He parked and cut the engine.“Here we are.”
Cat stepped out and drew in a breath as she stretched.The nerves had returned, along with a flutter of excitement.She’d never done anything like this before—nannied or lived with a family—and it was an adventure, with so much still unknown.
Rhys gestured to the car.“I’ll bring the bags in shortly, but first, come meet the girls.”
As he opened the front door Cat heard voices—young, high, and distinctly female arguing, only to be interrupted by a woman’s voice, telling them to be careful or they’d both get burned.Rhys shot Cat an I-warned-you look as he shut the front door and then headed straight away for the kitchen.Cat followed more slowly, taking in the thick stone walls of the cottage and low-beamed ceiling.A huge hearth anchored the far end of the sitting room, the fireplace flanked by a pair of comfortable armchairs with a couch opposite to provide additional seating.
“You better be listening to Mrs.Johnson,” Rhys said sternly entering the kitchen.“She’s going to give me a full report when I drive her back to the house, and I trust it will be a glowing report, yes, girls?”
“Oh, we’ve had a good time,” Mrs.Johnson said, smiling at Rhys.“We made chocolate sponge with chocolate custard for your dessert tonight.But the girls were finding it hard to wait, so we whipped up a batch of jammie dodgers.They were hoping to spread the jam but the biscuits are still too warm, I’m afraid.”
“I don’t think they are too warm,” the taller of the two girls protested.
Fair with long dark blonde hair and blue eyes, she was quite pretty or would have been if she’d had a more pleasant expression.
“Mrs.Booth said they were,” the younger girl answered.She glanced from her father to Cat.“Are you the new nanny?”she asked.
Olivia’s hair was darker than Jillian’s, and her eyes were hazel like her father’s.
“Just until your Charlotte returns,” Cat said, extending her hand to Olivia.“I’m Catriona but you can call me Cat if you like.It’s less of a mouthful.”
The nine-year-old gravely shook Cat’s hand.“I am Olivia.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Cat answered.
She turned to Jillian, offered her hand but the girl turned away.
“Jilly,” Rhys reprimanded.“Where are your manners?”
Jillian shot him an annoyed glance before looking in Cat’s direction without actually looking at Cat.“I’m Jillian.You can call me Jillian.”
“Thank you, Jillian,” Cat replied, hiding her smile.So, this is how it would be.That’s fine.Game on.
Jillian crossed her arms over her chest.“Do you even know what jammie dodgers are?”she asked Cat, again glancing toward her without making eye contact.
“They are one of my favorite English cookies—”
“Not cookies, biscuits.”Jillian rolled her eyes.“You’re in England now.”
Cat blinked, glanced around feigning surprise.“Am I?”
Jillian clearly didn’t appreciate Cat’s humor as she stomped out of the room and up the stairs.
Rhys called after her.“Say thank you and goodbye to Mrs.Johnson, Jillian.”
Jillian paused on the stairs, turned toward the entry and shouted, “Thank you, Mrs.Johnson,” before marching the rest of the way up.
For a moment all was silent and then Rhys turned to Mrs.Johnson and apologized for his daughter’s behavior.“I am sorry.It’s been difficult—”
“Not a word, Dr.Harmon.I was a mother too.This is a hard age for all.”The cook removed her apron, folding it up and putting it in her handbag.She glanced around the kitchen once more.“I think I’ve left everything in good shape for you.”
“You absolutely have,” he answered.“Thank you again and let me drive you back.”
“I can walk.”
“I was going to head that way to work.Mrs.Booth has found a corner at the house for me to spread my papers out.”
“Very good then.”
