How had the weeks flown by so quickly? Then again, she mused, one day seemed to merge into the next now she was completely shattered.
‘I know isn’t it exciting?’ her mother said, opening the fridge to take out the milk.
‘So that’s why you needed to go shopping for clothes for your trip?’
Her mother grinned and Lettie couldn’t miss the excitement on her face. ‘Did I tell you there are several gala evenings while we’re on board?’
Lettie was too busy panicking to answer for a moment. ‘But next week?’
Zac nudged Lettie. ‘Don’t worry, sis, I’ll be around to help you if you need me to.’
‘That’s kind of you, Zac,’ their mother said. ‘Now, let’s all calm down and eat our food.’
Lettie listened while her mother told them all about the different galas and how she needed a black dress for one. ‘It’s a black and white ball and I’m going to wear my mother’s pearls and a white chiffon shawl for the white bit. There’s also a masked ball but I’m told we can buy masks on board. It’s so exciting, don’t you think?’
Lettie smiled. ‘Yes, Mum, it sounds amazing.’
Her father looked at her and wiped his mouth on a piece of kitchen roll. ‘I’m aware you don’t feel quite ready to take everything on for herself just yet, Lettie.’
Not wishing to ruin their excitement, Lettie forced a smile. ‘I’ll be fine,’ she assured him. ‘And we all know Uncle Leonard will be at the end of the phone.’
‘He will be. He’s agreed to ensure you have enough farm workers to come and help with the harvesting and two of them will take the potatoes to the harbour each day, so you don’t need to concern yourself about that. I mostly need you to care for the animals, milk the goats and ensure that their milk is delivered to everyone we supply on time. Then I’ve written out a list of the vegetables needing to be planted and harvested in the polytunnels and when to do it all. Mostly you need to keep an eye on them and keep them watered.’ He picked up his cutlery again. ‘It’s all written down. Just pace yourself.’
It was easy for him to say that, she thought. Her father had done this job for decades and she’d only been working here a month, not even that. ‘I’ll do my best, Dad.’
‘I know you will, lovey.’
‘And,’ Zac said, ‘Brodie Murray has offered any help she needs.’ He grinned at Lettie. ‘Hasn’t he, Letts?’
‘He has?’ It was the first she had heard of it and she wasn’t sure how it made her feel.
Lettie ignored her mother’s obvious delight at the thought.
‘I said he was a lovely young man. Didn’t I say that to you only yesterday, Gareth?’
Their father glared at Zac. ‘Stop stirring.’ He looked at Lettie. ‘He is a good chap though and I’m glad he’s offered his help while we’re away.’
Lettie relaxed slightly. If she was completely honest with herself, she was also a little relieved to know she could call on him if necessary. She just hoped his help wasn’t needed but if it meant that her parents could go away and completely relax and enjoy their trip, then she wasn’t going to say anything that might worry them. ‘So you see, Dad, there’s no need for you to concern yourself with me or this place while you’re away. Zac and I want you to makethe most of your dream holiday.’ She looked to her mother. ‘You both deserve this.’
‘Thanks, love,’ her mother said tilting her head to one side. ‘We’ve talked about this for such a long time that I was beginning to think it might never happen.’
‘And I’m only in town and can be here in fifteen minutes if there’s any emergency.’ Zac grinned. ‘You see? Everything will be fine.’
The three of them looked at Zac and Lettie couldn’t hide her amusement at her father’s confused expression.
‘I’m not sure how that will help her,’ he said shaking his head. ‘You’d probably be more of a hindrance than a help now I think of it.’
Lettie threw her head back and laughed. ‘You see, Zac, I’m not the only one who thinks that.’
Zac stuck his tongue out at her and turned his attention back to his meal. ‘Fine, then I won’t bother to rush over if I’m such a nuisance.’
Feeling bad for hurting his feelings, Lettie smiled at him. ‘Don’t be silly. You know I’m always happy to see you. Anyway, you’ve promised Mum you’ll be there for me, so you have to now.’
‘Yes, you do,’ their mother said. ‘Now, eat.’
15
BRODIE
