Chapter 149: The Virgin´s Wedding, Part 5, The Seduction Of James

BETH

The party is dying down. "Fancy a nightcap?" asks Richard.

"Mmm, yes, good idea."

We order a brandy apiece, and make our way through to the library.

James is there, reading, sitting in a leather armchair by the fire, long legs outstretched in front of crackling flames.

Richard, frowns, his eyes meeting mine. "I thought he´d be upstairs with..." he murmurs.

"James? Is everything alright? We thought..." My husband´s words trail away.

James looks up at us over his glasses, mouth quirking in humour. "You thought... what?"

"Um...."

"It´s their wedding day. This is Michael´s night."

"Ah..." Richard, hesitates, clearly trying to choose his words, and failing to find them. "Mind if we join you? We´re having a nightcap."

"Be my guests. I was doing just that, myself." He lifts a balloon glass, swirls it for a moment, then sips.

We seat ourselves, Richard rubbing his hands in front of the flames.

"I think we can call the day a success," says Richard.

"Oh, I think