100TWC - Day 85: Falling

The party was already a-buzz with conversation when Connor arrived. It was an informal affair, but nevertheless the host -- Brian -- was his usual effusive self as he noticed Connor across the crowded hall.

"Connor! My dear fellow! SO lovely to see you again. Are you on your own? Oh my word, I did so hope you'd bring that precious little thing I saw you with last time. How is she? You've not parted company have you? I do hope not. What can I get you old chap? Nothing's too much trouble tonight, I'm the host with the most!"

He paused, for breath Connor thought, but it was only to turn and address the throng of guests.

"Everyone, this is Connor -- a very dear friend of mine from way back."

Connor made his way into the room. After that fulsome introduction, the crowd seemed to part in front of him without actually moving. The faces of the other guests gradually resolved and he began to recognise a few. Over by the immense gilt-framed mirror mounted under the stairs, Faith Miller was adjusting her hair, releasing it from its elaborate but severe style by the judicious removal of a few clips and ties. Her thick blonde locks cascaded onto her shoulders. There had been a time, Connor reflected ruefully, that he had fancied his chances with Faith. It didn't take long for her to let him know in very clear terms that he didn't come up to the mark as far as she was concerned. Far from it.

He had believed himself in love with her at the time, could distinctly remember the feeling of it overtaking him in their first few days together. Now she was just another might-have-been.

"Connor!"

He turned at the sound of his name. Bunny Hargreaves was making a beeline for him from out of the dining room.

"You'll never guess!"
"What's that Bunny?"
"Miles just proposed! Got on his knees and everything!"
"Wonderful. Happy for you."
"And with the new law we can have a proper wedding and everything!"
"Lovely. Make sure you invite me."
"Of course. I knew he would you know. Knew he couldn't resist me. Who could, be honest."

Connor turned away. Bunny's pride was renowned, but he happened to know Miles had also been seeing Brian -- their host -- on the quiet. He'd never say anything of course. What happened in people's private lives was their own business as far as Connor was concerned, but Brian was not out. If even the slightest whiff of scandal were to land at his feet there would be a very rapid thinning of the party crowd at Highton Place.

Another guest nudged his elbow as they squeezed past. Their eyes met. It was Trevor. Years before Trevor had found himself on the wrong side of the law. Trapped in a complicated scam that he had not seen coming, he had lost a lot of money after a sudden crash of the markets. A lot of the money he'd invested was his own, but he had also been tricked into investing others' funds and had been manoeuvred into taking all the blame for it by the organised criminals who had originally thought up the scheme.

"Trevor!" Connor exclaimed quickly, masking his mental turmoil at the still painful memories. "How are you?"
"Absolutely marvellous, thanks. Good to see you. It's been a long time."
"It has indeed. What ever happened with that investment thing?" Connor asked, deciding it was best to be up front about it.
"Oh that!" Trevor grinned. "Turned out to be the best thing I ever did."
Connor was non-plussed. Trevor laughed. "Yeah. Bet you never expected that. I managed to convince all the investors to hang on in there. Some even trusted me so much they put MORE money in, while the market was at its lowest. When the turnround came, I made seven million. Either through my own investment, or through grateful contributions from those who'd made even more money!"

He raised his glass. "Here's to the capitalist system!"

A gust of wind blew through the enormous hall, bringing a distinct chill to the air. Someone had opened the French windows. Slowly, the party moved out onto the patio. In the short time since Connor's arrival the weather had changed for the worse and there had been a brief but intense snow storm. The patio was white over and all the trees painted to match.

Trevor and Connor stepped out together onto the slick crazy paving.

"Whoop-- ow!" cried Trevor as he lost his footing on the slippery fresh snow and landed on his backside with a plosive exhalation. Connor noted with respect that he had managed to keep his glass intact and not spilled a drop.

Faith walked up to the slightly embarrassed Trevor and offered him her hand.

"If there's one thing that impresses me it's a man who can hold his drink," she smiled. "I think I should get to know you better."