‘The flat belongs to some American friends who I swear don’t know the scale of the party. The complaints from the neighbours have probably started.’
‘Mr and Mrs B. How are you?’ said Sam, turning to Rosamund’s parents.
‘I could get used to this sort of night out,’ laughed Ros’s dad.
‘If this is the engagement party, what did the pair of you have in mind for the wedding?’ asked Valerie, a crease of concern appearing between her brows.
‘Something small. Intimate. I had something half this size in mind,’ replied Ros.
‘Good, because your father has been terribly worried. I understand our responsibilities and we fully intend to pay for the wedding, but there has to be a limit.’
Sam’s brows shot up with the excitement of an idea.
‘I know. You can use my parents’ place.’
‘Sam, don’t be silly,’ said Ros.
‘I’m being serious! It’s just ninety minutes out of London and we’ve got a huge terrace for drinks and a ballroom for dancing. I’m afraid the sofas smell a bit of cat pee and you’ll probably have to invite Mum and Dad, but buy them a crate of gin and they’ll be delighted to host the wedding.’
‘Sam, that’s so generous of you. Too generous, in fact,’ said Ros, putting an arm around her friend. ‘I couldn’t possibly make that sort of imposition.’
‘I agree,’ said Samuel awkwardly. Ros looked at her father, knowing that his unwillingness to accept Sam’s hospitality was rooted in pride.
He didn’t need to worry. She and Dom had already discussed the broad strokes of their wedding.
Ros had no desire for a big white dress, nor the religious conviction to exchange vows in church. Instead she fancied Chelsea registry office for a handful of their closest family and friends, and a meal afterwards of roast chicken and lemon tart; things that reminded her of Provence. She had already seen the perfect dress: a cream knee-length shift in Bazaar on the King’s Road.
‘You should at least think about it,’ said Valerie, sipping her champagne. ‘I think it would add something special having the celebration at such a good friend’s home.’
‘Well the offer’s there, but you’d better hurry up and make your mind up,’ said Sam with a shrug. ‘You should at least have a date and a venue in place before you leave for your trip. You can’t leave the crowds hanging.’ She winked.
‘Trip?’ asked Valerie, peering up at them from under her hat.
‘The Amazon trip.’
‘What Amazon trip?’ asked her mother in disbelief.
‘I’m going to Peru,’ replied Rosamund sheepishly. ‘With Dominic. I’m the logistics manager for his next expedition.’
‘I thought you’d settled on journalism, love,’ said her father with concern.
‘There are cannibals in Peru,’ said Valerie, her mouth wide open. ‘Is this Dominic’s idea?’ she frowned.
‘All mine.’
‘And is he happy about it? He’s your fiancé. It’s his duty to protect you.’
‘I’ve made my mind up, Mother. I’m going.’
Valerie pulled her hat off in anger.
‘Where’s Dominic? This is outrageous. I must speak with him this instant.’
She put down her champagne and ploughed into the crowd. Ros followed her.
‘Mum, please,’ she said as Valerie stopped at the entrance to the kitchen, where Dominic was talking to Jonathon Soames.
‘Young man, I need a word with you,’ said Valerie briskly.