Anyway, it’s a bit too sophisticated. Touch of the cougar, don’t you think?’
They both contemplated the worldly expression of the stick-thin model.
Bella nodded slowly. ‘See what you mean. Anyway, I’m not really thin enough for it. Now I’m not starving any more, I’m back to my normal weight.’
‘Good thing too. So forget cream wool. It’s strictly for people who don’t eat, don’t move, and don’t carry cups of coffee. Any idea which designer you would like?’
Bella broke off a corner of the giant slab of hazelnut chocolate Lottie had bought and sucked it thoughtfully.
‘Lady P says they have to be British.’
Lottie snorted. ‘Lady P is talking out of the back of her neck! Oh, maybe for the wedding dress or the … what do you call it? … Trousseau. That’s the word – trousseau. Sounds very nineteen thirties, doesn’t it? But in next week’s photocall, the press will want to see the girl Richard fell for. You as you are. Cinderella before the ball. Trust me on this.’
Bella took more chocolate in her agitation. ‘Bikini top, denim shorts and flip-flops?’
‘Come on, you can do better than that. You’ve bought some nice stuff since you got back. Have you looked through your wardrobe?’
‘There’s nothing there. It’s either suits for work or jeans. Or party dresses, and they won’t do. Lady P always looks as if she’s going to an Ambassador’s lunch. I reckon she thinks I ought to be the same. And I don’t think I can.’
Lottie was bracing. ‘Hey, you’re a green-eyed blonde. You can look a million dollars when you put your mind to it. Any Ambassador would be proud. Do you actually like any of these looks?’
Bella picked up the whole chocolate bar and hugged it against her like a hot water bottle, rocking slightly. Lottie took it away from her.
‘Chocolate and silk. Not a good look. Concentrate, Bel.’
Eventually Bella stopped panicking and decided that she liked the lace cut-out top and trouser combo, with fantastically high heels, and also a collection of very simple dresses in wonderful colours. ‘The colour needs to be darkish to show off the ring,’ she said thoughtfully.
Lottie gave a crow of delight. ‘So that was what last night was about. You got the rock!’
‘Mmm.’
‘Come on then, give. Has he given you an heirloom?’
‘Better,’ said Bella dreamily. ‘It’s platinum with a yellow diamond, and it’s beautiful. Designed for me. Just me.’
Lottie sat back on her heels, her eyes wide. ‘Cor. I’ve never seen a yellow diamond. It’s a good choice, though. You’ve got yellow flecks in those green eyes of yours. He must have noticed. Blue-whites are too harsh and emeralds would be too loud. Anyway some people think they’re unlucky. But a yellow diamond … Yeah. He’s got class, your Richard.’
‘So point me at an outfit which returns the compliment,’ said Bella, not dreamy any more.
‘With pleasure.’
Lottie stabbed a finger at three. ‘Not the lacy thing. Too predatory. Buy it for a party some time, though. Try the navy day dress, it’s very elegant, a bit Mad Men, no? Or that green wrap-around chiffon dress with the kicky skirt. It’s got a great neckline and the colour would be awesome for Little Miss yellow diamond.’
Bella agreed that both were worth looking at and Lottie was a star.
‘And tomorrow I’m taking you shopping, before you lose your nerve,’ said the star briskly. ‘Sorted.’
After that they creamed each other’s hands, and softened and trimmed cuticles, pared nails and then, ceremoniously, painted each other’s nails gold. And finished the bottle.
The photoshoot was a breeze. She didn’t know what Mad Men was and frankly it all sounded rather treacherous, so she had gone with the ivy-green number. With her height the skirt fell just on the knee, but was deemed demure enough by the powers-that-be. And it did show off the diamond beautifully. Bella loved her ring so much that she kept patting it and looking at it against different backgrounds. Each made it appear more perfect than the last. Richard was clearly delighted. The designer silversmith was there too, a shy self-effacing man who only came to life when he talked about his work.
‘That man is coming to the wedding, isn’t he?’ Bella hissed to Richard, when drinks were served and the posing and snapping were over.
‘If you want him, of course. Put him on your list.’
‘Ah.’
‘You have started a list?’
She winced. ‘Not really.’
‘But Pansy said—’
‘It’s not Lady Pansy’s fault. She’s given me a file and notes and everything. It’s just that I’m struggling with