Miranda's Wedding Chapter Eight.

Andy went through into Miranda's study and closed the door. Sometimes the satellite link to Tokyo was less than clear and the kitchen and family room weren't always quiet enough to catch what Hannah was saying. She looked round at the scene of their great debacle the night before and was at least relieved to see no trace of the spilt Scots whiskey on the blue carpet.

Poor Miranda, she had relinquished her rightful place as chief decision maker so graciously in the end. Andy was determined to make it up to her with a really special present. But for now she had to find out what Hannah needed to say.

She did a little sum in her head. Tokyo was thirteen hours ahead of New York, so if it was 9.30 in Manhattan, it would be 10.30 the same evening there. Not too late. She brought up Hannah's cell phone number and pressed the call button.

When Hannah answered, there was obvious relief in her voice, and a slight tremor of excitement. The sisters could read each other so well, even though they hadn't shared a bedroom for eight years, and now were barely able to meet more than twice a year.

Andy said the obvious, "You called yesterday. Sorry I was out." Then, "Is everything all right? You and Harry can still come to our wedding, can't you?"

Hannah replied, "Yes, but Andy, so much has happened. I have to bring you up to speed."

Andy's head went all over the place. What had happened? Was Hannah pregnant with twins? Huh?

"What's new then?"

"I've got a new job! With the U.N.! So we'll be moving back to New York! I start in two months."

"Fantastic! Tell me more."

"It's with the USA East Asia desk at UN Headquarters. I'll be in the Japanese section. A colleague heard about the opening, and I put in for it without any real hope. I expected to get a level entry post at best, but they have had a big staff turnover recently, and they want me to be the deputy head of the section!"

"Well done. Of course the whole family knows you are brilliant. But that's fantastic news. And Harry? What's he doing right now? Of course he'll come with you, I expect?"

"He's been amusing himself teaching English as a foreign language, and playing the flute in an Irish pub here. But he's going to come over with me, and then I am hoping he will remember he has some brains and go back into pure Math Research. You know he had a fellowship offered at Cornell three years ago, which he never took up. I think he's ready to settle down. We both are."

"Hannah, we are so happy for the two of you, and Miranda will adore having her nephew close by. I can see a lot of spoiling of you both on the cards. She'll be excited when I tell her, and the twins will of course as well. They adore their Uncle Harry. It's so great that both our families are gathering round. Mum and Dad will be so happy!"

"Yes, but there is one big thing we have to do first, which is why I wanted to ask you a huge favor."

"Yes, what?"

"So he can stay in the States as my partner, and not just on a tourist visa, Harry and I need to get married before June, when my job starts. We wondered, and I know it is rather a cheek, but do you think you and Miranda would mind? Can we share your wedding day and get married with you, on the same day up in New England? "

Andy gave a strangled gasp, which Hannah didn't even notice.

"You see, I've been thinking. Mom, Dad, Momma and all our extended Sachs family, as well as Charles, Miranda and the Priestlys will be there ready and waiting, and Dad will even have his grey tailcoat and top hat organised. Of course we will pay for more than our share of the costs. This tech firm pays me a fortune . . . I've made enquiries, and if we register our intention to marry by the end of tomorrow, we will be in time. What do you say?"

Andy went a little pale. She had learned her lesson, and there was no way she was going to pre-judge Miranda's reaction, or make any further promises without asking her first. The actual logistics of yet another wedding on that crowded Saturday seemed virtually impossible anyway!

"Sis, it's a lovely idea, but . . . "

"Oh, fantastic! I knew you'd agree . . ."

"No! No! Hold on here a cotton-pickin' minute. I can't! I mean, I can't agree to anything without talking this over with Miranda. And also, we have already had one other wedding bounced in on top of us that day. I can't explain why right now, but Emily and Serena are joining us for their marriage ceremony. It's getting almost impossible as it is . . . "

"Oh." Hannah sounded horribly flat and deflated. "Yes, I see. Oh well . . . it was just an idea. We can get married here of course, but no-one we love will be with us, and I so wanted you to be my bridesmaid or matron of honour or whatever it's called. It wouldn't be the same if you, Mom and Dad weren't there. And Harry will die if his lovely aunt and cousins can't be present as well."

Hannah always could persuade Andy to follow her and help her with her schemes when they were little. The old magic was starting to work again.

"Look, Han, I'm not saying No definitely, just don't get your hopes up. Let me go and talk to Miranda, and we'll get back to you."

"When? We need to decide and make plans really quickly now."

"I will call you tonight, 7 pm my time. That will be eight tomorrow for you in Tokyo, and we'll see if there is a way to make it happen. OK?"

"Great! I know you will find a way. Miranda is bound to sort it. There's nothing that woman can't do, is there?"

"Hmm, she's only human. But at least I promise we will try our best. If you do go ahead, will you be wanting to bring any more guests from Australia or Japan?"

"Oh, no more than a few, I shouldn't think. It's such short notice anyway. I haven't really discussed that with Harry yet. But I'm sure we can find room for them in other places, if your venue is fully booked."

Andy ended their talk and flicked off her phone. She ran out of the room, calling,

"Miranda, where are you? We need to talk . . . "

And she tried, without success, to flatten the slight tinge of hysteria in her voice, as she ran.