Free Secrets of the Heart by Jenny Lane Page B

usually on a Friday. Anyway, I've pleaded to be let off — I can't spare the time. But you need to be there, so John's going to help me out here.'
    Sally passed a hand wearily across her forehead.
    `Annis, I don't know what I'd have done without you this afternoon. I know we need to get to the bottom of what's been going on, but at least the cake's sorted out for tomorrow. It's been absolute pandemonium here! You'll never believe what's happened now!'
    Annis could not believe that anything else could have gone wrong in her absence and listened as her friend told her about the latest drama.
    `We've had the bride-to-be in here, practically hysterical one of the bridesmaids has gone down with chicken pox, would you believe! Anyway, poor Megan couldn't find anyone else to take her place at such short notice, but it just so happened that Ross was here and he came up with a stroke of genius, bless him. He suggested that Millie might stand in. She's a bit older than the cousin who's ill, but she's small for her age and dark-haired. Fortunately, Millie agreed and Madame Cecile is making the alterations to the dress as we speak.'
    To Sally's amazement, Annis began to laugh helplessly.
    `I can't imagine what you find so funny,' said Sally reproachfully.
    Well,' said Annis, still giggling, 'I know we offer a complete package, but I didn't realise that included providing bridesmaids as well let's hope it's not a substitute bride or groom the next time round!'
     
    * * *
     
    That evening, Annis found herself in the company of both Ross and Tristan at the same time, and had the rare opportunity to study them together. She decided that the two men were quite different, not just in looks, but in personality, too.
    `So you're in charge of 'Something Borrowed, Something Blue' while Sally's away next week, eh, Annis?' said Bryn. 'You've no idea what it means to me to see you back here again. Sally deserves a break too. She's been working herself into the ground.'
    `I'm not sure that going on a course for four days can be termed a break although it'll certainly be a change,' Annis told him.
    Bryn poured more wine.
    `This wedding tomorrow I think I'll be around to keep an eye on things. Ray Smythe's father, Arthur, was a friend of Arnold's and comes to play chess with me now and again. I know the family quite well.'
    `Yes, well, everything's nicely under control, so it's just a question of the bride and groom turning up at the church,' Annis said, tongue in cheek.
    Bryn chuckled. 'Yes, Ross has already told me about the near catastrophe over the bridesmaid. What a blessing that young Millie's agreed to step in. She's a lovely young lass. Anyway, let's toast the happy couple, and then we'll run through the schedule for next week.'
     
    * * *
     
    The following morning, Annis awoke to a grey drizzle, but by twelve o'clock, when the wedding party was due to arrive from the church, the sky had cleared and a watery sun had broken through.
    The reception surpassed all expectations and the cake was a triumph.
    Afterwards, a beaming Mr and Mrs Smythe came to thank Sally personally, and to issue an invitation for the staff to join the celebrations that evening.
    Annis was pleased to see Sally smiling and looking more relaxed.
    ‘F or the first time in weeks, I feel confident — thanks to you, Annis. I'm even beginning to enjoy myself,' Sally told her.
    `Well, if anything goes wrong next week, it'll be down to me,' Annis replied, as she and Sally went their separate ways to get ready for the evening celebrations.
    Once they'd changed, they went along with the rest of staff — to join the wedding party in the marquee.
    Ross and Tristan looked very elegant in dinner jackets and bow ties.
    Bryn, still a distinguished-looking man, was deep in conversation with Arthur Smythe, but he interrupted his conversation to introduce Annis, Sally and John to Arthur Smythe and to the wedding party.
    Annis was glad that she'd packed a couple of evening dresses. The one