“Well, thank you for telling me but I’m not sure it’s any of your business,” she began.
“You needn’t get on your high horse. I’m just being friendly. It’ll take a phenomenal woman to get Jos Singleton to commit to anything, and I don’t think you’re it, sweetheart.”
Evelyn was angry now, since Suzanne’s words seemed critical of both her and Jos. “I’m sorry but I don’t really know you at all,” she said. “And, as I said, nothing has happened between us so it doesn’t matter anyway, does it?”
Suzanne was about to respond when, much to Evelyn’s relief, Clara appeared at her side. “Suzie, darling, are you sharing the benefit of your worldly wisdom with Evie?”
“Something like that,” Suzanne replied.
“I suspect Evie’s had more wisdom since she came to London than she can keep track of. What say we leave her to make her own way and her own mistakes? It’s what makes us who we are, after all, isn’t it?”
Suzanne smiled. “I suppose you’re right. And things always turn out like they should in the end. Nice talking with you, Evie.” With that she rose to her feet and went in pursuit of the drink her sister had poured for her.
“Don’t listen to anything she says about Jos, Evie,” Clara said. “She’s got a terrible crack on for her, has done for years. Jos made the mistake of hinting that something could happen one night, when she was feeling a little low, and since then our dear Suzanne has believed that she is just the woman Jos needs to save her from herself.”
“Does Jos need saving?” Evelyn asked. She found she trusted Clara’s judgement.
“Not really. She’s got some demons, but haven’t we all? She needs accepting, not saving. Do you think you can do that?” Clara levelled her gaze at Evelyn.
Evelyn was briefly taken aback, but she knew the answer at once. “Of course I can. I wouldn’t want to change her. I think she’s wonderful just how she is.”
“I won’t lie, Evie. She’s been with quite a lot of women and never settled for one. She’s been known to leave a lady’s bed before dawn, which isn’t the done thing at all. But she’s a good woman and I think I can say for sure that she won’t do that to you.”
Evelyn flushed at the idea of discussing sharing a bed with Jos. Clara seemed to notice, but went on regardless. “And you’re going to have to make the first move. That’s what I came over here to tell you. She’s terrified of pushing you too far or too fast. So if you want her, Evie, do something about it.”
“How do I know for sure if I want her?” Evelyn asked, her heart in her mouth.
Clara smiled. “Oh, you want her, my dear. But in case you don’t believe me…Does your heart beat faster when you think of her? Do your palms prickle with sweat and the urge to touch her? Could you look at her for hours and never get bored? Do you feel a deep urge at the meeting of your thighs when you imagine putting your lips on hers? Can you almost taste that kiss already?” Her words were spoken in a husky whisper and, watching her, Evelyn could see that Clara was looking at Courtney when she spoke, describing her own feelings. And yet indecent though it probably was to agree to it, she heard her own feelings described and could not help her response.
“Oh yes. That’s it, I do. I want her.” She heard the words and knew she would not take them back.
“You can have her tonight, Evie, and she won’t leave you in the morning. I’ve known her long enough to be certain. But she won’t risk doing anything else until she’s sure. You need to make her sure.”
“How?” Evelyn asked. “How do I convince her?”
“When the moment comes, you’ll know,” Clara said. Evelyn felt her hand squeeze her shoulder in reassurance.
“Thank you,” she said.
“I’ll get jealous if you two spend any longer talking to each other,” interupted Courtney, coming to stand next to Clara.
“No you won’t, my love, you’ll just worry you’re missing out on some gossip.” Clara stroked Courtney’s face affectionately. “And you’re not.”
“Hmm, well, even if I am, I always find out. You can’t keep secrets.”
“It’s very true, I admit.” Clara held her hands up. “Don’t ever tell me anything you don’t want Courtney to know, Evie. She tortures it out of me.”
“I do nothing of the sort.”
“It’s cruel and unusual,” Clara insisted, still directing her words to Evie.
“I’ll show you cruel and unusual, dearest.”
“Oh, promises, promises.” Clara raised a seductive eyebrow, then grinned. “Shall I fetch us all another drink?”
As she went to do just that, Jos returned to Evelyn’s side. “Sorry,” she said, “I didn’t mean to leave you alone.”
“Evie’s been fine, Clara and I have been looking after her,” Courtney said.
“That’s what concerns me,” Jos replied. Evelyn smiled her reassurance.
“Really, I’ve been perfectly all right,” she said, although Jos’s concern for her was endearing. Clara’s words were full in her thoughts now. As Jos smiled back at her, she knew she wanted her and she knew she would have to act. Now she only wondered when she would know it was the right time.
*
To Jos’s mind, Evelyn looked more beautiful than ever, even though the signs of tiredness were beginning to show around her eyes. She was relaxed and comfortable, the effects of the gin bringing the colour to her cheeks. Although this was far from her home and far from the comfort of her family, she had a sense of seeing Evelyn as she truly was,
