Page 44 of The Cottage at Brambleton Hall

‘What makes you say that?’

Sammy shrugged. ‘Nothing obvious. She’s always perfectly polite. I . . . seem to get things wrong around her.’

‘And what do you do when that happens?’

‘Try not to,’ Sammy said. ‘I just . . . don’t want to make things awkward.’

Jean fell quiet. ‘What if you’ve already done enough? What if she’s decided not to like you and that’s got nothing to do with how well you polish a worktop?’

Sammy frowned. ‘Why would she do that?’

‘Isn’t she the one who was doing your job temporarily before you arrived?

‘Yes. In fact, she hasn’t moved out of the housekeeper’s room yet, but Magnus is sorting that, cos I’m here now.’

‘Until she convinces you to leave.’

Sammy looked down at her hands. ‘She can’t be after my job!’

‘How long have you been there now?’

‘Nearly a month.’

‘Sammy, she’s squatting in your room.’

Twelve

By the second week in August, Magnus had begun anticipating the ring of the back doorbell at eight o’clock every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

This morning, Valerie had brought a lemon drizzle cake, and a face to match the star ingredient.

‘It’s only loyalty to you that keeps me coming here,’ she announced peeling off her jacket and marching down the corridor.

Magnus let himself into his office, braced for impact.

The door opened without so much as a courtesy knock. Valerie swept in carrying a tray, teacups clinking.

She stirred the teapot with unnecessary vigour. The spoon rattled against the china before the lid dropped back into place.

‘Is there a problem, Valerie?’

‘There needn’t be.’

‘Ah?’

‘But there will be if . . .’

‘If?’

‘Am I expected to report to that upstart, that girl?’

Magnus held up a hand. ‘You report to me while Miss Jenkins is on probation.’

‘But what if she passes?’

‘When she passes. As the assistant housekeeper you will report to Miss Jenkins.’

‘I’d rather report to you. It’s better that way. Why rock the boat?’