‘That’s a ridiculous idea,’ he said dismissively. ‘You couldn’t do all the cooking and the office work – even in a hotel as quiet as this one.’
‘Of course I could!’ said Meg, who hated to be told she couldn’t do things.
Justin sighed. ‘I’m not sure I’m as keen as you are about your mother and my father getting together.’
‘Why?’
‘My father has been chased by women before. It hasn’t turned out well for him.’
‘My mother does not “chase” men, as you so delicately put it. They are mutually attracted to each other.’
‘And would Louise be so attracted if my father didn’t come with a very nice country house attached?’
Meg was clenching her teeth now. ‘I know you can’t help being rude, it seems to be your predominant characteristic, but considering you hardly know my mother at all, that is an outrageous thing to say – to suggest! Anyway, depending on your grandfather’s will, the country house may not be attached as firmly as all that.’
Justin laughed, startling Meg. ‘You’re absolutely right. And if Dad and Louise still love each other if and when Nightingale Woods has to be sold, I’ll give their union my blessing.’
‘I don’t think it’s up to you to bless it or not!’ Meg was indignant.
‘You seem to have given it your blessing. Why is it different for me?’
It was Meg’s turn to sigh. ‘It’s just been the two of us for as long as I can remember, and we both feel protective of each other. My mother is entitled to love, to security, and not to be lonely. I’ve wanted that for her for a long time.’ She didn’t add that every penny she could spare she saved, gathering together enough money for somewhere her mother could live that was theirs.
‘Would you like another drink?’ she said.
‘I’ll do it,’ he said, starting to get up.
Meg was quicker. ‘I insist. I’ll just get some more tonic.’ She left the room as quickly as she could without running.
Her mother had lit the fire in the drawing room and laid two places at a table drawn up near the fire. ‘I thought it was a bit bleak, and having a fire in the summer always seems a bit decadent and so special.’
‘Why only two places, Mum?’ said Meg pointedly. ‘You’re not abandoning me now!’
‘I just thought Justin would prefer to have you on his own.’
‘For one, you’re quite wrong, and for another, I don’t care! I’m getting us more drinks.’
Justin was in the sitting room, by the fire, with a large gin and tonic by the time Meg came down from delivering supper to Ambrosine. There was always a bit of chat involved and Justin’s presence downstairs involved a bit of teasing and some raised eyebrows about his intentions.
She was relieved to see that her mother had laid a place for herself at the table.
‘Come and join me,’ said Justin. ‘I must say, this room is quite cosy.’
‘It has class,’ said Meg, accepting the drink, deciding that how Justin was going to get back to his hotel wasn’t her problem. ‘And so appeals to the more discerning guest who wants to stay somewhere that feels like it’s a stately home.’
Justin laughed. ‘You’re wasted in the kitchen. You should be writing advertisements.’
‘Have you thought any more about letting Mum go to France with the deeds?’
‘After one and a half stiff drinks I think I can agree to that.’
He smiled at her, genuinely. It was like the sun coming out from behind a storm cloud, Meg felt. Then she pressed on. ‘While you’re in the mood to grant favours, can we have permission to turn the small single next to the best bedroom into a bathroom? It was the dressing room so there’s already a connecting door. I’d ask Bob – you know? Susan’s husband?’
‘I’ve known Bob half my life. Has he given up gardening?’
‘Not entirely but he’s recently taken up plumbing. It would make so much difference to us, having even one bedroom with its own bathroom.’ She paused. ‘Although you may not want to have the competition for the hotel where you work.’
He hung on to his good mood. ‘I’m not afraid of the competition and it shouldn’t cost too much. I’ll say yes.’
