The twins weighed this deal up. They looked at each other.
‘We’re going to miss her,’ said Killian.
‘But we’ll have Sossy,’ said Isabelle.
‘He’s going to sleep with me,’ said Killian.
‘No, me,’ said Isabelle. ‘Or he could sleep in a bed between our beds. Exactly halfway.’ They smiled at each other, pleased. ‘We should get a bed and bowl and everything.’
‘Yes,’ said Nessa. ‘Go and wake Dad up and he will bring you both to the pet shop.’
After the twins had raced up the stairs, she turned to Rosie.
‘I’m at my wits’ end. But at least the bathroom is now white, no yellow anywhere. Now, will you stay for breakfast or do you have to get back? Anyway, so you’ll be auntie to Sossy and he can come and stay with you when Laurence and I go away. We’re off to Rome. Which is good because he can’t disappear to any golf courses and I’ve agreed to do theGladiatortour of the Colosseum, so no one can accuse me of not compromising, and he’s agreed to come into some of the shops. I want a new handbag. Something leather and expensive.’
‘Nessa?’
She was still distracted. ‘What do you think of a red bag? Could I use it every day?’
‘I’m in a rush. I have to go. But I have a proposal.’ Rosie paused. ‘Ness, do you love the hotel?’
Nessa seemed startled for a moment by the question. ‘Yes, of course I do. I love everything about it.’
‘Ness, listen. What about you managing the hotel?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Managing it. Being in charge. Rallying the team. Making sure the bills get paid and guests are happy.’
Nessa looked at her, bewildered. ‘What’s going on?’
‘You said that it wasn’t only mine. And you’re right. It’s the family’s. And I’ve done all I can with it.’
‘But youlovethe hotel.’
‘So do you?’
‘Yes, but… not like you do. You’re obsessed with it.’
‘Notobsessed…’
Nessa looked sceptical but remained silent.
‘Well… I might have been alittleemotional about the place and probably alotpossessive. And you’re right, I have been too controlling and haven’t listened to anyone’s ideas and it was crazy of me. But I should have listened to you and now Grace has great ideas and François and I can still advise or assist, but you could run it. You know the finances inside out and you’d be brilliant. If you have run a household with twins, then you can do anything.’
‘Are you sure?’ Nessa was taking it all in.
‘Yes, it’s time to hand it over. I can see it’s the people around me who are making it work. Dad, Grace, Bertie, Maureen, François and everyone else. The reception team, the housekeeping team. Martin Moore who can fix a tap, put up a canopy, built a bloody altar, for God’s sake. And you, more than anyone. You love the hotel like I do.’
Nessa narrowed her eyes. ‘Would I have to wear boring navy skirt suits?’
‘Of course not. Even I’ve given them up.’
Nessa nodded approvingly. ‘So much better,’ she said, with feeling. ‘Could I make decisions and hire people and make complete changes? You won’t be skulking around, with that disapproving face on you?’
‘Promise.’ Before, she would have been terrified, but Rosie realised she only felt excitement about passing on the hotel, knowing it was in good hands, both sisters ready for a new adventure.
Nessa was beginning to smile. ‘And you trust me?’
