One Rainy Day Read Online Free PDF Page B

There is not a kitchen in the city that can compare with yours. A dinner atthe Wilkie-Brooks’ is a great honour. Much looked forward to and talked about for weeks afterwards.’
    ‘I’ll pass your words on to the staff, Mrs Parker-Brown. I’m sure they will be pleased.’ Frances inclined her head slightly. ‘And now to find Mr Andrew.’
    Andrew was holding the floor with the male guests. His face was flushed, and even though he was aware he was talking too much, he couldn’t stop. His excitement over the events of the day was still high, and the wine was fuelling his tongue. Frances came up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder. ‘Your mother asked me to tell you dinner is ready to be served, Mr Andrew. She asked if you would lead your guests through?’
    Looking bashful, Andrew ran a hand through his hair. ‘I’m a little tipsy, Frances, but have no fear, I am quite steady on my feet and capable of walking upright.’ Once again he ran a hand through his hair. ‘I would like Charlotte to take my arm. Where is my lovely sister?’
    ‘I’m right behind you, my darling brother.’ Charlotte came round to his side. ‘I’ve been keeping an eye on you. Now, give me your arm and I’ll be honoured and delighted to have you escort me. Please don’t fall, though, for I should hate it if my new dress was torn. I had it made specially for your birthday, but was rather hoping I would be allowed to wear it on more than one occasion.’
    Andrew chuckled. ‘You have my promise I will not even stumble. The odd hiccup can’t be avoided, however, for that is out of my control.’
    George had been watching his son with some amusement, and was pleased to see brother and sister acting the goat and enjoying each other’s company. It brought a lump to his throat, and he mentally called himself a sentimental fool. Itwould be some time before Andrew allowed himself to relax like this again. He’d become very serious of late, even bringing work home with him. He could do with a little of his sister’s love of life, while Charlotte would ease her father’s worries if, like her brother, she opened her eyes to reality, and the world around her.
    Moving away from the group, George approached his wife and took her arm. ‘Allow me to escort you, my darling. I can see Michael coming to claim Jessica, so we four sober and responsible citizens can go in together.’
    Harriet linked her husband’s arm. ‘Jessica has been telling me about their baby, George. It seems like only yesterday he was born, but he is now six months old.’
    ‘It’s seeing the children grow that makes us feel old. Days pass so quickly, it’s frightening.’
    Michael Parker-Brown joined them, and put his arm round his wife’s slim waist. ‘What is frightening, George? Business is booming, is it not?’ He and his wife were a handsome couple, and very well off. ‘You are an astute business man, old boy, with a son who is going to be equally astute.’
    His wife patted his cheek. ‘My darling, no one was talking about business. Our baby was the topic of conversation.’
    ‘Ah, yes. Have you asked them yet?’
    ‘Not yet, darling. I wanted you to be here when I do.’ Jessica smiled at George and Harriet. ‘We are arranging to have the baby christened in the very near future, and we would like to ask if you would stand as godparents? We would consider it an honour if you would.’
    George glanced down at his wife and saw a smile on her face. ‘I would be delighted, and indeed honoured. And while I can’t speak for Harriet, I’m sure she feels the same.’
    ‘Oh, it would be an honour. Thank you for asking us.’ Andindeed Harriet was pleased. ‘Have you chosen a name for the boy?’
    Jessica nodded. ‘Charles Leo. After Michael’s late father.’
    ‘How thoughtful,’ Harriet said. ‘When you set the date, you must call and furnish George and me with the details. Now, however, we must go in for dinner.’
    The dinner was a happy affair, with