Page 65 of The Good Neighbour

Josh glanced over her shoulder to see a blushing Jean-Paul carefully topping Sidney’s glass up.

Interesting.

“It wouldn’t hurt Jean-Paul to loosen up a bit.”

Martha regarded him. “Something I’ve heard you are getting better at.”

“Am I the subject of gossip?”

“You’re the boss. Of course you are.”

Her directness was refreshing. Josh very much looked forward to finding out about this woman.

“It’s nice to finally meet you,” Sidney said. “The new collection is wonderful to work on.”

Josh clinked his glass to Sidney’s. “And a marvellous job you’ve done so far. Thank you both. What would you say to working from here sometimes? I’d love to spend proper time with you and pick your brains.”

Both their faces lit up.

“I’d love it,” Sidney said.

“How about we all hit the town after this?” Josh said. “I’ve not been out for a drink in ages.”

“Now that sounds like a plan,” Jean-Paul said, evidently regaining his composure. “I can imagine Mrs Wimpole on the dancefloor in Heaven.”

Josh burst out laughing. “Never say never with that lady.”

Before Jean-Paul had the chance to respond, the woman herself appeared at the top of the stairs.

“Joshua,” she said.

The Professor followed with Hugh hot on his heels. Mrs Wimpole kissed Josh on the cheek, the Professor shook his hand and Hugh flung his arms around him. All three greetings were most welcome.

He ushered them into the studio.

“Jean-Paul, can you…”

The shop assistant already had glasses of fizz poured and was handing them out. He proved to be an exceptional host. Josh made a mental note to suggest to Helga they give him a pay rise.

“Everyone, can I introduce you to the real skill at Cut. Our dressmakers Martha and Sidney.”

He watched Hugh’s eyes widen when he saw Sidney. He would tease him for that later.

“Which outfit do you want first?” Josh asked, striding farther into the studio.

“Mine,” Mrs Wimpole and the Professor said in unison.

Josh got a kick out of how excited the pair were about this new project. How had he ever thought that someone as fun as Mrs Wimpole would get upset by it? He couldn’t have been more wrong. She was in her element.

“Okay, I think the Professor got in there first,” Josh said.

To be fair, it had been a straight tie but he wanted Mrs Wimpole’s to be the grand finale.

He went over to the two mannequins he’d covered with spare material. With a flourish, he whipped off the cover to one of them.

Everyone gasped. The two-piece tweed suit glimmered in the late-afternoon sun pouring through the skylights. Josh had added delicate diamante across the whole piece. The effect wasshowbiz enough without detracting from the character who would be more gruff than Hugh’s character.

Hugh dashed forward. “Oh my God, it’s gorgeous. I can’t wait to see it on Michael.”