A Night on the Orient Express
‘This is great fun and I raced through it . . . nicely written, with an interestingly flamboyant family of well-observed characters at the centre of a pacy narrative . . . it’s entertaining and very readable’
Daily Mail
‘Exuberant novel of love, lust, hopes and dreams’
Woman & Home
‘Glam yet emotionally astute . . . a sparky absorbing read which fizzes with life and zip’
Mslexia
‘A perfect summer delight’
Sun
‘A great and absorbing read with a storyline that will certainly keep you hooked until the final page’
Chicklitreviews
‘This sweet book would be a great beach companion. ****’
Star
‘The book is first-class chick-lit and a great beach read’
Sunday Express
‘A riotous summer romp’
Closer
‘Warm and brilliantly written’
Heat
‘A great summer read. Veronica Henry’s creation of a clever web of characters, each with their own story to tell, makes this a real page-turner’
Cornwall Today
In memory of Samuel George Bright
1927–2013
Veronica Henry
Travel Tips from Veronica Henry
This book was a sheer delight to research and an utter joy to write, but it would not have been possible without the help of Anna Nash at the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, whose support and generosity for the project knew no bounds. Thank you, Anna. Thank you also to her successor, Emma Wylde, for her help and enthusiasm. I raise a glass of champagne to you both.
Thanks are also due to Rupert Aarons, our steward, and Walter Nisi, the head barman, who looked after my husband and me whilst on board the train and made it a journey never to be forgotten. Also, the team at the Hotel Cipriani for a magical stay.
The book was only enhanced by the eagle eyes and whip-cracking of my agent Araminta Whitley and editor Kate Mills, who both made sure it stayed on track and arrived at the station on time. Their guidance is appreciated more than they can ever know.
Big thanks too for your input – and much laughter – to Peta Nightingale and Sophie Hughes at Lucas Alexander Whitley. Working with you both is a dream.
For advice on what to see and do and where to eat in Venice, I am grateful to Rebecca Watson of Valerie Hoskins Associates and Mark Lucas of Lucas Alexander Whitley.
I am also grateful to Claire McLeish, Alice Wilson and Ilana Fox for being the most amazing friends over the past year. *Oscar-style tears and gushing*
Thanks also to my husband Peter for allowing me to drag him back to Venice on a second honeymoon – tough, but there was no other man for the job!
Finally, eternal gratitude to Susan Lamb for her vision and determination, but most importantly her kindness.
A
s the clock chimes midnight, in a siding just outside Calais a train sits waiting under a still sky. Above it the moon glimmers, bathing it in a silvery glow. The carriages are empty, but for the ghosts of passengers walking up and down the corridors, their fingertips gliding along the marquetry, their scent mingling in the stillness of the air. The faint trace of piano music floats away into the black velvet night, weaving its way amidst whispers and promises. For here a thousand stories have already unfolded, stories of love and hope, of passion and heartache, of reconciliation and parting.
There are eleven sleeping cars, three dining cars and a bar. In a few hours’ time, these silent carriages will burst into life as the train is prepared for its journey. No surface will be left unpolished. The cutlery and glassware will shine. Not a speck of dust or a smear of grease will remain. The livery will be hosed down until the metal gleams. Every wish, every need, every possible whim is considered as the provisions are brought on board, from the tiniest pats of creamy butter to bottles of the finest champagne.
At last, the staff will stand to attention under the gaze of the train manager, their uniforms pristine, ready for the final inspection before it leaves for the station.
On the platform, the waiting passengers shiver slightly. Whether from the crispness of the air or the excitement of climbing on board the most famous train in the world, who can say? Either way, their stories are waiting to be told.
Here! Here it is. The first glimpse of the Orient Express as it slides regally towards the platform. The sun bounces off the mirror-bright glass of the windows as the station master strides forward. There is a satisfying whoosh as the brakes are applied, and the train comes to a halt, purring, resplendent, proud – yet somehow welcoming. Who can resist such an invitation?
Come. Gather up your belongings. Wind the scarf more tightly round your neck; pull on your gloves and your hat as you take your lover’s arm.
Hurry – your seat is waiting . . .
NOT ON THE SHELF
Matches made in heaven for over twenty years
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NOT ON THE SHELF
Profile Questionnaire
EMMIE DIXON
AGE: 26
OCCUPATION: Milliner
LIVES: London
FAVOURITE QUOTE: The most important thing is to enjoy your life – to be happy – it’s all that matters. (Audrey Hepburn)
WHO WOULD PLAY ME IN THE FILM OF MY LIFE: Maggie Gyllenhaal.
ME IN 50 WORDS: I like to work hard and play hard. I love dressing up. I think life is an adventure and I never want to stop learning. I’m a city girl but I love escaping to the country. I believe in making your own luck, which is why I’ve entered this competition.
A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS: Violet creams, fireworks, good manners, picnics, snowmen, Agatha Christie, log fires, strawberry daiquiris, Saturday-morning brunch, wrapping presents.
MY IDEAL PARTNER IN ONE SENTENCE: I want someone who will surprise me and make me laugh, who is kind, and who knows how to have fun.