‘What kind of hosting are we looking at? Social gatherings or business?’
‘Would that make any difference?’ replied Jennifer.
‘Just considering whether the gatherings be a formal, sit-down dinner or… a party buffet for example?’
‘Both,’ said Jennifer, staring directly at her, not giving anything away.
‘I see. Well, as long as I was given clear instruction as to what exactly was required, then yes, I’m sure I could manage that.’
‘Good,’ nodded Jennifer.
‘I could even throw in the entertainment!’ Emma exclaimed, struck by the idea. She was of course referring to her singing and playing the piano but realised what she’d just blurted out could be misconstrued. She blushed as her head turned sharply towards a slightly open door coming off from the library. She could have sworn she’d heard a faint chuckle of laughter. Jennifer coughed.
‘Yes,’ she smiled, ‘very good,’ then shuffled some papers in front of her.
Emma’s eyes narrowed. She got the distinct impression that they weren’t alone. Someone was listening in to their interview, she could feel it.
Felix was indeed stood behind the adjourning door, eavesdropping on every word being spoken. He’d seen Jennifer greet Emma when she arrived, hidden behind a door off the hall, and had overheard her say she’d played the piano on the open day, instantly remembering who she was. He also recalled how she had drawn her audience in when singingChampagne Problems, including himself.Peeping discretely through the gap in the door, he found himself attracted to her again. She had a calm way about her, an effortless quality. He loved that mass of chestnut curls and found his lips quirking at the silver ankle boots she wore. A real sense of style. Then he stopped himself. Did it matter what his housekeeper wore? Of course it didn’t, he told himself, and concentrated on the job in hand. He had to admit, though, Jennifer seemed rather taken with her, he could tell. He also knew Jennifer hadn’t been overly impressed with the previous woman she’d interviewed. Neither had he, to be honest. They both found her a touch pompous. Emma was a breath of fresh air in comparison.
As agreed, if he approved of the applicant then he’d let Jennifer know. He rang the phone on the desk in the library. Within seconds Jennifer picked it up.
‘This is the one,’ he said.
‘Yes, of course,’ replied Jennifer in a formal voice. Inside she was pleased of his choice, fully agreeing with him. She put the phone down and turned to face Emma. Now for the clincher. ‘How discreet are you?’ she asked directly. There was a slight pause.
‘Very,’ replied Emma, then deciding she’d had enough of all the secrecy asked, ‘Why?’
‘Because the owner of this house is in the public eye. His privacy is extremely important to him.’
‘I see,’ nodded Emma. Her curiosity was absolutely ablaze.
‘If he were to offer you the job of his housekeeper, then he would expect nothing but loyalty and commitment.’
‘And he’d get it,’ came her instant reply.
The adjourning door opened, and both Emma and Jennifer turned towards it. In stepped a tall, dark, handsome man.
‘Then welcome onboard, Emma,’ said Felix with a broad smile.
Emma sat and stared at him, gobsmacked. She knew that voice now, fully seeing his face. It was Felix Paschal!
