What Happens in Tuscany... by T A Williams Page B

Victoria’s face. ‘Oh, lord, I hadn’t thought of that. What would you suggest?’
    Katie knew exactly what to suggest. ‘Another shopping trip should be able to provide the answer. That promises to be fun.’

Chapter Six
    Katie pulled up outside the old Georgian farmhouse and pressed the button to close the car roof. She watched in fascination as the metal top slid up and over them, before clicking into place. They had only had the new car for three days and she still hadn’t tired of all the gismos and gadgets with which it was equipped. Beside her, Victoria was looking nervous, but they had been through it all before, several times. All she had to do was smile, chat about the weather and, if she got into difficulty, let Katie know and they could be out of there in a flash.
    The sun was still shining out from a gap in the clouds, but the forecast was not good. Wet weather was predicted later that afternoon which didn’t bode well for the success of a garden party. They climbed out of the car, something Vicky was still learning to do without revealing too much of her legs. The BMW was very low and the seats felt as if they were only just above the tarmac.
    â€˜Tell me again, Thomas is the name of your friend from pony club, isn’t it? And what about other members of his family?’
    Victoria shook her head in frustration. ‘I really can’t remember, it was all so long ago. I’m pretty sure his mother’s still alive, but I have no idea really. We’ll just have to see how it goes.’ She turned towards Katie as she straightened up. Both of them had opted for slim-fitting summer dresses showing a modest amount of leg – apart from when climbing out of the car. Both tugged the hems of their skirts down as they walked to the door. For Victoria, in particular, it was a new experience to have her knees on display. Bravely, she stuck out her hand and rang the doorbell. It was opened almost immediately by a child of six or seven.
    â€˜Hello.’ The little girl was all dressed up and had real flowers in her hair. ‘Who are you?’
    Just at that moment, an adult arrived. She was a friendly-looking woman who appeared to be a few years older than Katie, maybe in her mid or late thirties. She gave Victoria a big smile.
    â€˜Oh, hi, hello. It’s Victoria, isn’t it? I remember you from pony club. I’m Beatrice. I’m Tom’s big sister.’ Victoria’s face cleared.
    â€˜Hello, Beatrice, I
do
remember you. This is my friend Katie. I was just telling her I was afraid I wouldn’t remember any of you. It’s been so very long since I saw you.’ She paused awkwardly. ‘Since I saw anybody, really.’
    Katie and Victoria shook hands with Beatrice and then, very formally, repeated the process with the little girl, who was introduced as Emma, Beatrice’s daughter. They followed her through the house and out through the French windows into the garden. There were already several dozen people out there, clutching glasses and chatting volubly. Katie noticed that a number of the women were wearing hats and she caught Victoria’s eye. Neither of them had thought of a hat.
    â€˜It’s all right,’ Katie hissed to her out of the corner of her mouth. ‘It’s mostly just the old ones who’ve got hats.’
    â€˜Victoria. It is you, Victoria, isn’t it? I’d know you anywhere.’ The voice came from the other side of the garden. A tall, dark-haired man was making his way through the people towards them. He was smiling broadly. Katie glanced at Victoria. She was smiling too.
    â€˜Tommie? Little Tommie Drake?’ Victoria couldn’t believe her eyes. Her erstwhile playmate was now a grown man, wearing the uniform of an army officer. She held out her hand and he grasped it with both of his, shaking it enthusiastically up and down. ‘Not so little now, are you, Tommie?’
    â€˜Wow!