OK - back in the world of Guy Thornton-North...
Later that afternoon, Guy was back at the Savoy, dressed in his tails and cravat and carrying his cello.
As he strode into the lobby, he caught sight of his best friend from university, Rupert Henry-Johnson, similarly attired but a little flushed, and on closer inspection trembling ever so slightly.
?So glad you could make it,? he called, on seeing Guy arrive, ?The wedding just wouldn?t be the same without you.?
?A pleasure,? replied Lucas, ?Where?s it all happening then.?
Rupert directed him to the magnificent room where the ceremony was to take place and indicated where he was to set up, to one side of the registrar?s table next to a window.
Two short hours later, Rupert and his lovely bride, Marion, were man and wife, and Guy took his seat at the front of the room, positioned his cello and began to play as they signed the register and posed for photos of the happy occasion.
Within the assembled audience sat Fleur, a family friend on the bride?s side. A professor of historical literature with a passion for classical music she was enraptured by Guy?s playing, and not unimpressed with the rest of him, she realised to her chagrin, being a little older than the handsome man seated just a few feet away.
As Elgar?s cello concerto in B minor reached its crescendo, Guy met Fleur?s gaze and held it just a little too long. She looked away, heart pounding, skin flushed and realised she was in desperate need of fresh air. As she slipped quietly out of a side door, she was unaware that Guy was watching her every move.
From the lounge, Fleur heard the wedding guests gathering for champagne and canapés. She knew she should go and join them but really didn?t trust herself anywhere near Guy Thornton-North. Then a soft deep voice in her left ear said, ?I saw you leave, are you feeling quite well, madam??
Before she knew it, Guy was seated beside her and calling a waitress to bring them some tea. He poured a cup and passed it to her. As she took the saucer their fingers briefly touched a bolt of electricity shot through Fleur?s body. Guy gently took her hand in his, ?You really do look rather shaken?perhaps you?d allow me to take you upstairs for a lie down??
To be continued....