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A burst of applause erupted around the room, and all heads turned to watch Lawrence Davenport as he made his entrance. He smiled and waved as if he were visiting royalty. He made his way slowly across the floor, receiving plaudits and praise with every step he took. Da
"Would you like to meet him?" asked Paul, who had noticed that Da
"Yes, I would," said Da
"Then follow me." They began to make slow progress across the crowded ballroom, but before they reached Davenport, Da
"So good-looking," said Da
"Yes, he is, isn't he," agreed Paul, but before Da
Davenport didn't bother to shake hands with Da
"Hello," she said. "I'm Sarah."
"Nick. Nick Moncrieff," he replied. "You must be an actress."
"No, far less glamorous. I'm a solicitor."
"You don't look like a solicitor," said Da
"And are you an actor?" she asked.
"I'll be whatever you want me to be," Da
"Hi, Sarah," said another young man, putting an arm around her waist. "You are without question the most gorgeous woman in the room," he said before kissing her on both cheeks. Sarah laughed. "I'd be flattered, Charlie, if I didn't know that it's my brother you really fancy, not me."
"Are you Lawrence Davenport's sister?" said Da
"Someone has to be," said Sarah. "But I've learned to live with it."
"What about your friend?" said Charlie, smiling at Da
"I don't think so," said Sarah. "Nick, this is Charlie Duncan, the play's producer."
"Pity," said Charlie, and turned his attention to the young men who were surrounding Davenport.
"I think he fancies you," said Sarah.
"But I'm not…"
"I'd just about worked that out," said Sarah with a grin.
Da
"Perhaps we might-" began Da
"Hello, Spencer," she said coldly. "Do you know Nick Moncrieff?"
"No," he replied, and after a cursory handshake, he continued his conversation with Sarah. "I was just coming across to tell Larry how brilliant he was when I spotted you."
"Well, now's your chance," said Sarah.
"But I was also hoping to have a word with you."
"I was just about to leave," said Sarah, checking her watch.
"But the party's only just begun, can't you hang around a little longer?"
"I'm afraid not, Spencer. I need to go over some papers before briefing counsel."
"It's just that I was hoping…"
"Just as you were on the last occasion we met."
"I think we got off on the wrong foot."
"I seem to remember it being the wrong hand," said Sarah, turning her back on him.
"Sorry about that, Nick," said Sarah. "Some men don't know when to take no for an answer, while others…" She gave him a gentle smile. "I hope we'll meet again."
"How do I-" began Da
"Spencer, good of you to come," said Davenport. "Was I all right tonight?"
"Never better," said Craig.
Da
"Hi, stranger. Where did you disappear to?"
"Ran into an old enemy," said Da
"The usual bunch. So boring," said Katie. "I've had enough of this party. How about you?"
"I was just leaving."
"Good idea," said Katie, taking him by the hand. "Why don't we jump ship together?"
They walked across the ballroom and headed toward the swing doors. Once Katie had stepped out onto the pavement, she hailed a taxi.
"Where to, miss?" asked the driver.
"Where are we going?" Katie asked Nick.
"Twelve The Boltons."
"Right you are, guv," said the cabbie, which brought back unhappy memories for Da
Da
"I'm sick of being the understudy," she said. "I'm going to take the lead for a change." She leaned across and kissed him.
By the time the taxi drew up outside Nick's home, there were very few buttons left to undo. Katie jumped out of the cab and ran up the drive as Da
"I wish I was your age," remarked the cabbie.
Da
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
DANNY JUMPED OFF the bus and began walking up Bond Street. He could see a blue flag fluttering in the breeze, boldly displaying in gold the legend Sotheby's.
Da
"Where is the stamp sale being held?" Da
"Up the stairs," she said pointing to her right, "on the first floor. You can't miss it. Do you want a paddle?" she asked. Da
"No," said Da
Da
Da