CHAPTER FIVE
Giving herself up to the sheer pleasure of successfully gaining Beth’s attention, Hyacinth’s smile was genuine for the first time that day.
For a millisecond Beth imagined Hyacinth was encouraging her gaze, not turning away as she looked directly back at her. She still knew very little about George’s wife except what Val had told her. She had a crazy thought, while their eyes locked, that this woman was enjoying holding the eye contact. The look between them was intense. She felt as though she was being put into a trance. It must have been that second glass of champagne. She knew she’d drunk it too quickly, giving her silly thoughts and hiccups. After what seemed an eternity, she forced herself to tear her eyes away, successfully breaking the contact. She felt disturbed, as if Hyacinth had peered deep into her soul. Val’s words rang in her ears. Be careful of Hyacinth.
Delighted with the effect she was having on her quarry, H moved towards Beth, gliding effortlessly through the melee of guests and easily re-establishing eye contact. Although Beth tried hard to resist, Hyacinth would not allow it. She stood so close their body heat merged as their arms touched.
‘I’m Hyacinth Dickinson. And you are?’ She extended her hand to Beth.
‘Beth. Beth McConnell. I work with George.’ Beth accepted Hyacinth’s outstretched hand. Immediately electricity charged between them. Beth fought to stop it and tried to release her hand, but Hyacinth would not let go.
‘I finally meet you. You’ve no idea how long I’ve been waiting. I’ve been telling George to invite you to dinner for weeks. Typical man, he never got around to it. What do you think of the food Beth? I think Davinia has excelled herself for me.’
‘It looks very appetizing.’ The last thing Beth expected was a conversation about food. Telling herself not to be so stupid she struggled to keep up the small talk. The power surge that Hyacinth generated was overwhelming her, making her feel sick. Yet she was flattered by the attention, and in a weird way found it exhilarating.
‘You must try the carrot cake. It’s one of Davinia’s specialities. But no, perhaps not,’ Hyacinth gazed intently into Beth’s eyes reading her mind, ‘I think the chocolate tart will be more to your taste, darling.’
‘How did you guess?’ She’s just called me darling. Who does she think she is?
‘Trust me Miss McConnell. I know everything.’ Still holding Beth’s hand Hyacinth moved to stand beside her, and slipped her arm possessively around Beth’s waist. ‘Now, darling. You must call me H. A privilege granted only to my closest friends.’
‘I’m flattered. But I’m hardly a close friend.’ Beth said.
