The photographer, Alok, turned up thirty minutes early to set up so Lottie showed him to the house and asked Thorsten to send up the wedding party when they arrived.
Connor arrived, bang on time, but without Keegan. His quiff was askew, and he was red in the face.
‘Keegan’s at the hairdresser’s having her highlights done or something. I told her it was cutting it fine but she wanted this celebrity stylist woman. Apparently, this woman cut some famous actress’s hair for her wedding. It was the only day this bloody woman could fit her in.’
‘Where’s the salon?’ Lottie asked.
‘Cartmel. It’s in a posh hotel. The one with the Michelin star.’
‘Wow. That’s a long journey to make …’
‘I told her it was bloody miles away but she set off at six a.m. She should be on her way now. I just hope my sister turns up. She’s about as reliable as the weather.’
A few minutes later, as if to prove him wrong, Lottie saw Alicia Moran jump out of a battered Toyota truck outside the house and stride up the steps straight into the vestibule, leaving a trail of mud from her boots. She ran a riding school a couple of miles from Firholme and had clearly come straight from the stables because she was in jodhpurs, boots and a padded jacket that had a strong whiff of horse about it. Although Connor had assured Lottie that Alicia was sworn to secrecy about their previous relationship, Lottie’s stomach had been churning for the past hour. Outspoken and funny, Alicia was the life and soul of any family gathering, but diplomacy was definitely not her strong point.
‘Hello again! Fancy seeing you here,’ she declared, giving Lottie a hug.
‘For God’s sake, Alicia. Keegan might have seen you,’ Connor complained.
‘But she hasn’t and anyway, I thought you told me she already knows we know Lottie.’
‘Only as acquaintances,’ Connor said. ‘Not on hugging terms.’
‘Sorry.’ Alicia didn’t look sorry at all. ‘Where is Keegan anyway?’
‘At the hairdressers in Cartmel.’
‘Cartmel!’ Alicia burst out laughing. ‘That’s hours away. What’s wrong with the local salon in Keswick?’
Connor swore. ‘It’s her wedding, Alicia, what do you expect?’
‘Would you like to meet the photographer?’ Lottie said hastily, feeling the tension between Connor and Alicia who didn’t get on at the best of times.
When she opened the doors into the ballroom, Alicia’s eyes widened like saucers. ‘Bloody hell, this is like Buckingham Palace compared to how it used to be. I remember Mum used to bring us for tea sometimes. It’s a fantastic setting but I always thought the hotel itself was a bit run-down and fogeyish. Bugger me, but it’s like a totally different place now.’
Meanwhile Connor paced the other side of the ballroom, his phone clamped to his ear. His face fell and he let out a groan of frustration. Lottie could tell he was talking to Keegan and imagined she could hear faint squeaks from the mobile.
Lottie knew the photographer from previous weddings they’d worked on together.
‘OK. Calm down. I’m sure they can fix it. Don’t leave until you’re satisfied … Tell them we’ll sue if you’re not happy! OK. OK, nutkin. I’ll try and sort it out.’
‘Nutkin?’ Alicia made a barfing action behind Connor’s back.
‘OK. I’ll sort it. I’ll try to delay him.’ He held the phone away from his ear. ‘Babe, calm down. If you really can’t make it, I’ll call it off.’
The photographer took Lottie aside. ‘I hate to make a fuss but is the bride planning to come? I’ve got a shoot at the Grasmere hotel and I can’t leave it much longer.’
Connor shoved his mobile in his jacket pocket and strode over. ‘Keegan’s having a bit of a mare at the hairdresser’s. Apparently she says the colour makes her look like Marge Simpson and she’s got to stay to have it redone.’
Alicia sputtered but Lottie had a horrible vision of Keegan turning apoplectic in the salon and throwing hairbrushes at the stylist.
‘Oh no. How frustrating for her. I’m so sorry. She won’t be able to make it, then?’
‘You’re telling me.’ He turned to Alok. ‘I’m sorry, it’s all off, mate, unless you can hang around for an hour or so. I’d appreciate it.’
‘I’d love to but I’ve another appointment in Grasmere. I can’t cancel that at this stage.’
‘Jesus.’ Connor shoved his hands through his hair. ‘I suppose it can’t be helped. I presume you’ll deduct the cost of this run-through from the wedding package?’
‘Well I’ve still had to spend the time here, Mr Moran …’ Lottie thought Alok was showing admirable restraint.
‘You mean, you’ll still charge us even though you haven’t actually taken any photographs?’
‘I’ll have to charge something to cover my time and travel costs.’
Connor sneered. ‘Clearly, I ought to go into the wedding business instead of insurance. They seem to be a little gold mine.’
Annoyed at his rudeness, Lottie took charge. ‘Actually, I think I have a solution. It’s very disappointing that Keegan can’t be here but we can still have a quick run-through and check all the camera angles.’
‘How?’
‘Alicia can stand in for Keegan.’
‘What?’ She pulled a face. ‘No way am I walking up the aisle with my own brother. Eww.’
‘What are you?’ Connor snapped. ‘Twelve?’
Alicia grinned. ‘I’ll be the vicar.’
‘Registrar. We’re not in church if you hadn’t noticed.’
‘Ohh, tetchy.’
Lottie had to stifle her laughter. Despite her tactlessness, Alicia could be very funny.
‘Why doesn’t Lottie stand in?’ Alicia suggested, and Lottie immediately reversed her opinion.
‘I’m sure there’s no need for that.’
‘Er …’ Connor’s jaw dropped so low, it was a wonder it didn’t bounce off the parquet floor. ‘Perhaps it would be better to cancel after all.’
Lottie squirmed in horror but Alok launched in, understandably keen to get the job done and keep his clients happy. ‘Hey. That’s a great idea. Shame not to have the Real Deal but Lottie will do nicely as a stand-in.’
Even though it was a good solution, Lottie could have killed him.
In contrast, Alicia was
