Page 78 of The Cottage at Brambleton Hall

She set the phone down just as Magnus entered, nudging it out of sight.

‘Menu ideas,’ she said, turning the notebook towards him. ‘For that dinner party – when is it happening?’

Magnus scanned her menu. ‘If you don’t mind taking Sunday and Monday off this week, I’d suggest Tuesday next week.’

Four days to prep. She could do this. ‘No. I don’t mind.’

‘Thank you. I will ask Nate to act as the host. And I’ve arranged for suitable guests – Victor the vicar, his predecessor Ivy; the owner of the local café Trish and her father Manuel and some other worthy ladies and gentlemen.’ His finger rested briefly on one line in her notebook ‘Remove this,’ he said. ‘It is unnecessary.’

Sammy followed his gaze:

Charred cabbage with miso butter and hazelnut crumb.

‘Okay.’

‘You might not find miso paste in the store cupboard and they won’t stock it in the village shop.’ Magnus stepped back. ‘Proceed.’

Sammy looked down at the menu again. It suddenly felt less like a plan and more like something she could get wrong.

Magnus sat at his desk, reviewing the draft guest list for the dinner.

A soft knock against the half-open door.

‘Enter.’

Valerie stepped inside, carrying a tray with a fresh pot of tea.

Magnus checked the clock. Four o’clock precisely. ‘Thank you, Valerie.’

She poured. Fifteen years in the house meant she no longer needed instruction. Milk first. Magnus returned to the guest list while she set the cup beside him.

‘Are you sure about this dinner party?’ Valerie asked casually.

‘I am.’

‘She seems very nervous.’

‘That is a good sign and is to be expected.’

‘Of course.’ Valerie folded her hands loosely. ‘It’s . . . well . . . fourteen guests is rather a leap for somebody so new.’

Magnus considered that. ‘Pressure is instructional.’

Valerie glanced at the papers on his desk. ‘I only worry she might become overwhelmed.’

There was no criticism in her tone. Only concern. Valerie had always been reliable. She understood the house in the way long-serving staff did – instinctively, before instruction was given. Mrs Williams had trusted her. Before that, Mrs Wood had too. ‘She will either rise to the standard or fail to meet it,’ he said simply.

Valerie clasped her hands together. ‘Naturally. I just wondered whether I might assist somewhat.’

Magnus frowned. ‘Assist?’

‘Only in the background.’ Valerie said. ‘Timings. Service order. Things she won’t think of yet.’ She paused. ‘I’d hate for her confidence to be knocked if small mistakes could be avoided.’

Magnus tapped his pen once against the desk. It sounded sensible. Valerie understood formal dinners. He wanted to test Miss Jenkins, but it would be preferable for errors to be corrected before they reached his dining room. ‘Very well,’ he said at last. ‘You may assist.’

‘Only if needed,’ Valerie replied sweetly.

‘Discretion is important.’