Page 55 of Beyond Her Manner

“Wow, indeed.” Gillian gestured to Viola as she entered the porch.

“Oh, thank you,” Viola replied, feeling her cheeks burn as she smoothed down her dress and flicked a curl of hair back over her shoulder.

She approached Gillian, placing her hands on her bare upper arms and giving an air kiss to the left and then the right cheek,where she lingered. Her cheek was still grazing Gillian’s as a hint of her perfume caught in her nose. It was different to Gillian’s usual jasmine scent; this was much heavier, with hints of patchouli and musk. It, like the woman herself, was intoxicating.

A polite cough sounded from behind, making them both jump. Bridget was standing at the threshold.

“Oh! I didn’t realise you were coming, Bridget,” Gillian said, pulling back abruptly. “How lovely.”

“Am I here to make up the numbers?” Bridget asked, her voice teasing, though a flicker of uncertainty crossed her face, as if she wasn’t entirely sure she wanted the answer.

Viola felt a pang of sadness for the woman. “No, you most certainly aren’t,” she said, reaching out to her and guiding her inside.

She air-kissed Bridget as well and took her shawl, which was covering an old-looking floral-printed dress. The woman had likely given up trying to look glamorous next to Gillian, or perhaps couldn’t afford to compete. As Viola hung up the shawl on a peg, the echoes of clicking heels warned her that Caroline was approaching.

As predicted, Caroline appeared, squeezing herself into the small porch. Taking a brief look at both ladies, she held out a hand to Gillian. “You must be Gillian. I’m Caroline. I’ve heard so much about you.”

Viola was rapidly regretting inviting her to stay.

Gillian’s soft smile in her direction and question of “Oh, really,” did nothing to help her growing anxiety at what the rest of the evening might hold.

Caroline nodded. “Viola doesn’t stop talking about you. I was sorry to hear of the loss of your husband, and of course this delightful building.”

“Thank you,” Gillian replied. “I’m bearing it as best I can.”

“Let’s go through to the great hall for some champagne before we all suffocate?” Viola said, feeling short of breath suddenly. “Dinner will be served shortly.”

She gestured for Gillian and Bridget to go through ahead of her. As they passed, Caroline greeted Bridget, then extended an arm, lightly catching Viola to hold her back.

“You definitely didn’t notice how hot she was when you were having these little chats with her?” Caroline whispered once the two women were out of earshot.

“No,” Viola lied, hoping she sounded at least a little convincing.

“Bull. Look at her, she’s a goddess. All you do is talk about her on the phone.”

“Oh, okay, I’m attracted to her. So what?” Viola hissed. It felt great to say it out loud finally, to someone. To admit it to herself even.

“Ha! See? What a shame she’s straight.”

“Mmm.” Viola looked down. Any further response than that and she would likely give something away.

“Mmm? Is that it? Spill. Now.”

It was impossible to hide anything from Caroline, especially when she was glaring at her so intently.

“I can’t,” Viola replied with a shake of her head.

“Can’t? Or won’t?” Caroline pushed.

“I promised. I can’t say anymore,” Viola whispered.

“You haven’t said anything except ‘mmm’ and then grinned inanely.”

Had she?Shit.

“Your face always gives everything away.” Caroline smirked. “Especially when you are smiling like the Cheshire cat.”

“For fuck’s sake, Caroline. Look, I can’t say anything. She trusts me,” Viola whispered. She then made her way into the great hall to end the conversation.