‘I think Mum mentioned that Douglas had a daughter. The job you had sounded awful – sorry, I couldn’t help hearing what you were saying to Meg. I’m sure they won’t be cross with you for chucking it in.’
She sighed.
‘I hope not. It’s not what I want to do, anyway, work in a restaurant, but Dad thought it would teach me stuff. He’s probably right, but I’ve done it in various places for a couple of years and now I’m ready to set up on my own.’
‘Sounds great – a catering business, you mean?’
‘That’s right. I want to specialise in private parties and show everyone how delicious local produce is. There’s a lot of work to do, though, getting flyers and a website and working out menus and stuff. I’m hoping I can stay at the Hall and get working on it.’
‘It sounds like a brilliant idea,’ I said warmly, then added impulsively, ‘I’m in PR – I can help you get started while I’m up here, if you like?’
‘Would you? That would be amazing.’
I wasn’t doing very well with my relaxation plan – that was two jobs I’d taken on now in the space of twenty-four hours, but I just couldn’t help myself. It couldn’t be as bad as London, and maybe a sort of cooldown would be better for me than going cold turkey? I do love work, just not the headaches and sense of existential dread that have gone with it recently. We finished breakfast, chatting nonstop, and paid Meg. I lifted Runcible up from where she had been snuggling on my lap.
‘Time to face the music, I suppose,’ sighed Coco, hoisting her bag onto her back. ‘Oh! Is that a dog?’
She stroked Runcible’s little head gently and I introduced them.
‘If you don’t mind being delayed by a few minutes, I have to pick up a parcel from the Post Office,’ I said. ‘I wasn’t sure about having things delivered to the house, so I had it sent there.’
‘The more delay the better, as far as I’m concerned,’ said Coco, grinning.
‘Thanks. Oh, I should tell you about what’s happening. The parcel is a dress that a friend of mine made me for the party tonight – Douglas is having a James Bond-themed party to welcome Mum to Yorkshire. You’ll need to find something to wear!’
Coco waved her hand breezily.
‘Don’t worry, I’ll put something together. I’m used to Dad and his bonkers Bond thing – I’ve probably got something inmy bedroom I’ve worn before, since he can’t resist theming whenever he can. What are you wearing?’
‘It’s the long black dress with the diamanté neckline that Barbara Bach wore inThe Spy Who Loved Me. I wanted something simple and forgiving, neither of which are words that usually come to mind when you think of women in Bond films.’
Coco laughed.
‘It sounds divine – I’m sure you’ll look fabulous. I can help you with your hair and make-up, if you like? I trained in that before I went to catering school.’
‘A woman of many talents!’
‘A woman who can’t make up her mind, more like!’
‘Well, I’d love you to help me, thank you.’
I felt sorry for Coco when we got back to Blakeney Hall. I’m sure she had been hoping to slip in and deal with her brother and father – and, eventually, my mother who would probably soon be her stepmother – separately, but, as luck would have it, everyone was right there when we opened the front door.
‘Coco!’ shrieked Theo, the first to notice her. He ran over and gave her a huge hug, which she returned. ‘Auntie Coco, it’s so good to see you! Are you staying for Christmas? Oh,pleasesay you’ll stay for Christmas! The nicest dog has come to stay, her name is Runcible, and she is so funny – she holds her biscuits between her front paws!’ He suddenly noticed me and looked guilty. ‘Fallon and Jacqueline are staying as well, and they’re nice too.’
I burst out laughing.
‘Don’t worry, Theo, I’m more than happy for Runcible to steal the limelight and,’ I added naughtily, ‘I’m sure that Mum feels exactly the same.’
I’m sure only I noticed the momentary thinning of her lips, but, to her credit, my mother managed to summon up a slightly bilious-sounding laugh as well.
‘I suppose if Imustbe upstaged, then I’m glad it’s Runcible,’ she said. I refrained from further comment.
‘Well, I’m thrilled to see you, Theo, and I’ve already met your doggy friend,’ said Coco. ‘As well as Fallon, down in the village; glad to meet you, too, Jacqueline.’
She gave Mum a little wave, and received the most gracious of smiles in return, then hugged Alexander.
‘Well, this is all very cosy,’ said Alexander, no doubt wondering who all these mad people were who had invaded his house, ‘but what are you doing here? I thought you were working at that restaurant in Manchester?’
