‘Take her shopping, take her out for lunch, hot chocolate, museums, whatever you like. I would like to see some kind of plan for the month. You can draw that up today, and I’ll put you in contact with my executive assistant, Angela, to get things booked. Perhaps the ballet. I’d like herentertained but not over-scheduled. When she’s overtired, it’s?—’
He breaks off, looks down at his daughter, who beams back at him, and makes a face at her. ‘Let’s just say you want to avoid that state. She’s been up since six this morning, FYI. Fully dressed since six-ten. She was excited about seeing you.’
My heart constricts. The sweet, sweet little thing. I bend and tickle Bea on her tummy. ‘Did you wake your daddy at six? Oh my goodness! You cheeky girl!’
‘I was already up. I have business interests in Asia… Anyway. She’s a fussy eater, but the hotel is used to her. Room service will suggest some dishes that you can order for her. Make sure she eats some vegetables. Otherwise Signor Sassi in Knightsbridge is a safe bet. Or Daphne’s or Scalini’s in South Ken. Italian, in short. Get the concierge to make any reservations.’
I’ve never heard of those places, but I’d put money on them not being like Pizza Express.
‘You have the run of the hotel. Obviously. If there are any parts you’d like to explore, call Reception and ask for Sandra Robson. She’s our front-of-house manager. She’s been with us for a long time and she’s a big fan of this one.’
He grins at his daughter, and it’s like the sun has come out for a second. He has dimples. Dimples! They transform his entire demeanour. He’s smiling at Bea with his rich brown eyes, as well as with that mouth, and they go from impenetrable to the warmest, crinkliest eyes I’ve ever seen. It’s extraordinary.
I gape.
He turns and strides over to the mirror to adjust the knot on his tie. My eyes drop to his bum. Jesus, it’s a lovely bum, and those trousers are worth every single pound he spent on them, which is probably thousands. They definitely earntheir keep.
Oops, he’s looking at me in the mirror.
‘Sandra will get you access to the kitchens if you want to watch the pastry chefs preparing afternoon tea. Other items: keep her well wrapped up when you go out, please. That includes a hat. My driver is with me today, but she loves buses. Especially upstairs. Hates tubes. Please use the Amex to feed yourself too. Obviously. I’ll message you if I think of anything else.’
‘Got it. That all sounds fine. Would you like receipts from everything we use your card for?’
‘Not necessary. I get alerts on my phone when it’s used.’
I expected him to be more prescriptive, but it’s clear he’s anxious to get away to work.
‘Oh. The hotel’s hosting a Christmas party this afternoon for families who are staying with us, and friends of Montague Group. It’s in the Austen ballroom. I need you to take her down there at four and I’ll see you both there.’
And then he’s shrugging on his jacket, which again looks to have been stitched by the hands of angels, or at least fairytale birds and mice, because it’s the Cinderella’s dress of jackets. He fastens the middle button, pulls on the softest looking long black coat, and throws a soft-looking grey scarf around his neck.
That gesture nearly undoes me. Imagine if I walked over to him, and grabbed both ends of the scarf, and kissed him! Put my lips to his beautiful, firm mouth before tying his scarf for him and wishing him a good day at work. I let out an involuntary squeak and clamp my lips together.
He frowns at me. ‘Everything all right?’
‘Yes, Mr Montague. Miles. Everything’s great. We’ll have a grand time together. Don’t you worry.’
And then he’s gone. And I have the weirdest sensation of breathing an enormous sigh of relief that Bea and I can havefun without his disapproving stiffness, while also feeling completely bereft.
CHAPTER 4
Miles: Friday 3 December
Work is crazy, in a good way. This time last year, my management team was fixated on prolonging furloughs, stemming the flow of losses and frantically recalibrating 2021 forecasts to realistic levels, with zero fucking clue what the picture would realistically be for most of the year.
And while the pickup has taken months to kick in post the leisure sector reopening in spring, it’s finally happening. European and Asian tourists returned slowly over the summer; US travel has finally opened up and occupancy rates for their central London hotels, especially The Montague (their flagship) are actually looking bloody decent heading into 2022.
I take some time out of my morning to catch up with the management of Montague Group’s hotels in Hong Kong and Shanghai. Once they’re satisfied I’ve shown them sufficient attention, I pull up WhatsApp on my desktopand message the nanny.
All OK this am? LMK what events you want to book and I’ll put you in contact with Angela.
She sends a flurry of messages straight back.
Everything’s great thanks!!! We’re in The Playroom crafting a Christmas calendar
Bea would love to go to Hamleys (I would too!!)
I asked the concierge for more suggestions, and he suggested ice-skating at Somerset House or the Natural History Museum
