‘I usually just sit by the back door if I want a break, but it’s even nicer here,’ said Meg.
‘It’s nicer because being a little bit away from the house people are unlikely to find you – although, of course, I found you,’ Ambrosine added with a laugh.
‘I was pleased to be found,’ said Meg.
‘And what were you thinking about, if I may ask?’
‘I was thinking – or rather wondering – why I feel so connected to Nightingale Woods. It’s not my family home or anything, it should just be another job. But it’s more than that and I don’t know why.’
‘I think it has a certain magic that gets under your skin,’ said Ambrosine, who didn’t seem at all surprised at what Meg had said. ‘I felt it the moment I came here.’ She paused. ‘Did you know that if you come at the right time of year you can hear nightingales sing? Of course the wood used to be much bigger, but the nightingales still come.’
‘I’d love to hear them.’
‘You’ve missed your chance for this year,’ said Ambrosine, ‘but next year, if you’re here in April or May, then you’ll hear them. They don’t only sing at night, you know,’ she went on, ‘but because not many other birds sing at night, they’re more audible.’ She laughed. ‘And of course, a lot more romantic! Titania speaks of them inA Midsummer Night’s Dream, you know. “Philomel with melody, sing in our sweet lullaby.”’
Meg cleared her throat, horridly aware that she was near tears again. ‘I don’t think I will be here next year,’ she said bleakly.
Ambrosine took a breath. ‘Then we must arrange it so that you are!’ she said briskly. ‘Now I’d better go. I’m meeting my colonel and he’s tiresomely punctual.’
Meg was seated next to Andrew at the dining-room table that evening. Justin was in the kitchen (her kitchen) cooking dinner and had summoned them to the table and then gone to fetch the starter. Susan and Cherry had gone home and Meg was desperate to go and see what Justin was up to but she’d been ordered to sit down and stay still.
Andrew and Colin were also seated, arguing gently over a childhood memory.
Louise said, ‘It’s a shame Ambrosine couldn’t be here. She’s so much part of the family.’
Colin looked up. ‘Oh, the old lady who lives here? Sweet of you to see her like that, Louise.’ He obviously didn’t find it sweet; irritating, rather.
‘She’s having dinner with her colonel,’ said Meg. ‘Do you think they’re courting? Or are they “just good friends”?’
Before anyone had time to answer, the door opened and Laura came in. She was looking lovely, thought Meg. Her hair was done up and her cheeks were slightly flushed. She was wearing a simple sheath dress that showed off her slim figure. Meg couldn’t help noticing, though, that her arms were just a bit stringy and her knees were a little knobbly.
The two men got up instantly.
‘So sorry I’m late!’ Laura said gaily. ‘Couldn’t get away. Now, where am I sitting?’
Meg had laid the table and had no idea she was coming. She got up now. ‘Why don’t you sit here? I’ll get another place setting.’
‘Oh no. I think Justin will expect me to be at his side!’ She gave a tinkling laugh. ‘You know what you men are like!’
Her coy look was received with a knowing laugh from Colin and an inscrutable raise of the eyebrows from Andrew.
Justin came in with a tray. ‘Oh. Laura? You’re here!’
‘Yes! So sorry I’m late. I couldn’t get away. I’m going to tuck myself in here, next to you. Meg? If you could get another place setting?’
Laura managed to make it sound as if she hadn’t already offered to do that, thought Meg, getting up and going to the sideboard. Really it was easier when she was just the cook and not a guest; she knew where she was then.
Having cooked a delicious, simple dinner without apparently breaking a sweat, Justin came and joined the party when they moved to the sitting room. Andrew produced a bottle of cognac and Louise found suitable glasses. Every time Meg had got up to do anything, she was flapped at by her mother until she sat back down again.
Colin lit up a large cigar and Meg and Louise exchanged a glance, conveying concern about howthey’d get the smell out of the curtains afterwards. ‘That was an excellent bit of grub,’ he said to Justin. ‘You can do a bit of cooking, I gather.’
Laura gave her tinkling laugh but Meg could tell that Colin’s remark had obviously made her a bit anxious for some reason. ‘I’m sure you know, Colin – you don’t mind if I call you that? We’re practically family! – Justin is a very well-regarded chef. Raoul de Dijon picked him to be his chef. Although Justin heads a team, which means he is more than just an employee.’
‘It’s OK, Laura,’ said Justin, eyeing her crossly. ‘I think my uncle was joking. Glad you enjoyed it!’
‘Well, in that case …’ She glanced around the table, making sure everyone was looking at her. ‘This might be the moment to tell everyone our plan?’ Laura was obviously excited at the prospect.
‘Erm …’ Justin began but Laura ignored him.
