“They were awful.It was a terrible breakfast,” Jillian snapped.
“They were overcooked,” Cat agreed, glancing at Olivia and giving her a smile.“I’ll do better tomorrow.I’ll use the timer on my watch.”
But Jillian wasn’t finished.“If you don’t know how to do anything a nanny does, why did you take this job?”
Cat shrugged.“I needed the money.Your father was in a pinch.He had lined up a proper replacement, someone the nanny agency recommended, but you scared her away, so here I am, having a splendid time with you.”
“You don’t need to be sarcastic.”
“But I am having a splendid time.I’m staying in a charming stone house on an old English estate just a mile from the historic market town of Bakewell.”
“I did not scare Miss Pettigrew away,” Jillian said, taking a furious step toward Cat.“Miss Pettigrew wasn’t up for the job and so, after a little chat, she decided she’d rather not spend Christmas with us.”
Catriona fought the urge to laugh.Jillian was absolutely diabolical, and Cat wasn’t sure if she was impressed or appalled.
“Poor Miss Pettigrew,” Cat sighed sympathetically.“But at least she had the sense to get out while she could.”
Jillians’ eyes narrowed.“What about us?Olivia and me?”
“What about you?”
“You mentioned Bakewell and Langley Park, but you said nothing aboutus.”
“Your father—”
“Not him.Us.Olivia and me.You’re supposed to be thinking about us.But you didn’t mention us at all.”
“Yes, but I don’t really know either of you well, and what I do know of you Jillian isn’t pleasant, so—”
“My mother would not like how you are speaking to me.”Jillian drew herself tall, her slim shoulders squared.“If she were here, she’d fire you for being rude, and abusive.”
“I’m not trying to be rude.I’m trying to be honest with you.Just as you are being honest with me.I thought we were having a very nice open conversation.”
“We’re not.You’re being mean.”
“Then let’s stop talking,” Cat said, “and do the dishes so we can have a better day.”
“I already told you I’m not doing the dishes.And that’s the end of that.”
“Then I guess you’re spending the day in your room.”Cat looked at Olivia, who looked utterly miserable.“Olivia, want to help me with dishes?It won’t take long.”
Jillian gave her sister a fierce look before answering for her.“No, she doesn’t.She’s not a servant, either.”And then she marched past Cat, dragging a reluctant Olivia with her.
In the kitchen, Cat washed up, wiped down the table, checked the refrigerator and pantry so she’d be prepared for lunch.She could make sandwiches, or soup and sandwiches, but maybe they could also walk into Bakewell?Have a little lunch there in one of the bakeries or cafes?
The more she thought about it, the more enthusiastic she became.They’d take a brisk walk into the village, find a cozy place for lunch, maybe do a little window shopping and be back to meet Rhys at two.They’d all benefit from a little exercise, fresh air, and lunch in a new place that would be on neutral ground.Even better, there would be no cooking or cleaning up.
Cat dressed and grabbed a book, carrying it to the huge stone hearth downstairs which burned brightly.Rhys had filled the wood bin and now and then she’d get up and add another log.Halfway through the morning she made a cup of tea for herself and was tempted to call up to the girls to see if they wanted anything but then stopped herself.Jillian had made it clear she wanted space, and Cat was determined to give the girl space.Cat just hoped that Olivia wasn’t bored out of her mind.
As it neared noon, Cat silently rehearsed her invitation, practicing what she’d say when she asked them to go into Bakewell for lunch with her.She even practiced what she might say if Jillian balked.She’d keep it light but also be kind but firm.It was going to be a good activity for all three of them.A chance to do something fun—and new—together.
She climbed the stairs and knocked at the girls’ shared room.“Jillian.Olivia.I’ve an idea for lunch,” she said through the closed door.
Silence.
Cat tried again, a little louder.“Jillian?Olivia?”
Nothing.A quiet, deliberate nothing.
