In Bed With Lord Byron

sheepishly.
    ‘I see. Well, I’m glad you had a nice night,’ she said, looking me up and down and no doubt picturing me downing tequilas and getting laid – which admittedly wasn’t
too far from the truth. ‘I shall contact Kerry now. I’m sure she’s late for this very reason – she’s probably waiting for you.’
    I saw her go to the front of the church and talk quietly to Anthony. No doubt putting all the blame on me.
    Anthony looked over. I expected him to be furious, but he just shot me a little grin. Now that I was closer, I could see that his forehead was shiny with sweat. His eyes were bulbous. He was as
pale as a vampire. He looked awful.
    ‘Damn!’ Mrs Prendeghast cursed, switching off her mobile. ‘I’ve tried Kerry three times now and she’s not answering.’
    Mr Prendeghast came up. ‘Darling, have you rung Kerry yet?’
    ‘Yes, darling,’ she hissed. ‘I was just telling Anthony that I’ve tried her
three
times. I knew I should have been with her this morning, but no, she insisted that
she wanted to sort herself out on her own. Oh God, Charles, you’re going to have to go over there and sort her out yourself.’
    ‘Virginia, I think you ought to go. I need to—’
    ‘Charles, I’m needed
here
.’
    ‘But Virginia, I need to find a new vicar!’
    ‘
What!
’ she cried.
    ‘What?’ Anthony interjected, his eyes wild.
    ‘What?’ I muttered, nudging Casanova.
    ‘What?’ asked Anthony’s mother, striding up and looking very cross.
    ‘What?’ Anthony’s father chimed in.
    ‘There’s nothing wrong with the vicar,’ Mrs Prendeghast said irritably. ‘I spoke to him myself last night.’
    ‘That was last night. He just called me to say he’s feeling sick and he’s sending a substitute.’
    ‘A what! Good Lord, this isn’t a game of football. We didn’t pay five thousand dollars for a
substitute
. Oh Charles,’ she said, her voice cracking, ‘this
wedding is just doomed . . .’
    Mr Prendeghast pulled her into his arms.
    ‘Virginia, it’s going to be just fine.’
    ‘Oh God, this is ridiculous,’ Anthony’s mother snapped under her breath.
    ‘I don’t mind a substitute,’ Anthony said helpfully. ‘Really. Anyone is fine. I just want to . . .’ He trailed off, his words hanging in the air.
    ‘Oh Anthony, you’re being so patient, and it’s all such a
mess
,’ Mrs Prendeghast said, wiping her eyes and touching him on the arm. ‘All right. I’ll go
fetch Kerry and Charles will sort out the priest. I think you ought to make some sort of announcement, don’t you, darling – the guests are
waiting
.’
    iv) Discussions in the vestry
    ‘Excuse me, everyone . . .’ Mr Prendeghast cleared his throat. When nobody quietened, he took hold of a book and slammed it against the lectern, then flushed when he
looked down and realised it was a Bible. ‘Excuse me . . .’ Then he was off into suave business mode. ‘I’d just like to assure you all that despite a few minor hiccups, the
wedding will be going ahead. Kerry is on her way, but we are having a small problem with the fact that the vicar is sick . . .’
    And on he droned. The guests exchanged sly glances and nervous whispers, unconvinced by his reassurances.
    Anthony, meanwhile, stuffed his hands in his pockets and strolled into the vestry.
    ‘Well, go on.’ Casanova broke off from chatting up three different women in three different pews. ‘Here’s your chance. Go and speak to him.’
    ‘I can’t,’ I whispered, my heart pounding, yet I found my feet were already carrying me forward.
    ‘
Lucy!
’ I was interrupted by Mrs Prendeghast, on her way out. ‘Anthony needs to be left alone,’ she said sharply.
    ‘Actually,’ a voice behind us said, ‘I think it would be a good idea if Lucy spoke to Anthony.’
    I jumped, and saw to my surprise that Anthony’s mother was behind me. She smiled at me softly, threading her hands together fretfully.
    ‘I’m terribly worried about him,’ she said in a low voice. ‘I think he could do with your help right now.’
    ‘Thanks,’ I said breathlessly, ignoring Mrs Prendeghast’s furious gaze.
    In the vestry, I caught Anthony off-guard; his face weak with uncertainty and confusion. He looked like a lost little boy. A deep wave of love and compassion overwhelmed me and I hurried forward
and drew him into a hug. He hugged me back just as tightly and I felt the tension in his body.
    ‘She’s not coming, is she?’ he said, drawing