Page 66 of The Good Neighbour

“We should have invited him,” Mrs Wimpole said.

“He’s away at the moment,” Hugh replied. “He’s got a one-night gig in Bognor Regis.”

Mrs Wimpole nodded. Josh was willing to bet she had no idea where that was.

“It’s exquisite,” Martha said, creeping forward to examine his work closely.

Josh beamed. “Thank you.”

“Now the other,” Hugh said, hopping from one foot to the other and spilling his champagne down his T-shirt.

Josh laughed. This was more fun than he’d expected.

“Shall I do a countdown?” he suggested.

“No,” Mrs Wimpole replied. “Put us out of our misery.”

“Very well.”

With even more flourish, he dragged the second piece of material away. He had done wonders with the suit, even if he said so himself. The joins were almost invisible. It had taken all the concentration he possessed and he was proud of his achievements.

The beautiful shade of lilac almost glowed. Josh had given this garment a helping hand with more diamante. This time he’d been more pronounced with lapel and collar trims. If Hugh accessorised correctly, it would be a knockout.

Hugh grabbed him and kissed him. “It’s fucking gorgeous. Can I try it on?”

“Of course you can. Jean-Paul, can you help?”

“I thought you’d want to do that,” Jean-Paul replied.

Mrs Wimpole tutted. “No need for coarseness, young man.”

Jean-Paul bowed. “My sincerest apologies, Mrs Wimpole. Come on, Hugh. Let’s see what all the fuss is about. I heard about the Barbie outfit.”

Once they’d gone into the bathroom, Mrs Wimpole allowed a smile to creep over her face.

“He’s a shocker, that one. I don’t know how you cope with him.”

Josh grinned. “It can be trying at times but you’re right, we’d never cope without him.”

Sidney sidled up to them. “I would hope not. He’s worth his weight in gold.”

Josh and Mrs Wimpole shared a knowing look.

Oh Jean-Paul, you can keep quiet after all.

Marsha took Sidney by the arm and led him over to Michael’s suit. Josh was alarmed at just how close they were studying his work.

You’re the boss, remember.

The Professor joined them. “Did you put these quotes in the lining?”

Josh had found some beautiful material covered in excerpts from Dicken’s work.

“Well, the designer did,” Josh replied.

“It’s stunning.”

“It truly is,” Martha enthused. “Two masters at work.”