Chapter 21

…

Eve and Joanna spent most of the afternoon on the phone and they managed to get an appointment with the Manager of The Landmark London Hotel. They both arrived just after 3pm and went straight to the reception desk.

"Welcome to The Landmark London Ma'am, how can I help you?" The young receptionist asked.

"Hello, my name's Eve Moneypenny. I have an appointment with Karen Ricci."

"Very well Ma'am, just give me a few moments and I'll let her know you're here."

Eve waited patiently with Joanna as they took in their surroundings.

"Oh my god Eve, this place is so beautiful. The pictures online don't do it justice."

"I know what you mean, this place would be perfect, don't you think."

"I have to agree, I know Mum would love it." She smiled.

They both looked up when a woman in her mid forties approached them, dressed in a smart black pinstriped business suit.

"Miss Moneypenny?"

"Yes, that's right. Miss Ricci?"

"Karen please and you are?" She asked, looking at Joanna.

"I'm Joanna Bently."

"You said on the phone a wedding, a civil partnership is it?"

"Civil partnership, why would you think that we….?"

"Eve, she thinks it's for us."

"Oh god no, it's not for us. We're just friends, we're here on behalf of our Boss and her Fiancé."

"Oh I see, forgive me Ma'am."

"It's alright really."

"Right them, why don't we take a walk and I'll show you a few suitable events rooms that they might like…shall we."

Eve and Joanna nodded and followed Karen into the elevator and along different red carpeted hallways. They took pictures of each room as they went, amazed by how beautiful each room was. The Empire Room, The Tower Room and The Ballroom were the 3 favourites. Karen then discussed with the pair about rooms for after the wedding for the guests, she took them along and showed them a few different rooms after they explained there would only be a small number of guests. They were shown the Marylebone Family Suite which was perfect for Bill and his family and The Deluxe Room for Q, Paul and The Superior Room for Eve and Joanna. They also had a Presidential Suite which was perfect for M and James and they figured Mallory could go into the Executive Suite. By the time they were finished, Karen gave them the price for the wedding and overnight stay at the hotel and use of their facilities. When she handed Eve the price her jaw almost dropped to the floor. She looked up at Karen, feeling the air leaving her lungs.

"Is this right?" Eve asked.

"I'm afraid so Miss Moneypenny, we're a very exclusive Hotel and our hospitality is the best. Perhaps you'd like to talk this over with the couple and then get back to me. I'll reserve the rooms for the next 24 hours and that can give you the time to discuss it with them."

"Thank you, I think I'd better do that. Thank you so much for your time and showing us around."

"You're very welcome, I'll look forward to your call."

Eve and Joanna watched as Karen left them before Joanna turned back to Eve.

"So come on then, how much is this going to cost them?"

Eve handed Joanna the piece of paper Karen had given to her and almost passed out.

"Holy crap, this can't be right."

"I'm pretty certain it is." Eve sighed.

"£30,000, that's insane."

"The rooms alone are over £2,000 a night, plus the use of the facilities and the room for the wedding reception and they can do the catering. When you add it all up, I guess it's worth the money and it's such a beautiful place."

"Do you think James and Mum will agree, it's a lot of money Eve."

"I know, well I guess it gives them 24 hours to decide."

"We better get back then."

…

James came down stairs later that evening to find M resting with music playing in the background. He came to sit down beside her and put his arm around her shoulder, bringing her closer. She leaned in, her arm resting on his waist.

"This is nice, just the two of us." She smiled.

"Where are Joanna and Paul?"

"Paul went out to see a movie and Joanna's still out with Eve. I think they thought they'd give us some time alone."

"That was nice of them."

"I never got the chance to ask earlier, was Eve alright organising the wedding with Joanna?"

"Yeah great, she seemed happy enough...well both of them."

"They're good girls."

"They are, you still up for marrying me then."

"Try and stop me, I never thought I'd be marrying my Agent."

"But you're glad you are."

"Of course I am, I've never been surer of anything in my life."

He smiled as he leaned in and kissed her firmly on the lips.

"I meant to tell you by the way, I've found Kincaid."

"Yeah, how is the old guy?"

"Well I didn't actually speak to him, I couldn't get an answer on the number you gave me but he's staying in a small village called Portee in Skye. Bill's going to drive me there tomorrow."

"Tomorrow, that's a long drive."

"4 hours."

"That's quite a ride, are you sure you're up to it."

"James, I'm alright and anyway, what other choice do we have. I can't get him on the phone."

"I guess so, I could always go."

"Bill's already set to go and Malcolm's coming too. It will give us time to catch up."

"Well if you're sure."

"I am, stop fussing."

"I'm so lucky I have you in my life, I was beginning to think we'd never get married."

"Well now we are and I couldn't be happier."

"Me too…I love you so much M."

"Dear boy, I love you too."

…

To Be Continued…..