Free Breaking the Rules by Barbara Taylor Bradford Page A

double doors. She had several suitable outfits, all black except for a grey silk trouser suit, which Birdie had given her a couple of years ago. Pulling it out, she held it up and stared at it critically, pursing her lips, and then she hung it back in the wardrobe, mentally discarding it.
    Quite suddenly she felt that she mustn’t go to the party. It was too risky. There would be lots of theatre people there, she was certain of that, and some might very well know various members of her family—and recognize her. But not if I go as Audrey, she instantly thought, realizing that this would be the most perfect disguise of all. She smiled to herself, warming to the idea.
    Hurrying into the adjoining bathroom, M stared at herself in the mirror, her head on one side, visualizing the image that Agnes and Marguerite had created. She made a moue, instantly remembering how Geo had thought the look was a bit overdone, and Geo had been correct. Half an Audrey, she now thought. I’ll go as half an Audrey, and I’ll be safe. Nobody will know who I really am, and I can simply play the role of M.

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    ‘I don’t want to go to the party,’ Geo announced suddenly, coming to a standstill on Park Avenue, turning to look at M. ‘Let’s forget it, shall we?’
    M was taken aback, and she stared at Geo, exclaimed, ‘But you were the one who was so anxious to go, earlier. Why have you changed your mind?’
    ‘I know what these Park Avenue parties are like. I’ve been to them. It’s going to be a boring evening with lots of famous people who are dull, or stupid, or full of themselves.’ Geo made a face, took hold of M’s arm firmly, and said, ‘Let’s go and have supper. There’s a little bistro I know on Lexington. Swifty’s. You’ll love it and it’s my treat.’
    ‘But we can’t leave Dax in the lurch,’ M protested, shaking her head. ‘He’s expecting us, and he’ll be awfully disappointed if we don’t turn up. We’re probably the only friends he’s invited. Besides, we’ll look really mean if we don’t go.’ M threw Geo a knowing look and added, ‘We don’t want him to think we’re jealous because he got a break before I did. And before you’ve had your show.’
    Geo sighed. ‘Yes, I suppose you’re right, and if we don’t like the party we can always leave after half an hour.’
    ‘Hey, Georgiana! What on earth are you doing, lingering around here? If you’re not careful, you’ll be arrested for loitering with intent. Can’t have that now, can we?’
    At the sound of the man’s cultured English voice, Geo swung around and began to laugh when she saw an old friend hurrying towards them. ‘Hi!’ she cried, waving. ‘And what are you doing around here?’
    ‘Probably going to the same party as you. At Iris Ingersoll’s flat,’ he responded, coming to a stop next to them, immediately eyeing M with great curiosity.
    Geo nodded, and before she could introduce the man to M, he thrust out his hand. ‘James Cardigan.’
    ‘Marie Marsden,’ M said swiftly, shaking his hand. ‘But everyone calls me M, Mr Cardigan.’
    ‘Call me James.’
    Her cheeky grin appeared as she said, ‘“Into the valley of Death rode the six hundred”…’
    ‘“Honour the charge they made! Honour the Light Brigade, Noble six hundred!”‘ he answered and continued, ‘I think Tennyson got it right, don’t you?’
    ‘Yes, he did. Absolutely.’ M paused, then asked, ‘Are you related to that particular Cardigan?’
    He shook his head. ‘No, but I’ve always been teased about my name. Unavoidable, I suppose, under the circumstances.’
    ‘Heavens to Betsy, what are the two of you going on about?’ Geo asked, looking from one to the other in bewilderment.
    James explained, ‘M associated my name with the Earl of Cardigan, the British general in command of the Light Cavalry at the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War. In Eighteen fifty-four. He led the charge of the Light Brigade against the Russian forces. M