When Meg went back a few minutes later with more hot water, Ambrosine and Dame Miriam were chatting away like best friends. It seemed they had an acquaintance in common and lots else besides.
‘Delightful for Dame Miriam to have someone to talk to about her glory days in the theatre,’ said Inigo, popping into the kitchen to reassure them nothing else was required. ‘They’re getting on like a house on fire!’
‘I just hope Ambrosine doesn’t get overtired,’ said Meg to Susan when they were alone again.
‘She’s a tough one,’ said Susan. ‘Now, Meg, what’s all this about her making over her share of Nightingale Woods to you?’
How on earth did Susan know about that? Meg thought. She had told absolutely no one – not even her best friends. Then she sighed. Family retainers, especially those like Susan, always seemed to know everything.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Meg and Louise were in the office the following morning. Meg was there to be near the telephone in case Justin rang. Although every moment of every day was filled, all Meg could think about was him, although when they heard a car drive up, she didn’t go out. It was the throaty roar of a motorbike that Meg was longing to hear.
Then Meg heard a familiar voice and rushed into the hall.
‘Lizzie!’ she said, hugging her friend life-threateningly hard. Then she turned to the little girl who was hiding behind her mother, possibly startled by the whirlwind who had just appeared. ‘Letty?’ Meg said gently. ‘You won’t remember me but I’m a very good friend of your mother’s.’
Letty nodded obligingly but held on firmly to her mother’s leg. Meg turned back to her old friend. ‘You remember my mother? Louise?’
Louise had followed her daughter at a more sedate pace. ‘I certainly remember you, Lizzie. We met in London.’
When her mother and Lizzie had exchanged greetings, Meg had one burning question. ‘How did you get here so soon? We only sent up the smoke signals yesterday!’
Lizzie laughed. ‘I know, but this is an emergency! With everything that is going on at the family pile, I thought I ought to do something pronto! That and wanting to get away from all the fallout from the biggest wedding of the year being cancelled.’ She paused. ‘The family chauffeur brought me. Hugo arranged it. His parents don’t know; it was easier that way. As long as the chauffeur is back in time to bring my mother in law …’
‘Lady Fussy-Knickers,’ Meg said as an aside to Susan and Cherry, who had appeared. ‘You didn’t feel obliged to come with her and save your driver a journey?’
Lizzie shook her head. ‘Nothing would induce her to share a car with a small child, and I quote. Anyway, I know Nessa won’t want to see her. Where is she?’ Lizzie went on. ‘Is she OK?’
‘She’s upstairs,’ said Louise. ‘She’s trying to see if she can find something suitable to wear in my wardrobe. She brought almost nothing to wear with her.’
‘Mum has far more dresses and skirts than I do,’ Meg explained.
‘It seems I’ve arrived in the nick of time,’ said Lizzie, obviously delighted. ‘I brought my sewing machine. I have an electric one now.’
Louise laughed. ‘I’ll take you up!’ She held her hand out to the little girl, who had now released her grip on her mother. ‘Are you coming, Letty?’
Letty nodded and took the hand.
‘I’m coming too,’ said Meg, knowing that Cherry would fetch her if Justin did happen to ring while she was upstairs.
After Lizzie and Vanessa had greeted each other with laughter and a few tears, Louise excused herself. ‘Can I take Letty down to the kitchen for a drink and a snack?’
‘Of course!’ said Lizzie. ‘If she’ll go.’
Louise crouched down in front of Letty. ‘Would you like a drink? I bet you’re thirsty after your long car journey.’
Letty considered. Possibly she was a bit thirsty.
‘Come with me down to the kitchen,’ Louise went on, ‘and we’ll find you some milk or squash. Maybe something to eat as well?’
Lizzie, Meg and Vanessa watched in amazement as Letty went with Louise, holding her hand, apparently completely happy.
‘Isn’t that lovely?’ said Lizzie. ‘She can be a bit nervous with older women. Obviously, my mother-in-law is terrifying and my mother tries far too hard and wants to be hugged and kissed all the time. Letty is affectionate but she usually needs to get used to people. Your mother obviously hit exactly the right note!’
‘I’m afraid we call your mother-in-law Lady Fussy-Knickers,’ said Meg.
Lizzie laughed. ‘Our names for her aren’t nearly as friendly.’
