‘Thanks. I might just do that. I’ve cancelled so many prior engagements that I often don’t get invited to anything happening locally now.’
Sarah paused, wondering how to bring up the subject of her staying. ‘Do you ever yearn for the old Louisa?’
‘Yes, but she won’t ever be coming back.’
‘Well, it’s certainly clear to me why you need help.She can’t manage with Daisy, and you shouldn’t have to be running around after her when you have work to do. I’d like to help.’
Richard’s face lit up. ‘You’ll take the nanny job?’
She nodded. ‘If you think I’d be suitable.’
‘Of course! Daisy loves you already, and I know Louisa can be quite demanding at times but there’s room in the annexe for someone to live onsite. You can stay in there.’
‘That’s settled then.’ She grinned at him.
‘What about the job you have now? Do you have to give notice?’
‘I pack biscuits into boxes six days a week.’ She rolled her eyes. ‘I doubt they’ll even miss me, but I suppose I’ll have to give them a week before I leave.’
‘And you wouldn’t be bored here, out in the sticks? It’s so quiet compared to Derby, totally different from city living if you’re used to going out on the town a lot.’
‘It’s not so bad!’ she insisted. ‘It beats living on our estate.’
Richard smiled, his eyes resting on hers for a fraction longer than necessary. Then he leaned over and ran a finger over the back of her hand. ‘I think this will work out fine. I’d pay you well and you’d have free board and lodgings. You’d be near to your sister too.’
‘Of course.’ Sarah grinned, keeping quiet about that not being the only reason she wanted to stay.
‘I’ll set up the annexe for you. It won’t take long. Would you like to see it?’
‘Sure.’ Sarah followed him across the garden and waited as he unlocked the door. He held it open for her and she stepped inside.
‘It’ll be a bit dusty, but I’ll get Louisa to give it a clean for you.’
Sarah glanced around, trying not to grin like a Cheshire cat. The room opened up into a living room with a kitchen at the far end of it. It was all rustic, not to her taste at all, but somehow it felt cosy and homely.
‘This is the shower room.’ Richard opened a door to her left. ‘And this is the bedroom.’
‘It’s perfect,’ she told him, trying not to show too much enthusiasm. To live here would be like a dream come true. No more getting up early, suffering backache after standing for eight-hour shifts. No more cadging overtime to make her money go further. No reminders of what could have been, and what went wrong.
‘Great. I’ll get it sorted for you.’
He smiled at her, gazing long enough to make her shiver inwardly.
‘I’m glad you like our arrangement,’ he added.
Once they’d had coffee, Sarah watched Richard as he went back to his studio. She laughed slyly. That had been easier than she’d thought. It would be plain sailing to make herself indispensable. She was going to be here for good. Never mind what Louisa thought of her little sister taking over.
Louisa, however, was excited that she was staying.
‘It will be so much fun with you around,’ sheexclaimed. ‘We’ll be able to go out together when I’m not so tired.’
‘I’m going to be staying in the annexe,’ Sarah told her. ‘I love it. It’s really quirky.’
‘It will be home from home.’ Louisa snorted. ‘Actually it will be much better than the home you’re used to.’
Sarah smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes. She wasn’t about to reveal yet why she hated her sister so much. She had that card to play later. For now, she was here to stay.
And that was all that mattered.
