Chapter 22
‘So, dinner at the big house,’ said Perry somewhat musingly.
‘That’ll be nice, won’t it?’ replied Bunty. She, more than anyone, knew Perry’s feelings on her former family home. She’d never forget how intimidated he’d been made to feel inside it. And she knew Perry wouldn’t either. ‘It’s where Emma lives now and I think it’s rather sweet that Felix wants us there, don’t you?’
‘Yes… and no,’ answered Perry.
‘What do you mean?’ asked Bunty, puzzled at his reaction to the invite.
‘I don’t know. It just feels a bit…’
‘What?’
Perry shrugged. ‘I can’t put my finger on it. But yes, I definitely want to meet the man.’
Bunty laughed. ‘Do you feel threatened by him?’ She was well aware of how protective he was as Emma’s father.
‘No. Not threatened, but what parent wouldn’t be concerned about their child living in a stranger’s house, alone, in a pretty isolated spot?’
Bunty nodded, understanding Perry’s apprehension. ‘Emma seems happy enough, doesn’t she?’
‘Yes, she does,’ he conceded.
‘Well then, let’s go with an open mind.’
Meanwhile, Emma was busy preparing for the supper. Whilst she’d first been surprised at Felix’s suggestion of inviting her dad, she was also pleased. She did want them to meet. It was important to her, and clearly to Felix too, which then opened up even more questions for Emma.Whydid he want to meet her dad? Out of politeness, as her employer? Or because he wanted to make a good impression, as a potential boyfriend for his daughter?
Despite Emma’s intention of having a much-needed conversation with Felix, it had been difficult. Time had been taken up discussing the arrangements for that evening, along with the shopping and preparation for the meal. Felix had ordered the groceries and was unpacking the delivery whilst Emma had replenished the drinks cabinet and was now in the kitchen chopping vegetables. It was to be a three-course meal. They’d chosen carrot and coriander soup, followed by a roast beef dinner and raspberry pavlova, all washed down with copious amounts of champagne, or beer, as was Perry’s preferred drink. Emma had made sure there was plenty of gin in the drinks cabinet, knowing that was Bunty’s tipple.
It should have felt strange, working alongside Felix as his housekeeper, but it didn’t somehow. Probably because he’d never treated her as an underling. However, all this only added to Emma’s quandary. She desperately needed some form of clarity. Here they were, acting like a couple, getting ready to receive family, all on Felix’s instigation. She stole a look at him as he unpacked the shopping. Whilst he’d wanted to be helpful, she couldn’t help grinning at the fact that he hadn’t a clue where everything went.
‘Just put the champagne in the fridge for now. I’ll put the rest away,’ she told him.
He turned. ‘What should I do to help then?’
‘Set the table?’
‘Ah, yes.’ Then he paused.
‘Cutlery’s in the top drawer.’ She tipped her head towards the dresser. It seemed surreal telling the owner of the house where his stuff was.
‘Of course it is,’ he smirked. It wasn’t lost on him either.
Jasmine and Robin had also arranged to go to her parents’ for dinner. Jasmine, despite feeling a tad tired, looked well. The morning sickness had at last abated and she was positively glowing. Instead of a pale face, her complexion was rosy, her eyes sparkled and her hair shone.
‘Wow,’ remarked Robin as she came down the stairs.
Jasmine smiled, glad he appreciated her appearance. She’d made an effort, wanting to feel special after having felt so nauseous and wiped out previously. She wore a flattering black dress, which fit loosely, accompanied by black, suede boots. A deep red pashmina finished the outfit off nicely and her freshly washed hair hung silkily on her shoulders.
‘Come on, let’s go. We don’t want to be late,’ she said.
‘No, we don’t,’ replied Robin, keen to set a good impression with Jasmine’s parents. He had met them, but not as their daughter’s boyfriend. Before he’d simply been Robin-from-next door, the friendly neighbour who had gone out of his way to help Jasmine. It troubled him a little the way they were keeping the baby a secret, for now. He only hoped their parents understood and didn’t take offence when they did learn about Jasmine’s pregnancy.
As Jasmine had fully expected, and true to form, her mum was utterly gushing around Robin.
‘Welcome, welcome, Robin!’ she’d prattled, giving him a bear hug. ‘Do sit down, Robin’.
After a very nice, but very filling meal, they all sat in the comfy chairs for drinks. Once fussing round Robin and sorting his drink out, they rested on her daughter. ‘Not drinking Jasmine?’ she noted, as Jasmine pushed her glass away.
