48
Tobias and Megan sat having breakfast, whilst baby Edward slept peacefully in his Moses basket. Tobias had been filling Megan in with the progress on Keeper’s Cottage. She had been horrified at what Emily had been through and wanted to help in some way.
‘I can’t stop thinking about Daniel’s little girl,’ she told him whilst pouring another cup of tea.
‘I know,’ sighed Tobias, ‘but we’re doing all we can,’ he tried to reassure her.
She chewed her lip in thought. ‘Maybe we should invite them over here to the Hall, give them a change of scenery. I could give them a guided tour and we could have dinner together. What do you think?’
Tobias nodded his head. ‘Yes, good idea. I’ll speak to Daniel later – we’re due to meet up this afternoon.’
Megan was pleased with her suggestion and pondered how to make it special for Emily.
*
When Tobias had invited Daniel later that day, he had been happy to accept, knowing Emily would love it.
‘Could we bring Christie too?’ asked Daniel. ‘I know Emily would love her to come.’
‘Of course, you’re all welcome.’ Tobias smiled, then turned to Keeper’s Cottage. ‘Have you chosen the kitchen yet?’
‘Yep, I’ve ordered it, plus all the bathroom fittings.’ Daniel had thoroughly enjoyed flicking through various websites on his laptop, showing Christie what he had bought. Christie’s reaction told him he’d chosen well and had made him even more eager to get on and move in. Emily had been enrolled at school, which meant that he had a month to finish the cottage before she started the new term. Daniel was confident, as was Tobias, that they would manage it.
Daniel also needed to start thinking about work, ever mindful of the job he’d been commissioned to do. Hopefully, it would all fit together time wise. Even if his studio wasn’t quite ready, he would have to temporarily work in a spare bedroom. He was beginning to feel more positive as time went on and thankfully Emily seemed to have settled too. Daniel was ever grateful of the way Christie helped with Emily, and loved the way the two bonded together, which was why he’d wanted Christie to come with them to Treweham Hall.
Christie had been delighted at the invite, often wanting to have a tour of the Hall, but never getting the time to do it.
‘You all go and have a lovely time,’ Dermot had told them. He was conscious that he wouldn’t be at The Templar much longer, so was happy to man the fort and give Christie some time out.
The following day all three of them set off late afternoon to Treweham Hall. Emily gaped in awe at the size of the sandstone fortress with four corner turrets, giving it a castle-like appearance.
‘Does the queen live here?’ she asked.
‘No, Sweet Pea.’ Daniel laughed. ‘Lord and Lady Cavendish-Blake live here.’
Emily looked blankly at him.
‘We call them Tobias and Megan,’ said Christie smiling.
‘I used to have a friend called Megan,’ replied Emily, making Daniel and Christie exchange looks.
After walking down the long, gravel driveway to the huge wooden front door, Daniel lifted Emily up to use the brass knocker. Henry the butler soon answered and ushered them in. Emily’s eyes widened at the space and décor, as did Christie’s.
‘Hello!’ Megan came rushing up to them with a breezy smile. ‘Tobias will join us later,’ she explained then lowered herself to Emily’s height. ‘Would you like to look round?’
‘Yes!’ Emily jumped excitedly on the spot, eager to explore.
‘This way then.’ She grinned. ‘Let’s start in the music room.’ Megan led them through the marble-tiled hall and up the sweeping staircase. Emily was taking in all the portraits on the landing, while Christie admired the intricate woodcarvings on the banister and covings. It really was a magnificent place. Entering the music room, Emily rushed to the Steinway piano in the corner.
‘Can I touch it?’ she asked.
‘Of course.’ Megan lifted her onto the piano stool and played Chopsticks, a very basic piece she’d learnt as a child herself.
Emily giggled.
‘Here, you help me play.’ She patiently showed Emily which keys to press.
Daniel watched Emily’s face in concentration and thought he would buy a piano for their home. She obviously was enjoying playing and seemed to pick it up quickly.
