She was going to treat it as a positive thing and not overthink it.
They wanted to be supportive.
And she’d be working with someone who hadn’t known her since she was a baby. That had to be a step up.
5
Abby
The heels were a mistake, she thought as she stepped out of the taxi onto the sweeping gravel driveway and had her first proper look at the hotel that was going to be her home for the summer.
It was every bit as idyllic as the photos had suggested. The place looked more like a large English country house than a hotel.
They’d offered to send a car to collect her from the railway station, but she’d chosen to travel independently. After a drive along narrow, twisting lanes framed by hedges and trees she’d finally reached her destination, arriving unannounced and a little early in order to give herself time to linger over first impressions.
And her first impressions were good.
The hotel nestled in a dip on the headland, an unusually sheltered position that offered endless views of dramaticcliffs and sparkling ocean. A narrow path snaked away from the hotel, winding through mature trees and dropping out of sight near the cliff edge. She knew from her intensive study of the place that it led down to a small sandy cove popular with surfers and more adventurous bathers and that descending it required a scramble at some points. Those with small children or less nerve and agility could drive further along the coast and use one of the more easily accessible beaches.
The village with its famous harbour was a thirty-minute walk away down a steep hill.
The sun blazed but the gentle breeze meant that the temperature was perfect.
After a long and tiring journey she wanted to kick off her shoes and walk barefoot through the soft grass and wild flowers that framed the approach to the hotel, but she reminded herself that she wasn’t here to rest or enjoy a vacation. She was here to do a job, and that job started right away.
She felt a flicker of nerves. She was still uncomfortable with the idea of concealing her identity, but up until this point she’d also been excited at the prospect of being anonymous. She’d thought it would make it easier to build relationships and a rapport with the staff, but what if it didn’t? What if she wasn’t capable of it? She wouldn’t be able to blame it on her links with her mother.
She pushed that thought away. She just had to get on with it.
With that in mind, she dictated a few thoughts into her phone.
First impressions are good. The buildings are impressive—I feel as if I’ve stepped onto a movie set. Maybe Jane Austen. The views are incredible, although I have the advantage of seeing it for the first time on a sunny day with clear blue skies. The gardens are well-tended and inviting with plenty of places to sit and enjoy the spectacular view.
“Good morning. Can I help you?”
A man approached across the manicured lawn. His smile waswarm and welcoming, his appearance smart and professional. She guessed him to be in his mid fifties, although he looked younger possibly because his hair was thick and dark, showing only the occasional hint of silver.
This would be Edward, she thought. The concierge and longest-serving member of staff.
She knew from studying the staff members in depth that he was also the father of Evie, the acting manager.
She wondered if that was awkward, and if Evie found working with a parent as challenging as she did. Not that it was a question she’d be able to ask. She wouldn’t be making any reference to her mother while she was here.
“Abby Jones, I assume.” He extended a hand. “Welcome. I’ll let Evie know you’re here.”
She shook his hand. “How do you know who I am?”
“It’s my job to recognise the people coming in and out of the hotel. I know you’re not a current guest. You could be coming for lunch, but your dress is a little formal for that.” His gaze swept over her. “You look businesslike. And the fact that you were making a few notes about the hotel was a giveaway.”
She’d been indiscreet, she could see that now. Five minutes into this assignment and already she’d almost blown it. She needed to be careful, particularly around Edward who was clearly observant.
“It helps me form an impression of a place. Get a sense of what it offers the guests. It’s a habit of mine.”
“We all have them.” He reached for her luggage and she stopped him.
“Thanks, but I can manage.”
“I’m sure you can, but here at The Alexandra we pride ourselves on our level of service. We like to spoil our guests.”
