The Parliament of Blood Read Free Page B

there anything to eat?’
    â€˜An important actor and a respected gentleman and you took his invitation to get in here under false pretences.’
    â€˜Yeah, all right, fair enough,’ Eddie conceded. He nodded towards where Liz was standing with a group of people listening to Malvern. ‘Liz seems to like him though.’ Before George could react, Eddie grabbed his arm anddragged him further into the room. ‘Come on, we need to get a better view than this. Look, Sir William’s got a good spot, let’s join him over there.’
    George followed Eddie through the guests. He was still angry, though he found it difficult to distinguish between the annoyance he felt with Eddie and his irritation at Liz’s interest in Henry Malvern.
    An expectant hush was falling as everyone began to perceive that the evening’s events would soon start. Through it, George heard Liz’s laughter, and the deep tones of Henry Malvern. He spared them a glance as he and Eddie passed close to their group. Malvern was holding forth as if he was on the stage – thumb hooked into his waistcoat pocket and free hand gesticulating earnestly. The people round him watched enraptured. Especially the ladies.
    Especially Liz. Her eyes wide and fixed on the man. Her mouth open in awe. George felt Eddie tug impatiently at his sleeve, and moved on.
    Professor Brinson had returned. He looked less flustered, and was accompanied by a short woman of about the same age. His wife, George guessed, from the way she had her arm linked with Brinson’s. She seemed very thin next to her husband’s ample form. Her skin was pale and delicate and her hair was piled up on her head – a mousy brown streaked at the sides with grey.
    â€˜Now don’t fuss, dear,’ Mrs Brinson was saying. ‘I’m sure no one will mind if there isn’t a photograph. I certainly shan’t. You know I can’t abide having my picture taken.’
    â€˜Indeed,’ Sir William agreed. He seemed to be trying to stifle a yawn. He caught sight of George and Eddie. ‘Ah, there you are. You’re looking well, Eddie.’
    â€˜Is that where it’s going to happen?’ Eddie asked, pointing at the sarcophagus on the dais in front of them. There was a row of chairs arranged behind the sarcophagus, and several people were taking their seats there. George could see the imposing figure of Sir Harrison Judd settling himself into the seat next to Lord Ruthven.
    â€˜Yes, yes,’ Brinson said, rubbing his hands together. ‘I rather think we should start.’
    â€˜Can’t see much from down here,’ Eddie complained. ‘Why do they get the best view?’
    â€˜You’re right, Eddie,’ Sir William agreed. ‘We shall see nothing of consequence from down here. If I am to suffer the scientific indignity of having my mummy unwrapped, I do think I should be permitted to see it properly.’ He strode after Brinson. ‘I shall join you on the stage, sir.’
    Brinson stopped. ‘What?’
    â€˜Oh don’t worry,’ Sir William assured him, ‘I won’t steal your thunder. Just want to see what you’re up to.’
    Brinson’s wife was encouraging the professor towards the dais again. ‘Oh very well,’ he agreed with a sigh.
    â€˜Excellent.’ Sir William clapped his hands together and looked from Eddie to George. ‘Shall we?’
    â€˜I’m not sure the professor understood you to mean us as well,’ George said.
    â€˜My dear George, there is a lot the professor does not understand. But I can’t help feeling that is his problem, notours. Are you coming?’ He did not wait for an answer, but hurried after Brinson, who was already stepping up on to the makeshift stage.
    There were not enough chairs now on the stage for the number of people. Sir William took the last chair, leaving Eddie and George to stand beside him. Eddie seemed not to