‘It’s a distinct possibility.’ Izzy rubbed at her temple. ‘And there’s no sign of the Carter-Joneses, I’m worried they might have got stuck somewhere.’
‘That would make life easier, wouldn’t it?’
She sighed heavily. ‘In some ways, but you know how much I’m relying on their money. I can’t charge them if they’re not here.’
‘True.’ He looked at his watch.
‘I’m going to hold dinner until seven-thirty, hopefully they’ll be here by then.’
Just then a hesitant Hattie appeared in the doorway. ‘Can I have a word?’
‘Course you can. Is everything all right with your room?’
‘Yes! It’s a gorgeous room. That wallpaper, it’s to die for. No, it’s … erm…’ She tugged at her lip with her teeth, her hand making agitated movements. ‘I’ve heard from my mum. They’re, they’ve decided … not to come.’ She said the words in a rush.
‘Pardon?’ said Izzy, masking her utter confusion in politeness. Not quite sure she’d heard correctly. ‘Did they get stuck in the snow?’
‘No. They never set off. They’re having such a great time in Edinburgh. They’ve decided to stay.’
‘They’re not coming … at all? Or not until Christmas Eve?’
‘They’re going to an old friend of my Uncle’s on Christmas Day and staying with him until Boxing Day. I’m so sorry.’ Hattie moved awkwardly from one foot to the other.
‘They’re not coming,’ repeated Izzy.
Hattie shook her head. ‘I’m sorry.’
‘It’s not your fault,’ said Izzy slowly, still trying to get her head around it. Shit, she’d been banking on that money. The deposit was long gone. She felt sick. And a little light-headed. She grasped the corner of the dresser to hold her up. Ross moved beside her, placing a hand in the small of her back. She’d spent a fortune on food and wine.
‘It’s bloody rude,’ said Hattie suddenly. ‘I’m so embarrassed, I could kill them. It isn’t like them. I don’t know what’s happened.’
‘No worries,’ said Izzy, pasting a bright smile on her face while inside she was having a mini meltdown. She threw a quick glance at Ross, who gave her a reassuring smile.
‘Is it okay if I stay?’ Hattie asked in a small voice.
‘Oh my God, I’m so sorry,’ said Izzy, realising that the poor girl had been abandoned by her entire family. ‘Of course you can.’
‘I’m sure I can join in with the other guests,’ said Hattie with forced cheer.
Izzy looked down at her hands for a moment. ‘Actually, there are no other guests.’
‘Oh no! Who are all those people? Are they family? Oh god, I’m intruding. I’ve just foisted myself on you.’
‘Don’t be silly. You’re not intruding at all. In fact, you’re the only person that’s turned up that was expected. I seem to have ended up with a houseful of people, half of whom weren’t invited anyway.’
‘Me being the first of them,’ said Ross, indicating himself with both thumbs.
‘So you’re not going to be any trouble, as long as you don’t mind fitting in with everyone and going with the flow. It’s not as if I don’t have enough food.’ At least it wasn’t going to waste.
‘Really?’ Hattie’s brows creased with worry.
‘Yup, welcome to the mad house!’
‘I’ll pitch in and help. I’d rather anyway. I’m very good at peeling potatoes.’
‘You’ve got yourself a job.’
‘Why don’t I start now, if I’m not in the way?’
