her drink.
"Oh a
couple of the lads I've known all my life have sort of asked, but I don't
really fancy either of them.”
“So what about
you Aileen, are you still...thinking?" Katy asked with a twinkle in her
eye.
"If you
are asking if I have decided if I definitely prefer girls to boys yet, then the
answer is I'm still not sure."
"I keep
saying I'm betting you are bi Ails," Eve looked at her younger sister.
"And there
is nothing wrong with that," Abigail spoke.
“Perhaps – but
it’s hard to find a good looking boy at the moment. They all seem so – preoccupied with other things.”
“Give it time,
it’ll become clear soon,” Abby said with a smile. “By the way Katy – Erica, what are you
getting her for this week?”
“No idea – Mom
is sorting that out while I’m here.”
“Oh – is it her
Sweet Sixteen?”
“On the 18th…”
8 pm
West Central
Park
"it was
nice of Katherine to feed us," Kylie smiled as Marina opened the door of
their apartment.
"Yeah,” Marina said as she put the door keys in the bowl, “I was not
looking forward to cooking myself, and I’ve an early start tomorrow."
"I am so
looking forward to climbing into my own bed darling."
"I guessed
you might be," Marina smiled, "do you want something to drink
first?"
"I think a
nice glass of milk would just about hit the spot," Kylie smiled.
"I may
just join you in that."
"You know,”
Kylie drawled as they walked into the kitchen, “all this flying I sometimes
have to think just what the time is and what country I'm in."
"Where did that thought come from?" Marina looked round from the
kitchen doorway.
"Oh just
us talking about Katy, and the fact yesterday we were with her in London, and
tonight we are in America while she is in Ireland." Kylie yawned, "i
was remembering that it wasn't so long ago that we thought that south of the
river was almost a foreign country darling."
"I
know," Marina shouted from the kitchen, "I guess I've almost started
to take traveling round the world for granted."
“Indeed – on
which note, Erica?”
“Can we talk
about it tomorrow – I just want milk and bed in that order…”
Sunday 13th November
1 am GMT
Dublin
"Hello stranger," Luke glanced
at the clock beside the bed as Jack let himself back into their hotel room
quietly, "where have you been all evening?"
"I went and talked to Siobhan,” Jack said as Luke put his book down, “and afterwards
I went for a walk. I guess… I guess I lost track of time."
"Jack darling you look frozen half
to death,” Luke said as he stood up.
“Are you okay? Have you eaten?"
"I'm fine Luke,” Jack said with a
wea smile, “and no I haven't eaten, but I'm actually not hungry anyway."
He then sneezed before taking a paper handkerchief and wiped his nose.
"You don't look or sound fine,”
Luke said as he switched the small kettle on, “and when you sneeze you usually
plead that you are at death's door. Something is wrong..."
"Oh it's not much," Jack
sighed as Luke took his jacket off him. "I just needed to do some serious
thinking about both myself, and my life."
"An awful lot of thinking to keep
you out this late, especially when we have to get on a bus to Belfast after an
unearthly early breakfast."
"We do?" for a second Jack
looked confused, "sorry I forgot all that."
"You forgot? Now I know something is wrong. Do I need to
call the hotel doctor?"
"No, please just hold me tight Luke," Jack said as he let a couple of
tears fall.
Here," Luke sat and patted the bed, then put an arm around Jack when he
sat beside him. "Want to talk about whatever it is?"
"I think so. I think I'm ready to say what I need to."
"That sounds ominous."
"Well it isn't really Luke
darling.” Jack looked over and smiles, before he said “I just made a few
decisions tonight."
"And was one of those decisions
about me? About us?"
Jack nodded as he said “Luke, I’ve faced
a lot of my demons this last year, and I’ve realised that the public face I put
on I what most people think I am really like.”
“Well, that was your choice,” Luke said
quietly, “and I always understood why.”
“I know, and I am grateful, but taking
on the responsibility for little Rudi and Mags just made my thinking more
serious – I think I’ve always been running in a way from those things that
might have hurt me, and I’ve been running for years – but I think it’s time I
stopped running.”
Luke put his hand on Jack’s cheek as he
said “I’m here for you, no matter what.”
“I know,” Jack said with a smile, “and I
love you for it. I love you so much for
it, that I want to share that love with you.”
“Jack, what are you saying?”
Jack looked into Luke’s eyes as he said
“Luke Heller, how would you father feel about having me as a son in law?”
“My father? What has he go to do with…” Luke suddenly looked at Jack as the full
import of what he was saying hit him.
“Luke, darling?”
Luke just nodded and whispered “yes”
before they kissed…
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