Dinner was a grand affair, despite the marked bohemian turn in Fina’s aunt’s character. All the men, save Clive, wore double-breasted six-button dinner jackets with pointed lapels. Clive wore a white jacket that made him resemble a handsome waiter on a ship. The majority of women wore velvet gowns, although they were all different colours: wine red, navy blue, and emerald green.
The guests chattered away happily. It must have been the steam. Fina’s muscles hung loosely and she felt refreshed, though after-dinner coffee would be needed to ensure she didn’t nod off during the evening’s entertainment. Most likely some ghastly singing. The thought of enduring a night of singing made her cosy bed upstairs – sans reptiles, please – even more appealing. And a crackling fire. And perhaps a cup of
