In the basement, candles lit, fire glowing, we assemble around the four-poster bed. Beth and Charlotte both wear light robes, covering whatever they have underneath.
Noticeably, Beth is barefoot, her make-up lightly applied. Charlotte wears boots. Dagger-heeled, they put her at eye-level with me and four inches above her cousin. Her lips are painted f**k-me scarlet and she’s shaded her eyes dark around their vivid green irises.
James stands behind Charlotte, hands resting at her waist. I stand behind Beth. Both women face Richard. His eyes dart between the pair. He knows something’s going on, but hasn’t yet divined what.
Reaching around, I unravel Beth’s belt, letting the robe fall open, then slip it from her shoulders. His eyes soften at the sight of his lovely wife: naked, head lowe
