Long ago, in the quiet countryside of Sussex, a tale unfolded that still brings a smile to my lips whenever I recall it.
“Darling, did you receive the invitation from Beatrice?”
“I did,” I sighed into the receiver. “But I shant be going to that wedding.”
“Not going? But shes our oldest friend! And its bound to be a grand affairshes marrying a foreign gentleman, after all. The receptions at the finest restaurant in London!” protested my dear friend Margaret.
“No, I simply havent anyone to accompany me. You know how things ended with Edward. I wont go aloneBeatrice would never let me hear the end of it!”
“Right, Ill pop round this evening. Well sort something out,” Margaret declared before hanging up.
Beatrice, Margaret, and I had been inseparable at university, but while Margaret remained my closest confidante, Beatrice had drifted away after moving abroad years ago. Now she had returned, flaunting her upcoming nuptials with that infuriating air of superiority shed always possessed. The invitation had specified we bring our “better halves,” and since I had none, I resolved to spare myself the humiliation.
True to her word, Margaret arrived that evening, brimming with mischief.
“Charlotte, Ive had the most brilliant idea! Well find you a beauor even a husband, if you like!”
“Pardon? What on earth are you on about?”
Margaret had always been one for wild schemes, convinced no problem was without a solution.
“There are agencies, you see, where one might hire a gentleman for the evening! Perfect, isnt it?”
“Absolutely not! Hiring a manwhat next?” I scoffed.
“Not just any mana proper gentleman, even if hes only pretending! What matters is putting Beatrice in her place, yes? Come now, Ive already rung them up and made arrangements!”
“Margaret, youre impossible! How do I even know who theyll send?”
“I requested someone handsome, well-mannered, and with a respectable motorcar. Will that do? Youre to meet him tomorrow at seven by the Royal Theatre. Discuss the detailshe can play the devoted fiancé or husband, whichever you prefer.”
“But how will I recognise him? Andhow much does this cost?”
“Dont fret, its hardly a fortune. Hell find youI sent along your photograph. Now, no more questionswere off to find you a dress!”
The following evening, I lingered awkwardly outside the theatre before settling onto a bench.
“Good evening, you must be Charlotte?” A stranger approached, tipping his hat. “Im William.”
I studied him and could scarcely hide my approval. Margaret had been righthe was devilishly handsome.
“Margaret explained everything,” William said, offering a bouquet. “Dont worry, Ill play the part convincingly.”
“Oh, you neednt have!” I flushed.
“Care for a stroll? Tell me a bit about yourselfhelps with the act.”
We walked for hours, and by the time he took down my address, promising to fetch me Saturday, I was thoroughly charmed. Why would a man like him choose such a profession?
On the day, William called ahead. “Ready, Charlotte? Ill be there in ten.”
When I stepped outside, my breath caught. There he stood in a tailored suit beside a gleaming Bentley, looking every inch the romantic lead.
“Good morning, darling,” he said with a wink. “Shall we?”
“Oh, youre a natural!” I laughed.
Beatrices wedding was indeed extravagant, and her smug smile faltered the moment she saw William. Her foreign groom, though wealthy, was twice her age, bald, and portlyhardly a match for my dashing companion.
William never left my side, his attentions so convincing even I nearly forgot it was an act.
“Well?” Margaret whispered. “Pleased?”
“Immensely,” I admitted. “But whats the point? Tomorrow, hell forget me.”
Margaret only smirked and vanished into the crowd.
“Charlotte,” William murmured later, “have you ever seen London by night?”
“Im usually abed by then.”
“What a shame. Its breathtaking. Shall we slip away?”
We bid our farewells, Williams arm around me. “Thank you, Beatricesplendid affair,” I said.
“Leaving so soon?” she simpered.
“My wife and I fancy some time alone,” William replied smoothly.
Beatrices smile tightened. “So lovely to finally meet your husband.”
We drove all night, William pointing out hidden gems with the knowledge of a seasoned guide. By dawn, he pulled up at my door.
“Charlotte, its been a pleasure. Youre remarkable.”
“Thank you. What do I owe you?”
“NothingMargaret settled it.”
I wept the moment I was inside. Foolishly, Id fallen for him.
Margaret rang soon after. “Well?”
“Dreadful,” I sniffed.
“Youre smitten, arent you?”
“Of course! But what good is it? I cant very well hire him forever.”
“Cheer up. Rest nowIll call on you tonight.”
That
